The Bonus Bass Open Tournament held last weekend at Relaxed Retreat on Lake Marion wrapped up smoothly, with strong participation, favorable weather and new tagged fish added to the lake ahead of the upcoming Bonus Bass season.
Jimmy Trigg and Jim Conn claimed first place with a winning bag worth $800, leading a 13-boat field that included 26 anglers. Eric Glenn and Will Timmons finished second, earning $300, while Elijah Hanson and Jason Matz placed third for $200. Timmons also took home the big fish award, earning an additional $130.
The tournament was organized and weighed in by John McKenzie of Poor Boys Anglers, based out of Sumter. McKenzie said the event ran efficiently and credited anglers for a smooth day on the water.
“We had a great turnout, good fishing conditions and everything went just like we hoped,” McKenzie said.
Relaxed Retreat owner Biddle and Bonus Bass founder Kyle Jenkins also praised the event’s flow and conditions, noting that winter weather cooperated throughout the day.
In addition to the tournament results, Jenkins used the event to help stock Lake Marion for the 2026 Bonus Bass season, tagging and releasing approximately 40 largemouth bass back into the lake.
“These tournaments are a perfect way to get fish tagged and back into the system,” Jenkins said. “Everything went smoothly, and it sets the stage for what’s coming next.”
Poor Boys Anglers will continue its 2026 season with several upcoming points tournaments across the region. The club’s next event is scheduled for March 7 at Pack’s Landing, followed by March 21 at John C. Landing. A two-day tournament at Black’s Camp is set for April 18–19, with additional stops planned at Lake Robinson, Hunter Christmas, Jack’s, Spiers Park Landing and the Cooper River.
All events count toward points standings, excluding the annual Classic, scheduled for Aug. 1–2, with the landing to be determined.
More information on Poor Boys Anglers events and schedules is available through the club.
