Tsiolkas Wins, Approaches All Time Record
When CKA directors set up the 2025 schedule, we listened to angler suggestions and feedback. And we decided to open the year at Lake Tillery, the southernmost fishery on the Yadkin Chain in North Carolina, and one of the southernmost lakes in our rotation.
It was the first time Tillery hosted a CKA season opener, and with two visits to the Yadkin Chain (CKA will fish Tuckertown in June), it made for a nice trip. With the scenic Uwharrie Mountains framing the fishery, anglers launched to figure out the bite in moderately high, stained water.
CKA Rookie Justin Avery had a strong start in the early going, posting three decent fish to take the morning lead. In the meantime, anglers like Alex Sterling, Bryce Beyer, Chris Linville and Will Lambert started to catch up with Avery. As the day wore on and the water warmed to the sun, the bite picked up too.
But so did the wind, and that became a factor.
Bigger fish came to the board, too, with Garriett Chavis’ 20.75” being the first of the “twenties” to show up on the leaderboard. By mid-day, Justin Avery, Will Lambert, Chris Gearhart and Bryan Tsiolkas were trading culls for the lead. It was simply a matter of who would get that big late cull….
In the end, Tsiolkas emerged victorious, helped by a 21” bass he posted at 1 pm. It secured him the victory, with hard-fishing rookie Justin Avery taking second place honors.
Tsiolkas told CKA:
“I have very little knowledge on Tillery, and my practice day was horrible. I had a pretty good feeling an area would fire later in the afternoon when the wind started blowing. I ended up catching my biggest fish around lunch time and followed it up with a few other solid fish. After catching my limit and checking the leaderboard I knew I had a chance. I decided to hunker down, play defense, and milk the area for all it had. Fortunately, it paid off!”
The top five finishers at Tillery were
Bryan Tsiolkas 86.25”
Justin Avery 84.75”
Chris Gearhart 83.75”
Will Lambert 83”
Clay Lanier 76.75”
Tsiolkas’ anchor fish was the second biggest of the day, as big bass honors went with $430 to Will Lambert for his 21.5” bass.
Six different anglers also won $80 each across the hourly big bass event; one angler won the pot twice, for $160 total in winnings.
Records are made to be broken, and with his win at Tillery, Tsiolkas moved into a tie for the most tournament wins in CKA tournament history, with seven overall. He is currently tied with Ricky Rowland, who compiled his wins between 2024-2023. Tsiolkas compiled his between 2014-2025. Will Tsiolkas break the all-time record this year? If there is a lake for it, then Harris is next, and it may be the one!
Rescue
CKA has always enforced any and all safety rules, disqualifying multiple anglers over the years for infractions. High on that list are PFD infractions, and the tournament at Tillery reminded us why that piece of safety equipment is so important. When Alex Sterling’s kayak took on water and he went into the lake, he was wearing his PFD. It saved his life on a cold, windy day.
CKA wants to extend thanks to the selfless anglers and citizens who assisted Sterling in that crisis. Matthew Ortensie was first on the scene, and communicated with directors. Ryan Hayes and Patrick Creech also provided help, while Jeremy Hicks coordinated with boater Dallas Dillinger and Hank Ferguson to salvage Sterling’s kayak. Eric Cieri from California was watching Alex fishing on the live feed, and sprang to action when he saw the spill. Montgomery County and Stanly County emergency services were also helpful, as was a lakeside homeowner.
Kayak fishing contains inherent risks. Preparation is one way of minimizing those risks. Alex Sterling was prepared, and his life was saved by his knowledge of what to do in a dangerous situation.
CKA is grateful for his foresight and the sacrifice of his fellow anglers.
Looking Ahead to Harris
On March 29, 2025, Carolina Kayak Anglers will return to Shearon Harris for the first time in two years. With stable weather and a full lake, this has all the making of an epic tournament, with big bites and pre-spawn bass. Get signed up on Fishing Chaos!
To register for Shearon Harris, click here: https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament/f9snBl7mZYIkDtJmdP8t
Additional Info
For complete Tillery standings, see https://app.fishingchaos.com/tournament/0cI0HeLPShOlHBtnynpS
CKA extends special thanks to Visit Stanly County. We will be back – at Tuckertown in June!
CKA also thanks Four Seven Lures, Hobie Eyewear, YakAttack and Dakota Lithium for event prizes.
Reel Heroes , Inc. attended and competed in the event. Please remember to save July 12 for their charity fundraiser on Lake Norman!
If you have questions, reach out to CKA through our email address.
All content and photos © Carolina Kayak Anglers LLC, 2025.
First Published March 16, 2025.
