LEESBURG, Fla. – Erik Kraft of Port St. Lucie, Florida, won the Strike King co-angler division of the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event on the Harris Chain of Lakes with a three-day total of 52 pounds, 7 ounces.

During the week, Kraft fished behind pros Burley Warf, Levi Wiget and Eric Panzironi. On the first two days, he used a ChatterBait to reel in 21-9 and 13-9, respectively.

“The ChatterBait was a Z-Man Evergreen ChatterBait JackHammer in a golden shiner color with a Z-Man RaZor ShadZ as a trailer,” he said. “I fished it on a Scenko Stix CHATTERTRAP rod that is 7-foot, 4-inches and made in a moderate action that is perfect for reaction-type baits.”

Today, Kraft was treated to a special trip with Florida pro Panzironi to Lake Apopka and closed out his win with a limit weighing 17-5. He pitched a 6-inch Yamamoto Senko with a 3/4-ounce weight on a Scenko Stix Reed Beater rod in a heavy action.

“I can’t give enough credit to Eric,” Kraft said. “He is a local legend, an incredible angler and phenomenal guy. I learned so much from him today. I really just focused on water that was behind the boat. Once he poled down, I would pitch behind the boat, to the backsides of reeds. When I got them hooked up on the Reed Beater, they weren’t coming off.”

For his win, Kraft, who is a diesel technician at Arrigo Dodge, took home a brand new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat.

“I had more people I wanted to thank on stage, but I just got choked up,” he said. “Right now, I am overcome with joy, this is a dream come true for sure.”

Top 10 Strike King co-anglers

1. Erik Kraft – 52 – 07 (15) – $38,500

2. Alan Hults – 44 – 04 (15) – $8,000

3. Bryan Ray – 43 – 01 (13) – $6,500

4. Joseph Owens – 41 – 08 (15) – $5,000

5. Billy Charland – 39 – 13 (13) – $4,500

6. Davis DiMauro – 39 – 00 (15) – $3,900

7. Nate Bloom – 37 – 13 (15) – $3,250

8. Scott Spencer – 35 – 15 (15) – $2,500

9. Jeff Roper – 35 – 05 (13) – $1,800

10. Keith Honeycutt – 34 – 15 (15) – $1,600

Complete results