“It was a little slow in January last year and then in February it picked up and again in March and April after that,” said tournament director Doug Green, who noted that last January it took a little over 13 pounds for three fish for first place.

Now, a 4-pound average is nothing to sniff at in any tournament, but Green said that was not a good average when you consider it took an average of more than 5 pounds per fish in most of the other 2013 tournaments – and there were three tournaments where a 7-pound average was the winning mark.

“We had three tournaments where it took over 20 pounds for first place with three fish and one of those tournaments it took 20 pounds just for second place,” he said.

“But, that’s pretty normal. For the most part we don’t fish October, November and December. January is pretty much a trial month, just getting things back in gear, and then in March and April it takes off, especially with the spawn.”

Green, who is taking over as tournament director this year after fishing the trail for the first time in 2013, actually was the points leader in 2013 after winning three out of the six tournaments, but did not fish the two-day final so he missed out on being points champion.

The series began Dec. 7 and will continue with tournaments Saturday, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 and May 3-4.

The entry fee for one of the division qualifying tournaments is $70, which includes big fish. Entry fee for the divisional championship is $140.

First place, with 100 entries, pays $1,000 for a divisional qualifier and $2,000 for a divisional championship. The series is is certified for the Triton Gold bonus program.

ABA membership is $25 for one year, $40 for two years, $60 for three years. The Platinum AFT membership is $50 and a life membership is $450.

 

American Bass Anglers Istokpoga South- Division #28

Sat, Jan 4, 2014

Lake Istokpoga

Hwy 98 Ramp

Call Director: Doug Green at (941) 518 2523

http://www.americanbassanglers.com/districts2014.php?Division=28