“Our first tournament (Sunday, Nov. 11) went really well. We had 74 boats and paid out over $4,000,” said tournament director Mike Chronister. “In fact, we paid nine places and the total payout was $4,640, plus $740 for big fish for a total of $5,380.”

Hank Cherry and Shane Lineberger earned $2,000 for first place with five fish that weighed 13.25 pounds. Nick Miller and Mac McCormick had five that weighed 12.35 pounds for second place and $660. Phillip Frady and Robert Webb were third with five that weighed 11.10 pounds to win $560, plus they had the first big fish at 5.15 pounds for an additional $500. Ernie Mayo and Charlie Brock finished out of the money in 26th place with just over 7 pounds, but most of that weight was the second big fish at 4.15 pounds which earned them $240.

“We are a 100 percent payback tournament, which the fishermen love and which is why I think they are supporting us,” Chronister said. “We actually paid out more than was guaranteed, plus we give out about 20 really good door prizes, things like steaks from Linebergers Steakhouse and items and parts from Dicks Sporting Goods and Carolina Coach and Marine.”

The Winter Trail is actually a dual series, Chronister explained, with one series running on Saturdays and another on Sundays. The top 30 teams from each series will face off in a Fish Off.

“Anglers can weigh in three fish 14 inches and larger, but they can also weigh in two fish under 14 inches. The points start at 150 and go on down, determined by the place of finish. That makes you have to fish consistently to stay in the top 30,” Chronister said. “So, if you catch fish weigh them in. Even if you have two small fish they might be the ones that put you into the Fish Off.”

The second Sunday Trail tournament will be held this Sunday, followed by tournaments Dec. 9, 16 and 30, and Jan. 6. The Saturday Trail opens Nov. 24, with tournaments scheduled Dec. 1, 15, 22, and Jan. 5 and 12. The Fish Off will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, and Sunday, Feb. 3.

“The more boats we get the bigger the payout,” Chronister said. “We expect about 150 boats at the Saturday tournaments – we cut it off at 150 entries – and the payout will be $9,000.”

Chronister noted that the series is also sanctioned for the Triton Gold Program which means a Triton owner can win up to $7,000 extra. In addition, in any of the tournaments if the first place winner owns and fishes from a Triton Boat, new or use, purchased from Carolina Coach & Marine, he gets another $500 bonus. And if the fist place winner in any of the tournaments is fishing from any other brand of boat bought from Carolina Coach & Marine, he will get a $200 bonus.

 

Carolina Coach & Marine 2012/2013 Winter Trail

Sun, Nov 18, 2012

Lake Norman

Midway Marina

Mike Chronister 704-634-1157

Carolina

[email protected]