Toys For Tots Tournament On Clarks Hill Will Mark 29 Years Of Raising Money For Local Charities
Although in just its second year as a part of the Clarks Hill Fish for Life Foundation's series of charitable bass tournaments, the Clarks Hill Toys for Tots Bass Tournament, which will be held on the lake Saturday, Nov. 26, has a 29-year history of aiding local charities.
Nearly three decades ago, recalled Bill Harvey who has shepherded the tournament through the years, the Midlands Bassmasters club began a charity tournament to benefit the American Heart Association because one of the members' parents was having a heart issue.
The tournament raised money for the American Heart Association for nine years until it became part of United Way, Harvey said.
“The United Way people did not understand how fishing tournaments worked so we parted ways.”
Over the next few years the tournament helped the Shriners Hospitals and Secret Santa projects at local churches. The club then chose Toys for Tots as its permanent charity, Harvey said, in order to keep the money raised in local hands benefiting local children.
“We would raise the money and then go to WalMart, Sam's Target or whoever would give us the best deal and buy $4,000, $5,000 or $6,000 worth of toys every year,” he said. “At that time I worked for the Medical University of Georgia, so we'd give half the toys to the Children's Medical Center at the Hospital and half to Toys for Tots.”
The main point, Harvey stressed, was that by keeping the tournament and the beneficiary charity in local hands everything raised stays local, too.
“That is a big deal to us. We don't do this for the kids in California – it is for the kids in the Central Savannah River Area. We take that money and toys and distribute it locally to make sure the kids are getting the toys instead of adults getting the money,” he said. “The foundation and its board of directors don't get paid. Any money that comes into the foundation goes right back out locally.”
The union between the Toys for Tots Tournament and the Clarks Hill Fish for Life Foundation proved to be beneficial to both, Harvey said.
In 1999 Harvey started the Southern Anglers Challenge Fishing company and was running the charity tournament proceeds through the company account – a process his auditor warned was not a good way to handle it.
His problem was solved when Ron Brown with the Clarks Hill Fish for Life Foundation approached him about consolidating the Toys For Tots tournament into the Fish for Life series of tournaments.
“Last year was the first year we did it and this is our second year with the foundation. It is kind of a perfect fit,” Harvey said. “Last year we had close to 100 boats in the tournament and this year we are hoping to go over 100 boats.”
Registration will be held at Academy Sports and Outdoors in Evans, Ga., from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 22. Entry fee is $25 plus 2 unwrapped toys worth $10 each, per boat. First place in the tournament will pay $2,500 and the big fish winner will get $500.
Besides being a major sponsor, the registration is being held at Academy Sports as a convenience to the fishermen, Harvey said.
“If they come to register and have forgot to buy their toys, they can get them at Academy and turn them in there when they register. They can also register at the ramp on Saturday morning with no penalty. In that case if they forget to bring toys, they can pay the $40 entry fee plus a $25 donation.”
Anglers should find the fishing good the Saturday after Thanksgiving, said Harvey.
“I'm in renal failure and on the kidney transplant list, so I have not been fishing since back in March, but this time of year the fishing is usually good on Clarks Hill. They should be schooling in some areas and some will be staging and getting ready for winter,” he said. “You can catch those fish with crankbaits, and then you always have the worm droppers who always catch fish. So they should be able to catch fish on about anything.”
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a perfect time to hold the tournament, too, he said. For years the tournament was always scheduled on the first Saturday in November, but then a local fishing club started having their tournaments on that date, so Harvey decided to move his tournament to avoid the conflict.
“At that time we'd get through Thanksgiving and then that Friday my phone would ring off the hook with guys wanting to know if there were any tournaments that weekend. They'd say, 'My wife is out shopping and I have nothing to do.' So we moved it to the Saturday after Thanksgiving and it has worked out.”
The Toys for Tots Tournament is one of three major tournaments held on Clarks Hill every year by the Clarks Hill Fish for Life Foundation. The no-entry fee Anglers Appreciation Tournament will be held next April 21 and the Fishing For Kids Tournament, which is a regular bass tournament held in conjunction with a Kid's Fishing Rodeo at Wildewood Park, will also be held next spring.
Sponsors include Weinberger’s Furniture, Milton Ruben Toyota, Save Phace, Ben Dreamin Outdoors, Sun Gro, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Wal-Mart, Aaron’s, Coca-Cola, Lincolnton Marine, Columbia County, Southern Anglers Challenge, Kicks Country 99, Power Pole, Owens & Minor, Cliatt Crossing, Fish Stalker Lures, Chick-fil-A, Lincolnton Marine Skeeter and Yamaha, P & D Electronics, Broadway Tackle, First Bank of Georgia, Bruekner's Fine Meats, Tractor Supply, Eagle Paint & Body Inc., Sasser's Guide Service, Ray Diamond Glass Co. Inc., Mr. Transmission, Office Max, Pair of Jacks, P & T Inflatables, E3 Sport Apparel, Falcon Concrete Services Inc., Advanced Chiropractic Center, Traditions in Tile and Stone, David Smith Construction, C N Brown Plastics and AnglersChannel.com.
For further information, call Bill Harvey at (706) 294-4732 or call the Fish for Life Foundaion at the two numbers listed below.
Clarks Hill Toys for Tots Bass Tournament
Sat. Nov. 26, 2011
Clarks Hill / Lake Thurmond
Wildwood Park
Call 706-359-3349 or 706-833-9660 for information
Good Fishing Expected For Sc Tbf 6-Man Tournament On Lake Wateree This Weekend
The Bass Federation of South Carolina has moved its two-day Six-Man Tournament to Lake Wateree this weekend because very low water levels created a dangerous situation for anglers at Santee Cooper where the annual tournament was originally scheduled.
Participants in the Six-Man will launch out of Clearwater Cove for the two-day event which begins Saturday. The lake is open for practice this week until 3 o’clock Friday afternoon when it will go off limits until the start of the tournament Saturday morning, according to Rich Gerken of Chapin, president of TBF SC.
In addition to the honor of finishing first for the winning team this weekend, the Six-Man tournament also decides the final two members of the South Carolina 12-Man Team that will fish in the Southern Divisional on Lake Okeechobee next June, Gerken said.
The top five boaters and top five non-boaters on the 12-Man Team are decided by points earned during six qualifying tournaments held each year by TBF SC. The top individual finisher this weekend will become the sixth man on the boaters half of the 12-Man Team and the second place finisher will become the sixth non-boater on the 12-Man Team.
Although they will be fishing Lake Wateree instead of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, the TBF anglers can expect to enjoy very good fishing success if several tournaments on the lake last weekend are any indication. Fishing has been good on Wateree this fall with lots of 2 ½- to 4-pound bass weighed in local tournaments.
Last weekend, Josh McGregor and Randall Driggers weighed in a limit at 13.75 pounds to win the Carolina Anglers Team Trail qualifier on Lake Wateree. “Just like the past few weeks,” noted the CATT website, “if you can catch a few solid bass and one in the 4-pound neighborhood you’ll be a winner.”
Tom Rubbo of Lexington, president of the St. Andrews Bass Anglers, would love to repeat the success he had last Saturday on Lake Wateree when he won his club's tournament there with a little under 17 pounds.
“The fish are there to be caught,” Rubbo said. “It's just a matter of getting on the right pattern. Obviously, timing will be critical as well because there is a transition through the day. The guys will have to follow through and make the right changes through the day.”
Rubbo said the St. Andrews Bass Anglers have worked all year long on making the Six-Man tournament a success.
“St. Andrews is an old club – and a strong club. We had an open summer tournament, the Iron Man, to raise money to pay our way to the Six-Man and we are sending two teams to the tournament,” he said.
TBF of South Carolina Six Man Tournament
Nov. 19-20, 2011
Lake Wateree
Clearwater Cove
Call Rich Gerken at 201-772-6401
Tri-City Bassmasters Hope For Good Turnout For Inaugural Fall Brawl On Lake Tillery
Rick Bradford of the Tri-City Bassmasters is hoping enough bass anglers will forego one day of deer hunting to come out Saturday and make the club's inaugural Fall Brawl on Lake Tillery a resounding success.
“I hope we have a good turnout,” Bradford said. “This is the first time we've held this tournament in the fall and sometimes it is a little difficult to draw people out of the woods this time of year.”
Tri-City Bassmasters, a member club of the North Carolina Bass Federation, has held a spring tournament for the past three years to raise money for the club's annual Children's Fishing Tournament, Bradford said.
“We sponsor a Children's Fishing Day every year in June at McKinney State Fish Hatchery and we partner with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on the kid's event,” he said. “We provide hot dogs and drinks for the kids and also door prizes, so that is why we put on this tournament – to raise money for the kid's event.”
Bradford said people come from as far away as Greensboro and bring children for the kid's event at the hatchery.
“It's open to any children 15 and younger. Normally we will have from 100 to 150 kids there and they catch mostly sunfish, such as bluegills, and a few channel catfish,” he said.
Entry fee for Saturday's tournament is $50 with either one or two anglers in a boat, plus $10 for an optional big fish pot. The payback is 75 percent, Bradford said. The tournament will run from 7 a,.m. to 3 p.m. with a five-fish limit.
Bradford said the bass are chasing bait generally toward the backs of the creeks.
“I would expect some type of moving bait bite to be successful. There might be some schooling activity as well. And, of course, the new thing everybody is talking about, the Alabama Rig, should come into play,” he said. “There is a good jig bite on Tillery, too, and usually by the first of December that good jig bite will be on.”
The fish are biting and there is a modest entry fee with a good payback. Now it's just a matter of whether those North Carolina anglers are willing to give up one day of deer hunting for a good cause.
Tri-City Bassmasters Fall Brawl
Sat. Nov. 19, 2011
Lake Tillery
Swift Island Boat Ramp
Call Rick Bradford at 910-461-6198
AC Pro Staffer Shane McCosh with a great product tip.
AC Pro Staffer Shane McCosh shares the values of The Rod Glove in this video. If you fish tournaments or just fish for fun, you need to protect your fishing rods with The Rod Glove. These are great if you fish as a co-angler too.
Big Turnout Expected For Morristown Marine Team Trail Classic On Lake Cherokee Saturday
With 112 boats qualified for the Morristown Marine Team Trail Classic on Tennessee's Cherokee Lake this Saturday, tournament director Sam Phillips predicted a good day, even with the disappointing bite anglers have found in practice this week.
“Right now the bite is a little tough,” Phillips said, “but we are looking for a good tournament with 224 or more anglers fishing in it, including some heavy hitters.”
Somebody has to win and the payout is nothing to sneeze at. The first place team will win a 2011 Skeeter ZX200 with a new 200 Yamaha SHO 4-stroke engine, and Phillips expects to pay back cash and product prizes to 30 to 35 places.
In addition, manufacturer bonus programs for the trail include Skeeter Real Money, Stratos Double Your Winnings, Triton Gold, Phoenix First Flight Program and the Morristown Marine Boat Bucks plan.
“In the Morristown Marine Boat Bucks program, if you buy a boat or motor here, new or used, any brand, we will pay an additional $500 on top of what you win,” Phillips said. “Everything is sponsored by Skeeter, Yamaha and Morristown Marine.”
Skeeter, for instance, is also preparing breakfast for the anglers at the Saturday morning launch and will serve them a meal of barbecue, beans and slaw when they return for the weigh-in.
Based on recent tournament weights, Phillips predicted 16 to 18 pounds will win the championship Saturday despite the tough bite. Some of the heavy hitters fished some smaller tournaments on the lake last weekend and won with some pretty impressive weights, he noted.
“The minnows are schooling up in the backs of the pockets and the fish are feeding, but they are not real active,” he said. “They are finding some fish up shallow and some deeper on the points, so there will be different strategies. There are people going both ways up and down the lake.”
Cloud cover could be a determining factor, he noted.
“They are catching some fish early in the morning so we are hoping for some cloud cover Saturday,” Phillips said. “There is supposed to be some so there should be a good Spook bite on topwater.”
He said small crankbaits are also producing along with the new Alabama rig which must be modified into a “Tennessee Rig.”
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations, which went into effect in 2002, require that umbrella-type rigs have no more than three artificial lures. Both of the Alabama rigs used by Paul Elias to win the Walmart FLW Tour on Lake Guntersville in Alabama Oct. 23 and by Dan Morehead to win the EverStart Series Championship on Kentucky Lake Oct. 30 employed five lures.
No matter what lures they use, Charlie Rasch and Gary Pilkenton will likely be looking for some redemption in the championship.
“Pilkenton and Rasch had a 26-point lead in the points going into the last tournament (Oct. 22 on Cherokee Lake) and everybody pretty much conceded they would win the points title,” Phillips said. “But Benny Roberts and Todd Nidiffer are pretty good fishermen, too, and they ended up 13th in the tournament while Charlie and Gary finished 45th. Benny and Todd won the points title by 6 points.”
Ironically, Roberts and Nidiffer did not win a tournament all season long but finished with four top 10s and a top 15th place to counteract their one bad tournament in April when they finished 91st. Rasch and Pilkenton won two tournaments along the way, plus two more top 10s. After finishing 70th in May they needed a decent outcome in the season final, but slipping to 45th knocked them out of the title.
“We will recognize Roberts and Nidiffer at the Classic with plaques and also pre-entries into next year's tournaments,” Phillips said.
Morristown Marine Team Trail Classic
Sat. Nov. 12, 2011
Cherokee Lake
Hamblin County Marina-Boat Launch Road
Call Sam Phillips 423-587-5555
Mark Davis Burns a Red Eye Shad and Boats Bass!
In Part II of our day on the water with Mark Davis, the former Bassmaster Classic champ goes multi-species by burning a small, 1/4-oz. Strike King Red Eye Shad over shallow mud flats on Kentucky Lake. Don't miss Mark's tips on how to catch drum anywhere, anytime.
James Niggemeyer shows the NEW Strike King 3XD crank!
Bassmaster Elite Series pro James Niggemeyer gives us a look at the NEW 3XD - smaller brother to the fish-catchingest crankbaits on the tournament trail!
Mark Davis Catches Shallow Fall Bass on SK Pure Poison
Veteran tour pro Mark Davis shows us how to catch shallow bass in autumn on TVA lakes. This time he does it with the Strike King Pure Poison!
KVD's DOGgone good midday topwater action!
Kevin VanDam tells how YOU can catch bass on top all day long! He also gives us a peek at Strike King's NEW Sexy Dog - a topwater walking lure not even on the market yet!
Perseverance Pays for Shaw Grigsby!!!
If you fish, you've been there - schoolers crashing bait all around but you can't buy a strike. It happens to even the best anglers. See how angling legend Shaw Grigsby handles this maddening situation.
2011 Early Nov Sportsman's Warehouse Report
Sportsman's Warehouse Fishing Manager Justin Kijak joins us to talk about some Fall Championships-specifically the Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship down on Santee Cooper next week with $100,000 on the line--we break down a few baits and area's you will need to fish when down there..............
KVD on SideImaging and DownImaging Technology
Understanding the tools we use can be critical to success. Kevin VanDam tells how to get the most from the latest technology - SideImaging and DownImaging, along with 2D sonar!
The Meaning Of Winning A Championship
The meaning of winning a Championship and becomming a CHAMPION was evident on Sunday as David Mullins and Brent Hoskins are over-taken with emotion after winning their 1st boat-a Ranger Z119- at the 2011 Tom's Marine TT Championship....
2011 Tom's Marine Team Trail Champions David Mullins And Brent Hoskins Take Home A New Ranger Z119!
2011 Tom's Marine TT Champions David Mullins and Brent Hoskins look back on their 2 day effort on Cherokee and Douglas than netted them a $40,000 Ranger Z119 Boat Pkg, plus how the 5 Lb kicker on Sunday gave them that extra boost heading to the weigh-in...........
Shaw Grigsby Introduces the Cushit!!!
Bassmaster Elite Series pro and host of One More Cast TV show, Shaw Grigsby shares a competely NEW tool that will delight bass anglers!
Piedmont Bass Classics Results - Shearon Harris Lake - October 30, 2011
Shane Burns and Rick Ohlson won with 17.31 lbs!
The $5,000 Fall Trail qualifier #7 at Shearon Harris, again, got off to a foggy start but ended up with nice weather! 15 boats showed up to qualify for the Championship scheduled for November 6th at Shearon Harris. Frost on the boat dock in the am with sunny skies, light humidity & winds in the pm. 29 bass were weighed in for a total of 84 pounds. Water temps averaged 63 and air temps ranged from 31 to 62. Big fish for the day was 8.26 pounds caught by the winning team of Shane Burns & Rick Ohlson. The bass were caught in depths from 2' to 20' of water on just about anything thrown at them. Lil' Georges, crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps and trick worm rigs fished around grass lines & shad bait balls seemed to produce the better bags. Burns & Ohlson topped the field with 5 nice bass weighing 17.31 lbs! Winter fishing is just around the corner, so expect some slow action. We really still, however, need some major rain! The lakes are getting lower!
The final tournament of the year will be the $5,000 Fall Trail Championship, Sunday, November 6th at Shearon Harris out of Holleman's Crossing Wildlife Ramp. Only teams that have qualified may fish this event. There are 15 teams eligible and the projected 1st place in the Championship will be over $2,000 !!!
All the information on the Fall Trail can be seen on our website: www.piedmontbassclassics.com/2011FallTrailMainPage.html
Now here are the October 30th results:
1st Place..Shane Burns & Rick Ohlson of Moncure & Garner...5 bass...17.31 lbs...$600
2nd Place..Jerry Marshburn & Alan Parker of Sanford & Linden...5 bass...13.08 lbs...$360
3rd Place..Chad Craven & Tommy Farley of Raleigh & Colonial Heights, VA...5 bass...12.92 lbs...$240
1st Place Big Fish..1st Place Team above...8.26 lbs...$210
2nd Place Big Fish..Mike Corbishley & John Del Barone of Raleigh...6.35 lbs...$90
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above...17.31 lbs...$245
2nd Place TWT..2nd Place Team above...13.08 lbs...$105
For all of our tournament information visit the below contacts:
Phil McCarson~Tournament Director
919-471-1571.......919-971-5042
www.piedmontbassclassics.com
or email at.... [email protected]
Jerry Marshburn and Alan Parker took 2nd with 13.08 lbs
The New Ardent Edge Reel
Check Out the new Ardent Edge Reel................this is one heck of a quality product that many anglers are just beginning to hear about!!
Luke Estel Demonstrates the Donkey Rig for Multiple Hook-Ups on Schooling Bass!
Strike King pro, Luke Estel shows us how to set up a donkey rig which allows anglers a shot at double hook-ups on any cast - great when bass are schooling in autumn!
Fishing Conditions Should Be Excellent For Special Olympics Tournament On Lake Norman
Fishing conditions should be just about perfect for the 5th annual Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament on Lake Norman, Saturday, Nov. 5, according to bass fishing icon Guy Eaker of Cherryville, N.C.
“The water turned over a couple of weeks ago and that had the fish messed up for a while, but it got straightened out and the fishing is going to be good for the tournament,” said Eaker, 71, who fished the Bassmaster Elite Series through 2010, qualified for 10 Bassmaster Classics, and won over $600,000 in B.A.S.S. events. Eaker and fellow pro Ken Cook teamed to win the first-ever Bassmaster Legends Tournament July 31 on Black Water Lake, a 100-acre private fishery located 40 miles northeast of Montgomery, Ala.
“This cold front coming in this weekend will slow the baitfish down so the bass can get in a school and eat them and not have to chase them 50 yards,” Eaker said. “All you need is a good cold front and a couple of warm days to follow and those fish will eat like crazy.”
Anglers in the tournament should be able to catch bass just about any way they want to fish, Eaker said.
“A man can pick up whatever he likes to throw and stay with it for the day and he can catch a good stringer.”
Although, because of a medical condition, he will be unable to host the weigh-in this year as he has done in previous tournaments, Eaker said he plans to attend the weigh-in to visit with anglers and support the tournament because it raises money for special children.
“That is why I got involved,” he said. “I always tried to do what I could to raise money for charity. I got involved with Bojangles years ago doing a charity tournament for children and Bojangles is one of my main sponsors. They are still sponsoring the Special Olympics tournament and providing biscuits for the anglers at takeoff.”
So, when Ricky Peace, organizer of the Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament, called on Eaker to help he jumped at the chance.
“I said, if you are raising money for Special Olympics I will help you out. Anytime you can do something for those kids I'll help,” Eaker said. “The Good Lord has been good to me so I try to give back as much as I can.”
Peace said the tournament grew out of a small fishing club at the Eaton Corporation. Once the club members decided to hold the tournament to benefit Special Olympics the company provided financial support and the first year the tournament raised $14,400.
The tournament really took off once some of the top names in bass fishing from around the area began fishing in it – and helping find good sponsors, Peace said.
“We have to thank all the guys who fish BASS, the FLW Tour and Series – guys like Brian Thrift, Britt Myers, Andy Montgomery, Guy Eaker – and some of the BFL guys who are up and coming, who help us get our foot in the doors we need to get into to get the kind of sponsorship we have to have.”
The tournament raises funds for Special Olympics and for the North Shelby School which specializes in serving children with special needs. It is a first class operation, Eaker said.
“It is one of the best tournaments I know of in North Carolina. I really don't know where else you could find a tournament like this, with all the stuff they give away and the way they run the tournament. It is a well-run tournament.”
Total purse for the tournament is $14,350 with first place getting $2,500, second $1,500, third $1,000 on down to 20th place, dropping $50 per place from third down, Peace said.
“My goal is to raise $25,000 for the school. That is the budget they need for one year,” said Peace who noted that the financial reward for the school has grown every year so far.
“We have put it in God's hands and we will see what we have that Saturday. If it is 80 boats, 100 boats or 120 boats, whatever we get will be better than not doing anything.”
Special Olympics North Shelby School Bass Tournament
Sat. Nov. 5, 2011
Lake Norman
Pinnacle Access
Call Ricky Peace, 704-434-7573
2011 Berkley Big Bass Lake Murray Results
2nd Annual Berkley/Sebile Big Bass Challenge on Lake Murray Has Record Turnout
Over $18,000 in Cash and Prizes Awarded
October 24, 2011 
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The 2nd Annual Berkley/Sebile Big Bass Challenge on Lake Murray hosted by Fishers of Men took place on October 22nd, 2011 at Billy Dreher Island in South Carolina. The event was a success with over 160 anglers competing for over $18,000 in cash and prizes being awarded.
The temperature was in the low 40’s in the morning, warming up to 70 degrees in the afternoon. Post frontal conditions and blue-bird skies made for challenging fishing. Anglers were allowed to bring in fish over 14” for the 6 hourly weigh-ins. A few anglers were able to cash multiple checks, but no one repeated as an hourly winner.
Chad Hastings brought in a 4.77lb. largemouth using a Sebile Crankster during the noon hour to claim the largest overall fish, but Edward Lewis brought in the same size fish at the 1:00 PM weigh-in. In the event of a tie, tournament rules award the overall win to the fish that is weighed in first. Each of these anglers won $1,000 for bringing in the hourly big fish. Additional $1,000 winners were Ben Lee, Chris Brunson, Howard Stephens and Matthew Arms.
Each hour paid 5 places-- $75, $100, $250, $500 and $1,000 top prize. The entry fee to fish the tournament was only $75. All of the prizes including the grand prize of $5,000 were guaranteed to be awarded.
The $5,000 grand prize was awarded in an exciting new format for 2012. A locked box containing $5,000 Berkley/Sebile dollars was onstage and all top hourly winners were awarded a key along with their $1,000 check for the opportunity to unlock the $5,000 grand prize. In addition, every person onsite over the age of 18 was given a ticket and one lucky person was drawn for the 7th and final key for the box. The top hourly anglers and the lucky audience participant lined up and selected their keys from sealed envelopes on the stage. Chad Hasting had the first opportunity to select the first key due to the size of his bass and each hourly winner did the same after him. Chad tried his key and it unlocked the box awarding him another $5,000 to go with his $1,000 winnings. Amazingly the first key worked!
Bob Redfern, host of Bob Redfern’s Outdoor Magazine along with Berkley’s Sr. Marketing Manager Hunter Cole were onsite and filmed the event which will be aired during 1st quarter 2012 on NBC Sports and Fox Sports South networks.
“This tournament was a great event and will continue to grow as people understand the concept. It provides the opportunity to fish for serious money in a low entry fee tournament and only have to catch one fish” said Andrew Marks, Marketing Director for Berkley Fishing. “This tournament was designed to allow us to expose amateur anglers of all skill levels to all of our baits and have the opportunity to fish without the pressure of the typical tournament angling experience. It is fun and exciting for the entire family. Last year only Berkley baits were allowed, but Sebile baits are now included in the list of approved baits to be used in the tournament and this broadened the bait assortment for many anglers.
“The basis for these tournaments is much like playing poker,” said Marks. “The format is fun and strategy plays a vital role in determining each winner. If they caught a fish in the morning they could choose to weigh in the fish during the afternoon when fishing seemed to slow. It is all about strategy and not all reliant on skill.”
The Berkley Experience trailer, a 60-foot event center, was on site Friday and Saturday. The Experience trailer staff along with Sportsman’s Warehouse assisted the anglers in selecting some of the baits that helped them catch some of their fish.
The planning has already started for the 3rd Annual Berkley/Sebile Big Bass on Lake Murray in October 2012.
| Last Name | First Name | Weight(lbs.) | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM Winners | |||
| Lee | Ben | 4.71 | $1000 |
| Halcomb | Howard | 4.65 | $500 |
| Twichell | Dylan | 4.03 | $250 |
| Ruch | Jason | 3.37 | $100 |
| Cross | Marvin | 3.35 | $75 |
| 10:00AM Winners | |||
| Brunson | Chris | 4.4 | $1000 |
| Rae | Alan | 3.74 | $500 |
| Bilhear | Johhny | 3.32 | $250 |
| Chapman | Henry D. | 2.83 | $100 |
| Lee | Ben | 2.61 | $75 |
| 11:00AM Winners | |||
| Stephens | Howard | 2.87 | $1000 |
| Koon | Chris | 2.68 | $500 |
| Scruggs | Brian | 2.53 | $250 |
| Frick | Peyton | 2.4 | $100 |
| Faulk | Samson | 2.16 | $75 |
| Noon Winners | |||
| Hastings | Chad | 4.77 | $1000 |
| Hipes | Rodney | 4.71 | $500 |
| Boatright | Mike | 3.67 | $250 |
| Sinclair | Chad | 3.29 | $100 |
| Isenbarger | David | 2.55 | $75 |
| 1:00PM Winners | |||
| Lewis | Edward | 4.77 | $1000 |
| Rennebaum | Josh | 3.42 | $500 |
| Foster | Lee | 3.07 | $250 |
| Snipes | Johnny | 2.73 | $100 |
| Cross | Marvin | 2.4 | $75 |
| 2:00PM Winners | |||
| Arms | Matthew | 3.22 | $1000 |
| Chapman | Henry D. | 3.04 | $500 |
| Lee | Ben | 2.86 | $250 |
| James | John | 2.72 | $100 |
| Adams | Gary | 2.67 | $75 |
Strike King Pro James Niggemeyer Catches Fall Topwater Bass on Spit-N-King!
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro and Strike King pro staffer, James Niggemeyer shares tips for catching fall bass as they roam with schools of shad on shallow flats.
Southern Championship Fishing - 2-Day Championship Results - High Rock and Tillery
It's been another great season for Southern Championship Fishing! Before we get to the results of the Championship Tournament, we'd like to give a special congratulations to our Points Winners for the summer trail: David Drye and Robert Parrish. Way to go guys! For winning the points race Drye and Parrish pocketed an extra $500 and of course bragging rights.
To wrap up the summer trail we hosted a two-day, two-lake tournament. Day one was at High Rock; day two was at Tillery.
Competition was tight for day one at High Rock. Leading after about 8 hours on the water was Darrell Crumbley and Jason Riggs with 16.04 lbs. But it was Buzz Dunlap and Pete Morris who came out the big winners after day two. On the first day they wrangeld up 12.03 lbs.. and on the second they almost doubled that with 21.42 lbs. That made their total for the series 33.45 lbs. For their two-day victory they earned $1,200 plus another $160 for first big fish which weighed in at a respectable 5.40 lbs.
Second place and $500 went to Ronnie Smith and Randy Weddington. Their combined weight for Tillery and High Rock came out at 28.48 lbs.
Bob Jennett and Derck Crumbley had enough for a Third place finish with 25.38 lbs. They also got second big fish with a hog that tipped the scales at 4.78 lbs. For their effort they went home with a total of $260.
Thanks to all who competed with us this season. We hope to see you all in the spring! Check back with our website for summer trail details. We'll have a new schedule up in just a few weeks!
 All the winners on Day 2! |
 3rd Place Derck Crumbley Bob Jennett - 14.50 Day 1 and 10.88lbs Day 2! |
Ac Pro Staffer Robby Digh Wins The Bfl Regional On Smith Mtn Lake And Takes Home A 50K Ranger Boat/chevy Truck Pkg!
AC Pro Staffer Robby Digh re-cap's his big win on Smith Mtn Lake last weekend and how he went about winning on only 30 Lbs for 3 days...........his 50k Ranger Boat/Chevy Truck Pkg is one of the biggest wins of his career as he's now on his way to the All American next May. He also has a few thoughts on this Weekends Berkley Big Bass on Lake Murray-
Strike King Pro Andy Montgomery Demonstrates Dock Skipping Technique!
Andy Montgomery, one of the strongest young sticks in the bassin' world, demonstrates and discusses the technique that's made him famous.
Legendary Pickwick Guide Roger Stegal Talks Crankin'!
Roger Stegal owns the Pickwick record for 5 smallies that weighed 27-10. He shares some great tips for getting the most out of those magnificent fish-catching crankbaits. Roger also tells why there is a BIG difference bewteen seemingly-similar crankbaits.
Floridabass Trail Back With Plans To Make Fishing More Fun For The Anglers
The FloridaBass Trail, which was popular in the late '90s through 2004, is back with one aim for the anglers – have fun.
Scott Scarboro started FloridaBass in 1998 with four divisions and the trail was very successful for half a dozen years. Then Extreme Fishing arrived on the scene and bought him out. Scarboro continued to work for Extreme Fishing until this past year when he decided it was time to resurrect FloridaBass and provide anglers with the chance to have fun while earning good prize money.
“I felt like the last few years the fun just seemed to go out of it. When it gets to where it is not fun for the anglers, it gets to be not fun for the director, too,” he said.
“We always made sure when we had a tournament that the guys enjoyed themselves and had a good time. The last few years it seemed like the only guys standing around when we paid out the checks were the guys who had checks coming,” Scarboro said. “I felt like if we have a group of guys who are all fishermen they might as well stand around and talk fishing. I remembered the days when we'd have the weigh-in at 3 o’clock and we'd still be standing around talking fishing at 4:30 and later.”
Scarboro said a lot of the guys who had been involved in Extreme Fishing and who had been involved with FloridaBass before wanted to see things like they used to be.
“Our goal is to make things more interesting and more fun for the fishermen,” Scarboro said. “Tournaments here have been hit pretty hard by the economy and downturn in construction. When things get tough it's hard for a fisherman to justify going to a tournament and spending money to fish, along with fuel, entry fees and all that.”
For that reason, the new FloridaBass Trail consists of seven divisions so anglers in the region do not have to travel a great distance to fish one of them. The seven include : St. Johns, Rodman, Lake Rousseau, the Harris Chain, West Lake Toho, Kissimmee and Istokpoga. The St. John's Division kicks off Saturday out of Welaka and the Rodman Trail starts Sunday out of Kenwood Landing. Istokpoga also starts Sunday out of 98 Ramp.
“Terry Mullis and his wife Kim run both the St. John's and Rodman Trails. Terry lives on the St. John's River and in the last tournament of the year he will throw a barbecue for the fishermen and hold the weigh-in at his house, trying to make it more fun for the fishermen.”
Entry fees are $120 per boat for each tournament with $80 of that paid back at the tournament to one in every seven entered, plus $10 per boat paid back for big fish. Then $10 goes to the championship pot, $10 covers trail expenses and $10 goes to the tournament director.
The FloridaBass Trail also has two monthly awards. The divisional tournaments are sanctioned by the Power-Pole Captains Cash Rewards Club. Power-Pole will pay $250 to an angler who wins a FloridaBass event and meets all of the Captains Cash requirements. Anglers must be a member of the Captions Cash Rewards Club to be elgible. In addition to BigBass of the tournament and BigBass of the year the trail also has a BigBass of the Month Employer Payroll Solutions. Anglers can win a monthly bonus of $250 for the largest fish weighed-in for the month.
The top 20 in points in each division qualify to fish the championship, which has a guaranteed purse of $10,000, at the end of the year. Anglers can fish one division or they can hop around and fish several different divisions, but if they do that they must fish at least eight tournaments. Each division will hold tournaments in October and November, skip December and then start back in January and go once a month through June with the championship in July.
The top team in each division will fish against each other in the championship for the title of FloridaBass Team of the Year. The Team of the Year will win a 101-pound Minn Kota Trolling Motor, with anglers choice of hand or foot control, plus a 700 Series Fact Finder Humminbird unit. The total value of the package is about $2,000, Scarboro said, plus the team gets free entry to the 2012 season in one division.
“Since we just got things started back I am working every day to add things and put in new prizes. If I am successful the money will go up,” Scarboro said. “We are hoping to build on that $10,000 purse for the championship in future years, too.”
FloridaBass Team Tournament Trail - St. Johns Division
Sat. Oct. 22, 2011
St Johns River
Welaka Public Boat Ramp
Tournament Trail Director, Scott Scarboro, 813-293-3032
Cold Snap Could Ignite Fishing On Lake Guntersville For Final Flw Tour Open...or Not!
Frog Tape Pro Brian Travis hopes a weather change will bring better fishing this weekend on Guntersville
Too cold or too hot? That is the question confronting anglers in the final Walmart FLW Tour tournament of the season on Lake Guntersville which begins Thursday.
It has been too hot and the fishing has been extremely tough, said Frog Tape pro Brian Travis of Conover, N.C. But the weather is changing quickly and that could be a good thing, according to National Guard pro Justin Lucas of Guntersville who said in an FLW news story that temperatures needed to drop drastically for fishing to pick up.
Travis is not so sure.
When fishing is as tough as it has been at Guntersville for the past month or so, it usually takes a while for the fish to ease back into a normal routine, especially when the change is as drastic and as quick as the one that hit the region in mid-week.
“Fishing has been the worst I have ever seen at this place. I've been talking to some of the others guys, 10 or 15 of them, and they are all in the same boat.
The problem, he said, was the the lake was wrapped in balmy weather with temperatures in the 80s, particularly the first of this week during practice.
“It's fall, the grass is all matted up and it is supposed to be as frog deal, but the bite has been tough. They are very few and far between.”
He said a recent WalMart BFL two-day tournament drew 141 boats and the field was cut to 21 after the first day.
“It only took 8 pounds to make the top 21 and at Guntersville that is terrible.”
That springlike weather went south in a hurry, however, when the cold front moved in and nobody knows what that will do to the fishing.
“The last two or three days it has been in the 80s and today it is pushing to get over 50 degrees with 20 mile-per-hour winds,” Travis said. “If there ever was a cold front we hit this one right on the head. It is supposed to stay in the 30s at night all the way through the tournament, with highs in the 50s and 60s.”
A week ago Lucas told FLW that air temperatures would need to plummet into the low 40s at night and remain in the mid-50s during the day in order for water temperatures to drop to an ideal range for fishing so it looks like the weather is cooperating with that plan.
The colder temperatures should ignite the fish under the grass mats and the frog bite should turn on with the colder temperatures, Lucas said.
Travis hopes so, but he is doubtful.
“You never know. That cold front could snap them into a feeding frenzy. It is the fall of the year and I have seen a cold front cause fish to feed like crazy,” he said. “The lake is full of bait. It is everywhere. The shad are deep and shallow, but fishing is struggling and it has been that way for a while.”
Travis said his plan is to head upriver to a deep hole first thing Thursday and then he plans to fish docks and grass flats with a jig and Chatterbait.
“That's all you can do, just go chunking,” he said. I am sure there are fish still out on the deep ledges, but that is not my cup of tea and riding the lake I don't see many guys out on the ledges. Most of them are punching the grass mats.”
The high winds might curtail the grass fishing, too, he added.
“A lot of guys are fishing those mats right on the main lake and it is going to be hard for them to do that.”
Travis said he will be looking for five each day that can help him move up the points in this final tournament of the series for the year. He is 13th in the standings, just 41 points behind Dave LeFebre who enters the tournament in fifth place. The top five in points after the Guntersville tournament qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup.
He just needs for his fishing to heat up during this cold snap.
FLW Tour Open
Oct. 20-23, 2011
Lake Guntersville
Lake Guntersville State Park
Shaw Grigsby Trims Football Jigs for Maximum Action
Bassmaster Elite Series pro and TV host Shaw Grigsby shows us how he trims a Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig according to water temperature.
Fall Feeding - Coosa River Spotted Bass Schooling On Alabama's Mitchell Lake
Mitchell Lake. Its one of those lower Coosa River lakes you just don't hear very much about. Upper Coosa River reservoir's Logan Martin Lake, Lay Lake and lower Coosa River impoundment Jordan Lake all get their recognition, mostly from avid bass anglers. These lakes became famous after several Bassmaster's Classics and Bassmasters Tournament trails featuring the world's best contenders, visited them. Yes, Mitchell lake is a small lake.
MITCHELL LAKE
By Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504
Birmingham, Alabama
Website www.fishingalabama.com
Impounded 1923
Lake level: Full pool
Water Temperature 70 degrees
Air Temperatures: Mid week / Lows near 40 Highs mid-to-upper 60's
But during the fall and early winter months, this small impoundment (less than 18 miles in length) can be big, with some great Coosa River spotted bass action!
A RECENT GUIDED FISHING TRIP TO MITCHELL LAKE
On a rather bright, bluebird and very sunny day you do not expect to see much schooling action on the surface of the lake's calm clear water. But recently I took a resident of Mitchell lake that got in on some great spotted bass action on what I would call a very unlikly day of bass fishing. It started out with a cool boat ride up the lake fishing near the lakes headwaters,situated right below upper reservoir, Lay lake dam.
With upper 60 degree water temps and cool air temps of the upper 50's my client Tom, gave me a rather funny look when I handed him an open-faced rod already rigged with a big topwater lure, the Heddon Zara Super Spook. "Isn't it to cold for topwater?" He exclaimend, as he slowly took off his hat, gloves and heavy coat. He was just thawing out from the boat ride and he had his doubts...before I could even answer.
I asked if he had fished this lure before. "Not much", he said. Followed by, "You mind showing me how?" So I got out my spook rod and proceeded to show him how to, as they say, "walk the dog" with the swaying action of this very enticing topwater lure. With its side-by-side walk, imparted by a short jerking motion of a six foot medium-heavy, pistol grip rod. I felt right at home.
With a very l long cast, I settled the lure so far out in the patchy, morning fog that Tom had to wait a few seconds before he could even get the lure in sight! As I slowly walked the topwater lure back towards the boat I explained to him the slow, enticing walk as it came within sight. I told him, just think to yourself as you retrieve the lure and jerk, left, right, left, right, as you impart the slow, jerking action of the lure with each twitch of the rod tip.
I reeled in the lure and made another cast. Tom was starting to warm up and he then reached for the spook rod I had already rigged for him. But before I could reel the second cast in and prepare to pour myself a warm cup of coffee...I was interrupted!
A blow-up right beside the boat almost sent water splashing on both of us and I think it startled Tom so much he dropped his rod! It was a big, spotted bass looking to be about as surprised, as we were! I just swung the big bass in the boat. For I knew the freshly spooled Trilene Big Game 20 pound test line would hold. And it did.
"Well, I got mine! Get you one" I then told Tom as the big jumping spot went absolutely crazy flipping all around in the bottom of the boat. "Man that's huge, how big is it?" (Tom as excited as I was), then said. I knew it really was not that big, but it was a good "four pounder" I then told him. What a way to start your day on Mitchell Lake! Or any lake! So I poured myself a cup of coffee and said, "you know Tom, I don't think I can give you a better example than that!" He laughed, as he then agreed.
Suddenly, as the sun began to rise, several bass erupted on the water's surface and a half dozen small, threadfin shad went fleeing for their lives. "Throw over there, fast! "
He did and as he slowly walked the spook, it suddenly just disappeared with gentle slurp, as it dropped beneath water's surface. A fish? Tom just looked stunned. Start reeling you've got one! I hollered. He did and the battle was on again, this time on his rod, as I just went for the net. The spot looked to be a twin of mine. Another 4 pounder!
What was really unusual, for the next 3 hours this schooling action continued! We caught and released dozens of bass, even a few largemouth bass too! All caught within sight of the dam! We stayed in the lakes headwaters until 3 p.m.
Around the bluffs, flats, creek mouths, the nearby bridge and islands! They were schooling everywhere on a sunny day, when they usually do not! So we had a great day and my new found friend Tom, learned some new lures, new places to fish and some new techniques while fishing with topwater lures, Texas rigged worms, crankbaits, rattle traps and jerk baits. Oh, and I'm sure he learned a little from a guy that showed him all about fishing that Heddon Zara Super Spook!
Always call on Reeds Guide Service...first! (205) 663-1504
* REEDS GUIDE SERVICE
For over 40 years Reed Montgomery, owner of Reeds Guide Service "Alabama's oldest, professional freshwater -- bass fishing only -- guide service" has taken anglers from all over the globe to fish all throughout Alabama's lakes for spotted bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. No other guide service can offer a more enjoyable day on the water of learning how to fish for Alabama's big bass.
Learning-type fishing trips for both the novice angler and the professional angler. Parent and child learning trips, corporate guided trips with several boats and guides available, year round. Call (205) 663-1504 or E-mail [email protected] today to reserve your fishing trip to any lake in Alabama! Now is the time to catch big smallmouth bass on the Tennessee River System Lakes, or go for big spotted bass, largemouth bass and striped bass on most Alabama lakes!
* GUIDED FISHING TRIPS GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS! Keep in mind Christmas is only a few weeks away! A guided fishing with with Reeds Guide Service makes a great gift for those loved ones that love to fish! Call or E-mail to find out about getting your guided fishing trip gift certificate today! These guided fishing trips make great gifts for Birthdays, anniversaries, graduation or any occasion!
* WBRC FOX 6 TELEVISION - See Reed Montgomery and call in with your fishing questions with his, "Ask the Angler" question and answer session on Birmingham's WBRC Fox 6 TV morning show, "Good Day Alabama." Reed's next scheduled appearance (on now for over 6 years) will be on Tuesday, November 25 on a just after 8 a.m. Central time! Call in (205) 741-7474 with your fishing questions! Reed Montgomery is on Fox 6 TV every last Tuesday of each month, mark your calendar!
* HUNTING AND FISHING - Alabama's best deals on the outdoors! See: www.marksoutdoors.com or go by Marks Outdoors Sports in Vestavia, Alabama near Birmingham.
* NEW AND USED BOATS - See www.airportmarine.com or go by Airport Marine in Clanton, Alabama for the souths best boat deals!
* BASS TOURNAMENTS AND TRAILS - See www.airportmarinetrails.com for Alabama's best paying bass tournaments!
* BASS TOURNAMENT INFO, LAKE REPORTS, FISHING TIPS, FISHING ARTICLES AND MORE! See www.bamabass.com
Thanks and Good Fishin' !
Reed Montgomery / Outdoor Writer
Owner / Reeds Guide Service
Alabaster, Alabama (205) 663-1504
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
" Over 40 Years Guiding, Fishing and Exploring Every Lake in Alabama For Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Striped Bass "
Always Call on Reeds Guide Service...first!
Alabama's Oldest Professional, Freshwater Fishing Guide Service!
Fishing Expected To Be Very Good For Berkley Big Bass Challenge On Lake Murray
One lucky angler likely will pay the $75 entry fee to fish in the second annual Berkley Big Bass Challenge on Lake Murray this weekend and when it is all said and done he will walk away with $5,000. But he won't have to have the biggest fish at the weigh-in to earn that grand prize.
In fact, the grand prize winner might not even be an entered angler.
“Instead of just awarding a grand prize, we are doing something different at Lake Murray this year,” said Andrew Marks, Marketing Director for Berkley, a division of Pure Fishing which has its national headquarters in Columbia, S.C.
Marks explained that the Big Bass Challenge is bass fishing's version of "Texas Hold Em," which matches angling skill with a weigh-in strategy. The competition day consists of six one-hour periods where anglers can weigh-in their single largest fish. Each hour an angler can bring one fish to the scales to try and stay in the running for a chance to receive one of the five, hourly cash awards.
Over $18,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded during the event, which include the hourly prizes and grand prize - guaranteed payouts regardless of field size. The exclusive aspect of this tournament is that only Berkley baits can be used during the challenge. Each hourly Big Bass Winner will be choosing an envelope containing a key at the end of the day for a shot at winning the $5,000 grand prize award.
“Then everybody in the tournament and everybody on site who is not a Pure Fishing employe will get a raffle ticket and one of those will be drawn for the seventh key,” Marks said. “We will line those seven up to try to open a box which will have $5,000 in it.”
One of the seven will hold the right key to open the box and will leave the tournament $5,000 richer.
“We are hoping to get a good crowd at Lake Murray Saturday,” Marks said. “Last year we had 114 and we hope to double that number this time. We'd love to get more anglers entered, because the more that enter the more money we can pay back. If we could get up to 400 or 500 anglers entered, we would go down 10 places and awards boats and big items like that.”
"The tournament is a fun format to expose anglers to the full spectrum of Berkley baits," Marks said. "It is challenging to not only adjust to some of the new baits that are being used, but also the added strategy of when to weigh in your fish that lends a unique twist."
Marks pointed out that Sebile baits are now legal to use in these events, along with Johnson and Abu Garcia baits from years ago, which broadens the type of fishing that can be done.
“It opens up their tackle box,” Marks said. All Berkley baits – 7-inch plastic worms, Chigger Craws, and others – are also legal in the tournament.
“The rules are that a fisherman must use only a Berkley, Sebile, Johnson or Abu Garcia bait. You can't take a competitive brand bait and add a Berkley trailer,” he said.
Spinner bait frames, jig heads, buzz bait frames, and other lures may be used only when broken down to terminal tackle where all skirts and plastics have been removed and replaced with only Berkley products. All terminal tackle must include a “functional” full length Berkley skirt and/or Berkley soft plastic. Non-Berkley skirts and soft plastic trailers are not permitted.
“We want to expose people to all the different products we have and that is the fun part. It's a real challenge to someone who uses a competitor's bait and is comfortable with it,” Marks said.
Weighmaster Al Odom, a local angler and founder of the national Fishers of Men Tournament Series, said everything is falling in place for the Big Bass Challenge anglers to have really good fishing this weekend.
“The weather is shaping up to be perfect,” Odom said. “It is cooling down which means the Sebile Magic Swimmers and Sebile topwater baits will come into play and the Berkley Jerk Shads and Hollow Bellies will also be catching fish.”
With the water temperature dropping some, Odom said anglers will be catching fish on a variety of Berkley and Sebile lures. Predictions are the weather will drop from the low to mid-8-0s to low to mid 70s by the weekend.
“The fish are in transition. They have kind of left the summer pattern and are transitioning into the fall feeding pattern. The cooler weather should ignite the fall feeding frenzy.”
Odom said some fish will be caught on the bank and some anglers will be offshore catching fish relating to blueback herring.
“The bluebacks have become notoriously linked with the blueback herring and that has changed the way these fish transition. They basically roam year-round with the bluebacks. When the water temperature falls the herring move shallower and the bass move with them,” he said. “They will be on the points in the 5- to 15-foot range.”
The Berkley Experience trailer, a 60-foot event center, will be on site from Friday at 2:00 PM until the final weigh-in and awards on Saturday. The trailer features Interactive presentation screens, educational seminars on line selection, reel maintenance, rod selection and selecting the right bait, a knot tying station and competition, bait demonstration tanks and many other fun elements designed to help the angers Catch More Fish. The Experience trailer will also have a good selection of Berkley baits for sale, if anglers have not already stocked up for the tournament.
Up to three anglers can fish out of a boat, but each angler must pay the $75 entry fee. Anglers who enter will get a Berkley HAVOC Bait and the first one hunter that sign up get a Sebile Magic Swimmer and a Berkley Power Bait. Some will also receive a spool of Berkley's new Armor-coated XL Line and other fishing goodies, Marks said.
To encourage Junior anglers to participate, the first 25 anglers under the age of 15 will receive a Shakespeare Catch More Fish Kit valued at $29.99.
More information can be found at http://www.berkley-fishing.com/myberkley/events or anglers can email Andrew Marks at [email protected].
Berkley/Sebile Big Bass Challenge Lake Murray
Sat. Oct. 22, 2011
Lake Murray
Dreher Island State Park
Oakley Big Bass Weigh In, Lake Guntersville
Day Two Weigh In at Lake Guntersville.
Looking For Great Food Near Paris, Tn? - Meo Mio's Is The Place!
Many of you will remember that AnglersChannel.com gained a solid reputation with its phone book-like directory of places to eat, sleep and fish throughout the South. In that spirit, I would like to share a wonderful experience I enjoyed near Paris Landing, Tennessee.
Matt's Pub is a great place to grab a bite. I had an excellent steak there. But just a little further east on HWY 79, Matt's friend, Mark Berg serves up authentic Cajun cuisine at his restaurant, Meo Mio's - in the the Tennessee Hills.
Meo Mio's sticks out in my mind because it was different from other local eateries. You see, the local preferrence is for milder food. I'm a Deep South boy. As such, I like my food kickin'! Meo Mio's delivers! In fact, Mark took his gumbo to the Memphis Crawfish Festival and won 4th place against teams from places such as New Orleans.
Among the regular Meo Mio's clientele is Hank Williams, Jr who often shows up in some sort of disguise just to have some alone time with quality food.
I was just in New Orleans for the Bassmaster Classic this February. I ate well. And my favorite dish in the world is my own Mama's Seafood Gumbo - it's spelled with capital letters for a reason, folks. I could live on my wife's red beans and rice. I've been exposed to good spicy food - not just hot, but pleasantly spicey. There is a difference, you know. I can say Mark's food is the real deal. You won't need a salt shaker.
Sportsman's Warehouse Fishing Mgr Justin Kijak previews a HUGE Tournament this coming Weekend!
Sportsman's Warehouse fishing mgr Justin Kijak helps preview the 2nd Annual Berkley Big Bass Tournament coming to Lake Murray this Sat/Sun....$5000 Guaranteed for 1st place-and here are the baits to throw! You can purchase all of these and more online at www.sportsmanswarehouse.com
Early Times Reel In a Million Winner is Rich!
No, Debra did not catch a tagged bass worth a million dollars, but she will have a wealth of memories from her experience with Kevin Wirth and Mrs. Joan who may well be the only person to ever literally spank Kevin with a bass - check out the video!
What's Kevin Wirth? Maybe a Million Dollars!!!
Kevin Wirth pre-fishes for his day as guide for the winners of the Early Times Reel In a Million contest. If either Kevin or either of the ladies catches a tagged bass it could be worth a cool $1,000,000! PLUS - Kevin shares a couple of helpful fishing tips.
2011 Greene Boat and Motor Wrap up with Brett Collins and Andy Greene
Brett Collins and Andy Greene re-cap what has been a great 2011 season for the Greene Boat and Motor trail, as they talk about all the payouts plus what may be on the horizon for 2012!
Sportsman's Warehouse Fall Hunting Report with Barry Sowers from SW in Columbia-SC!
Barry Sowers from the Hunting Dept at Sportsman's Warehouse joins us for the 1st time ever to discuss why the Hunting Dept is so strong, whats HOT, and just how full of inventory they are during whats turning out to be one heck of a season for all the fall Outdoorsman!!
Addition Of Sebile Baits Makes For Interesting Strategies In Berkley/sebile Big Bass Challenge On Lake Fork
The slot limit for bass on Texas' Lake Fork makes for some interesting strategy by the anglers fishing in the 6th Annual Berkley/Sebile Big Bass Challenge there this weekend.
“The slot is for fish under 16 inches and over 24 inches, which made it interesting last year, said Andrew Marks, Marketing Director for Berkley. “The first day last year we did not have a fish weighed in over 24 inches, then on the last day we had five of the bigger fish weighed. Those are the guys who are swinging for the fences.”
"The Lake Fork event has always been an extremely successful event," Marks said. "Anglers have an excellent opportunity to cash in on a single fish in a fun and exciting tournament on a premier bass fishing lake.”
And, he noted, Sebile baits are now legal to use in these events, along with Johnson and Abu Garcia baits from years ago, which broadens the type of fishing that can be done.
“It opens up their tackle box,” Marks said. All Berkley baits – 7-inch plastic worms, Chigger Craws, and others – are also legal in the tournament.
“The rules are that a fisherman must use only a Berkley, Sebile, Johnson or Abu Garcia bait. You can't take a competitive brand bait and add a Berkley trailer,” he said.
Spinner bait frames, jig heads, buzz bait frames, and other lures may be used only when broken down to terminal tackle where all skirts and plastics have been removed and replaced with only Berkley products. All terminal tackle must include a “functional” full length Berkley skirt and/or Berkley soft plastic. Non-Berkley skirts and soft plastic trailers are not permitted.
“We want to expose people to all the different products we have and that is the fun part. It's a real challenge to someone who uses a competitor's bait and is comfortable with it,” Marks said.
The Berkley Big Bass Challenges do not award points for the best stringer or limit for the day. The way the tournament works is that there are six weigh-in hours each day and anglers must decided if the fish they have caught has a chance to be the top fish of that hour before bringing it in. The best fish of the hour may be a 6-pounder or it may be a 2-pounder – it all depends who who brings in the top fish of the hour.
“You have to decide which weigh-in period you have the best opportunity in. As long as you have one of the top five for that hour you get a check – from $1,000 for the heaviest fish down to $75 for the smallest of the hour, which pays back your entry fee,” Marks said.
A new Skeeter ZX 200/Yamaha SHO valued at approximately $38,000 will be awarded to the heaviest fish over 24 inches and a new Skeeter ZX 190/Yamaha 150 Max valued at approximately $32,000 will be awarded to the heaviest fish that measures less than 16 inches.
The Berkley Experience trailer partnered with Lake Fork Marina and will be on site from 12 noon Friday until the final weigh-in and awards on Sunday. The trailer features interactive presentation screens, educational seminars on line selection, reel maintenance and selecting the right bait, a knot tying station and competition, bait demonstration tanks and many other fun elements designed to help the anglers Catch More Fish.
The Experience Team and Pro Staff will also be on hand to help anglers with their selection of Berkley and Sebile baits, if anglers have not already stocked up for the tournament.
Marks said fishing should be good on Lake Fork for the tournament.
“Fishing has been really good. There was a McDonald's Big Bass Tournament three weeks ago and they had quite a few big fish weighed in. We are hearing the bite is really good,” he said.
“Every level of angler can enjoy this tournament,” Marks added. “The format is fun and strategy plays a vital role in determining each winner. With the addition of Sebile baits to the approved baits anglers now have a wider variety of options when selecting fishing techniques.”
Berkley/Sebile Big Bass Challenge Lake Fork
Oct. 15-16, 2011
Lake Fork
Lake Fork Marina and Motel
Fishing Reported Very Good On Lay Lake, Site Of 2011 Airport Marine Classic Saturday
Marty (pictured here) and Kim Giddens took home $5,000 for winning Team of the Year!
The draw for a lake to hold the Airport Marine Trails Classic on could not have been better, said tournament director Flynn Gerald.
“We put all the lakes in a hat Monday night and drew Lay Lake out. Lay Lake is one of the few lakes (fished on the trail) that is still giving up good stringers of fish. Guntersville is off, Logan Martin is off. So we expect good fishing Saturday.”
One of the highlights of the meeting Monday night was presenting a $5,000 check to Marty Giddens and his wife Kim for Team of the Year, Gerald said.
“I don't know of any other tournament trail that does that. Then we drew among the too 10 for another $5,000, so we gave away $10,000 Monday night.”
The Giddens Team won the first tournament of the year and then added a 3rd, 10th, 15th and 18th places to hold on to the top spot in the standings. Wes Essary and Larry Walters, who finished second in the points, won the other $5,000 in the draw among the top 10 teams.
“We are very fortunate to pay back what we pay back,” Gerald said. “We pay back more money to the fishermen than any other tournament series in the state. We also pay back for the top couples, $1,000 for the top couple, $500 for the second ranked couple, $300 for third and $200 for fourth. We also pay the same money back to the adult-child teams.”
Gerald said they try to put on the best tournament possible and pay back more money than they take in, which they have done the past several years.
“The first four places in this tournament, if you are in a qualified boat we double it, just for fishing out of one of our boats. Qualifying boats are Ranger, Triton and Stratos that an angler bought fem Airport Marine, two years old or less.”
Gerald said there are more than 30 boats qualified for the Classic. He also announced that Airport Marine's EZ Fall Buddy Trail began Oct. 1 on Lay Lake and he expects a large participation in it through the Classic in early January.
“We will have over 100 boats qualified for that and first place will be worth $5,000. It's our second most popular trail – the mid-week trail is the most popular.”
Entry fee in the Fall Buddy Trail is $100 per tournament with a one-time $50 initiation fee per angler, which will be paid back in full at the Classic. There is also an optional $10 big fish fee. Anglers must fish at least one tournament to qualify for the Classic. Gerald urged anglers to pre-register no later than the Tuesday of the week of a tournament to get an early flight number.
The remaining schedule for the Buddy Trail includes: Oct 29. Lake Logan Martin. Lakeside; Nov 12. Lake Mitchel, Higgins Ferry; Nov 26. Lake Jordan, Bonner's; Dec 10, Lay Lake, Beeswax; January 7, the Classic at one of the lakes on the schedule. There will be a Classic meeting with food and drinks Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 6 p.m. at Airport Marine.
Airport Marine Trails Classic
Sat. Oct. 15, 2011
Lay Lake
Beeswax Landing
Call Flynn Gerald at 205-678-9666
Fishing Is 'tough' For Bassmaster Weekend Series Regional Championship On Kentucky Lake
Robert Walser won the NC Division 2-Day tournament on High Rock Lake in September
Ask anybody involved in the Bassmaster Weekend Series Regional championship on Kentucky Lake this weekend how the fishing is going and you get a one word response – “tough.”
“The lake has been fishing tough the last couple of weeks,” said Randy Sullivan, tournament director for the regional championship. The only good news, he said, was that the lower end of the lake began to turn on last weekend.
“It's a hotspot, but it's a long run down in the Johnsonville area, which is 70 miles away, but definitely reachable by these guys with the big boats. If they can get down there and back they should have a big catch.”
However, he noted, that travel time could be limited by the weather. At midweek the first cool weather in a month brought heavy morning fog, which could delay launches because of safety considerations.
“We've been in the low 80s for temperatures, but it is supposed to be in the low 70s this weekend with the low in the low 40s. I don't know if that will turn the bite off, but it is going to be foggy in the mornings. I hope it will not play too big a role. It's always a hard call to make to assure the safety of the anglers.”
The Regional Championship Friday-Sunday will feature anglers in the Alabama South, North Carolina, Tennessee Central, Tennessee East, and Missouri Divisions.
“I would say the Tennessee Central guys probably have the closest experience on the lake. They are only a couple of hours away,” Sullivan said.
Anglers planning to limit boat time and stay in the general area of the launch site at Kentucky Dam State Park are finding the fish in transition during practice this week, Sullivan said.
“A lot of the bigger fish have left the ledges so there are not as many big fish still out on the drops. And not many of the bigger fish have made it to the backs of the creeks yet,” he said. “A lot of them are stuck on gravel bars, main lake points and old river bars. They are making their way back and a lot of them are hanging out right now on the first bar or point inside a creek, but they are harder to catch because they are scattered on so many places right now.”
Sullivan said there are a lot of 13-14-15-inch fish piled up in the backs of the creeks chasing bait, which presents a dilemma for the anglers.
“Do you hang out there where the bigger fish are and try to catch a limit or do you go in the creek and try to get a limit at 10 pounds or so and then go back out and try to find a quality kicker or two?” he observed.
“A lot of people are having a hard time getting quality bites because they have to go to so many places to find one.”
His observation of the fishing situation was echoed by co-angler Michael Branch in the North Carolina Division.
“We got to the lake Tuesday afternoon and our first day on the water was Wednesday,” Branch said. “It looked tough for us – and for some more people. We caught two good fish, about 4 pounds, each, and some short fish.”
Branch said the fish they found were scattered and no pattern they tried would hold up for long.
“We threw a little bit of everything – jigs, crankbaits, buzzbaits – and we never did find anything offshore. The wind got up, but we saw some people fishing offshore. But I don't know if there are many fish out there or not.”
Branch said what fish they caught were relating to bait.
“We found a lot of bait, but we did not find a lot of fish,” he noted.
One problem, he said, is that the lake is down to what locals said is the winter pool.
“It's about 10 feet off the banks and a lot of structure is not even in the water anymore,” he added.
At the conclusion of the regional championship on Kentucky Lake and the five other regionals the top 50 boaters and top 50 co-anglers from each championship will qualify to fish the Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship at Santee Cooper Nov. 6-12.
“Boaters at the National Championship will be competing for $100,000 cash prize and all the contingency money and the non-boaters will be vying for $50,000. The boater winner will also qualify for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic,” Sullivan said.
Bassmaster Weekend Series Regional Championship
Divisions: Alabama South, North Carolina, Tennessee Central, Tennessee East, and Missouri
Oct. 14-15, 2011
Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Dam State Park Marina
Call Randy Sullivan 256-230-5633
Mark Menendez - Shallow Kentucky Lake Bass in the Fall
Elite Series veteran Mark Menendez shows us how to catch bass up shallow on Kentucky Lake in autumn.
Andy Montgomery Recaps; Looks Forward
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Andy Montgomery reflects on his rookie seaon at bassin's most competitive level. He also looks forward to next year.
2011 Greene Boat And Motor Pts Champions Jody Wright And James Dyer
Jody Wright and James Dyer win the 2011 Greene Boat and Motor Pts Championship and with that increase their total winnings to over $8000 for the 2011 season!!
Kevin VanDam shows how easy; necessary it is to change treble hooks
From the Strike King Wirters' Conference, Kevin VanDam demonstrates the speed and ease with which one can change treble hooks - and he explains why it is important to do so in the first place. Want to really be a better fisherman? This is the stuf that separates the pros from avearge Joes on the water!
2011 Greene Boat And Motor Tt 2Nd Place Championship Team Of Montgomery And Hull!
Louie Hull and Chuck Montgomery come in 2nd at this years 2011 Greene Boat and Motor Championship, and with that take home $3000...........Director Brett Collins gets the inside strory on their 2 days up at Norman!
2011 Greene Boat And Motor Tt Champions Hank Cherry And Craig Chambers!
Hank Cherry and Craig Chambers win the 2011 Greene Boat and Motor TT Championship with a 2 day total of 30.23 and take home a check for over $7000!!!
Pam Martin-Wells Leads Wire-To-Wire To Win Inaugural Lbaa Lady Bass Classic
Legendary angler Pam Martin-Wells will get to add another entry into her life resume as she earned a hard earned, run away victory in the inaugural Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA) 2011 Lady Bass Classic on Kentucky Lake. Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Georgia brought four fish weighing in at 8.81 pounds to bring her three-day winning total to 25.60 pounds.
The key to victory for Martin-Wells was persistence and keeping’ the faith. “I just kept believing in the spot and I was in and believing in myself -- sticking to it, and just casting and casting and casting,” she stated. This victory enabled Martin-Wells to win the Triple Crown in the first full year of the LBAA. To win the “Triple Crown” and angler must win a regular season tournament, Angler of the Year (AOY), and the Classic. Martin-Wells won at Guntersville and Old Hickory wrapped up the AOY title on the very last day at Old Hickory, and completed the Triple Crown with the win today.
“I caught some on a spook and a Texas rigged NetBait Trick Worm,” Martin-Wells continued. “I was fishing the trick worm really, really slow. There were so many shad back in the area I was fishing I felt there was no need in throwing a fast bait. I could not see them hitting a Rat L Trap or a spinnerbait when there were 9 million shad there.”
Second place went to Cheryl Bowden of Plano, Texas whose three-day total was 15.69-pounds. Emily Shaffer of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee finished third with 15.36. Pelham, Alabama’s Kim Bain-Moore was fourth with 15.29-pounds. Cheryl Lalumandier of Harvester, Missouri was fifth with 14.93-pounds. Sixth was Susan Gregory from Kiln, Mississippi with 13.18 and Gregory was followed in seventh by Sylva, North Carolina’s Heather Broom with 12.82. Positions eight through ten belong to Jennifer Stelly of Sulpher, Louisiana with 12.35, Emory, Texas’s Debbie Kemp with 11.84, and Jenny Nevans with 10.18-pounds.
Snohomish, Washington’s Bonnie Ward claimed a come from behind victory on the Co-angler side. Ward’s three-day total was 13.07-pounds of bass. “It’s a huge honor to win this,” a smiling Ward commented after the event. “I’m exceptionally excited about this.”
Ward used a wacky rigged Senko during the first two days of fishing but due to the wind on Kentucky Lake today, that did not work for her on the final day of competition. “I went to a ten inch Yamamoto worm and I could not catch keepers with that. My pro partner was catching keepers and she shared her successful lures with me,” Ward said.
Local favorite Brandi Frasier from Hanson, Kentucky came in a close second with 12.24-pounds and Gallatin, Tennessee’s Regina Pierpaoli with 9.88 followed Frasier in third. In fourth was Lebanon, Tennessee’s Dianna Montgomery with 9.28 and fifth went to Beaumont, Texas’ Renee Key-Johnston with 8.93.
Positions six through ten on the Co-angler side were: 6) Kim Giddens/Alpine, Alabama 7.83, 7) Diane Smith/Fayetteville, Georgia 7.60, 8) Vicki Henderson/Ashdown, Arkansas 4.83, 9) Diana Uebelhack/Mt. Vernon, Indiana 4.72, and 10) Sarah Davis/Livingston, Louisiana 2.98.
Cheryl Bowden caught big bass for the LBAA 2011 Lady Bass Classic on the Pro side and it weighed 5.02-pounds. Brandi Frasier caught big bass on the co-angler side and Frasier’s bass weighed 3.25-pounds.
Host lodging and tournament headquarters for the LBAA Lady Bass Classic is Moors Resort and Marina 570 Moors Road Gilbertsville, Kentucky 42044. 1-270-362-8361 or 1-800-626-5472. http://www.moorsresort.com
Fisherman’s Headquarters at 2754 US Highway provided 641 N. in Benton, Kentucky 42025 weigh-in facilities for the LBAA 2011 Lady Bass Classic. 1.270-527-5938. http://www.fishermans-headquarters.com/
Sponsors of the 2011 Lady Bass Anglers Association Tour are: Wilkins Brothers Outdoors, Pro Tournament Scales, Reaction Innovations, Todali Tackle, Dawn Outdoors, Red Dirt Bait Company, FINS Superlines, Rayjus Outdoors, Jennifer Sexton/Ameriprises Financial Consulting Services, Bass Kandi, Kick `n Bass, Castaway Graphite Rods, Backwater Custom Baits, Vickie’s Threadworks, Necessity Jigs, West Kentucky LED, SureLife, Arkansas Tournament Fishing (ATF), Fleck’s Hand Poured Baits, Ray Barga and Associates Inc., Nite Owl Productions, and River Runner Baits.
Also sponsoring the LBAA Lady Bass Classic is Bass Kandi, Santone Lures, The Sportsmen’s Edge, Moors Resort & Marina, Fish Guardian, Fisherman’s Headquarters, and Kentucky Lake/Marshall County Tourism (www.kentuckylake.org).
The LBAA 2011 Contingency Programs are Phoenix First Flight, Skeeter Real Money, the Legend Advantage Program, BassCat Quest, and Triton Gold.
For more information on the LBAA contact co-founder Cheryl Bowden @ 1-214-738-7518, co-founder Secret York @ 1-270-748-9041, or media specialist Larry Morris @ 1-540-239-7902. The LBAA has a presence on the World Wide Web, on Facebook, and at http://www.ladybassanglers.com/
Lady Bass Anglers Association 2011 Lady Bass Classic
Final Standings (10/08/2011)
Pro Angler Division
Rank/Angler/City-State Three-day Total
1) Pam Martin-Wells/Bainbridge, GA 25.60
2) Cheryl Bowden/Plano, TX 15.69
3) Emily Shaffer/Mt. Juliet, TN 15.36
4) Kim Bain-Moore/Pelham, AL 15.29
5) Cheryl Lalumandier/Harvester, MO 14.93
6) Susan Gregory/Kiln, MS 13.18
7) Heather Broom/Sylva, NC 12.82
8) Jennifer Stelly/Sulpher, LA 12.35
9) Debbie Kemp/Emory, TX 11.84
10) Jenny Nevans/Dayton, TN 10.18
11) Lynda Gessner/Foristell, MO 9.59
12) Teri Cindric/Hermitage, TN 7.90
13) Robbie Hartline/Foristell, MO 7.80
14) Secret York/Benton, KY 4.28
15) Pam Ridgle/Murchison, TX 3.64
16) Judith Hart/Greenville, TX 2.07
17) Kelley Shepherd/Congress, AZ 2.03
18) Lisa Johnson/Centre, AL 1.89
19) Kathy Womack/Trussville, AL 1.87
20) Debbie Warner/Murray, KY 1.77
21) Kim White/Glen Carson, IL 0.00
Co-Angler Division
Rank/Angler /City-State Three-day Total
1) Bonnie Ward/Snohomish, WA 13.07
2) Brandi Frasier/Hanson, KY 12.24
3) Regina Pierpaoli/Gallatin, TN 9.88
4) Dianna Montgomery/Lebanon, TN 9.28
5) Renee Key-Johnston/Beaumont, TX 8.93
6) Kim Giddens/Alpine, AL 7.83
7) Diane Smith/Fayetteville, GA 7.60
8) Vicki Henderson/Ashdown, AR 4.83
9) Diana Uebelhack/Mt. Vernon, IN 4.72
10) Sarah Davis/Livingston, LA 2.98
11) Donna Newberry/Van Buren, AR 2.72
12) Pam Rodden/Mesquite, TX 2.38
13) Jan Bruner/Cedar Hill, TX 2.06
13) Martha Goodfellow/Simpsonville, SC 2.06
15) Gail Wood/Russellville, AR 1.84
16) Barbara Harris/Verona, KY 1.81
17) Elizabeth Sanders/Brandon, MS 1.75
18) Charlotte Frazier/Dallas, TX 0.00
18) Cassie Hall/Alabaster, AL 0.00
18) Kim Martin/Clayton, IN 0.00
18) Judy Skibinski/Alba, TX 0.00
Low Water On Lake Norman Should Provide Good Fishing For Greene Boat And Motor Championship
Jody Wright and James Dyer won the Greene Boat & Motor tournament on Wateree on May 21
The water level at Lake Norman has been low, but that should be a good situation for the Greene Boat and Motor championship Oct. 8-9 because the bass tend to relate to points and cover better with low water, said tournament director Brett Collins.
“The fishing at Lake Norman has been good recently and the topwater bite should be on by the tournament with cooler air temperatures on the way,” Collins said. “I would assume the majority of bass caught next week will be caught shallow.”
Collins said the Shakey head, along with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits will probably be the best bets for the tournament.
The championship will cap what Collins said has been a really good year for the Greene Trail.
“We paid back a lot of money. Greene Boat and Motor pro staff member Jody Wright of Forest City, N.C., and James Dyer of Connelly Springs, N.C., won the points worth $1,000. All total they won over $8,000 this year with the Stratos 2x money added in. Jody and James won three of the Greene qualifiers this year,” Collins said.
Wright and Dyer's wins included March 5, Lake Wylie, $2,000, and May 21, Lake Wateree, $2,000. Fishing with David Fortenberry, Dyer won the Jan. 29 tournament on Lake Wylie, earning $1,715.
Ryan Hinkle of Fort Mill, S.C., and Dan Mullane of Charlotte, N.C., took second in the points and will receive a brand new Minn Kota Trolling motor.
“We have 32 teams qualified for the championship and first place will take home at least $5,000. There will be an optional side pot paying back two places at 70/30. The odds are that first place will be well over $5,000.”
Collins said next year's schedule will have Lake Hickory, which was the final qualifier this year on June 4, scheduled earlier in the year and a Lake Wylie tournament will be moved to June.
“We had a total of 63 teams join up this year and we look to top that number next year,” Collins said.
Greene Boat and Motor Championship
Oct. 8-9, 2011
Lake Norman
Pinnacle Access
Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521
Sc Points Leaders Fishing Bassmaster Weekend Series Regional Championship For Shot At World Championship
When Chuck Howard was a youngster he used to fish around the Grooms family pier at Bonneau on Santee Cooper's Lake Moultrie. This year he and Wade Grooms tied for the points lead in the Bassmaster Weekend Series South Carolina Division.
Ironically, neither fished the BWS regularly, but both entered this year because the BWS National championship will be held on Santee Cooper in November.
Grooms was declared the points champion for South Carolina and has an automatic bid to the National Championship because his total weight for the year was 1.02 pounds more than Howard's, although Howard actually caught more fish during the year.
Both anglers fished the Mobile Delta where the BWS Weekend Series Regional Championship will be held Oct. 7-8 in 2007 in the FLW EverStart Series Championship and both say the tournament next weekend is going to be “tough.”
But, hopefully, not as tough as it was in 2007.
That year the Southeast was parched by a pervasive drought which allowed saltwater intrusion into the bay and that killed the hydrilla which provided cover for bass. Most of the anglers who finished in the top 10 actually rode 100 miles up the Tensaw River to find fresh water.
Grooms opted to fish closer to the launch site and did not manage a limit in two days of fishing. Howard is hoping to do better in the BWS regional championship, but Grooms is not as concerned about how he finishes.
“My goal is to do as well as I can, but not spend a lot of money doing it,” Grooms said. “ I plan to be very conservative because as long as I go down there and register for the tournament I will qualify for the National Championship on Santee Cooper.
For that reason Grooms plans to drive down in time to get in about two days of practice. Howard, however, left this week so he can get five or six days of practice in.
“I usually go about a week ahead of time to a tournament so I don't have to kill myself going three days ahead and fishing 12 to 15 hours a day in practice,” he said.
Howard also plans to fish close to the launch in this tournament so he can maximize his fishing time.
“I hope not to burn more than two or three gallons of gas total during the tournament. I know the last time I went the other way and in two days I only caught five fish.”
During the South Carolina season Grooms and Howard swapped the lead back and forth a time or two. Grooms took the lead in the tournament at Lake Wateree in April with a fifth place finish. That was Howard's worst tournament and he finished 23rd.
Then Howard took the lead back in the tournament at Lake Hartwell in May, finishing third while Grooms finished 10th.
Going into the final tournament at Clarks Hill in late August Howard had a small lead over Grooms, but he finished 9th while Grooms finished 6th. Since it was a double-points tournament, Grooms tied Howard for total points and, according to BWS rule, his total weight for the season gave him the title.
“I probably caught as many fish as anybody in the tournament at Clarks Hill, but did not catch any of the right size,” Howard said.
He needs to finish in the top 50 to advance to the National Championship at Santee Cooper.
At the Regional Championship, the first-place boater will take home a Triton/Mercury boat package. The top 50 Boaters and Co-anglers will advance to the no entry fee, $680,000 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship Nov. 6-12 at Santee Cooper.
The Southeast Regional Championship will pit anglers from the South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia Central and Florida divisions. The top 40 Boaters and Co-anglers from each division by points advance to the Regional Championships.
The winning boater of the National Championship will win $100,00 with up to $105,000 in additional bonuses available. The winning co-angler will win $50,000 with $52,500 in additional bonuses available. The Boater Champion advances to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic® and a shot at the world title.
“It's just a matter of catching five fish a day,” Howard said. “It's not going to take a lot of weight at Mobile Bay. I know if I can catch 12 pounds a day I won't win it, but I will be way up there.”
The whole idea for both of them entering the BWS this year was the opportunity of fishing the National Championship on what they consider their home water.
“Fishing on your home lake for $100,000 does not happen often and I don't know if it will happen again anytime soon in the fall. You just don't find a tournament in the fall for $100,000 anywhere,” Grooms said.
“If the fall a local angler is more favored. In the springtime the bite is more wide open. I am looking forward to next weekend, but I am looking forward to November and the big one even more.”
Bassmaster Weekend Series Regional Championship
Divisions: Alabama North, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina
Oct. 7-8, 2011
Tensaw River / Mobile Delta
Call Randy Sullivan 256-230-5633 or Billy Benedetti 256-230-5632
Seven Lakes In Two Weeks - Alabama's Pickwick Lake For Big Largemouth Bass
My early fall season travels took me to lower Coosa River Lake's Jordan Lake, Mitchell Lake and Lay lake, enjoying the topwater bites with out of town clients of Reeds Guide Service (tackling those vicious Coosa River spotted bass), and just recently I have guided on upper Coosa River lake's in north Alabama like Weiss Lake, Neely Henry Lake and Logan Martin Lake.
PICKWICK LAKE By Reed Montgomery
Reeds Guide Service (205) 663-1504
Birmingham, Alabama
Website www.fishingalabama.com
"Alabama's Oldest, Professional Freshwater Fishing Guide Service. Guiding on all of Alabama's Lakes For Over 40 Years"
Impounded 1938
Lake Level: down 2 feet
Water Temperature: Low-70's
Water Clarity: Main lake clear and lake headwaters - Major Feeder Creeks, some stained
This Week's Predicted Weather: Lows near 45 Daytime Highs low 70's / Partly cloudy to sunny all week with no rain the first week of October
Including trips to north Alabama's Tennessee River impoundment's Wheeler lake, Wilson Lake and Pickwick lakes (the latter two lakes produced two smallmouth bass over 5 pounds!). Including a trip to Bankhead lake located on the Warrior River System near Birmingham, with two very energetic and young teenage boys (one's birthday gift!) fooling spotted bass, largemouth bass and striped bass!
* Look for more info on these lakes and other Alabama lakes I fish often, take guided trips with clients of Reeds Guide Service to, and when I just enjoy some friendly competition in some of Alabama's tournament trails like www.airportmarinetrails.com on a year round basis. You can see seasonal fishing info, fishing articles, pictures and my lake reports posted weekly on my website www.fishingalabama.com or see more about Alabama's lakes on the many websites I write for, all found on the Internet links seen on my website!
A RECENT GUIDED FISHING TRIP TO PICKWICK LAKE WITH REEDS GUIDE SERVICE
Recently two anglers drove here trailering their bass boat all the way from Missouri, to fish with Reed Montgomery, owner of Reeds Guide Service, "Pickwick Lake's Oldest, Professional -- Bass Fishing Only -- Guide Service For Over 40 Years," for a few days of learning Pickwick Lake. We will just call them Justin and Joe.
They came here to fish Alabama's famed Tennessee River Impoundment, Pickwick Lake, targeting its (so well-noted and touted big), small mouth bass and its big, large mouth bass as well. Taking on this fifty mile long, man made impoundment for the very first time, did call for some expertise help and they both agreed. Now they are ready for their upcoming tournament, hopefully with a win!
They were here preparing for an upcoming, end-of-the-year Major Bass Tournament Trail Championship, that would soon be taking place within the next week or so. (For security sake) The actual Bass Tournament Championship title name is being withheld. Also Justin and his friend (we will call Joe, for their counterparts sake)...names may have been changed.
We met at 6 a.m. (dawn) just out of the nearby town of Florence, Al. at Mcfarland Park located 1 mile from town, its right beside the bridge crossing Pickwick Lake. Its a triple-size boat launch with an unusual, "upside-down-looking" pyramid atop a tower, that is well-lighted both at dawn and at night! Then, after a little introduction we loaded my Ranger boat and quickly got launched, with only two other boats lagging behind us. I knew our first stop would be good one with little or no company.
I immediately headed the boat up the lake to fish the rock bluffs, boulder-strewn banks, small pockets featuring wood and rock cover, bridge pilings, rip-rap rock lined banks and other cover, all located only a few miles upstream of the boat launch, fishing near Wilson Lake dam tail race waters, in Pickwick Lake's headwaters. All alone, we were the only boat there as the sun began to rise.
I can't think of a better place close by, to connect with some "big bass at dawn" on a cloudy, 60 degree morning. With some very evident current to greet us as I idled the boat to our first stop of a new dawn day.
We found several nice largemouth bass while fishing with topwater lures, jerk baits and crank baits. Particularly, one very nice six pound largemouth bass that hit a zara super spook topwater lure, one we landed.
There was also one very chunky brown bass, a nice small mouth bass any where! Looking to easily be four pounds or better, one that Justin "briefly" hooked. We all got a very good look at it as the healthy brown football bass leaped waist high, rocketing up, blasting straight up out of the calm water's surface! Right before it came off the hooks of Justin's crank bait, a lure he was lucky to just even get back!
Out in front of piers featuring brush, all around piers and boat houses, even far up under some deeper piers, and along the stumpy, previously weedy banks (with the lake down 2 feet) we caught some nice 2-3 pound largemouth bass using weightless lures like crank baits, Gary Yamamoto's Senkos and Zoom's trick worms. Clouds came out at mid day and fishing further down the lake, we boated several spotted bass, one striper and a couple more largemouth bass mostly concentrating on main lake points, creek mouths, rock bluffs and small islands.
Suspending jerk baits, rattletraps, deep diving Rapala Shad Rap crank baits, and a number of small, finesse worms and creature baits in various colors, worked very good fishing along rock bluffs, boulder-strewn banks, and around wood cover like stumps, brush and lay down trees, right up until about 3 p.m. that evening. In all, a good day on Pickwick Lake fishing for Big Bass with Reeds Guide Service!
* NOTE - PICKWICK LAKE BASS PICTURES - Not all websites display the pictures I send with these lake reports. To view today's catch go to my website www.fishingalabama.com and click on the Pickwick Lake Report (or any Alabama lake recent lake report). Its right on the home page of Reeds Guide Service website! Alabama's oldest!
* REEDS GUIDE SERVICE
For over 40 years Reed Montgomery owner of Reeds Guide Service has taken anglers to all of Alabama's lakes. Catering to the professional angler, the novice, parent and child fishing teams, corporate guided fishing trips or family fishing outings, with several boats and guides available year round! Call today (205) 663-1504 or E-mail [email protected] to book your fall and early winter fishing trips! See my website www.fishingalabama.com for more info.
* GUIDED FISHING TRIPS GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE, CHRISTMAS IS GETTING CLOSE! Remember, a guided fishing trip with Reeds Guide Service makes a great gift for those loved ones that love to fish! CALL (205) 663-1504 OR E-MAIL ME, [email protected] FOR YOUR INFO ON GETTING YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATE!
* WBRC FOX 6 TV - See Reed Montgomery with his, "Ask The Angler" question and answer session on Birmingham's WBRC Fox 6 morning TV show, "Good Day Alabama." Reed has been on this very popular TV show seen state wide for over 6 years making his appearance on the last Tuesday of each month, he is usually on just after 8 a.m. Central time. Call in with your fishing questions (205) 741-7474. Reeds' next scheduled appearance is on Tuesday, October 24 2011.
* NEW AND USED BOATS - See www.airportmarine.com
* BASS TOURNAMENT TRAILS - See www.airportmarinetrails.com
* HUNTING AND FISHING - See www.marksoutdoors.com
* FISHING REPORTS, FISHING TIPS AND ARTICLES AND BASS TOURNAMENT INFO - See www.bamabass.com
* WORLD'S BEST BASS BOAT - See www.rangerboats.com
Thanks and Good Fishin'
Reed Montgomery / Outdoor Writer
Owner / Reeds Guide Service
Alabaster, Alabama (205) 663-1504
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.fishingalabama.com
" Over 40 Years Guiding, Fishing and Exploring Every Lake in Alabama For Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Striped Bass "
Always Call on Reeds Guide Service...first!
Alabama's Oldest Professional, Freshwater Fishing Guide Service!
Piedmont Bass Classics Results - Shearon Harris Lake - October 2, 2011
James Poirrier and Rich Szczerbala won with 20.65 lbs
The $5,000 Fall Trail qualifier #4 at Shearon Harris gave us an indication of weather to come! Cold & windy. 17 boats showed up to qualify for the Championship scheduled for November 6th at Shearon Harris. The weather this Sunday was pretty good except for the sustained 20 mph winds and gusts to 30. Nice and sunny with light humidity. Only 36 bass were actually weighed in for a total of 88 pounds. Water temps averaged 74 and air temps ranged from 43 to 65. Big fish for the day was 6.93 pounds caught by the team of Scott Woodson & Matt Lucey. The bass were caught in all depths of water on just about anything thrown at them. With the crazy slot limit in place at Harris, it's hard to bring a good bag to the scales this time of year. It's a shame when your skills land you a 5 pound bass and you have to throw it back during a tournament. The bass at Harris also looked to be in a very healthy condition.
James Poirrier & Rich Szczerbala blew out the field with 5 nice bass weighing 20.65 lbs! Fall fishing is now getting hot and all the area lakes should be producing some nice fish. Most of the bass caught were in 2 to 15 feet of water off rocky points & grass beds. The key was to find the fish bunched together!
The $5,000 Fall Trail qualifier #5 will be Sunday, October 16th at Shearon Harris Lake out of Holleman's Crossing Wildlife Ramp. Teams must fish 4 of the 7 qualifiers to fish the Championship on November 6th, and there are only 3 qualifiers left! So don't miss out on this great Fall fishing. The projected 1st place in the Championship should be over $2,000 !!!
All the information on the Fall Trail can be seen on our website:
www.piedmontbassclassics.com/2011FallTrailMainPage.html
Now here are the October 2nd results:
1st Place..James Poirrier & Rich Szczerbala of Broadway & New Hill...5 bass...20.65 lbs...$680
2nd Place..Scott Woodson & Matt Lucey of Raleigh...3 bass...10.63 lbs...$408
3rd Place..Dave Murdock & Anthony Fofi of Fayetteville & Spring Lake...2 bass...10.52 lbs...$272
1st Place Big Fish..2nd Place Team above...6.93 lbs...$224
2nd Place Big Fish..1st Place Team above...6.49 lbs...$96
1st Place TWT..1st Place Team above...20.65 lbs...$175
2nd Place TWT..Chad Eriksen & Cody Stack of Wake Forest & Woodstock IL...9.20 lbs...$75
Listed below are the rest of the Fall Trail Dates......
Fall Trail Tournament Dates
Qualifier #5 ~~ October 16th ~~ Shearon Harris Lake
Qualifier #6 ~~ October 23rd ~~ Jordan Lake
Qualifier #7 ~~ October 30th ~~ Shearon Harris Lake
CHAMPIONSHIP ~~ November 6th ~~Shearon Harris Lake
Come join us for some great fall fishin'!
Contacts for all our tournament information:
Phil McCarson~Tournament Director
919-471-1571.......919-971-5042
www.piedmontbassclassics.com
or email at.... [email protected]
2nd Place Team Scott Woodson and Matt Lucey also won Big Fish with a 6.93 lb bass
