Weather Could Affect Success In Aba Division 20 Tournament On Harris Chain
This time of year the weather always plays a role in fishing success and it could be a major factor for the American Bass Anglers Division 20 tournament on the Harris Chain Saturday, according to tournament director Chester Wagner.
“Fishing has been decent in the first couple of tournaments,” Wagner said. “It’s been taking between 15 and 20 pounds to win.”
But, he added, fishing has got tough in the last week or so.
“We had a two-day end of the year club tournament this past weekend and I did not do well. Fishing was tough,” Wagner said.
“I don’t know if it was because they are dropping the water or just the weather. One day in the morning the water temperature is 66 degrees and later that afternoon it is up to 70-71 degrees. A temperature change like that can affect the fish a bunch.”
But, he noted, “Somebody always finds some fish that are wanting to bite.”
The ABA Division 20 has already held two tournaments – Oct. 13 and Nov. 11 – of its nine-tournament schedule, which includes tournaments once a month through June 2014. The rest of the schedule includes tournaments this Saturday, followed by tournaments Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 9, April 12 and May 10, finishing with the two-day final June 14-15.
The two-day tournament will determine the division Angler of the Year, Wagner said.
“He can then go to the national tournament and try to win a boat. The national will be held in October next year on Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee.”
Anglers pay a one-time $25 ABA membership fee and then pay a $70 entry fee per tournament which includes big bass. First place usually pays between $200 and $300, depending on the total entry for the tournament, Wagner said.
“This is a draw trail and non-boaters are welcome to fish. The nice thing is if you bring your boat you can use your boat, but the non-boaters, who ride in the back of the boat, also get the opportunity to fish areas that they choose. It’s not like other draw trails where the non-boater does not get a say-so on choosing spots.”
Anglers can pre-register with ABA National or directly with Wagner, or they can register at the ramp the morning of the tournament, Wagner said.
“It’s cash only at the ramp, plus a $5 late fee,” he said.
American Bass Anglers – Harris Chain – Division #20
Sat, Dec 14, 2013
Harris Chain
Buzzard Beach
www.americanbassanglers.com/districts2014.php?Division=20
Call Chester Wagner at (352)551-6326
