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Adam & Eve Bass Tournament
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2009
Wives Shine in First Adam & Eve Tourney of Season
March 14, 2009
We might as well get this right out of the way at the get-go... just state it for the record. The women of the season-opening Adam and Eve Tournament on Tillery March 14th wanted to fish until the scheduled 2 PM weigh in. The men elected to hold a shortened event (see editor's note at end). By the time all 10 team boats headed out at 8 AM, rain storms from the southwest had moved in and it was pelting. No doubt all were secretly glad for the noon time end. At weigh in, it was still only 39 degrees.
Ricky Clark, Uwharrie, organizer for 4 years, said they'd seen worse weather for season openers, but the day wouldn't be pretty. “I'm kinda impressed with these wives, but don't tell 'em that. It's miserable out here today, but we've got ten boats going out.” You could see he was pleased with the nature of the event. The tournament requires one man and one woman per boat. A low entry fee of $25 and Big Fish $5 is collected and the event is a 100% payout. The group gathers for 8 events that run into October.
The group huddled under the information board at the Swift Island Landing prior to the event, teasing each other and laughing about the day to come. 'We're here and they aren't getting bragging rights today,” laughed one wife. Although it's suppose to be a boat-by-boat competition, no doubt there was plenty of in-boat competition as well.
Four hours later, a few boat captains admitted to being outfished. But, the contest was over and only words of pride showed. “Yep,” laughed Clark, “she outfished me today. We caught probably 15 and she found most of them!”
“You know, it's really hard to fish with all these clothes on,” commented Kathy Sanders of Asheboro. “And, you can't wear gloves when you fish.” Her hands had long ago disappeared up into her winter coat.
Shaking off the cold and wet, teams gathered at weigh in and began to cheer each other. In the end, it was organizers Ricky and Sherry Clark winning total pounds (11.13). Payout was $125 and $50 respectively.
Second place winners Teresa and Ronnie Saunders of Troy boated 7 pounds even and were in the running for Big Fish until the Clarks weighed in. “She doesn't think so, but she really hung in there today,” said Saunders of wife, Teresa. “It's tough out here today.” Tough landed the Saunders $75 for a wet day's work.
Third place winners Jennifer and Christian Malcolm of Southern Pines recently moved to the area from Michigan. “You can fish for bass a lot earlier down here,” laughed the Malcolms. Their 3.1 pounds earned them $50 in their first outing with the group
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The next event on the Adam & Eve Tour takes them to the Lake Mont Landing on Badin, April 11th. Launch and weigh in times of 8 AM to 2 PM remain the same throughout the series. Sign up occurs at the landing. For more information, contact Ricky Clark at 910-576-3511.
(Editor's Note: Caught between a rock and a hard spot... pressured to run that note by the women, knowing full well I'd be out on the water with the men in weeks to come. Drowned if I do, darned if I don't. Ah, well....)
Second Adam & Eve Tourney Boasts 24 Boats In Windy Fishing
April 11, 2009
After a rainy and near-freezing, opening-event last month of the local Adam & Eve Tournament Series, Mother Nature decided to play at least half-nice to the 24 boat teams the day before Easter Sunday. The rain storms that passed through the region overnight and departed a mere three-hours prior to launch left behind a mostly-sunny day for the man-and-woman teams. Unfortunately for the anglers, a high-pressure system out of the northwest was right on the heels of the rain and that meant windy conditions on Badin, a lake known for getting rough even in breezy weather.
“Well, the wind was up a little bit,” laughed Sherry Clark, co-organizer with husband, Ricky Clark. Others had a few other opinions, but the veteran anglers knew those conditions kept the bite down all day.
“They've been biting real good here this week,” stated Ronnie Saunders. “That wind kicked up and they just weren't hitting today. Too bad,” he ended.
About half of the boats that launched weighed in fish in the 6-fish tournament.Most of what ended up in live wells were small and few. That really didn't matter to the competitors there as husband and wife, father and daughter, and boyfriend and girlfriend teams headed out at 8 AM. “I'm not too worried about how many we catch, Stated Sherry Clark. It's just nice to get out and meet new people.” And there were a number of new faces in the group as word continues to spread about the series.
At the final, 2 PM weigh in, one of the last bags to hit the scales was the heavy winner for the day. Christian and Jennifer Malcolm of Southern Pines lit up the scales with 11 pounds 1.4 ounces of wind-earned bass to capture first spot and the $300 in prize money that went with the day's honors.
Second place was won with 10 pounds 7 ounces of fish by Don and Susie Luther. Their winnings for the day were $180. “Where we going out to dinner?” laughed Susie with a grin at husband, Don. No answer... at least not loud enough for the many spectators there to hear.
Third, and final paying spot, was captured by Bo and Carol Russell with 7 pounds 11 ounces. Their take-home was $120.
What may have made the crowd happiest was the Big Fish winners for the day. Dad, Ron Nelson, and daughter, Carmen, walked away $120 richer after weighing ion a 6 pound 7 ounce bass. According to the proud Dad, at one point, Carmen had a much larger one on-line, but couldn't get it boated. “We had a lot of fun together today,” he smiled.
The series moves on to Tuckertown Lake May 9 and will launch from the landing off Highway 49. The group will move its launch time back an hour to 7 AM and will fish until 1 PM that day. For more information about the series, contact Ricky Clark at 910-576-3511. Sign ups and entry fees can be paid the day of the Tournament at the landing. The events feature a 100% payback and cost only $25 per boat with an additional $5 for Big Fish. Only artificial lures may be used while catching the 6 fish-per-boat limit.
Adam & Eve Pairs Up For Tuckertown
May 9, 2009
It's one of the fastest growing groups in all of fishing across central Carolina... and it's no wonder. The Adam & Eve Tournament Trail saw it's biggest turnout to date this past Saturday, May 9th, as 27 boats lined up for the Tuckertown blast off. Co-organizer Sherry Clark attributed the growth to the fun the group has.
“Sure, it's competition, but we all just enjoy spending the day together,” she stated. “We have new winners about every time and everyone likes that.” Boat partners for the man-and-woman tournament include wives, girlfriends, daughters and even granddaughters. Gene Hardister of Asheboro had no problem coaxing his granddaughter, Meredith, 9, into the boat for some fishing together that day. It's that kind of “time together” that makes this event so special and why it's catching on.
Asked if the outing with angling team mate, Kathy, might substitute for a Mothers' Day outing the next day, Jimmy Sanders let out a big laugh. “No, I don't think so,” he smiled. “but, it's an extra!”
The group meets once a month on one of three lakes on the Yadkin Chain for an eight-event series, starting on Tillery in March and ending in mid-October. The price of admission is low, $25 and $5 for Big Fish, and that helps draw participants. “No reason to charge big fees,” said Ricky Clark, co-organizer. “No one is here for a big payout. It's a nice change of pace from all the other tough competitions.” Anglers search for the six heaviest bass in the lake.
Drawing congrats and everyones' praise that day were winners, a dad and daughter team, Robert and Leigh Parrish of Albemarle. “She hasn't fished with me for a number of years,” laughed Robert, “ but she sure remembered how to catch them!” The team boated 15 pounds 15 ounces during the 7 AM to 1 PM competition on a day when temperatures climbed into the mid-80's. As boat numbers grow, so do payouts, and the team earned $337.50.
Second place winning boat honors went to husband and wife, Ronnie and Teresa Saunders of Eleazer, a team that weathered the bitterly-cold rains at the March event and blustery winds at April's. Their 13 pounds 4 ounces gave them $202.50 to spend on a Mothers' Day outing.
Third place went to Jimmy and Kathy Sanders, who fought 12 pounds 9 ounces into their boat together that day. Their winnings easily topped the price of flowers and a meal together at a fancy restaurant... $135.
Big Fish honors went to George and Jeanette Linker who traveled all the way from Concord to join the group. That one bass, weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces, was a $135 fish in the net.
The group moves on to a June 6th Badin event at the Lakemont Landing next month. Times will adjust to a 6:30 AM start and 12:30 PM weigh in to accommodate earlier light and mounting heat of the summer months. For more information, contact Ricky Clark at 910-576-3511 or visit the Fishbyte.net Calendar or Forums. This experience is one you don't want to miss out on!
Yadkin Chain Adam & Eve Hauls 213.5 Pounds From Badin
June 6, 2009
The fact is, many of them are darn good fisherwomen and the rest must be catching on fast. The ever-popular Adam & Eve Tournament Series met once again at Badin's Lakemont Landing this past Saturday, June 6, and helped their boat partners wrestle a mountain of bass form the stingy lake. According to organizer, Ricky Clark, 213.5 pounds were brought to the scales by 19 of the 23 boats that competed.
“Some of these guys got out-fished today,” laughed Clark. “I don't think they really mind and a few might even admit to being a little bit proud of their partners.” The series continues to grow in numbers, in part because teams must consist of one male and one female angler. Wives, daughters, girl friends and granddaughters show up and help from boat launch to bag carrying.
“There was a pretty good bite out there today,” smiled Jimmy Sanders. The six-fish competition treated him and wife, Kathy, very well as the pair proved the could pull and fish in harness. They boated 15.5 pounds of prize winning bass to take home third place and $115 for the day.
Second placers, Don and Susie Luther found Big Fish while filling their bag. They netted a 6.2 pounder and won the congrats of all watching the weigh in. They dragged a 16.4 pound bag to the scales that was worth $172.50. Big Fish paid $115.
First place and honors for a month were claimed by Dwayne Saunders and Annette Hurley. Their 17.14 pounds brought a lot of hand shaking, pats on the back and smiles from fellow anglers. Their winnings added up to $287.50.
“We are really happy about the turn out to these events. I think everyone just really enjoys themselves,” stated Sherry Clark, co-organizer with husband Ricky. “We had a young couple come all the way from Lake Norman today to join in.”
Cost for entry is one of the least expensive competitions in the area at just $25 per boat with an optional $5 Big Fish Pot. Payback is 100 per cent.
The group returns to Badin's Lakemont Landing on July 18, from 6 AM to 12 PM next month. Times will adjust to a 6 AM start and 12 PM weigh in to accommodate earlier light and mounting heat of the summer months. For more information, contact Ricky Clark at 910-576-3511 or visit the Fishbyte.net Calendar or Forums.
Men And Women Of Adam & Eve Club Return to Lakemont
July 18, 2009
After two near-misses on area lakes in the past two months, a husband and wife team finally nailed down top honors in the Adam & Eve Tournament this past weekend. Scoring a second pace showing in May and a second and Big Fish in June, Don and Susie Luther's patience finally paid off on Badin Lake. The partners dragged 16.7 pounds to the scales on Saturday, July 18th. Just to sweeten their day, they also found Big Fish, a 4.15 pounder.
Nineteen boats showed up for the 6 AM Blast Off from the Lakemont Access on a day when high humidity levels of prior days had finally lifted. A series of storms swept over the lake just the night before and left a light breeze and a few puffy clouds overhead. “It was a nice day to be out there,” said Robert Parrish, a consistent participant along with daughter, Lei. “It's the kind of day when there's no place better.”
As the series gains popularity across the state, more and more man and woman teams are showing up. That was the case for Kyle and Lorna Whisnant of Charlotte, who call Lake Norman their home waters. The couple participated in the June event, but were confused about weigh in times, arriving after the scales had closed. They had a good haul that first outing and vowed to make up for the missed opportunity. And, that they did, as the young couple captured second place for the day with a mighty 15 pound 7 ounce bag weight. They took $142.50 back to Mecklenburg County with them. “This helps make up for our little oops,” laughed Lorna as she accepted the cash prize.
The Luthers' earnings for first and for Big Fish were $237.50 and $95 respectively in the six-fish event. Six teams brought in limits while numerous others found five.
Father and daughter team, Robert and Lei Parrish, returned to the money makers' list. The pair won an event back in May at Tuckertown and were ready to do it again. Two ounces behind the Whisnants, the Parrish squad brought 15 pounds 5 ounces in. The third place finish netted them $95 for the outing together.
If anyone is thinking about joining this fun group organized by husband and wife Sherry and Ricky Clark, time is running short. The series moves to Lake Tillery and the Swift Island Access on Hwy 24/27 August 15th. The event will begin at 6:30 AM and run until the 12:30 PM Weigh In.
Registration, only $25 (plus $5 Big Fish optional pot), is done at the ramp for the 100% payback competition, and the event is open to anyone who can muster up a man and woman team. For more information, contact Ricky Clark or Sherry Clark at 910-576-3511.
Gooch Father And Daughter Team Sweep Adam & Eve
August 15, 2009
As the Adam & Eve Series on the Yadkin Chain winds through its schedule, a few surprises and highlights have surfaced. Yet another twist was added to this past weekend's event on Lake Tillery when Ashley Gooch, fishing with Dad, Rodney, blasted the field with a 4 pound 6 ounce bruiser to nail down Big Fish.
If there's a day made for fishing during the summer in North Carolina, the Adam & Eve clan had it. Air temperatures avoided the ninety degree string seen recently and a nice breeze blew throughout the day. Water levels were down about a foot, but there was some flow of water in the pond.
Sixteen boat teams comprised of one male and one female blasted off from the Swift Island Wildlife Access at 6:30 AM and fished until 12:30 PM. The series uses a six-fish limit. Included in the mix with the regular anglers were wives, daughters, granddaughters and a girlfriend or two. Nearly all fished tough and helped with trailering and loading.
But, it was the Gooch team that lead the way on the lake capturing both Big Fish and the first place spot. They drew 12 pounds 3 ounces out of their livewell, outdistancing the next team by over three pounds. The father/daughter partners won $ 187.50 and $75 for their efforts. “She caught it; she darn sure outfished me today,” laughed a beaming Dad, Rodney.
Mark and Audrey Baise followed the winners with 8 pounds 9 ounces of bass at weigh in. Their day's efforts were worth $112.50 at the scales. Third place went to Don and Susie Luther who continue to place in the money at nearly every event. The husband and wife team consistently bring in good bag weights. Today's fish had a value of $75.
For the first time ever, the event presented a prize to the fourth place finishers. Roger and Christy Freeman, new to the tour, took home a variety of prizes donated by Marsh Farms Driving Range. The samples were given as an example of the many prizes to be given away at the 1st Annual Benefit Bass Tournament September 19th at Lake Tillery.
The Series moves on to Tuckertown September 12th using the Flat Creek Access. That gathering will be the next to last event of their season. Cost is just $25 and $5 for Big Fish. It is open to any male/female combination team. For more information, contact Directors Sherry and Ricky Clark at 910-576-3511.
Charles Morris Benefit Slated As 1st Annual Fall Benefit Bass Tournament
September 19, 2009
A long-time fishing partner and friend to so many fishermen in the central North Carolina region will be honored posthumously in what is predicted to be the largest bass fishing tournament of the season on Lake Tillery September 19th. Charles Edward Morris, a frequent angler in many of the area club tournaments, has been named to the honor.
Two of the most-popular bass fishing groups on the Yadkin Chain have gathered together to coordinate and organize the fall event. The Yadkin One-On-One Series, directed by Jason Poindexter and Jimmy Sanders, and the Adam & Eve Tournament Series, directed by Ricky and Sherry Clark are spearheading the effort in order to raise funds for the family. Those two clubs could add 50 boats to the field between them. The organizers expect well over 100 boats to blast off from Cook's Marina on the west side of the lake at safelight.
“Charles was always full of life,” stated Sanders during the second organizational meeting last weekend. “He was always picking on the guys around him and he had a way of making it worth the donation every event even if you didn't catch a single fish. He brought the friendship to the competition”
The planning efforts at that meeting were interrupted constantly as the eight people there swapped stories about Morris. In the end, they all agreed... he was a good fisherman and a great friend. Included in organization efforts besides the series' directors Clark, Poindexter and Sanders, are Marty Williams, Jim Kerney, Dave Motes, Ronnie Saunders, and Gene Hardister.
Highlights of the event include a BBQ after weigh in donated by Jim Kerney. Kerney has graciously donated all food and all proceeds from sales will go to the family. He will cook hotdogs with all the fixin's and home made BBQ. Two pound packages to take home will also be for sale.
Registration will cost $60 per boat and either one or two people are allowed per boat. That fee includes a $10 Big Fish cost. Anglers can pre-register at Cook's Marina the day before, Friday, September 18th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Registration will also happen at the Landing on the morning of the event.
Livewells will be checked at registration and no live baits will be allowed. Life vests must be worn while engines are running. The event will use a five-fish limit and adhere to all state regulations. If there is a tie for any of the positions, the pot for that place will be combined with the next spot and split evenly.
Forty percent of the proceeds will go to the family, while the first place boat will receive 30 percent. Second place winners will earn 20 percent and the final 10 percent will go to the third place team. Raffle tickets will be sold on a Shimano reel and 6 ½ foot rod as the grand prize. Second prize will be $50.
Area businesses have turned out for the event as well, donating loads of prizes to be given away at the event.
“This is going to be big,” stated Poindexter. “We'll all have a great time and Charles would want it that way. I am sure the field will go well over 100 boats and it's about time the area saw one that big again. It'll be a fitting tribute to Charles.”
Look for brochures in area stores and at tournament weigh ins. For more information or to contribute to the event, contact Jimmy Sanders at 336-953-1086, Jason Poindexter at 336-302-0587, or Ricky Clark at 910-576-3511. Information can also be found on the Fishbyte.net Forum and Calendar.
Sanders Squad Wins Tuckertown Assault
September 12, 2009
When twenty eight anglers go after the best bass in a lake, there's bound to be some activity worth talking about. When it's fourteen boats from the Adam & Eve Tournament Series, all the action is noteworthy, but the competition comes second to getting together and having some fun. The series returned to Tuckertown Reservoir and the Highway 49 Access for it's eighth of nine events on Saturday, and a pile of fish were caught and an even bigger mountain of stories were told.
The Adam & Eve Tournament Series features a man/woman team format with a six-fish limit. The monthly events begin in mid-March and will wrap up October 10th at Badin's Lakemont Landing. Blast off will be at 8 AM and the teams will fish until 2 PM. The open competition is only $25, and three places and Big Fish are paid out. The Series is run by Sherry and Ricky Clark. Although many of the teams are comprised of husbands and wives or boyfriends and girlfriends, a number of the boats feature father/daughter and even grandfather and grandaughter teams.
The top story of the day in the next-to-last event was the 12 pounds 1 ounce of fish Jimmy and Kathy Sanders of Asheboro hauled to the scales. The pair netted $175 for their combined efforts. A smiling Kathy immediately took part of her winnings and purchased a new pink Fishbyte.net hat. “I have to have one of those. It's time to celebrate,” she laughed. She donned it in time for photos with the couple's trophy.
Organizers Ricky and Sherry Clark slid in behind the Sanders in second place with 7 pounds 15 ounces at the scales. They won $105 for that position. Ricky also added Big Fish for the day with a 6 pound 3 ounce hawg. He earned an additional $70 for that effort. Fishbyte.net also offered a new hat to whomever caught Big Fish on the day, so Clark added that item to his day's trophies.
Mark and Audrey Bayse captured third, just two ounces behind the Clarks with 7 pounds 13 ounces. They took home $70 for their Saturday date together.
“This is the most boat teams we've ever had this late in the season,” remarked Sherry Clark. “We've got a really good group of people here, and we all have a lot of fun.
We really look forward to getting together each month,” she ended. Even this late into the season, new faces are showing up as people find out about the Series.
For more information, contact the Clarks at 910-576-3511. “Even with only one event left, we'd welcome anyone who wants to join us,” chorused the organizers. “They'll just wish they'd started sooner.”
Adam & Eve Series Wraps Up Season At Badin
October 10, 2009
The weatherman promised rain and possibly even a few scattered thunderstorms, but that didn't slow down the man and woman angling teams of the Adam & Eve Series from turning out last Saturday. After seven successful events stretching back to March 14th on Lake Tillery, the group was ready to stage its eighth and final event on Badin Lake. Thirteen boats slid into the waters at 8 AM.
New faces continued to show up to compete right through this last event. The Adam & Eve touts man/woman teams which include husbands and wives, dads and daughters, grandparents, grandkids and girlfriends. Teams from as far away as Charlotte and Salisbury continue to make the monthly trek to the Yadkin lakes for the gatherings.
The Series is an open competition with a 100 percent payback. Cost is just $25 per boat with a $5 Big Fish. At that rate, an event is less than an average date and that has attracted more and more participants each month. Ricky and Sherry Clark have organized and directed the efforts.
“We started this season off in near-freezing temps and rain back in March,” stated Ricky Clark prior to the morning blast off. “Looks like we'll end in the rain, but at least it's warm.” The call for rain showers proved to be a myth, although a brief and light shower hit some anglers late in the morning on one part of the lake.
One couple, Bruce and Stephanie Bowman, returned after a four month hiatus and managed to walk away the final-event winners. The pair netted 13.2 pounds in shallow waters using crankbaits. “We caught the biggest ones up towards the dam,” Bowman noted. Included in the “big ones” Bowman referred to was a 4.4 pounder that won Big Fish for the day. The pair took $162.50 home with them for first place, $65 for Big Fish, and a Fishbyte.net hat.
Ralph and Jody Nolan thought they had it wrapped up as they weighed in about halfway through the lineup. The pair watched as their bag tipped the scales at 13.1 pounds, a weight that eventually became second place by just one ounce. The also boated a nice 4 pounder that appeared to be the winning fish until the Bowman's casting efforts became history. The Nolans scored $97.50 in prize money.
Cindy and Dennis Edwards finished eight pounds behind with 5 pounds even, but managed the third and final paying spot for the day. The pair earned $65.
The Series will begin again in March 2010. “I want to thank everyone for participating this year,” stated Clark at the end of the awards session. “Everyone had a good time this year and I think we will all miss not getting together next month.” A new schedule will be posted in coming months on www.Fishbyte.Net.
For more information about the Adam & Eve Series, contact Ricky or Sherry Clark at 336-461-2006.
Popular Adam & Eve Series Announces 2010 Schedule
December, 2, 2009
One of the most-popular bass tournament series in central North Carolina announced its 2010 series schedule this week. The Adam & Eve Bass Tournament Director, Ricky Clark, created an eight-event schedule on three of the four Yadkin Chain lakes that is bound to draw numbers again next season.
“We had a fantastic season in 2009 and are looking forward to next year,” stated Clark. “A number of the events drew over thirty competing boats and that's the best we've done in some time.”
The series is an open one, meaning no club membership is required. Boat teams must consist of one male and one female. Although many are husband and wife teams, it is not uncommon to see fathers and daughters or grandfathers and granddaughters competing. The events are a great blend of fishing, the outdoors, and quality time, according to those who participate.
Cost of each event is less than what one might normally spend on a date. Just $25 gets a ticket to fish per event and an optional Big Fish donation of $5 is available. Three places are paid at fifty, thirty, and twenty percent each. The solo lunker award pays one hundred percent.
For 2010, Fishbyte.net has signed on as a sponsor of the series and will supply the trophies given at each event. This allowed Clark to keep entry fees at the 2009 level. “We are proud to have Fishbyte.net on board next year as a series sponsor,” noted Clark. “They have again shown their commitment to angling in this region.”
The 2010 schedule begins March 13th on Lake Tillery at 8 AM using a six-fish limit. The following are the events slated for the year.
March 13 - Tillery – 8AM-2PM, Hwy 24-27;
April 10 – Badin – 8AM-2PM, Lake Mont;
May 8 – Tuckertown – 7AM-1PM, Hwy 49;
June 5 – Badin – 6:30AM-12:30PM, Lake Mont;
July 17 – Badin – 6AM-12PM, Lake Mont;
August 14 – Tillery – 6:30AM-12:30PM, Hwy 24-27;
September 11 – Tuckertown – 8AM-2PM, Hwy 49;
October 9 – Badin – 8AM-2PM, Lake Mont.
For more information about the series, contact Director Ricky Clark at 336-461-2006 or email him at crclark@rtmc.net.