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Not Just Fishin' Castle Bridge Team Trail
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2009
Not Just Fishin' Event Awards $3000 Skeeter Money
March 21, 2009
It might be a “local” tournament series from a “smallish” town in western NC, but the Not Just Fishin' Castle Bridge Team Trail paid big money for the first place winner on Lake Wylie, Saturday, March 21st. A day's pay for the winners was $3,650, over $400 an hour just for going out fishing. Forty three boat teams vied for the pay out and launched from Southpoint landing shortly after 7 AM at safe-light.
“In past years, we've had as many as 66 boats follow this series,” stated JD Norton, tournament director and owner of Not Just Fishin' of Lenoir, NC. The retail store specializes in hunting and fishing supplies. “Turn out has been a bit low, but I'm seeing numbers begin to climb again,” he stated. This particular event paid out $3,000 to the winner, thanks to Matt Farris, owner of Foothills Marine. He convinced Skeeter boats to kick in the big finale pot.
The group fishes five tournaments during the season and has been doing so for seven years now. “I really enjoy it,” commented Norton. “We have a lot of fun, and a lot of the guys have been with us the whole time.” The group pays a 100% payout and is unaffiliated.
Big winners for the day were an excited team of Darrin Sigmund and Bryan Huffman. Their 16 pounds 9.3 ounces captured the huge pot and a lot of congratulations from fellow teams. “I want to thank director JD Norton for all his work and Skeeter boats for their support,” said Sigmund. “I really appreciate Matt Farris from Foothills Marine for making this payoff possible. He convinced Skeeter this was a tournament worth investing in.”
Big Fish winner for the day was Tim Austin and Eddie Lowdermilk. They netted a 5 pound 7.2 ounce bass that landed them with $350 worth of gold. The Morganton, NC team was happy to go home with some of the day's payout. “I didn't think that weight would do it,” said Austin. “It was just one of those days.”
For more information about the tournament, contact JD Norton at Not Just Fishin' at 828-726-0718.