Archive
Russell's Saturday Wildcats
2010
Russell's Saturday Wildcats Find Only Feeders In Pond
February 20, 2010
There were four bass in Lake Tillery feeling hunger pangs and the anglers from Bo Russell's Saturday Wildcat group found them all. As other clubs struggled to find bite, two boats manage to draw a little something out of the muddy waters.
“They are pushing a lot of water through here today,” stated Russell. “I watched the cove off the 24/27 ramp and leaves and sticks were flying under the bridge.” One of the anglers reported finding one spot near the lower dam running a warm 50 degrees. “It was mud everywhere,” noted Russell. “The water was a little clearer way up the creeks, but it didn't matter.”
The first five boat teams to roll up to the landing reported empty livewells. Michael Kinnard, fishing solo, brought the first bass to the 3 PM scales. His one fish weighed 4.44 pounds and landed him the $50 second place prize.
Out of three clubs of competitors on Tillery that day, Robert Parrish and David Drye topped all with three fish weighing 12.42 pounds. A first place $70 and $40 Big Fish awards were theirs. They caught all three on crankbaits on the south end of the lake.
The Wildcat group fishes weekly on Tillery and Badin from 8 AM to 3 PM, and will expand their visits to Tuckertown and High Rock beginning April 17. Times of the events will go to a 7 AM to 2 PM time-frame beginning that day. Cost to join in on the open events is just $25.
For more information, contact Russell at 704-463-7829 or 704-322-1950, or check the Fishbyte.net Calendar and Forums.
Badin Turns Cold For Russell's Wildcats
February 27, 2010
Bo Russel's Saturday Wildcats were hoping they'd put bad fishing behind them after a lackluster bass performance just a week before on Lake Tillery. Six boat teams moved to Badin and the Alcoa Landing for the February 27th event, feeling a bit better about their chances. The largemouth had different ideas.
One boat team found fish by the 3 PM scales close and were awarded the full pot of cash. “Our tournament today on Badin was really tough,” stated Russell after the competition. “I know it's going to get better.”
Shane Deal and Mike Carter were the only team members to bring a fish to the scales. “Notice I am reporting 'a' fish,” noted the new director. “That lone lunker weighted in at 2.76 pounds, good enough for first, second and Big Fish,” The pair took all the prize money, $55, $35 for first and second and $30 for Big Fish.
“David Eichorn had a bad luck story and it's really worth noting,” stated Russell. Eichorn caught one fish that he estimated at over two pounds, but his motor failed him and he had to be towed back to the Alcoa landing. “He missed the 3 pm deadline for weigh in; therefore we had no choice but to disqualify him,” reported Russell. At the very least, the angler would have found second place, but instead is facing repair costs.
“I want to congratulate David for being a real gentleman,” stated Russell. “When he did get back to the landing he understood he was DQ'ed and had no problem at all with it. That's real sportsmanship.”
The open series alternates between Tillery's Swift Island access and Badin's Alcoa landing. Later in the season, they will add Tuckertown and High Rock to the schedule for a few events. The full schedule is viewable on the Fishbyte.net Calendar and Forums. Cost is just $25 to join in. That includes a $5 Big Fish side bet.
For more info, contact Russell at 704-463-7829 or 704-322-1950.
Russell’s Wildcat Group Picking Up Steam
March 13, 2010
Badin Lake was busy with at least five tournaments last Saturday, and it was evident by the traffic around the lake all day long. Bo Russell, Director of the Saturday Wildcat Tournament series and a regular on the Yadkin chain, utilized the Alcoa landing for his tournament. The group blasted off at 8 AM and finished at 3 PM.
As temperatures rise, more anglers are heading to the lakes and more fish are being hauled to the scales. Russell’s group had several nice fish and a couple of good-sized bags. Dustin Coolntz and Lance Eisenhower brought in 17.38 pounds for first place and added Big Fish at 5.74 lbs.
Rusty and Rosco Bowers had 14.38 pounds for second place, and Shane Deal and Mike Carter took third place with 4.86 pounds.
The bite is definitely improving on the Yadkin Chain and the pre-spawn will be occurring soon. It was only just a few weeks ago that many clubs were struggling to bring even two fish to the scales. Russell’s group meets every Saturday and always welcomes more anglers.
For more information, contact Bo Russell – 704-463-7829 or 704-322-1950. A complete schedule and further information can also be found at Fishbyte.net Calendar and Forums.