Archive
Tri City Bassmasters
2010
Tri City Bassmasters Announce Spring Memorial
January, 2010
As regular season schedules pile in and are added to the Fishbyte.Net Calendar, many of the clubs are also establishing dates for special events they hold annually. One such club, the Tri-City Bassmasters from the Rockingham area has announced its 2nd Annual Memorial Tournament to be held at the Swift Island Landing on Lake Tillery March 27th. Planning began months ago for the tournament and final details will be reviewed next week. The club will meet in Rockingham at Hudson Brothers' Deli in Rockingham on Monday, February 1st to continue planning.
The tournament, an event in memory of long-time members Rodney Hamilton and Boyce Carpenter, has been used to raise money for the charitable and generous work the club does for local children. The club has been in existence for 31 years. Last season, Bill and Greg Gooch won the event with over 34 pounds of bass. Spring is considered the time when Tillery coughs up huge catches.
Various fishermen from across the area and other clubs have committed their talents and boats to the memorial tournament. Entry forms have begun to roll in from other Bassmaster members and adhoc groups. “This is our second such tournament, and we are planning some pretty big things,” stated Rick Bradford, club president. “Last year a local high school band played the Star Spangled Banner for everyone and we even have a food vendor lined up. The guys out there get hungry, too!” he laughed.
The club plans to have a trailer and tent on-site to serve as a main stage and headquarters. Unlike most tournaments, once Blast Off happens, there will still be activity at the Landing. “We couldn't do all this without the participation and enthusiasm of all our fishermen and sponsors,” commented the club president. Payout for winning the tournament will be 75% of proceeds.
Regular monthly meetings are held at the Rockingham restaurant every first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. The club holds twelve events a year, no small challenge for any group. Besides the events up and down the Yadkin River, the group travels to Gaston, Wateree and Falls of the Neuse. Owning a boat is not required in order to be a member.
For more information about the tournament or becoming a member of this club, contact Rick Bradford at 910-461-6198.
2009
Tri City 1st Memorial Scores Big Weights
March 28, 2009
When Terry James and Kevin Chandler stepped off their bass boat and onto soggy land at Lilly's Bridge Landing on Lake Tillery, they figured their hard work in the 1st Annual Tri City Bassmaster Memorial Tournament would be plenty to capture first place. A bag that was obviously heavy drew stares and congratulations. But, this year it was not to be in an event with monumental overall weights. In the end it would have taken well over 34 pounds of bass in 6 fish to carry home the top trophy.
In a day that began in heavy and dense fog, the Tri City Bassmasters welcomed 27 boats that had to brave miserable downpours from noontime on. Not to anyone's surprise, most of the boats rolled in just before the 3 PM weigh in.
“I am really happy with this turnout,” stated club president, Rick Bradford. “This is fantastic for a first-time event.” The Memorial Tournament was organized in tribute to long-time and founding member Rodney Hamilton and Boyce Carpenter, a member who just recently passed. The fund raising event is used to help fund an annual children's fishing event held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week. The event will happen June 13th at McKinney Lake State Park.
Probably the climax moment of the day was when Greg and Bill Gooch, father and son, carried what was obviously a monster bag held in their fishing net towards the scales. Everyone was quiet for only a few seconds and then everyone began to exclaim. It wasn't too often any of them saw such a day's catch. The scales told the truth... 34.04 pounds of bass in six fish, all alive. Within that pile was the Big Fish for the day as well, a 7.39 pounder.
“It was a good day,” beamed son, Greg, of Troy. “Sometimes it's worth fishing in fog and hard rain.” Standing side by side, there were looks of pride going both ways between dad and son. First place weight brought them $500, while Big Fish earned them another $270 for their day's float.
Second place winners, James and Chandler happily accepted the $250 for second spot. Their 24.38 pounds was nearly 5 pounds ahead of the next competitors.
James Bryant and Allen Browning claimed third and $125 with 19.42 pounds of bass. Fourth place winners Chris Coble and Jim Long took home $75 with their 19.19 pounds. The final paying position went to Jimmy Blue and Wally Field who netted 18.82 pounds and $50.
Another highlight of the day was the early-morning arrival of the school band from West Montgomery High School. Anglers were serenaded with various songs played from up on the nearby Lilly's Bridge. The band is directed by Gary Graham. Just prior to Blast Off, the band officially began to competition with the Star Spangled Banner, playing it into the early darkness, fog and glowing bassboat lights below. The band Boosters Club was on-hand later in the day with warm food and drinks for those coming in.
“Thanks to all of you for turning out today,” stated master of ceremonies Robin Collins. “Tri City Bassmasters thanks you all for what you've done for this 1st Annual. Now drive safe!” he ended. As an exclamation point to the day's fun, the club surprised David Hurley, $62 winner of the 50-50 pot, with a 48th birthday cake adorned with lit candles struggling to stay burning in the wet.
The Tri City Bassmasters club has been in existence since 1978. Tri City is a member of the NC Bass Federation and FLW. New members are always welcome and owning a boat is not required. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at Hudson Bros. Deli in Rockingham. The club fishes 12 tournaments per year.
Tri City Helping State Hatchery With Children's Fishing Day
Story & Photos Courtesy of Rick Bradford
June 13, 2009
McKinney Lake State Fish Hatchery, located near Hoffman, will host it’s “Annual Children’s Fishing Day” on Saturday June 13 from 8am till Noon. The event is one of 40 free kid’s fishing events held across the state in celebration of 2009 National Fishing and Boating Week, which starts Friday. The event is open to children 15 years and younger and registration will begin at 7:30 am. Adults are encouraged to assist but are not permitted to fish.
Tri-City Bassmasters of Rockingham will provide food, drinks and door prizes. Young anglers registered at the Annual Children’s Fishing Day are eligible to enter a statewide drawing for fishing-related prizes, such as tackle boxes, rod and reels, fish playing cards, fishing towels and much more. The grand prize, a $450 lifetime freshwater/saltwater fishing license, is generously donated by Neuse Sport Shop, located in Kinston. First prize, a $250 lifetime freshwater fishing license, is generously donated by the N.C. State Council of Trout Unlimited. Fishing prizes are donated by Bass Pro Shops and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.