60 Horse & Under CNCBA Announces 2011 Schedule
The CNCBA maintains a web site at www.cncba.x10hosting.com which provides details and information about the group. “With our club/trail being a small boat club, 60 hp and under, we have limited our tourneys to smaller lakes during peak usage periods,” stated Albright, “and are having our tourneys at Jordan and High Rock at times when there will be the least boat traffic.” Darren Kern also serves as an organizer. “Our primary focus is the enjoyment of tournament bass fishing. While we have no organized meetings or regular functions, we strongly encourage camaraderie, friendship, and the growth of the sport of bass fishing through our young people, and those who are new to bass fishing,” stated Albright. Those interested in joining the club can contact Charles Albright at 336-214-0862 or email him at albright1695@aol.com. A complete schedule and more info about the group can be found on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
If you love bass fishing, but would rather go at it a bit slower and cheaper, the Central NC Bass Anglers club may be the ticket. The group fishes a full nine-event schedule, but does it with sixty horse or smaller engines… or none at all. Charles Albright, an organizer for the group, announced this week that the 2011 season will kick off on Jordan Lake on March 26th.Joyce Secures Triad Bassmaster Title On Hyco
Beautiful weather greeted members of Triad Bassmasters as they ended the 2010 season with their club Championship on Hyco Lake November 21st. With double points on the line, most club members had a shot at Angler of the Year, depending on how well the points leader, Kyle Joyce of Reidsville, did in the tournament. All Joyce had to do was catch one fish to secure the title, and he had no problem finding keeper fish on Hyco. This was the first time he had ever been on the lake. Joyce weighed in 4.70 pounds. Reigning Angler of the Year, Linda Berry of Madison, NC, will hand over the AOY Plaque at the next club meeting on December 5th. The winner of the tournament was Johnny Dunnavant of Stokesdale, NC with 8.85 pounds. Johnny also had Big Bass at 5.35 pounds. Kyle Joyce finished in 2nd Place. Bill Workman of Madison, NC placed 3rd with one bass weighing 4.15 pounds. It was a winner-take-all event. Dunnavant took home $230 in winnings. Triad Bassmasters will end the 2010 club year with its annual holiday dinner for disabled and homeless military veterans on December 12th. Club members raised the money needed to provide the meal by soliciting donations from area businesses and churches and at a raffle at the recent grand re-opening of Gander Mountain in Greensboro, NC. Club members will deliver and serve a hot meal to approximately 100 of these veterans at a shelter in High Point, NC. This is the 3rd year that Triad Bassmasters has adopted this shelter as a club project for the holidays. For more information about the Triad Bassmasters, contact Linda Berry, |
Powers Swain Chevrolet of Fayetteville, NC likes to think of itself as fisherman friendly and they have been proving that since July 2001. The dealership hosts its own bass tournament series for customers, as well as sponsoring a variety of fishing events, including the annual Warriors on the Water gathering. The club met at Jordan Lake last weekend and anglers tore into the bass, hauling some top weights in a few hours of fishing. Bob Cunningham of Cameron and Michael Green of Fayetteville scored a top finish with five-fish limit tipping the scales at 15.44 pounds. Their anchor, a 7.08 pound lunker, could only score Second Big Fish of the day in the shootout, as competition between the Powers Swain customers was stiff. Anthony Fofi of Spring Lake and Dave Murdock of Fayetteville nailed down the second place title with a five-fish fish limit of 14.32 pounds. Third Place went to Scott Assman of Spring Lake and Todd Parker of Sanford with five-fish limit of 13.51. Parker and Assman walked away with the First Big Fish bragging right when they boated an 8.31 pound trophy. Fourth Place went to James Poirrier of Sanford and Rich Sczerbala of New Hill. That team scored a five-fish limit of 12.63 pounds. Rounding out the top five was Monica and Max Altman of Angier with a five-fish limit of 12.09 pounds. |
Hyco Open Draws Twenty-Two Boat Field The Ridgeway Bass Anglers held a second open tournament on Hyco last weekend, and anglers turned out in big numbers. The lake doesn’t often get the hype other ponds do, but that Saturday, it was the place to float. Teams reported many bass caught. Finding the right keepers was the tough part. The top three teams finished within fractions of ounces of each other on a day that saw temperatures in the sixties with windy conditions all day. To prove it had the fish, Hyco produced a Big Fish for the event that weighed almost six pounds. The club has scheduled another open competition on Hyco Lake on December 18th from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Larry Gilbert and David Peninger topped the field with their 1.88 pound sack. They earned $345 in the win. Second place and just a hair behind them were Wayne and Kevin Sheppard. That boat netted 10.71 pounds to take home $190. Mark Friddle and Jimmy Walker hooked the final paying spot with 10.29 pounds for $95. Big Fish awards went to Mike and Jeff Baker. That team boated a 5.58 pound beauty to earn a hefty $220 on the day. To lean more about the Ridgeway Bass Angler club or for more info about the opens, contact club president Tommy Wilson at bassman13@embargmail.com or 276-956-4676. |
Knight Team Wins Carolina Crankers Fish Off On Cane Creek
From the very start the Carolina Crankers season-ending Fish Off was destined to be tough. Only six teams qualified for the event and those anglers were blasted with 29 degree temperatures at blast off on Cane Creek. Bass bite only made the day tougher as just two keepers were brought in at the 4 PM weigh in. Directed by Wayne Snyder and co-directed by Rodney and Lisa May, the series has been together for fifteen years. “It was a very slow to no bite,” noted Rodney May. “Six teams qualified for the finale, but only two keeper fish made it to the scales.” In the end it was Harold and Berry Knight winning first place and Big Fish honors with one fish weighing 2 pounds 11ounces. That team earned $600 during the cold outing. Second place was taken by Wayne Snyder and Jeremy Pressley with one fish weighing 2 pounds 7 ounces. They took home $100. “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with our series this year,” stated May. For information on next year’s schedule, contact the Carolina Crankers at crankyfish72@yahoo.com. |
Fritts And Langley Finish Season With Win And Championship
A long season of Sunday opens ended this last weekend when the Piedmont Bass Classics met in thirty degree weather at Falls Lake. The series of well-sponsored events that saw winners being awarded extra prizes and cash throughout the season, the anglers brought to rest a schedule that opened back in February. A pair of anglers who had stepped into the winners’ circle many times chalked up another win and claimed the overall Cumulative Weight championship. Brian Langley and Brian Fritts used the final event of the season to find three fish with a combined weight of 10.91 pounds to place at the top of the Sunday field. They earned $500 for the win. Their anchor fish was a 5.94 pounder that earned Big Fish honors for the event. That was worth another $70. Jay Garrard Plumbing and Jay Garrard Fishing Guide Service, both of Durham, sponsored the event and added $200 to the winner’s pockets.
The Team also scored the Season Total Cumulative Weight Championship, having fished nineteen of the events. They caught 258.13 pounds of bass, topping the second place team of Jay Garrard and Mark Herndon by over fifty pounds. The second place team landed 196.63 pounds. Third on the season was won by Bobby Matthews and David Matthews who caught 146.87 pounds on the year. “Eight teams competed from the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp in the last event in air temperatures that ranged from 30 to 50 degrees,” stated Phil McCarson, direct of Piedmont Bass Classics. “Most of the fish were caught in shallow to six of water on mainly jigs. Fish were found on rocky bottoms with lay down timber.” Tony Fofi and Dave Murdock of SpringLake and Fayetteville grabbed a second place finish on the day Sunday. The team caught four fish weighing 8.30 pounds worth $140. They also scored the TWT First Place for an additional $65. TWT Second Place went to Mark Herndon and Bobby Houser of Bahama and Durham for their 6.61 pounds for $35. |
November 6, 2010 Info Courtesy of Melissa Hinson The third event of the 2011 Southern Crappie Tournament Trail was the charm for David and Phenice Perrel. The Germantown, NC team walked away with over $1,000 in cash and numerous prizes when they weighed in 12.58 pounds of Jordan crappie. The team used a Second Big Fish 2.28 pounder to score the win.
After fishing Wateree in August and Hartwell SC in September, the Trail moved back to North Carolina waters for the third of ten events on a schedule that lasts until a May 8 and 9 Classic in Hartwell, SC. Their next event is later in November in Oconee, GA. Finishing second, Rod King and Andrew Smith hauled 11.85 pounds to weigh in to score a $300 payday. Their largest was a 2.11 pounder. Tom Sprouse and Glynn Sharon finished less than a half pound behind with 11.36 pounds, good for $150. They nailed the B’nM Big Fish Award of the event, a 2.37 pound solo for an additional $130 and B’nM poles of choice. Fourth went to Jerry Landon and Terry Goforth who caught 10.70 pounds, while Will Hinson rounded out the top five with 10.54 pounds. For more information about the Trail, contact president Melissa Hinson at webmaster@southerncrappie.com or call 803-432-4342. Information is also posted on their web site at www.southerncrappie.com. |
West And Sykes Win Ghoulish Piedmont Bass Classics
It was only a few hours before the ghouls and goblins of Halloween came out, and Billy West and Tracy Sykes of Raleigh went looking for the costumed bass of Falls Lake last Sunday. They were part of a six-team assault on the waters begun at the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp, a weekly starting point of the Piedmont Bass Classics series.
Only one limit came to the scales at weigh in. That winning bag belonged to the Raleigh team, sponsored by K'N B's Market Place in Fuquay-Varina. Their five bass at 9.83 pounds was enough to win the $480 first place prize. Big Fish Award went to Bobby Houser and Van Lilly of Durham and Raleigh. That team found a 3.66 pound solo that put $60 in their pockets. ”The air temps ranged from 43 to 75 with little or no wind, and the water temps averaged 65 degrees,” stated Phil McCarson, Piedmont Bass Classics director. “Only 12 bass were weighed in that totaled 25.27 pounds. Most of the fish were caught in shallow to 8 feet of water on spinnerbaits, rattle traps and crankbaits. It has really been tough at Falls and Jordan so far this fall.” |
Simmons Wins Archdale Bass Randleman Event Randleman Regional Reservoir hosted Archdale Bass Club for the third time this year. The club sported another strong turnout by members and visitors. Even with a fog delay, hopes were still high for a big fish fest. In the end, previous visits were considerably more generous but the lake continues to develop its personality after its first year of very heavy fishing pressure. In keeping with the pre-tourney dock talk and scouting reports, unfortunately, no 5 fish limits were brought to the scales. Carl Simmons sacked 3 fish for a total of 9.75 pounds and a first place finish. Second place went to a club member who has turned out to be one of this year’s better competitors, Famous James Lewis. James brought in 4 fish for 8.62 pounds. Third place went to our buddy and former club member Butch Rhymer with 4 fish weighing 8.41 pounds. Big fish honors went to 4th place finisher Vernon Wilson with a fish weighing 5.24 pounds. No reports were forthcoming about how the fish were caught. Randleman was the last qualifying tournament to determine the club’s annual standings. They will be announced with the results of the last tournament of the season called the Classic. The Classic is a “draw” tournament meaning the club voted at the first of the year to meet on Nov 6 at Rick’s in Denton. One of our favorite servers, Ms. Bonnie, will draw the name of a Yadkin Chain lake out of a hat and the final race will be on. This format is how the original Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS) Classic tournaments were fished to prevent anyone from pre-fishing the championship lake to gain any advantage. Most of the guys are a little leery since the luck of the draw the past two years has put is on a very cold and fog delayed Tuckertown Reservoir. It is safe to say we’ll reconsider this format for next year but we are equally willing to maintain good competition AND accident free safety record. We hope you observe safety first too and we’ll see you on the water. |
Fofi And Murdock Win Jordan Struggle
Like so many lakes across the region, Jordan Lake bass are giving anglers fall fits. Although Mother Nature has been serving up perfect weather to be on a bass search, the elusive quarry is failing to show up all too often. Six teams vied for the sole First Place prize money of $480 at last Sunday’s Piedmont Bass Classics event on Lake Jordan and the final winner left no doubts. “It was a beautiful day with light winds in the morning and up to 15 mph in the afternoon,” stated Phil McCarson, series director. “Water temps averaged 66 degrees. We had one good bag weighing 14.56 pounds and the next closest was just 6.07. The bite was just bad today.” According to McCarson, most fish were caught on shaky heads, crankbaits and other assorted lures. “There was neither rhyme nor reason to the bite that ranged from shallow to 8 feet,” he ended. The next regular trail tournament will be at Falls Lake out of Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp, Sunday, October 31st. |
Ridgeway Bass Anglers Hold Open On Belews It was a great opportunity to fish a pond that many bass anglers overlook or just never get to fish. The Ridgeway Bass Anglers held an open competition on Belews last weekend and fifteen teams took advantage of the opportunity. In the end, the northern lake treated anglers pretty well and all are ready for more. “We had a good turnout with fifteen boats participating,” stated club director, Tommy Wilson. Water temps at launch were 73 degrees and clarity was “crystal clear”, according to Wilson. “Being able to make long cast was helpful due to water clarity. A lot of fish were reportedly seen shallow, but spooked when they saw a boat,” he noted. Wilson reported that fish were caught shallow and deep on various baits from topwater, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastics. The group used the Pine Hall ramp and fished from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Brandon Ayers and Quincy Jones recorded the top weight with 13.53 pounds to win $230. In second, Randy Hutchins and Lucus Hutchins found 12.13 pounds to earn $125. The team also found Big Fish for the Open, a 3.80 pounder worth $150. Third place went to Tony Stafford and Josh Stafford, who battled 10.15 pounds of bass to win $65. The Ridgeway Bass Anglers will be holding another open tournament on Hyco Lake on November 20th. For more information about the club or the Open competitions, contact Wilson at 276-956-4676 or bassman13@embarqmail.com. |
Goad And Williams Win FOM Eastern Regional
Congratulations go out to local anglers Adam Vanhoy and Bubba Davis of Rockwell NC for finishing 8th in a field of 121 boats this weekend in Charleston West Virgina. They qualify now to fish in the National Championship in April, 2011 at Lake Guntersville in Alabama. Vanhoy and Davis were in 14th place after Day One of the two-day competition, but with day two being extremely difficult to catch fish, the team scored well on the water and moved up in the final standings. The second and final day of the 2010 Fishers of Men Eastern Regional tournament was held on the Kanawah River in Charleston, WV and dealt out some surprises for all the teams competing, beginning with a tournament delay. The river was shrouded in a blanket of fog that held the anglers at the launch site for two hours. Once the fog began to clear at the launch area, the anglers were released and given an extra hour added to the weigh-in times. After the fog finally lifted, the sun came out and the wind picked up, making the river fishing incredibly challenging for the teams. The weather change also affected the first day leaders and, in the end, they were unable to weigh a single fish on the second day. When it was over, the team of Tim Goad and Mark Williams from Raleigh NC were able to find enough fish for the two days to land them the championship with 6 bass weighing 9.12 pounds and earning them a prize package worth $23, 292. Goad and Williams ran the river and caught their fish using spinnerbaits, #5 Shad Raps and Zoom Brush Hogs to capture their winning bag. The team of Nathan Alt and Jeff Camp from Virginia West were able to move up from third place into second with a second day bag of 2.23 pounds giving them a total of 8.51 pounds, earning them $1, 760.00. The third place team of Kevin Park and Ryan Park made a huge jump with a limit of bass that lifted them into a $1, 381.25 check. The teams rounding out the top ten and advancing to the 2011 Fishers of Men National Championship on Lake Guntersville, AL are: 4th - Tommy Powroznik and Ryan Powroznik 7.28, $1,000; 5th - Randy Rawlings and Metz Weko, 7.13, $900; 6th - Tom Foster and David Gardner 7.07 $908.75; 7th - Michael Frazee and Joe Lloyd, 6.49, $700; 8th - Shane Davis and Adam Vanhoy, 5.96, $600; 9th - Gary Crayton and Shawn Skobel, 5.22, $500; 10th - Andy Kees and Philip Conley, 5.13, $450. “We are incredibly grateful to the city of Charleston, WV for hosting and helping in the organization of this event and to Chris Wells for his contribution in helping the kick off be a success,” stated local series director Mike Sides. A variety of companies help sponsor the Fishers of Men. They include Primary: Triton Boats, Mercury, Strike King Lure Company, Markel American Insurance, Abu Garcia, Power-Pole, Nester Hosiery. Presenting; Marshall’s Marine of Lake City SC, Keelshield, Solar Bat, Kistler Custom Fishing Rods, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Berkley, Lowrance. Official: Buckeye Lures, Jacobs Glass, Outdoor Specialty Products (Rejuvenate), Dual Pro Chargers, MotorGuide, Full Grace Gospel Church, Mizmo Bait Company, Stanley Jigs, Spike-It, Logan Fire Apparatus, T&H Marine, and Keep Alive Oxygen Infusers. |
Wagers Wins Carolina Crappie Opener On Wateree The first-ever Carolina Crappie Association competition kicked off last weekend at Wateree as fifteen teams hit the waters off Dutchmans Marina. The event was sponsored by the marina. The series, which includes five regular events during the fall and winter months, finishes in March with a Classic. Ingle Wagers, fishing solo, grabbed the top spot in the $150 per team Wateree event with 11.82 pounds. He won $900. He also caught 2nd Big Fish, a 2.25 pounder worth $52.50. Another solo crappie angler, Babin (no first name given) found 11.03 to place second and win $450. He had the Big Fish, a 2.35 pounder that earned him $97.50. Team Davis and Davis finished third with 9.92 pounds worth $270. The fourth spot was won by Team Smith and Roberts with 8.69 pounds for $180. Others competing and places were as follows: 5th.Dowey and Cantey 8.17 lbs., 6th.Swaringen Ford 8.05 lbs., 7th.Pope Deitz 8.03 lbs., 8th.Duke Manus 5.35 lbs.,9th.Perell Perell 3.75 lbs.,10th.Eudy Koontz3.45 lbs.,11th.Rayborn Foley 3.43 lbs.,12th.Landon Goforth 2.23 lbs.,13th.Fesperman Fesperman nw, 13thSprouse Sharon nw, 13th.Gable Gable nw The series will move on to Jordan Lake and the Farrington Pointe Access on November 13. That event will be sponsored by Builders 1st Source. For more information about the Series, visit the trail web site at http://carolinacrappieassociation.webnode.com or contact director Capp Eudy at 704-791-1095 or email him at raeudy@ctc.net. |
October 16 & 17, 2010 Info Courtesy of Martin Ledford Photos Courtesy of Ken Troutman It was a down-to-the-last end of a season for the Bear Creek Bass Club last weekend when the club battled for two days on Wateree. In the past few months, the top four spots in club points battle had been swapped a number of times and it would all be decided in one weekend.
Points Leaders Rick Poplin and Scott Mason brought a slim lead into the event and simply needed to finish respectably in order to grab the club championship. The pair scored a ninth place Wateree finish, enough to bring their points total to just nine points higher than the club runners-up, Lewis Gordon and Randy Burleson. Eddie Conner and Ryan Mullis won the two-day event with 23.74 pounds. Conner and Mullis also had Big Fish on Sunday and finished seventh overall in points on the season.
Finishing in second place was Bill McCoy and Tommy Russell, who finished fifth in points, with 21.18 pounds. That effort included Big Fish on Saturday and Second Big Fish on Sunday. Third place went to Chris Toole and Wesley Eudy with 19.76 pounds. The team finished tenth on the season. David Strider and Ken Troutman had 16.76 pounds to finish in fourth place in the event and third on the season. According to club spokesman Martin Ledford, twenty-two teams make the trip to Wateree. Sixteen Teams had a five fish limit on Saturday and nine teams limited out on Sunday. Saturday there were 83 fish brought to the scale weighing in at 135.4 pounds, while Sunday at total weight of 113.8 pounds on 72 fish. The water temps ranged from 69 in the early morning to around 75 at weigh-in. For more information about the group, contact Martin Ledford at mledford@bearcreekbassclub.org or visit their web site, maintained by Ledford, at www.bearcreekbassclub.org. Details are also available on the Fishbyte.Net pages. |
October 17, 2010 For those who showed up for the Piedmont Bass Classics event on Jordan this past weekend, the outing was good. The fall catch began to show up and the action was up. Only three teams were able to participate and all the prize package went to the winners. Using the Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp, the weekly competitors fished a beautiful fall day with air temps ranging from 47 to 77 degrees with fog in the morning and winds up to 10 mph in the afternoon. Water temps averaged 70 degrees.
Only eight bass were weighed in for a total of 19 pounds. Most of the fish were caught in shallow water to 8' drop-offs on spinnerbaits, rattletraps and crankbaits. This tournament was sponsored by John Ballard, owner of JB CUSTOM RODS in Erwin, NC. Ballard gave away two custom built bass rods worth $250 as a bonus to the 1st place winners. Garrett Allred and Joe Broome of Cary and Wilmington were the top finishers with four fish weighing an even 8 pounds. They earned the $240 purse plus the JB Custom Rods Bonus. The next event for the Piedmont Bass Classics will be this coming Sunday, October 24th on Falls Lake. They will use the Ledge Rock Access. |
October 9, 2010 They’ve been threatening to do it all season long and the striper anglers of the Tarheel Striper Club out-foxed those using live bait October 9 on Lake Rhodhiss. In recent months, trollers have come on strong, but have fallen short in their quest to grab top spots in the events. That Saturday was the charm and they had their day. With twenty-three teams and thirty-three anglers turning out for the competition, the top five spots went to those trolling bucktails. The club checked in twenty-four fish that totaled 108.45 pounds.
Russ Mitchell and Annie Mitchell scored top spot and Big Fish in the event. They had three fish totaling 17.05 pounds. Second place went to Jerry Hill who had three fish totaling 15.10 pounds. Johnny Young and Janet Bouner took third with three weighing 14.90 pounds. Top thirteen finishers are as follows:
6th Place: David Lucas and Debbie Lucas: 2 fish totaling 7.50lbs. The club begins its schedule in February and fishes lakes all over North and South Carolina and Virginia. They meet monthly just prior to tournaments in Asheboro at the Golden Corral. Events cost just $20 with a $5 Big Fish pot. For more information about the club, visit their web site at www.tarheelstriperclub.com/phpBB3/index.php. Or contact Jay Childress at 919-478-6620 or by email at chilly3@vzw.blackberry.net. A schedule and info is also available on the Fishbyte.Net pages. |
Farr And Zeigler Win Jordan Open With 16.9
Jordan Lake...Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp It was low turnout for the anglers, but the bass sure showed up at the Piedmont Bass Classics Open on Jordan Lake last weekend. Seven seasoned teams arrived to fish on a beautiful, crisp fall day. Thirty nice bass were caught weighing a total of 79.16 pounds.
According to Phil McCarson, director of the series, that weight total is a great catch for Jordan this time of year. Big fish was 4.88 pounds and all the bass looked healthy. Air temps ranged from 48 to 68 with winds light to 15. Water temps were at 70 on average. Hot lures for the day were jigs fished in shallow to six feet of water. The water level at Jordan is now back to a little above normal pool and just right for fall fishing with that favorite spinnerbait or jig, according to McCarson. |
Woodard And Szuba Win Stratos 175XL In Buggs Shootout The 2010 Shoot-Out Championship concluded on Sunday, October 3 with the team of Tony Woodard of Four Oaks, NC and Wally Szuba of Cary NC being handed the keys to their new Stratos 175XL powered by a Mercury outboard. Tony and Wally's two day creel, of 30.30 pounds gave them almost a two pound cushion over the second place team.
Tourney runner-ups were Todd Massey of Chapel Hill, NC and Tim Parker of New Hill, NC. Todd and Tim's two day catch of 28.52 pounds earned them $3000 for their finish. Rounding out the top three was the team of David Farman of Semora, NC and Jeff Killian of Alton, VA. Their catch of 27.84 pounds netted them $1500 for the day. Others placing included: Fourth Place: Wes Carr of Cool Ridge, WV and Joe Carr of Lenexa, VA, 27.50 lbs, $1000. Wes and Joe also had the Day 1 #2 Lunker, a 4.50 pounder, for $200. The 2010 Points Championship was won this year by the team of Brandon Gray of Bullock, NC and Brian Clark of South Boston, VA. Brandon and Brian won the honor with a 20 pound cushion over the second place finishers. In addition to the "Shoot-Out" Points Champions awards, Brandon and Brian won the $1000 Points Championship purse. The team of Abe Abernathy and David Lucas, who were the Points Championship runner-ups, were winners of the Minn-Kota trolling motor courtesy of Southern Marine. The Lunker of the Year award was won by Daryl Foster of Danville, VA. Daryl's 7.42 pounder taken at Lake Mayo in May held throughout the year. Daryl received a unique award, courtesy of 3D Driftwood Art… a leaping bass, chasing a school of bait fish. This piece is featured on the opening page of the Buggs Island Team Tournament website. The Buggs Island Teams staff congratulated all the winners and thanked all the supporters the trail this year. A special thanks went to Nick and Sandi at Angler's Choice and the folks at Stratos and Mercury for making the grand prize possible. Thanks also went to all the contributing sponsors whose donations in cash and prizes to the tournament trail this year were greatly appreciated. |
Herndon & Garrard Win Falls Sunday Event
A total of $1,310 was up for grabs this last Sunday for twelve teams fishing the Piedmont Bass Classics event on falls Lake. With summer finally ending its grip on ravaging temperatures, the anglers fishing the event saw the beginnings of a fall pattern. One team walked away with $875 of the pot on a day that saw rains move in shortly after weigh in. “Falls was beautiful in the morning and then the winds kicked up to 15 mph,” he noted. “The rain started right after the weigh-in and, hopefully, it will rain steadily for a while and get these lake levels back up.” The trail used the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. This tournament was sponsored by A-1 Medical Supplies located in Raleigh. They furnished the $250 cash first place bonus. Results of the event were as follows: |
Fofi And Murdock Win Jordan Lake Open
With day after day of high heat, you couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions at the Piedmont Bass Classics Open at Jordan Lake last weekend. Air temps ranging from the low sixties to mid-eighties with a nice breeze in the afternoon made the day feel like a late summer outing. The only thing missing was the bass and the usual large turnout of anglers.
”It was low turnout for both bass and anglers,” stated Phil McCarson, director of the event. Six seasoned teams battled it out, bringing in only seventeen bass to the scales that weighed only a total of 38 pounds. Water temps were in the high 70's. Jigs and worm rigs (Carolina and Texas-rigs) seemed to be the choice for the day. Winning fish were caught on jigs around rip-rap and other bank structure. “The fall season is nearly here and hopefully the bite will pick up as the water cools,” he stated. The group used the Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp. Results of the event are as follows: Big Fish Award: Steve & Horton Upchurch of Raleigh & Pittsboro...3.63 lbs...$60 |
Buggs Island Treats Winners Reedy & Marrow To 23.32
Teammates from Siler City and Oxford launched onto Buggs Island last weekend, spent a few hours at their favorite holes, and picked up $1,640 in cash for their efforts. The Buggs Island Team Tournament event there was the final event in the regular season and the winners dragged an overwhelming bag to the scales for the win. And, while all that catching went on, Brandon Gray and Brian Clark quietly earned the 2010 Points Championship. Daryl and Jimmy Foster were recipients of the 2010 Lunker of the Year, a 7.42 pounder caught on Lake Mayo. The team of Dennis Reedy of Siler City and Tommy Marrow of Oxford, NC took top honors in the final qualifying event of the year with a six fish limit topping out at 23.32 pounds. Dennis and Tommy's creel was anchored with the tournament lunker, a 5.36 pounder. Their outstanding catch on a day, when the bite appeared to be very tough, earned them the top cash prize. Tourney runner-ups were the team of Wesley Cashwell of Roanoke Rapids and Mark Inman of Greensboro, NC. Their six fish limit of 17.10 pounds netted them $750 for the day. Rounding out the top three was the team of Lee Williams of Durham, NC and Scott Smith of Apex, NC. Their limit earned them $300 for the event. Fourth Place went to Joe Carr (Cool Ridge, WV) and Wes Carr (Lenexa, VA), 6 fish, 14.56 lbs, $140. The second tournament lunker was caught by the team of Abe Abernathy of Greensboro, NC and Dave Lucas of High Point, NC. Their 4.26 pounder was a $200 cast. The team of Craig Rust and Bill Shelor of Chesterfield were the $100 "Lucky Dog" winners. |
September 12, 2010 Info & Photos Courtesy of Phil McCarson According to Piedmont Bass Classics Director, Phil McCarson, the fall pattern is on at Falls Lake. In a regular schedule event this last Sunday, crankbaits and Texas rigs seemed to be the ticket on a day when water temps had fallen into the high seventy degrees. This was the first Sunday event on the schedule and remaining events will follow that pattern.
Using the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp, thirty-nine bass were caught totaling 87 pounds. “Most fish were caught on river channel drop-offs,” stated McCarson. 2nd Place: Bobby & David Matthews of Durham...5 fish...13.90 lbs...$305 AND TWT 1st:...13.90 lbs...$65 TWT 2nd: Mark Herndon & Jay Garrard of Bahama & Durham...6.81 lbs...$35 |
For years, Advance Auto Parts has participated in a national fund raising effort on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. According to Brian Knowles, a General Manger for Advance Auto Parts, the Asheboro area branch of that company is hosting their first-ever bass fishing tournament as a way to bring local support to the cause. The competition will happen September 25th on Randleman Regional Reservoir, a pond that earned a lot of excitement in its opening season. The tournament will pay out the top three weights at $250, $150, and $100. A Big Fish pot will be split between the angler and the JDRF. |
August 7, 2010 Info and Photos Courtesy of Jay Childress When the Tarheel Striper Club tackled Rhodhiss at the beginning of the month, the teams faced the same heat and humidity all clubs were battling. For striper angling, that can make for a tough day on the water. According to club director, Jay Childress, the August 7 event was typical for that time of the year, but the outing did produce some fish. “We had a great turnout for the Rhodhiss tournament and a lot of fish were caught,” stated Childress. “Not a lot of keepers came to check in, but I guess, for August, it was not too bad.” The club checked in eleven fish that totaled 76.2 pounds. That seven-plus pound average was enough to make it a good day. The group hopes their September event on Lake Tillery on the 18th will be even better. Beginning in that month, striper bite begins to pick up as water temperatures begin to fall. That will be the club’s eighth outing of the season. Twenty-two teams totaling thirty-seven anglers showed up for the competition. Final results of the August 7 event are as follows: 9/18: Lake Tillery, Wildlife Ramp |
27 Pound Sack Wins Deep Creek Lures Event On Falls
It was the Deep Creek Lures Summer Challenge and anglers turned out in piles to compete for the extra $1,000 in cash provided by the Rougemont, North Carolina-based bait company. That response and the battle that followed produced the biggest bags of five delivered to weigh in scales since early spring reports. Anglers went dead-serious in their efforts and the winning bag hit the 27 pound mark. “It was a beautiful day at Falls for the Deep Creek Lures Summer Challenge,” stated Phil McCarson, director of the Piedmont Bass Classics, the host of the event. Temperatures ranged from 71 to 88 degrees with lights winds, and Water temps were in the mid to high 80's. Water levels were about a foot and a half low, according to McCarson. In all, thirty-two teams dueled for the bonus 1st place prize.
Sixty-seven bass were brought to the scales and totaled 224 pounds. Ben Cannon and Ken Wall topped the list with five bass weighing 27.60 pounds. “They blew the field away by almost 10 pounds!” exclaimed McCarson. “From what I gather, the hot lures for the day were crankbaits and most fish were caught in the six to eight foot range.
”I want to really thank Marie Turner and Henry Smith for helping us out at this event!,” stated McCarson. Deep Creek Lures specializes in garlic-scented fresh and saltwater plastic baits and is known nationally. Wall and Cannon took home $920 plus the Deep Creek Lures cash. Joe Langley and Brian Fritts of Benson and Raleigh placed second with five fish at 17.62 pounds for $540.Third went to Dan Glosson and Phillip Eakes of Rougemont and Bahama with five fish at 17.06 pounds for $385. Philip Edgerton and Bobby Weaver of Durham and Fayetteville placed fourth with five fish at 16.00 pounds for $305, while Barry Kleinfelter and Todd Sumner of Stem and Southern Pines rounded out the top five with five fish at 15.21 pounds for $230 |
Gray & Clark Beat Buggs For Almost 18 When bite is tough on Buggs, it usually equates to a good day on many other lakes across the state. That was the case this past weekend when the Buggs Island Team Tournament launched there. Respectable sacks anywhere else, it was considered an off day by that crew. Brandon Gray of Bullock, NC and Brian Clark of South Boston, VA took top honors in the sixth qualifying event of the season with a six fish limit weighing 17.78 pounds. Their creel was also anchored with the tournament lunker, a 4.30 pounder. Brandon and Brian's catch earned them $1620 for the event. The tourney runner-up was the team of Tony Woodard of Four Oaks, NC and Wally Szuba of Cary, NC. Tony and Wally's six fish limit weighing 16.64 pounds was anchored with the #2 tournament lunker, a 3.68 pounder. Tony and Wally's catch netted them $950 for the day. Rounding out the top three was the team of Abe Abernathy of Greensboro, NC and David Lucas of High Point, NC. Abe and Dave's six fish limit weighing 16.24 pounds, earned them $300 for the event. Other placers were Fourth Place: Wesley Cashwell (Roanoke Rapids, NC) and Mark Inman (Greensboro, NC) six fish, 16.12 pounds, $140, and Fifth Place: Billy Shelton (LaCrosse, VA) and Todd Dorton (Church Road, VA), six fish, 16.00 pounds, $100. Lucky Dog Winners were Chris Bullock and Robert Perkins, who pocketed $100. For more information about the Buggs Island Team Tournaments, contact Director Randy Joyce at 434-575-7748 or visit their web site at www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. A full schedule is posted on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
Falls Lake Open Won With 19 Plus Pounds
The Piedmont Bass Classics series took a break from their regular season schedule this past weekend, holding an open event on Jordan Lake. Eleven teams turned out for the competition and competition for the top prize was beyond tough… the winning team set the standard at 19.54 pounds when boats returned to the Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp scales. “We finally had a nice day at the lake,” stated Phil McCarson, organizer of Piedmont Bass Classics. “Temps at Jordan were in the high 80's with a nice wind just to keep everyone a little cooler.” Eleven teams battled it out, bringing thirty-three bass to the scales that totaled 109 pounds. Water temps ranged from 88 to 91 degrees. “Crankbaits, jigs and worm rigs (Carolina-rigs) seemed to be the choice for the day,” noted McCarson. |
August 11, 2010 Info and Photos Courtesy of Les McLean The High Point Fire Dept Bass Anglers held the twelfth tournament of the year on August 11th at Randleman Reservoir. With mostly sunny skies, light winds and an air temperature in the mid 90's, the water temperature was 88 plus degrees and clear to stained. The club had a great turn out with 12 teams represented despite a heat index above 105 degrees. Team Collins and Michael brought the only limit to the scales. Their five fish weighed 11-02.875 pounds and was good enough for first. Team Hayes and Dodson came in second with four fish weighing 10-04.25 pounds. Third place and Big Fish went to Team Pope and Lackey with three fish weighing 9-11.375. Their big fish weighed 4-06.625 pounds. The club’s next tournament will be on August 25th at High Rock Lake. |
August 7, 2010 Info and Photos Courtesy of Phil McCarson The Piedmont Bass Classics had a weather break this past weekend. They began in low-70 degree temps and finished the day at 90. For the series run by Phil McCarson, that weather and a nice breeze was a big difference from past weeks. Sixteen teams took advantage of the conditions and hit Falls Lake on Saturday. The pond obliged.
“Even with the new size limits, it only took 16.86 pounds of bass to win,” stated McCarson. “Water temps were again in the 90's and the pattern for this time of year is just not the same as in the past. Texas and Carolina rigs along with jig and pigs were the lures of choice. The crankbait bite is just not producing good numbers,” he ended. Forty bass came to the scales for a 115 total pounds. The group used the Ledgerock Wildlife Landing in an event sponsored by Troy Worrell of CAROLINA AIR CONDITIONING in Durham, NC with a bonus first place prize of $250 in cash. Shawn's Reel Service in Durham (919-633-3251) awarded a 'Super Cleaning Gift Certificate worth $25 to the team with the smallest bag weighed in. Final results for the event were as follows:
1st Place: Chadd Eriksen and Zach Schmieglitz of Raleigh...5 fish...16.86 lbs...$640 and bonus, |
July 24, 2010 Info and Photos Courtesy of Phil McCarson If anyone thought about beating the top team in the Piedmont Bass Classics event this past weekend on Falls Lake, it would have taken a near super-human effort. Any five fish limit would have needed to exceed a five-and-a-half pound each average in order to be competitive. Given the one hundred degree heat anglers participated in, the winning effort was beyond noteworthy. In the Drye’s Gun Shop (Bahama, NC) event Mike Carden and Johnny Wilder teamed up to haul 27.09 pounds of winning bas to the scales. Their anchor was a 7.93 pounder. According to Phil McCarson, tournament director, the pair caught some of the biggest right near weigh in time. “I changed the weigh in time from 3 to 2 PM because of the heat,” noted McCarson. “Even so, when most of the teams rolled back in at 2, they looked pretty worn out. There was one team that looked cool and happy.” He was referring to Carden and Wilder who had nailed the biggest bag of the season with the two near-eight pounders coming right at the end. Twelve teams turned out to catch 40 bass during the event totaling 140 pounds. “Crankbaits and Texas and Carolina rigs again were the ticket for the catches,” he noted.
Drye’s Gun Shop kicked in a bonus first place prize of $250 in certificates in support of the event. Carolina Air Conditioning of Durham will sponsor the next event, August 7 on Falls Lake. They will offer $250 in cash to the top team. In total, Carden and Wilder won $955 in cash and prizes last week. Complete results are as follows: |
Buggs Island Gives Up Over 17 To Winners Lowe And Walser
Tourney runner-ups were the team of Bill Shelor and Craig Rust of Chesterfield, VA with a six fish limit weighing in at 17.24 pounds. The team’s catch was anchored by the tournament lunker, a 5.42 pounder. Their catch earned them $1380 for the day. Rounding out the top three was the team of Wesley Cashwell of Roanoke Rapids, NC and Mark Inman of Greensboro, NC. Their six fish limit of 13.62 pounds produced a $320 payday. Others placing were… 4th Place: Brandon Gray (Bullock, NC) and Brian Clark (South Boston, VA), 6 fish, 13.40 lbs, $160 Lucky Dog Winners were Odis and Rob Warren of Burlington, NC $100. Six limits came to the scales with ninety-two total fish weighed. A total of 210.6 pounds, or a 2.29 pound average per fish were weighed. For more information about the Buggs Island Team Tournaments, contact Director Randy Joyce at 434-575-7748 or visit their web site at www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. A full schedule is posted on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
After surviving triple digit temperatures, the team of Mack Lowe of Indian Trail, NC and Robert Walser of Lexington, NC took top the top spot in the fifth qualifying event of the Buggs Island Team Tournament series with a six fish limit weighing 17.38 pounds this last weekend. Their catch was anchored with the second largest lunker, a 4.84 pounder. The anglers netted $1580 for their effort.Hutchins Wins Archdale Event At Randleman The sun rising slowly over the horizon up Saint Peter’s Church Rd neck on Randleman Reservoir looked like a big old golden, crusty piece of fried chicken being pulled up out of boiling oil. You could almost hear the sharp crackle fade into a slow hiss as it cooled down. Nothing even close to that happened Saturday July 24th as the Archdale Bass Club fished their second scheduled July tournament.
Due to the string of dangerously hot days, the club voted to shorten their day an hour and a half. Even so, more than one club member was feeling it by the end of competition time with two members leaving the lake prematurely. The heat may have taken a toll on fishermen but fish care was excellent. Weights were understandably low but, with the accommodation of Randleman’s helpful staff, everyone weighed and released their catch alive. Lucas Hutchins weighed the only 5 fish limit for a total of 9.86 pounds. Second was Freddie house with 3 fish weighing 5.63 pounds. The author finished third with two fish for 5.38 pounds. No hints came out of young Mr. Hutchins but we saw him hanging around main lake points and bends off and on through the day. Second and third places fished within sight of one another early but it appeared lures and features fished were very different. Our fish were taken on open water features with micro jigs. Honorable mention also goes to a visiting youth angler, Alex Randall. 14 year old Alex is one of a few young men that wanted to try their hand at full blown tournament angling this year. Sunscreen soaked Alex toughed it out with the big boys in the club sacking 2 fish with a total 5.19 pounds; his first fish ever on a jig including his biggest bass yet at 3.32 pounds. Although he cannot compete in the adult ranks until he is 16, his weight placed him in overall fourth place in the tournament stadnings. Considering the conditions, that should at least earn him some bragging rights… and a very big grin. With 4 club tournaments left in the year, the standings shake out like this: The top total weight category is lead by Jamie Denison with 47.87 pounds with our most experienced angler Clayton Proctor, nipping at his fins with 47.18 pounds. Third place is steady Ed Brady at 46.73 pounds with Bill Frazier, Brian Sorrell and Famous James Lewis in the fourth through sixth slots. Total points are headed up by Steve Gunter followed by his dad, Sam. Frazier is in third place with Clayton and James in fourth and fifth. Ed Brady holds down the sixth position. All are within easy striking distance of moving up with some very respectable fishing opportunities this fall on the far side of this unfavorable heat wave. It is particularly worth pointing out that 4 of the top 6 positions in both categories are held by guys fishing out of the same boat. Steve and Sam are fishing partners as are James and Clayton. Being able to consistently find fish and share them with the other guy in your boat, speaks volumes about the courtesy and commitment to our club motto of “friends, fellowship and fishing”. The next club tournament will be August 7th at High Rock Lake out of the Southmont ramp. Starting time was set at 6 am but the club did not want to set the weigh-in time with no end in sight to this heat wave. Albeit a bit balmy, we’ll see you on the water. |
Windy Jordan Conditions Pound Piedmont Bass Anglers Open
For the anglers fishing the Piedmont Bass Classics event on Jordan this Saturday, the lake turned a rough side to fishing efforts. According to director, Phil McCarson, the anglers found efforts thwarted by high winds and a thunderstorm throughout the day. In the end, only twenty-three bass came to the table. “Jordan Lake put a whooping on the anglers this time,” stated McCarson. “It was windy from the time we got there and this caused a lot of problems with the deep water structure fishing. You just couldn't hardly stay on a spot,” he noted. “Then, we had a little thunderstorm to add to the misery.”
Twelve teams made the best of the day in the second of six open events at Jordan. The group used the Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp. The bass weighed in totaled seventy-five pounds, averaging over three pounds apiece. Crankbaits, jigs and worm rigs (Carolina-rigs) seemed to be the choice for the day, according to the director. The next tournament will be at Falls Lake (Regular Tournament Trail Event) on July 24th out of Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. |
McLean And Tolley Highlight Fire Dept. Event
The High Point Fire department sent its best bass anglers at Randleman Reservoir past Thursday, hoping the veterans of the crew could tame the new waters. Although only seven teams turned out because of vacations, those who hit the waters piled a bunch of fish into livewells. In the end, veteran winner Les McLean and Less Tolley, Fishbyte.Net Pro Angler, tallied another top finish. The tenth tournament for the group this season, the day provided light winds and hot temps. Water temperatures ran about 85 degrees and were stained to clear. Team McLean and Tolley won with five fish weighing 16-00.625 pounds. They also had Big Fish honors with a 4-15.625 pound lunker. Team Honeycutt and Hunt came in second with five fish weighing 9-07.25 pounds. Todd Zachary, fishing solo, came in third with three fish weighing 7-06.375 pounds. The next tournament will be held on July 29th on Badin Lake. |
July 10, 2010 Story & Photos Courtesy of Jay Childress In the never-ending quest to out-do each other, the “live-baiters” and “trollers” of the Tarheel Striper Club met once again in the sixth tournament of their schedule to duel once again. Both groups hope to put the debate to rest once and for all. In the outing on Kerr Lake, the “live-baiters” sent their adversaries home wondering, as the best money went home with those using bait that moves on its own. “It was a great day on the lake,” stated director Jay Childress. “The water was crystal clear and a good crowd showed up to fish. We had 19 teams show up for our sixth tournament of the year and the live baiters took the show by taking the top three places.” Childress noted that the trollers still had a great day, but their fish were just smaller in size. The club checked in forty fish that totaled 208.55 pounds. The big fish of the tournament weighed in at 12.40 pounds. The next tournament is at Rhodhiss Lake at the State Road 1001 Wildlife Ramp on Aug.7. That event is a make-up tournament for a canceled Norman Tournament back in February. Check-in is 5:30 to 6 AM and the tournament goes from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Results of the Kerr Lake event are as follows: |
Piedmont Bass Hosting Open On Jordan July 10 If you are looking for an open bass competition this coming Saturday and would like to fish a big lake, the Piedmont Bass Classics is hosting a second, wide-open event on Lake Jordan July 10. Just two weeks ago, dozens of entries showed up to catch big weights on a red hot pond. The group will use the Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp and will blast off at approximately 5:45 AM and return at 2 PM. Registration will begin at 4:30 that morning at the ramp. All the information for the bass events is available from the links at www.piedmontbassclassics.com |
Dainton Wins Riverbassin.com Charlotte Stop
As fishing tournaments go, there wasn’t much of what might be considered “standard” for an event. The day began without a roar of engines; there was no blast off point, and anglers spread out over a one hundred mile radius covering two states. They were looking for bass for the win, but could count five different species in their take. All those ingredients are what make the River Bassin Trail different from all other tournaments in the region. Begun a year ago, the series of five events are held in four different states. According to Drew Gregory, director for the Trail, “The 2010 eco-friendly River Bassin Tournament Trail is comprised of five tournaments at five different Bass Pro Shops locations.” On Saturday, anglers fished nearby rivers of their choice with man-powered watercraft and took photos of their catch on a ruler device given to them the previous evening. They brought back their camera’s memory card to the Bass Pro Shops in Concord for weigh in. A slide show “results show” began a couple hours later to determine the winner based on a three-fish combined length.
Hal Lambert of Marion, SC looked worn out but pleased after he returned from a day’s fishing. “I like this trail because it gives me a chance to fish for different species of bass in a lot of locations. It’s great exercise and a lot of fun.” Lambert won a recent event hosted in Atlanta, GA. The angler reported fishing the Catawba and found the going tough. He found a few in very shallow water on buzz and chatter baits. Mack McCorkle of Cary, NC used the NC event for his first outing on the trail. “I wish I could do this again at the next event, but I have another commitment,” he stated. McCorkle said he planned to clear his calendar for next year’s events. Although he wouldn’t reveal the waters he fished, he did report an early bite on a buzzbait and fluke. McCorkle finished fourth, just a quarter inch behind the next two positions.
As word of the Trail has spread and its popularity has grown, regular anglers are traveling good distances to participate. Tim Perkins says it’s, “…my passion.” The Heflin, Alabama native has fished all his life from a canoe or kayak, beginning when he was ten years old as the paddleman for his grandfather. He fished the Deep River on Saturday and found 42.5 inches. “We need to teach kids about this,” he stated. “It combines the great sport of fishing with exercise.” Perkins fished the Avid Angler Division, finishing just outside the top ten. Caja Ormand of Shelby, NC is in his first year with River Bassin. He fished the Broad River all day and found 50 inches of bass, enough to find himself on stage during the closing ceremonies. He had fished the Atlanta event earlier in the season and looked forward to fishing some home waters in the Avid Division. Only one youth angler turned out for the day’s expedition. Jacob Doll found himself the winner of the Backwater Paddles Young Riverbassers division. The angler caught only one fish, a six inch bass, but took home a Jackson Canoe as his prize.
Parker Dainton, Mike Simpson, and Eric Boyd took the stage as the top three anglers in the Kokatat Casual Angler Division. As director Gregory called out their fish sizes one at a time, the lead swapped hands with each report. In the end, Boyd’s 49.35 inches bested the others. Simpson finished with 47.75 while Dainton scored 35.75 inches. Dainton came all the way from Texas to fish with his son, Robert. Dad fished the Casual, while Robert fished with the Avid Anglers. In the Jackson Kayak Avid Angler Division, Robert Dainton, Caja Ormand and Todd Braswell were called to the stage as the top three performers of the day. In the end, less than three inches separated their finishes. Ormand and Braswell tied with 52 inches, but Ormand had the biggest fish of the two, giving him the second spot of the competition. Dainton scored 55.75 inches to narrowly grab the win. “This has been such a great day,” stated an emotional Robert Dainton from the stage. “To be involved in this great Trail and to have my Dad here fishing with me today… I can’t ask for better.” The Trail moves on to its final event of the season July 10 at Macon, Georgia. “Macon may very well be one of the “meccas” for river bassin, so it just makes sense to wrap up the trail at this Bass Pro location,” stated Gregory. “There is no doubt shoal bass from either the Flint or Ocmulgee River systems will play a role in a lot of virtual stringers here. However, will the winner target shoal bass, or will a largemouth or spotted bass pattern steal the show and pull an upset? This is going to be a fight to the finish and we’ll be crowning our River Basser of the Year here at the 2010 River Bassin Tournament Trail finale.” Cost to enter an event varies per division and information can be found on their web site at www.riverbassintrail.com. A mandatory meeting will be held for all anglers the evening before at the Bass Pro Shops in Macon. |
June 26, 2010 It took a couple weeks and a few events, but two of the Piedmont Bass Classics hottest anglers found themselves back in the winner’s circle last Saturday after an event on Falls Lake. Joe Langley and Brian Fritts used a predictable “bass pattern” day when bite was on to claim first place on a sweltering day, finding five fish weighing 24.78 pounds.
The Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp weekly event had twenty-one teams competing. Sixty-two bass were brought to weigh in for a total weight of 222 pounds, according to director Phil McCarson. Blast off and weigh in air temperatures were 72 and 97 hot degrees and winds were light and variable. “The hot lures for the day were jig and pigs, crankbaits, Carolina and Texas rigs,” stated McCarson. “Bass are where they should be with the water temps, in eight to sixteen feet of water on river channel structure. Throw to the edge of the river and creek channels, and then bring it down the slope. That was the pattern for the day,” he noted.
This tournament was sponsored by Roger Hester of Tournament Lure Concepts in Germanton. The sponsor provided a bonus first place prize of $250 worth of custom painted crankbaits. For more information about joining either series, contact McCarson at 919-471-1571 or email him at philsflags@msn.com. Complete information is also available on the Classic's web site at www.piedmontbassclassics.com. |
June 19, 2010 By Jay Childress and Fishbyte.Net Staff Photos Courtesy of Bobby Workman It’s always a battle between the “live-baiters” and the “trollers”, and in recent months the boat teams using stuff that swims by itself have commanded the waters. However, at the recent Open striper competition hosted by the Tarheel Striper Club on Jordan Lake, the boats dangling baits far behind their moving vessels had their day. Thirty boat teams turned out for the event and those using trolling tactics caught the most fish.
“The trollers finally redeemed themselves by checking in a lot of fish,” stated club director Jay Childress. “but first place still went to a live baiter. The weather was very hot but it did not stop the striper fishermen from coming out and catching alot of fish. David and Debbie Lucas, a team that has been hotter than the recent weather, scorched the event again by winning another first place for the third time in a row. “You know that saying about when you’re hot, you’re hot,” stated Childress. “Well, this team is on fire right now. Congratulations on three in a row and to all who checked in fish.” In all, the Open event hauled in 238.65 pounds of stripers for a nearly eight pound per boat average. Twenty seven guests took advantage of the Open and fished with the group, which included five youth. The club moves on to Buggs island on July 10th for its sixth tournament of the 2010 season. This tournament will be closed and is for members only. For more info on how to join the club, visit www.tarheelstriperclub.com. Information is also available on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums.
The final results of the June 19 event are as follows: |
Stewart & Adams Win Piedmont Bass Classics Lonestar Event
If you were fishing on Falls Lake in the Piedmont Bass Classics Lonestar Steakhouse & Saloon event this last weekend, you would have been out of luck without at least twenty-four pounds of catch at weigh in. The winning bag, a 23.64 in five fish, was just a preview of bigger weights to come as fish move to deeper waters, according to the series director. ”It was another great day for fishing at Falls Lake,” stated Phil McCarson. “The air temps were hot and so was the bite. We had twenty-one teams for the team bass division that weighed in fifty-nine bass for a total weight of right at 200 pounds.” At blastoff, air temps were around 72, but at weigh in they had shot up to 95 with high humidity. The director reported water temps ranging from the mid-80's on the lower end to low-90's on the upper end. Winds were light and variable.
“Hot lures for the day were slow-rolled spinnerbaits, crankbaits, Carolina and Texas rigs,” reported McCarson. “Bass are now getting to where they should be with the water temps as such, eight to sixteen feet of water on river channel structure. We are still waiting for that thirty pound bag and it shouldn't be long.” Two of the bass caught on Saturday were over seven pounds and were very healthy looking.
The tournament, sponsored by Lonestar Steak House & Saloon, came with a bonus first place prize of $100 in gift certificates. “I want to really thank Michelle at Lonestar Steakhouse & Saloon for helping us out this year. They have given away $350 in bonus prizes for our tournaments. Shawn Walker of Shawn's Reel Service in Durham also presented the first place team with two complimentary fishing reel 'Super Tuning' coupons. Stewart and John Adams of Four Oaks and Benson topped the list of heavy hitters for the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp event. Their catch of five fish tipped the scales at 23.64 pounds, good for the $755 in cash and Bonus money. Second place went to Joe Langley and Brian Fritts of Benson and Raleigh who found five fish weighing 18.90 pounds. They won $455. Marie Turner and Buster Seabolt of Rougemont and Dunn placed third, winning $285 with five fish at 18.17 pounds. The final paying spot was won by Steve Upchurch of Raleigh with four fish weighing 17.71 pounds, good for $185. |
A very different bass fishing tournament is about to hit North Carolina, courtesy of River Bassin.com and Bass Pro Shops. The Trail will head to the Tarheel State June 26th for plenty of fishing action across a one hundred mile radius. Activities kick off at Bass Pro in Concord the evening before as anglers make the mandatory pre-meeting at the store. According to Drew Gregory, spokesperson for the Trail, “The 2010 eco-friendly River Bassin Tournament Trail will be comprised of five tournaments at five different Bass Pro Shops locations. Anglers will fish nearby rivers of their choice with man-powered watercraft and take photos of their catch on a ruler device given to them the previous evening. They will then bring back their camera’s memory card to the Bass Pro Shops location where a slide show “results show” will take place to determine the winner based on a three fish combined length.” Prizes are awarded in three divisions… Avid Angler, Casual Angler and Young River Bassers. “The Avid Angler division will feature a River Basser of the Year grand prize that is already valued at $15,000 and is expected to continue to grow,” noted Gregory. Key sponsors already lined up include Jackson Kayak, True North Trailers and Amazon Expeditions. Prizes include new Jackson Kayaks, NuCanoe’s, Ascend Kayaks, a fully rigged Outdoor Support Vehicle from True North ($15,000) and an all expenses paid trip to the Amazon River to fish for peacock bass, and much more. “Boasting the largest boundary of all the tournament stops, this one should be interesting, because it can be won in either South or North Carolina, or even Virginia,” stated Gregory. “Anglers could potentially be fishing in all three topographic zones… the mountains, piedmont and the coastal plain. The battle could be won with either largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass or a combination of all,” he stated. “With so much incredible water in play, anglers will have to really narrow down where they should spend their time. Some good water lurks on the outskirts of the boundary, but will it be worth the risk,” he ended. Cost to join in is$75 for Avid, and $50 for Casual Angler or Young River Bassers. Activities kick off at Bass Pro Shops on Friday at 7 PM and weigh in on Saturday, 6/26 will be back at the store at 4:30 PM. All five Black Bass species are allowed. For more information about the event, visit the River Bassin web site at www.riverbassin.com or call Gregory at 706-540-4280. |
June 12, 2010 Story & Photos Courtesy of Phil McCarson Although boat numbers were down a bit for the Piedmont Bass Classic’s haul to Kerr Lake, twelve teams ventured out in searing heat on Saturday from the Flemington Wildlife Access. Air temps rose to 95 degrees by the time anglers headed for shore and bass stayed under cover.
”Participation was low due to 2 tournaments at Falls and Fisher's of Men at Gaston,” stated Phil McCarson, organizer of the events. “However, forty-three bass were brought to the scales totaling 87 pounds.” He reported crankbaits, top water, jigs, spinnerbaits and plastics, all being used to catch the bass. “The hot pattern for the day was flipping boat docks with wacky worms and jigs,” he noted. The father and son team of Dale and Brian Ellis of Bahama and Timberlake walked away with $994 in cash and prizes when they hauled five fish and 13.6 pounds to weigh in. They grabbed $624 for first and added $120 for the Big Fish Award with a 4.72 pounder. This event was sponsored by Piedmont Bass Classics with a $250 gift pack as a first place bonus. |
Asheboro’s Lake Lucas To Host Post 905 Open The Sons of American Veterans Post 905 in Asheboro will jump into the bass tournament fray this coming weekend when they host the inaugural Bass Fishing Tournament on Lake Lucas in Asheboro. Beginning at 6 AM, anglers participating will weigh in at 2 PM. The Post is guaranteeing a $250 Grand Prize. Cost to join in is $50 per boat team with breakfast and registration on site. Boat launch order will be determined by draw and boats will blast off at 6:30 AM. Lake Lucas has specific rules to include no outboard motors larger than 15hp, USCG approved life jackets per occupant, and no alcoholic beverages allowed. Lake Lucas does have limited boat and canoe rentals available. Lake Lucas and the City of Asheboro regulations can be found by visiting http://www.asheboroparksandrecreation.com/lakes.html or calling Lake Lucas at 336.629.1639. Additional information may be obtained by calling 336.302.2695 or e-mailing moseshoward@yahoo.com. |
Piedmont Bass Classics & Deep Creek Lures Team Up For Falls Event
Hot, hot, and more hot. Forty-one teams showed up to fish the Deep Creek Lures Challenge and braved the severe heat that parched bodies on Saturday on Falls Lake and the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. Anglers were beat when they arrived back at the ramp at 3 PM as air temps ranged from 78 to 96 during the day and water temps varied from 82 on the lower end and 89 on the upper end of the lake. Even with humidity so high and light winds providing no relief,79 bass were brought to the scales totaling 234 pounds. Crankbaits, top water, jigs, spinnerbaits and plastics were used to catch the bass. “The bass were scattered everywhere with no particular set pattern,” stated organizer Phil McCarson. “Marie Turner and Henry Smith, of Deep Creek Lures sponsored this event and presented a bonus of $1,000 in cash along with trophies to the winning team. The also fed the anglers fried chicken and drinks after the event.” Deep Creek Lures will also sponsor another tournament with a $1,000 bonus on August 21st at Falls. Results of the tournament were as follows:: |
June 6, 2010 Story and Photos Courtesy of Randy Joyce Kerr Lake was a hot bed of bass activity last weekend and one local series took advantage of the action. Just its fourth tournament of the season, the Buggs Island Team Tournament returned to the pond on Sunday to nail down one hundred seventy two fish for a combined weight total of 348.84 pounds. That 2.03 pound per fish average netted competitors $4,370 in cash winnings. Eighteen limits of six were weighed in by the thirty eight team competing. Brandon Gray of Bullock, NC and Brian Clark of South Boston, VA captured the top honors in the fourth qualifying event of the Buggs Island Team Trail with a six-fish limit topping the scales at 15.54 pounds. That creel earned them $1500 for the win and launched them into first place in the Points Championship race.
Tourney runner-ups Cavin Young of Prince George, VA and Robert Wells of Kill Devil Hills, NC. Cavin and Rob's six-fish limit of 14.40 pounds was also anchored by the second biggest lunker, a 4.40 pounder. Their catch netted them $1200 for the day. Rounding out the top three places was the team of Todd Massey of Chapel Hill, NC and Tim Parker of New Hill, NC. Their six-fish limit earned them $360 for the day. The series (www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php) has a seven event schedule on Kerr and Mayo that culminates in a Shoot Out Championship in October. Cost to cast is $110 with an optional $20 Big Fish side bet. The events are Triton Gold, Stratos 2X, and Ranger Cup registered. A Stratos boat will be given away to the Classic winner. Other teams finishing in the payout positions were: For more information about the Buggs Island Team Tournaments, contact Director Randy Joyce at 434-575-7748 or visit their web site at www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. A full schedule is posted on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
Bailey & Brown Net $1040 In Buggs Stratos Trail Event
The team of Steven Bailey of Chase City, VA and Stanley Brown of Clarksville, VA took tops in the qualifying event with a six fish limit weighing an impressive 20.96 pounds. Only two pounds of bass was the difference between a first place and fourth place bag. Jack Markham, Jr of Stem, NC and Jack Markham, III were tourney runner-ups with a six fish limit tipping the scales at 20.48 pounds. Their catch earned them $680 for the event. Rounding out the top three was the team of Daryl and Jimmy Foster of Danville, VA with another six fish limit weighing 19.32 pounds. Daryl and Jimmy's catch was anchored with the tournament lunker, a 7.42 pounder, which now takes the lead in the Lunker of the Year race. Daryl and Jimmy took away $710 for day's effort. Rounding out the top five were Brandon Gray, Bullock, NC and Brian Clark, South Boston, VA in fourth with six fish weighing 19.00 pounds worth $125, and Bryon Puryear of Virgilina, VA and Allen Farman, Roxboro, NC with six fish at 16.56 pounds valued at $100. The second place lunker was caught by the team of David Farman of Semora, NC and Jeff Killian of Alton, VA. The 5.50 pounder earned them $190 for the cast. Lucky Dog winners were Dennie Gilbert and Bobby Crisman. A total of fifteen limits and 127 fish were weighed in. That totaled 321.82 pounds, a 2.53 pound per fish average. The Buggs Island Team Tournament Stratos Trail features competitions on Kerr and Mayo from March through September. Information about the series can be found on their web site at http://www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. |
Fishing is always a great pastime, but when the day ends with a $1040 check, it was worth hitting the water for sure. The Buggs Island Team Tournament Stratos Trail met for its third qualifier of the season last Sunday on Lake Mayo and two anglers went home a bit richer.Mayo Produces Identical Bags For Two Winning Teams Every so often at weigh ins, onlookers are surprised when a pair of solo lunkers comes to the scales and they are twins… caught on the same day with identical weights. It’s rare, but it does happen. But, when a bag limit of six fish is weighed in and, minutes later, an identical limit weighs the exact same down to the hundredths of a pound that is a rarity not often seen. Such was the case at the recent Buggs Island Team Tournament event at Mayo when the top two teams recorded pairs of sextuplets. Written into the rules of any organized fishing competition is the solution to this dilemma, and the Buggs Island Team Tournament series had it covered. In cases where places tie, the nod is given to the team with the biggest single fish. For the team of Earnest Warren of Burlington, NC and Dwight Tickle of Haw River, NC, that rule came in mighty handy last Saturday. The teammates scored a total 17.98 pounds with six fish at weigh in, and had a single bass weighing 4.78 pounds. Keith Wray, of Eden, NC and Chris Bullock of Fountain, NC also had a 6 fish limit weighing 17.98 pounds, but their 4.58 pound lunker was two-tenths of an ounce smaller. They ended up in second place and won $392. Warren and Tickle earned $840 for first place. Cost to cast in the events is $110 with an optional $20 Big Fish side bet. The events are Triton Gold, Stratos 2X, and Ranger Cup registered. Seven qualifiers lead to a season=end championship where a Stratos boat will be given away to the Classic winner. For more information about the Buggs Island Team Tournaments, contact Director Randy Joyce at 434-575-7748 or visit their web site at www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. A full schedule is posted on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
Hooks For Hoops Uses Wylie As Stage For Fourth Event
Hooks 4 Hoops had Lake Wylie in its sights last weekend for third of five scheduled fund raisers and the lake piled the bass into livewells. Leaving from the South Point Access were eleven boat teams who paid the $100 entry fee. The series is designed as a fund raiser for the youth basketball league. Two places were paid out and one place was paid for Big Fish in the five-fish limit competition. Rusty White, fishing solo, found five fish with a total weight of 17.22 pounds. His biggest fish weighed 4.06 pounds. White won second place and $240. Michael Stephens and Ryne Barnes placed just out of the paying spots in third with 15.46 pounds. To learn more about the team you can visit their website at www.newtonflameselite.net or visit them on Facebook at |
Randleman Youth Club Off To Great Start With Bass Tournament Staged What do you get when you take twenty-two highly self motivated youth in a traditional rural community, one very committed coach and a local lake developing a regional reputation for spitting out both large fish and good stringers for about anyone willing to be worn out catching fish? It might be efforts to stage the beginnings of a club devoted to all those elements. They named themselves the Randleman Outdoors Club. “These young people took a look at themselves and their community and said, ‘Hey, we have all the academics, team sports and opportunities. We’d like to have more hunting and fishing in the mix’,” stated Bill Frazier. Their plan was to stage an outdoor expo of businesses and community leaders by kids for kids for their city cousins and others interested who may not have as many of these opportunities. But, being the practical, they knew they needed funding. They went to Randleman High School’s Coach Willie Duvall and hatched the plan to have a fishing tournament at the new lake in their community. The learning curve was steep for the club members and Coach Duvall. They spent a lot of personal time seeking and talking with fishermen, as well as many hours on the hoof posting and handing out flyers. They developed a logo and had shirts and hats made for themselves and their adult support network. “For someone who has been fishing tournaments for 26 years, I cannot convey how amazed I was at their tenacity in making this happen,” stated Frazier. “It is a great example of how only a genuine love of what they wanted to do for their community and fellow youth powers itself.” Third place went to Jim long and Chris Coble with a weight of 18.99 pounds. Second was the team of Mike and Aaron McDonald with 19.30 pounds. First place honors were for Howie Snotherly and Jerome Crews with 21.69 pounds. This team also netted big fish for the tournament with a hawg weighing 8.29 pounds. The total weight of fished brought to the scales Saturday was an eye popping 511.86 pounds. Many of the club members stayed around to fish. “I had the pleasure of fishing with Ryan Vickers of the Youth Outdoors Club,” noted Frazier. “Coach told me he placed him in my boat because all Vickers cared about was fishing. I got to meet a fellow fishing fanatic and the results reflected it. Our total weight was 14.59 pounds placing us somewhere around the top 10 for the tournament. Vickers caught the second largest fish of the tournament at 6.39 pounds. He said it was the largest one he’d ever caught and it was certainly my pleasure to fish with this future fishing leader.” |
Reedy And Thomas Haul 22.23 From Falls In Classic It’s beginning to sound like a broken record, but it played again this last Saturday when the Piedmont Bass Classics hit Falls Lake and the Ledge Rock Access. If any series knows how to boat plenty of big fish, it has to be the weekly anglers on the open series. This week, twenty-eight teams dragged 293 pounds of bass to the scales and you would have needed over 22.23 of them to win.
Dennis Reedy and Jeffrey Thomas captured the 12th in a series of 25 tournaments with Piedmont Bass Classics with that 22.23 pounds and earned $1,442.50 in cash and prizes. Falls Lake provided ninety bass for a near-three pound average per fish. Water temps ranged from 73 to 75 and air temps were 60 to 82 for the day. “We had one five minute downpour and pretty much cloudy all day.” Stated organizer Phil McCarson. “Most of the fish were caught casting to shallow water and then dropping the baits deeper on retrieve. Jigs and worms seemed to be the hot number for the day. The deep channel bite is still not in full swing yet, but it's coming!” he noted.
Skeet’s Custom Rods, located in Wake Forest, provided the week’s first place bonus prize of two - $125 gift certificates. “He makes some beautiful stuff,” noted McCarson. “What a great bonus prize.” |
CNCBA Offers Open Tourney Of A Different Horse (Power) On any trip to any lake you can find fishermen chasing their favorite pastime in a hundred different ways. Different baits, different species, various tackle, and powerful engines or none, anglers find whatever manner they enjoy and can afford to be out on the waters. The Central NC Bass Anglers have found a niche for the smaller equipment crowd and are hosting an Open event the first week of June.
What is unique about the event is the club regulation requiring boats to have no more than the 60 horsepower engine tied on back (or no engine at all). The tournament offers those using smaller jon-boats and other smaller craft an opportunity to compete. The CNCBA is one of only a small few groups that uses this requirement all season. The club’s regular season consists of nine events on a variety of lakes, including Randleman, Badin, Belews, Cammack, High Rock and MacKintosh lakes. Annual dues are $25. Club founders, Darren Kern and Charles Albright can provide additional information about the club and the Open Tournament. Kern can be reached at 919-749-7809 or via email at hydrilla@hotmail.com. Albright can be reached at 336-214=0862 or by email at albright1695@aol.com. Information and the 2010 schedule are also posted on the Fishbyte.net Calendar and Forums. |
The 60 horse power or under club has chosen a unique lake to hold their event. The group plans the June 5 blast off from the PRTWA Adams Farm Access on Randleman as soon as anglers can clear the $15 check in at the facility (6 AM opening time). They will fish until 2 PM. Cost is $40 per team… $15 will go towards the launch fee and the remaining $25 towards winners purses.
May 15, 2010 By Phil McCarson Photos Courtesy of www.piedmontbassclassics.com Teammates Joe Langley and Brian Fritts have dominated the Piedmont Bass Classics events on Falls Lake in the 2010 season, but that run came to an end last Saturday in a twenty-five team blast off from the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. It took a five-fish, twenty-four pound bag effort to knock the top team from their roost.
According to Phil McCarson, organizer of the weekly events that span a number of the lakes in the capital region, 161 pounds of bass came to the scales in forty-five fish. Four of the teams topped the twenty pound mark. ”It seemed as though most fish were caught downstream from Ledge Rock,” stated McCarson, “and not in the upper part of the lake towards I-85 as they usually are. From what I gathered, the bass were caught mostly on points and laydowns using carolina rigs and crankbaits in eight to twelve feet of water.” Air temperatures ranged from 60 to 90 degrees and water temps were around 80 degrees on average.
“The bass seem to be in a post-spawn area that anglers can't quite figure out,” commented the organizer. “They should be deeper, but are not at this time, probably because of the longer winter period we had this year. The deep water bite should be getting better as the air temps get hotter,” he ended. This tournament was sponsored by Castaway Fishing Supply in Smithfield with a bonus first place prize of $250 in gift certificates. “I want to really thank Corey and Joe at Castaway’s for helping us out this year! They have given away $1,000 in bonus prizes for our tournaments,” stated McCarson. “They are true supporters of fishing.” The next tournament on the Piedmont Bass Classic’s schedule is a return to Falls this coming Saturday, May 22nd. It is sponsored by Skeet’s Custom Rods in Wake Forest. Skeet will be giving away two $125 gift certificates to the first place winners. |
Elite Bassmasters Tackle Shearon Harris Bass Shearon Harris bass presented a confused look to the Elite Bassmasters of Raleigh this past Saturday and anglers worked to figure it out in heat that touched the ninety degree mark. Anglers found some bass still on beds, while others were done with the activity.
Mark Lamb and David Newell had the most luck finding a strategy that worked. They took first place with 11.45 pounds in seven fish. Lamb anchored their winning bag with a 4.70 pounder, enough for Big Fish of the event. Rob Griswald, fishing solo, nailed 8.70 pounds in five fish for second. Third placers, Jeremy Phan and Renee Brisendine weighed in 7.75 pounds in seven fish. The Elite Bassmasters of Raleigh (elitebassmasters.com) draws members from that area and surrounding towns in Wake County. They are affiliated with The Bass Federation (TBF) and send a team each year to the Regional Federation Tournament. Membership dues are $30 per year and each tournament costs $30. Monthly meetings are held at O’Charley’s on Brier Creek Parkway in Raleigh the first Tuesday of each month at 7 PM. For more information about the club, e-mail the membership director, David Newell at dnewell1927@yahoo.com or visit their web site. |
May 14, 2010 Information & Photos Courtesy of Les McLean
The new Randleman Reservoir refuses to disappoint anglers who venture out on its waters and the latest bonanza was courtesy of the High Point Fire Department Bass Club. The sixth tournament of the year for the active and retired members of that community service group, the May 14 outing lived up to expectations and wishes. Under partly cloudy skies, light winds and an air temperatures above 80 degrees, the water temperature was 75 plus degrees with visibility of a foot or more, according to organizer Les McLean. The club had fourteen teams represented. Randleman Reservoir did not disappoint. “Eleven of the fourteen teams weighed in a five fish limit,” stated McLean. “The club weighed in a total of sixty-three fish 189.1875 pounds. The lunker of the day was caught by Team Lackey and Pope and weighed 5 pounds 15.375 ounces. Final results were as follows… First place Lackey and Pope five fish at 21-07.875 pounds; McLean and McLean five fish at 19-05.875 pounds; Kimball and Barnes five fish at 17-09.250 pounds; Cross and Wilson five fish at 17-09.250 pounds; McDonald and Scott five fish at 16-10.125 pounds. |
Upcoming Randleman Open Is A Great Cause You’ve been looking for an excuse to do some bass catching on Randleman Regional Reservoir and now you have the perfect excuse. A group of students from the local high school have banded together to form an outdoors club to promote hunting and fishing education. They are raising money to host an outdoors expo at the local civics center. The event will take place off Adams Farm Road on May 29th. Advance registration is required and must be completed by May 26th. Cost for two anglers per boat is just $50. The top three places and a Youth Award will be paid. It will be a five-fish tournament that will run from 7 AM to 3 PM, according to Bill Frazier, NC BASS Conservation Director. A variety of local shops and businesses have already signed on as sponsors. Do remember… Randleman regulations allow only 100 boats on the lake, so anglers are urged to jump on the registration immediately to assure a spot in the bass tournament. Priority launch will be given to tournament entrants that day. For more information and to register, contact Willie Duvall at 828-446-1965 or wduvall@randolph.k12.nc.us. Participants will receive details and rules once they are registered. |
May 8, 2010 There may be an end in sight for Falls Lake bass if they keep biting like they did last Saturday for the Piedmont Bass Classics competition. Twenty eight teams tore up the lake, finding fish biting everything from top-water to plastics all day long. In the end, partners Joe Langley and Brian Fritts had closed the door on almost twenty-four pounds to win the weekly event. The pair walked away with a total of $1,085 in cash Langley and Fritts walked away with a total of $1,085 in cash and prizes.
Piedmont Bass Classics (www.piedmontbassclassics.com) uses a number of the Raleigh area lakes for its weekly series and draws anglers from all across the mid-state region. A variety of generous sponsors add cash and prizes to winnings each week. This week’s event was hosted by a well-known, North Carolina based company, Keep’Em Alive livewell additive. Owner Todd Sumner of Southern Pines gave an ample supply of his product plus $100 in cash, to total $250 as a first place bonus. The Ledgerock Wildlife Access saw anglers blast off in temperatures that grew to 90 degrees by day’s end and water that has risen to 75. Winds gusted to 25 miles per hour during the event.
“The teams hauled in 235 total pounds this week,” stated organizer Phil McCarson. “Falls Lake is really producing right now.” Sixty-nine bass came to the scales. According to McCarson, anglers should be looking in shallow to twelve feet of water on that lake. “The fish were biting and it looks as if the spawn is over, however, a few bedding fish were still seen in the waters towards the dam,” he added. The next tournament will be at Falls Lake on May 15th out of Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp and it will be sponsored by Castaway Fishing Supply in Smithfield, with $250 in gift certificates as a bonus first place prize. |
Take A Child Fishing Event May 15 At Wateree
This year’s event is in memory of Lib and Tommy Phiilips, organizers of the event for many of those years. They passed away unexpectedly this past year. Bill Childers, who began the event, has stepped back to the plate and will host this year’s activities. “The idea is to have adults step forward and show children (whether it’s their child, grandchild, niece, nephew or a neighbors child) that there’s a lot more to life that what they might find on the streets,” noted Melissa Hinson, director of the Southern Crappie Association and supporter of the event. The tournament will begin at 6:30 AM and go until noon. Entry is $30. Trophies will be awarded to the top twenty children and adult Big Fish winners. For more information, contact Childers at 803-669-9505. |
A special event with plenty of importance is about to happen this coming weekend on Lake Wateree. The 27th Annual Take A Child Bass Fishing Tournament will use the Clearwater Cove Marina in Camden, South Carolina to stage an annual event dating back nearly three decades. The whole idea is to “get a child hooked on fishing, not on drugs” according to the non-profit organization.
May 1, 2010 The twenty-eight teams turning out for the Piedmont Bass Classics event on Falls Lake had already found a limit before they even hit the water last weekend. Director Phil McCarson has lined up good sponsors for his events this season, and Saturday’s supporting cast not only put up a $500 cash prize for first place, they fed all the anglers prior to launch.
The Ridgecrest Baptist Church Outdoor Ministries Program showed up at the Ledge Rock Landing even before the boats began to haul in and were ready for hungry competitors. Once breakfast was over, the group prepared to serve all again at weigh in. Two Abu Revo reels and Falcon rod combos worth $200 each were given away by drawing to two lucky anglers, and drawings for Zebco rod and reel combos were given away to family members. According to McCarson, it looks as if spawn is over on Falls. “Bass were caught in shallow to 8 feet of water on everything from top water to plastics,” he noted. Seventy-four bass were weighed in and the biggest was an 8.64 pounder. A total of 250 pounds came to the scales.
Jesse Soles and Ron Jackson of Aberdeen and Vass scored five keepers at 23.51 pounds to win the $835 first place and $500 bonus money. Second went to Kenneth Phillips of Clayton with five fish...20.71 pounds worth $490. Mark Herndon and Jay Garrard of Bahama and Durham scored 18.97 pounds for third and $350. Other finishers included: 4th Place - Eric Christian and Jennifer Newby of Burlington five fish at 18.85 pounds for $260, 5th Place - Barry Kleinfelter and Alan Thompson of Stem and Butner five fish at17.56 pounds for $205, and 6th Place - Greg Lineberry and Wayne Shephard of Creedmoor and Prospect Hill five fish at 14.98 pounds for $100. |
Proctor Sorts Puzzle And Wins Archdale At Reese Is putting a jigsaw puzzle together luck? When we were little, our aunt taught us the only way to do it was through an organized, methodical process. The first thing you’d do is dump the pieces out on a flat surface and turn them right side up so you could see all of them at one time. Then you’d sort out the border pieces and slowly match the rest of the pieces by color or the contents of the picture until they fit together. Simple, right?
Competitive fishing is a jigsaw puzzle with a twist. It has a time limit. It’d be nice if you could see all the pieces under the water at one time to sort them out, but that wouldn’t be too healthy for the fish. So, fishing against other fishermen is working a jigsaw puzzle somewhat blindfolded with a time limit. You will you will often hear fishermen talk about luck, but they don’t really mean it. They may say they have a lucky rod or lure and never go near the water without it. Many have lucky rituals. I know of one that eats at Skipper’s seafood on south Main Street the night before EVERY tournament. And, it works. While it may seem a bit eccentric to say the least, it still isn’t luck. It is the same organized, methodical process of preparation before, and execution at, tournament time. Our favorite senior fisherman, Clayton “Lucky” Proctor put the pieces together Saturday, May 1 at Lake Reese near Asheboro. Clayton had 5 fish weighing 13.09 pounds. His boat partner, famous James Lewis said he felt a little like a good luck charm given he spent most of his day netting Clayton’s fish, including Big Fish of the tournament at 4.17 pounds. Archdale Bass Club president Dean Calloway charmed enough fish to take second place with 10.94 pounds. Steady contender Ed Brady took third with 9.75 pounds. 13 of the 15 competitors caught fish making it another outstanding tournament on Lake Reese. The next tournament will be May 22nd at Tuckertown. This little pond on the Yadkin River has become more like a salad bowl with gracious plenty of aquatic weeds. While they can be a nuisance to fish, they definitely harbor big bass. Last summer, Tuckertown spit out remarkably large stringers of 5 fish in the mid 20 to 30 pound range. Very few lakes in this area have that ability on a consistent basis. So, anticipation will be high for this one. And, don’t count on being lucky enough to find us around the house much in the next three weeks. You’ll know where to find us. We’ll see you on the water. |
Story & Photos Courtesy of Jennifer McRoberts The chilly morning April 11 didn't stop the members of Triple H Bass from venturing out for a tournament on Smith Mountain Lake. This year’s schedule was expanded to include Smith Mountain, Philpott and Bugg's Island in Virginia. With 18 members launching from the Penhook boat ramp, the day looked promising. Confidence ran high as they headed out for open waters to hunt for the winning five-fish bag. After a really cold beginning, the day turned out comfortable with sunny skies and mild temperatures. In the end, 2009 champions Ricky Jones and Colton Jones won the day with 15.51 pounds. Ricky Jones won Big Fish with a 4.25 pound largemouth. Steven Davis and Travis Leonard took second with 10.34 pounds, while Paul O'Neal and David Treadway placed third with 6.86 pounds. Bill Jones and Jonathon Jones followed in fourth with 6.56 pounds. Bill Jones won the Big Fish pot for largest smallmouth with a 2.80 pounder. John Smith and Terry Evans placed fifth with 3 pounds. Micheal Van Herpin and Tony Hardison placed sixth with 2.78 pounds. Jody McRoberts and Rodney Jones took seventh with 2.52 pounds, and Brad Houchins and Sam Everhart placed eighth with 1.32 pounds. No one is forgetting the race for the club championship this year. With three leader changes in the last three tournaments, no one has emerged as a dominant factor thus far. |
April 24, 2010 The Piedmont Bass Classics Series rolled into Ledge Rock on Falls Lake Saturday with 31 boat teams. They were ready to find fish and several teams had no problems doing so. A total of 274 pounds was brought to the scales at the end of the day, with several fish weighing over 6 pounds.
“There were lots of males in the three pound range caught,” stated director Phil McCarson, “and plenty of short fish that couldn't be brought to the scales. The fish nailed everything from buzz baits to plastics.” According to McCarson, at this time Falls is hot. Fish were caught in one to eight feet of water with temperatures of 69 to 71 degrees. The winds ranged from calm in the morning to 20 in the afternoon. Dennis Hamlett and Ed Cooke found the most locations with the best fish and arrived back at the ramps with 23.08 pounds. They also had Big Fish with a monster 8.16 pounder. Their day on the lake earned them $1575.
Not far behind them in second place was John Herndon with 21.85 pounds. He also had a large fish weighing 7.84 pounds. John stuck with his Sweet Beaver baits all day and they won him $525. Jay Garrard and Mark Herndon won third place with 19.36 pounds. They threw Deep Creek Lures Floating Beetle and went home with $430. Mike Salguero and Steve Foster took fourth place with a respectable 18.82 pounds. Chuck Bolton and Troy Short won fifth place with 18.57 pounds, and Joey Langley and Brian Fritts won 6th place with 16.30 pounds. There is certainly no shortage of full-grown fish at Falls Lake and they are actively spawning now. The Piedmont Bass Classics Series is open to the public and affordable for everyone. Sponsors such as Durham Refrigeration and Deep Creek Lures help to increase their payouts and make these events popular. For more information, visit the Piedmont Bass Classics and Team Crappie web site at www.piedmontbassclassics.com. A full schedule and contact information can also be found on Fishbyte.net Calendar and Forums. |
Jordan Lake Produces 17 Plus For Piedmont Bass Classics “Most of the fish were caught in one to four feet of water around grass beds and any structure found, such as twigs, stumps and rocks,” noted McCarson. “…Any little thing that a bass could use for ambush purposes,” he shared. Air temps ranged from 59 in the AM to a pleasant 78 in the afternoon. Winds were light and water temps ranged from 67 to 72 degrees. McCarson stated that most fish were caught on jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits. Thirty six fish were weighed in for a total weight of 129 pounds. |
It was a great day made for a great lake, and the Tarheel Striper Club took advantage of both treasures in water that was crystal clear. As is often the case, a solid membership turnout added to the perfect day and showed up to fish. “We had twenty teams show up to fish our third tournament of the year and the live baiters took the show by taking the top three places,” stated Jay Childress, director of the group.
All top three places reported that the fish were on the bottom at the edge of the humps were it was hard for the trollers to get to. “Don't get me wrong… the trollers still had a good day, but the fish were smaller in size,” noted Childress. The club checked in eighteen fish that equaled up to 113.75 pounds. The big fish of the tournament weighed in at 9.20 pounds. First place angling team, David Lucas and Debbie Lucas used that solo to vault themselves into the best payout position. Their total weight was a whopping 25.55 pounds of striper in three fish, the limit the club uses. Of the twenty teams and thirty-two anglers who participated, six were female, two youth, and “one dog” reported Childress.
The next event on the Tarheel Stripers’ calendar is a popular “open” to be held on Badin Lake, May 15th. The group will use the Lakemont (Whip-O-Will) ramp. Check in is at 5:30 to 6:00 AM and the tournament will run from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Anyone is able to fish this tournament and a large crowd usually shows up. “This Open Tournament is one of two open to the public. The other is on Jordan Lake on June 12th. Sign up forms can be downloaded off the club’s web site under the events thread. For more information about the club, visit their web site at www.tarheelstriperclub.com/phpBB3/index.php. Or, contact Childress at 919-478-6620 or by email at chilly3@vzw.blackberry.net. A schedule and info is also available on the Fishbyte.Net pages. |
April 17, 2010 Story and Photos Courtesy of Randy Joyce The team of Mike Carden and Mike Cox of Timberlake, NC took top honors in the April 17 Buggs Island Team Tournament event on Lake Mayo with a six-fish creel weighing 21.26 pounds. The two Mikes’ catch was also anchored with the tournament lunker, a 4.82 pounder. Their catch netted them $920 for the event. Tourney runner-up was the team of Wayne and Jerry Sheppard of Mebane, NC. Wayne and Jerry’s six-fish limit of 21.08 pounds earned them $430 for the day. Rounding out the top three was the team of Dom Barretta of Clarksville, VA and Keith Redd of Virgilina, VA. Dom and Keith’s six-fish limit of 20.00 pounds earned them $174 for the day. There were 12 limits caught during the event, with a total of 87 fish weighed at the scales for 237.92 pounds, a 2.73 pound average and one of the larger seen this season. |
April 17 & 18, 2010 By Martin Ledford & Fishbyte.Net Staff Photos Courtesy of Ken Troutman Lewis Gordon and Randy Burleson are intent on creating some new habits, and they used a two-day Bear Creek Bass Club at Wateree to finalize plans. The pair had earned top honors at the club’s March competition and returned to that spot after two grueling days on Wateree that totaled sixteen hours on the water.
The Bear Creek Bass Club holds eleven events during the season. Two of those are two-day competitions. Their season ends in November. Annual dues are just $40 and monthly meetings are held. Ryan Mullis serves as president. With a twenty-plus pound bag win at Wylie March 27 bolstering their motivation, the partners scored over sixteen pounds a day during the Wateree weekend. Their 33.34 pounds kept a four pound edge over the second place Solo angler Kenny Hill (29.36 pound total).
Dave Turner and Ethan Tucker finished third with 22.94 pounds, while Max and RE Davis finished fourth for the last paying position. In past years, the club had a ten-fish limit on Wateree, but this year they made a rule change where teams could only bring five fish to the scales. Saturday Ken “Culley” Cullipher and Ed Brown had the Big Fish, a 5.7 pounder. Sunday’s Big Fish honor went to Lewis Gordon and Randy Burleson for a 5.22 pound solo.
Twenty-five teams fished on Saturday and 111 fish were brought to the scales, weighing in at 254.56 pounds. Sunday twenty-three teams fished with 83 fish weighing in at 170.3 pounds. Saturday there were 18 limits and Sunday there were 11 limits. The top 10 teams had over 20 pounds for the two-day event. Nearly $1,500 was paid out to winners during the weekend. Water conditions both days were stained and visibility was limited to about six inches with average temperatures about 68 degrees. “On a tragic note, two of our teams did not fish Sunday,” stated club spokesperson Martin Ledford. Kyle Allen, 17, of Sunset Lake Road, Stanfield, passed away Sunday, at Stanly Regional Medical Center, Albemarle, NC, after an accident. “Wesley Eudy and Richard Huneycutt went home to be with and support their families. We would ask you to remember the family in your thoughts and prayers.” The team’s next tournament will be held on Tuckertown Lake, May 8th. |
Buggs Island Treats Inman And Cashwell To $1600
The team of Mark Inman of Greensboro, NC and Wesley Cashwell of Roanoke Rapids, NC took top honors in the second qualifying event of the Buggs Island Team Tournament season last Sunday, when the partners scored over seventeen pounds in six fish. Their creel earned them $1600 for the event. They also qualified for the Triton Gold bonus with the 17.32 pounds of bass. Tourney runner-ups, Tommy Farley of Colonial Heights, VA and Chad Craven of Raleigh, NC hit the six fish limit of 16.68 pounds, which netted them $900 for the day. Rounding out the top three was the team of Stephen Griggs of Summerfield, NC and Gary Wade of Pleasant Garden, NC. Stephen and Gary’s limit of 15.96 pounds earned them $400 for their efforts. Stephen and Gary also qualified as the top finishing Ranger boat. Other placing teams earning prizes included: 4th Place: Lee Williams of Durham, NC and Scott Smith of Apex, NC 6 fish, 15.44 pounds, $250, also Lee and Scott caught the tournament lunker, 4.44 pounds winning $700. 5th Place: Steven Bailey of Chase City, VA and Stanley Brown of Clarksville, VA 6 fish, 15.32 pounds, $180 6th Place: Brian Welch of Greensboro, NC and Troy Sceary of Pleasant Garden, NC, 6 fish, 15.26 pounds, $120 7th Place: Dennis Reedy of Siler City, NC and Tommy Marrow of Oxford, NC, 6 fish, 15.22 pounds, $100 8th Place: Dan Jackson of Youngsville, NC and John Yager of Apex, NC, 6 fish 15.14 pounds, $100 Lucky Dog winners were Jeff Staton and David Glenn, a prize worth $100. Director Randy Joyce congratulated the winners and gave thanks to all those who participated. “I especially want to thank all the contributing sponsors,” he stated. JB’s Custom Rods, Deep Creek Lures, Angler’s Choice Marine, KandJ Bait and Tackle, Lake Motel, and Galleria Custom Framing make the trail possible. |
Buggs Island was all about limits this past weekend, when the Buggs Island Team Tournament rolled onto the lake. The boat teams drew twenty-six limits of six from the waters. A total of 227 fish were brought to the scales weighing 469.2 pounds with an average fish weight of 2.07 pounds.Summer Wildcats Trail Announce Crappie Schedule For crappie fishermen across the region, there’s something to celebrate as local winter crappie trails wind down. Will Hinson, a member of the Southern Crappie Association, announced this week that his Summer Wildcat Trail is about to begin. The series is not connected to the Association and is an open-to-all series. The events begin June 5th with a travel to Stumpy Pond Fishing Creek and the Highway 21 Access. Hinson has scheduled a nine-event series that will end September 25th at Wateree. A complete schedule with details is viewable on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. The competitions, which cost $40 and pay back eighty percent, will go from 6:30 AM each event to 1:30 PM. Weigh ins begin at 2 PM. They include a seven-fish limit. Ponds fished will include Tuckertown, Greenwood, High Rock, Wateree, Bluett Falls and Stumpy Pond. For more information call Will Hinson at 803-432-4342. |
April 10, 2010 Info and Photos Courtesy of Phil McCarson “Bass fishing was bad if you were trying to catch female lunkers, but there were enough males around to make things interesting.” That, according to Piedmont Bass Classics foreman Phil McCarson, summed up the results of eighteen teams trying to find size on Falls Lake last weekend. The near-weekly events which are staged at Falls, Jordan, and Harris lakes found lack-luster results on a lake where fish were moving to beds. “A few females were weighed in, full of eggs with not much signs of tail wear. So, the bedding season has just started,” noted McCarson. The group used the Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. Teams found air temps at 38 degrees in the morning, rising to about 68 at weigh in. Only twenty-two keepers were weighed in for a total weight of a little over 72 pounds. Water temps were reported at up to 69 degrees.
According to the director, bass are still in one to four feet of water and are hitting spinnerbaits, buzz baits, jigs and a few plastics. Carolina Game and Fish, Dual Supply in Hillsborough, and Crown Honda Southpoint in Durham sponsored the weekend assault, donating bonus prizes for the first place team. Carolina Game and Fish gave a $250 gift certificate and Crown Honda Southpoint kicked in $250 in cash, making bonus cash for first place a $500 value. Wilbert Thornton and Jimmy Holland of Fayetteville walked away the big winners in first with two bass at 10.83 pounds worth $700. They also found Big Fish worth $180 at 6.96 pounds. Second placers, Eric Christian and Jennifer Newby of Burlington had three fish weighing 10.34 pounds earning them $390. Third place went to Dennis Hamlett and Ed Cooke of Durham and Chapel Hill with four bass weighing 8.93 pounds worth $250. They won the TWT First Place worth $100 as well. Others placing and earning were Curtis Vaugh and Billy West of Rougemont and Hillsborough in fourth with 8.61 pounds worth $100, and TWT Second Place Jay Garrard and Mark Herndon of Durham and Bahama with 8.38 pounds worth $70. |
April 10, 2010 Info and Photos Courtesy of Jeremy Potter Five teams from the NC Bass Hunters (www.ncbasshunters.com) took on Kerr Lake this past weekend and found fish early on in their outing, but experienced tougher going as the day moved on. All five scored bass for weigh in, but only one team walked the $100 payday back home. “The majority of the fish were caught early, stated Jeremy Potter, spokesperson for the club. “For most anglers, the later it got the tougher the bite got.” The club fishes an eight-event season beginning in March and ending in October. This was their second outing of the year after opening on Shearon Harris.
Using the Flemington Landing as a launch spot, the crew fished an eight hour stint on a day that had temperatures going from 36 degrees in the morning, to the high seventies by mid afternoon. Waters were just as contrasting. “The lower lake had clear water with lower temperatures,” stated Potter. “but the upper sections were muddy with temperatures ranging from 54 to 66 degrees.” For third placers Daniel Love and Jesse Southard of Raleigh, the 8 pounds 4 ounce sack they brought to weigh in was a disappointment. The pair had scored a near-twenty pound win just the month before. They were able to maintain their lead in the series by almost four pounds. On this day, there was no payout. Sammy McLeod and David Mize of Pittsboro were the ones who found themselves hot on the heels of the points leaders after they earned the winning spot this weekend. They weighed 9 pounds 4 ounces of bass to grab the $100 and crawl a pound closer to the race leaders. Second placers, Jeff and Caleb Webb of Henderson took second and a $50 paycheck with 8 pounds 15 ounces. Fourth placers, Jeremy and Gary Potter of Sanford had 6 pounds 5 ounces, but did score the Big Fish of the event, a 3 pound 4 ouncer worth $50. Stephen Larose and Eugene Reed of Fayetteville had 3 pounds 4 ounces to round out the field. For more information about the NC Bass Hunters, visit their web site at www.ncbasshunters.com or email questions to admin@ncbasshunters.com. A complete schedule and info is also available on the Fishbyte.Net calendar and Forums. |
April 2 & 3, 2010 When the first nine boat teams score over twenty pounds of crappie over two days, landing in the top ten is a feat in itself. Forty-three teams turned out for the final event of the Southern Crappie Association’s 2009 – 2010 season last weekend on Greenwood Lake in South Carolina and the end results were impressive. The tournament trail began last October 10 and competitors traveled to a variety of lakes across South and North Carolina. Those lakes included Stumpy Pond, Badin, Jordan, Wateree, Bluett Falls, Clark, High Rock and the Classic at Greenwood. The trail boats over 93 active members.
At the end of Day 1, Mike Huffstetler and Ray Koon, both of Chapin, SC, had grabbed the lead, when they brought in 11.55 pounds of crappie to the scales. Russell Riley of Blythewood, SC, and Allen Outlaw of Camden, SC, were less than a tenth of an ounce behind with 11.47 pounds. Ellis and Jon Cannon, both hailing from Chapin, SC, were in third with 10.91 pounds. After day 2, that order would change only slightly, but in the most important way for one team. Two of the top three teams could not break the 11 pound mark the second day, allowing Riley and Outlaw’s 11.14 pounds vault the team into the lead. Huffstetler and Koon found 10.23 pounds and settled for second, while the Cannons remained in third when their 10.38 pounds couldn’t make up the difference. The winners took home a total of $6,650 in cash and numerous prizes. For more information about the Association, visit the group's web site at www.southerncrappie.com or contact president Melissa Hinson at melissa@southerncrappie.com.
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Plan Ahead For Randleman Lake Outing The fishing season is in full swing now and most lakes across North Carolina are busy with tournaments every weekend. With over 130 clubs in the state, the tournament fishing action is hot, and competitions large and small can be found everywhere. However, there is one lake that seems to be attracting extra attention this year. The new Randleman Lake, just south of Greensboro is the topic of conversations at bait shops and on landings everywhere.
Randleman Lake is a part of the Deep River in the Cape Fear River Basin and has about 65 miles of shoreline. The 3000 acre lake was stocked with over 150,000 fish, and only allows 100 boats at a time on the water. The waters are governed by the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority (PTRWA www.ptrwa.org). Stories of 20, 30 and even 40 keeper fish a day have been common. The largest fish on record thus far weighed in at just over 11 pounds. Every boat must check-in at the marina and the gates do not open until 7 A.M., which has caused some long lines. Some anglers have arrived as early as 3 and 4 A.M. in order to get a spot in line. When visiting Randleman expect to have your boat inspected by a Game Warden, and make sure those bass in your well are at least 14 inches in length. Wardens have caught numerous boats attempting to leave with illegal fish in order to stock personal farms elsewhere. You will be caught and fined! The awesome fishing action will certainly make up for any inconvenience that the long line, a $15 entrance fee, and roaming Game Wardens may cause. Randleman Lake is set to be one of North Carolina’s premier fishing destinations. |
Archdale Club Rocks Randleman Bass Four hours prior to their tournament and three hours before sunlight, members of the Archdale Bass Club began lining up at the Randleman gates, off Adams Farm Road and Highway 220, for their shot at the new lake. Most would not consider getting to a tournament lake just to wait for four hours, but the stories and talk about Randleman Lake all over the state was enough to lure the Archdale club into giving it a shot.
According to one club member, “We packed a breakfast, pulled into line and took a nap for three hours. When we woke up, there was a line of boats behind us as far as we could see.” The wait paid off for the group, as many sizeable fish were caught and thirteen of fourteen boats had their limit at the end of the day. More important, by arriving early club members got through the gates. The lake authorities allow only 100 motorized boats on the water at a time and a number of fishermen were turned away.
With a smaller number of club tournaments going on over the Easter weekend, many anglers headed for lakes to do some fishing on their own. Those who arrived at Randleman just prior to the 7 AM gate opening had to find another pond to ply. First place in the Archdale Bass Club event went to Michael Hedgecock, who scored 21.9 pounds. His winnings were $133. Just four ounces behind Hedgecock was Jamie Dennison with 21.5 pounds. Dennison won $95. Steve Gunter landed the Big Fish, which was 6.4 pounds. A dead fish penalty by a fellow angler helped Gunter secure third place of the day. The next event for the Archdale Bass Club will take place on May 1st at Reese Lake. For more information on the Archdale Bass Club see the Fishbyte.Net Calendar or email Bill Frazier at bill.frazier@highpointnc.gov. |
April, 2010 It’s official… the “Duke of Rods” has been caught. According to Mary Hill, spokesperson for Hill’s Minnow Farm near High Rock, the first $500 crappie out of High Rock has hit the record books. The fish, sponsored by Southern Crappie Rods, was brought in by Tracy Hampton. To get in on the action, those interested need to purchase a ticket at Hill’s for $8 before you go fishing. If you catch a crappie with a tag behind the fin, bring it to Hill’s on Bringle Ferry Road near High Rock Lake (make sure it is still alive) to see how much it is worth. Since prizes are based on the tag rather than the weight of the fish, no one knows how much cash the fish is worth until check in. A smaller fish could be worth far more than the monster. The Crappie Roundup began March 13th and runs through May 11th. The $8 ticket covers anglers for the entire length of the 60-day tournament. For complete details and to buy tickets, swing by Hill’s Minnow Farm on Bringle Ferry Road near High Rock Lake. Information is also available at www.hillsminnowfarm.com. |
It's a bass competition like no others on any lake in North Carolina. From the very outset, rather than a blast off, this group begins with what might be called a “paddle off”. The strategies are different throughout the day and there's no “Weigh-in”. Rather, the anglers go through a “photo-in”. The Carolina Yakfish began its 2010 season without a roar this last Saturday, when twenty-four kayak fishermen met at Falls Beaverdam and began a day-long search for the long bass of the lake. Fishing with this group requires only a kayak, canoe, rowboat, inflatable boat,or paddle boat. No gasoline or electric motors are allowed. The one thing in common this group had with other bass anglers across the state was the same cold and windy start to the day. That didn't cause a problem for this group. “We at Carolina Yakfish had been eagerly awaiting the day for some time and it was evident that others had too,” stated Drew Haerer, organizer for the group.”At the 9 AM launch, yaks were headed in every direction and in a serious hurry.” According to Haerer, some anglers found success early, such as Gary Ribet, who landed four fish by about 10:30 AM. Others struggled to get a bite all day in the mid-to-post-cold front conditions. By mid-afternoon things were warming up in more than one way, as the two biggest bass were landed then, and the bite picked up for others. “When Nathan Raycroft landed his brute of a bass, an audible scream was heard by many across the lake,” noted Haerer. “In the end, many areas produced fish for anglers with the most popular lures seeming to be crankbaits and spinner-baits fished in 2 to 8 feet of water.”
Four anglers caught the three-fish limit Saturday, while ten others photographed at least one fish. Drew Haerer grabbed the top spot with three fish and a 49 inch total length. He also won the Big Fish Pot with a 21.25 inch lunker, estimated in the six to seven pound class. Second place went to Bob Dainton, of Pittsboro, NC, with a total length of 40.25 inches, while third place went to Gary Ribet, of Rougemont, NC, with a total of 36.25 inches. “It was a great day on the lake with a great group of people,” stated Haerer after the event. “In the end, $120 was donated to Heroes on the Water, proudly represented by Kaleb Dutil. The next event will be held on May 8th on the Cape Fear River at the Hwy 42 Access. |
The three-bass limit used by the club ends any commonality with other clubs. Rather than total weight at weigh-in, this club uses total length. As most of the vessels used by these anglers don't have enough room for livewells, each bass is placed on a measuring tool after being caught and a digital photo is taken by the angler. An angler brings his or her camera to the “weigh-in” and downloads the photos to the tournament director's laptop. Total length for all fish caught by an angler is then recorded. Weights are only a guess.Fritts And Langley Use Jordan for Second Straight Win There's just one story here... Brian Fritts and Joe Langley are proving their domination of the Piedmont Bass Classics series. The pair have scored back-to-back wins on the tour, and made Jordan the lake to do it on this last Saturday. They bested twenty three other teams using the Farrington Point Wildlife Ramp as a gathering and weigh in spot.
According to Phil McCarson, director of the Piedmont Bass Classics, “It was a strange day at Jordan... 29 degrees for blastoff and up to about 58 degrees at weigh-in. The Friday night cold front kind of put the bass off the pattern they had been on all week. Early on, 10 to 15 mph winds kept it cool to about lunch time and the winds then died down and the day ended right nice. Twenty four teams competed, weighing in 40 bass totaling 147 pounds. Not a great catch for Jordan, but the cold front had a lot to do with that.” The director noted that “...bass are still in one to four feet of water, and the water temps still are around the 58 to 60 degree range. From what I heard, most of the fish bit on spinner-baits, jerk baits, jigs and a few plastics.” Farrell's Lakeside at Jordan Lake and Carolina Air Conditioning in Durham donated bonus prizes for the first place team. Farrell's gave a $500 gift certificate and Carolina AC kicked in $250 in cash, for at total bonus, first-place prize of $750 in value. The next tournament will be April 10th at Falls Lake out of Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. Carolina Game & Fish in Hillsborough is donating a $250 gift certificate and Crown Honda at Southpoint in Durham is donating $250 in cash, making a $500 bonus to the first place team in that event.
Team Bass Division Results: |
Southern Crappie Hosting Kids' Event At Classic 4/3 As the Southern Crappie Tournament Trail winds down its 2009-2010 season, they've held back a few of their best efforts for last. According to Melissa Hinson, president, the group will combine a first-ever Kids Tournament with their season-ending, two-day Classic April 2 and 3.
The crappie series began last October 10 and have come together six other times. The Classic at Lake Greenwood, South Carolina will be their eighth meeting of the winter trail. “The Classic tournament is comprised of only those teams who have met certain qualifications throughout the regular season’s events and is the “Super Bowl” of South Eastern Crappie tournaments,” stated Hinson. Weigh ins will be at Charlie B’s from 3 to 4 PM each day. As part of those festivities, the group will be hosting the First Southern Crappie Kids Tournament. The free festivities are sponsored in part by Southern Crappie, Rainbow Trophies, Slab Master Baits, Crappie Country, Pepsi, and the Great Falls Shrine Club. Activities will be held at the Star Fort Pond (Revolutionary Site) Registration will begin at 8 AM and run to 9. All children must be accompanied by an adult and live or artificial baits may be used (NO MINNOWS allowed). One pole or rod per child may be used and age divisions are 8 years and under and 9 to 14 years of age. Prizes will be given for each age bracket. For more information, contact Rod Wall at 864-993-8868. |
Mayo Wilts Under Buggs Island Team Tourney Assault A whopping $1,458 was on the line for the Buggs Island Team Tournament series when they traveled to Lake Mayo on Saturday, March 27th, and no one was ready to pass up their share of the pot. Eighty-two fish were brought to the late afternoon scales with an impressive 242.82 pound total weight.
Tourney runner-up was the team of Don Underhill of Greensboro, NC and Greg Campbell of Thomasville, NC. The partners' six-fish creel tipped the scales at 22.18 pounds and was anchored by a 4.54 pounder. Their catch earned them $410 for the event. Rounding out the top three was the team of Jeff Fogleman of Haw River, NC and Jerry Everette of Mebane, NC. Their six-fish limit of 21.98 pounds included a 5.14 pounder, earning them $168 for the day. The tournament lunker, a 5.84 pounder was caught by the team of Lloyd and Kenny Kirby of Cedar Grove and Prospect Hill, NC. The big bite earned them $220 for the single cast. Eight limits and a 2.96 pound fish weight average led to the 242.82 total pounds. The Buggs Island group will return to Lake Mayo on April 17th and then move on to Kerr the following day. Cost to cast is $110 with an optional $20 Big Fish side bet. The events are Triton Gold, Stratos 2X, and Ranger Cup registered. Seven qualifiers lead to a season=end championship where a Stratos boat will be given away to the Classic winner. For more information about the Buggs Island Team Tournaments, contact Director Randy Joyce at 434-575-7748 or visit their web site at www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. A full schedule is posted on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
The team of Mark Friddle of Summerfield, NC and Jimmy Walker took top honors with a six-fish limit weighing 24.56 pounds that was anchored by a 5.60 pounder. The heavy bag netted them $660 for the days event.West And Hatem Win Capital Division Opener On Shearon Harris
Eight bass angling teams turned out for the first-ever Championship Fishing Capital Division event on Shearon Harris this past Saturday, and the bass obliged. The winners grabbed a twenty pound plus bag out of the chilly waters to become the debut leaders in the series. Championship Fishing came on the scene late last fall when it organized a winter trail across the region. Numerous anglers from across the state took advantage of the December through February events to hone skills and become familiar with the series format. Owner Tony Furr has put together three divisions to encompass the Yadkin, Capital, and Catawba regions. A chilly breeze greeted the anglers this past weekend, but most managed to stay on structure. Most of the lake was clear and the water temp was from 57 to 58 degrees in the main lake and 60 to 62 degrees in the cuts, according to Furr. Fish were starting to move up in the grass, but were still real finicky. Brian West and Ronnie Hatem bested the field with 20.01 pounds, with a monster Big Fish of 7.82 pounds and brought home both the first place trophy and Big Fish award. Second place went to the team of Michael Kinnard and Shaun Miller with 17.78 pounds, while third went to the team of Caleb Sutton and Paul Ankey with a haul of 10.32 pounds. The series moves to Falls Lake and the Ledgerock Access on April 24th. Anglers can fish ether solo or two to a boat. The five-fish limit events cost $100 per boat with a $10 Big Fish side bet. Registration can be done in advance by contacting Furr or at the landing. For more information regarding Championship Fishing's Capital Division Series or other competitions, visit www.southernfishingtrail.com or contact Tony Furr at championshipfishing@gmail.com or call him at 704-467-1598. |
Fields Chalks Up Another Montgomery Win At Harris Shearon Harris seemed to be the choice of lakes for numerous clubs on Saturday, March 20. Along with many other groups across the region, the Montgomery Bassmasters joined in a solid outing on the pond. A perennial favorite in the club added a third victory in a row and took a solid lead in the 2010 points race. Wally Fields outpaced competitors in the Troy, NC-based club, founded in 2006. The angler missed the club championship reward by one point on the last outing of the season in 2009, and has set his sights on widening the gap early this year. The group considers Lake Tillery as their home lake. The Montgomery Bassmasters will hold its 4th Annual Open Bass Tournament on Tillery on Saturday, April 3 from 7 AM to 3 PM. A large field always turns out for the competition. Last year, the winning bag weight was 37.09 pounds hauled in by Greg and Bill Gooch. Their biggest bass was an 8.02 pounder. Thirty=three other boat teams competed. Cost is $60 per boat and $10 for the Big Fish option. For more information about the 4th Open on April 3rd, contact Michael Maness at 910-571-0022. The cub's next regular scheduled event will be a two-day affair on Buggs and Kerr April 9 and 10. James Blue serves as president of the group, which is affiliated with the NC BASS Federation, the FLW, and the TBF. |
Falls Lake Gives Up 249 Pounds To Piedmont Bass Classics
Water temperatures on that lake have risen to 60 degrees and water clarity is now about one to two feet, and that was what it took for more action. According to Director, Phil McCarson, “We had four teams bring in their five-fish limit. Air temperatures in the morning were about 44 degrees, but it got up to 70 by weigh in.” He noted that spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, medium-running crankbaits, jigs and worm rigs were the preferred baits. “Most of the fish were caught in one to four feet of water, McCarson said.
The day's top honors went to Joe Langley and Brian Fritts of Mebane and Raleigh. The partners hauled five fish with a total weight of 23.04 pounds. The team won $865. Will Bennett and Kyle Ash of Raleigh and Greenville finished second with four fish at 21.93 pounds, earning them $497 and a $250 Castaway's prize! Third placers Chris Jenkins and John Lundeen of Midlothian, VA brought in five fish weighing 20.28 pounds for a purse prize of $345. Bobby and David Matthews of Durham took fourth with four fish at 19.71 pounds, winning $259. The final paying spot and fifth place went to Billy West and Tracy Sykes of Knightdale and New Hill. Their four fish weighed 19.11 pounds, paying them $194. They also added the Big Fish Award with a 9.16 pound lunker. That solo was worth $270 to the team. TWT first went to Jay Garrard and Drew Smith of Durham with four fish at 11.29 pounds for $97.50. TWT Second went to Garrett Allred and Joe Broome of Cary and Wilmington. Their two fish weighing 9.50 pounds were worth $52.50.
“I also want to thank Corey and Joe, from Castaway Fishing Supply in Smithfield, for furnishing the $250 gift certificate for the winning team,” stated McCarson. When Joe from Castaway's won his own prize, he gave it to the second place team. In the Team Crappie division, three teams showed up to compete. Thirty crappie that totaled 46.46 pounds came to the scales. Most all were caught in one to two feet of water on jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. All three teams weighed in a crappie over 2 pounds. Winners were Rod King of Durham with ten fish weighing 17.45 pounds. He took home $120. King also scored the Big Fish award with a 2.27 pounder valued at $15. Only one place was paid. Frankie and Gail Garrard of Durham caught ten fish with a combined total weight of 15.92 pounds. Mike and his father, Michael, of Bahama scored ten fish weighing 13.09 pounds. Their next tournament will be Saturday March 27th at Jordan Lake out of Farrington Point. |
Griggs And Wade Win Buggs Island Event With 22.46
Tourney runner-ups were Marty Warren from Elon, NC and Clem Warren of Reidsville, NC. Marty and Clem’s 6 fish limit of 21.28 lbs was anchored by the tournament lunker, a 5.94 pounder. Marty and Clem’s creel earned them $900 for second place and another $700 for the lunker.
Other placers included: 4th Place: Jack Markham, Jr. Stem, NC and Jack Markham, III Durham, NC 6 fish, 18.96 lbs, $250; 5th Place: Billy George and Andrew George, Chesapeake, VA 6 fish 18.72 lbs, $180; 6th Place: Tim Wiltfong, Wake Forest, NC and Phil Bain, Youngsville, NC 6 fish, 18.32 lbs, $180; 7th Place: Dan Jackson, Youngsville, NC and John Yager, Apex, NC 6 fish 18.20 lbs, $100; 8th Place: Dennis Reedy, Siler City, NC and Tommy Morrow, Oxford, NC 6 fish 17.24 lbs, $100. Lucky Dog winners, Lynn Fox, Gibsonville, NC and Ken Strickland, Greensboro, $100. Tournament Statistics: 34 limits, 239 fish weighed for 476.00 lbs, a 1.99 lb average. Special thanks went to all the contributing sponsors... JR’s Custom Rods, Deep Creek Lures, Angler’s Choice Marine, KandJ Bait and Tackle, Lake Motel, and Galleria Custom Framing. For more information about the Buggs Island Team Tournaments, contact Director Randy Joyce at 434-575-7748 or visit their web site at www.anglerschoicemarine.com/StratosTrail/index.php. A full schedule is posted on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar and Forums. |
The team of Stephen Griggs of Summerfield, NC and Gary Wade of Pleasant Garden, NC took top honors in the opening qualifying event of the Buggs Island Team Tournaments-Angler’s Choice Stratos Trail on Sunday with a 6 fish limit weighing 22.56 lbs. Stephen and Gary netted $1600 for the day. Stephen and Gary also qualified for the Ranger Bucks bonus as top finishing Ranger Boat.
Rounding out the top three were Brandon Gray of Bullock, NC and Brian Clark of South Boston, VA. Brandon and Brian’s 6 fish limit, weighed 20.04 lbs and was anchored with the #2 tournament lunker, a 5.74 pounder. Brandon and Brian's catch earned them $700 for the day.
Hyco Lights Up For Carolina Bassers Of Harnett It might have been a late winter tournament with most lakes holding lethargic fish, but no one told the Carolina Bassers the fish wouldn't bite. The Harnett County club tore into Hyco in late February and wore the bass plumb out.
The group meets monthly at the Johnsonville Community Center on the second Tuesday at 7:30 PM. Their 2010 schedule includes ten events, with two of those competitions being two-day gatherings. Lakes include Murray, Jordan, the Cape Fear and Roanoke Rivers, Hyco and Tillery. They fish a five-fish limit. For their first event of the season, they used the Osmond ramp. In a field of twenty-three boats, competition was about as stiff as it can be. Twenty-two of the anglers brought fish to the scales, something about unheard of in late February.
Kevin Matthews bested the big field with five fish weighing 12.19 pounds to take first place. Adam Spell was hot on his tail with four fish and 10.9 pounds. Ron Johnson finished four-tenths of a pound behind for third with five fish weighing 11.53 pounds. In fourth with five fish was Timothy McMillan. His catch tipped the scales at 8.82 pounds. Fifth place was won by Eddie LeNeave with four fish weighing 8.58 pounds. Tyler Dunn won first place and Big Fish in the Youth Competition. For more information about the Carolina Bassers of Harnett County, you can visit their web site at www.carolinabassers.com or contact them via email at 206@carolinabassers.com. A complete schedule is also available on the Fishbyte.Net pages. |
Harris Yields 18.1 For Southard And Love In NC Bass Hunters Event
There were a number of goals to be reached when the NC Bass Hunters held their first outing of the season last Saturday. The club hopes to field at least ten boats per event and, of course, they wanted to bring in some big bass. They hit both those marks on Harris Lake. “This was our opener,” stated Jeremy Potter, co-director for the group. “ We had a great turnout and are hoping to field as many all season.” The assistant organizer noted that, although it was foggy and cloudy all morning with lows about 52 degrees, the sun came out in the afternoon and raised air temps to near 67. Waters found ranged between 50 and 55 degrees.
The club used the Hwy 42 ramp to gather for a 6:20 AM blast off and fished until the 2 PM weigh in. They use a team-fishing format that costs $40 per event. “There were a lot of other tournaments going on that day,” noted Potter. Daniel Love and Jesse Southard found themselves in the spotlight at weigh in. The team from Raleigh raised 18.1 pounds of bass from the waters to grab the $200 first place purse. Director Sammy McLeod and artner, David Mize, a Pittsboro team, took second with 13.2 pounds, enough for the $100 payoff. Third place finishers Doug Miller and Junior McLeod of Sanford netted 11.12 pounds, but were one spot out of the paying positions. Steve and Chris Cox settled for fourth with 10.6 pounds, but put themselves in the money with a fat 8.12 pound solo that busted for Big Fish. They netted $100 with that catch. Bret Moore and Erick Tuerina took fifth with 4.13 pounds. The club will head to Kerr Lake on April 10th. For more information about the group, visit their web site at www.ncbasshunters.com or contact Potter at 919-842-7310. Information is also available on the Fishbyte.Net pages. |
Fishing Goes Hot at Harris For Piedmont Bass And Crappie
It's almost too good to be true... ten of twenty-seven bass teams weighed in fish this last Saturday at the Piedmont Bass Classics Shearon Harris event. Although the day began in the mid-twenties, the fishing got hot as the sun rose and warmed waters. As anglers launched in the pre-dawn hours, an icing ramp hampered their efforts. The Holleman's Crossing Ramp was the only tough thing of the day. The Team Bass Division saw air temperatures rise to 57 degrees in the afternoon at the 3 PM weigh in. Water temperatures on the lake averaged 47.5 degrees. According to director, Phil McCarson, most fish were caught in eight to ten feet of water. “I can't tell you what the winning fish were caught on, because they would not tell me,” chuckled McCarson. “However, I do know that all types of lures were thrown. Tournament fishing will be getting hot now, and, with the 'money winnings' involved, teams will be tight-lipped about what they are using.”
For the first time, the Trail had a tie for the Big Fish award. Two teams each had a bass weighing 6.99 Pounds and they decided to split the $270 pot. “I don't remember that happening before in one of my bass tournaments,” noted McCarson. Both the first and second place teams caught the twin fish. Eight teams got in the TWT (Tournament Within a Tournament). The TWT had a payback of two places, 1st worth $260 and 2nd valued at $140, for a total of $400 in extra prize money. |
One Crappie Worth $4,000 Cash On High Rock
“This is the only crappie tournament on High Rock where the weight of the fish doesn’t matter,” stated Terry Hill, owner of Hill's and primary organizer of the event. “It gets bigger and better each year.”
This year the local shop is tagging and releasing over 740 crappie in High Rock Lake, with a combined prize value of over $43,000. Crappie are worth anywhere from $25 on up to $4,000. To get in on the action, those interested need to purchase a ticket at Hill’s for $8 before you go fishing. If you catch a crappie with a tag behind the fin, bring it to Hill’s (make sure it is still alive) to see how much it is worth. Since prizes are based on the tag rather than the weight of the fish, no one knows how much cash the fish is worth until check in. A smaller fish could be worth far more than the monster. The Crappie Roundup starts on March 13th and runs through May 11th. The $8 ticket covers anglers for the entire length of the 60-day tournament. For complete details and to buy tickets, swing by Hill’s Minnow Farm on Bringle Ferry Road near High Rock Lake. Information is also available at www.hillsminnowfarm.com. |
It's been said that it pays to fish, and Hill's Minnow Farm and Sporting Goods (
Southfork Bassmaster Youth Schedule Announced
A rigorous 2010 schedule for youth spread across at least six lakes was announced by Youth Director, Bob Bauer of the Southfork Bassmasters this week. Although not all lakes have been drawn, dates are on the calendar and the club is ready for another great season. Bauer, who has been coordinating the group's youth fishing efforts for a number of years now, has slated a busy season for the 16 and under anglers. It all begins on Saturday, March 6 at Lake Wylie and the Southpoint ramp at 7:30 AM. Young anglers are paired up with an adult for events. The season includes a TBF State Tournament on Lake Norman May 28 and 29, and a BFN State Tournament October 23. “Southfork Bassmasters has remained committed to youth fishing activities,” stated Bauer. “Last season, we had a great turnout and anticipate participation to increase again. Teaching our youth the rules, regulations, courtesy on the water, and the right way to fish is important, and Southfork plays an important role in that.” For more information about the activities, contact Bauer at bbauer@dei-zone.com |
Randleman Lake Open to Anglers! It's finally happened. The long-awaited opening of Randleman Lake occurred this morning and anglers were waiting in line at the first shot at bass, catfish, and crappie in the new waters. According to reports on scene, boats began lining up by Sunday afternoon to be the first ones to chase fish there. Although plenty of new water was there for exploring, few fish were caught. Like everywhere else, Randleman is muddy and cold. Even the fresh bass weren't biting. Stretching from Randolph and into Guilford counties, a number of cities, towns and Randolph County footed the bill to build the project. The primary purpose of the reservoir is to furnish water to those communities. No water skiing is allowed and original plans were to allow only 100 boats at a time on the lake. Info and detailed regulations pertaining to the lake can be found at http://randlemanlake.com/. Lake regulations require boats with fuel-type engines stay out of certain areas. Special fishing permits are required. The lake waters are maintained and regulated by the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority, or PTRWA. Access to the lake is located at the Randleman Regional Reservoir Marina located at 7123 Adams Farm Road, Randleman, NC 27317. |