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| Central Pro-Am Fishin' Magazine |
| Fishing Success |
November 10-12:
Bassmaster Louisiana Open - Red River - 46th Place
Notes: The big fish on the Red River were in hiding! I found success each day throwing a 1/4 ounce Spinnerbait and Black Market Balsa
on the main river cuts in Pool 4. I could get several bites early and sometimes they were quality 2 pound bites. Then I would head to the
backwaters. On Day 1 I had 4 quality river bites before I headed to the backwaters and started culling fish. Finishing with 7-14. On Day 2 I
headed to the same river stretch and had another 4 quality bites before heading into the backwaters. The backwaters had produced some
big fish in practice but they must have been hiding in tournament days. I finished with 5 bass on day 2 for 8-0 and moved in 42nd place.
With only the top 50 fishing on the final day and a guaranteed pay check I decided to gamble and fish for larger bass like the one I found in
the backwater in practice. The gamble did not payoff and I finished in 46th place for the event and moved to 44th place for the year missing
the opportunity to make the championship.
October 13-15:
Bassmaster Arkansas Open - Lake Norfork - 38th Place
and caught a 4 lb 1 oz Largemouth on my fifth cast (Second Big Bass). I struggled trying to keep fish hooked up all day losing 4 more and
caught a 4 lb 1 oz Largemouth on my fifth cast (Second Big Bass). I struggled trying to keep fish hooked up all day losing 4 more quality
fish and catching another small Spotted Bass. I finished with 5 lb 3 oz for the day in 30th place. After a 3 hour fog delay we started day 2
and I struggled again keeping fish hooked up after adding another trailer hook to my buzzbait. I finally hooked up a nice 2 lb 10 oz bass late
in the day. That fish was enough to keep me in the top 50 and qualify for the final day. Running into a fog again on day 3, I stopped on a
bluff a caught a keeper Spotted Bass waiting for the fog to lift. I ran to my primary area and local boat pressure and falling water prevented
me from gain access to this area. I made the decision to concentrate on channel swings a caught another Spot and lost another one. I
finished in 38th place in another tough event. This helped me move into 51st place for the year with one event remaining. With another
solid finish I have high hopes of making the Open Championship.
With another solid finish I have high hopes of making the Open Championship.
May 5-7:
Bassmaster Texas Open - Sam Rayburn Lake - 85th Place
Notes: Big Sam was mean to me again. After a tough practice peroid I changed plans and went fishing. During the first day I found lots of
quality fish on a Zoom Horny Toad. I managed to get 5 solid keepers in the boat that weighted 10 pounds 4 ounces and had me sitting in
73rd place. On day two I stuck with the same game plan of fishing hay grass with the Horny Toad and managed to only get 4 keepers in the
boat. My bite lasted all day long but I knew that I would lose fish in this Hay grass as it is very difficult to get fish out of it. I lost several
keeper fish each day that could have improved my success. I am very thankful for the fish I had and hope to build off this tournament and
make the championship.
Bassmaster Louisiana Open - Red River - 46th Place
Notes: The big fish on the Red River were in hiding! I found success each day throwing a 1/4 ounce Spinnerbait and Black Market Balsa
on the main river cuts in Pool 4. I could get several bites early and sometimes they were quality 2 pound bites. Then I would head to the
backwaters. On Day 1 I had 4 quality river bites before I headed to the backwaters and started culling fish. Finishing with 7-14. On Day 2 I
headed to the same river stretch and had another 4 quality bites before heading into the backwaters. The backwaters had produced some
big fish in practice but they must have been hiding in tournament days. I finished with 5 bass on day 2 for 8-0 and moved in 42nd place.
With only the top 50 fishing on the final day and a guaranteed pay check I decided to gamble and fish for larger bass like the one I found in
the backwater in practice. The gamble did not payoff and I finished in 46th place for the event and moved to 44th place for the year missing
the opportunity to make the championship.
October 13-15:
Bassmaster Arkansas Open - Lake Norfork - 38th Place
and caught a 4 lb 1 oz Largemouth on my fifth cast (Second Big Bass). I struggled trying to keep fish hooked up all day losing 4 more and
caught a 4 lb 1 oz Largemouth on my fifth cast (Second Big Bass). I struggled trying to keep fish hooked up all day losing 4 more quality
fish and catching another small Spotted Bass. I finished with 5 lb 3 oz for the day in 30th place. After a 3 hour fog delay we started day 2
and I struggled again keeping fish hooked up after adding another trailer hook to my buzzbait. I finally hooked up a nice 2 lb 10 oz bass late
in the day. That fish was enough to keep me in the top 50 and qualify for the final day. Running into a fog again on day 3, I stopped on a
bluff a caught a keeper Spotted Bass waiting for the fog to lift. I ran to my primary area and local boat pressure and falling water prevented
me from gain access to this area. I made the decision to concentrate on channel swings a caught another Spot and lost another one. I
finished in 38th place in another tough event. This helped me move into 51st place for the year with one event remaining. With another
solid finish I have high hopes of making the Open Championship.
With another solid finish I have high hopes of making the Open Championship.
May 5-7:
Bassmaster Texas Open - Sam Rayburn Lake - 85th Place
Notes: Big Sam was mean to me again. After a tough practice peroid I changed plans and went fishing. During the first day I found lots of
quality fish on a Zoom Horny Toad. I managed to get 5 solid keepers in the boat that weighted 10 pounds 4 ounces and had me sitting in
73rd place. On day two I stuck with the same game plan of fishing hay grass with the Horny Toad and managed to only get 4 keepers in the
boat. My bite lasted all day long but I knew that I would lose fish in this Hay grass as it is very difficult to get fish out of it. I lost several
keeper fish each day that could have improved my success. I am very thankful for the fish I had and hope to build off this tournament and
make the championship.
2005 B.A.S.S. Bassmasters Central Open
2005 FLW Outdoors Everstart Central Division
| Higginsville Advance October 7, 2001 |
| Higginsville Advance October 1, 2000 |
fined tuned - hit the grass with the Horny Toad and burn a crankbait in between. The only thing that could kill this awesome bite
fined tuned - hit the grass with the Horny Toad and burn a crankbait in between. The only thing that could kill this awesome bite
season.
would be - dropping the lake and prior to take off the lake fell 8". I managed only one keeper on day one. I had several
would be - dropping the lake and prior to take off the lake fell 8". I managed only one keeper on day one. I had several
chances to do better but it was not my day. On the second day I went ledge fishing trying to rebound and finishing high enough
to get the much needed points to make the championship. I only caught two keepers on day two and fell to 81st place for the
season.
season.
April 20-21: Lake of the Ozarks - Osage Beach, MO - 143rd Place
Notes: I was anticipating coming back home to Lake of the Ozarks. But many times it's a home lake disadvantage. Lake of
the Ozarks was rough on me. I found several good fish bedding in practice and had made my mind up to sight fish during this
tournament. My decision cost me dearly as I was only able to catch 2 keepers each day. I was on thee fish to win as a good
friend of mine Kevin Lasoyne shared the last two practice days with me and the same water during the tournament since his
boat was waiting on part. Kevin finished in 7th place. We had enough fish to go around it was a bad mental call by me and bad
luck that I finished so poorly. I know have lots of catching up to do at Kentucky Lake to make the Championship.
March 16-17: Columbus Pool - Columbus, MS - 36th Place
Notes: The Columbus Pool on the Tennesse-Tombigbee Waterway was very challenging. After struggling for two days in the
Columbus Pool I decided to Lock down to the Aliceville Pool. I got a few more bites but it was still tough. I did however locate
some quality fish just below the Lock. I made a defensive move to salvage a horrible practice and concentrate on getting
valuable points to help qualify for the year-end championship. I spent two days cranking a small chartreuse crankbait on the
rocks around the Lock and managed to land 3 fish the first day for 8 pounds and 1 ounce and putting me in 42nd place. I
continued with this pattern on day two and managed to catch two more keepers on day 2 for 5 pounds and 13 ounces giving
me a two day total of 13 ponds 14 ounces and a 36th place finish. I never realized that I would have done this well on the
Columbus Pool but this was enough to get a nice check and the critical points I needed. I missed the top 10 cup by a little over
6 pounds. A couple more fish in those two days and I would have made the cut. I am just thankful for the success that I was
able to accomplish on this very tough fishery this week.
February 23-24: Sam Rayburn Lake - Jasper,TX - 74th Place
Notes: Big Sam lived up to it reputation - Both in the size of the bass and the size of the waves. During practice I was able to
locate some quality bass on a Mann's spinnerbait. I found a pattern that I was able to duplicate all over the lake. The big
females were located back in the creeks around the flooded buck brush. They were scattered in the backs but if you
concentrated on the ditches and points in the backs you could improve your success. On day one I fished the Parker Point
Area Creeks and quickly had a limit of fish. Making a decision to save these areas I moved to Coleman Creek were I caught
several more keepers and culled out one fish. I lost a monster fish I estimated around 8 pounds then a few casts later I lost
another one that drawfed that one. I finished the day with a limit weighing 16 pounds 15 ounces putting me in 20th Place. On
day two I headed to the same areas as day one but the conditions had changed a strong North wind created large waves in
these southern creeks. With only one keeper in the box. I made a decision to cross the lake. I went back to Coleman then on to
Veech Basin. Late in the day I manage to figure out a way to land 2 more keepers and losing one right at the boat. I weighed
in 7 pounds and 9 ounces for a total of 24-8 just 1-02 out of the money cut. That lost fish cost me a check, but I've got a good
start.
fined tuned - hit the grass with the Horny Toad and burn a crankbait in between. The only thing that could kill this awesome bite
season.
would be - dropping the lake and prior to take off the lake fell 8". I managed only one keeper on day one. I had several
would be - dropping the lake and prior to take off the lake fell 8". I managed only one keeper on day one. I had several
chances to do better but it was not my day. On the second day I went ledge fishing trying to rebound and finishing high enough
to get the much needed points to make the championship. I only caught two keepers on day two and fell to 81st place for the
season.
season.
April 20-21: Lake of the Ozarks - Osage Beach, MO - 143rd Place
Notes: I was anticipating coming back home to Lake of the Ozarks. But many times it's a home lake disadvantage. Lake of
the Ozarks was rough on me. I found several good fish bedding in practice and had made my mind up to sight fish during this
tournament. My decision cost me dearly as I was only able to catch 2 keepers each day. I was on thee fish to win as a good
friend of mine Kevin Lasoyne shared the last two practice days with me and the same water during the tournament since his
boat was waiting on part. Kevin finished in 7th place. We had enough fish to go around it was a bad mental call by me and bad
luck that I finished so poorly. I know have lots of catching up to do at Kentucky Lake to make the Championship.
March 16-17: Columbus Pool - Columbus, MS - 36th Place
Notes: The Columbus Pool on the Tennesse-Tombigbee Waterway was very challenging. After struggling for two days in the
Columbus Pool I decided to Lock down to the Aliceville Pool. I got a few more bites but it was still tough. I did however locate
some quality fish just below the Lock. I made a defensive move to salvage a horrible practice and concentrate on getting
valuable points to help qualify for the year-end championship. I spent two days cranking a small chartreuse crankbait on the
rocks around the Lock and managed to land 3 fish the first day for 8 pounds and 1 ounce and putting me in 42nd place. I
continued with this pattern on day two and managed to catch two more keepers on day 2 for 5 pounds and 13 ounces giving
me a two day total of 13 ponds 14 ounces and a 36th place finish. I never realized that I would have done this well on the
Columbus Pool but this was enough to get a nice check and the critical points I needed. I missed the top 10 cup by a little over
6 pounds. A couple more fish in those two days and I would have made the cut. I am just thankful for the success that I was
able to accomplish on this very tough fishery this week.
February 23-24: Sam Rayburn Lake - Jasper,TX - 74th Place
Notes: Big Sam lived up to it reputation - Both in the size of the bass and the size of the waves. During practice I was able to
locate some quality bass on a Mann's spinnerbait. I found a pattern that I was able to duplicate all over the lake. The big
females were located back in the creeks around the flooded buck brush. They were scattered in the backs but if you
concentrated on the ditches and points in the backs you could improve your success. On day one I fished the Parker Point
Area Creeks and quickly had a limit of fish. Making a decision to save these areas I moved to Coleman Creek were I caught
several more keepers and culled out one fish. I lost a monster fish I estimated around 8 pounds then a few casts later I lost
another one that drawfed that one. I finished the day with a limit weighing 16 pounds 15 ounces putting me in 20th Place. On
day two I headed to the same areas as day one but the conditions had changed a strong North wind created large waves in
these southern creeks. With only one keeper in the box. I made a decision to cross the lake. I went back to Coleman then on to
Veech Basin. Late in the day I manage to figure out a way to land 2 more keepers and losing one right at the boat. I weighed
in 7 pounds and 9 ounces for a total of 24-8 just 1-02 out of the money cut. That lost fish cost me a check, but I've got a good
start.
| Woods 'n Water Magazine |
2004 B.A.S.S. Bassmasters Central Open
October 21-23:
Bassmaster Louisiana Open - Atchafalaya Basin - 99th Place
49th place. Friday was going to be the best day by the tidal charts and after a long fog delay was cancelled. BASS decided t
49th place. Friday was going to be the best day by the tidal charts and after a long fog delay was cancelled. BASS decided t
o allow all anglers to continue fishing on the third day instead of cutting to the top 50. Saturday was forecasted for a rather flat
tide and the water did not pull like I needed. I struggled all day, managing to catch only one keeper. I made a key error in not
changing to a non-current related pattern. It cost me a chance at a check. I finished the year in 79th Place. This was lower
than I had hoped but I feel is a great starting block for my first season fishing BASS.
than I had hoped but I feel is a great starting block for my first season fishing BASS.
September 16-18:
Bassmaster Texas Open - Sam Rayburn - 126th Place
Notes: With a poor growth of grass this year in Big Sam. I elected to head up river and get away from what grass there was. I
flipped a Mann's Dragin Tube to isolated trees and bushes. The key was shade! I performed poorly these two days as I lost
two key fish on day 1 and lost 5 more on day 2. It cost me from having the opportunity to fish day 3, to heading back home. I
still have a shot at making the championship, sitting in 72nd Place.
August 12-14:
Bassmaster Kentucky Open - Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers - 46th Place
Notes: Fishing was very difficult. I found some quality fish on the channel edge trees. I could burn a Mann's Grey Ghost Baby
-4 into the trees and get bit. The fishing pressure was tremendous and I could follow other anglers and still catch fish. I was in
9th place after day one. I returned to the same areas on Day 2 and the water had rose 2 feet and had risen over the tops of all
the trees I was targeting. I made the top 50 cut but still struggled to find those tops that I had been fishing. This was my first
B.A.S.S. event.
Bassmaster Louisiana Open - Atchafalaya Basin - 99th Place
49th place. Friday was going to be the best day by the tidal charts and after a long fog delay was cancelled. BASS decided t
49th place. Friday was going to be the best day by the tidal charts and after a long fog delay was cancelled. BASS decided t
o allow all anglers to continue fishing on the third day instead of cutting to the top 50. Saturday was forecasted for a rather flat
tide and the water did not pull like I needed. I struggled all day, managing to catch only one keeper. I made a key error in not
changing to a non-current related pattern. It cost me a chance at a check. I finished the year in 79th Place. This was lower
than I had hoped but I feel is a great starting block for my first season fishing BASS.
than I had hoped but I feel is a great starting block for my first season fishing BASS.
September 16-18:
Bassmaster Texas Open - Sam Rayburn - 126th Place
Notes: With a poor growth of grass this year in Big Sam. I elected to head up river and get away from what grass there was. I
flipped a Mann's Dragin Tube to isolated trees and bushes. The key was shade! I performed poorly these two days as I lost
two key fish on day 1 and lost 5 more on day 2. It cost me from having the opportunity to fish day 3, to heading back home. I
still have a shot at making the championship, sitting in 72nd Place.
August 12-14:
Bassmaster Kentucky Open - Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers - 46th Place
Notes: Fishing was very difficult. I found some quality fish on the channel edge trees. I could burn a Mann's Grey Ghost Baby
-4 into the trees and get bit. The fishing pressure was tremendous and I could follow other anglers and still catch fish. I was in
9th place after day one. I returned to the same areas on Day 2 and the water had rose 2 feet and had risen over the tops of all
the trees I was targeting. I made the top 50 cut but still struggled to find those tops that I had been fishing. This was my first
B.A.S.S. event.
Fishing Career Highlights
2004 Superbass - Classic- March 23-24, 2005 - Bull Shoals, AR- 14th Place
2004 Superbass - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2004 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2003 Bass World Sports - Championship Qualifier
2003 Superbass - Open Division - Classic Qualifier
2003 Skeeter Team Jamboree - Lake Fork - 9th Place
2002 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2002 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - July 21 - 2nd Place
2002 Skeeter Team Jamboree - Red River - 10th Place
2001 Team Supreme - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2001 Walmart BFL - Okie Division - Red River Regional - 25th Place
2001 Team Supreme - Truman Division - April 22 - 1st Place & Big Bass
2001 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - April 29 - 3rd Place
2001 Team Supreme - Truman Division - July 15 - 4th Place
2000 Redman Tournament Trail - Ozark Division - Regional Qualifier
2000 Redman Tournament Trail - Truman Lake - Big Bass
1999 West Central Bass Club - Championship Qualifier
1999 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - July 12 - 3rd Place
1998 1st Community Bank - Truman Lake - 4th Place
1997 Long Shoal Truman Lake Night on the Lake - 2nd Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Championship Qualifier
1996 West Central Bass Club - Truman Lake - August 17 - 4th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - July 13 - 3rd & Big Bass
1996 West Central Bass Club - Stockton Lake - June 15 - 4th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Truman Lake - June 1 - 5th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - April 27 - 5th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - April 6 - 3rd Place
1995 Bass World Sports - Championship Qualifier
1995 Bass World Sports - Truman Lake - August 12 - 5th & Big Bass
1995 Bass World Sports - Truman Lake - July 15 - 5th Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Championship Qualifier
1994 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - July 16 - 4th Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - May 14 - 2nd Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - April 27 - 3rd Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Truman Lake - April 4 - 3rd Place & Big Bass
2004 Superbass - Classic- March 23-24, 2005 - Bull Shoals, AR- 14th Place
2004 Superbass - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2004 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2003 Bass World Sports - Championship Qualifier
2003 Superbass - Open Division - Classic Qualifier
2003 Skeeter Team Jamboree - Lake Fork - 9th Place
2002 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2002 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - July 21 - 2nd Place
2002 Skeeter Team Jamboree - Red River - 10th Place
2001 Team Supreme - Truman Division - Classic Qualifier
2001 Walmart BFL - Okie Division - Red River Regional - 25th Place
2001 Team Supreme - Truman Division - April 22 - 1st Place & Big Bass
2001 Woods 'n Water - Truman Division - April 29 - 3rd Place
2001 Team Supreme - Truman Division - July 15 - 4th Place
2000 Redman Tournament Trail - Ozark Division - Regional Qualifier
2000 Redman Tournament Trail - Truman Lake - Big Bass
1999 West Central Bass Club - Championship Qualifier
1999 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - July 12 - 3rd Place
1998 1st Community Bank - Truman Lake - 4th Place
1997 Long Shoal Truman Lake Night on the Lake - 2nd Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Championship Qualifier
1996 West Central Bass Club - Truman Lake - August 17 - 4th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - July 13 - 3rd & Big Bass
1996 West Central Bass Club - Stockton Lake - June 15 - 4th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Truman Lake - June 1 - 5th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - April 27 - 5th Place
1996 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - April 6 - 3rd Place
1995 Bass World Sports - Championship Qualifier
1995 Bass World Sports - Truman Lake - August 12 - 5th & Big Bass
1995 Bass World Sports - Truman Lake - July 15 - 5th Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Championship Qualifier
1994 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - July 16 - 4th Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - May 14 - 2nd Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Lake of the Ozarks - April 27 - 3rd Place
1994 West Central Bass Club - Truman Lake - April 4 - 3rd Place & Big Bass
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2007 FLW Outdoors Stren Series Central Division
November 8-11:
FLW Stren Series Championship - Mobile-Tensaw Delta, AL 10th Place
Notes: This was my first Stren Series Championship on unfamiliar waters of the Mobile Delta. This huge fishery brought unique challenges with
the lack of detailed maps. It was a trial and error to see if the fish were there. After an outstanding practice period I was ready for competition.
With limits on Day 1 and 2 I moved from thirteenth into the final cut spot - 10th. I made some gambles and a mechanical issue changed my plans
during the cut day. I had higher hopes of success and wish that I would have controlled my own destiny but things happen for a reason. I
finished the event in 10th place and an experience of a lifetime. The championship was televised for viewing on Fox Sports Network - the first
airing will be January 13, 2008 at 10:00AM Central Time. For a detailed look at my practice and tournament days visit 7-24 Outdoors.
Stren Series - Lake of the Ozarks, MO - 76th Place
Notes: Back home where my first derby was and I was more nervous than any other event. Many call it home lake advantage - I think of it as
home lake disadvantage. Many times you forget to fish the fish - you start fishing historical data. I started off the event with only 3 keepers for
3-03. Several lost fish hurt me badly. But to make the championship I knew what needed to be done over the next two days I worked harder and
harder an had 4 fish on day 2 and only the final day got me a limit moving me up to 76th place. It was enough to seal the deal and earn me the
rights to my 1st FLW Stren Series Championship. It was never an easy battle but hard work and guidance from higher powers paid off in the
end. For a detailed story on the event please visit my Fishing Journal on 7-24 Outdoors.
June 6-9:
Stren Series - TennTom Waterway, MS - 90th Place
Notes: Fishing is a game of making the right decisions. During practice I found a way that was successful in producing big bites, but it was not
producing numbers. I had two fish over 9 pounds and a ten pounder in practice plus numerous other quality fish over 4 pounds. I made a
decision to gamble on the big fish and go for the win versus fishing conservatively and it didn't pay off. Sitting in 41st after day one and 42nd
after day two I gambled even harder and had a bad decision day on day 3. It dropped me a few spots in the Yearly standings but in great
position still to make the championship. For full details visit my journal on 7-24 Outdoors.
May 2-4:
Stren Series - Kentucky Lake, KY - 35th Place
Notes: I finally got the monkey of Kentucky Lake off my back. After a very tough practice I just went fishing on day one and caught a nice limit of
14-03 and started in 42nd place. I targeted small deep pockets from the 68/80 Bridge to the Blood River Area and bedding fish. I caught a limit
on a trick worm. On Day two I headed back to the same area and caught a quick limit on the trick worm then went hunting for better fish flippin a
tube in the willows I finished with a limit weighing 12-07 and moved to 41st place. On day three I again headed back to the same area and
struggled as I had depleted most of the beds and finished with 5 more that weighed 12-12and moved to 35th place. For the full journal visit my
journal at 7-24 Outdoors.
February 28 - March 2:
Stren Series - Bull Shoals Lake, AR - 65th Place
Notes: This event turned out to be a brutal test of just getting a few bites. I found some success on a Dave's Custom Painted Green Craw
Wiggle Wart of the White River on Channel Banks and Main Lake Points during practice. On day one I beat out 3 keepers for 4-06 and was in
39th place, It was a weird bite losing 3 good keepers near the boat and had 3 swirl on it next to the boat. On day 2 the wind blew hard and I had
to scramble to new water and finished with 3 spotted bass for 3-05 and moved to 41st place. On Day 3 the brutal winds blew again and added
angling pressure sent me on another scramble and hooked up on only 1 small keeper spot that finished my total to 9-01 just less than 3 pounds
from a check and finishing in 65th place. Not what I was hoping but still a solid start in my goal to make the Stren Championship at year-end.
Next off to Kentucky Barkley the first of May and should turn into a slugfest of fish. Visit my fishing journal at 7-24 Outdoors.
FLW Stren Series Championship - Mobile-Tensaw Delta, AL 10th Place
Notes: This was my first Stren Series Championship on unfamiliar waters of the Mobile Delta. This huge fishery brought unique challenges with
the lack of detailed maps. It was a trial and error to see if the fish were there. After an outstanding practice period I was ready for competition.
With limits on Day 1 and 2 I moved from thirteenth into the final cut spot - 10th. I made some gambles and a mechanical issue changed my plans
during the cut day. I had higher hopes of success and wish that I would have controlled my own destiny but things happen for a reason. I
finished the event in 10th place and an experience of a lifetime. The championship was televised for viewing on Fox Sports Network - the first
airing will be January 13, 2008 at 10:00AM Central Time. For a detailed look at my practice and tournament days visit 7-24 Outdoors.
Stren Series - Lake of the Ozarks, MO - 76th Place
Notes: Back home where my first derby was and I was more nervous than any other event. Many call it home lake advantage - I think of it as
home lake disadvantage. Many times you forget to fish the fish - you start fishing historical data. I started off the event with only 3 keepers for
3-03. Several lost fish hurt me badly. But to make the championship I knew what needed to be done over the next two days I worked harder and
harder an had 4 fish on day 2 and only the final day got me a limit moving me up to 76th place. It was enough to seal the deal and earn me the
rights to my 1st FLW Stren Series Championship. It was never an easy battle but hard work and guidance from higher powers paid off in the
end. For a detailed story on the event please visit my Fishing Journal on 7-24 Outdoors.
June 6-9:
Stren Series - TennTom Waterway, MS - 90th Place
Notes: Fishing is a game of making the right decisions. During practice I found a way that was successful in producing big bites, but it was not
producing numbers. I had two fish over 9 pounds and a ten pounder in practice plus numerous other quality fish over 4 pounds. I made a
decision to gamble on the big fish and go for the win versus fishing conservatively and it didn't pay off. Sitting in 41st after day one and 42nd
after day two I gambled even harder and had a bad decision day on day 3. It dropped me a few spots in the Yearly standings but in great
position still to make the championship. For full details visit my journal on 7-24 Outdoors.
May 2-4:
Stren Series - Kentucky Lake, KY - 35th Place
Notes: I finally got the monkey of Kentucky Lake off my back. After a very tough practice I just went fishing on day one and caught a nice limit of
14-03 and started in 42nd place. I targeted small deep pockets from the 68/80 Bridge to the Blood River Area and bedding fish. I caught a limit
on a trick worm. On Day two I headed back to the same area and caught a quick limit on the trick worm then went hunting for better fish flippin a
tube in the willows I finished with a limit weighing 12-07 and moved to 41st place. On day three I again headed back to the same area and
struggled as I had depleted most of the beds and finished with 5 more that weighed 12-12and moved to 35th place. For the full journal visit my
journal at 7-24 Outdoors.
February 28 - March 2:
Stren Series - Bull Shoals Lake, AR - 65th Place
Notes: This event turned out to be a brutal test of just getting a few bites. I found some success on a Dave's Custom Painted Green Craw
Wiggle Wart of the White River on Channel Banks and Main Lake Points during practice. On day one I beat out 3 keepers for 4-06 and was in
39th place, It was a weird bite losing 3 good keepers near the boat and had 3 swirl on it next to the boat. On day 2 the wind blew hard and I had
to scramble to new water and finished with 3 spotted bass for 3-05 and moved to 41st place. On Day 3 the brutal winds blew again and added
angling pressure sent me on another scramble and hooked up on only 1 small keeper spot that finished my total to 9-01 just less than 3 pounds
from a check and finishing in 65th place. Not what I was hoping but still a solid start in my goal to make the Stren Championship at year-end.
Next off to Kentucky Barkley the first of May and should turn into a slugfest of fish. Visit my fishing journal at 7-24 Outdoors.
Year To Date: 48th Place
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| Higginsville Advance Stren Top 10 |
| Higginsville Advance Stren Championship |
2007 FLW Outdoors Stren Series Central Division
October 8 - 11:
Stren Series - Lake of the Ozarks, MO - 52nd Place
Notes: Needing a good finish I spent added time preparing for this event. I've been on and off the waters for over the last month preparing for
this event. I had located several good areas but no big fish that I could consistently pattern. On Day one I I caught 5 bass for 9-14 all caught
cranking docks. On day 2 I could only entice 4 small spots to the crankbait and ended with 4-02. I needed a big day so I headed way up river to
chase better quality but harder to find fish and had 4 for 9-00. Finishing with 23-00 pounds a a 52nd place finish. Just short of making my
second championship. I lost several fish on day 2 and day 3 that just would not eat the bait and it hurt me dearly and kept me from making the
championship. If fate would have wanted me there I feel I would have had the opportunity but it was a year of mistakes and mental errors that
has kept me from qualifying. I am looking forward to next year as I will be fishing the BASS Central Opens and chasing my dreams again.
July 23 - 26:
Stren Series - Mississippi River, Fort Madison, Iowa - (Relocated to Kentucky Lake) - 61st
Notes: This event was relocated to Kentucky Lake due to flooding conditions on the Mississippi River. I struggled in practice and especially on
the ledge bite. I went into salvage mode to help with making the championship again for 2008. I targeted schooling fish in the grass that is
becoming very abundant on Kentucky Lake. It is quickly changing the way Kentucky Lake will fish in the near future. I had 4 solid fish on day
one for a little of 15 pounds with the 2nd Biggest Bass a 5-13 I cranked up with a LuckyCraft Flat CB D-12. On Day Two I stumbled and only
managed 3 fish for 6 pounds. I made an adjustment on Day 3 and ran farther south to fish grass in the Paris, TN area and had a limit for 10
pounds. I finished in 61st place and made up 16 places in the Year-to-date standings and now sit just 13 places out with the last event close to
home on Lake of the Ozarks.
April 30 - May 3:
Stren Series - Kentucky Lake, KY - 83rd Place
Notes: I Had the fish dialed in on Kentucky Lake they were eating Swimbait big time. I stuck with this pattern all three days and with blustery
windsand rolling seas it limited my ability to move quickly from pocket to pocket to run the pattern I had established on Day 2 and Days 3. Plus
some angling errors each day lost numerous opportunities to solidify a high finish. Day one I lost 3 solid 4 pound plus fish. Day 2 lost 4 solid
keepers and Day 3 lost a 6 to 7 pounder and one that I estimate 9 to 10 pounds that were hooked up and either just came unbuttoned or I
broke off in the junk. I finished in 83rd Place just 4 pounds from a check and 15 pounds from the cut. The only positive is that I made a jump to
63rd place in the Year-to-Date Standings.
March 5-8:
Stren Series - Norfork Lake, AR - 100th Place
Notes: This was the first event for 2008. I have a strong will to reach the Championship again. I left some unfinished business in Mobile Last
Fall and I want to finish the deal. Well the first event of the year meet us with some WILD weather. Practice we approached Sunny 80 degree
weather followed by torrential rains that swelled the lake over 5 foot the next few days and brought in severe muddy conditions. But that's not all
the last day of practice we heavy snows that cancelled day one. Falling water temps and high muddy water made conditions tough for the derby.
Fishing was tough in practice but I had found a success on LuckCraft Pointers, LuckyCraft GDS MiniDR Crankbait and Swimming a Grub. Day
one I only had one keeper bite and lost it. I made some adjustment and caught a bunch of barely short LLargemouths and Spotted Bass
swimming the grub. I dedicated day2 to getting a keeper bite on the grub. I had a 3 pound spot the 2nd cast and she took a dive right under the
boat and broke the line. Man what a struggle. The next bluff end I caught a keeper spot and the monkey was off my back the day continued
catching numerous short fish but it lacked the keeper bites I needed. I survived this event with my work cut out now for the next 3. For a detail
journal visit: 7-24 Outdoors Journal Article
Stren Series - Lake of the Ozarks, MO - 52nd Place
Notes: Needing a good finish I spent added time preparing for this event. I've been on and off the waters for over the last month preparing for
this event. I had located several good areas but no big fish that I could consistently pattern. On Day one I I caught 5 bass for 9-14 all caught
cranking docks. On day 2 I could only entice 4 small spots to the crankbait and ended with 4-02. I needed a big day so I headed way up river to
chase better quality but harder to find fish and had 4 for 9-00. Finishing with 23-00 pounds a a 52nd place finish. Just short of making my
second championship. I lost several fish on day 2 and day 3 that just would not eat the bait and it hurt me dearly and kept me from making the
championship. If fate would have wanted me there I feel I would have had the opportunity but it was a year of mistakes and mental errors that
has kept me from qualifying. I am looking forward to next year as I will be fishing the BASS Central Opens and chasing my dreams again.
July 23 - 26:
Stren Series - Mississippi River, Fort Madison, Iowa - (Relocated to Kentucky Lake) - 61st
Notes: This event was relocated to Kentucky Lake due to flooding conditions on the Mississippi River. I struggled in practice and especially on
the ledge bite. I went into salvage mode to help with making the championship again for 2008. I targeted schooling fish in the grass that is
becoming very abundant on Kentucky Lake. It is quickly changing the way Kentucky Lake will fish in the near future. I had 4 solid fish on day
one for a little of 15 pounds with the 2nd Biggest Bass a 5-13 I cranked up with a LuckyCraft Flat CB D-12. On Day Two I stumbled and only
managed 3 fish for 6 pounds. I made an adjustment on Day 3 and ran farther south to fish grass in the Paris, TN area and had a limit for 10
pounds. I finished in 61st place and made up 16 places in the Year-to-date standings and now sit just 13 places out with the last event close to
home on Lake of the Ozarks.
April 30 - May 3:
Stren Series - Kentucky Lake, KY - 83rd Place
Notes: I Had the fish dialed in on Kentucky Lake they were eating Swimbait big time. I stuck with this pattern all three days and with blustery
windsand rolling seas it limited my ability to move quickly from pocket to pocket to run the pattern I had established on Day 2 and Days 3. Plus
some angling errors each day lost numerous opportunities to solidify a high finish. Day one I lost 3 solid 4 pound plus fish. Day 2 lost 4 solid
keepers and Day 3 lost a 6 to 7 pounder and one that I estimate 9 to 10 pounds that were hooked up and either just came unbuttoned or I
broke off in the junk. I finished in 83rd Place just 4 pounds from a check and 15 pounds from the cut. The only positive is that I made a jump to
63rd place in the Year-to-Date Standings.
March 5-8:
Stren Series - Norfork Lake, AR - 100th Place
Notes: This was the first event for 2008. I have a strong will to reach the Championship again. I left some unfinished business in Mobile Last
Fall and I want to finish the deal. Well the first event of the year meet us with some WILD weather. Practice we approached Sunny 80 degree
weather followed by torrential rains that swelled the lake over 5 foot the next few days and brought in severe muddy conditions. But that's not all
the last day of practice we heavy snows that cancelled day one. Falling water temps and high muddy water made conditions tough for the derby.
Fishing was tough in practice but I had found a success on LuckCraft Pointers, LuckyCraft GDS MiniDR Crankbait and Swimming a Grub. Day
one I only had one keeper bite and lost it. I made some adjustment and caught a bunch of barely short LLargemouths and Spotted Bass
swimming the grub. I dedicated day2 to getting a keeper bite on the grub. I had a 3 pound spot the 2nd cast and she took a dive right under the
boat and broke the line. Man what a struggle. The next bluff end I caught a keeper spot and the monkey was off my back the day continued
catching numerous short fish but it lacked the keeper bites I needed. I survived this event with my work cut out now for the next 3. For a detail
journal visit: 7-24 Outdoors Journal Article
| DOUG VAHRENBERG |
| Professional Bass Angler and Humminbird Sonar Guru |
