Our 5^th annual club fish off was held on Lake Guntersville, Alabama, one of the premier lakes of America.  Unfortunately the fish were not in tune with the lakes reputation.  The park welcomed us with many deer ambling around the campgrounds.  Billy saw one with indigestion so he gave it a rollaid!

 

Many of us went up on Wednesday to fish our tournament scheduled for Friday and Saturday.  We arrived at the Lake mid morning and found the facilities exceptional.  The weather was pleasant with a light wind and slightly overcast sky.  Fishing reports were mixed, most caught fish but keepers were few and far between.  Thursdays practice also had mixed results.  Artie and I found some fish in a deep hole and felt good about our prospects for the tournament.  Wayne and Dora also had a good catch which was kept as quiet as possible.  A few of us played golf on an absolutely beautiful course.  We saw numerous deer on the fairways and enjoyed a good round.

 

Friday morning found us with 2 other tournaments out of the state park, a little crowded but no real problem.  Skies were overcast and about a 10 mph east wind.  Everyone caught fish!  However, many were short of the 15 inch size limit.  Rich Cornelius lead, with Steve Graham, Wayne Thomley and Chris Malena following close behind.  As expected Saturday greeted us with a few more boats on the ramp, but all blasted off without incident.  Fishing was much the same; a lot of fish caught but few keepers.  Mitch Gardner had no fish at 3:00 when he saw a school of 3 pounders busting top water, he quickly boated 5 keepers.  Fourth place went to Wayne T 5 fish 14.95 pounds, Steve G was third 7 19.22, just squeaking into second Mitch 7 19.53 and suck out Ritchie won with 9 fish weighing 22.05 pounds.  Congratulations on a consistent catch.  Dan Thomas took big fish for the weekend 6.09 boo ray fish.

 

Congratulations to Wayne Thomley.  With his placing fourth he takes Fisherman of the year.

 

All things considered it was a good fish off.  I lost a tackle box to someone who needed it more than I did (or so they thought).  That is a major disappointment.  Guntersville is a great place and I would go back tomorrow.  If we are ever fortunate enough to get there at the right time I know we would break records with quality fish.  It has been a good year and we have a great club.  I know we will continue to just get better.

 

Keep your line wet!

 

Fred