The day was hot when we started and just got hotter as the club completed the tenth tournament of the season. Twenty-four teams arrived at Blue Cypress Recreational Area or Miami-Garcia Impoundment to find the water level acceptable and the vegetation growth high but the morning temperature was 79' and climbing which was totally unacceptable. President Karl quickly got everyone started with his usual to the point instructions about safety at the take-off and boat separation in the canals. He also called on everyone to be vigilant in the care of the fish in your live well during the heat of the day but to be especially careful to hydrate yourself and watch out for signs of heat exhaustion. Many of the members did not make it to the end of the day and returned to the ramp early to take advantage of the shade and air conditioning relief. We only had a couple of boat equipment malfunctions as Junior Solis had engine problems on the way back and Brian Cole and Fred Reid had aerator problems. The lake was definitely off from the previous times we fished there as this has always been one of our best lakes to fish with many of the largest fish and bag limits coming from here.
Jay Stein and (alt) George Short lead the way with a first place limit weighing 17.56 pounds. There bag was anchored by a the second largest bass of the day at 6.38 pounds. Jay reported that they used a Zara Spook and a Cotton Cordell Boy Howdy lure along with a Devil Horse to land their winning bag. They worked the edges of the hydrilla around the pit area most of the day.
Clayton Clark and Greg Clark took second place for the day with a very good bag weighing 16.37 pounds. Working the back water areas using a beetle spin was Clayton's best weapon but Greg used mostly Flukes to take his limit. Greg also was credited with the Biggest Bass of the tournament with weighed in at 6.90 pounds which also came on a fluke.
Dwayne Haga and Dave Metzler landed a nice limit weighing 15.58 pounds to claim third place. They reported that throwing Senko's around the pads and hydrilla along with flipping a Stump Knocker Junebug Craw was the key to a successful day. Their bag was anchored by a 5.59 pound Garcia big bass.
Fourth place was won by Brian Wical and Junior Solis who came back with a 14.94 pound limit with a little help from their friends. Flippin in the hydrilla and pads accounted for their bag. We hope that your engine problems can be fixed easily.
Brian Cole, who fished by himself, took home the Small Creel prize with a single bass weighing 2.02 pounds (1.52lbs after penalty). He had to release his other four fish because his live well quit during the day and he chose to not kill all them. Good choice Brian.
We will be fishing at Lake Washington on the 26th of July for the final regular season tournament. President Karl suggested that we have sub sandwiches from Publix for the end oy the season meeting which everyone found to be acceptable along with the $5.00 dollar per person fee. You must bring your on drink and anything else you would like to have at the pavilion. After the weigh-in has been completed we will have the usual tabulation for the AOY points standing and the determination of the wild card winner. We will also have the selection of the lake to be fished for the "Classic" by the eleven qualifying teams. The election of the officers for the ensuing season will also take place. I will not be the secretary again if elected so don't waste you selection on me as it is time for new blood and better ideals to take over for secretary. Jack Berry also is of the same mind so select accordingly.
SEE YOU AT LAKE WASHINGTON !!
