The weather man said it was going to be windy with rain showers up to around 11 am but he under estimated the wind and just plain missed the rain on Sunday October 29th. The twenty-four teams that arrived at the ramp were happy that the mosquitoes were blown away but that pesky ramp light that SJRWM promised would be working just cannot get fixed. I know that they are working on that hard and it will get fixed they promised. Another great turnout for SCBF's as all but one team made the trip to Fellsmere down 512 to fish our best lake over the last few years. Garcia did not disappoint as all but four teams weighed in a limit and everyone reported that small fish were biting all day. The launch ramp was uneventful but Jimmy Blount would like everyone to be a little bit quieter around his truck and try not to shake it so much so he can get a little more sleep before the start of the tournament. President Bill, was happy to see all the members and guest alternate anglers, with the help of Justin Neal sent everyone out in chip order and without any problems. The lake gave the club the biggest trick or treat upon our return as the strong north wind completely clogged both the boat ramps and the south and east canals with a lot of floating hyacinths and reeds. The only way out of the lake was the airboat ramp which was very slick making it hard to pull your boat out. Several boats were trapped by the mess in the canals but Alan Hough and Justin Koether (alternate) suffered the lass of battery power and had to pole out then go all the way back out into the lake and come in from the north canal to the airboat ramp after the weigh-in concluded. Many teams reported almost depleted battery power and overworked power poles to combat the windy conditions.
The club was treated to a real butt kicking by Buddy and Matt Byrd, whose 22.58 pounds was the class of the tournament easily taking first place. Just to add to the kicking, Buddy landed a nice 6.02 pounder to take Big Bass honors. They used a white or chartreuse spinner bait and some jerkbaits to record their monumental sack, largest of the year so far! Way to Go!
Rick and Joe Jenkins used some common sense and went to the west wall, to block the wind somewhat, and brought back a limit weighing 15.09 pounds including the second largest bass of the day at 5.00 pounds even. Throwing both speed worms and jerkbaits accounted for all their fish and a second place finish.
Third place finishers, Brian Wical and Craig Cashion, followed closely with 14.25 pounds of nice bass. Flippin a Burner Craw in the heavy grass and along the reed lines on the north end was their reported bait.
Fishing by himself, Wayne Smith, takes the small creel prize of four ten dollar gift certificates from local bait and tackle stores.
Next month we will be going to Lake Cypress on November 19th, so hope to see everyone their.
