The end of the year is nearing and with only one tournament left to fish the "Classic" line up is starting to shape up. The points race for "AOY" has become very close, with this months results, as there is now only five points separating the top two teams. The day started out like any other day at Garcia with a lot of mosquitoes, crowded boat parking and a lot of floating weeds but nineteen teams who traveled to Fellsmere would be ready to go as soon as they finished the Entenmann breakfast supplied by Lloyd and Jennifer. After some common sense instructions from President Bill, everyone left the launch ramp at safe light except for some who experienced motor and battery problems which needed to be fixed.
The day was expected to be hot with temperatures in the mid 90's (feels like 100's) and the wind was almost nonexistent which made it even more uncomfortable. The only escape from the Florida sun was the occasional passing cloud and a afternoon rain cloud cover that was greatly appreciated at the end of the day. Several teams choose to return early and take advantage of the shade trees at the launch ramp. Alan and Wayne's towing service, with help from Dewayne and Dave, came in handy again and save the day for a member who's batteries and motor gave out before the end of the day. The weigh-in began at 3 pm on schedule with seventeen of the nineteen teams returning with a five fish limit.
First place was easily taken by Bill Groseclose and Fred Reid, who posted a huge limit of Florida black bass weighing 23.37 pounds. They reported that they used a sinko type bait from Elite Catch Bait company in thick hydrilla and around pads. Their bag included a nice 5.67 pounder and was capped off four more over four and a half pounds for a solid limit.
Jay Stein and alternate Santos Solis Jr. followed with a good limit weighing 20.13 pounds for second place. Their big bass weighed nearly five pounds and most of their fish came in over the four pound mark. Flippin the edges of hydrilla mats and fishing the pit accounted for their catch.
Points leader, Brian Wical and Craig Cashion, maintained their lead in the "AOY" race by bringing in 18.64 pounds and taking third place. They used top water frogs in the morning and flippin grass mats later to account for their limit which included a good 4.77 pound kicker fish.
Fourth place went to Cliff Semonski and Keith Braun who used horny toads, speed worms and flippin mats to land a solid limit weighing 18.22 pounds. Their catch included a huge bucket mouth weighing 7.73 pounds which was the Big Bass of the tournament. Cliff landed the big girl on a Kinky Beaver which he was flippin in heavy cover.
President Bill wrapped up the day with a few words about the next tournament at Lake Washington on July 29th, at which we will be doing the end of year club business, vote on the lakes for next year, elect club officers and make any proposed By-Laws amendments. Be sure you read and understand the rules for the "Classic" winners and how the wild card team will be determined. The club will be having an after weigh-in end of year banquet which everyone should stay for so that we can complete the last of the years business and have a great time in doing it.
