Total Year Standings
Total Fish Caught 114
Total Dead Fish 0
Total Limits 6
Big Fish 4.28
Total Fish Weight 152.60 lbs

Tournament Results

The February tournament was held on (NO) Fish River, near Foley, Alabama.  We had 21 fishermen trying to find the elusive fish.  The temps were cool in the morning but very comfortable by the afternoon.  We had muddy water everywhere in the system because of heavy rains on Thursday before the tournament.  As usual after a cold front, high blue bird skies dominated.   We started with a low tide and had an incoming tide for the entire day. 

I was drawn out at the meeting as a solo boater because of the odd number of fishermen.  Usually I welcome this opportunity but today made we wish for a partner.  The fish were hard to find and I think I had 4 bites for the entire day.  I did boat 1 small bass and a 6.5 lb red fish.  That was all I could get fishing from 6 am until 4 pm.  I did fish above the bridge and in the middle river section for the day.  I think now that was a mistake and I should have just stayed in the sawgrass and tried to find at least a keeper.

At the weigh in there were many long faces and most had the same story…few bites and no fish.  However a few guys always find a fish.  Everyone was not sad faced… Frank Kelly was grinning like a grinnel so I knew he had something to show.  He managed one fish and it was a beauty.  He had a nice fish weighing 4.28 lbs.   He won the tournament with that solo fish.  He was fishing with Tony Boyette in Tony’s boat and Tony did not have a fish…..mmmm.  Needless to say Frank also won the lunker award for the tournament.  Great fish Frank and congratulations on catching a good fish at the perfect time!  Second place went to Dave Dyess who was also a back-seater.  Dave had 3 fish @ 3.57 lbs.  Good job Dave.   Kevin Simmons found 2 fish @ 3.51 lbs to take 3^rd place.   It’s good to see you fishing again Kevin and congratulations for a good showing on such a tough day.  Mack Cramer took 4^th place with 2 fish @ 3.36 lbs.  Good job Mack and this should move you into first place in the yearly standings.  Only 9 out of 21 fishermen found a keeper fish.  This was really a tough time and I hope that our other tournaments will yield better results.

Almost all of the fish were caught on dark worms, (junebug, black grape, black, etc.)  I think a few guys maybe had some bites on a spinner but for the most part it was slow and tough to find even a bite.  For all those who did get a keeper …you did well. I tip my hat to you all. 

Our next tournament will be a 2 day event at Lake Seminole.  This year we are fishing out of Trails End Marina.  This will be a new launching place for our group and we will also stay in the cabins there.  Also remember the club will furnish the evening meal on Saturday.  Usually we have a good tournament at Seminole in March.  I hope it will be good this time but we have had a colder winter this year and so I think the fishing patterns may be a bit different this time.  Our two day tournaments are always lots of fun and we do enjoy the fun and fellowship at the cook-outs.  Make your plans now to attend both the meeting and the tournament.

On a somber note, we lost a member.  Ken Repine passed away on February 25.  I had the privilege to fish with Ken on several occasions in our tournaments.  He was a fine partner in fishing and he was a good man.  We will all miss him.  Speaking for all of the Hawg Hunters … we all extend our sincere condolences to his family.

John