PABC Feb. Tourney 2-28-09

Sometimes you just never learn.

Despite 30 MPH north winds and cold weather, the PABC held it's monthly tournament on Twin Buttes today. Some believed the cold front moving in would slow down the bite. Some thought it wouldn't.

It didn't.

Scott and I fished in our old cove and I managed to catch 3 with my biggest one being 2.4. Scott caught one dink.

Water was in the mid 50s, but the real story was the wind as we all were brutalized through out the day. About 10, Scott and I had decided that we had enough and moved locations. After about an hour of trying to find a sheltered area, we hit the maze over by the old boat dock on Buttes. It was hard for us to fish bottom without the wind turning our worms into swim baits.

As hard as it was for us, we had an amazing weigh in; to me anyways!

Fifteen fishermen caught over 82 pounds of fish. This is one of our best tourney's ever.

The biggest catch of the tournament went to Mike Dorman who caught

this 8.1 monster. This was easily the biggest fish that I have ever seen and I consider myself lucky to have been able to do so.

As big as Mike's fish was, and even with the help of a 5.2 and 1.16, it was still only good enough for 2nd place (like that is a bad thing!). Mike said he caught it fishing a worm slow is select spots on the lake. He and his son, Bryan, are excellent examples of what sets experience, time on the water, and knowledge of the lake apart from guys like me that are mostly theory and limited application. It's not enough that the Dormans know how to fish worms, rather they know the lake well enough to know where to fish them. Great catch, Mike!

The man of the tournament was Roy Cavanass. Roy won the tournament with a three fish limit of 4.1, 5.13, and 6.4 (the 5 & 6 are shown left) for a total of 16.2; a full pound over Mike. The battles between Roy and the Dormans have been a blast for the second and third tier fishermen of the PABC and any victories are well earned. These guys really push each other. Way to go, Roy, and good luck next week at the Sudden Link Tourney next week!!!

Jeff Morris rounded off the top 3 with a combined weight of 9.7; not an easy feat to average over 3 pounds for his 3 fish limit!

Big hats off for the guys who braved the wind and cold just for the opportunity to get out and fish with each other. I have always appreciated the way they have supported each other as we all try to improve our fishing. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us better in March as we hope to catch the spawn.

Stay tuned as I try to cover the Sudden Link Tourney next week over on Twin Buttes. Scott and I'll be volunteering so come on over and say "Hey!"

Thanks for taking the time to read this and remember, "Cast straight, cast often, and keep your wake small for the guys in the plastic boats!"