2009 Toledo Bass Club Season:
Sunday April 26-Sandusky Mazurik Launch
The weather was outstanding. Blast off went off without a hitch at first light and the race was on to Kellys Island. It was quite a temperature difference to what is normally happening this time of year. Most important was the fact that the fish were in a cooperative mood. Nearly all the members that went out had a limit, even the newest members. The total results will be posted in the Tournament Results page when they are finished. John Lacasse came in first, followd by Brent Dunmyer. Brent also had the biggest bass (a real big toad-we both thought it was a sheephead at first because it was so pale). There were several bags over 20 lbs. Mike Fall was really smacking them but could not get the bigger fish he really needed to move up the list, however he caught and released a ton of four pounders. (Did I mention the fishing was pretty good this day?)
A big thank you has to go out to John Lacasse. Some of the released fish from the tournament showed some stress so he put his boat back in the water, collected these fish and carefully took them out to deeper water and worked on them. Thank you on behalf of this club and the sport as a whole. However, Mr. Know-it-all that was patroling the launch should remember two things, we were taking care of the fish the best we could and there is a leash law so put the mutt on one.
Overall, the day was great and I can only hope the rest of the season is half this good.
Saturday May 23-Sterling State Park
Things were a bit tougher than the previous tournament. In fact, I would say the fish won this round. Weather was OK, but the fish were not as cooperative, plentiful or big. No one was close to a 20 lb. bag but Hal Graham did get a great fish for the Big Bass ( 5.24 lbs.). Our improved weigh system in resulted in zero (0) fish kills and all swam off under their own power into the lake. Thanks to everyone's effort in this area. Hopefully our friend with the Shriner's scooter and unleashed dog at Mazurik's is reading this and prepared to give us our props. Congrats to Eric Nowicki for placing in this tournament. This is the first time he has placed with the club. Now he can relax and let me win!!!! Ohhh and the winner, Bill Herzog, knew it was going to be a tough day for the smallmouth bite so he went and caught a few of the largemouth that we have a sneaking suspicion he has on speed dial. He calls them, they bite, he catches, then releases and sends them christmas cards with his winnings. The lake won this day but we will return.
Saturday June 20-Lake St. Clair
So sorry but can not be reporter on the spot for this event. I was not present as I was fishing in the Annual Toledo Police Walleye Tournamnet. I was told the fishing was extremely tough considering this lake is known for big bags and big fish. Weather stank at outset. It affected the walleye tourney also. Mike Fall still managed a nice Big Bass (4.89 lbs.) And another new guy, Jeremy Miller placed for the first time with the club. Hell, he won the damn tournament, congrats.
(As a side note: the boat I fished on in the walleye tournament placed. The members of the crew of the SS Minnow were Captain Steve Applin, Steve's brother, Jimmy Couch and myself.)
Sunday June 28-Erie Metro
Ouch! THis was another tough bite. Bags numbers were down however some of the big bass brought in were not too bad. Once again, Bill Herzog went out and picked up fish that he probably has named through the years or caught their grandpappies in years gone by. Mr. Steady Herzog wins another tournament. Ho Hum!
Saturday July 11-Sterling State Park
Well some of our members were on the disabled list (Terry Hanf and Brent Dunmyer) for this tournament. Again it was a struggle and only three fisherman had their limits. And yes they were the top three for the contest. Congrats to Mr. Ankenbrandt for a decent bag.
Saturday and Sunday August 1&2-Erie Metro
Ahh yes the two day fight to the finish. Weather was average for both days. The old pro Mike Fall won the tourney and did not have two limits. He was short a fish on one day. Mike still came out on top. That's a real nice job. Three other members did have limits both days. Considering how tough the bite has been this year so far that is good fishing.
Saturday August 22-Lake St. Clair
Well, let's see how to describe the day...the weather SUCKED. The fish were few and far betweeen and smaller. However, we did get to see the air show which was quite cool. The air force jets etc. were impressive to say the least. The fishing ehh! But I must say yours truely finally got on the board with a rousing third place finish. Thank you very much. Again the bite was light and the fish were smaller. We all hung in and Mr. Dunmyer won again pn a tough day.
Saturday September 26-Erie Metro
More fussy fish as only one member had a limit and yes it was Mr. Dunmyer. (I'm really getting to hate this guy.) A first occcurred per the members of long standing, there was a tie for the Big Bass so the prize was split. Next up.....the Classic!!!
Saturday October 17, 2009-Detroit River Toledo Bass Club Classic
It was not an easy day out on the water. It started off a wee bit colder than many would have like but it was mid October. Ohhh and the fishing actually....mmm...ahhh... well it sucked canal water. Alas, Mr. Dunmyer once again came out on top AND had big bass. Which coincidentally knocked my fish to second place in the big bass which means I got SH*T. It is official-I hate him. Mr. Bill Herzog once again playing steady came in second which gets a check. Congrats to all that made the tournament. Many members simply could not participate and you were missed. Overall a fine end to a tough fishing season on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. I bet it will be better NEXT YEAR.........