HEMPHILL, Texas (June 30, 2003) - Chris Wilkerson of Livingston claimed $4,317 as the winner of the Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division's fourth regular-season bass fishing tournament, held on Toledo Bend near Hemphill. Wilkerson led the field of 164 boaters with a five-bass catch weighing 14 pounds, 2 ounces.
As the highest-finishing participant in the Ranger Cup incentive program, Wilkerson also claimed a $1,000 bonus from Ranger Boats, and he earned another $1,000 from Garmin for using a fixed-mount Garmin Fishfinder or combination GPS/sounder.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Mark Richards of Houston (four bass, 14 pounds, $2,158); Mike Cortelloni of Many, La. (five bass, 13 pounds, 9 ounces, $1,468); Glen Freeman of Converse, La. (five bass, 13 pounds, 9 ounces, $1,122); and Wayne Ebarb of Many, La. (five bass, 12 pounds, 13 ounces, $950).
Craig Morris of Lufkin topped 164 Co-angler Division competitors with a five-bass catch weighing 10 pounds. Morris earned $2,158 for the win.
In second place was Michael Harman of Bastrop with a five-bass catch weighing 9 pounds that earned him $1,079. Third place went to Joseph Coatney of Dickinson with a five-bass catch weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces that earned him $734. Tied for fourth place were Tim Achee of Many, La. (four bass, 8 pounds, 10 ounces) and Mike Power of Canyon Lake (three bass, 8 pounds, 10 ounces). Each received $518 for his catch.
Richards earned boater big-bass honors and $820 with a 7-pound, 9-ounce bass, and Jeffrey Wharton of Humble earned co-angler big-bass honors and $410 in his division with a 5-pound, 13-ounce bass.