Log Cabin, Texas; February 11, 2006 -- The wind chill was in the mid 20s when the field of 222 teams took off on an unusual start to the Bass Champs North Teams bass fishing opener on Cedar Creek. The decision was made to allow teams to trailer for the event due to the low water conditions coupled with the predicted weather -- forecasts were calling for 10 -- 20 MPH winds. With actual sustained winds at 31 MPH and winds gusting to 39 MPH, that decision was a blessing to the anglers.
With $76, 610 in cash and prizes awarded, the kickoff to the North Teams season was a success despite the weather, a lot of the lake was rendered un-fishable by the winds but Bass Champs anglers proved their class as boats piled up in coves and sheltered points. "Every boat we came across was polite and we all made small talk" commented one angler. At weigh in, as teams crossed the stage, comments like "it was rough out there", and "I feel like I am still rolling around" were common place. The crowd laughed along with the anglers as they joked about their day. When the line closed, the crowd cheered as a local team was pronounced the winners.
The team, known locally as the "Mud Buggers", made a last minute decision to change their normal routine and fish south. "We wanted to gamble" said Strider, "we've gambled before and it didn't pay off" It did this time!" Their gamble certainly did pay off with a 20.88 pound wining stringer. Finishing in first place not only earned them a brand new boat, they also landed some great Bass Champs sponsor bonus cash.
Browning and Wells' Cash & Prize Earnings -- $39,500
Skeeter 200SX with a 200 HP Yamaha
Skeeter Bonus Money - $5000
Fun & Sun Bonus Money - $500
The winning pattern they used was to fish black and blue jigs with a #4 pork trailer around boat docks in 3 to 6 foot of water with a sharp drop-off close by. "We targeted staging areas" commented Strider. They took their time and worked the bait slowly, "I would shake the rattles and let it sit" Dennis added. They caught three of their keepers off the first dock they pulled up to in the morning.
With the strong winds, the two displayed great team work to put together the winning sack. "Every time I turned around he was hollering at me to get the net" laughed Strider. He spent most of his day positioning the boat for Dennis and of course, getting the net. "I couldn't buy a bite," Strider recalled. When Dennis had his largest fish on the line, a healthy 6 pounder, he had a little trouble getting his partner's attention. "I had to holler six times to get the net on the big fish" explained Dennis. "With the wind, he couldn't hear me." The two are now working on a communication system to aid in communications on cold, windy days.
These two have been partners for about 15 years and would like to thank their sponsor, Fun & Sun Boats for their support.
Strider and Dennis are no strangers to Bass Champs either. Strider filmed their first show on Cedar Creek and the two have been fishing Bass Champs since it started -- placing in the money several times. "I want to thank Bass Champs for doing such a great job" praised Strider, "It's pretty much the only tournaments we fish." The team is looking forward to the rest of the season and hope that the next event comes back to Cedar Creek.
Rounding out the top five stringers for the day:
2nd -- Keith Combs & Landan Ward 20.34 lbs $4000
3rd -- Ky Martin & Randy Hurt 18.52 lbs $3000
4th -- Brady Winans & Specncer Turner 18.08 lbs $2000
5th -- Rob Burns & Mike Burns 17.94 lbs $4200
($2000 Allen Samuels Bonus + $1000 Line-X North Texas Bonus)
Big Bass -- Jason Brannan & Larry Brown 8.88 lbs $1000