GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. (May 4, 2009) - Michael Stone of Eddyville, Ky., won the Bass Fishing League LBL Division bass fishing tournament on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Saturday with a five-bass catch weighing 18 pounds, 5 ounces. The victory earned Stone $4,498 and placed him one step closer to qualifying for the Mississippi River Regional Championship in Fort Madison, Ky., Oct. 1-3, where he could ultimately win a new Ranger boat and a Chevy truck.
"I had to walk away during the weigh-in because I was too shook up," said Stone who was in the second flight to weigh in. "This was my first big win in a BFL competition. I was very excited."
Stone fished around the Moores area in deep banks with a jig and soft plastic bait. The day was overcast with scattered showers. Stone commented that the rain was fairly light and didn't hinder the fishing during the tournament. "I believe the cloud cover and light rain actually made things better for me."
Rounding out the top five boaters are Larry Frasier of Owensboro, Ky. (5 bass, 16-14, $2,249); Marty Sisk of Evansville, Ind. (5 bass, 16-2, $1,498); Tommy Ellis of Paris, Tenn. (5 bass, 16-0, $1,050) and Scott Patton of Mount Washington, Ky., and Ray Barga of Gilbertsville, Ky. (5 bass, 15-12, $862).
Harold Buchmeier of Anna, Ill., took home the Boater Division Big Bass award, earning $645 for a 7-pound, 7-ounce bass he caught.
Ray Arning Jr. of Walnut Hill, Ill., earned $2,249 as the co-angler winner Saturday thanks to 5 bass weighing 14 pounds, 14 ounces.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Robert Maxey of Fishers, Ind. (5 bass, 13-0, $1,125); Chris Eickholtz of Charlestown, Ind. (4 bass, 12-10, $752); Roger Kirby of Owensboro, Ky. (5 bass, 12-4, $525); and Chuck Rounds of Benton, Ky. (5 bass, 11-4, $450).
Jayme Grundy earned $322 as the co-angler Big Bass winner after catching a 5-pound, 3-ounce bass.
The next LBL Division event will be held on the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes in Gilbertsville, Ky., June 20.