The Women's Bass Fishing Association conducted the 3-day tournament on the Red River out of Shreveport, Louisiana. Thirty-four women professional bass anglers from 12 states competed in the classic event.
On the first day of competition, DiVincenti brought one of only two 5-fish limits. Her 5 fish totaled 12.45 pounds keeping her ahead of second place Newberry by only .74 points. On the second day, she again brought in another 5 fish limit that tilted the scales at 12.96 pounds. But Wong brought in the biggest stringer landed during the tournament, 17.29 pounds to take second and move within 1.27 pounds of the leader. Glasgow also brought in a 5-fish limit that moved her to within 8 pounds of the leader. Newberry was able to only land 3 fish the second day.
The final day of competition was to turn into a walk-away. Glasgow and Pam Martin-Wells, Bainbridge, Georgia, both brought limits to the weigh-in stage putting the pressure on DiVincenti. Last to arrive, the new World Champion was able to show the crowd of over 500 spectators a solid 5-fish limit that jumped her ahead of the rest of the competitors by over 6 pounds. Honorary Weighmaster Gary Yamamoto, Yamamoto Custom Baits, was proud to announce the weight of her fish and present her the title World Champion.
"I was able to find a shallow water pattern during the VIP tournament held on Wednesday," explained DiVincenti. "I found the fish in thick brush and water hyacinths in 18 inches of water. When the pattern held on the first day of competition, I knew that unless there was a drastic change in the weather, the pattern would hold during competition. I worked a spinner bait and buzz bait."
World Champion DiVincenti was honored at a reception hosted by Bass Pro Shops and a banquet at Harrah's in Shreveport following the tournament. She was presented her prizes and congratulations from the rest of the professional woman anglers.
The WBFA is the only professional bass fishing tournament trail designed for women. It supports both professional and amateur anglers. Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Hummingbird Electronics, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Gator Grip, Deka Marine Batteries, FlowMaster, and Eidolon Baits sponsor the trial.
LEADERBOARD 1. Mary DiVinceti Clinton, LA 35.89 2. Judy Wong Sugarland, TX 29.55 3. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, GA 21.84 4. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, OK 21.30 5. Donna Newberry Van Buren, AK 19.88 6 Sylvia Graham Valparaiso, IN 14.9