04/27 - April 9, 2005 - Richland Chambers - Texas Central Division

It was sure great to get back to Richland Chambers again. I really like the lake. I remember when it opened in March of 1989. I was recruited to do a weigh-in for the Aggie Land General Store on the day that the lake opened to the public. Every catch weighed a nearly identical 15 lbs. apiece. This lake still represents a new frontier for bass fishermen even after 16 years.

Well, the tournament started with a predicted 30-35 mph wind forcast, so trailering was allowed for safety reasons. Of course around 9 am the wind let down to very tolerable degrees before ripping a 'new one' in the afternoon hours (good call, after all). Let me thank the great people at Oak Cove Marina for hosting our tournaments, they were so nice.

When the weigh-in began winds were tearing up pretty good. But, Rick Parker and M.W. Harris managed to weigh-in a 20.88 lb. limit of five bass for a check of $2,250.00. Russell Lee and James Lowe finished just behind with 19.46 pounds, worth $1,150.00. Rounding out the Top-3 teams was Jim Burns and Russell Gantenbein with 18.19 lbs. for $705.00. The Big Bass Award went to Chuck Hortman and Chuck Allen for their 9.45 lb. bass. There were several bass weighed over 5 lbs. as well.

My thanks, to Renfro Marine for supplying the plaques to the Top-3 teams and the Big Bass winner. Also, for helping Jason McDaniel and Terry Jolly fix the winch eyebolt on their boat for their long trip home.

Next month the Central teams will be at lake Palestine's Villages Marina on May 14th. Friday night registration will be held at Porter's Sporting Goods between 6-8 pm.

Hope to see you all there!

Gordon Stauffer
Media Bass