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NBC Top Guns
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NBC Top Guns Hustle Badin
March 29, 2009
The Top Gun teams of the National Bass Circuit came from four states to find the best in Badin Sunday, March 29th. A lake that is producing great weights this year, teams were anxious to test the rumors. Although winds gusting to over 40 mph hampered efforts all day long, most of the teams still confirmed what anglers across the region are saying. Badin is hot this year.
A big crowd gathered to find out the results of the 34 boats in the team competition. The NBC, which has a number of division levels across the region, is in its eighth year of competition. The Top Gun Series,sponsored by Carolina Lunker Sauce and Stanly CVB, are events that highlight the best of the best from all division levels. Top Gun is in its fourth year of competition.
“I want to thank the many sponsors who make this all happen,” stated Scott Turner, NBC President, as he called the generous businesses to the crowd. “They add tremendously to these payouts and we really appreciate their support.” The crowd agreed and showed it with a hearty round of applause. Payoffs went to the top 6 weights with five fish.
Moments after the scales closed at 3:30 PM, Turner and Tournament Director Jeff Turner announced the results. It was another heavy day for the teams. Teammates Cliff Kirby of Catawba and Chris Marshall of Forest City had weighed in 28.8 pounds of bass and captured 1st place and the $2,000 top prize. Big Fish award went to Dan Funderburk of Rockwell and boat partner Brad Staley of Pleasant Garden with a 7.65 pounder.
“We hardly had anything for bites until the last two hours,” commented winner Kirby. “We worked the north end and creek near Circle Drive using jigs and spinner baits. What really helped was the Carolina Lunker Sauce,” he stated. He commented they caught each fish in two to four feet of water.
More information about upcoming NBC events, including their All Pro and Sportsman Series can be found on their web site at http://www.national-bass.com or on the Fishbyte.Net Calendar.
NBC & Hospice of Stanly County Team Up For Charity Event
May 9, 2009
One-hundred-twenty anglers in 60 boats turned out in support of care for those who face incurable illnesses or injury this past Saturday, May 9th. Hospice of Stanly County and the National Bass Circuit teamed up for the 5th Annual Charity Bass Tournament on Badin Lake, and boats from all across the region flocked to the Alcoa Landing to be part of the event.
“These fund-raising events help us tremendously by raising money we need to help those who can't pay for hospice services,” stated Hospice Development Director, Tonya Smith. “I am so glad this tournament is growing so rapidly. We are tremendously grateful for the support of the National Bass Circuit, Boater's Marine, and all the bass fishermen who turn out every year. It means so much to so many people in the County.”
Although weather forecasts called for dangerous storms in the afternoon, the skies remained clear until well after weigh in was completed. Temperatures far above the season-normal, mid-70's would have made it uncomfortably warm except for the increasing breezes through the day. As the 3 PM scale-time neared, it was obvious storms were brewing. That didn't lighten the crowd who waited for the final fish to be brought in. The $1,000 grand prize and numerous door prizes were all worth waiting for.
The NBC, directed by Scott Turner (http://www.national-bass.com), a long-time supporter of the event, donated the use of its weigh in trailer, making that part of the day much easier. That tournament series hosts both All Pro and Sport Series divisions all across the state.
Sponsor, Boater's Marine (www.boatersmarinenc.com) of Monroe, NC, had a sparkling, wrapped, Champion bass boat sitting off to the side for the curious and interested to look over. Jon Lilley was on location to answer questions and hand out a $200 prize to the top-weight team who used a Champion boat in the day's competition. “We're really glad to be part of this event,” said Lilly. “I know this fund raiser means a lot to this hospice organization and I'm so glad these guys turn out for them.”
Hospice of Stanly County (http://www.hospiceofstanly.org/) has served the residents of Stanly County since 1982 by providing quality compassionate care for people facing an incurable illness or injury. According to their web site, the work the organization does is not easy, but so important. “Our healthcare program focuses on caring for persons who are in the last stages of a terminal disease, enabling them to live at home as fully and comfortably as possible.”
Spectators at the competition, who included friends and family of anglers and passersby, turned out to watch 60 boats come to the scales, enduring both the heat in the parking lot and the winds kicking up plenty of seasonal pollen. They watched a race whose ending was never certain until the final few bags.
Early to the scales, a team of brothers, Michael and Rusty Bowers, watched anxiously as the hour-long process proceeded. Their 21 pounds 5.2 ounces was certainly a good bag for a 5 fish effort, but one that could be beat. They were never more than 25 yards from where bag after bag came to the trailer, eyeing each one and mentally calculating the weight.
Adding to their worries was the 6 pound 8.8 ounce bass from their livewell that was hanging onto top spot for biggest fish. It was good compared to what anglers were catching lately on the lake, but far from a runaway weight. Michael had caught the fish very shortly after blast off that morning. The pair used mostly jigs and worms all day.
After a table full of fishing-related, door prizes were handed out (there was enough for everyone!), Smith announced it was time for the final results to be called out. By then, the Bowers team knew they had hung on and were all smiles. Their total weight and Big Fish earnings were added to when Jon Lilly also handed them a $200 check for the Champion boat competition. The day had treated the pair very well.
Still no one in the crowd moved, as payouts for the remaining seven positions totaled $2,400. Winners of the $800 second spot were Dwayne Saunders and Scott Threadgill with 16 pounds 9.8 ounces. Third place and the $500 earnings went to Theo Hagerman and Jim Marsh. They boated 16 pounds 9.2 ounces. Other winners, payouts and weights were as follows:
Fourth and $400 – Robert Mixom and Steve Sink, 15.55 pounds
Fifth and $300 – Chad Clark and Brandon Shaver, 15.49 Pounds
Sixth and $200 – David Jr. and David Drye, 14.75 pounds
Seventh and $150 – Neal Cagle and Roger Vanover, 14.65 pounds
Eighth and $125 – Duke and Jamie Denison, 14.36 pounds
“This was a really good day,” stated a tired Smith as she watched trucks and boats pull out of the lot. “It was an even better day for all the people we work to help,” she ended.
Hospice of Stanly County: Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for all persons with terminal illnesses, and to assist them, their families, their caregivers, and the community in addressing and experiencing end of life issues in an environment that promotes dignity, comfort, and caring.