Archive
Southfork Bassmasters
2010
Southfork Has Rough Day On Badin
February 20, 2010
On the big opening weekend for many groups, the story was the same up and down the Yadkin chain. “No bite!” Hundreds of boats from different clubs took to the water with hopes of starting the year off with a bang, but most wells were empty at the end of the day.
Despite the beautiful weather and some highly-experienced fishers, the Southfork Bass Masters Club results were no different Saturday at Badin Lake and the Alcoa Landing. The cloudy conditions of the water, combined with record-low temperatures throughout the winter have made it difficult to lure fish onto the boat.
“One d*** fish” was echoed by many, as the Southfork group conducted its weigh-in, because that’s all it took for Derek Lilley to walk away with a victory. Lilley secured first place and Big Fish with one, hungry 3.6 pounder. He caught the fish with a small crank bait near a boat dock. Lilley was content with a win, but like most others, he wished there was more to show for their day on the lake.
Even pro-fisherman Billy Harris, who recently relocated from Tennessee, had no luck on this beautiful day at Badin. Everyone agreed it was a “good day of fishing, but a bad day for catching, and it can only get better from here.” Despite the bad luck, members of the group were optimistic about more warm days and the season ahead of them.
For more information about the club, visit their web site at www.southforkbassmasters.com or email Steve Dyer at sdyer@isaacsgrp.com. New members are always welcome.
2009
Southfork Bassmasters Tame Lake Wylie
by Steve Dyer
Lake Wylie was no match for the Southfork Bassmasters this past weekend as the top three boats netted more than 35 pounds of largemouth bass. This event was the second for the group, which covers a wide area of lakes across central Carolina and the piedmont.
A total of nineteen members and two guests braved another sub-freezing blast-off. Unlike January's Norman tournament, where temps hovered below freezing all day, Saturday's forecast of sunny skies and 50 degree plus had everyone ready for a nice day on the water.
Steve Dyer, the group's director, won the tournament with five fish that weighed 12 pounds 14 ounces. Steve credited the win to slow rolling a spinner bait on rocks and trees in the Paw Creek area. He was throwing a custom made Fat Ratz Custom Lure 3/4 ounce sb with a #8 Colorado blade with a purple/chart (Lake Fork Shad) skirt.
Derek Lilley finished second with 5 fish weighing 12 pounds 8 and a half ounces Derek caught his fish on a Zoom Super Fluke and a un-named swimming worm in the lower end of the lake.
Shane Lineberger was third with five fish weighing 9 pounds 9 and one half ounces. Shane, also fishing the south part of the lake, caught his limit on a jig, grub and jerk bait. Nick Adams fishing as a guest with Derek won the Big Fish pot with a fat 4 pound fiften ounce largemouth he caught on a Zoom Super Fluke.
“It seemed like everyone was having luck with very different tackle today,” said Dyer. “There just wasn't a lot of consistency, but they figured it out.”
The group's next tournament will be March 21st on Lake James. The club holds meetings throughout the season and will hold its second 2009 meeting Thursday, March 19th. More information on all scheduled events can be found at www.Southforkbassmasters.com or on the fishbyte.net Calendar.
Southfork Bassmasters CastingKids
On a rainy and cold Saturday morning, when there were practically no fishing tournaments happening across the entire state and it seemed like every fisherman in North Carolina was inside Bass Pro in Concord, a line of kids from ages 7 to 14 were waiting anxiously outside the Concord store. Southfork Bassmasters was sponsoring the BassmasterCastingKids competition and it drew a crowd from the start.
Bob Bauer, a member of the local chapter and director of its youth activities, had everything running like a well-oiled-reel, even though this was a first for the club. “We weren't sure what to expect for a turnout,” he said. “The rain could have slowed everything, but I see everyone's coming shopping today, so that'll help.” Bauer also serves as the North Carolina BASS Federation Nation Youth Director. “I got involved to devote more time to my own son,” he laughed.
Bassmaster CastingKids program began in 1991 as part of the Bassmasters' commitment to youth. Program goals are simple; involve more kids in fishing and teach them an appreciation of the out-of-doors. The competition begins at the local level with an affiliated club sponsoring; winners in two age groups, 7 – 10 and 11 – 14, move on to state finals. Age bracket finalists then move on to Federal Nation divisionals. It all comes to a head in November when over $21,000 in academic scholarships are given away in the champioship events.
On hand from the Southfork Bassmasters club were Chad Helton and Kenny Seitz. Their patience and guidance with youngsters helped the competition move along well. “Its really important for our club to be involved in our youth,”said Helton. “This is a great way to do that.”
Justin Isaac, a member of the Southfork Youth Club, was also on hand to assist. Isaac was North Carolina's 2007 Bassmaster State Youth Champ. “I remember when I was this age,” he laughed as he untangled a line. “You gotta start somewhere.”
Youth in the area will have a second chance to compete in the local event when Southfork Bassmasters CastingKids returns to Bass Pro in Concord on March 8. Competition will begin at 11 AM and reel in at 1 PM. For more information, contact Bob Bauer or the club's director, Stephen Dyer, through their web site at http://www.southforkbassmasters.com or in the fishbyte.net Forums.
Holleman Wins on James from Back of the Boat
March 21, 2009
By Steve Dyer
For the third straight tournament in 2009, sub-freezing, blast off temperatures greeted the Southfork anglers this time on scenic Lake James. The clouds and cold winds lowered the lake temps by as much as 9 degrees from Friday, making bites few and far between.
Todd Holleman, fishing from the back of Rob Sledzewski’s boat, took home top honors with 4 fish weighing 8 pounds 9.5 ounces. Holleman caught his fish in the stained Catawba water on a Rattle Trap and War Eagle Spinner Bait, all before noon. Steve Dyer, with his third top-two finish in a row, weighed in 4 fish at 8 pounds 2.5 ounces. Dyer and Kramer caught 5 fish off one isolated tree that was lodged on a shallow water flat. Hilery Lackey finished third with 3 fish weighing 8 pounds 1.5 ounces. Lackey caught his fish on a spoon. Shane Lineberger won the Big Fish pot with a stud smallie weighing 4 pounds 11 ounces.
The Southfork Bassmasters moves on to Badin Lake and the Alcoa Landing on April 14th. For more information about the group, visit the club's web site at http://www.southforkbassmasters.com.
Thompson Wins Southfork Event At Badin
Water temperatures are rising on Badin and anglers are finding numerous locations where late spring action is a boat load, but Saturday's Southfork Bassmaster tournament event on temperamental Badin proved to be an off-day for most. The FLW/TBF/B.A.S.S. Federation-affiliated club struggled all day to find the right combination. At weigh in, only one boat had found limit.
Like all others out on the water Saturday, the Charlotte/Mooresville/Concord-based group found plenty of small fish and spotty bed action. “It was tough,” stated member Steve Dyer. “I had limit on line a number of times, but just couldn't get it to the boat. Knowing what I know now, I should have done the whole day differently. But, that's fishing'” he laughed. Dyer, a regular in the money with the club, placed third.
Eight boats made the trek east to take on Badin's waters in the five-fish, individual competition. The club allows non-boaters and, usually, every boat has two fishermen on board. “Today was a tough one on schedules,” commented Dyer. “A lot of the guys had other things they needed to be at, so numbers were down a bit.”
At the scales, the day belonged to Keith Thompson of Mooresville. His bag limit netted him first place and the $115 prize pot. Thompson lured 10 pounds 11 ounces of fish to his livewell and bested all other competitors. The winner took the ribbing of the others at weigh in good-naturedly. “It isn't much of a bag, but it was enough,” laughed Thompson. “Better than paying for your gas!” he quipped.
Doug Holt proved to be top money-winner on Badin as he captured second place and Big Fish. His four fish totaled 10 pounds 7.5 ounces and one of them, the Big Fish winner, was nearly a third of that weight. It scored 3 pounds 13.5 ounces, a BF weight not normal for Badin. Holt walked away with $60 for second and $70 for Big Fish.
Dyer's 9 pounds 11.5 ounces in four fish held on for third spot and $20. “Paid for half your fuel,” chided Holt. “Honey, we're goin' out to dinner,” smiled Dyer, happy to just place that day.
Members reported some beds active throughout the day, but more often than not, either small fish hanging around them or nothing at all. Most areas of the lake registered about 59 degree temps, although there were a few warm spots in the mid-sixties. Before the sun rose many were using spinners and switched to shaky heads once the day got longer.
The club's next event in Saturday, May 16 on High Rock. The group fishes local lakes on the third Saturday of each month. Second Creek will be the safelight launch location. For more information about the club, visit their web site at www.southforkbassmasters.com or email Dyer at sdyer@isaacsgrp.com. New members are always welcome.
Youthful Energy Nets Fish at Southfork Event
April 25, 2009
By Bob Bauer and Fishbyte.net Staff
Photos courtesy of Southfork Youth Bassmasters
When the fishing gets tough this time of year, it takes something different in the tackle box to bring them in. Maybe the best strategy is youthful energy... that's what blasted off from Badin's Alcoa Landing April 25th. The Southfork Youth Bassmasters took on the bashful Badin bass in their second fishing tournament of the season.
Bob Bauer, Southfork Bassmasters Youth Director, was thrilled with the turn out and the results. “We had 13 competitors and 6 caught fish,” he stated. “It was a warm and sunny day on Badin and our youth had a great experience there.”
Southfork Bassmasters is affiliated with both the FLW/TBF and B.A.S.S. Federations. Its youth efforts have become an integral part of the club's mission. The club sponsors The Kids Casting events at Bass Pro Shops in the spring and hosts four fishing tournaments for youth, leading to regional and national events each year. Anglers must be between the ages of 8 and 18.
“Like every other angler out there this weekend, 14 inch fish were hard to come by, but plenty of short fish were caught,” commented Bauer. With the spawn getting in full swing Bobby Bauer rode the bed bite to first place by irritating 4 fish and boated 2 fish over 3 pounds. The big fish was 3 pounds 4 ounces.
Cody Stegall had 3 fish he caught on a trick worm off land points to get second. His total weight scaled was 6 pounds 4 ounces. And, Wesley Lackey rounded out the top 3 places with 3 fish he caught with a rattletrap and a fluke while they were schooling. His weight was 4 pounds 15 ounces.
“I want to send out a special welcome to Meg Early and BrieAnna Bauer for coming out to their first tournament,” stated Bauer. “The girls will soon dominate,” he laughed.
The next Youth tournament is at High Rock and the Tamarack Wildlife Access on May 9th. The group wraps up its local competition at Lake Wylie South Point Access on June 13 before top competitors move on to the NC Bass Federation Tournament later in June at the same lake.
For more information about Southfork Bassmasters, contact Steve Dyer at sdyer@isaacsgrp.com or visit the club's web site at www.southforkbassmasters.com . Information about the youth activities can be gained from Bob Bauer at bbauer@DEI-Zone.com.
Southfork Bass Masters Youth Tourney
May 9, 2009
By Bob Bauer
The youth of the Southfork Bass Masters decided it was high time they showed their older colleagues how things should be May 9, and turned out at High
Rock's Tamarac's Wildlife Area Landing to get it done. Eight of thirteen young anglers hit the waters in the second event of the season schedule.
Although waters were high and fairly murky, half the competitors fought through it and caught keepers, according to Director, Bob Bauer. “Several good fish were caught and some great ones were lost,” he stated. “All around, we had a good tournament.”
Bauer welcomed Brad Culler to the Southfork youth group. “He fished his first with Cody Stegall and Trent, and looks to be a contender in the age 11 to 14 group.” The group will have a couple of new faces at Wylie as Josh Ayers and Chris Carnes will be fishing with them for their first tournaments.
First place went to Justin Isaacs who netted 4 fish that weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces. He also captured the Big Fish spot for the day with a 2 pound 11 ounce bass.
Second place finisher was Cody Stegall with 4 fish weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces. Bobby Bauer hung in just a single fish ounce behind to net third with 4 fish weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces.
Southfork Bassmasters is affiliated with both the FLW/TBF and B.A.S.S. Federations. Its youth efforts have become an integral part of the club's mission. The club sponsors The Kids Casting events at Bass Pro Shops in the spring and hosts four fishing tournaments for youth, leading to regional and national events each year. Anglers must be between the ages of 8 and 18.
The group wraps up its local competition at Lake Wylie South Point Access on June 13 before top competitors move on to the NC Bass Federation Tournament later in June at the same lake.
For more information about Southfork Bassmasters, contact Steve Dyer at sdyer@isaacsgrp.com or visit the club's web site at www.southforkbassmasters.com . Information about the youth activities can be gained from Bob Bauer at bbauer@DEI-Zone.com.
The Youth will be selling hot dogs and drinks at Bass Pro June 20th. They invite all to drop by in support of their fishing activities. Other upcoming events include:
June 7 - Meeting Bass Pro upstairs 5:00 PM
June 13 - Tournament Wylie Southpoint Ramp 6am-1pm
June 20 - Bass Pro Hot Dog Sale.
June 27 - Bass Federation (FLW) State Tournament Wylie Southpoint Ramp Time TBD
Southfork Tackles Badin In The Dark
July 18, 2009
It was Saturday July 18th, but just barely, when the anglers of Southfork Bassmasters hit the waters of Badin Lake. Thirteen boats from the club blasted off from the Alcoa Landing at 1 AM and didn't return until 8 hours later. And, a number of the boat teams had been at it longer than that. Some of the teams chose to show up at 7 PM on Friday to fish with the Friday Nights on Badin crew. For those who did, the fourteen hours took their toll.
Although some rugged lightning storms had torn through earlier in the evening, waters on the lake remained calm through the duration of the event. Teams found that bite, which had been good earlier in the evening, had gone very cold. Jerry Lineberger managed to bring in the biggest bag weight with 10.14.5 pounds, winning $143.
Big Fish winner, Derrick Lilley, found the evening tougher than most. Late to the show, Lilley had turned around on his way to the tournament to assist andother club member who had suffered a trailer tire blowout on the way. He arrived 10 minutes after blast off and was able to participate, by permission of the president. While flipping a dock early in the evening, Lilley managed to take a quik bath while attempting to retrieve a frog plug off the dock. He then experienced engine problems throughout the evening that slowed him down. Despite all this, the member, who also serves as weighmaster, found Big Fish and scored second place on the night. His 4.95 pounder was part of a total bag weight of 10.8.5 pounds. Prize for the evening's troubles was $72 for second and $85 for the solo fish.
Third place belonged to Trent Stegall who carried 10.0.5 pounds to the scales. He won $25.
Southfork Bassmasters is affiliated with both the FLW/TBF and B.A.S.S. Federations. Its youth efforts have become an integral part of the club's mission. The club sponsors The Kids Casting events at Bass Pro Shops in the spring and hosts four fishing tournaments for youth, leading to regional and national events each year. Anglers must be between the ages of 8 and 18.
For more information about Southfork Bassmasters, contact Steve Dyer at sdyer@isaacsgrp.com or visit the club's web site at www.southforkbassmasters.com . Information about the youth activities can be gained from Bob Bauer at bbauer@DEI-Zone.com.