Archive
Troy Lumber Company Bass Tournament
2010
2009
Troy Lumber Company Tourney Gives Bragging Rights
May 23, 2009
By Rodney Gooch and Fishbyte.net Staff
It's not about the money and it's not just another bass outing. The Annual Troy Lumber Company Bass Tournament is all about the bragging rights bestowed on the winners for the next twelve months. That honor carries 12 months of strut and plenty of high talkin' with it for the lucky employee who walks away with the tournament win.
According to Rodney Gooch, a long-time employee of the company (and apparently not the one who will do the bragging this coming year!), the company's owner, Fred Taylor Sr. puts on the annual event as a way to say thank you to his employees. Over the years, the much-anticipated competition has grown because of the privileges that come with a win. Taylor Sr. kicks in an additional $500 “to sweeten the pot” according to Gooch. Only employees may fish; however they may invite a non-employee as a partner. Outsiders are chosen very carefully.
This year's event, held at Tillery's Swift Island Landing on Saturday, May 23rd, saw 14 boats hit the water shortly after safelight. All trash talking ceased, the previous year's crown was lifted, and new bragging rights were up for grabs. Boats blasted off rapidly to chase bass at favorite holes as employees hoped to net the biggest prize of the day at the noontime weigh in.
Cost for entry into the event is $40. Payout spots were first through third and Big Fish. At the end of the day, the bragging torch was handed to a pair of new kings. Fred Taylor II and Terry Morgan bested all with a bag weight of 12.95 pounds. Twelve months of strut began immediately. The teasing and verbal jabs, all in good fun, commenced.
Second place finishers, Eric Robertson and David Powers earned second pride with 9.55 pounds. As they won Big Fish, a 3.55 pound beauty, there will be some bragging allowed for the pair over the next year.
Don and Daniel Luther hit the final paying spot with a total bag weight of 9.4 pounds of bass. Fourth place went to Rick Lemons and Timmy Cranford with 8 pounds even. Brian Moore and Rodney Gooch placed fifth with 7.2 pounds. Gary and Eddie (sorry, no last names) brought in 5.45 pounds for sixth.
Fifth placer Gooch summed it up. “The money is always nice and we all can't thank Fred Sr. for his contribution. Troy Lumber Company is that kind of place to work at. But, the bragging rights are so sweet!”