DAY 1 - 2009/2010 FISHERS OF MEN $100,000.00 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PRESENTED BY ABU GARCIA
With 26.95 lbs Mike Smith and Brian Jordan Lead Day One of the Fishers Of Men Guntersville Lake National Championship
By: Frank Evans Senior Writer
04/08/10, Guntersville, AL… The Fishers Of Men kicked off the 2009/2010 12th annual National Championship Tournament, Presented by Abu Garcia, on Wednesday, at Civitan Park, on Sunset Ave in Guntersville, AL. Over 350 competitors along with family members gathered for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship, thanks to the event host, Lisa Socha, and the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau,. Creek Path Baptist Church provided a delicious meal and Pastor Rick Douglas presented the message.
After a lightning delayed blastoff on the first day of competition, rain continued throughout the morning with fierce winds lasting all day. Still, with only two teams failing to connect, an incredible 138 five-fish limits were tallied, 25 of which were greater than 20 lbs each. In all, 141 teams netted 698 bass that weighed in at 2369.33 lbs.
With the closing of the scales, Tennessee East anglers, Mike Smith and Brian Jordan, took the lead with five bass weighing 26.95 lbs, including a 7.98 lbs beast that earned them Day-one’s 2nd Big Fish Award, worth $250.00.
Presently in second place, with an impressive 25.36 lbs, is the Alabama Northwest team of Nick Reeves and Blake Hall.
With a 7.17 lbs kicker fish, Shawn Holly and Robert Thomsen, Iowa Div, are now third, with 24.16 lbs.
Just .03 lbs back and in forth place with 24.13 and a 7.12 lbs kicker fish are Texas North-Central teammates, Ronnie Kelley and Blake Morphew.
Rounding out the top five of Day One and also tied with forth place, at 24.13 lbs, are Florida North’s Wayne Lindsey and Dusty McDevitt.
The Day One 1st Big Fish Award of $500.00, went to John Robert Jackson and Daniel Andrews for their 8.29 lbs brute. John Robert and Daniel are presently in the sixth place with 24.10 lbs.
This prestigious event is being held April 8-10 out of Guntersville State Park, with daily weighins beginning at 3:00 pm. We encourage the public to attend each day of this very exciting tournament. We expect more heavy bags of the easily accessible spawning bass to cross the scales in the next two days that will provide an electrifying finish.
This illustrious event is the pinnacle for the FOMNTT and its members. Culminating from 250 qualifying tournaments held this past year, the National Championship features the best teams who have battled their way to the top of their respective divisions, scattered throughout 25 states, in order to compete for the total purse of $100,000.00.
After Friday’s competition, the top 29 teams, by weight, will then compete on Saturday for the $45,000.00, fully rigged 2010 Triton 20 XS and the title of Fishers of Men National Champions. The new champions could be eligible for an additional $20,000.00 cash from Earl Bentz and Triton Boats, if they meet the qualifications of the Triton GOLD Bonus Program. Second place finishers will earn $10,000.00 cash, Third place pays $7,500.00 and so on, with last place earning an $800.00 pay check.
We want to thank Abu Garcia, Presenting Sponsor, along with Lisa Socha and Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau for hosting this event and Creek Path Baptist Church who welcomed us and graciously provided and served our meal.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fine companies that make Fishers of Men possible; Primary:Triton Boats, Mercury, Strike King Lure Company, Markel American Insurance, Abu Garcia, Power-Pole, Nester Hosiery. Presenting; Marshall’s Marine of Lake City SC, Keelshield, Solar Bat, Kistler Custom Fishing Rods, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Berkley, Lowrance. Official: Buckeye Lures, Jacobs Glass, Outdoor Specialty Products (Rejuvenate), Dual Pro Chargers, MotorGuide, Full Grace Gospel Church, Mizmo Bait Company, Stanley Jigs, Spike-It, Logan Fire Apparatus, T&H Marine, and Keep Alive Oxygen Infusers
