Lexington pair win big

Brown, Thomas bag $9K in CBC at Jordan

Chris Brown and Jason Thomas of Lexington won the March 23 Carolina Bass Challenge on Jordan Lake with a 5-fish limit that weighed an impressive 27.81 pounds and was worth $9,000.

The winning team had one of only five limits taken by the 120-team field. They had seven keeper bites and culled two bass.

Their biggest fish weighed 7.25 pounds and was caught early in the morning, in part because a competitor’s boat beat them to their prime fishing hole. Brown and Thomas had to select another location and immediately hung two big fish.

“We caught our fish in about five feet of water at staging corners,” said Brown. “Four fish came from down the lake; three from up the lake.

Brown and Thomas decided against fishing the bridges and running the bank.

“We knew the bridges would be beat to death, and we thought we could catch only 2-pounders running the bank,” Brown said.

Other top teams were: Chad Poteat of Mt. Airy and Mike Miller of Trinity, second with 18.61 for $4,000; Mark Beck and Bill Goodrich, third with 16.56 for $2,350; George Lambeth of Thomasville and Ron Wolfarth of Oakboro, fourth with 15.95 for $1,550; and Andy Nix and Justin Goodyear of Thomasville, fifth with 14.54 for a $1,050 check.

Ramon Stockham of Greensboro and Brian Morgan landed a 9.25-pound bass worth $1,000 as the day’s biggest fish.

Thomasville team sweeps striper prizes

The Tarheel Striper Club typically awards cash prizes through three places plus a cash prize for the big fish of the day.

At the March 16 tournament at High Rock Lake, the Thomasville team of Ronnie and Layne Beck swept all the cash prizes and trophies by being the only team in the 15-team field to weigh in a striper.

The Becks had two stripers. One fish weighed 10.05 pounds; the other, 8.40 pounds for a total of 18.45 pounds. They received $362 in cash for taking the top three spots, a trophy for first place plus $115 and a trophy for catching the big fish of the day.

Unlike many teams that chose to fish the clearer waters of Flat Swamp, the Becks trolled the muddy main river channel with lead-core line rigged with Sassy Shad.

Lambert catches FOM tournament record bass

Denton’s Robert Lambert caught the biggest bass in the history of the Fishers of Men Piedmont Division with an 8.55-pound lunker in the March 9 tournament at Lake Tillery.

The huge bass represented a number of accomplishments for Lambert. The fish was the biggest bass of the tourney, adding $174 to the second-place earnings he and his partner, Robert Mixon of Lexington, who weighed in 19.41 pounds to receive a total of $790. The fish was also the biggest bass Lambert has caught in his fishing career.

“The fish inhaled a spinnerbait in less than four feet of water,” said Lambert. “It hit near a little stick, rolled near the surface, and Robert (Mixon) scooped it into the net. There wasn’t much of a fight.”

Lambert’s trophy fish overshadowed a stunning catch of 24.68 pounds by the winners, Kevin Cagle and Robbie Cagle of Seagrove, who were making their FOM tournament debut. They collected $1,504 plus a $200 bonus. Their stringer included a 6.43-pound bass, the second-biggest fish of the day.

Others in the money were: Ben Franklin of Gold Hill and Jeff Ozmon of Rock Hill, S.C., third with 16.34 pounds for $564; Mark Murphy of Kannapolis and Jesse Basinger of Rockwell, fourth with 15.08 pounds for $408; Bobby Steele of Siler City and Robbie Williams of Liberty, fifth with 14.87.

Other Bass Tournaments

Yadkin Team Tournaments

High Rock Lake, March 23

1. Shane Floyd-Tony Garitta (Lexington), 18.22, $300; 2. Bobby Lovings (Salisbury)-Dwight Morgan (Gold Hill), 12.83, $103; 3. Thomas Ludwick-Tom File (Salisbury), 11.93, $85. Big fish: Ludwick-File, 6.37 pounds, $52.

Fishers of Men Central Division

Lake Mayo, March 16

1. Robbie-Ross Kennon (Ruffin), 23.27, $1,800; 2. Steve Upchurch (Raleigh)-Jeff Hodges, 18.10, $720; 3. Phillip Eakes (Bahama)-Dan Glosson (Rougemont), 17.10, and big fish, 6.46 pounds, $1,032.50 ; 4. Rodney Pope-Willie Hair, 15.28, $400; 5. Tim Emory (Creedmoor)-Tim Parker (Pittsboro), 14.55, $300; 6. Greg Campbell-Don Underhill, 13.74, $270; 7. David-Larry Jacobs, 13.72, $377.50; 8. David Farman (Semora)-William Killian, 13.67, $305.50; 9. Randy Goss (Stem)-Todd Moser (Mebane), 13.30, $170; 10. Joel Lloyd-Hunter Campbell, 12.50, $150.

Fishers of Men Legacy Series, Piedmont Division

Lake Wylie, March 16

1. Dean Collins (Linwood)-Ethan Garrett, 7.41, $320; 2. John Sinincak (Fort Mills, S.C.)-Amber Sinincak, 5.57, $150; 3. Trent McLaughlin-Garrett Peagler, 4.83, $108. 4. Kenneth Shumate (Elkin)-Dan Snow, 4.07, $72; Errol-Isabella Duckett, 3.80, $100; 6. David Spivey (Ohio)-Brandon Kuykendall, 3.51, $60; 7. Wes Lewis-Savannah Tremblay, 2.25, $40.

Adam & Eve Trail,

Lake Tillery, March 23

1. Ron Nelson-Carmen Nelson, 16-10, $150; 2. Mark-Audrey Bayse (Thomasville), 13-10, $90; 3.Ricky-Sherry Clark, 13-04, $60. Big fish: Ron Nelson-Carmen Nelson, 5-7, $60.

American Fishing Tour, Division 16

Jordan Lake, March 2

1. James Poirrier, 12.28, plus 4.98-pound big fish, $447; 2. Dale Campo, 6.83, $190.

American Fishing Tour, Division 17

Pamlico River, March 9

1. Todd Leggett, 10.13, and big fish, 2.63 pounds, $435; 2. Randy Vanhorn, 5.38, $180; 3. Lawrence Thomas, 4.28, $71.

Anglers Choice Marine, Va. Division

Lake Gaston, March 23

1. Ray Cooke-Gene Woodard (Roanoke Rapids), 18.76, 300 points; 2. Chuck Murray-Randy Groves, 17.69, 299 points; 3. Michael Garner-Charlie Grigg tied Stephen Grigg-Rodney Sorrell (Stokesdale), 298 points; 5. Brian Stacy-Mark Cox, 17.03, 296 points; 6. Michael-Troy Logan, 16.21, 295 points; 7. Phil Bain-Tim Wiltfone, 15.76, 294 points; 8. Alton Deisher-Charles Roberts, 15.76, 293 points; 9. Tim Love-David Witt, 15.11, 292 points; 10. Charlie Machek-Scott Wiley, 14.48, 291 points.

Anglers Choice Marine, NC Division

Lake Gaston, March 24

1. Phil Bain-Tim Wiltfone, 17.55, 300 points; 2. Chuck Murray-Randy Groves, 17.39, 299 points; 3. Jeff Salmon-Don Warren, 17.17, 298 points; 4. Chris Bullock-Robert Perkins, 16.91, 297 points; 5. Joe-Joey Boswell, 16.30, 296 points.

Carolina Anglers Team Trail,

Wylie Spring Division

Lake Wylie, March 23

1. Bobby Rice-Matt Hayes, 19.77, and big fish, 7.32 pounds, $1,159; 2. Billy Wright-Grant McPeters (Marion), 18.77, $431; 3. Tom Russell-Doug Gilmer (Fort Mills, S.C.), 17.42, $225; 4. Rob Sledzewski (Gastonia)-Ricky Elliott, 16.66, $125; 5. Thomas Richmond-Reggie Polluck, 16.02, $100.

Boats Unlimited Team Trail

Jordan Lake, March 23

1. Ean Davis-Matt Czerepak (Southern Pines), 20.66, $1,140; 2. Scott Smith (Apex)-Tony Woodard (Four Oaks), 18.38, $638; 3. Bobby Matthews-David Overcash (Durham), 14.67, $547; 4. Randy Fisher (Hillsborough)-Donnie Lowe (Mebane), 14.08, $501; 5. Geno McCree-Phillip Johnson (Durham), 14.01, $412; 6. William Small (Wake Forest)-Lee Williams (Durham), 13.73, $319; 7. Mike Stephenson (Bahama)-Chad Jones (Durham), 13.64, $274; 8. Erik Ross-Les Walters (Fayetteville), 13.63, $228; 9. James Williams (Raeford)-Bud Fowler (Aberdeen), 13.11, $182; 10. Wayne Shaw (Cameron)-Raeford Soles (Aberdeen), 12.74, $182; 11. Arthur Pugh (Spring Lake)-Don Bovin (Fayetteville), 12.03, $137. Big fish: Mike Hodge-Tim Wall (Clayton), 7.77 pounds, $770.

Carolina Anglers Team Trail ,

Old North Division

Shearon Harris Lake, March 9

1. Jeremy Sabo-Dale Campo, 25.15, $1,265; 2. Billy West (Raleigh)-Tracy Sykes (New Hill), 22.78, $640; 3. Jamie Fajardo (Fuquay-Varina)-Josh Hooks, 21.00, $402; 4. Chad Craven (Raleigh)-Ben Cannon (Apex), 19.69, $175; 5, Dennis Reedy (Siler City)-Jeffrey Thomas (Broadway), 17.39; 6. Steve Bishop-Robin Bowen, 15.25, $100.Big Fish: Tony Woodard (Four Oaks)-Scott Smith (Apex), 9.04 pounds, $238.

Carolina Anglers Team Trail,

Lake Wylie Division

Lake Wylie, March 9

1. Gene Webster, 16.49, $625; 2. Roger Hoover (Mooresville), 4.95, $660; 3. Matt Queen/Todd Garner, 14.54, $250; 4. Matt Hayes-Hunter Hicks, 14.54, $130; 5. Rob Sledzewski-Ricky Elliot, 13.89, $200; 6. David Winters (Rock Hill, S.C.)-Brian Huskins, 13.71, $100. Big FIsh: Chad Taylor-Matt Frazier, 5.75 pounds, $210.

CBS Quality Cars Mini Trail

Jordan Lake, March 16

1. Mark Herndon (Bahama)-Jay Garrard (Durham), 22.11, $940; 2. Michael-Steve Hatley (Chapel Hill ), 14.91, $525; 3. K.C. Choosakul (Cameron)-Michael Allen (Sanford), 12.99, $415; 4. Will Howard (Raleigh)-Ken Carnes (Apex), 12.86, $310; 5. Randy Fisher (Hillsborough)-Donnie Lowe (Mebane), 12.12, $222; 6. Phillip Johnson (Durham), 11.27, $195; 7. Jim-Trey Nichols (Chapel Hill), 10.31, $168. Big fish: Fisher-Lowe, 8.10 pounds, $259.

Fishers of Men East Division

Pasquotank River, March 16

1. John Kellett-Adam Baldwin, 12.60, $1,632.50; 2. Derek Smithson-Chad Pernell, 12.55, $752.50; 3. Gerald Murray-Kevin Jones, 12.01, $532; 4. Darren Saunders-John Duncan III, 10.37, and big fish 6.83 pounds, $410; 5. Patrick Seigh-Scott Mummert, 9.72, $198; 6. Charles Goff-Bobby Clarke, 8.83, $150.

Collins Bass for Cash Open Division

Jordan Lake, March 10

1. Randy Fisher-Donnie Lowe, 21.83, and big fish, 7.67 pounds, $1,065 & merchandise; 2. Jonathan Phillips-Rusty White, 10.20; 3. Tommy Rutledge-Dale McCoy, 7.01; 4. Billy Vierra-Harry Smith, 6.90; 5. Jeff Staton-David Glen, 6.69; 6. Trey Nanney, 6.05.

115 hp and under Division

1. Emmanuel Leanu, 13.45, and big fish, 5.27 pounds, $192 & merchandise.

Carolina Coach & Marine,

Monday Night Trail

Lake Norman, March 18

1. Alfred Kiesling Sr. (Mooresville)-Butch Holder, $570; 2. Scott Hamrick-Roger Hoover (Denver), 15.40, $285; 3. Scott-Dwight Beattie (Lincolnton), 14.25, $115.’

Lake Norman, March 11

1. Brian Morgan (Newton)-Dale Surrett, 15.95, $500; 2. Aaron Miles-Buck Morgan, 14.15, $250; 3. Scott Hamrick-Chuck Poovey (Denver), 13.45, $130.

Lake Norman, March 4

1. Scott Hamrick-Chuck Poovey (Denver), 13.15, $550; 2. Matthew Benge (Maiden)-Joshua Benge, 13.05, $300; 3. Brian Morgan (Newton)-Josea Goble, 10.25, $140.

Fontana Classic Bass Tournament

Fontana Lake, March 16-17

1. Kevin Parton-Jamey Beck, 32-14, $2,000; 2. Darren Lail-Kyle Garland, 31-10, $1,000; 3. Kep Biggs-Randy Parton, 30-15, $500; 4. Chris Gillespie-Dusty Williams, 27-10, $400; 5. John-Roy Bailey, 25-11, $200; 6. Ray Elliott-Mike Cope, 24-05, $200; 7. Bo Coats-Clint Conner, 22-10, $200; 8. Scott-Sam Orr, 22-09, $200. Biggest largemouth bass: The Orrs, 5-00, $100. Biggest smallmouth bass: Jim Ballwin-Mark Rhyne, 4-05, $100. Biggest spotted bass: Briggs-R. Parton, 3-02, $100.

Bassmaster Weekend Series,

Virginia Division

Lake Gaston, March 9

1. Rodney Sorrell (Stokesdale), 18.63, $2,317; 4. Todd Sumner (Southern Pines), 11.68, $541. Co-anglers: 4. William C.Vaughn (Raleigh), 5.58, $288; 6. John Faircloth (Clayton), 5.25, $198.

Bassmaster Weekend Series,

S.C. Division

Santee-Cooper, S.C., March 9

1. Robert Walser (Lexington), 25.28, $1,965. Co-anglers: 1. Clyde Whiteside (Forrest City), 8.69, $983.

Carolina Anglers Team Trail,

Yadkin Division

High Rock Lake, March 9

1. Kevin Chandler-Bradley Chandler (New London), 17.15, plus 6.61-pound big fish, $1,424; 2. Jarret Freeze (Rockwell)-C.J. Johnston (Salisbury), 16.35, $481; 3. Alan Griffin (Polkton)-Terry James (Wadesboro), 10.81, $275; 4. Mike Cribb (Trinity)-John Rosenbaum, 10.75, $150; 5. Dwayne Hughes-Jimmy Hughes (Lexington), 9.95, $115; 6. Donnie Floyd-Shane Floyd (Lexington), 6.85, $100.

Angers Choice Trail, N.C. Division

High Rock Lake, March 10

1. Justin Goodyear (Thomasville)-Tony Waterhouse (Lexington), 10.16, 300 points; 2. Terry James (Wadesboro)-Kevin Chandler (New London), 9.96, 299 points; 3. Mike Layton-Scotter Lilly, 5.97, 298 points; 4. Brad Younts-Adam Younts (Southmont), 5.92, and big fish, 5.92 pounds, 297 points; 5. Rick Dunstan (Pinehurst)-Cliff Kirby (Catawba), 5.86, 296 points; 6. Shane Linesberry (Lincolnton)-Kyle Whisnant (Charlotte), 5.74, 295 points.

CBS Quality Cars

Hyco Lake Open

Lake Hyco, March 9

1. Tony Fox(Timberlake)-Wayne Shepard (Prospect Hill), 21-03, $1,000; 2. Jimmy Wall-James Wall (Greensboro), 19.59, $550; 3. Alan Haigh (Prospect Hill)-Doug Washburn (Chapel Hill), 16.56, $440; 4. Dale Martin -Brian Owens (Stokesdale), 10.91, $347; 5. Nathan Talley (Prospect Hill)-Brent Davis (Burlington), 10.39, $283; 6. George Crabtree (Bahama)-Thomas Glosson (Rougemont), 10.28, $220; 7. David Gentry-Clint Dixon (Timberlake), 9.92, $190; 8. Doug Johnson-Tim Hubler (Raleigh), 9.58, $160. Big fish: Fox-Shepard, 6.64-pound bass, $294.

CATFISH TournamentS

Yadkin MasterCatters

Badin Lake, March 22

1. Ted Leonard, 86.6, plus 46.6-pound big fish; 2. Team Lunker, 40.6; 3. Team Playin Possum, 37.2; 4. Chris Hammell, 34.2. Youth Division: Ethan Kimball, 24.00, $25 bass Pro shops gift card.

NCCATS

Lake Norman, March 9

1. Dennis Leonard (Charlotte)-Chris Fraley (Mount Holly), 54.2 pounds, $230 plus $220 side pot; 2. Eddy-Randy Rinehardt (Claremont), 34.0, $100; 3. Jay Johnson (Statesville)-David Johnson, 28.7, $60. Big fish: Leonard-Fraley, 31.2-pound blue cat, $130.

CRAPPIE TournamentS

Carolina Crappie Association

High Rock Lake, March 9

1. Newell Montgomery-Brad Faircloth, 9.57, $1,245; 2.Todd Fries (Gold Hill), 8.30, $622; 3. Rick Warlick (Stanly)-Dale Willard (Belmont), 8.24, $311; 4. David Swaringen-Lee Ford (Concord), 7.77, $233; 5.; David Perrel-Phenice Perrel (Germanton), 6.94, $181. Big fish: Montgomery-Faircloth, 2.11 pounds, $149.50.