Wadesboro’s Terry James probed the bushes at High Rock Lake with a crawdad-colored Shooter jig to win the April 10 Bassmaster Weekend Series event. James caught a 5-fish limit weighing 19.19 pounds, anchored by a 7.18-pound bass, to claim the first-place prize of $2,614.Thomas Ludwick of Salisbury finished second with a limit weighing 18.88 pounds and featuring a 5.39-pound bass and won $1,307.
Lexington’s Chris Brown took third place and $871 with 17.53 pounds.
North Carolina fishermen made up the entire top 10. Matthew Stanley of China Grove was fourth with 17.26 for $610; James Tuttle Jr. of Charlotte was fifth with 17.23 for $523; David Hayworth of Kernersville was sixth with 17.13 pounds for $479; Steve Sink of Winston-Salem was seventh with 16.55 pounds for $436; Thomas Waterhouse of Lexington was eighth with 16.42 pounds for $392; Brad Younts of Lexington was ninth with 15.59 pounds for $349 and Justin Goodyear of Thomasville was 10th with 15.52 for $261.
Shane Miller of Tobaccoville took the big-fish award of $300 with a 7.90-pound bass.
Robbie Lane of Granite Falls placed first among co-anglers with 12.34 pounds and received $1,205. Charles Wood of Thomasville claimed the co-angler big-fish award with a 7.10- pound fish. Along with a third-place finish with 11.49 pounds, he collected $532.
Co-angler Alan Griffin of Polkton placed fifth with 10.88 pounds, winning $241; Stephen Cannon of Wilkesboro finished seventh with 8.63 pounds for $201; Lonnie Jennings of North Wilkesboro was ninth with 8.60 pounds for $181; Ralph Hollifield Sr. of Winston-Salem took ninth with 8.24 pounds winning $161; and Keith Pendleton of Vale claimed the 10th spot with 8.17 pounds winning $120.
Thrift is winner of FLW on Lake Norman
Shelby’s Brian Thrift was the big winner, and two other Lake Norman regulars finished in the top five in the March 24-27 FLW Tour’s Lake Norman event.
Thrift captured first place with a 4-day haul of 58 pounds, five ounces; he won $127,500.
Andy Montgomery of Blacksburg, S.C., finished third with 49-03 and collected $29,000. Brian Travis of Conover took fourth place and $19,000 with 44-05.
Warriors on the Water
Parker Tootill and James Poirrier won the April 23 Warriors on the Water tournament at Jordan Lake, a bass tournament held in recognition of active military men and women.
Tootill and Poirier topped the 150-boat field, weighing in 21 pounds, three ounces.
Michelle Little and Jimmy Hayes finished second with 20-12, followed by third-place finishers Brian Monroe and Will Blanton with 18-7.
Completing the top five teams were: were: Matt Yates and Brian West, fourth with 15-9; and Celia Nowicki and Butch Kartesz, fift, with 15-8.
Steve Thackery and Mark Rogers captured the big-fish award with a 7-pound, 6-ounce bass.
Special guests from the world of fishing included Michigan’s Kevin VanDam, 3-time Bassmaster Classic champion, and Virginia’s Woo Daves, the 2000 Bassmaster Classic champion.
Honored military guests were Roger Rogers, a World War II veteran, and Rudy Hernandez, a Medal of Honor recipient.
A “Gray” day in Kerr BFL
Bowman Gray of Winterville tied Keith Hutto of Evans Ga., for first place with 14 pounds, 1 ounce at the April 10 FLW Bass Fishing League N.C. Division tournament at Kerr Lake. Each fisherman banked $2,563.
Maurice Freeze of Concord took third with 13-9 for $1,138; David Williams of Maiden was fourth with 12-13 for $798; Nathan Webber of Kernersville took fifth with 12-12 for $684; and Jeff Coble of Manson was seventh with 12-7 for $570; Gerry Burchfield of Thomasville, Flash Butts of Roanoke Rapids, and Jeffrey Queen of Catawba tied for eighth at 12-6, with each fishermen winning $456.
Among co-anglers receiving checks were: Shorty Vaow of Cornelius, second with 9-7 that paid $855; Chuck Poovey of Denver, fifth with 7-6 that paid $342; James Spivey of Whiteville, sixth with 6-15 that paid $313; Kenneth Morrison of Waxhaw, seventh with 6-9 that paid $285; Shane Lineberger of Lincolnton, eighth with 5-12 that paid $256; Tommy Swicegood of Salisbury, ninth with 5-11 that paid $228; and Eddie Cook of Clemmons, 10th with 5-9 that paid $199.
Two from N.C. earn BASS checks
Two North Carolina anglers finished in the money at the April 15-18 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Virginia’s Smith Mountain Lake.
Dave Wolak of Wake Forest finished 16th with 43-13, winning $10,000, and Guy Eaker of Cherryville placed 44th with 36-4. He won $10,500, which included a daily big-fish award.
Californian Skeet Reese won the tournament with a 4-day total of 78-1, taking home $101,000.
BASS TOURNAMENTS
Yadkin Team Tournaments
Badin Lake, March 27
1. Tim Hawley (Linwood)-Matt Staley (China Grove), 19.74, $475; 2. Bennett Pridgen (Trinity)-Lane Haynes (High Point), 18.08, $250; 3. Ron Wolfarth (Oakboro), 17.55, $141; 4. Shane Floyd-Tony Garitta (Lexington), 17.00, $110. Big fish: Bobby Lovings (Salisbury)-Dwight Morgan (Gold Hill), 6.62 pounds, $104.
High Rock Lake, April 17
1. Sam Smith-Billy Allport (Lexington), 16.83, $325; 2. Chris Brown (Lexington)-Todd Shoaf (Linwood), 14.53, $200; 3. Brad Peyton (Salisbury)-Chuck Huffman (Elon), 14.36, and big fish, 6.88 pounds, $150.
Southern Championship Trail
Yadkin Division
Tuckertown Lake, April 11
1. Andy Nix-Carty Sealy, 17.97, $500; 2. Mike Kinard (Mt. Pleasant)-Travis Williams (Salisbury), 15.85, and big fish, 5.43 pounds, $300.
Adam & Eve Bass Tournaments
Badin Lake, April 10
1. Ron Nelson-Joanna Nelson, 13-15, $275; Brittany Marsh, 12-15, $165; 3. Don Luther-Susie Luther, 11-06, $110. Big fish: Teddy Starmes-Stella Starnes, 5-7, $110.
Fishers of Men, Piedmont Division
Lake Norman, April 17
1. Marty Nesster-Dusty Nester, 14.28, and big fish, 4.56 pounds, $1,451; 2. Eric Gambill-Bobby Lovette, 12.78, $612; 3. Robert Mixon (Lexington)-Steve Sink (Winston-Salem), 12.42, $561; 4. Chris Carroll-Jim Carroll, 10.98, $438; 5. Michael Templeton-Chad Hooker, 10.58, $306; 6. Jon Morgan-Rodney Eller, 10.36, $244; 7. Dean Collins (Southmont)-Tony Furr, 10.32, $136.
American Bass Anglers West
Badin Lake, March 27
1. Kenny Handy, 18.67, $360; 2. Bob Jennette (Kernersville), 15.98, $168. Big fish: Handy, 5.98 pounds, $60.
Tuckertown Lake, April 10
1. Bret Love, 15.79, $368; 2. Bob Jennett (Kernersville), 13.84, and big fish, 7.13 pounds; 3. Tony Vernon, 9.05.
Carolina Anglers Team Trail
Lake Wylie, March 20
1. Glenn-Steven Sparrow (Clover, S.C.), 19.45, $550; 2. Arty Phillips-Dan Moore,, 19.19, $300; 3. Chester Ragland-Tommy Chapman (Kings Mountain), 18.26, $200; 4. Eric Brink-Tim Sabella, 17.31, $120. Big fish: Ben Pervine-Dejuan Fortner, 5.31 pounds, $168.
Lake Wylie, March 27
1. Tim Chapman (Kings Mountain)-Eddie Smith (Gastonia), 21-01, $1,060; 2. Hugh Moss-Joe Estes (Gaffeny, S.C.), 19-12, $471; 3. Maurice Freeze (Concord)-Clay Williams (Charlotte), 19-01, and big fish, 5-13s, $499; 4. Gene Webster (Gastonia), 17-01, $150; 5. Rusty-Gary Bennett (Rock Hill, S.C.), 16-02, $115; 6. Chris Marshall (Forest City)-Cliff Kirby (Catawba), 15-12, $100.
Buggs Island Team Tournaments
Lake Mayo, March 27
1. Mark Friddle (Summerfield)-Jimmy Walker, 24.56, $660; 2. Don Underhill (Greensboro)-Greg Campbell (Thomasville), 22.18, $410; 3. Jeff Fogleman (Haw River)-Jerry Everette (Mebane), 21.98, $168. Big fish: Lloyd-Kenny Kirby (Cedar Grove), 5.84 pounds, $220.
Lake Mayo, April 17
1. Mike Carden-Mike Cox (Timberlake), 21.26, and big fish, 4.82 pounds, $920; 2. Wayne Sheppard-Jerry Sheppard (Mebane), 21.08, $430; 3. Dom Barretta (Clarksville, Va.)-Keith Redd (Virgilina, Va.), 20.00, $174.
Kerr Lake, April 18
1. Mark Inman (Greensboro)-Wesley Cashwell (Roanoke Rapids), 17.32, $1,600; 2. Tommy Farley (Colonial Heights, Va.)-Chad Craven (Raleigh), 16.68, $900; 3. Stephen Griggs (Summerfield)-Gary Wade (Pleasant Garden), 15.96, $400; 4. Lee Williams (Durham)-Scott Smith ( Apex), 15.44, and big fish, 4.44 pounds, $700; 5. Steven Bailey (Chase City, Va.)-Stanley Brown (Clarksville, Va.), 15.32, $180; 6. Brian Welch (Greensboro)-Troy Searcy (Pleasant Garden), 15.26, $120; 7. Dennis Reedy (Siler City)-Tommy Marrow (Oxford), 15.22, $100; 8. Don Jackson (Youngsville)-John Yager (Apex), 15.22, $100.
Norman Spring Bass
Championship Trail
Lake Norman, March 20
1. Chris Sanford-Dale Sanford, 12.85 and big fish, 3.95 pounds, $830; 2. Michael Smith-Tyler Rowe, 12.85, $290; 3. Ken Hoyle-Todd Phillips, 12.50, $130; 4. Doug Easton (Mooresville), 11.10, $90.
Lake Norman, March 27
1. Mike Lovelace (Advance)-Roger Griffin, 12.60, $480; 2. Chris Sanford-Dale Sanford, 11.35, $220; 3. Dave Stevens-Mark Henderson, 10.55, and big fish, 3.90, pounds, $310.
Lake Norman, March 28
1. Michael Fox (Statesville)-Tony Shook (Claremont), 13.80, $534; 2. Anthony Lutz-Brian Morgan (Newton), 13.80, $275; 3. Shane Lineberger (Lincolnton)-Hank Cherry (Maiden), 12.30, $125. Big fish: Jason Wilson-Bucky Helms, 4.90 pounds, $250.
Lake Norman, April 10
1. Dave Stevens-Mark Henderson, 11.30, $555; 2. Steve Addington-Eddie Kirby (Dallas), 11.15, and big fish, 3.80 pounds, $575; 3. Shane Hawkins-Tony Shook (Claremont), 10.75, $95.
Lake Norman, April 11
1. Shane Lineberger (Lincolnton)-Hank Cherry (Maiden), 15.85, and big fish, 4.75 pounds, $790; 2. Jason Wilson-Bucky Helms, 15.00, $275; 3. Shane Hawkins-Billy Harris, 12.15, $125.
Piedmont Bass Classic
Jordan Lake, March 27
1. Joe Langley (Benson)-Brian Fritts (Raleigh), 19.47, $810; 2. Steve Wisniewski (Smithfield)-Rick Gillespie (Benson), 17.62, $440; 3. Billy Womble-Williams Burns Jr. (Sanford), 13.56, $300; 4. Jerry Marshburn-Kevin Woodall (Angier), 11.91, $220; 5. Hal Abshire (Cameron)-Kevin Matthews (Whispering Pines), 11.83, $150. Big fish: Langley-Fritts, 7.34 pounds, $240.
Falls Lake, April 10
1. Wilbert Thornton- Jimmy Holland (Fayetteville), 10.83, $700; 2. Eric Christian-Jennifer Newby (Burlington), 10.34, $390; 3. Dennis Hamlett (Durham)-Ed Cooke (Chapel Hill),8.93, $250; 4. Curtis Vaugh (Rougemont)-Billy West (Hillsborough), 8.61, $100. Big fish: Thornton-Holland, 6.96 pounds, $180.
Jordan Lake, April 17
1. Todd-Jeff Sumner (Southern Pines), 17.56, $810; 2. Dennis Hamlett (Durham)-Ed Cooke (Chapel Hill), 16.14, $440; 3. Billy West (Knightdale)-Tracy Sykes (New Hill), 15.60, $300; 4. Brian West-Ronnie Hatem (Fayetteville), 13.88, $220; 5. Stewart Adams (Four Oaks)-Johnny Adams (Benson), 10.71, $150. Big fish: Tim Goad (Chapel Hill)-Billy Womble (Sanford), 6.52 pounds, $240.
STRIPED BASS TOURNAMENTS
Tarheel Striper Club
Lake Hickory, April 17
1. David Lucas-Debbie Lucas (Randleman), 25.55, cash & trophy; 2. Jim Karriker (High Point)-Coy Hamilton, 17.85, cash & trophy; 3. Scott Griffith, 15.90; 4. Johnny Young-Janet Bonner, 10.50; 5. Jay Childress-Jonathan Scarce, 9.00.
CRAPPIE TOURNAMENTS
Piedmont Crappie Trail
Jordan Lake, March 27
1. Rod King-Drew Smith (Durham), 14.82, $156; 2. Aaron Eubanks-Chester Eubanks (Lillington), 13.40, $84. Big fish: Aaron Eubanks-Chester Eubanks, 2.41 pounds, $30.
Jordan Lake, April 17
1. Rod King (Durham), 10.52, $156; 2. Aaron Eubanks-Chester Eubanks (Lillington), 9.64, $84. Big fish: Henry Ward-Tommy McDougal (Durham), 1.47 pounds, $30.
Southern Crappie Tournament
Trail Classic
Lake Greenwood, S.C., April 2-3
1. Russell-Riley (Bythewood, S.C.)-Allen Outlaw(Camden, S.C.), 22.61, $4,000; 2. Mike Huffstetler-Ray Koon (Chapin, S.C.), $2,000; 3. Ellis-Jon Cannon (Chapin, S.C.), 21.29, $1,000; 4. David Hinson-Lynn Robertson (Lancaster, S.C.), 21.07, $700; 5. Ed Duke-Gary Ashe (Concord), 20.98, $550; 6. Jonas Price (Leesville, S.C.)-Gary Lybrand (Gilbert, S.C.), 20.74, $400; 7. Paul Simmons (West Columbia, (S.C.)-Nick Babin (Gilbert, S.C.), 20.33, $300; 8. Justin Steen-Maxie Steen (Leesville, S.C.), 20.16, $250; 9. Denny Potts (Mocksville)-Brian Shore (State Road), 20.10, $200; 10. Brett-Brian Davis (Gilbert, S.C.), 19.76, $150. Big fish: Ricky Eudy (Concord)-Darren Koontz (Richfield), 2.46 pounds, $500. Points champions: Tom Sprouse (Advance)-Steve Gentry (Winston-Salem), $1.000. Top Male/Female team: Ralph-Cathy Hager (Kannapolis), 16.58, $200 & Wally Marshall rods.
SCHEDULES
Summer Crappie Wildcat Trail
June 5 at Stumpy Pond/Fishing Creek, S.C./ Hwy. 21 Access; June 19 at Tuckertown Lake; June 26 at Lake Greenwood, S.C./Moons Landing; July 10 at High Rock Lake/Tamarac Marina; July 24 at Lake Watereee, S.C./State Park; August 7 at Blewett Falls/Scotty’s Bait & Tackle; Aug. 21 at Stumpy Pond/Fishing Creek, S.C./Hwy. 21 Access; Sept. 11 at High Rock Lake/Tamarac Marina; Sept. 25 for Classic at Lake Wateree, S.C./State Park.
Entry fee per boat: $40; Classic fee per boat: $50; Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contact: Will Henson, 803-432-4342.
