The 2012 Top Rod Solo Trail kicked off its second season with the Dobyns Rods Open at Smith Lake. There was a solid turnout of 34 fishermen on a damp foggy day in January.
The sun never made an appearance, but air temps were in the low 60’s and water temps were in the low 50’s. The recent rains have Smith Lake near full pool, but the clear water and full moon made it fairly tough on most of the fishermen.
Taking first place and an early lead in the Shelton’s Outdoors Angler of the Year race was Brad Voegele of Addison, AL, who brought a huge 7.20lb largemouth to the scales. The lunker was part of his winning bag of 13.24lbs. Voegele took home $590 for the win and pocketed an additional $170 for big fish. He reported catching his winning fish on a shaky head and a jig.
In second place, just ounces shy of victory was Andy Chappell of Warrior, AL. Chappell, who owns A&A Tackle in Gardendale, AL, weighed in a combination of largemouth and spots totalling 13.01lbs. He caught his fish on a spinnerbait and a shaky head throughout the day. Chappell won $236 for his efforts.
The third place finisher was Lee Black of Danville, AL. Black had 12.01lbs of spotted bass that he also caught on a jig and a shaky head worm. Black took home the 3rd place check for $177.
In fourth place was Roger Sams of Cullman, AL. He also utilized a jig and a shaky head worm to bring in 11.92lbs of spotted bass. Sams won $118 for his fourth place finish.
Taking the last check was Jamie Butler of Jasper, AL. Butler had 11.71lbs of spotted bass that he caught on a shaky head and a drop shot. He took the last check of $59.
The rest of the top 10:
6th. Donnie Miller, Florence AL – 11.54
7th. John Oliver – 9.42
8th. Jesse Wiggins, Addison, AL – 6.91
9th. Sam Johns, Cullman, AL – 6.84
10th. John Conwell, Birmingham, AL – 6.64
