The 9 lb. 9 oz. largemouth brought-in by Jacob Clifton.
Perhaps the biggest story behind the Shoals Youth Bassmasters (SYBM) August 6 tournament was the 9 lb. 9 oz. largemouth brought-in by Jacob Clifton out of Pickwick Lake in northwest Alabama. Pickwick is renowned for big smallmouth bass. The fishery also obviously serves up some big largemouth bass as well. Several contestants, who had a decent fish, inquired about what the biggest fish weight was so far. When Ernie Darracott, weighmaster, responded, “9-9”, they could not believe their ears, “a what”! Clifton said, “I have been trying to learn how to fish ledges. Normally I throw a jig mostly below the (Wilson) dam.” Clifton reported he caught the hawg on a football head jig as well as two other keepers. He added he throws a jig all the time. The remaining two were boated with a topwater plug. Jacob’s total weight was 15 lbs. 12 oz. earning him first place in his age division and the big fish trophy. The teen angler is well on his way to mastering ledge fishing.
The anglers in the last SYBM tournament of the club season were treated to a “coolish” morning for the start of their fishing day but had to endure a scorching sun for the last two to three hours. Remember, the ages of these youth run from 10 and under to 18 year old-boys and girls.
The top three placers in each age group were:
10 and under division:
1st Place: Hunter Brewer-13 lbs. 12oz. (Hunter had a five fish limit with a 5-15 largemouth to anchor his total)
2nd Place: Hayden Brewer-7 lbs. 13 oz.
3rd Place: Fisher Heard-7 lbs. 11oz.
11 to 15 age group:
1st Place: Alex Tucker-11 lbs. 3oz. (Alex had a 5 lb. largemouth to anchor his three fish.)
2nd Place: Jackson Aaron-9 lbs. 10oz.
3rd Place: Katelyn Perry-7 lbs. 14 oz.
16 to 18 age group:
1st Place: Jacob Clifton-15 lbs. 12 oz. (Jacob had a 9-9 largemouth to take lunker with a five fish limit.)
2nd Place: Dustin Brewer-10 lbs. 12oz.
3rd Place: Jonathon Peters-8 lbs.
There were 10 five fish limits brought in.
The top three winners of each age group.
Anglers of the Year in each division:
10 and under: Hayden Smith-77 lbs. 15 oz.
11 to 15 age group: Clayton Birdyshaw-40 lbs. 10 oz.
16 to 18 age group: Jacob Clifton had the biggest largemouth of the year with a 9 lb. 9 oz. whopper.
Joey Kawalec and Gracee Curtis tied for the largest smallmouth of the year with a 3 lbs. 7oz. brown fish.
In addition to the top three youth in each age division, three graduating club members, Dustin Brewer, Matt Perry and McKenzie Henson were recognized with awards provided by Grays Tackle.
As is the club’s tradition, a picnic was held after the final tournament of the season. The members were treated to a large selection of food and
Stacey Curtis brought in some nice keepers.
desserts prior to awards being presented. Ryan Darracott, a former SYBM club member, talked to the crowd about college bass fishing and what his membership on the University of North Alabama’s bass fishing team had meant. Randy Corsbie, coach of the Northwest Shoals Community
College, addressed the young anglers and parents about moving from high school fishing into college fishing competition. Rounding out the speakers was Ron McDonald, publisher and editor of Southern Fishing News, who gave some directions to the audience on where and how to view and download the event photos/story and on Operation HOOAH which he hosts.
Club members received rod/reel combos, a “happy bag” of fishing products and participation trophies. Lews provided professional grade rods and reels for special presentations. Slider Lures provided Slider heads, lures, caps and T-shirts for the kids. Bass Pro Shops also donated gift cards, rods and reels.
All of the event photos are located HERE.
Richard Laxson, director of SYBM, and wife Linda were recognized for their continued dedication and work on behalf of the club and youth at the conclusion of the program. The Shoals Youth Bassmasters is the largest and oldest active youth club in the B.A.S.S. Nation organization.
Part of the crowd attending the 2014 SYBM Pickwick event.
