The Shoals Youth Bassmasters youth anglers, fifty-eight strong, launched their fourth tournament of 2023 from the First Creek Ramp on Wheeler Lake. Fishing on Wheeler has been tough of late due to the hot weather, pressure, or a plain reluctance of bass to respond to lures this time of year.
The young anglers had to be conflicted about where to fish, either shallow, deep, or both during the limited time of the tournament.
The day was hot-ninety degrees plus humidity. Some youth anglers managed to bring some nice fish in spite of the weather. Consider this fact in regard to the weights that were weighed in: the five fish limit was dropped to three because of the high humidity and companion high heat. Acknowledging the threat to fish in the livewell, club manager Richard Laxson said, “ I am proud of the way the anglers tried to keep the fish alive to be returned to the water. There were very, very few fish lost on this hot day. Good job.”
The division first-place winners did well with a 3-fish limit. Hank Rumbaugh took his 10 and Under Division with a limit bag weighing 10.7 pounds by only .14 pounds. Hank also took big fish of the tournament with a 4.79 largemouth. In the 11 To 15 age division, Cam Andrews brought in a 6.62-pound limit. The older 16 to 18 Age Division winner, Troy Bates squeaked by to claim his trophy with 5.74 pounds.
Club division trophy winners. SYBM photo
Shoals Youth Bassmasters division trophy winner’s weights from the Wheeler Lake event were: Ten and Under-34.55 lbs.; 11 to 15-22.88 lbs.; 16 to18-13.8 lbs. The total of all the trophy winners was 71.23 lbs. which is a very respectful weight considering the weather, the three-fish limit, and the time of year.
10 and Under Age
1st Place: Hank Rumbaugh-10.70 lbs.
2nd Place: Hadley Brewer-10.56 lbs.
3rd Place: Kase Goodwin-7.07 lbs.
4th Place: Jep Staggs-6.22 lbs.
11 to 15 Age
1st Place: Cam Andrews-6.62 lbs.
2nd Place: Jacob Springer-5.75 lbs.
3rd Place: River Comer-5.42 lbs.
4th Place: Parker Posey-5.09 lbs.
16 to 18 Age
1st Place: Troy Bates-5.74 lbs.
2nd Place: Sam Tucker-5.16 lbs.
3rd Place: Cayden Turner-2.90 lbs.
Lunker
Hank Rumbaugh-4.79 largemouth
All the photos taken at the tournament may be viewed/downloaded HERE.
The Shoals Youth Bassmasters’ next tournament on the schedule is August 26 Lock Six on Wilson Lake out of the Lock Six ramp.
Tournaments will begin at 7 AM and weigh-in is 11 AM for the three divisions: 10 and Under; 11 thru 15; and 16 thru 18. Youth anglers must have a responsible adult advisor in the boat at all times. The year-end picnic and awards presentations will be held after the September 16th tournament. Youth anglers MUST be a member of Shoals Youth Bassmasters prior to the September 16th tournament.
2023 Tournament Schedule
May 20 First Creek Wheeler
June 10 Lock Six Wilson
July 8 McFarland Park Pickwick
July 29 First Creek Wheeler
August 26 Lock Six Wilson
September 16 McFarland Park Pickwick
For more information on Shoals Youth Bassmasters call 256-757-1660 or email Richard Laxson, [email protected].
Thanks to the sponsors that support the Shoals Youth Bassmasters
City of Rogersville, Perkins Outdoors, Southern Fishing News, Gray’s Tackle, TV Community Credit Union, Jaco’s Marine, Bass Pro Shop, Bank Independent, McDonald’s Lauderdale County, D&T Robbins Farms, D&D Lawn Care, Lawrenceville Marine, Lewis Electrical Supply Co, Inc. C.C. Pizza, Valmet, Brewer Logging, Burch Tackle, Ronnie & Kathryn Gibson, TH Marine, Tracker Boat Center, R&M Heating and Cooling, Shoals Outdoor Sports, BASS Youth, Town of Rogersville, Little Lerner’s Academy, The Nutrition Hut, Lawlers Barbecue, Florence Trophy Company, West End Outdoors, Recluse Pest Control, Lewis Signs & Decals, Country Financial Subway, D&D Marine and Davidson Fence & Decks, LLC.
