The Shoals Youth Bassmasters of North Alabama took on the bass in Wheeler Lake Saturday, July 20 out of Elk River. As usual of late, all the fifty young anglers and their respective boat captains faced another hot day on the water in northwest Alabama.
Tournament winners in all three age groups.
High humidity did not help mediate the heat.
Most all of the contestants managed to boat bass in spite of the tropic-like conditions. Running from fishing hole to fishing hole certainly brought much needed relief with the breeze created by the moving boat. The temptation was high to fish quick and run far.
The warm water, in the eighties, did yield a five pounder that took big fish of the tournament and was also the kicker fish for an outstanding first place bag of 21 lbs. 4 oz. brought in by Hayden Smith. Hayden was fishing in the 10 year old and Under group much to the relief of the older youths in the higher age groups. The next closest stringer was 12 lbs. 10 oz. weighed-in by Jackson Aaron who took first place in the 11 to 15 Year Old Age Group.
In addition to some other respectable stringers, the club also posted another good showing on the second tournament day of their benefit food drive.
The results:
The 16 – 18 year old group winners.
16 to 18 age group:
1st Place: Matt Perry – 9 lbs. 10 oz.
2nd Place: Makenzie Henson – 7 lbs. 2 oz.
3rd Place: Dustin Brewer – 5 lbs. 7 oz.
The 11- 15 year old group winners.
11 to 15 age group:
1st Place: Jackson Aaron – 12 lbs. 10 oz.
2nd Place: Kaleb Prestage – 8 lbs. 2 oz.
3rd Place: Jacob Clifton – 6 lbs. 13 os.
The 10 and under group winners.
10 and under:
1st Place: Hayden Smith – 21 lbs. 4 oz. with a 5 lb. Largemouth Lunker
2nd Place: Hayden Brewer – 9 lbs. 2oz.
3rd Place: Hunter Brewer – 6 lbs. 3oz.
The club’s next tournament is Augus t 10 on Wilson Lake launching out of Lock Six at 7 AM. The final tournament of the season, and club picnic, is August 24 on Pickwick Lake from McFarland Park ramp. Youth fishing this tournament and participating in the picnic must join the club PRIOR to the day of the tournament. The picnic will feature a guest speaker, free tackle and of course complimentary food.
Southern Fishing News plans to attend the event.
Photos courtesy Shoals Youth Bassmasters
