Forty-one Shoals Youth Bassmasters youth anglers fished a hot (temperature-wise)Wilson Lake on August 26. This was the club’s fifth tournament of the six tournaments of the 2023 season. The trophy winners in each age division weighed in a total of 40.45 pounds for their three fish limits.
Acknowledging the heat threat to fish in the livewell, club Director Richard Laxson had made a smart move before the previous tournament to reduce the fish limit from five to three. This decision no doubt kept most, if not all, the bass alive in the livewells. Laxson noted, “Wilson was smooth and there was little wind.”
The contestants and their adult sponsors launched out of the Six Mile Ramp spreading out in all directions. All the forty-one youths were braving the ninety-degree temperature like their sponsors. Several good fish were brought back to the scales at 11 AM, no doubt through perseverance. There were a number of 3-fish limits,
Age Divisions trophy winners. SYBM photo
The division first-place winners did well with the 3-fish limit. There were several bags of bass in close competition for first place. After the dust had settled Kelton Ritter edged out the top four taking first place with a three-bass bag weighing 6.07 lbs. Ritter also took tournament big fish honors for his 5.01 largemouth. The top four trophy winner’s total weight was 23.48 lbs.
There was also tight competition in the 11 To 15 Age Division. After the scales closed Bryson Parrish took the top spot honors with his bag weighing 2.36 lbs.
The older 16 to 18 Age Division had two competitors fishing, Brandon Atkins came out on top with 6.33 lbs. giving him the first-place trophy for that age division.
Shoals Youth Bassmasters division trophy winner’s weights from the Wilson Lake event were: Ten and Under- 23.48 lbs. (last event was 34.55 lbs); 11 To 15 Age Division top four combined weight was 7.46 lbs. (22.88 lbs. last tournament); 16 To18 Age Division-9.51lbs.(13.8 lbs.in the previous tournament). The total of all the trophy winners weights was 40.45 lbs. (71.23 lbs. previous tourney). All these weights are for three fish limits as was the previous event.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS
10 and under
1st Place Kelton Ritter-6.07 lbs.
2nd Place Wallace Harrison-5.98 lbs.
3rd Place Millie Harrison-5.96 lbs.
4th Place Kase Goodwin-5.47 lbs.
11 to 15 Age Division
1st Place Bryson Parrish-2.36 lbs.
2nd Place Hunter Henson-2.26 lbs.
3rd Place Link Ingram-1.58 lbs.
4th Place Cody Adams-1.26 lbs.
16 to 18 Age Division
1st Place Brandon Atkins-6.33 lbs.
2nd Place Sam Tucker-3.18 lbs.
Lunker
Kelton Ritter-5.01 Largemouth
All the photos taken at the tournament may be viewed/downloaded HERE.
This was Tournament number 5. The next and last tournament for the 2023 season is September 16th, McFarland Park, Pickwick Lake. Thanks to all
SYBM Photo
our sponsors.
The tournament begins 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 to qualify for awards and picnic,
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].
Richard Laxson gave his thanks and deep appreciation to the sponsors for supporting the Shoals Youth Bassmasters. The youth anglers also appreciate the support given to the club so they can fish tournament-style events.
Our sponsors
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.
