Takes More Than High Gas Prices To Discourage Our Bass Anglers

Why do I say that? Because one year ago, on our first June tournament of the 2021 season, we had a total of 21 anglers in 12 boats, compared to 19 in 10 boats today. And yet, according to an article in this morning's The Virginian-Pilot, gas prices rose 4 percent last month alone and...get this...nearly 50 percent since this time last year.

Therein, however, the numbers diverge sharply. For example, today's competitors collectively brought 40 bass to the scales, for a total weight of 78.94 pounds and an average weight per fish of 1.97 pounds. Meanwhile, June 5, 2021 anglers brought 59 bass to the scales, for a total weight of 140.93 pounds and an average weight per fish of 2.38 pounds.

Walking away today with 1st place money, as well as the first side pot and lunker prize was the team of (from left) Dave Anderson and Gary Coderre. They had five fish for a total weight of 14.27 pounds, anchored by a 5.76-pound bass...the biggest of the day and the year, thus far.

Finishing in 2nd place and also taking the second side pot was the team of (from left) Gabe Himmelwright and Mark Ingram, with a five-fish bag weighing 12.89 pounds and a big fish weighing 3.46 pounds.

Claiming 3rd place prize money was the husband-wife team of (from left) Andy and Diana Morath, with a five-fish limit weighing 11.01 pounds and a 2.66-pound big fish.













Here is how all the other competitors finished the day:

     * The team of Bobby Moore and J. P. Twohig, five fish, 10.75 pounds total weight and a 4.20-pound big fish.
     * Jim Calhoun, five fish, 8.94 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Rob Peppers and Don Carter, five fish, 7.78 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Ken Testorff, five fish, 7.56 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Rob Chatham and Craig Jones, five fish, 5.74 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The teams of Dennis Dean and Steve Bailey, and Kevin Versprille and Austin Cox did not weigh any fish.

With seven qualifying tournaments under their belts as of today, the following seven anglers now have become eligible to participate in our season-ending two-day Classic tournament on Oct. 15th and 16th: Dennis Dean, Steve Bailey, Dave Anderson, Gary Coderre, Andy Morath, Rob Peppers, and Ken Testorff.

Congratulations to all of the winners today and thanks to everyone who came out to participate. For planning purposes, our next event is scheduled for Sunday, June 26th. Hours will be from safe light (about 5:30) to weigh-in at 2 p.m. I hope you can find time to join us.

One Last Cast

I think I speak for all the anglers who showed up at West Neck Creek Marina today for the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tournament when I extend a hearty thanks to the new owners and managers, Jimmy and Bethany Vaughan.

Just a few days ago, I contacted Jimmy about the need to repair the lip of the boat ramp, and true to his hop-right-on-it nature, he had a man on the scene yesterday taking care of it. In addition, another man was power-washing the deck in front of the marina store.

It was nice being able to launch and recover our boats today without having to play dodgeball with the giant hole that had washed out just in front of the ramp's lip. We say thanks to Jimmy and Bethany, as well as to the fella who performed the actual repairs. Please know that we appreciate everything that's being done to return West Neck Creek Marina to a respectable enterprise...one in which the owners and patrons alike can take great pride and satisfaction.

Current Overall Statistics