The Weatherman Called for Isolated Heavy Downpours...

And, as luck would have it, those twelve anglers in seven boats who showed up at Pungo Ferry early this morning found themselves in one of those predicted bull's-eyes. They were there to fish an open tournament run by Nick Koenig and sponsored jointly by Thrive Fishing, Motor Tech, and Atlantic Craftsman Company.

Despite the day's wet start, the clouds eventually parted to reveal a partly cloudy sky, which hung around the rest of the day. The fishing, however, left a bit to be desired, even though five of the original seven boats weighed five-fish limits. (Note: A sixth boat also had a limit, but the operator had to leave early and didn't have a chance to weigh his fish. See name in "remaining participants" paragraph below.) A common refrain I heard while waiting for the 3 p.m. weigh-in to begin was "a very slow day."

The guaranteed $1,000 1st place purse went to the team of (from left) Jim Leavis and Ken Matthias, whose five fish tipped the scales at 14.10 lbs., anchored by a 4.95-lb. bass.

Meanwhile, big fish honors ($175) went to the team of Nick Koenig (left) and Daryl Allen (not in photo), who weighed a 6-lb. bass. Their total weight was 13.20 lbs.

The remaining participants finished as follows:
     * The team of Joe Glazebrook and Brad Higgenbottom weighed 12.65 lbs., with a 4.90-lb. big fish.
     * The team of Andy Morath and Wayne Hayes weighed 12.55 lbs., with no big fish.
     * The team of David Anderson, and Tev Rollins weighed 11.65 lbs., with a 4.30-lb. big fish.
     * Solo angler Jim Calhoun didn't weigh any fish.
     * Solo angler Jeremy Gatewood had a limit but didn't get a chance to weigh in because he had to leave early.

The entry fee was $125 per single- or two-man team, with 100 percent payback.

Drawings for some prizes were held after weigh-in, and those who hung around also were treated to barbecue sandwiches and soft drinks.