West Neck Marina Open Tournament Held Today

The muddy, dirty water from this past Thursday was pretty much history when the 10 anglers in six boats launched out of West Neck early this morning. These fellas weighed a total of 22 bass, with an accumulative total weight of 53.68 lbs. for an average weight per fish of 2.44 lbs.

There were only two winners today, starting with Rob Peppers, who had a limit of five fish, weighing 16.49 lbs. He ended up taking 1st place, the side pot, and big fish. He actually had two big fish: a 5.77-pounder and a 4.70 pounder, as documented in the photo at left by Skip Schaible.

Finishing in second place was the team of (below, from left) Dennis Dean and Steve Bailey, who also had a limit. Their bag weighed 14.33 lbs., anchored by a big fish weighing 5.10 lbs.

The other competitors finished as follows: 

     * The team of Gary Coderre and Dave Anderson had a limit weighing 11.45 lbs., with a 4.12-lb. big fish.
     * The team of Gabe Himmelwright and Fisher Bryan had four bass weighing 7.30 lbs., with no big fish.
     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Ken Testorff had three bass weighing 4.11 lbs., with no big fish.
    * Andy Morath fished solo and chose to dump his fish, rather than weigh them.

Most anglers were heard to say they caught all their fish early this morning, and when the bite shut down, it pretty much stayed that way until weigh-in time at 2:30 p.m.

Tournament director Wayne Hayes indicated he probably will host another one of these open tournaments during the month of May, so if you're interested, stay tuned to this blog for details and/or keep an eye on your email. Thanks to all those who came out today for the fishing and camaraderie alike.

Incidentally, our next tournament in the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series is set for Saturday, April 29. Hope to see you there.