It Was a Day for Catching a Bunch of Small Fish

Because of the uncertainty about what the incessant northerly winds of late were going to do to the water level, Wayne decided to host today's open bass tournament out of Pungo Ferry. A total of five boats with eight anglers aboard showed up this morning to pit their skills against one another. The one common theme that emerged from this competition at day's end was the number of cookie-cutter bass that everyone caught.

With the small turnout, the tournament director only paid one place, plus big fish, and the side pot. Walking away with first place and the side pot was the team of (from left) Don Carter and Rob Peppers. They had a five-fish limit that weighed in at 12.34 pounds. Their big bass weighed 3.62 pounds.

Taking home the money envelope for big fish was Andy Morath (left), who fished solo today. His big bass weighed 4.19 pounds.

This prize money made it a bit easier for Andy to deal with the fact that he made a mistake while culling one of his fish today. Seems he ended up releasing both the smaller fish, as well as the one with which he was going to replace it. Accordingly, he ended up with only four fish at the scales, for a total weight of 9.77 pounds.

Meanwhile, the team of Dave Anderson and Skip Schaible weighed a five-fish limit that tipped the scales at 10.85 pounds, with a kicker fish weighing 2.52 pounds. Steve Bailey also had five fish, which weighed 8.77 pounds, with a big fish at 2.19 pounds. Bringing up the rear was the team of Wayne Hayes and yours truly, who had five weighing 7.25 pounds, with no big fish.

Next up on this year's schedule is the annual Classic contest that is slated for Saturday, Oct. 14.