The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

In a nutshell, that old proverb more or less describes the comparison of today's Dewey's tournament with the one we held last Sunday. Let me explain.

What changed today from last Sunday was the water level. The water last Sunday stood at more than 3 feet throughout the entire day...somewhere around 3.56 feet, if I remember correctly. This morning, when we launched our boats, the water level was more than a whole foot lower...about 2.46, if I'm not mistaken. Despite this radical change, however, the weights from both weigh-ins pretty much mirrored each other.

For example, first place last Sunday went for 14.26, second place went for 13.67, and third place came in at 13.57. Today's first place went for 14.59, second place went for 14.32, and third place came in 13.16. And further, the average weight of all non-money winners last Sunday was 8.40, compared to 8.96 today. By my math, that's pretty darn close.

All that being said, I should point out that today's event welcomed 18 anglers in 11 boats. Collectively, they caught and weighed 50 bass, for a total weight of 104.82 pounds and an average weight per fish of 2.09 pounds.

Laying claim to first place was the solo competitor Gabe Himmelwright, who brought five fish to the scales, weighing 14.59 pounds. His big fish weighed 4.05 pounds.

Finishing in second place was the team of (from left) Richard Hall and Dave Dozier, who also brought five fish to the scales, weighing 14.32 pounds. They didn't weigh a big fish. However, they walked away with the larger of two side pots, since the first-place winner hadn't elected to participate in this award.

Bringing home the third-place prize was the team of (from left) Rob Peppers and Don Carter, who brought five fish to the scales, weighing 13.16 pounds. They also took home the smaller of two side pots, as well as the big-fish pot for their 4.13-pound bass.

Following is how the rest of the field lined up behind today's winners:
     * The team of Dave Anderson and Gary Coderre had five fish, weighing 12.37 pounds, anchored by a 3.72-pound bass.
     * The team of Jim Leavis and Nelson Anderson had five fish, weighing 10.07 pounds. They didn't weigh a big fish.
     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Ken Testorff had five fish, weighing 9.16 pounds. They didn't weigh a big fish.
     * The husband-wife team of Andy and Diana Morath had five fish, weighing 8.43 pounds. They didn't weigh a big fish.
     * Mark Ingram had five fish, weighing 8.27 pounds. He didn't weigh a big fish.
     * Jim Crist had five fish, weighing 8.06 pounds. He didn't weigh a big fish.
     * Chris Fretard had five fish, weighing 6.39 pounds. He didn't weigh a big fish.
     * The team of Rob Chatham and Craig Jones didn't weigh any fish.

By virtue of fishing his fifth event of the current season today, Jim Leavis became eligible to fish our season-ending, one-day Classic in October 2024.

Congratulations to all of today's winners, and thanks to everyone who came out to participate. For planning purposes, our next event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, with times to be announced by tournament director Wayne Hayes at a later date. Watch your email inbox and this space for details when they become available. Hope you will be able to join us.