 JULY 24th, 2011 BUBBA DRAW NIGHT TOURNAMENT ON LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE
By Joe Spinello
The only word that describes the conditions leading up to bubba bassin’s annual night tournament was HOT. A heat wave had rocked the New England area with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees leading up to the event. Even though it was a night tournament, many anglers were discussing their strategies on how to keep the fish cool and avoiding the smallmouth bite until the morning if possible. Bags of ice were key as all of the anglers did their best to help preserve and keep fish alive. We had a solid turnout of 23 anglers for this event, and even some faces we hadn’t seen in a while (Mr. Gerry Hamel, and Mr. Dave Tsao). There was definitely a strong feeling among the anglers that it could be a solid bite based on the fish being less active during the day because of the heat. Well we had mixed reviews from fisherman, returning glassy eyed from the long night of grinding it out. Some made claims of boating 20 plus keepers and other like myself only a dozen strikes. But the fish that are brought to the scale always tell the real story. One thing was for sure, our tournament director and president Reggie had a VERY long and frustrating night of boat trouble that prevented him from participating in the evenings festivities. It even spilled over into the morning with guys staying to help Reggie get the boat back on the trailer. Thanks to everyone who helped and a special thanks to those who got WET, you know who you are!! Now let’s get to the results.
Coming in 1st place with a weight of 14.98lbs was Joe Spinello. I really had to work for my bites getting somewhere in the neighborhood of a dozen or so. All but two of the strikes were very soft, the fish were not committing fully. My lunker 4.99lb largemouth was caught 5 minutes into the tournament and almost didn’t make it. But I’m glad to report that he was released just in the knick of time. It’s a lot to ask of any fish to survive 12 hours with water temps in the high 70’s to low 80’s. I didn’t get a limit until 4 a.m. Baits of choice were Jitterbugs, buzz baits, and spider jigs.
Coming in 2nd place with a weight of 14.21lbs was none other than the general Gerry Hamel. A man no one wants to see show up to night tournaments because of how well he always performs. The Hamel family has a knack for fishing but even more so at night. Gerry spoke of having snapped off a giant as well as his son Mark. Both said they could have had monster bags if it wasn’t for dead fish and line breaking. Topwater, senkos and swim baits were all used. Nice job Gerry. I’m sure we will see this team next year.
Coming in 3rd place with a weight of 12.04 was Greg Saulnier. Greg hit a few different areas and came in with a mix bag. Topwater and soft plastics are what Greg used to secure 3rd place. Greg was also one of the many helping Reggie after the tournament. Not only can he fish but he has some pretty good mechanical knowledge as well. Thanks Greg and good job.
Now this brings us to our first loser Dave Tsao. With a weight of 11.36 sorry Dave but you are a major LOSER this season. I will have to check both websites but I think Dave has won the FL pool more than anyone this year. I’m starting to think he is doing it on purpose because of how well it pays!! But that just shows Dave’s consistency as a tournament fisherman, you know he’s always going to be in and around the money. Nice job Dave.
Lunker Large: Joe Spinello 4.99
Lunker Small: Laurie Muse 3.18
We would also like to thank our sponsors Beans Buddy and Grizzly Baits for all the support they give us throughout the year. These guys make running tournaments a little easier and more fun. They also provide quality baits. Also Chris Hoffman for serving and providing National guard swag.
See you all at our Ossipee draw tournament, August 27th |
