Dave Carey and Todd Helm Crowned Region 4 Champions

The U.S. Angler’s Choice Region 4 Tournament of Champions was held October 17-20 on Maryland’s beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Although the famed Chesapeake Bay extends for many miles through Virginia, it’s the headwaters the locals refer to as the ‘Upper Bay’ that produces the majority of the largemouth bass. The tributaries of the Chesapeake will also support largemouth bass in the uppermost regions.

A total of 87 teams from nine Region 4 divisions participated in this prestigious event which was hosted by the Cecil County (MD) Tourism Office (www.seececil.com).

The pre-tournament festivities began with registration and a banquet at the Wellwood Club, a beautiful facility located on the North East River in Charlestown, MD. All teams registered on time and were presented with gifts from sponsors of the host Chesapeake Teams Division. These included Susquehanna Fishing Tackle, X-Citer Baits, J.O. Spice Company, Karl’s Bassin’ Adventures and Price Toyota.

Following the registration, a tremendous dinner was prepared for everyone by Larry and his staff at the Wellwood Club. All in attendance feasted on roasted chicken, steamed shrimp (a Chesapeake Bay delicacy), ziti, steamed vegetables, rolls, dessert and more as the red carpet was rolled out for the qualifying angler’s.

As the ‘feeding frenzy’ began to settle down, the recognition ceremony began followed by rules interpretation. U.S. Angler’s Choice Region 3 Vice-President Rick Byrnes opened with a welcome to the fishermen and women and introduced Dan Schneckenburger from the Cecil County Tourism Office who not only distributed hats to everyone, but also coupons for free burgers and more following the day one weigh-in.

Veteran Angler’s Choice Director Dave Kilby was introduced and recognized the Angler’s of the Year from each division within Region 4. These top teams received plaques for their achievement and were advised they were also fishing against the other AOY’s for prize packages to be awarded to the top three highest finishing AOY’s in this Tournament of Champions.

Receiving a plaque of appreciation was longtime title sponsor of the Chesapeake Teams Division was George Acord, Jr. from Susquehanna Fishing Tackle. This 20 year family owned tackle shop awarded $500 in gift certificates to the AOY leaders after the fourth tournament this season. As a Grande finale for 2007, George presented Chris Price and Bob Austin, AOY’s in both the Eastern Shore Teams and Chesapeake Teams with plaques, $500 in gift certificates, and two custom embroidered Columbia jackets with their names, SFT logo, and the Angler’s Choice logo.

Since Chris and Bob finished higher in the Eastern Shore Teams division, Angler’s Choice rules allow the next team to move up into the Chesapeake Teams AOY position.  This position was now assumed by Chris Swearer and Skip Walters. In a very moving gesture, Chris and Skip relinquished their plaques to actual Chesapeake Teams AOY’s Chris and Bob. Nice touch!

A few basic rules were discussed next as was launching and check-in procedures. Rick Byrnes handed each team an official boat number card as each team’s number was called and they returned to the Perryville Ramada, the official housing of the tournament, to make final preparations for day one.

Several teams arrived at Anchor Marine, the host marina of this event as early as 3:00AM. Official tournament staff was already on site to check live wells and ensure all boats had their lights working and drain plugs in. Butch Trainer, owner of Anchor Marine had 4 personnel assisting in launching and trailer parking, including the shuttling of angler’s back to the launch area via golf carts. Butch and his staff are huge supporters of Angler’s Choice and are always improving the facility to accommodate us. The pre-launch went so smoothly in fact that ALL 87 teams were in the water, checked, and ready for blast-off ½ hour before safe light!

The initial weather forecast was for periods of heavy rain showers as well as some 15-20 MPH winds to materialize later in the day. One of the great things about launching at Anchor Marine is that it’s location at the top of the North East River allows productive fishing locations when it may be too rough to venture out on the Chesapeake Bay itself.

The teams in this contest caught a break on this first day as only a very isolated shower occurred- albeit a pretty strong one- and the high winds never appeared. Much of the day was overcast which was favorable to many looking for a topwater bite. The Chesapeake Bay and her tributaries offer a myriad of fishing opportunities from several different varieties of grasses to boat docks, piers, trees, rocks, ledges, and bulkheads.

Anticipation, as well as the number of spectators escalated as the 3:00 weigh-in time drew nearer for the first flight. Word on the water recently was that the Upper Bay has been quite tough lately due to a high salinity level caused by lack of rain. Mid-October air temperatures are usually in the 60’s for a high but the local temps of late have hit afternoon highs of 80 degrees. Would these angler’s figure out just what it takes to carry a big bag of bass to the scales?

Adjoining the weigh-in area was a beautiful 21’ Legend/Mercury rig, big brother to the grand prize Legend Alpha 199/Mercury 200 Optimax to be awarded to the Champions on Saturday. On the other side of the stage was the Blue Crew…the North East High School band boosters who provided the cookout for the contestants.

A total of 14 teams were brought over 15 pounds to the scales on Day 1. Leading the field was the team of Harry Nurk and Fred Kelby from the Chesapeake Teams division with an outstanding 5-bass limit that totaled 18.95 pounds. They were closely followed by Oneida (NY) Teams division Angler’s of the Year Stan Sypeck and Bob Makerewicz with 18.70 pounds and Dave Carey and Todd Helm, Eastern Shore Teams qualifiers weighing 18.01 pounds.

In close pursuit were Gunnar Beale and Dan Mooney from the Potomac Winter division with 17.89 pounds. Gunnar and Dan are accustomed to fishing in near freezing conditions but proved they can adapt when the ‘heat’ is on! Ron Corrento and Mike Lannon, also with Chesapeake Teams rounded out the top five with 17.53 pounds.

Big bass on Day 1 was captured by the Chesapeake Fall Teams duo of Les Mahan and Duane Essick who staked their claim to a beautiful lunker plaque and $500 for a largemouth that weighed 5.89 pounds. Nice job!

Television sets at the Ramada Perryville on Friday night had more viewers tuned in to The Weather Channel as opposed to the Red Sox/Indians play-off game. A sunny day was predicted for Day 2, but the winds were destined to blow from the west which would seal the doom of angler’s fishing on eastern shorelines of certain rivers. If this occurred, several teams would now have to deal with muddy waters, difficult boat maneuverability, and they would virtually have to abandon slow bait presentations.

The teams were greeted Saturday morning with a stiff breeze which was partially disguised by the protective surroundings of Anchor Marine. A short run down the North East River offered a taste of what was to come. Although quite windy for most of the day, the Bay did not kick up the 3-4 foot waves that she is more than capable of producing. It did, however cause many contenders to alter their tactics.

Many teams who were in contention with 10 pounds or more after Day 1 took it on the chin on Day 2 with little or no bass. Unfortunately many boats experienced powerhead and lower unit failures, electrical problems, and trolling motor cable breakage, none of which were weather related. Backing up a good Day 1 catch the next day is difficult at best under ideal conditions, but when the Upper Bay decides to show her fickle side no one is a lock to win a two-day event.

Potomac River Teams AOY Brett Quader and Bryan Schmitt produced a strong effort on Day 1 with nearly 16 pounds. Unfortunately on Day 2 they experienced boat malfunctions and returned to the ramp to switch boats under the eye of tournament officials. After boating two 6-pound bass, they had yet another breakdown and could not return by boat to weigh-in as per Angler’s Choice rules. A true hard luck story by these two dedicated angler’s.

It’s rare to have a team produce a low weight on the first day of a tournament and dramatically increase their catch on the second day, especially with such adverse conditions. A number of teams achieved that, but none more successfully that Potomac River Teams’ James Brown and Rod Dawson. They backed up a first day weight of 4.81 pounds with a five bass limit weighing 17.49 pounds on Saturday to vault into the top 20. Great recovery, guys!

Saturday, the final day saw only five limits over 15 pounds and those five teams increased their overall finishing positions. Yes, the weather appears to have had an effect on the fishing on this final day of competition.

After the weights were calculated and double-checked for accuracy the final results were ready to be announced and a winning team declared. In attendance was a huge throng of fishing fans on hand to witness this unheralded event including reporters, local dignitaries, and Rick Ash…Angler’s Choice member currently completing his second year as a BASS Elite Series Touring Pro.

First to weigh in their fish was Cal Brooks and Jerry Grossman from the Eastern Shore Teams division. They immediately set the bar high with a beautiful largemouth bass that weighed 6.68 pounds and would be declared the eventual Day 2 Big Bass and in fact largest bass of the tournament! Cal and Jerry were awarded $500 and a coveted plaque.

Finishing in 5^th place at the Championship were Mickey Dowdy and Art Dowdy from the Chesapeake Teams division with a very respectable 2-day total of 29.20 pounds which earned them $1100. Congratulations! The 4^th place team, also from the Chesapeake Teams division was Kevin Hann and Justin Martin with an overall weight of 30.10 pounds, good for $1600. They are sponsored by Bite Zone Baits, Stillwater Lures, and Susquehanna Fishing Tackle.

Third place belonged to Chesapeake Fall Teams AOY’s Joe Thompson and Jerry Gerlach who completed the event with 32.19 pounds. This Shimano-sponsored team also claimed the 1^st place AOY title giving them an outstanding overall payout of $4925 in cash and prizes. Way to go!!!

Boasting a consistent catch each day was Oneida Teams’ Bill McDonaugh and Rich Bruce. Their consecutive weights of 16.53 pounds and 15.99 pounds for a total of 32.41 pounds were just enough to eclipse the weight of Joe and Jerry. This allowed them to complete a very fine tournament in 2^nd place and receive trophies and $3000. Rich eluded to the fact that they concentrate on largemouth bass at Oneida Lake as well. A very fine showing from a very formidable team. Congratulations!

With a 2-day total weight of 36.20 pounds, the Eastern Shore Teams division’s Dave Carey and Todd Helm were crowned champions of the 2007 Angler’s Choice Region 4 Tournament of Champions. Sponsored by Ketchum Baits, this team focused on the fish and the cover, not the weather and the tide. They alternated fast and slow presentations offering the bass a choice of a spinnerbait or a plastic worm or jig. The only team to produce an 18-plus pound weight both days, Dave and Todd were presented the grand prize certificate for a new Legend Alpha 199/Mercury 200 Optimax rig and 2 beautiful trophies recognizing them as champions. Nice going!

Here are a few footnotes from the tournament:

-A total of 449 bass were caught in the tournament and ALL 449 bass were released ALIVE! A 100% release rate is something to be proud of. Thanks to you all for taking such good care of the fish!

-It pays to stay! Cal Brooks and Jerry Grossman zeroed on Friday, but stayed to fish on Saturday and wound up catching that 6.68 HAWG!

-Sean Peddicord and Mike Lykens also blanked on Day1, but continued undaunted on Saturday. Making a change from fishing for largemouth like most of the field, Sean and Mike journeyed to the Susquehanna River, made a modest depth adjustment and weighed in the only 4 smallmouth bass of the tournament.

-Cindy Burnham and Terri Mackinnon, professionals who hail from Canada qualified through the East Lake Erie division. Cindy and Terri have competed in the Women’s BASS Tour and have ventured over 35,000 miles in one year fishing tournaments in the southern U.S.

A lot of effort goes into the organization of a tournament such as this right through its completion. This event was a complete success thanks to the many volunteers who assisted Angler’s Choice representatives Rick and Dave. It would be thoughtless to ignore them and hopefully none will be left out. They include Sandy Turner from the Cecil County Tourism Office, who coordinated this entire event from housing, the banquet facilities, the PR, and picnic and more. Also deserving recognition is

Rob and Kim Goffredo (registration and 2-day boat check), Cliff Magnus (banquet photos)  LeVeta Smeikl, Karen Kilby, Collyn Kilby, Lori Knopp, Travis and Tracy (weigh-in staff), Craig Eddy, BJ Spicer (afternoon check-in), Bill McDermott (mechanic, maintenance, shirt/hat sales, ‘laugh supervisor’) Anchor Marine -Butch, Edward, Freddie and Kay( Boat launch and weigh-in shuttle), Anchor Coffee Cart- Matt, Marty and Niece(coffee, amazing made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, lunch, etc) and finally

Captain Karl Bunch who donated 4 days of ‘round-the-clock service going above and beyond the call of duty…setting up the weigh-in stage area, providing rescue service to at least 3 boats, shuttling tournament staff all week long, weighing in all of the fish caught, assisting in registration, maintaining constant communication with organizers and officials, etc, etc, etc. Karl was a vital ingredient in the success of this tournament.

Plans are in the works to add new trails to Region 4 in 2008 The potential in the northeast region of the country is tremendous for expansion. Anyone who may be interested in becoming a director in 2008 should contact Dave Kilby

For more information at 443-617-1850 or at limitfinder@yahoo.com.