North Appalachian Division Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail
On Saturday, May 29th 13 teams traveled to beautiful Morgantown, WV for the second tournament event for the 2009 season of the North Appalachian Division of Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail. Despite heavy rains this past week; Cheat Lake was only slightly higher than normal summer pool. Angler’s described the bite today as “weird”, but all 13 teams managed to catch at least 1 keeper bass.
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The tournament conditions at blast-off included 55 degrees outside air temperature and a 65 degree water temperature. The chilly morning quickly warmed up as the rainy, overcast conditions gave way to sunny skies with temperatures reaching the mid 70’s by weigh-in. The water was stained on the main lake to clearing in some of the creeks. Water temperatures at blast-off were 65 degrees warming to 71 degrees at weigh-in.
Congratulations to the 1st place team of Brian Cosner and Dave Crawford, who’s mixed bag of Large & Smallmouth bass weighed in at 10.59 lbs. Included in their bag was a 4.70 lb. largemouth which was also 2nd Big Fish. Their efforts were worth $882.00 for first place and 2nd big Fish. 2nd place: Michael Burnside/Raymond Grimes (10.02 lbs.); 3rd place & 1st Big Fish: Bruce Shives/Kenneth Mills (9.71 lbs. & 4.71lb largemouth); 4th place: Shawn Skobel/Gary Crayton (9.61 lbs.); 5th place: John Swesey/Mike Mostoller (6.16 lbs.)
I want to thank the members of the North Appalachian Division for bearing with me for this event. Trying to secure a meeting location proved to be a challenge. I would like to thank the Super 8 Motel in Morgantown, WV for the accommodations for the meeting. Many hands helped make this event a success! Thank You to All!! 30 fishermen and family members attended the meeting. Our very own Chaplain, Pastor Jeremy Adams, delivered an awesome message from Matthew 4:19. The Lord touched many hearts with 1 in attendance making their first dedication to the Lord. I would like to Thank Jeremy for agreeing to serve as the chaplain for the North Appalachian Division for the 2009 season. Please remember, if you need Jeremy, his contact info is posted on the North Appalachian section of the national website.
After two events, we have had quite a shake up in the points. Bruce Shives and Kenneth Mills are the current Divisional Points Leaders vying for an automatic berth in the National Championship Tournament. Brian Kirk and Timothy Ross are the current Adult/Youth Award leaders vying for an automatic berth into the Regional Championship Tournament. Bruce Shives and Kenneth Mills are the current Comeback Team Leaders. Mark Garner and Mark Nicholson are the current Rookie Team of the Year Leaders. Brian Cosner and Dave Crawford are the current Big Bag Award leaders. Bruce Shives and Kenneth Mills are the current Big Fish Award leaders. Year end winners will be awarded trophies and prizes to commemorate their accomplishments.
The next tournament of the season will be held June 27th on Deep Creek Lake. All the information for this event can be found on the national website (www.fomntt.com)
I would like thank the event sponsors for helping make this event a success: Mason-Dixon Forestry & Advance Auto Parts.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fine companies that make Fishers of Men possible:
Triton Boats, Mercury, Strike King Lure Company, Markel Marine Insurance, Solar Bat, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Power-Pole, Kistler Rods, Berkley, Keelshield, Grace Full Gospel Church, MotorGuide, Lowrance,Marshall’s Marine Lake City SC, Mizmo Bait Company, Dual Pro Charger, Buckeye Lures, Stanley Jigs, Spike-It, Jacobs Glass, Logan Fire Apparatus, T&H Marine, Rejuvenade, and Keep Alive Oxygen Infusers.
