Team of Tim Helmick and Chris Stanley, Sr. Best the Weather and Win Big On Lake Anna
VA East Division Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail
Congratulations to the 1st place team of Tim Helmick and Chris Stanley, Sr., who caught 5 largemouth bass weighing in at 16.12 lbs. They reported catching and culling fish throughout the entire day. The winning team reported catching their fish in 40’ of water on Natural Color Zoom Finesse worms fished on Shaky Head jigs. All of their fish came from the mid-lake section of the lake. Tim wanted to thank his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with his wife and family for their support. Chris also wanted to thank Christ his family and Zoom plastics for the win.. This was the teams first win with the Fishers of Men Trail. Their efforts were worth $1505.00 for first place. This team is also eligible for an additional $1000 VA East bonus at the next event at Lake Gaston. 2nd place: Jim Whittman / Jim Sutton (15.50 lbs.); 3rd place: Kris Kready / Charley Seymour (14.33 lbs.); 4th place: Ricky Bodsford / Kody Bradberry (12.36 lbs.); 5th place: Chris And Connor Harrison (10.68 lbs.); 6th place: Kevin Davenport / Eddie Shelburne (10.39 lbs.); 7th place: Chris Burnett / Frank Pridemore (10.37 lbs.); 8th place: Luke Branter / Jeff Ivey (10.36 lbs.); 9th place: Jackson and Marty Hudson (10.16 lbs.); 10th place: Mike Belcher / Dubby Carr (9.16 lbs.); 11th place: Dennis Patterson (9.03 lbs.) 12th place: Manuel Fernandes / Thomas Harden (8.96 lbs.). 1st Big fish: Chris and Conner Harrison (7.57 lbs.); 2nd Big fish: Dennis Paterson (6.54 lbs.). A record setting 76 teams participated in this event!
Saturday, March 14th was the first tournament event for the 2009 season of the VA East Division of Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail. The tournament conditions included 34 degrees at blast-off. The cold weather got even colder as the rain moved in around 10:00 and lasted through out the day. The water was partially clear down lake with water temps in the mid 50’s. The water Mid and up-lake was stained with temperatures in the low to mid 50’s.
The pre-tournament meeting included food, fun and fellowship in an uplifting environment. 190 fishermen and family members attended the meeting, where they were served complimentary and delicious meals including baked chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls and dessert. The Just Us Praise band provided much entertainment for those in attendance. Fishers of Men and Louisa’s own Chuck Moss gave the inspirational message. The Lord touched many hearts that evening with 3 in attendance making their first dedication to the Lord. Also, 27 attendees indicated that the rededicated their life to Christ. I want to thank Pastors Mike Durham, Jim Stone and Don Reid along with Patty Kemp and all the hard working folks on the Mineral Baptist Church Food Service Committee for assisting with the meal preparation and service. I would also like to thank Mineral Baptist Church for hosting the event. Many hands helped make this event a huge success!
Congratulations to the participants who won over $1,000 in door prizes. Throughout the season the VAEast Division will raffle off over $5,000 retail value of merchandise at our events. In addition, the team of John and Kelly Bryan became eligible to win 2 Kistler Rods (Last Place Consolation Prize). This is some of the many ways we thank our anglers for their participation.
Tim Helmick and Chris Stanley are the current Divisional Points Leaders vying for the Championship pot (worth a projected $1,500.00), jackets and an automatic berth in the National Championship Tournament. Chris and Connor Harrison are the current Adult/Youth Award leaders vying for an automatic berth into the Regional Championship Tournament and $250 retail value of Pure Fishing Tackle. Jackson and Marty Hudson are the current Guy/Gal Award leaders vying for an automatic berth into the Regional Championship Tournament. Tim Helmick and Chris Stanley are also the current Big Bag Award leaders. Chris ‘Big Fish’ Harrison is the current Big Fish Award leader. Year end winners will be awarded trophies to commemorate their accomplishments.
The next tournament of the season will be held April 18th on Lake Gaston. All the information for this event can be found on the national website (www.fomntt.com) and/or on the divisional website (www.vaeastfomntt.com).
I would like thank all of our local sponsors including: When making your next purchase please consider our Divisional Sponsors which include: Pop’s Marine, Haber Vision, Propeller Dynamics, Sanderson Propellers, Kistler Rods, Varina Auto Service, Eagle Claw, Woods & Waters Magazine, Dance’s Sporting Goods, Logan Fire, Warbird Outdoors, CCBASSN Lake Anna Guide Service, Karl’s Bassin’ Adventures Guide Service, BassEast.com & Captain’s Choice Boater Safety Instruction with Captain Jesse Todd.
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.
