North Appalachian Division Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail
On Saturday, August 8th 13 teams traveled to Addison, PA for the fifth and final tournament event for the 2009 season of the North Appalachian Division of Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail. God blessed us with a beautiful day. With lake levels falling, angler’s described the bite today as “pretty tough”.
The tournament conditions at blast-off were gorgeous! The temperatures were 65 degrees outside air temperature and a 73 degree water temperature. The morning quickly warmed up as the sun rose over the Appalachian Mountains, but my mid afternoon the clouds rolled in and the temperatures began to drop slightly. Temperatures reached the mid 70’s by weigh-in. The water was clear on the lake but had muddied up some by afternoon due to the recreational boat traffic.
Congratulations to the 1st place team of John Swesey & Mike Mostoller. Their bag of Smallmouth bass weighed in at 12.64 lbs. anchored by the large fish of the tournament a gorgeous 4.71 lb smally! Their efforts were worth $858.00 for first place & 1st Big Fish. 2nd place went to the team of Shawn Skobel & Gary Crayton. Their bag of smallmouth bass weighed in at 8.44 lbs. Their efforts were worth $390.00 and the point’s championship. 3rd place went to Bruce Shives & Kenneth Mills (7.15lb) 4th place went to Michael Burnside & Raymond Grimes (6.94): 5th place went to Michael Frazee & Joe Lloyd (6.20lb) 2nd Big Fish for the tournament went to JC & John Christopher. Their 2.89 lb Largemouth, which incidentally, was the only largemouth weighed in earned them $52.00.
I want to thank the Woodlands Zoo for the meeting accommodations. I REALLY want to thank Dave Solties and Dan Mincin for everything they did in providing the dinner. We enjoyed a cook out with some delicious hamburgers and hot dogs, chips and soda’s. So many hands helped make this event a success! Thank You to All!! 25 fishermen and family members attended the meeting. Matt Ross, North Appalachian Director, shared a message on “going and telling”. The Lord touched hearts and 4 in attendance indicated they asked Jesus into their hearts making their first dedication to the Lord. Also, 3 indicated they renewed their commitment to the Lord.
The past couple events have been a roller coaster ride for the teams vying for the point’s championship. But, with the final event behind us, Shawn Skobel & Gary Crayton, have won the Divisional Points Championship!! The win guarantees them an automatic berth in the National Championship Tournament. Congratulations to them!! Brian Kirk and Timothy Ross are the Adult/Youth Award winners. This win guaranteed them automatic berth into the East Regional Championship Tournament. Congratulations to them. Shawn Skobel/Gary Crayton, are the Comeback Team Winners. With their win this weekend at Youghiogheny Lake, John Swesey and Mike Mostoller have clinched the Rookie Team of the Year Award. Shawn Skobel and Gary Crayton also won the Big Bag Award with their 13.96lb sack at Deep Creek Lake. This year has been crazy with ties, and again we have finished the season with a tie. The teams of Bruce Shives and Kenneth Mills as well as John Swesey and Mike Mostoller have tied for the Big Fish Award. Shives/Mills caught a 4.71lb. Largemouth at Cheat and John Swesey and Mike Mostoller weighed in a 4.71lb smallmouth this weekend at Youghiogheny Lake. Year end winners will be awarded trophies and prizes to commemorate their win. CONGRATULATIONS to all!!!
I would like thank the event sponsors for helping make this event a success: Mason-Dixon Forestry and SFVU Business Group.
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.
