North Appalachian Division Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail
On Saturday, April 18th 16 teams traveled to beautiful Grafton, WV for the first tournament event for the 2009 season of the North Appalachian Division of Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail. High water has plagued Tygart Lake for the past several weeks. Just a few days prior to the event, the lake was 12.5 ‘above summer pool and the launch ramps were flooded and closed. As usual, the Corps of Engineers had the lake down to summer pool for blast-off. The fluctuating water level made for some very tough fishing conditions.
The tournament conditions at blast-off included 38 degrees outside air temperature and a 48 degree water temperature. The cold morning quickly warmed up as the sun rose with temperatures reaching the mid 70’s by weigh-in. The water was clear on the main lake to stained in some of the creeks. Water temperatures at blast-off were 48 degrees warming to 58 degrees at weigh-in.
Congratulations to the 1st place team of Monte Misplay and Larry Freeman, who’s mixed bag of Large & Smallmouth bass weighed in at 6.30 lbs. Included in their bag was a 2.55 lb. smally which was also 1st Big Fish. Their efforts were worth $888.00 for first place and 1st Big Fish. 2nd place: Ed Vozniak/Dennis Edge (3.29 lbs.); 3rd place: Mark Garner/Mark Nicholson (3.16 lbs.); 4th place: Bruce Shives/Kenneth Mills (3.06 lbs.); 5th place & 2nd Big Fish: Brian Kirk/Timothy Ross (2.04 lbs.)
I want to thank Pastor Ed Martin, Norma Robinson and all the hard working folks at the Fetterman United Methodist Church for preparing and serving us a delicious spaghetti dinner with all the fixings! I would also like to thank Fetterman United Methodist Church for hosting the event. Many hands helped make this event a huge success! Thank You All!! 35 fishermen and family members attended the meeting. John Snincak, East Regional Director with Fishers of Men made the six hour trip from South Carolina to be with us. John delivered a powerful message on “Being Prepared and Being Ready”. The Lord touched many hearts with 3 in attendance making their first dedication to the Lord. Also, 2 attendees indicated that they rededicated their life to Christ.
Mark Garner and Mark Nicholson 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. Monte Misplay and Larry Freeman are the current Big Bag Award leaders and 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 May 30th on Cheat 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, Quality Sporting Goods, Napa Auto Parts & McDonalds.
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.
