The brisk 46 degree temperature at launch proved to be an omen of what was to come, as only one angler made it to the scales with a limit and the Chickahominy River showed it was tough to tackle for most on Sunday. The season’s second state qualifier began as all boats circled by the dock behind the lead boat carrying the American flag. It was an appropriate start to a wonderful day on the water.
In the 11-14 age group 1st place was a repeat performance of last month’s tournament on the James River. Austin Painter(Pamunkey Bass Assassins) brought 3 fish to the scales weighing 5.91lbs and made it two-for-two this season. 2nd place and a spot earned in the 2010 state championship went to James Pond(Castaway Lip Rippers) with 2 fish weighing 2.45lbs. And 3rd place went to Jonathan Cobb(Pamunkey Bass Assassins) with a total weight of 1.45lbs. Jonathan also qualified for the state championship by virtue of Austin Painter’s 1st place finish on the James River in September.
The 15-18 age group went to the angler with the only 4 fish limit of the day. Conner Harrison(Central Va Jr. Bass Anglers) showed that his win last fall on the Chickahominy was no accident when he came to the scales with the biggest bag of the tournament weighing 7.68lbs. 2nd place honors and a spot in the championship went to Tommy Waddill(Castaway Lip Rippers) with 3 fish weighing a total of 5.68lbs. Kyle Owen(Va. Jr. Bass Anglers) was able to stamp his ticket to next year’s championship also with his 3rd place showing with Conner Harrison having already qualified as a top gun. Kyle came to the scales with 3 fish weighing 4.29, but more impressive was his 3.49lber that captured Big Fish honors for the day. Overall, there were 27 bass caught and released alive weighing a grand total of 46.54lbs. Congratulations to all the winners and participants.
A special thanks to Scott Whitmore and Region 8 who hosted the event. The anglers, boat captains, and adults were able to enjoy hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks(special thanks to Teresa Whitmore for the delicious brownies) as they watched Sunday’s results unfold. Scott was also kind enough to present each youth with a holiday treat bag including several lures and some candy to satisfy their sweet tooth. Congratulations to Region 8 for hosting an awesome qualifier!
Last, but not least, no tournament could happen without our volunteer boat captains. Thank you so much to all the captains who made it a great day on the water. Our next qualifier is on Lake Chesdin in April and we look forward to seeing everyone there with full livewells!
Chris Harrison
