Newberry and Gunnels launch into the lead on Day one of the Bass ‘N Bucks Championship

Wrapping up the 2003 season, the Bass ‘N Bucks Championship consists of a two day cumulative event. On day one the sixty seven qualifying teams hit Sam Rayburn with a mission. To get their hands on their share of the over $100,000 to be won in cash and prizes. Twenty five overall places will be paid at the conclusion of day two, which will be fished on Toledo Bend.

Dave and Tricia Concienne hosted the championship banquet held for the anglers who have worked hard throughout the tournament season and secured their spot in the championship. The banquet was held at the Methodist Church Wesley Center in Jasper, TX. Mike Taylor and staff of The Stump Restaurant & Club catered the dinner with an assortment of delicious BBQ entrees together with all the trimmings. “We appreciate everything that the Jasper Chamber of Commerce has done to bring our championship here. Georgia Hunt has been great and helped us get it all put together” – Dave Concienne. Stan Burgay and Lance Hughes were honored as Anglers of the Year for the Bass ‘N Bucks 2003 season. Along with many prizes and a plaque commemorating their duly earned recognition, all of their entry fees are pre-paid for the 2004 season.

Dave and Trisha Concienne would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to all of the anglers and sponsors for their participation throughout the year. It has been an eventful season with a lot of tight tournament finishes.

The morning started out with a blanket of fog looming across the lake Saturday, day one of the 2003 championship. It didn’t take long for the fog to lift and burn away as the sun rose to dominate the sky. Throughout much of the day the anglers were fishing in blue bird conditions, but turned to partly cloudy skies by the afternoon. Temperatures were nice, only reaching around 83 degrees with a light breeze.

John Gunnels of Kingwood, TX and Dicky Newberry of Houston stormed into the lead with their catch totaling 20.53 lbs. With one big bass slot being paid each day by Kicker Fish Bait Company, they earned their $500 big bass check with their 9.76 lb kicker fish. Jigs were the working pattern for this team, throwing black/blue combinations in a 1 oz. weight with black/blue trailers. Fishing in about 10′ depths in grassy areas, Gunnels reported catching around 50 fish throughout the day, with their big bass coming in at 10:00. This team is sponsored by Dawson Marine, Champion Boats and Castaway rods.

Taking second place position was the team of Rusty Clark of Evadale, TX and Shelby Shaw of Huntsville with 18.30 lbs. Pinpointing their bass along grassy flats and points, they used crank baits to reel them in from 10′ depths. They enjoyed an all day bite catching about four limits all total.

Top 10 Leaders Day 1:

Total number of bass weighed in – 284
Total tournament pounds – 712.31

Out of a field of 67 teams, 41 brought in limits. Every team except one brought fish to the scales and knowing what surprises these anglers have shown up with in the past, it is still anyones game.

For the final day of competition, they will be fishing the waters of Toledo Bend. Cypress Bend Park is where the weigh in will take place starting at 3:00 and where the Champion will be determined.

For more information on Bass ‘N Bucks events please call Dave or Trisha Concienne at (409) 727-8941 or visit the BassNBucks website. The kick-off tournament for the next season is scheduled for December 7, 2003 at Twin Dikes Marina, Sam Rayburn Lake. For more tournament dates please visit their website.By: Patty Lenderman / Lakecaster