The Millers fished a short day for a big win with over 30 lbs at Bass N Bucks on Toledo Bend

Sittin’ shallow, throwing deep was the key element for the top teams at Bass N Bucks second tournament in their Summer Series July 16 on Toledo Bend at Cypress Bend. For weeks prior to the event, fishing has been tough on The Bend for most anglers, but the big ones finally got hungry just in time for 103 teams trying to win a part of the $22,850 to be won in prize money.

The lake was beautifully calm at take off, but with the low water conditions and pending thunderstorms, Dave & Tricia Concienne decided to allow a trailering tournament for safety reasons. The morning started off with overcast skies and temps in the low 70’s, and anglers were well aware of the isolated thunderstorms forecasted to come their way. These conditions kept the temperatures cool, only rising to the mid 80’s and the overcast skies with occasional short rain kept the fish biting all day.

Richard and Pat Miller didn’t need all day to catch the winning stringer. Heading straight south, they stopped on a main lake point to catch their initial limit which they had in the boat by 7 am. Once having that accomplished, they went in search of bigger bass. Throwing Texas rigged strawberry worms as well as craw worms and jigs, they concentrated on deep structure. “We sat in shallow water and threw into deep water about 20′. We were right off of the river channel.” They culled two of their smaller fish, both over three pounds, and landed their big bass at 10.45 lbs with their Texas rig. “It was really great. The best day we’ve ever had. We had all of our fish in the boat by 9:00, and the thunderstorm was heading right to us. We had trailered to our spot, and headed back to the truck to wait out the storm. While we were there, we just looked at each other and shook our heads. To cull another, it would have to be more than 5 lbs, and we already had over 30 lbs in the livewell. We didn’t want any of our fish to die, and we didn’t want to get greedy so we packed up and headed in.” They weighed their fish at 11:30, totaling a whopping 33.38 lbs, ultimately winning 1st place and $4,000. Although there were other 10 lb class bass weighed in, their 10.45 lb kicker stayed at the top for another $1,000 Big Bass check.

Brian Schott and Ryan Pinkston came in 2nd place with 24 pounds even. Driving a Champion/Yamaha bass rig they went straight to their fish and had a limit in 5 minutes. “It was happening so fast there for a while that a lot of times we were scrambling to get the bass off of our hooks so we could throw back in for more” said Ryan. They were dragging Texas and Carolina rigged watermelon creature baits in the mid lake area, catching their fish in 8-13′ depths using Shimano Crucial rods, Shimano reels and Izor line. The key areas were wooded creek bends and ridges. They were able to cull 10 times, catching about 25 fish total. “The rest of the day we looked for our big bite, but it just didn’t work out that way.” Their win totaled $2,000, and being the highest finishing Champion Boat owner team they won the $1,000 Champion Bonus as well. They would like to thank Champion Boats, Wulf Outdoors and Shimano.

The father & son team of Charles and Joshua Andre had a great day out on the lake bringing in a 22.97 limit for 3rd place and a $1,500 check. “Dad started out the day catching a 5 pounder, and then I caught our kicker at 8.57 lbs which is the biggest bass I’ve ever caught!” stated Joshua. They pulled in a limit by 8:00 throwing Texas rigged red bug worms in 22′. “We were sitting in shallow water throwing into deep. This was my son’s first trip to the lake this year and we had a great day” Charles said. Joshua indicated that this trip got him hooked. They are looking forward to the next Bass N Bucks tournament to see if they can catch them good together again.

Top Teams:

Big Bass sponsored by Kicker Fish Bait Co.

The top 20 teams by points plus the top 3 couples will be heading to the Bass N Bucks Championship from the Summer Series. The top 20 teams (excluding any that have already qualified from the 1st series) will be determined at the conclusion of the final tournament Saturday, August 13th on Sam Rayburn at Twin Dikes Marina.

To check out the current standings, go to the Bass N Bucks website, then click on YTD standings. On the 2nd Series standings, the couples will be noted with asterisks (**).

“We would like to thank each and every one of our sponsors this year. They have come on strong, providing our anglers with phenomenal prizes and prize money. We are excited to be giving away three fully rigged Champion / Mercury boats and the Southeast Texas Toyota dealers – Philpott , Silsbee, Cecil Atkission and Kinsel Toyota – are also providing a Toyota Tundra V-8 to be won at the Championship. Toyota has really come out with a tough, strong, gas-efficient truck that is perfect for the angler on the go. Congratulations to all of our winners and good luck to everyone in the next tournament.” – Dave Concienne

The final event will be August 13th on Sam Rayburn at Twin Dikes Marina. Don’t miss out on the summer fun at Bass N Bucks. For more information, please call 409-727-8941 or visit the Bass N Bucks website.

Registration for the Snagproof Specialty Tournament will be held immediately following the weigh in August 13th from 6-8 pm at the Umphrey Family Pavilion. The Snagproof tournament will be August 14th on Sam Rayburn at the Pavilion. For more information, please call 409-727-8941.

Official 2005 Bass N Bucks sponsors include: Champion Boats, Mercury Motors, Southeast Texas Toyota Dealers, Lowrance, Minnkota, Shimano, Wulf Outdoor Sports, Kicker Fish Bait Company, Rat-L-Trap, Snag Proof, Xtools, Dual Pro Charger, Power Tech Propellers and Stanley Baits

Other sponsors include: Fishingworld.com, Super 8 Motel, ProRule, McFerrin Insurance, BassMedics Rejuvenade, The Stump Restaurant, Ann’s Tackle Shop, Need More Tackle, Rayburn Tackle, Piney Point Plaza, Holiday Inn Express and Toledo Town & Tackle.

Click Here for 7-17-2005 ResultsBy: Patty Lenderman / Lakecaster