The weather for this fourth tournament of the C.A.S.T. Northeast region could not have been any better if you designed it yourself. We had no more than a 5 mile per hour breeze that blew all day, keeping the couples both cool and allowing them to fish anywhere on the lake that they desired. With clouds overhead until noon the top water bite was quite good for several of our teams. Many of the bass that came to the scales were landed on the Horizon buzz baits that were given away at registration on Saturday. Most of the teams stated that the majority of the fish that they caught were up in 1 to 3 feet of water. Although the upper part of Lake Palestine was chocolate in color from the 4 inches of rain that came through on Thursday night, everyone was just happy that we could fish on a lake that was full. I think that it has been over 4 years since we have been to a lake and not had to worry about whether we could use the boat ramps or not because of the low water conditions. The water was actually going over the spillway. Now, if only the other lakes in Texas could get some of this badly needed rain.
With a five fish limit weighing in at 15.17 pounds Kelly & Debbie Hobbs of Van, Texas took first place. They used a white Horizon buzz bait and Berkley power worms to land all of their fish. They managed to catch fish all day long using the buzz bait early and switching to the worm around 11:00 as the cloud cover began to break up.
Joe & Mary Jim Woods of Irving came in second with another five fish limit going 13.26 pounds. They used a Lucky Craft crank bait to catch most of their fish over submerged moss beds. The moss was about 6 inches under the water and they kept their rods held high to keep the baits moving just above the top of the moss.
Wayne & Joyce Helberg of Maybank was third and their fish came on an assortment of lures. However, when it was over they had managed to land five fish weighing 12.36 pounds.
The three other couples who round out the top six finishers are Butch & Delores Anderson of Canton with 10.14lbs; Rick and Linda Milam of Fort Worth with 9.91lbs; Charles and Linda Avant of Alba with 8.84lbs.
Big bass of the tournament was caught by Kelly & Debbie Hobbs. It weight 5.40 lbs and was the key to them finishing in first place.
We are getting close to our Classic Tournament which is on September 22, 23,24 at what I think is the best bass lake in the State of Texas, Lake Sam Rayburn. It should take 30 pounds or more to win this prestigious event this year. We would like to encourage everyone to come out to our weigh-ins at Twin Dikes Marina (409-698-2696) on Saturday, September 23 starting at 3:00 pm and again on Sunday afternoon, September 24, starting at 2:00 pm. If you need a place to stay while at Lake Sam Rayburn, I suggest that you give the Jasper Chamber of Commerce a call at (409-384-2762). They are most helpful with all kinds of information about the lake and the surrounding area.
This year, as in the last 6 years, MERCURY OUTBOARD MOTORS will be providing a brand new motor to go on our prize boat. Mercury has been a very faithful sponsor over the years and we cannot say “Thank You” enough for all that they have done for CAST. The Mercury motor that they are providing this year will be a 2001 model and will have the very latest in marine technology. Mercury has always managed to stay ahead of the pack and they have done it again this year with all of their new models.
Let us not forget our other very fine sponsors who are supporting CAST this year, because without them CAST would not be what it is today: Ranger Boats and Ranger Trail Trailers, Quantum Rods and Reels, Motorguide Trolling Motors, Trailer Armor, Berkley Products, Luxor Custom Jewelers, Continental Batteries, Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle, The Shad Connection/ Discount Marine Supplies, J & G Enterprises, Horizon Lure Co., Lucky Craft Baits.
Next tournament is at Lake Tawakoni on June 11. We are headquarting out of Anchor Inn Marina. (903) 447-2256. Registration on Saturday between 3-5pm at the store in the Marina. Again Sunday 5-6amBy: Tommy & Barbara Taylor / C.A.S.T.
