Saturday, November 6, was a beautiful day at Lake Fork for the eighteen teams entering the inaugural Early Bird Open event of the NorTex Region of The 2 of Us. Those entering the tournament were rewarded with light winds and mild temperatures after a chilly start to the day. Several of our fishermen were also rewarded with catching big fish that, unfortunately, were just not big enough – catching nice fish slightly under the required 24 inch mark – and had the photos for proof.
First place was won with 9.33 pounds by Lake Fork area locals Mark and Barbara Huffman. The Huffman team won $504 and a plaque for their efforts.
Second place was won by Frank Tenorio and Mimi Thompson with 7.50 pounds. They received $302 and a plaque for their efforts. Frank and Mimi had a quick start to their day fishing within sight of the Minnow Bucket.
Third place went to Steve and Donna Benton with 7.18 pounds. The Bentons reported catching on shakey heads. They were awarded a plaque and check for $202.
Fourth place winners were Rob Damico and Sharon Williams with 6.73 pounds. They received $75 courtesy of BC Steel. Fifth place went to Sam and Penny Hooten for a weight of 6.62 pounds and they received $25 courtesy of BC Steel. All other teams were able to select a door prize from a variety of products and baits so everyone went home a winner.
Men’s Big Bass went to Dan Jezek with a 2.35 pound largemouth bass. Ladies’ Big Bass was won by Tanya Stephens. Tanya’s fish weighed 2.01 pounds. Dan and Tanya each were presented with a plaque, gift certificate from Brannan’s Bass Shop in Powderly and a check for $72.
Tanya will also receive a gift basket of items directly from Big Al’s Texas Rubs in Plano for winning Ladies’ Big Bass. Big Al’s is a new sponsor for the 2011 season.
The side pot was split by the teams of Rob Damico & Sharon Williams and Sam & Glenda Moore with each receiving $80.
Sponsors are an important part of our region and we encourage you to patronize and promote all our generous sponsors for the 2011 season including Big Al’s Texas Rubs, BC Steel Buildings, North Texas Marine in Fort Worth, Brannan’s Bass Shop in Powderly, Stanley Jigs, Crucial Tackle in Bonham and Double ZZ Lures.
We want to thank all the new couples that fished Lake Fork as well as those couples that have fished previously with us or have been members. Join us for 2011! The first tournament in 2011 for the NorTex Region will be at Lake Palestine on Saturday, February 19. Check in will begin around 5:30 a.m. at the ramp of Palestine Motor Inn. 6:40 a.m. is the projected time of safe light and the tournament will begin at or close to that time – assuming safe weather conditions permit – and, hopefully, heavy stringers will be brought to weigh in!
See ya’ on the lake!
Jesse and Kathy TimmonsBy: Kathy Timmons
