Sometimes it’s not the weight you bring in at the endof tournament day or the number of fish you caught that makes a tournament fisherman a real winner. We win from the things we see and the things we do every day. It’s so nice to know that you can share a common interest and learn from one another. There is a lot of good people fishing together and there are alot of good couples fishing CAST.
Needing just one fishto quailify for the 1999 CAST Classic, Larry and Karen Burleson of Houston TX, headed out on the waters of Big Sam Rayburn in hopes of completing another successful year in the southeast region. Little did they know on this hot July morning that Big Sam was going to be so stingy, not only for them but for most everyone fishing that day. At weigh-in, we all looked in awe at the big fish Larry was taking out of their livewell. When we see a fish that reaches that level where it goes from good to down right big, we all become immediately envious. Anticipating the excitement of a big fish on the scale, everyone watched with surprise as Larry went straight to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologists that were waiting with a holding tank to survey the fish caught that day. Larry completed the puzzle by telling us he picked the fish up as she laid helpless on the water. With their honesty they missed making the Classic, but they gained alot of respect from those that know them. It’s people like the Burleson’s that make CAST what it is. And we hope that their example of sportsmanship stay’s with us all and is always present in this world. If this one fish can help save Sam Rayburn, think about what it can do for us.
Lake Sam Rayburn has not been herself lately, but Neil and Rebecca Herline of Silsbee TX, found a deep water grass pattern the day before the tournament that was holding enough fish for them to take first place. They used a carolina rigged worm in 20 feet of water to catch the days only limit of five fish weighing 8.48 lbs. The Herline’s are loyal sponsor supporters, by owning a Ranger Boat powered by a Mercury Motor.
Finishing second with a weight of 7.58 lbs. were Curtis and Doris Thompson of Baytown TX. They used crankbaits in and around standing timber to catch their four keepers. Les Brown and Peggy Schaffner came in third with a weight of 7.40 lbs. Fourth place went to Mike and Kelley Gaubatz, 6.50 lbs. and they also had Big Bass a 3.37 lb. fish.
CAST Southeast would like to thank the sponsors of this tournament, Ann Thomasson – ANN’S TACKLE and Bob Almond – RAYBURN COUNTRY, for their help in making CAST a success. This last tournament also decided the Angler of the Year race, Mike and Kelley Gaubatz of Huntsville TX, stayed consistent all year to claim the honors with 567 points. Neil and Rebecca Herline close behind with 564, followed by last years “Anglers” Bob and Ginger Metz, also of Huntsville.
We would like to Thank all our sponsors and supporters – this is a wonderful sport that brings us all together. For more information about CAST Southeast call Mike Gaubatz at 409-291-0662.By: Mike & Kelley Gaubatz, Director
