7/13/13 - MA B.A.S.S. Nation Pro Am @ Long Pond Lakeville
This was the 4th and last tournament for this trail, this year. Top 10 boater, and co-angler T.O.C. placement to be determined at the end of the day. Draw at the ramp gets me a Boater by the name of Mark Burgess (Former B.A.S.S. Elite Series guy, among many other accomplishments). Super nice guy, very friendly in general, and very open with tips/advice, etc. One thing I notice immediately as I scanned Mark's rod set-ups on the front deck is I had pretty much most of the same kind of baits tied on already too (Buzz Bait, Craw, Shaky Head, Swim Bait, Shallow Crank). Water temps were 83-86 all day, weather was warm, humid, and overcast most of the day until the rain showed up 2:30 all cooled everyone down.
I won't give away any of Mark's spots, but on a tough day he put together a nice limit, culling 3 or 4 times. I struggled only putting 1 keeper in the boat all day. Even with that I had a good day, as it always good to fish with someone new and learn more. When scales closed Mark had 10.91lbs for a 5th place finish, I had a dissapointing 0.83lbs for 12th place. Winning Co-angler had 9.99lbs, and winning boater had 14.12lbs. 3lb Lunker on the Co-angler side, 4.31lbs on the boater side.
So good and bad as I wrap this up. The bad, I had an opportunity with a decent bag for Co-Angler of the year, and I didn't execute. Can't blame anyone but myself. The good, I fished hard all year. I had a solid year. With my one fish today I believe I got 2nd place overall for the year, as appose to 6th place last year. Also qualifying for the T.O.C. 2 years in a row against some great competition. Always learning experience that Ill take with me in future tourney's, starting with Champlain in 2 weeks!
Mark is a good buddy of mine he lead me and my partner to our first high school trail win when he was our boater
Mark is an excellent fisherman. I'd give anything to draw him in a tourney. Awesome opportunity John and a good effort on a tough, pounded fishery.
Congrats on a great year, you have the right attitude...
Super season! Super attitude!
Congrats on a good year! Tough deal coming down to the last T and having a slow day. Although disappointing sounds like still a good day on the water.