6/14/12 – A slow moving storm rolled through the Red River South Marina last night and more storms were off in the west this morning at takeoff. Those storms moved south and eventually dissipated. The anglers were hoping it would improve the bite today, and it did for the most part. Kansas Federation State Team Member David Heffell of Hays, Kan. who stayed consistent and takes the overall lead with 20 lbs 12 oz today on the Red River near Bossier City, Lousiana. Team Texas maintains the State Team Lead with a two day team total of 132 lbs 1 oz. The race is tight and 16 anglers will advance to the 2013 TBF National Championship tomorrow; 8 as Boaters and 8 as Co-Anglers. A lot on the line for these guys and they will have their game faces on tomorrow.
“Things started off good. My first fish was about a pound and a half, and then I caught one a little over 4 lbs. I had four fish and decided to leave my area to look for bigger fish. I got desperate and fished the same spot for an hour and a half I finally caught my limit. Tomorrow I just want to catch a limit and then go looking for the larger fish I can maybe cull up to,” said Heffel. “I’ve been with the Federation for about 3 years and this would be my first trip to Nationals, either as a Boater or Co-Angler.” Heffel leads Kansas by 4 lbs over Scott Hamel, who has 16 lbs 12 oz.
In second place overall is Texas non-boater Larry Barnes of Alba, Tex with 19 lbs 15 oz. He had a little bit tougher day today than yesterday’s, but he still was able to weigh 7 lbs 2 oz today. “We had a good day today. The main thing I have enjoyed is the partners I’ve had. The first day I had Scott Hamel of Kansas. He didn’t have a lot of fish, so he let me fish my fish and I got lucky. Today I was paired with Arkansas’ Robbie Chavers, he wasn’t in any position like I was, so he let me fish my fish, and said I could do what I wanted to. As a non-boater, that sure is a blessing!” said Barnes. “Tomorrow I’m going to be doing the same thing I’ve been doing, flipping a lot. I’m getting quality bites. I hope it is the same for tomorrow.” Barnes joined the Federation not too long ago and has even fished the FLW Tour before. So this is his first state team appearance for Texas.
Third place overall today is Dylan Hays of Greenbrier, Ark. and the Arkansas State Team. He has a 2 day total of 18 lbs 11 oz, trailing Barnes by just 1 lb 4 oz. Dylan is also fishing as a non-boater in this tournament. “My week has gone really well. I brought my boat down to practice and found a good spot. First day of the tournament, went to it on my half of the day and caught a limit off of it. Caught a limit off of it again today. I’m going to go back again tomorrow, but I’ve got another couple spots saved just in case. I hope I have a good day tomorrow and the weather doesn’t mess my day up,” said 25-year-old Hays. Every fish will count tomorrow as a lot of the fish being brought in are close in size. Trailing Hays in Arkansas State Standings is Doug Thompson, who just fished the 2012 TBF National Championship at Bull Shoals as a Boater.
Tournament big bag today was brought in by Oklahoma’s Terry Kleeman, who weighed in 12 lbs 13 oz. Kleeman has a two-day total of 16 lbs 5 oz. That jumped him up to 2nd place overall in the State, behind leader Jody Linder, who has 18 lbs 6 oz over 2 days.
In state team standings, Texas has maintained their overall lead, pushing them ahead by 5 lbs 12 oz over host Louisiana. Third in state standings is Arkansas with 118 lbs 9 oz.
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