First Day Leader & Big Bass
Windy practice days saw 4 to 5ft swells and up to 30mphr winds leaving some uneasy about the start of this year’s central division tournament. Today, the wind eased up but only a bit and fishing on Lake Wilson was tough on day one of the 2011 Central Division Championship presented by Russell County. Each state qualifies 12 TBF anglers to represent their state team at this contest where there’s a lot more on the line than just bragging rights. This week we’ll crown both the 2011 Division Champion angler and the 2011 Division Champion State Team. Also, 16 anglers will earn spots at the 2012 Federation National Championship to compete for thousands in cash and prizes, in addition to, the “Living the Dream” prize package, fishing as an FLW Tour Pro for a year with use of a wrapped Chevy Truck and Ranger Boat. There’s a lot on the line for these state team champions; they’ve made it this far now there’s no holding back on day two of the 2011 Central Division Championship.
Doug Thompson from Mabelvale, Ark., came out on top today with the largest stringer weighing 12lb 5ounces. Shane Oltjenbruns, from Neligh, Neb., was Thompson’s partner today representing the Nebraska State Team. “My boater and I found the same spot during pre-fishing so we were pretty confident,” Thompson said. “My partner had a limit by 10am and I had one by one o’clock shallow water fishing; I did lose three fish that I thought were keepers and my boater lost one.” Thompson also can boast tournament big bass so far with a 4lb 1ounce beauty he caught flipping. The TBF angler with the heaviest lunker after three days of fishing wins a Stainless Steel Evinrude Prop. So, Thompson’s definitely hoping his keeper holds. “Main thing is it was a great day out on the water with a great partner; we meshed well together and a great time.”
Holding first place in the state team standings is Texas lead by John Allen from Crowley, Texas. Allen caught a limit of bass today weighing 10lb 2ounces. “It was a good day of fishing; I found a pattern about 10am and stuck to it,” Allen said. “We didn’t get on ‘em til late today; I just hope tomorrow we get an earlier start.” Tomorrow, Allen plans on sticking with the same pattern. “I can’t tell ya my secret bait, but I can say I gotta find some others I’ve just about ran out.” Allen culled some and lost two other big fish. “I am glad to be finding some big ones though.” Perhaps Allen and his Texas State team have something up their sleeves, we’ll find out if they can keep it going tomorrow as day two of the 2011 Central Division Championship is underway on Wilson Lake in Russell County, Kansas.
For Individual overall standings Click HERE
For Standings By state Click HERE
For State Team Standings Click Here
