The tournament went well, except for the usual cold front that always seems to come during a bass tournament! Weather was windy, clear and cold. 56 teams qualified to fish the championship held at Lake Chautauqua, NY on Sept 25+26th. The contestants were fishing for cash totaling over $17,400. Every year there always seems to be a surprise winner or a special story. The big story this year was the point champions. Rory Franks and Greg Seith won by a narrow margin over Ron and Joni Dixon during the final qualifier at West Branch. Rory is a juvenile probation officer for Portage County. Rory ran a HOFNOD program (hooked on fishing not on drugs) and Greg was one of his success stories. Not only did this youth turn his direction around in life, he paid for a years worth of college through his tournament winnings. This is a wonderful story, it shows all of us what can happen when we put something back into the sport. If you want more program details you can contact Rory at: FBFP2005@aol.com
The other surprise winner came from Alan Etling. Alan has fished the trail since the beginning six years ago, and finally qualified this year. What a surprise when he weighed in a 6.41lb Largemouth that not only won him big bass the 2nd day, but for the entire tournament. When I tell you this man was excited, is a serious understatement. Some form of elation. I know a lot of us who have been hanging around this sport still get excited to see someone else do well, especially someone who has tried so hard. Every year it's somebody out of the blue that surprises everyone. I hope that kind of "Lakes Trail" magic continues through the years. Anyway, here are the results: *plaques
Point Champions
*1st - Rory Franks and Greg Seith from Ravenna, Mantua $500.
*2nd - Ron and Joni Dixon from Minerva $400.
*3rd - Joey Reed and George Long from Kent, Akron $300.
Big Bass day 1 - John Schneider from Massillon 4.63lb $500.
2nd Big bass day 1 - Bruce Lee from Akron 3.98lb $300.
*Big Bass day 2 and of event - Alan Etling from Independence 6.41lb $500.
2nd Big bass day 2 - Joey Reed from Kent 4.47lb $300.
!st day leader- Kevin Watkins and Donald Eddy from Bedford Hts; Mentor $100.
CHAMPIONSHIP 2- day, 5 fish limit, Tourny Results:
*1st - Kevin Watkins and Donald Eddy from (above) 19.15lb $2500.
*2nd-Jim Tunder + Bennie Rucker from Chagrin Falls,Garrettsville 17.64lb $2000.
*3rd - Joey Reed and George Long from Kent, Akron 16.84lb $1800.
4th - Scott Stevens and Rich McBride from Kent 16.62lb $1500.
5th - Mel Balas and Randy King from Clinton, Orrville 16.47lb $1200.
6th-Wally Masink and Tony Lopane from Streetsboro, Cuy. Falls 16.18lb $1000.
7th - John and Matt Schneider from Massillon 15.42lb $900.
8th - Mark Rice and Jack Rice Sr. from Garfield Hts, Cleveland 15.18lb $800.
9th - Craig Troup and Andy Berger from Clinton 14.97lb $700.
10th - John Webb and Brian Kromi from Akron, Canton 14.84lb $600.
11th - Dan Blackert and Dan Ratley from Akron, Cuy. Falls 14.33lb $500.
12th - Dave Barnes and Jeff Ring from Salem, Alliance 13.18lb $400.
13th - Craig Addis and Louie Kunkle from Clinton 12.99lb $300.
14th - Ron Dixon from Minerva 11.89lb $200.
15th - Jim Leary and David Lay from Ashland 11.73lb $100.
Others honored at the championship:
Al Gibbons for largest bass during regular season (plaque) 4.84lb Largemouth
from Salt Fork Lake in June
Wally Masink and Tony Lopane (Streetsboro, Cuy. Falls)
largest catch of season from Mosquito Lake in July (plaque) 13.41lb 6 bass limit
Our Sponsors in 2004 who helped make all this happen: Vic's Sports Center, Mercury Outboards, Doug Chevrolet, ProCraft Boats, Skeeter Boats, Top Notch Tackle, Lakes Lettering, Gallo Trophy, Distillata, Hot Rods Gun Shop, and FBFP2004.
Note: The old geocities web-site is no longer current. A new site hasn't been created yet. Those interested in an '05 season flyer should call ~ Louie Kunkle at 330-825-5702 or click the e-mail below including your name and address information:
If more info is needed, please feel free to contact me. Thanks! Louie Kunkle
