Another season has passed as we close the book on Lakes 09 season.  Our season ending championship at Lake Chatauqua NY, had 43 teams that qualified to go. It was a great weather weekend as it was bright and sunny and warm.  Some found the fishin to be a bit stingy as others cracked the code to make them bite.  Limit catches was still the rule.  Winning bags, as usual, were mostly smallmouth. They were reportedly caught on a variety of baits and methods including drop shot and finesse worms, tube baits, crankbaits, and some on a spinnerbait.  Also it took 5lb'ers to get the big bass checks.  Event paid 10 places and 4 big bass awards.  The season ending nd big basses:

1st- Dan Blackert and Ed Shockley from Akron, Canal Fulton31.18lbs   $2500. (FRONT CENTER)
2nd- Craig Addis and Barb Foys from Clinton   30.33lbs   $2000. (RIGHT)
3rd- Nick and George Prvonozac from Warren    30.31lbs  $1500. (LEFT)
2009 LAKES TRAIL CHAMPIONSHIP LAKE CHAUTAUQUA NY SEPTEMBER 26th & 27th
click pics above to enlarge thumbnail image
4th- Mike Urbania and Rich Hall from Cleveland, Hiram27.30lbs      $1200.
5th- Jim and Tom Saywell from Chardon          27.22lbs      $1000.
6th- Mel and Mark Balas from Clinton, Barberton 22.65lbs      $800.
7th- Joey Reed and Sam Kutscherenko from Mogadore, Clinton 22.03lbs     $700.
8th- Chris Clemence and Robert Gotham from Maple Heights, Middlefield 22.02lbs     $600.
9th- John and Matt Schneider from Massillon       21.53lbs    $500.
10th- Gabe Cooper and Erin Kossack from Canton, Louisville 20.41lbs    $200.

Big Bass day 1- Dan Blackert                       5.70lb     $300.
2nd BB day 1- Mike Urbania                         5.38lb     $200.
Big Bass day 2 and for the event- Craig Addis  5.82lb     $300.
2nd BB day 2- Nick Prvonozac                       5.44lb     $200.

2009 Season Point Champions
1st- Mark McQuate ans Steve Hatfield from Ashland, Mifflin  $500.
2nd- John Whitaker and Denny Sutek from Akron, Canton  $400.
3rd- John and Matt Schneider from Massillon  $300.
Big Bass for the season- Shawn Kungle from Uniontown 5.78lb from Portage  $100.
Big String for the season- Nick and George Prvonozac from Warren  17.64lbs from Mosquito $100.
1st day leader bonus was the eventual winners, Dan and Ed     $100.
2009 Sponsors
> Vic's Sports Center
> Mercury Marine
> Ranger Boats
> Stratos Boats
> Distillata
> Rodmaker's Shop
> Fin, Feather and Fur Outfitters
> Land Big Fish
> Accurate Auto Glass

Note: I made the announcement at conclusion of awards to retire form tournament directing after nearly 30 years of service (10 years with Lakes Trail) to the anglers of NE Ohio. It was a tough decision but it was said that I wish to persue other avenues in fishing. It was a good ride. I will still covet your e-mails and communications and hopefully we'll finally get some time to take some of you out fishin for a day.
Thank you for all you have done over the years.

Louie Kunkle
ex Tournament Director of Lakes Trail