The Big Bite Shows At Smithville
If there was any question if there were any big fish left at Smithville it was answered as a definite “YES” this past weekend!
Reported by Tom Alsop – Smithville Marine, Stratos Boats, Evinrude Motors, 7/24 Outdoors, Big Bite Baits, Falcon Rods, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Picasso, Shoreline Collision Repair, Spro, Sunline, Tru-tungsten and Youvella sponsor Tom.
Burtons Bait and Tackle held their second regular season weekend event of the 2009 season out of Little Platte Marina, Sunday April 19th 2009.
Smithville Marine sponsors the Burtons Bait and Tackle tournaments, where the dealership pays back its loyal customers with “Smithville Marine Bonus Bucks” at each Burtons tournament. Stratos boats have the 2X program at Burton’s events where anglers can double their winnings at each weekend event. Skeeter reel money is also available at the Burtons weekend tournaments as well as every third Thursday night tournament of the month where anglers can win up to an additional $3,000.00 in cash on top of their regular earnings. Go to www.smithvillemarine.com for more details or call 816-532-4000. Don’t miss out on your chance to cash in for owning a “Smithville Marine” boat!
What an incredible day at Smithville Lake! The big fish showed up in big numbers at the weigh-in, with 6 fish over 7 lbs. being brought to the scales, including two fish over 8 lbs., and countless 5 and 6 lb. fish. Although the 5 fish limits were hard to come by, there is no doubt that Smithville is full of big fish, as anglers brought in fish that were reminiscent of the “glory days” on Smithville Lake.
The best bite is coming in 2 to 6 foot of water. Try a Picasso tandem willow in chartreuse on flats to catch fish moving up to spawn. Another bait that is catching a lot of fish is a 1/2 ounce Tru-tungsten jig in black and blue tipped with a Big Bite chunk. Try flipping these baits to shallow wood or rocks.
First place went to the team of Dave Peacock and Terry McDowell with one of the few 5 fish limits brought to the scales. This team had 5 keeper bites on the day for a total weight of 20 lbs. 6 ounces. On top of their regular winnings they also cashed in with an additional $1,000.00 from the Skeeter Real Money program, since they were running Dave’s Skeeter boat. This team caught all of their fish by 10:00 and did not have another bite the rest of the day. Their big fish that was over 7 lbs., was hooked and made a big jump at the boat and spit their jig, but with Dave’s cat like skills, he was able to land the fish in the net to seal the team’s victory.
Terry McDowell and Dave Peacock with the winning string of fish.
Second place went to the Father and Son team of Kim and Brian Murch, this team only managed 3 keeper fish on the day, but with a 7 lb. 12 ounce fish, it’s twin sister and a runt, it was all that was needed to take second place on the day. Their 3 fish weighed in at a whopping 17 lbs. 1.5 ounces. This team tried to stay out of the gusting winds, and caught both of their big fish in places they don’t normally fish. I think they found a new spot! This team was also the highest team to run a boat purchased from Smithville Marine and cashed in on an additional $250.00 thanks to the Smithville Marine bonus bucks program. It pays to run a boat from Smithville Marine!
The team of Todd Knaak and Ryan Bennett took third place. This team only brought 3 fish to the scales also, but another huge 3 fish that weighed in at 15 lbs. 11 ounces. This teams kicker fish weighed 8 lbs. 3 ounces and incredibly was only second big bass of the tournament.
Big bass of the day went to the team of Wes Willett and Jason Rissler with a monster that weighed 8 lbs. 5.5 ounces.
Wes Willett with big bass of the tournament and incredible 8 lb. 5.5 ounce TOAD!
4th place – Scott Jones and Ivan Anders – 3 fish – 14 lbs. 10.5 ounces.
5th place – Bill Jones and Greg Ball – 3 fish – 14 lbs. 10 ounces.
6th place – Andy Bissett and Jerry Jones – 5 fish – 14 lbs. 5 ounces.
7th place – Bob Kitterman and Scott Hand – 3 fish – 13 lbs. 14 ounces.
The Mid States Tournament Association will hold their second event this upcoming Sunday at Smithville Lake and is still taking anglers, call 816-532-4000 for more information. LOOKS TO BE ANOTHER SLUGFEST!
