For Immediate Release
Press Release
Okeechobee, Florida Jan 16, 2006
Okeechobee Florida National Qualifier
Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats, Artic Cat, Mercury Motors, and Okeechobee Tourism Development Council sponsored the first Bass Pro CrappieMasters Team Tournament Trail National Qualifier held on Lake Okeechobee, on Jan. 14.
Crappie Fever on Lake Okeechobee turned into a “Crappie Chill” as 84 fishermen braving 45-50 mph wind gusts and a chilling 39 degree chill factor on the lake. Teams had to brave rolling waves and water spray as they endured the elements.
Fishermen from 15 states as well as some top local teams had a great week of pre - fishing the warm weather prior to tournament day. With stiff competition from all over the country the anglers competed for $22,300.00 in cash and prizes with cash payback for the first 10 places with first place being two Artic Cat 400 4x4 ATV’s worth $13,000.00 presented to first Place winners and Okeechobee local George Baker and his partner, Dennis Tittle, both from Florida. Parker and Tittle caught their 7 fish winning weight of 9.14 lbs on shiners fishing the humps in 24 feet of water. The team also had big fish of 1.79lbs worth $366.00 and the Minn Kota $250.00 Bonus award as the winning team using a Minn Kota trolling motor. George Parker also won a Knight Revolution Black Powder rifle in the anglers drawing.
Second place went to 2003 National Champion Jesse Bowman and partner Mabel Horn, with a 7 fish weight of 7.06lbs which was worth a check of $3000.00. Bowman and Horn caught their fish long line trolling on jigs and minnows and just kept working a certain area while dealing with the wind.
Third place went to Indiana resident Harry Cody and Floridian Dean Dillon with a check worth $1,500.00. Fourth place South Carolina team Whitey Outlaw and Dean Sanders took home $1,000, while fifth place went Earl Roberts of Tampa, Florida won $650.00.
Sixth place went to Okeechobee locals, Portis Mellette and Jamie Mellette, worth $600.00. Seventh place and $500.00 went to John Boise and John Shannon of Missouri. Eighth place and $400.00 went to Bobby Hill of Florida. $300.00 went to ninth place John Schantz and John Schantz Jr. from Illinois. Tenth place team of Dennis and Tammy Watters took home $250.00.
The top 20 twenty teams qualified for the Bass Pro Crappie Masters National Championship in October. Total payout for this event was $22,300.00 in cash and prizes.
A special Kids Fishing rodeo event was held during the main tournament at Okee-Tanti Campground and marina. Arnolds Wild Animal Park featured a live wild animal display for the Kids, and Bass Pro CrappieMasters conducted a casting contest and fishing event for the youngsters with prizes for all. An Air Castle bounce house was also featured at the event.with heavy winds prevailing, the kids proved to be just as tough as the anglers as they participated in the events.
The first three events of the 2006 season for the Bass Pro
CrappieMasters tour will pay out $80.000.00 in Florida alone as the Trail moves to Sanford and Lake Monroe and Jessup and then to Leesburg and the Harris Chain for the Florida State Crappie Championship! Bragging rights for the Florida State Title will be determined on Jan 29, at Leesburg. The Championship is open to all anglers and entry forms are available on the www.crappiemasters.net web site or all local bait and tackle stores in the area.
Bass Pro Crappie Masters thanks all local sponsors for their support in bringing this National Qualifier to their area. OKEECHOBEE TOURISM DEVELOPEMENT COUNCIL, PEIR II RESORTS, GILBERT CHEVROLET, WOOLEYS SHEDS, TRIPLE WAIRBOATS, ALL OVER BAIL BONDS, GOLDEN CORRAL, FANTASY LIGHTING AND TRAVEL EASY RV CENTER.
We also thank our National Sponsors: BASS PRO SHOPS, TRACKER BOATS, NITRO BOATS, ARCTIC CAT, MERCURY MOTORS, MINN KOTA, HUMMINBIRD, KEELSHIELD, GRIZZLY JIGS, FISHERGIRL, ROAD RUNNER BLAKEMORE, BIOSONIX, BUGBAND, PERROTIBILT, MR. CRAPPIE, SLIDER, AMERICAN ANGLER, HYDROGLOW, SURE LIFE, BAGLEY BAITS, SPIKE-IT, KIGHT RIFLES, FISH HEDZ, KODIAK SCENTS, BOBBY GARLAND, KEEPALIVE, EMMROD, STANLEY WEDGETAIL, KASTAWAY KULIS , BUDWEISER, CRAPPIE UNLIMITED, MONSTER CRAPPIE, LOKINETS, THE WOODSHED, KASSWINNS, KASTAWAY.
For more information, contact Bass Pro Shops CrappieMasters at www.crappiemasters.net or call: |
