Tournament #1 April 25, 2004 Mississippi River Pool 11
This was the first tournament for us this year. We launched from Mud Lake Park north of Dubuque, IA. On Saturday morning the weatherman said it would be partly cloudy and calm. It was clear he was once again mistaken. Launch was delayed slightly because of the poor visibility due to the fog and drizzle. Later in the day the wind picked up to near 30mph and it began raining.
Only about half of the participants brought fish to the scale, but the visitors from the Minnesota districts proved they can fish in bad weather by taking first and second as well as big bass honors.
First place was earned by Jeff Dixon of Delano, MN with 4 fish weighing 12.45lbs. It appears the two days of practice on unfamiliar water was enough to show-up us locals. Hats off to you Jeff. Maybe if the season ever opens in MN we’ll come return the favor.
Second place went to Larry Gustafson also from “The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes.” They must have rivers too because Larry was able to find the big one weighing 4.72lbs. He brought 3 fish to the scale for a weight of 11.14lbs. Larry says he found a small concentration of fish and was able to bring out the four keepers from the same area. Good job on a tough day!
Closely following was Brian Beadle from Bettendorf, IA with 4 fish weighing 10.63lbs and taking third place.
Thanks to the sponsors for the tackle packs we gave away after weigh-in; Strictly Bass Lures, Gander Mountain, Lowrance, Diamond Cut Jeans, All Star Rods, Berkley, V&M, Angler’s Advantage Insurance, Motorguide, Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Abu Garcia, and Strike King. Also, thanks to everyone who came out for this tournament and I hope to see you at our next one on Saturday May 15th. I’m sure we will be blessed with good weather this time.
Place Member Name # Fish Big Bass Total Weight Points Awarded
1st Jeff Dixon 4 4.48 12.45 191
2nd Jeff Gustafson 3 4.73 11.14 190
3rd Brian Beadle 4 3.38 10.63 189
4th Brook Rodenbeck 2 3.22 4.98 188
5th Ryan Christoffer 2 2.00 3.68 187
6th Ken Warren 1 1.73 1.73 186
* All other participants received 50 tournament points.
The result are posted on our web site as well and we will have pictures up shortly. I forgot the digital camera and had to take the old fashion way and get them developed.