Fishing Team News Page

POWERS-SWAIN CHEVY FISHING TEAM NEWS PAGE

(To submit items for this page e-mail Hal Abshire.)
***Names in Red denotes members of the Powers Swain Chevy Fishing Team***

Airmen monitor base activities at the fully-integrated command post monitors in August at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Reservists and active-duty Airmen work side-by-side to execute the command post mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joe Oliva)

Pope command posts combine to increase efficiency by Lt. Col. Ann Peru Knabe , 440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/4/2008 - POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFPN) -- Members of the 440th Airlift Wing Command Post here recently merged with the 43rd Airlift Wing Command Post as part of the Air Force's continuing initiative to operate more efficiently.

Since April 1, both Reserve and active-duty controllers have been operating from the same schedule and sharing the same mission.

"We are saving time, money and resources when we train together and follow the same procedures," said Maj. Dan George, the 440th Command Post officer in charge. "And we have complete integration of our emergency operations center, incident command structure, and command and control. We're one of the first command posts in the Air Force to fully integrate."

Unlike other combined command posts, those here use one training plan, one security program, one duty schedule and one pool of controllers.

"All of our controllers are 'dual-MAJCOM' certified," said Master Sgt. Jeff Bello.

Reserve controllers are trained in Air Mobility Command requirements, and active duty controllers are trained in Air Force Reserve Command requirements.

"This means we can quickly respond to incidents affecting the active duty and Reserve wings," he said. If one of the controllers needs some flexibility, another one steps in, regardless of duty status.

"That's just how we work together -- fully integrated," he said.

The team tries to see beyond the MAJCOMS and is ahead of other units, said Maj. Glenn Rineheart, the chief of the command post.

"We are almost identical in structure, and this allows members to swap out with other shift controllers," he said. "We run 24/7 with a high ops tempo, so it's critical we have seamless integration."

The Airmen are supported by five civilians and a ground liaison officer from the Army. Staff Sgt. Anthony Sadowski, with the 82nd Airborne, works as one of the Army liaison control element members.

"It helps being right here in the command post," he said. "It's easier to coordinate joint operations with aircrews, brief them on any plan and ensure airborne operations run smoothly."

Pope AFB has progressive technology that has leveraged the command post's robust operations, said Earl Russ, the command post operations manager.

"We have one of the best flightline video systems in the Air Force," he said. "Our multiple cameras cover the entire airfield, which is more than four square miles."

Command post members also recently added infrared technology for nighttime security. The system relies on a fiber optic "backbone" that even allows Soldiers to monitor deploying troops at Pope AFB from nearby Fort Bragg.

Inside the command post, controllers view high definition satellite televisions on five plasma displays. At any given time, they have two controllers monitoring activities around the base, making sure information flows to critical parties.

"We have more connectivity with our sister service," Mr. Russ said. "And we're a test base for the Guardian program, a security program designed specifically for the modern terrorist environment."

To keep all the technology working, the command post employs a full-time information technology manager. A total of five civilians work in the command post, and all are prior service -- two even served as command post superintendents.

"That's a lot of knowledge to leverage," Mr. Russ said. "We've got years of talent and corporate knowledge to glean from."

And this talent helps because the command post here is one of the highest readiness and wartime reporting agencies in AMC, he said.

The Pope AFB Maintenance Operations Center is also located in the command post, allowing a real-time view of aircraft generation on both the active duty and Reserve sides. When combined with the command post assets, the MOC becomes a more powerful tool to leadership.

"The key to our total force integration success story is attitude," Major Rineheart said. "The Pope command post is one unified team, and we're in it to win it. Our active-duty Airmen have put in long hours and our reservists have stepped up in order to make our mission successful. By concentrating on our similarities and common guideposts, we've been able to focus on the meat of the mission and achieve success together, forging the road to the future."

Stephen Janos, III helping with fishing day at the Ft. Bragg Mini Mall. Stephen is a member of the Powers Swain Fishing Team, Bragg Bass Busters and American Bass Anglers

David Blanton's Grandson, little David has just won the NC State Federation Junior Youth Championship on Lake Norman. Congratulations, David. We are all very proud of you. Your Grandpa said that you had a good coach!!! Also, Todd Parker's son, Brandon took third in the championship. Congratulations to all.

Pope Airman brings fishing to local middle school

by Staff Sgt. Jon LaDue
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

5/29/2008 - POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Volunteerism is something expected of today's Airmen. A little bit of time and effort can have long-lasting effects to the base and the local community.

Tech. Sgt. James Poirrier, 743rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, devoted off-duty time to a great cause, helping children in the local community all while doing something he loves.

He got involved with Harnett Central Middle School's "PhyshEd" program, helping to deliver an American past time, fishing, to local children.

"I thought it was something that was needed in our area since it is a healthy, lifelong activity that can help prevent childhood obesity by getting students to get out and move and can be enjoyed with family and friends," said Gayle Glover, physical education teacher at HCMS.

"The opportunity the base gave Sergeant Poirrier and his friends to be allowed time to come and help us with our program is very appreciated by the physical education department," Mrs. Glover said. Sergeant Poirrier spoke to the students at HCMS about common fishing practices such as practicing catch and release, asking permission to fish on private ponds, and other general information about fish and "pond fishing."

"Mr. Poirrier was by far the most outstanding speaker. He was very interesting, informative and he held the attention of about 1,100 middle school students," said Mrs. Glover, "Our students are still talking about the day he visited, stood on his boat and gave them great information about a pro's experience fishing."

In all, Sergeant Poirrier spent four total days with the students. The first day talking to them, and then later he spent three days at Lake Rim in Fayetteville for the "Fishing Experience."

To assist him with the amount of students that would be participating, Sergeant Poirrier invited a few fishing friends from the base, Tech. Sgt. Shawn Teague, 3rd Aerial Port Squadron, Master Sgt. Weiland Tarpley and Master Sgt. David Wright, 743rd AMXS, to help. They were more than eager to come out and help the children learn to bait hooks, untangle lines and take the fish off the lines, said Sergeant Poirrier.

There were more than 1,000 students divided among the three fishing days, during which some parents also spent time learning and fishing with their children. The fishing days were split in half with each child getting a half day of education and a half day with actual fishing.

Kristopher Smith is the center director at the Pechmann Fishing Education Center across from Lake Rim and assisted with the education portion of the day. He said the students learned about boating safety, age and growth of fish, fish anatomy and fishing history. Mr. Smith said the event was a success and hopes that the children take away a physical connection to the outdoor environment.

"I think it went very well. Most kids caught a fish and several caught a fish for the first time ever. Lots of smiles and laughs," Mr. Smith said.

Sergeant Poirrier then worked with the families one-on-one and has had the support of the families and faculty ever since.

"Parents have been overwhelmingly supportive of this event. Hundreds have volunteered to chaperone and have asked that the school make this a yearly event," said Mrs. Glover.

Sergeant Poirrier says he's been fishing since about the time he's been able to walk. As a semi-pro angler, he currently fishes in the Bass Fishing League, National Bass Circuit and competes in the American Bass Angler Tournament Trails. All of which have brought him to fishing tournaments all over the country.

He has aspirations of becoming a professional angler one day and he was honored to pass down the sport he loves so much to younger children.

Tech. Sgt. James Poirrier, 743rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, talks to students at Harnett Central Middle School about fishing. Sergeant Poirrier, an amateur angler, spoke to more than 1,100 students and spent three days fishing with the students families at Lake Rim in Fayetteville. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

"If I can plant a small seed in a child's life to either get them going in the outdoors or maybe keep them from getting in trouble ... then I have accomplished what I set out to do," said Sergeant Poirrier, "If I can get one child to grab a rod and reel and walk down to a farm pond instead of walking down the wrong road, that's my reward."

Being a semi-pro angler, Sergeant Poirrier has his own sponsors. He contacted two of his sponsors and was able to get T-shirts, spinner baits and hooks for the students. Sergeant Poirrier said going to the sponsors was a no brainer for him because it involved children and his sponsors feel the same way about children as he does - they are the future so teach them now and watch them grow.

"His efforts will not be forgotten by me or our students. He is a very special person and I am looking forward to working with him in the further as we expand this PhyshEd program," said Ms. Glover, "Mr. Poirrier's involvement was tremendous and invaluable to the program."

Ms. Glover got the program started with a grant from the Future Fisherman's Foundation, one of only 95 awarded by the throughout the country.

Once received, HCMS went all out to get the students excited. The fishing portion of the school's PE program taught students about knot tying, casting, bait and lure selection, fish habitats, conservation, and even how to use fish finders. Being awarded the grant allowed the school to purchase rods, reels, tackle and other fishing equipment, Mrs. Glover said.

The fishing experience even spilled out into other subjects for the students. They made fish art, fish kites, written journals and graphs and charts for math.

"Although there was a huge amount of preparation for a field trip for more than 1,000 students, the expressions on the faces of the students while they were fishing made all the effort worthwhile," said Mrs. Glover.

Sergeant Poirrier couldn't agree more.

"I love to see the look on the children's faces, the excitement, when they catch that first fish. That in itself is very rewarding to me."

May 2008

Three members of the Powers Swain Fishing Team took 1st & 2nd Place at the Goodyear Tournament held at Jordan Lake on 5/15/08. James Clark and David Blanton took 1st place with 8 fish that weighed in at 32.98 Lbs. Donald Loes along with brother Gary came in 2nd with 6 fish that weighed 19.46 lbs. The Loes brothers also had the big fish with a chunk that weighed 7.69 lbs.

January 2008

Monica Altman, Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler, of Angier, N.C. signs with CBs Hawg Sauce- www.cbshawgsauce.com (Olivia, N.C.) and JB Custom Rods - www.CustomBassRrods.com (Erwin, N.C.).

November 2007

Greg makes the Top 25 at the National's

Greg's 2007 season culminated when he fished the American Bass Anglers National’s held on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Florida. 133 boats fished the first three days and then the field was cut to the top 25 for the final day. He was fortunate to make the cut and finished a respectable 13^th.

www.news10now.com
Northeast Regional Tournament
Updated: 9/15/2007 12:25:25 PM
By: Web Staff

HENDERSON HARBOR, N.Y. -- The Northeast Regional Tournament continues today in Henderson Harbor. More than 100 bass anglers are battling it out for a $10,000 first prize. Anglers come from as far as North Carolina to participate. The winner from this event will go up against the other three regional winners for the National event.

Tomorrow is "take a soldier fishing day." More than 200 soldiers, as well as 10th Mountain Division Commanding General Michael Oates, will join the anglers.

Tackling the lure business
By Monica Holland at The Fayetteville Observer
Published on Sunday, July 01, 2007

Today’s tackle shops present many a quandary to the eager angler. You’ll find rows and rows of plastics, spinners, jigs, spoons, trailers, creature baits, jerkbaits, crankbaits and any number of items that promise to help you become the best fisherman on the water.

But when you purchase certain brands of tackle, you’re supporting a not-for-profit organization that provides jobs offering vocational services to people who suffer from disabilities.

In 2005, tackle giants Lunker Lure and Hawg Caller landed under the umbrella of Five Star Industries, based in Du Quion, Ill.

“We got into it when the original owners bought it back,” said Five Star sales coordinator Greg Herrin. “They had offers from other places at more than we could pay. But they weren’t sure if the other companies would keep the manufacturing in the U.S. So they sold it to us and we’ve been doing it ever since.”

The company provides transportation and support for center and community-based activities for ages 60 and older. It also manages three sites of subsidized housing for the elderly and disabled.

But Herrin doesn’t harp on the good deeds of the company, just the effectiveness of its products. “Lunker lure is the original inventor of the buzzbait, which is probably the best top-water bait on the market today,” Herrin said.

Team Bass USA president James Wade agreed. “Lunker Lure’s buzzbait has been around for years and it’s been known as an inexpensive buzzbait, but it was known as one of the best buzzbaits ever made.”

Wade, of Fayetteville, is also a fan of the Hawg Caller spinnerbait. “It’s always been the go-to spinnerbait,” he said.

Wade has counted on these products, along with his JB Custom Rod and Ranger boat supplied by Collins Marine, to win on numerous tournament trails.

Five Star plans to bring its tackle to the recently opened Gander Mountain on Skibo Road soon.

Following are descriptions by Wade, a CITGO Bassmasters Southern Tour and weekend series angler and winner of the FLW Ranger Owners Big Fish prize at the Kerr Lake tournament held in April:

SPINNERBAIT: “They imitate shad in the water. “Occasionally during the spawn, you’ll take a big spinnerbait and do what’s called slow-rolling. That’s when you want to agitate that fish and make him bite.” Wade said the best conditions for spinnerbaits include a little wind. Look for wind-blown points such as rip rap where bass will be chasing bait.

BUZZBAIT: “Made for top-water. You want to use a high-speed retrieve reel; a high speed gear ratio. From the time it hits the water, you want to start cranking pretty quickly. “The blade is turning on top of the water, making a lot of noise. A fish just reacts and comes up and slaps at it or hits it. It’s generally known as an explosive bait.”

RATTLIN SHAK’N SHAD: “This is the Lunker Lures version of a chatterbait. They put rattle chambers on it, the blade is less flimsy and it has a weed guard.” Chatterbaits have been all the rage since this past summer, but Lunker Lures’ version answered anglers’ complaints about them getting hung up.

SHAK-EE HEAD JIG: “Made for finesse fishing plastic worms. You throw this out and it will go down to the bottom and sit there and with the water pressure, when you shake it a little bit, it will entice a fish into biting.” Finesse fishing is popular in tournament-pressured lakes where bass see hundreds of lures.

Story Photo

Staff photo by Nick Pironio
Tournament angler James Wade adds Lunker Sauce to a Lunker Lure buzzbait. The tackle company was the first to manufacture buzzbaits in 1976.

April 2007 GM Edge — Dealer Spotlight - Water Warriors

Writer: Phil Stayhue

Eye-catching!

Local American troops received a special welcome home last year, thanks in part to Powers-Swain Chevrolet in Fayetteville , N.C. The dealership helped get dozens of troops on the water in a friendly bass fishing tournament. It was so successful, a second event is planned for May.

“We’ve had a whole year to work on our 2007 ‘Warriors on the Water’ tournament; we put everything together last year in just six weeks,” said Hal Abshire , fleet manager, Powers-Swain Chevrolet. “We’re now looking to triple the size of the tournament and put more than 100 boats into the water.”

The dealership actively supports fishing efforts in the community through the Powers-Swain Fishing Team. Recognizing that an attractive lure can reel in customer attention, Abshire also adorned his personal 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and his 21-foot fishing boat with a vinyl-wrap.

Pictured from left, Hal Abshire , Bunny Powers , and
WC Powers, Dealer Principal/Owner, Powers-Swain Chevrolet

Team Member is featured on YouTube - Click here to see the show!!!

Hal's Boat gets Wrapped: Click here to see the video

I had the opportunity to witness a great concert sponsored by the USO. It was held at Fort Leonard Wood and the feature was the LT Dan Band. Some of you will remember the name from the movie Forrest Gump. Well the actor that played LT Dan was Gary Sinise; he also plays Mack Taylor in CSI NY (I watch every week). He and Kimo Williams (a Vietnam Vet) got together and started the band.

Last night Gary was the lead base player for the band and they were phenomenal. Well the soldiers got a kick out of the concert and so did old fellas like me. I was most taken after the concert when getting autographs, the band made a point to tell every person connected to the military thank you for your service." Having been there in my past life; I can relate to being away from home and not knowing when or if you are coming home. Some can't imagine the feeling that comes over you when deployed and you get a little taste of home provided by a USO event. The USO and groups like 'The LT Dan Band" are rendering a great service to our , I personally made a point to thank the band members for the service they are rendering our young service men and women around the world.

Chuck McArthur

Each year, members of the National Hockey League team that wins the Stanley Cup get to spend 24 hours with it, taking the prize wherever they choose. This summer - after the Carolina Hurricanes won the championship - one team member took the Cup bass fishing with two BASS members. On Aug. 28, Chris Huffine, the Hurricane’s video coordinator, went to Falls Lake in North Carolina with BASS fans Steve Jones and local guide Kennon Brown for a few hours on the water. Once they caught a bass, they placed it with a few cups of water into the Stanley Cup. "Mission accomplished," Huffine, who fished an ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series tournament in July, said at the time.

Jones, from Sanford, N.C., said it was a memorable experience. Always careful to care for the cup, the trio kept a life preserver on it while it was on the boat. "Just to have the Cup on my boat was pretty neat," said Jones.

The complete travels of the Cup and an online journal can be found at the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Web site. Each member of the Carolina Hurricanes assumes possession of the Stanley Cup for 24 hours, and you’ll get an insider’s view through exclusive stories and photographs as the Stanley Cup visits locations around the globe.

Reeling in victory launches a dream by Mike Zlotnicki, Staff Writer

CHATHAM COUNTY - The soft plastic lure landed with a dull splat on the weathered surface of a fallen tree in the Cape Fear River . "That's not where I wanted you," the angler breathed to no one in particular. She had missed her target by only inches from a distance of 50 feet or so. Her next cast was textbook, dropping next to the log jutting out from the bank.

No bass greeted that cast, but Monica Altman didn't seem to mind. She and her husband, Max, were practicing for a club tournament on the river. It was just a fun trip. A week earlier, she had landed bass when it really counted and won the co-angler division of the Mercury Marine Women's Bassmaster Tour tournament on Lake Norman . It was the third event in the tour's inaugural season, and the Angier resident won a fully rigged Triton bass boat and $1,500 cash.

The victory was not too shabby for a Sanford girl who grew up fishing for bass and catfish in local ponds and rivers, but it was a hard-earned victory all the same.

"It was the toughest three days of fishing I ever had," said Altman, 35, who works as a clinical secretary in the orthopedic clinic at WakeMed Raleigh Campus. "I thought I knew what heat was, but that was heat! Those men [on the men's pro fishing tours], they earn every penny they make."

Despite the constant 95-degree heat, Altman had fun in the July 27-29 event. "It was an awesome experience; it was a blast," she said. "BASS does a great job."

Altman's journey to victory came about almost by accident. Max Altman saw information about the Woman's Bassmaster Tour while surfing the Internet. The pair had competed in local tournaments, mostly in Powers-Swain Chevrolet Fishing Team events. The thought of Monica Altman fishing in the Charlotte event intrigued the couple.

"We thought about her entering as a boater, but thought she could better get her feet wet as a nonboater," said Max, 53, who is the athletics director at Overhills High School in Spring Lake .

His enthusiasm was hard to hide. "I intended to fish [for fun while Monica competed], but my nerves were so shot I couldn't even sleep," he said as he fished from the rear casting deck, the same place his wife, as one of 95 co-anglers, fished with a different partner each day.

"She couldn't have drawn two better partners," Max Altman said of Monica's day 1 and day 2 boaters, Danielle Kremer of Osteen , Fla. , and Doris Parsons of Maiden. Both women were shallow-water anglers -- Monica Altman's preferred environment -- and that allowed Altman to target shoreline cover and structure with soft plastic baits. Her first two sacks - two fish weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces the first day and three fish (a co-angler's limit) weighing 8-11 the second -- helped buffer the fact that on day 3 she would be paired with an angler searching for deep fish, Patti Campbell.

Campbell , from Waxahachie , Texas , caught 5 pounds, 7 ounces that day for an 18-14 three-day total and the runner-up spot behind boater division champion Lisa Stenard of Clarksville , Tenn. , who had 21-7.

Altman's deep-fish luck wasn't as good. "I Carolina-rigged for five hours," she said, and that third day she brought in only one fish. It weighed just 14 ounces.

However, her hefty stringers the first two days were enough to win the title and the boat. She didn't tow a $24,000 vessel home, though, and the win was not as lucrative as it might sound.

Monica Altman said they have learned that, in general, an angler "winning a boat" receives a voucher from the manufacturer to redeem at an area dealer. The angler can keep the boat; can sell the boat outright; or can sell the voucher to the dealer for whatever price can be haggled. No matter the method, the angler is liable for the taxes at the listed value.

Still, she plans to enjoy the fruits of her labor, at least for a while. "Right now, my plans are to keep the boat and enjoy it for a few months," she said as she worked the shoreline.

Max Altman said the Ranger boat they were fishing from on the Cape Fear, a boat that was used at the 2000 Bassmasters Classic in Chicago, was larger and better-equipped than the vessel his wife won. They purchased the Ranger from a marine dealer in Mount Airy after the Classic.

Competing -- and winning -- at Charlotte has raised many questions for the Altmans. Though they had fun, they also realized how much time and money it takes to compete on the circuit.

"We probably dropped $1,200 to $1,500 on the tournament," Monica Altman said, noting the figure did not include the co-angler entry fee of $350.

"It's a very expensive sport," she said. A high point of the tournament came when Altman was asked for her autograph, a first. A 10-year-old girl made the request.

"It was neat, but I almost wanted to say, 'Honey, you don't want my autograph,' " she said, laughing. While the couple fished their way down the river, cicadas and other insects buzzed in fits and starts as small wading birds hop-scotched away at their approach. As they approached the U.S. 1 bridge on the Deep River , which flows into the Cape Fear , another boat approached. In it was a friend, David Blanton of Fayetteville .

Neither Blanton nor the Altmans had much luck that morning. "I know what your problem is," Blanton said. "You need to be in the back of the boat throwing that Senko," as Monica Altman did at the tournament.

Both Altmans laughed, and the conversation turned to fishing and mutual friends, most of whom fished. Blanton and his wife, Alice, traveled to Charlotte with Hal Abshire of Powers-Swain Chevrolet and his wife, Lynn, to witness Altman's final weigh-in.

"I thought it was awesome," David Blanton said. "I love to see people I know do well. To lead all three days is something most of us only dream about."

Altman still has time to think about "going pro," and, as a member of the BASS Insider group ( www.bassmaster.com ), she has her entry fees prepaid for next year's trail because of her win, a perk of membership.

"It would be so cool to fish the whole tour," Altman said wistfully as the boat eased down the river. "We'll have to see what happens."

Women's Bassmaster Tour event No. 3 in North Carolina

Day 1 on Lake Norman, NC

BASS Communications — July 27, 2006

Winner of the 2006 Best Angler ESPY award, Tammy Richardson leads the Women's Tour in North Carolina.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — If you just won an ESPY, do you relax and rest on your laurels?

Not if you're Tammy Richardson of Amity, Ark., winner of the 2006 Best Angler ESPY award. Just two weeks after she beat three Bassmaster Elite Series anglers and went to Hollywood to bring home the prestigious award, Richardson took the Day 1 lead Thursday in the Mercury Marine Women's Bassmaster Tour presented by Triton Boats event on Lake Norman.

"Winning the ESPY just made me determined to fish harder," said Richardson, 34. "I want to show that the ESPY wasn't a fluke, that I can really fish."

The five fish weighing 9 pounds she brought to the scales gave her just a 10-ounce lead over second-place holder Michelle Armstrong of Denver, N.C., who weighed in four fish for 8-6.

Richardson, who made history when she won the inaugural women's event in April on Neely Henry Lake in Alabama and is in second place in the Toyota Angler of the Year race, said she tried everything to get her fish.

"Today I did what I call 'trash fishing' — throwing shallow, deep, shallow, deep," she said. "I had 10 to 15 holes and didn't spend much time at any one of them. When I had gone through them all, I circled back to try again. It was just hard to get a pattern."

Lake Norman's bass showed a streak of stubbornness to the entire field of 94 pros and their amateur partners fishing the third event of five on the 2006 WBT circuit. Just a handful of anglers brought five-fish limits to the scales. A regular on Lake Norman and local favorite to win, Armstrong called the lake "very fickle."

"I fished not so much a pattern as I did known spots," said Armstrong, who added that she often fished competitively with her husband, Troy, as a partner, "but when WBT was created, I decided to go out on my own."

Third place was a tie at 8-5, just 1 ounce behind Armstrong. Sharing it were Christie Thomas of Limpopo, South Africa, and Tammie Muse of North Little Rock, Ark. With 7-14, Patti Campbell of Waxahachie, Texas, scored fifth place.

While Lake Norman may have been fickle on Day One, Michelle Armstrong boated enough bass to take second place.

WBT contenders are fishing for points as well as pounds. Points count toward qualifying for the inaugural Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship, Feb. 22-25, 2007, on Lake Mitchell in Alabama. Only the top 12 pros and 12 co-anglers in the points standings are invited.

The pros also are amassing points with an eye on becoming the first Toyota Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year. The points leader at the end of the season gets the title and a 2007 Toyota Tundra.

The Lake Norman WBT winner earns a Triton boat rig with Mercury outboard valued at $50,000. The event pays a total of about $85,000 to the top 25 finishers in the pro division.

On the co-angler side, Monica Altman of Angier, N.C., pulled into the lead with a catch of 5 pounds, 10 ounces. Trailing Altman were Cheryl Bowden of Plano, Texas, with 5-7; Heather Sullivan of Sitka, Alaska, with 5 pounds; Sharon Withers of Many, La., with 4-12; and Gerry Threadgill of Onalaska, Texas, with 4-3.

The first-place, co-angler prize is a Triton/Mercury package valued at $24,000 and $1,000 cash.

Pros and co-anglers will hit Lake Norman on Friday at 6 a.m. to determine which six pros and six co-anglers make the cut for Saturday's finale. Friday's weigh-in is scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. ET at Blythe Landing on Lake Norman in Huntersville.

Day 2 on Lake Norman, NC

BASS Communications — July 28, 2006

Tennessean shoots into Women's Tour lead

Lisa Sternard and other Women's Tour finalists will share the spotlight Saturday with Bassmaster American anglers.

"Lake Norman's been challenging," said Sternard. "To catch fish here, your presentation has to be very precise."

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Lisa Sternard of Clarksville, Tenn., zoomed from ninth to first place on Friday to lead the field of six pros and six co-anglers who made the cut in the Mercury Marine Women's Bassmaster Tour presented by Triton Boats event on Lake Norman.

Sternard, 45, brought in a limit of five bass to take the pro-division lead with a two-day total of 16 pounds, 12 ounces. She's leading Tammie Muse of North Little Rock, Ark., by less than a pound.

"Lake Norman's been challenging," said Sternard, adding that she worked a Carolina rig almost exclusively both days. "To catch fish here, your presentation has to be very precise."

An occupational therapist when she's not fishing competitively, Sternard said she owed her second-day weight of 10 pounds, 1 ounce, to the co-angler she was randomly paired with, Ronda Kirby of Indianapolis, Ind., who taught Sternard about fizzing. Kirby showed her how to release the pressure from the swim bladder of bass caught deep so the fish remain alive in a boat's livewell.

The Day 2 leader will have to fish hard Saturday to keep Muse at bay. Just 13 ounces behind Sternard, Muse, 46, climbed one spot to second place Friday with a two-day weight of 15-15. She brought in three largemouth bass, all caught on one of the 1/4-ounce buzzbaits she makes herself.

A win or strong finish on Lake Norman could push either woman to the top of the WBT points standings. Sternard's currently in seventh, and Muse is in 15th place.

Points count toward qualifying for the inaugural Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship, Feb. 22-25, 2007, on Lake Mitchell in Alabama. Only the top 12 pros and 12 co-anglers in the points standings are invited to compete.

Also at stake is the first Toyota Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title. At the end of the season, the points leader is awarded the title and a 2007 Toyota Tundra.

Finishing Friday in third was Patti Campbell of Waxahachie, Texas. With a two-day total of 13-7, Campbell moved up from fifth place. Capturing fourth place was Christie Thomas of Limpopo, South Africa, with 13-4. Fifth was Sheri Glasgow of Muskogee, Okla., with 12-12, who leads the points race.

Rounding out the top six was Day 1 leader and Best Angler ESPY recipient Tammy Richardson of Amity, Ark., who had a two-day total of 11-10.

Just two weeks ago, Richardson received the ESPY for her outstanding angling achievements, including winning the inaugural women's event in April and holding second place in the points race. "I'm going to my room tonight to study my notes and put together a winning game plan," said a determined Richardson when she learned she made the cut.

After the 12 anglers fish Lake Norman on Saturday, they will trailer to Cricket Arena in Charlotte for a 3:15 p.m. ET weigh-in. The women will take the stage before an audience of fishing fans who also will see the Day 3 weigh-in of the Bassmaster American presented by Advance Auto Parts. After the American wraps up Sunday, ESPN2 will provide same-day coverage at 7 p.m. ET.

Sternard said she is nervous about Saturday's weigh-in, "but this is an awesome opportunity for all of us fishing the WBT."

The pro winner earns a Triton boat rig with Mercury outboard valued at $50,000. The event pays a total of about $85,000 to the top 25 finishers in the pro division.

Powers Swain Chevy fishing team member Monica Altman weighs in Big Bass of the day with 3lb. 14oz

On the co-angler side, six women are pumped to fish Saturday and enjoy bringing their catches to the scales in Cricket Arena. First-day leader Monica Altman of Angier, N.C., hung on to the top spot with a two-day total of 14-5.

In second was Linda Berry of Madison, N.C., with 7-4; third was Denese Freeman of Lawton, Okla., with 6-11; and fourth was Susan Bowes of Batavia, N.Y., with 6-3. Tied for fifth with two-day totals of 5-7 were Kirby and Cheryl Bowden of Plano, Texas.

Day 3 - Final Day
BASS Communications — July 29, 2006

Lisa Sternard

Lisa Sternard of Tennessee improved her margin on the field in victory Saturday.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lake Norman's bass seemed so lock-jawed Saturday that Lisa Sternard of Clarksville, Tenn., was genuinely surprised when she realized her Day 3 bag of fish weighed enough to win in the third event of the Mercury Marine Women's Bassmaster Tour presented by Triton Boats.

Sternard, the Day 2 leader, brought four bass to the scales weighing 4 pounds, 11 ounces, for a three-day total of 21-7.

"I didn't think I had it," she said of her first BASS win. "My fish shut down, and I didn't get the quality bite today."

Her three-day total easily beat Patti Campbell of Waxahachie, Texas, who weighed in 18-14. Sternard's strong finishes on the first two days carried her through to the win and the first-place prize of a Triton boat with Mercury outboard valued at $50,000.

An occupational therapist, Sternard, 45, said she fished a Carolina rig, working a green-pumpkin Zoom Finesse Worm on 17-pound-test Berkley Vanish leader in 10 to 50 feet of water.

Saturday she hit northern Lake Norman and the Marshall Steam Plant hot hole, a water-discharge spot that attracted many bass — and many women in the field of 94 pro anglers and their co-anglers all week.

Campbell slid into second with 18-14, including the day's big bass of 3-13, which earned her a $1,000 bonus. She was just 7 ounces ahead of third-place finisher Tammie Muse of North Little Rock, Ark., who finished with 18-7.

Fourth was Women's Bassmaster Tour points leader Sheri Glasgow of Muskogee, Okla., with 17-9. Fifth was South African Christie Thomas with 15-2, and sixth was Day 1 leader Tammy Richardson of Amity, Ark.

The recent winner of the Best Angler ESPY, Richardson echoed other contenders' opinions of the competition's intensity and the reluctance of Lake Norman's bass to bite. "As the week went on, it got slower and tougher," she said.

This event's results shook up the Toyota Women's Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year points standings, moving Sternard from seventh to fourth place. Glasgow held on to the lead, and Richardson kept her second-place spot.

Also at stake is the first Toyota Angler of the Year title. At the end of the season, the points leader is awarded the title and a 2007 Toyota Tundra.

On the co-angler side, Monica Altman of Angier, N.C., took home the first-place prize of a Triton boat and Mercury package valued at $24,000, plus $1,000 cash.

Altman pulled off a wire-to-wire win, adding just 14 ounces Saturday for a three-day total of 15 pounds, 3 ounces.

Second was Susan Bowes of Batavia, N.Y., with 13-2, including the co-angler big bass of 3 pounds for a $500 bonus.

Third was Linda Berry of Madison, N.C., with 8-4; fourth was Ronda Kirby of Indianapolis, Ind., with 7-5; fifth was Denese Freeman of Lawton, Okla., with 6-11; and sixth was Cheryl Bowden of Plano, Texas, with 5-7.

The 12 WBT finalists weighed in at Cricket Arena before an audience of fishing fans who also turned out to see the third-day weigh-in of the Bassmaster American presented by Advance Auto Parts.

June 27, 2006

North Carolina Bass Federation
North Carolina Bass Federation Crowns New Jr. Champs

(Jun. 27, 2006)... On Saturday, June 24th, the North Carolina Bass Federation held its Junior State Championship on Lake Norman. This tournament attracts the best young anglers in North Carolina to compete for championships in two age groups.

Friday evening, prior to the tournament, the contenders and boat captains were honored with a BBQ social at the Charles Mack Citizen’s Center in Mooresville, NC. The food for this event was provided by Denver Marine and The Bass Federation. Barry Flanner, NCBF, Inc. Youth Director, highlighted the rules of the tournament and emphasized safety above all else. The competitors met their partners and boat captains for the next day’s tournament and discussed their strategy.

Saturday Morning the anglers were greeted with warm overcast skies and calm waters. The sun rose over the horizon as they stowed their rods, reels and tackle boxes loaded with secret lures. With life jackets secured, the boats were launched into the water and their engines roared to life. As they idled into position for the blast off, images of the big bite went through their young minds.

The word was given and in a cloud of smoke and prop wash, they were gone to test their skills against the Lake Norman bass population. In just a few moments, the waters were calm once again as the last boat sped out of sight, not to be seen again for the next six hours.

While they were on the water, a small group of volunteers and parents made preparations for their return. The weigh-in site had to be set up, scales calibrated and banners hung to recognize our sponsors. The picnic area had to be made ready, sodas and water needed to be iced and hot dogs and pizza needed to be ready for the hungry and thirsty anglers and their chaperones.

At 1:00pm the boats arrived at Stumpy Creek Landing for the weigh-in. As the weigh-in progressed it became clear that the winning weights were going to be close. Four of the seven contenders in the 11 to 14 year old group crossed the scales with fish and eighteen of the twenty-two contenders in the 15 to 18 year old group had fish to weigh.

After all of the contestants crossed the scales, they were sent to have lunch while the weights were calculated and the winners were determined. Wal-Mart and Food Lion of Mooresville donated hot dogs and refreshments and Fuel Pizza provided pizza for the contenders’ lunch.

Each contender received a trophy and a tackle pack provided by Bass Pro Shop, Gander Mountain, River Bottom Lures, Gary Yamamato Baits, New Age Baits, Wendy’s and Cleveland Tire and Associates for making it to the state finals.

In the end, Chucky Culley, of Miller’s Creek Youth Bassers, took top honors in the 11 to 14 year old group with a five fish limit weighing in at 5.98 lbs. Pigeon Valley’s representative, Amanda Godfrey who had four fish weighing 5.12 lbs, followed Chucky closely to take second place. Rounding out the top three was Brandon Parker representing Carolina Bassers with a total weight of 3.56 lbs.

In the 15 to 18 year old group, Carolina Bassers’ Nick Bell won first place with a five fish limit weighing 8.42 lbs. Nick was followed closely by Shane LeHew representing Sportsman’s Jr. Bassmasters Club with a five fish limit weighing in at 8.14 lbs. Rounding out the top three was Sandhills Junior Bassers representative Derek Burrows with fish weighing 5.46 lbs.

One of these young anglers in each age group will advance to the FLW Cup Junior National Championship to be held in Birmingham, Alabama later this year. We want to congratulate all of these young anglers for their accomplishments and wish them the best in the future.

Jun. 12, 2006 - Lake Norman, NC

North Carolina Bass Federation to hold the Junior State Championship

by Barry L Flanner

[Click to enlarge image]

State Champion Chucky Culley and Corey Harrington

Photo by Barry L Flanner

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Returning State Champions include Westley Riddle of Carolina Bassers Youth Division and Garrett Smith of Sandhills Junior Bassers.

Photo by Barry L Flanner

The North Carolina Bass Federation will hold the Junior State Championship at Lake Norman on Saturday, June 24th. The Mooresville Tourist and Visitors Bureau and the Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department are hosting this event.

These young anglers belong to organized clubs that span the state. Each club holds qualifying tournaments throughout the year and the members compile points within their clubs to advance to the State Championship. The top anglers from each club will meet head-to-head to contend for the State Championships in two age groups.

This year the state championship should be interesting as there are three past State Champions and two National CastingKids Champions entered in the tournament.

Returning State Champions include Westley Riddle of Carolina Bassers Youth Division and Garrett Smith of Sandhills Junior Bassers. These two young anglers represented North Carolina at the Junior Bassmaster World Championship on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes. Their tournament was a precursor to the 2006 Bassmaster Classic. Also returning State Champion Chucky Culley of Miller’s Creek Junior Bassers will be competing to try to regain his crown. Chucky represented North Carolina in the Junior Bassmaster World Championship in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2005.

Chucky was also the Bassmaster CastingKids National Champion in 2004 and helped Corey Harrington of Sportsman’s Junior Bassmasters win the CastingKids National Championship in 2005. Both of these talented contenders earned $5,000.00 scholarships for their accuracy in casting.

On Friday evening, before the tournament, the young anglers and their boat captains will be honored with a BBQ social at the Charles Mack Citizens Center in up town Mooresville.

At 7:00 am on Saturday morning the contenders will meet up with their boat captains and launch from Stumpy Creek Access off of Perth Road in Mooresville, NC. WBT radio, 99.3 FM and 1110 AM, will provide coverage as the young anglers disburse to test their skills on the waters of Lake Norman. Tune in to the “Carolina Outdoors Show” with Don Yeager and Bill Bartee and join in on the action. The weigh-in and cook out will begin at 1:00pm and the new champions will be crowned shortly thereafter.

During the first week in August, each of the two champions will travel to Birmingham, Alabama to compete for the Wal-Mart/FLW Junior Championship Title. This event coincides with the prestigious Wal-Mart/FLW Cup Championship where the top pros will contend for their National Titles as well. While there, the junior champions from across the country will be paired up with a Wal-Mart/FLW touring pro who will act as their boat captain during the Junior National Championship event.