Last week I was part of a great event – the Kick-Off Tournament for the Lady Bass Anglers Association held on Lake Dardanelle at Russellville, Arkansas. It was my first attempt at fishing a national tournament in many, many years.
I went as a Co-Angler, which means that I paid – the entry fee of the Pro-Anglers, I fish from the back of a pro’s boat, and have no say in where we fish, or control over the boat. Since we pay lower entry fees, we are fishing for lower prize money, too. Co-Anglers can weigh in 3 bass each day while the Pro-Anglers can weigh in a 5-fish limit.
The first day I drew Cheryl Bowden as my Pro partner! Cheryl is one of the anglers responsible for making this new tournament association happen, and also is a member of our local bass club, the Dallas Bass’n Gals. Since Cheryl and I are both ?boaters? in the local club, we have never had an opportunity to fish together! This was a big plus for me as I knew my Pro Angler and didn’t have any of the anxiety of fishing with someone I didn’t know at all. The next day my partner was Kelley Shepherd, from Arizona.
I was the only Co-Angler who had weighed in 3 fish and had won my division! I have a beautiful trophy sitting on our mantle and am the first Co-Angler Champion of a new organization that is going to grow and flourish!
Several other Dallas Bass’n Gal members competed in the tournament. Cheryl Bowden finished 4th in the Pro division, and had big bass for the tournament. Judith Hart, finished 10th. Dawn March, also a Dallas Bass ‘n Gal, fished the Co-Angler Division but couldn’t catch an elusive keeper bass.By: Jan Bruner
