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Classic 2009 Season Meeting and Day One

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

The 2009 Classic was held on KY/Barkley Lakes on May 1 & 2 2010.

At check-in anglers received a bag of products from our great sponsors, such as All-Terrain Tackle, Prowler Pro Pitch Lures, Attack Pak Fishing, Nemire Lures, Fish Harder Companies, The Original Fish Formula, and Rejuvenade. They also received raffle tickets for products to be given away during the pre-tournament meeting. Most anglers also got into the 50/50 drawing which rose close to $1,000 for The Next Generation fund. After receiving their boat number and food from Ken-Bar Lodge our host motel; anglers were ready for the pre-tournament meeting.

In no particular order:

Mike Wells thanked all our anglers and congratulated everyone for making it to the Classic. Kevin Yeary also mentioned how big we have grown and thanks to all the anglers and directors for making this all happen.

Wes Halbert said a prayer for all our anglers safety and thanks to God.

Justin Hires announced our two fishing trip give away contests going on

“El Grande Lures Big Bass Challenge” and “All-Terrain Tackles Smallmouth Dream Trip Promotion”

During the pre-tournament meeting Gene Ellison and Ronnie Prince Jr gave out a lot of products from our sponsors; such as Airrus Rods, Castaway Rods, Humminbird Depth finders, Minn-Kota Trolling Motors, baits from El Grande Lures, and apparel.

Then the big drawing provided by Tracker Marine for the Tracker Pro Team 170 TX w/50hp Mercury motor began. Team’s boat numbers were put in a pot, and ten teams were drawn out. Out of the ten teams one could be the lucky winner. Teams received bids from the crowd for their spot to win the boat. Teams entertained the bids while others would not budge until the end. When it got down to the last two teams standing, both teams took a bid from David Long. So, David Long was the winner of the boat.

As Gary Earl the Classic Director started the meeting to go over the rules, the big concern on everyone’s minds was the forecasted weather for the two days of the event. Gary explained to everyone, they would try their best to have two days of fishing if it was safe to do so.

The next morning anglers woke up to thunderstorms, rain, wind and waves. Gary and the crew were in constant contact with the local weather forecasters and monitoring the weather closely. It was decided that the tournament could start, but it had to be delayed for two hours.

When the anglers started down the lake they were faced with four foot waves coming across KY Lake. This made it difficult for anglers to travel and to fish some of their chosen spots for the day. Although the weather was not kind to the anglers many still found away to make some good catches.

At Day One Weigh-In:

Gary Beauchamp/David Long brought in an impressive limit weighing in at 23.46lbs that included a big bass of 6.90lbs to take the top spot.

Jason Wolf / Mike Baldwin came in a close second just over 3lbs behind with a limit of 20.35lbs that included 6.48lb big bass.

Ray Meredith/Larry Skaggs took third spot with a limit of 18.41lbs including a 5.73lb for their big bass.

Paul Desherlia / Dave Mueller took fourth spot with a limit of 17.21lbs.

Jeremy Benningfield /Jr Gowen took fifth spot with a four fish total of 17.07lbs including a 6.80lb for their big bass.

A total of 231 teams out of 349 managed to make a catch for day one weigh-in.

With just over a six pound difference between first and fifth place, it was still a close race as long as the weather was ok to fish day two.