USA Bassin’s Massachusetts Division is off to an outstanding start for the 2012 season. “We’re extremely excite about our 2012 season, as we have full fields for all five of our tournaments!“ says Tournament Director Trish Decoteau. Adding with a smile, “And, if the Whitehall Reservoir results are any indication of the competition this is going to be a marathon year.” 

Weather conditions forecasted heavy rains, with cool unseasonable conditions. Mark Twain’s clique’ for New England weather proved the historic writer to once again be correct! “If you don’t like the weather in New England just wait a minute and it will change!” quotes Twain. And, that it did. Cloudy, skies presented a slight drizzle as anglers idled out in numeric order, keeping to the safe steerage speed rules of 6 mph.

 Spread throughout 575 acres of pristine largemouth waters, anglers worked a wide variety of baits in and through cover, as the water depth averaged six feet. “There are areas where the depth drops to over thirty-feet. However, most anglers will be targeting rocky humps, downed trees, or weedlines,” revealed Chris Blais and Dave Dardanelli the Massachusetts 2011 Divisional Champions.

As Twain’s suggested weather forecast for New England held true, anglers had rain gear on and off throughout the day. But, when the scales were officially closed under a deluged down pour the Leaders Board posted just about every team-weighing bass on Whitehall Reservoir. Sixteen of twenty-two teams managed a five-bass limit, while others cried for the ones that got away!

Team Ames managed only one bass, but young Benjamin Ames was quick to answer the question. “I caught it on a wiggle wart crankbait!” as dad Scott added, “Along with plenty of pickerel.” Off to another lead in the Adult/Youth race for the Annual Grizz Baits ‘Top Adult/Youth Team’ trophy, Gary and Kyle Walker’s 5-bass limit weighing 6.94 lbs secured an early 5-point lead over Team Gasbarro.

Chef Tom Plezia and partner Ed Kelly had the right recipe for success on Whitehall, claiming a 4th Place finish with 8.70 lbs. “We must have caught thirty bass today,” revealed Kelly. Rumor has it the secret ingredient was a Wacky Rigged Senko?

Having just returned home from Ireland, Glenn Harding and partner Orrie Tucker were anxious to fill their Tracker Boat livewells. Carrying a 5-bass limit to the scales, anchored with a 2.31 lb largemouth Glenn was all smiles as the scales registered 9.31 lbs, posting Harding and Tucker in first place on the Leaders Board. “This is certainly exciting, but there are still at least five more teams to weigh in,” replied Harding.

Brothers Derek and Ryan Taylor placed their 5-bass limit in the check tank, pointed to their lunker bass, and the Weigh-Master placed it on the scale….”2.62 lbs”. Immediately, Trish Decoteau responded, “We have a tie for Lunker Largemouth, between Griffin/Hoseason and Team Taylor.”

Edging out Largemouth Lunker with a 2.70 lb bass and claiming the Leader’s Seat Team Shea’s 5-bass limit of 9.55 lbs received applauds from the crowd of onlookers. “We caught all our bass on Popper’s, but just could not seem to entice a real kicker,” informed the 2011 USA Marine “Sportsmanship Award” winners. Adding, “I know for certain one of the teams yet to weigh-in has a huge bass, and another has a nice limit! We’re not sure our weight will hold up for either 1st Place or Lunker,” claimed Jason Shea.

Jason’s prediction proved to be corrected, as Mike Caudle and Courtney Caras handed the Weigh-Master their bag of three bass. “Now this is what a Lunker Bass looks like on Whitehall! ”5.85 lbs for Lunker and 8.04 lbs for 3-bass,” echoed the weights as the rain hammered the tents roof. 

To nervous and excited to talk Courtney allowed Mike to speak for the team. “Courtney caught this bass on a jerkbait. At first she thought maybe she was hung-up then she felt the bass pulling. When we netted the bass, we realized why it wasn’t fighting so hard, it was a post-spawn bass just beginning to eat again.”

Holding her Lunker Largemouth for pictures, the Weigh Master told the anglers, “Look at the size of this bass’s mouth, I believe this bass will regain its weight and tip the scales at over 7 lbs!” Caudle and Caras, indeed claimed the Lunker Largemouth Optimum Baits Award on Whitehall, while taking an early lead in the Male/Female USA Marine Team Award category.

 There always seem to be one team that runs away with a winning bag? And, Team Bartus did so on Whitehall Reservoir! Registering a winning 5-bass limit of 11.28 lbs, anchored with a 4.23 lb largemouth, the second largest bass caught for the day. “All day long we worked white spinnerbaits everywhere we went,” revealed the likeable team. According to the Whitehall Champs they only caught five keeper bass during the day.   

A special thank-you goes out to the Massachusetts Division Sponsors who through their generous donations allowed 30% of the field to receive prizes! USA Marine, Grizz Baits, Optimum Baits, Bio-Edge Fishing Products, Reaction Strike Baits, Andy’s Custom Bass Lures, Skinny Bear Jigs.
 

God Bless and Best Bassin