The first Michigan Division tournament for 2007 began with the Friday pre-tournament meeting at Muskegon lake Fishermen's Landing pavilion in Muskegon. 13 fishermen, family, guests, and the Fishers of Men staff were treated to a great meal of Ham and Turkey sandwiches with all the fixings and a great selection of desserts. After the meal we were blessed by an inspiring message from Tournament Director Rich Soderquist.
Rich talked about fish hooks being used to lead war captives around by the mouth from Amos 4:2. The Egyptians were big on this for controlling their newly conquered peoples. He explained to the participants that Christ was a Fisherman and seven of his disciples were Fishermen. Rich spoke of the Christ found in the gospel of John as a person who cared enough to share a shorelunch of fish with his friends right after the resurrection and most importantly we should imitate his patterns of love by knowing Christ as our Savior. Many of the fishermen came to me after the service and expressed how much they enjoyed this message.
After the message and meal, tournament rules were discussed, sponsors recognized, door prizes handed out, and launch numbers were drawn. The meeting concluded at 7:40 p.m. so members could find their hotels or travel home for a good night of sleep.
The Saturday morning boat check began at 5:30 a.m. There was a slight storm in the air, but the weatherman promised clear skies and temperatures in the 80's. At 6:00 a.m. the fishermen left the Fishermen's Landing Ramp of Muskegon and headed in all directions in search of bass. The weather, as promised, was great, and as the boats returned for the weigh-in, the sun was bright and the temperatures were indeed in the 80's. The fishing was great with seven teams bringing in 33 fish. 6 Limits with all fish released alive.
The top three places went to the following teams:
Don Watts and Alex Watts 5 Fish 16.28 LBS They also won Big Bass at 4.05 LBS
This is a Father son team, Mr.Alex Lost a monster over five ponds, I hate to tell you this guys but watch out he helped win this tournament with a hurt hand!! Keep it up Alex! 1st place paid $630 w/plaques. First place Big Bass paid $42 with a plaque and Quantum IM8 Tournament special rod valued at $69
Ron Norris and Len Harris took second with 5 fish at 13.91 LBS with second place big Bas of 3.58 LBS
2nd place received two Quantum IM8 7' worm rods valued at $138 and plaques. 2nd place Big bass paid $28 and a bump board by pro-ruler.
Bill and Bob Kowal with 5 Fish at 11.72 lbs. Third place won a nice Strike King Tackle pack.
The last place team also one a tackle pack from a variety of sponsors.
We are looking for more teams to join us for one tournament or for the rest of the year. Our next tournament is June 23rd at Paw Paw lake in Watervaliet MI. Check out the details of this or any tournament at FOMNTT.com on the web site or call me.
See "View Standings" above for a detailed report of all standings.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fine companies that make Fishers of Men possible; Triton Boats, Mercury, Shakespeare, All Star Rods, Pflueger, Strike King Lure Company, XTools, Solar Bat, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Keelshield, MotorGuide, SOSPENDERS,Marshall's Marine Lake City SC, Kistler, All-Terrain Tackle, Dual Pro Charger, Lowrance, Buckeye Lures, Stanley Jigs, Deka Marine Master Batteries, Spike-It, Jacobs Glass, Hooah Energy Bars, Poor Boys Baits, T&H Marine BASS Rx, and Keep Alive and all our local contacts. Keep up the good work.
Nice write up Rich.
It was a great day, and I felt so bad when Alex lost that monster bass. But like I told him thats why its called fishing not catching. Thanks for a great tournament.
My pleasure, enjoyed it... :)
Great write up.
thomas (Michigan East Division)