Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

2012 Grand River Opens

144th St. Ramp (Stearns Bayou), Grand Haven, MI

– NO MEMBERSHIP FEE -

$40 Team Entry Fee
$20 Individual Entry Fee

100% Payback

May 27th (6AM-2PM)
June 3rd (6AM-2PM)
June 10th (6AM-2PM)
June 24th (6AM-2PM)
July 1st (6AM-2PM)
July 22nd (6AM-2PM)
July 29th (6AM-2PM)
August 5th (7AM-2PM)
August 19th (7AM-2PM)
August 26th (7AM-2PM)
September 2nd (7AM-2PM)
September 16th (7AM-2PM)

Plaques awarded to the heaviest weight total for the year.
Plaques awarded to the winners of each tournament.

Fish one, some or all.

Payout Chart for 2012 Open Bass Tournaments

Boats     1st        2nd        3rd        4th        Big Bass
1           $30                                               $10
2           $60                                               $20
3           $90                                               $30
4           $120                                              $40
5           $150                                              $50
6           $120      $60                                   $60
7           $140      $70                                   $70
8           $160      $80                                   $80
9           $180      $90                                   $90
10          $200      $100                                 $100
11          $180      $90        $60                      $110
12          $190      $100       $70                     $120
13          $200      $110       $80                     $130
14          $210      $120       $90                     $140
15          $220      $130       $100                    $150
16          $220      $120       $100      $40         $160
17          $230      $130       $110      $40         $170
18          $240      $140       $120      $40         $180
19          $250      $150       $130      $40         $190
20          $260      $160       $140      $40         $200

We are only going to use best ten of twelve weights for the Heavyweight Title.  Using ten events for the title will allow guys to miss a couple events and still keep the Heavyweight Title race competitive.  It went down to the last tournament last year and Brian and Pat pretty much just gave it to John and Jayson. 

Quote from: Esox lucius on January 19, 2012, 08:51:33 AM
We are only going to use best ten of twelve weights for the Heavyweight Title.  Using ten events for the title will allow guys to miss a couple events and still keep the Heavyweight Title race competitive.  It went down to the last tournament last year and Brian and Pat pretty much just gave it to John and Jayson.  

Those guys didn't give it to us, we took it from them!

If I remember right they were in 1st going into the last week.  They ended up in 4th behind J&J, J&K and J&R.  They won the 'Most Times Falling Out of the Boat Trophy' though.

I can count on 2 hands the number of times I've fished the Grand, but I will be trying a few of these.  Black/teal skeeter and black F150, come introduce yourself!  About how many pounds does it take to win one of these?  I've only been able to find cookie cutter 14 inchers but I like that these are opens and seem to be more of an entry level tournament.  Ethan

It is a great time, layed back ( depending on who shows up ;D ) and great anglers. Some of these guys can really catch em on the river. Nice to see what can come out of the river. Makes me want to keep going back. Saw a 16 lb sack, 14 lb sacks, lots of 13lb sacks.

Ethan,
Come on out, and join us when you can, we have a great group of guys that are very friendly but, competitive at the same time. If you are new to the river this would be a great way to get some good insight on the best ways to fish it, most of the guys are very helpful with helping other anglers catch fish. You need to be on your A-Game though we have some veteran local River Rats that are good sticks and always seem to manage to bring in a nice bag. You can't beat the payouts for a $20 or $40 entry fee, and Ken made some really awesome plaques for us this year.

I think I will make the opener. How many boats do you think will be out on the 27th?

Just a guess 10-14

Fished the Grand today and still couldn't find any size.  Becoming nervous that with this warm weather we might have a post-spawn toughy on our hands!  Tried Spring Lake as well but there were about 100 boats out there and I don't really care for the way it fishes.  Caught a lot of short fish, best 5 went about 8 pounds, and caught a lot of sun!

Looking at last year's results, 12.24 pounds won the first tournament.  Big bass was 3.81. The over under on the number of boats for Sunday is set at 12.  It is going to be a hot humid day with 15mph winds out of the south.  Should be a perfect day for a tournament.  I tried to attach a picture of the weekly plaques to this post unsuccessfully. We will have them to give to the winning team.  See you guys out there.

Esox, Thank you I fished with you guys for the first time today and brought my nephew Wyatt for his first tournament, we were fortunate enough to have a very good day and win. Very well organized relaxed and fun it was an awesome day for us see you soon.
Jerry

I'd like to second the fun, organized, relaxed. Thanks a lot.  Tough day for us but a learning experience and an awesome way to spend the day! I will be working out of town next Sunday but you can plan on me for the next one after that.  Jerry, nice fish by the way.
Ethan

Guys,
Thanks a bunch for the positive feedback, Esox and myself really appreciate it. It was great to see our regular bunch back, and it was really great to meet all the new faces that came out and fished with us for the first time. Jerry it was awesome to see you and Wyatt come out and put a good "whippin" on us river rats, great bag yesterday. See you Sunday!

05/27/12 Results
15 Boats Total
3- Individual
12-Teams

1st- Jerry & Wyatt  11.89lbs. Great job guys!
2nd- John & Jay 11.39lbs. In the money again..........
3rd- Matt & Kim  10.30lbs.  Thanks for bringing the plaques. Did Kim catch most of the fish?
BB- John & Jay 3.01lbs. Don't you guys get tired of winning money?
See You Sunday.........

I'll never get tired of the money! The money is always nice, but not the reason we fish. I've been fishing with you for 4-5 years now and it's the most fun and layed back format I've fished, great group of guys too!

See you all Sunday,

6/3/12
12 Boats

1st- Chris/Huie    13.69lbs.
2nd- Jimmy/Kevin   13.32lbs.
3rd- Trevor/Jesse  11.30lbs
BB-Chris/Huie  3.93lbs.

Thanks everyone for another great turnout!
See you next Sunday!

NICE BAGS!  Limits like that were not coming out of bayous!  Good to know there are some good fish living in that river.  See everyone Sunday!  Ethan

Sounds like we are going to have some new faces come out and fish with us this Sunday, should be another great turnout.
See Ya Sunday!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
06/10/12
18-Boats
2-Individuals
16-Teams

1st- Arin***********   16.94lbs Way to go Arin!-two fish 0ver 4lbs. 
2nd- Dustin/Mark********    15.76lbs. Another monster bag.
3rd- Jory/Chad********** 13.07lbs. Nice bag guys!
4th-  Jimmy/Kevin*********  11.37lbs. We'll take it.
BB- Dustin/Mark***********  6.13lbs.  That's right 6.13lbs. Incredible!

Thanks everyone for our best turnout! See you on the 24th. 06/24/12

Quote from: BRAIDMAN on June 10, 2012, 04:12:15 PM
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
06/10/12
18-Boats
2-Individuals
16-Teams

1st- Arin***********   16.94lbs Way to go Arin!-two fish 0ver 4lbs. 
2nd- Dustin/Mark********    15.76lbs. Another monster bag.
3rd- Jory/Chad********** 13.07lbs. Nice bag guys!
4th-  Jimmy/Kevin*********  11.37lbs. We'll take it.
BB- Dustin/Mark***********  6.13lbs.  That's right 6.13lbs. Incredible!

Thanks everyone for our best turnout! See you on the 24th. 06/24/12

We are going to have see some pics of that 6!  Or at least a story......the Grand is hot!

Jimmy,

Can you post weight totals for the year?

Below are the weights for the Heavy Weight Title through the first 3 tournaments.  Let me know how many names I've butchered.  It is also attached below as a PDF.


Jimmy & Kevin               34.05
John & Jay                   31.62
Brian & Pat                   29.44
Jay & Rob                    27.32
Chris & Clayton/Hiu/Ty   26.39
Arin                            26.37
Josh & Brian                 21.58
Jared & Bryce               20.98
Dustin & Mark               15.76
Jerry & Wyatt/Julie        14.92
Jason & Jimmy              14.55
Jory & Chad                  13.07
Ethan & Justin/Monty     12.96
Trevor & Jesse              11.30
Ken & Kyle                   10.90
Duane & Chance           10.59
Matt & Kim                   10.30
John & Greg                   9.66
Clint & Jason                  9.09
Ben                              9.02
Arin & Troy                    8.58
Chris & Steve                 8.56
Bob                              8.23
Scott                           6.37

All,
We are going to add a tournament on July 8th, we had a two week gap in July without a tournament so, we decided to have an extra tournament, two weeks is too long without a Grand River Open. We also have extra plaques so, whoever wins this tournament will also receive plaques. Because this tournament is not on the schedule we will not count it towards the Angler Of The Year totals.
Thanks, See you on the 24th!

Results  06/24/12
14-Total Boats
3- Individuals
11-Teams

1st- Gary/Mike    14.43lbs.    Nice Bag Guys!
2nd- Arin             13.02lbs.    This Guy is On a Roll...
3rd- Chris            11.82lbs.    Another Guy Fishing Solo and Winning....
BB- Gary/Mike      3.64lb        1st and 1st make for a Nice Payday!!!

GREAT TURNOUT AGAIN SEE YOU GUYS NEXT SUNDAY

Unable to make it yesterday due to Birthday Bash, but will definitely be there this Sunday

Week 4 and Heavy Weight Title Standings Attached.

RESULTS- 07/01/12
22- BOATS...............NEW RECORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
18-TEAMS
4-INDIVIDUAL

1ST- JOSH/BERNIE.............14.40LB. GREAT BAG. THEY HAD TWO FISH OVER 4LBS.
2ND- BEN..............13.35LB. ANOTHER GUY FISHING SOLO AND CASHING IN.
3RD- JASON/SCOTT....................12.90LB. THESE GUYS ARE AWESOME RIVER STICKS!
4TH- JOHN/JAYSON................12.54LB. ANOTHER SOLID BAG FOR THESE GUYS.
BB- JOSH/BERNIE................4.16LB. JOSH YOU WEIGHED THE WRONG FISH!

THANKS EVERYONE SEE YOU NEXT SUNDAY

Thanks for another awesome Sunday morning!  Can't make it Sunday but hopefully the one after that.  Really starting to pick up on a few things and it's awesome to see what other guys can pull out of there.  22 boats is awesome! The best thing to do on Sunday is fish Grand River Opens!

If I weighed the wrong fish you should have let me weigh the other also, all tournaments I have ever fished let you weigh two bass for big bass.  Oh well I got big bass anyway.  You guys put on one of the best tournaments in Michigan!

Week 5 results and Heavy Weight Title Race attached.

Just a little clarification on the "Points Race"
Because we are having a "Individual Heavyweight Champion" and a "Team Heavyweight Champion" if you fish solo those points go toward your individual total, if you fish with a partner or partners those points go toward your team total.

Thanks! See you July 8th  No points for this add-on tournament

07/08/12 Results
9 Boats
2-Solo
7-Teams

1st- Ryan/Doug...............13.76lbs. Five Solid Keepers. Great Job Guys!
2nd- Bob................ 12.45lbs. Another Guy Fishing Solo And "Whipping" The Teams
BB- Jimmy/Kevin..............3.34lbs.

***********NO POINTS FOR THIS TOURNAMENT************
WE START BACK UP ON JULY 22ND FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE SCHEDULE AND THE POINTS RACE

Quote from: Crankinsmallies on July 02, 2012, 07:15:01 AM
If I weighed the wrong fish you should have let me weigh the other also, all tournaments I have ever fished let you weigh two bass for big bass.  Oh well I got big bass anyway.  You guys put on one of the best tournaments in Michigan!

Congrats on the Big Bass win. Most tournaments I fish make the angler pick out ONE bass. I think part reason is to help speed up the weigh-in process. You can weigh them in and tag the big bass in your boat so you know for sure. I usually just guess. Probably wrong most of the time. LOL!

RESULTS- 7/22/12
11-BOATS
4-INDIVIDUAL
7-TEAMS

1ST- BEN......................13.85lbs. GOOD JOB BEN!
2ND- BOB......................11.29lbs.
BB- BEN..........................3.45lbs.

THANKS EVERYONE SEE YOU NEXT SUNDAY

I updated the standings to reflect all of the partners Chris has fished with.

New Heavy Weight leaders, see attached.

Just a reminder there will be plaques for the heavy weight solo and team.  Arin is leading overall and for the solo and John and Jay took the lead for team.

See you Sunday.

Results   7/29/12
19- Boats Total
13-Teams
6-Solo

1st- Jason/Scott...............14.19lbs. These Guys Are Sticks!
2nd- Luke/Clayton.............12.29lbs. Great Job
3rd- Dustin.......................12.03lbs. Another Solo Cashing In
4th- Brian/Ryan.................11.72lbs. Nice Bag On A Tough Day For Most

Great Turnout Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't Forget 7:00am Start Sunday August 5th

Attached are Week 7 results and the Heavy Weight Race standings.

Jayson can't make it on the 5th. If I fish by myself next week, will my weight go towards our total or be counted as me fishing by myself?

Because of a Individual Heavyweight title and a Team Heavyweight title, if you fish alone those points or weight  will go toward the Individual title. If you can  grab a sub.

Results   8/5/12
11-Boats
4- Individual

1st- Brian...........12.11lbs. Another solo guy putting on a clinic.
2nd-Chris/Clay.....12.07lbs. Good job guys, this was a close one.
Big Bass-Tristin....4.19lbs.  Nice Toad.


See Everyone on The 19th.

Can you post the up to date standings? Thanks again for all the time and effort you guys put in for us to fish. This has easily been the smoothest ran, and most enjoyable tournament that we have fished all year.

Still 4 events left.  For anyone looking for some fun, competitive opens to fish or if you haven't been out yet this year I would recommend coming out and checking one of the events before it's done!

Attached are the Week 8 results and updated Heavy Weight Race.

Can't wait for Sunday. Might be a tough bite with the BFL there on Saturday and the cooler temps. Should be interesting to see who can find them.

Results-8/19/12
11-Boats Total
3-Solo
8-Team

1st.........John/Jay          11.50lbs.   Good Job On A Tough Day.
2nd........Jimmy/Kevin     10.23lbs.   Tough Bite Happy To Get Ten Pounds Today.

BB.........Jimmy/Kevin      5.33lbs.

Thanks Everyone, See You Next Sunday.

Attached are the Week 9 and Heavy Weight Race standings.

Also the Week 1-9 individual result sheets with the leader board are attached.

How about that?  Big bass by itself was over half of the weight of their bag. That had to have been a tough day.

Tough wasn't the word for Sunday, our 10.23lbs. was with four fish, we couldn't even catch a 14-incher to fill out our limit. John and Jay definitely earned their win....

Atleast you had 4 We couldn't even manage 2.

I had time to text John on Monday. He seemed pretty happy with it. Hopefully he and I can be that lucky on Fremont for the Labor Day Open.

Can't wait for tomorrow. Should be a great bite and a great day for fishing on the mighty Grand!

Results  8/26/12
15- Boats
5-Solo
10-Teams

1st............Brian      13.77lbs.  Nice Bag Guy! One tough Grand River stick. Our first two time winner this year.
2nd...........Dustin     12.37lbs.  What is it with these solo guys kicking everyones butt this year? Way to go Dustin!
3rd............Dan/Ed    11.29lbs. Finally a team grabs some cash.

BB..............Brian       4.84lbs.  TOAD!


Thanks. See everyone Sunday

All,
With only two tournaments left for this season, we would like to thank everyone for coming out and making this our best season so far, I would also like to ask all of you for some input on what you would like to see for next season, I usually ask everyone at the end of the year for ideas but, I know sometimes it's easier to email or post your ideas rather than speak out in front of everyone. I will look into everyones ideas and bounce them off of Esox and some of you out there and try and make any changes by a sort of consensus, so give us all your ideas such as higher or lower entry fees, more or less number of events, payout structure,team or individual events, shorter or longer hours, we will take in all suggestions. Thanks again and see you Sunday.

Add another Lake into the mix, maybe Lake Mac or Saugatuck. Alternate a little, I'm getting burned out with fishing the Grand.  ;D

Week 10 and Heavy Weight Race Attached.  After this week I will remove the lowest weight and report the best 10 results for each team if applicable.  See you Sunday.

With as low as the water is this year, Saugatuck would be asking for a boating accident if you don't know the water.  Hopefully it comes back up!  I was out there tonight and had to treat everything up river from the Douglas bridge as no wake just to make sure I didn't run aground or throw myself over the bow of the boat. 

Yeah I caught the sandbar at the mouth just past the bridge last weekend, luckly nothing was damaged on the boat other than a little less paint on the skeg. Be careful

RESULTS- 9/2/12
16 -Boats
8-Solo
8-Team

1st.........Jimmy/Kevin  13.37lbs.
2nd.........Vic/Jason  12.59lbs.  Nice Bag Guys. Five Solid Fish.
3rd.........Brian/Ryan  12.41lbs. This Guy knows How to Win Money!

BB...........Jimmy/Kevin   4.58lbs.

Thanks Everyone, See You On The 16th.

Week 11 and Heavy Weight attached.

Top 10 removed the smallest bag from anyone who has fish 11 tournaments.

Ideas for next year...

1.  Incease entry fee from $40 to $50 or $60.
2.  Solo fee increase from half entry fee to half entry fee + $10.  This gives solos an incentive to find a partner and introduce more folks to the circuit.  You could split the extra $10 between first place and big bass or put it towards #3 below.
3.  Year end Championship for the Top 10 (Could be a 2 day event or a 9 hour 1 day event ... Grand River Only, Lake Michigan off limits).  Same entry fee with 10% of entry fees for the year in the pot.

All that being said, if you keep it the same and my schedule allows, I'll fish next year.

djd

Good ideas. But, not too many people will be up for fee increases. It is already expensive enough to tournament fish. Just with the fluctuation in gas prices, it is a crap shoot.

You have to remember that there are teams that are new, or learning, and may not do so well on a regular basis. These guys are out to learn, have fun, and probably enjoy the competitive aspect of tournament fishing. It may be discouraging to have to cough up more cash to learn. You may lose a good chunk of your competitors due to that. Then nobody is really going to benefit. The field shrinks, the pot shrinks. Just my .02. Heck, that might even be shrinking!

Is there one tomorrow? Finally in town for once! Wish I could have made more... any other west side tournaments this weekend or next?

Not one this weekend.  Next weekend there is one.

i like it just the way your running it now,laid back and fun ;D......unless gas goes down to $2.00 an entry increase would be fatal for me

Thanks for all the suggestions that have been coming in, we really appreciate it.

Every year we always try and tweak what we are doing to increase attendance, this year it seems we might have come up with our best formula so far. By offering individuals a $20 entry we give everyone the opportunity to fish the tournament for a $20 bill , in a year where a lot of circuits have had their attendance drop off, ours has really grown nicely. I know some of you folks would like to fish for more money but, if we have a good turnout and you have a good day you still can make over $400 bucks for a $20 or $40 dollar investment. That's not too shabby! If we decide to do some changes for next season we might add Lake Mac to the schedule, Esox and myself travel a good ways to fish the Grand and Mac is a little closer, the Grand is still our favorite and we would probably only add one or two Mac tournaments. A big thanks to Ken and all the old SPI guys for really spreading the word about our tournaments. Please keep the suggestions coming in we have a lot of time over the winter to think about new ideas. One thing that won't change is 100% Payback! SEE YOU SUNDAY.............7:00am Start Time

 Results 09/16/12
Total Boats-14
Solo-6
Team-8

1st- Ed/Macy..........11.83lbs.   Nice Bag On a Tough Day
2nd- Jimmy/Kevin....11.18lbs.  Took Every Bait We Had To Catch This Bag
3rd-  Brian/Kurt......10.67lbs.   Nice To See You Guys Cash
   
BB- Jimmy/Kevin......3.80lbs.    I Told Him There Wouldn't be a Fish On That Spot (Oops)

Thanks Everyone!!!!! We Will Have a No Points Open On September 30th Come On Out And Have Some Fun

Here is a summary of the years results.  I have it all on excel if anyone would like a copy. 

Thanks!

We are hosting a tournament this Sunday 9/30/12 on the Grand (144th St. Ramp) from 7:00AM - 2:00PM.

Keep hostin em til everybodys boat is winterized?

We'll keep having them as long as folks keep coming out. Looks like we are going to have another good turnout this Sunday, from the guys we talked to earlier this week. The weather looks like it's  going to hold up too. See You Sunday!

I should be there.  Looks like the weather is going to be excellent!

djd

Results- 09/30/12
6-Boats
4-Team
2-Solo

1st-Ethan/Monty............14.56lbs. Great Job Guys! One of the Nicest Bags All Year..
BB- Ethan/Monty............3.40lbs. They Had Two More Just Like That One!

Great Day, The Fish Were Biting Even With The North East Wind.
******From Here On Out We Will Post On Friday If We Are Going To Have a Tournament. We Will Watch The Weather And If it Looks Nice We'll Have a Tournament, Hopefully We Will Be Able To Fish At Least One More Time Before Calling It a Season*****

Dustin, What Happened ? Didn't See You At Weigh-in.......

aewsome bag guys, had a summer of fun fishing with u guys this summer, the fishing was phenomenal this year at the grand....see u guys at the next "RIVER RUMBLE"...><(())*>------nice job running the tournaments 8)

Left early on Sunday.  Figured 3 fish wasn't going anywhere and had to get my boat ready to sell on Monday.

Should be picking my new boat up in a week or so.

Whens the next T?

We will have a tournament on Sunday October 7th from 7-2 on the Grand.  Same as normal, 144th St. Ramp.  Hope to see you all out there!

Can't be there this weekend.  I'm boatless bank trash until I pick up my new (to me) boat the following weekend.  Good luck to all.  Hope to fish another GR Open before the end of the year, but I'm spending the last week or so of October and the first week of November in Northern Ireland and China.  Would be able to make one on October 28th assuming everything goes well picking up the new rig.

djd

What did you buy?

My 14' jonboat..........

hey, this is tristen. you may see me in the Jon boat fishing these Sunday tournaments. im looking for a partner tomorrow. ill be at the launch in the morning if anyone wants to give me a ride. thanks, everyone for helping me this year get into the tournaments. alot of fun. hope to see you next year.

Results 10/07/12

Fish Are Still Biting!

4-Boats

1st- Ken / Tristin................14.61lbs.  WOW! Another 14lb. Bag Two Weeks In A Row.

BB- Ken / Tristin.................3.98lbs    You Guys Won It All. Great Job.

We Will Watch The Weather This Week And If Next Sunday Looks Good We Will Do Another Tournament Sunday.  Will Let Everyone Know By Posting A Yes Or No Friday.

Good job guys that was a killer bag.  Blows my mind how much these fish move around but it sure is fun fishing this time of year!  Next sunday cant come soon enough...

sucks that its not part of the standings. i was really hoping for that trophy for my wall. haha. i had a blast. thanks ken for taking me, i really appreciate that. hope to have one next Sunday.

That was really nice of you Ken to give Tristin a ride yesterday, your good deed definitely didn't go undone, great job by both of you. I think we will be seeing a lot more of the kid (Tristin), next season. It's pretty awesome to see a 16yr. old out there fishing hard and being serious about competing with all of us and whipping us most of the time too. Tristin doesn't need a summer job, he can just take our money every week, easier than working.........

Tristin how do you know all these spots and shortcuts? Grow up on the river or something? Awesome bag I'm sure you will have a plaque on your wall next year if you keep it up. See ya sunday!

Way to go boys

If there is a tournament on Sunday and anyone needs a partner please let me know.  I fish the St. Joe River and Black River often in the fall and would love to try the Grand.  I keep my boat in Southwest Michigan so I do not have access to it up here.  Thanks.

yeah. i live on Pottawatomie bayou and i fish almost everyday. just have to out and explore. not getting lost. haha.  most places you cant get to with the river being so low. i will definitely be there next year and if we travel to places other than the grand i would need a ride with someone. this year was a blast. thanks guys.

Picking up the Free agent at the launch was a GREAT move!!! Had a blast. Nice to fish with a "river rat" so that I don't have to guess on where to fish :) been doing that for to long on that place!!  My best day on the river ever!!!!  Can't wait to get out there again!!! Thanks a lot guys. Prolly be donating those winnings back I am sure. :)

im guessing that's you Ken? thanks for taking me. hopefully you wont donate back. what kind of boat do you have? a nitro what? z7?  smooth ride and looks great

Awesome. I'm sure nobody will have a problem giving you a ride. Nice bag again see you guys sunday!

If Saturday looks like the better day weather wise this weekend, do any of you guys have a problem if we have the tournament on Saturday?

Guys,
We are going to go ahead  and schedule the tournament now for this Sunday so you guys can plan your weekend.

Sunday- 10/14/12                             Lets start around 7:15am

I am going to see if I can get a kitchen pass to fish on Sunday.  If I do, I will be there!

I am so jonesing to fish the Grand this weekend.  1.5 weeks without a boat and its driving me crazy!!!  Leave tomorrow night for Alabama to pick up my new (to me) ride.  Hope to get it on the Grand before the ice comes.

djd

gonna be a wet one dangit... how is THAT gonna affect 'em?

Somebody will find them, probably Tristin.

Well I'd certainly hope so!  Prefished for an hour today before I decided I better get off before I got hypothermia and managed one keeper and one sucker... never actually caught one of those before.  Nasty lookin fish.  Undecided if fishing tm a.m... when I got back to my truck I had to grab the key with both hands and focus really hard to start it!  The river was even lower than it has been.  There is a new log in Indian Channel toward the end before you round the corner, on the left side that is barely visible above water and is huge under water so everybody please be careful if you're running through there.  That whole thing is getting really skinny.  Let's hope for a mostly dry day!

Hey this is tristen. Im looking for another partner tomorrow. anyone out there riding solo and wants a ride ill be at the launch again. anyone can quote back tonight or call me at 6164022590. thanks guys. hope the weather holds up

Results 10/14/12
4-Boats

1st- Ethan...................11.85lbs. Great job Ethan! That's two wins in three weeks.
BB- Tristan/Nick.............3.68lbs. Nice fish guys, you almost won it all (11.75lbs.).

For you guys that didn't show today, you missed great weather (warm rain) and a good bite. Everyone weighed a limit today.

We'll watch the weather this week and post a yes or no for next Sunday on Friday.

If the weather stabilizes this week (looks like it will) that fall feeding switch is g onna be flipped right back on. I bet it takes over 14 next weekend.

It's been the Ethan , Tristin show the last few weeks, you guys are hammering pretty good right now....

I'm sure he will be the guy to beat on a reg. Basis since he lives on the system... you guys got this next one and you know it! If you won every one nobody would come out so you gotta take it easy on us! Lets have one on the zoo next year...

The weather looks like it's going to be awesome Sunday, let's go ahead and schedule the tournament now for Sunday.

Sunday-10/21/12
7:30am-2:00pm
See you there!

Hey this is Tristen. If the tournament happens Sunday, Im still open. If you would like a Partner, call me at 616-402-2590. thanks guys

If anyone remembers, what was the water temp last weekend?  My fishfinder is broken.  Thanks,
Ethan

Results 10/21/12

7-Boats

1st- Jimmy/Kevin.............11.55lbs. We got lucky, Tristen's fish moved.
2nd- Brian/Kurt................8.21lbs.

BB- Gary/Scott................3.72lbs.

Great weather for fishing!
We will watch the weather for next Sunday and make the call Friday morning.

Awesome bag with a tough bite!

Guys,
Do we have any takers for this Sunday?
I know of a couple of boats that will show for sure, how about the rest of you? It's going to be chilly, but no rain is in the forcast.

I think I'm a given but just to confirm i can be there. Maybe we could start once the sun comes up to stay a little warmer

I'm in.

Heading out there right now going to try to find some wintering fish in the buy used even as much as I hate to fish them

Wow! Ethan your are really expanding your fishing going into those "dadgum" Bye-Ewes.

Yeah! Shoulda seen me in there wackin 'em!! Got sick of catching bass smaller than some of the jerkbaits I own.  Thats BAYOUS.  That aside, the Grand fished the best it ever has for me tonight.  If anyone is on the bubble... I'm sure it will change with low overnight temperatures but I am being honest when I say I caught about 30 keepers tonight with the best five going around 14 again.  Ran into one other angler who reported similar success.  Not a regular with us so I invited him for Sunday but I'm not expecting him.  Attached are pictures of my bayou bass, then 2 of the biggest bass I've ever pulled out of the Grand.  It was hot tonight!!

Nice report!  I don't think they will move much before Sunday, all that water is going to take a while to cool down.  I'm guessing the temp is still 53ish in the river?

That's true. I have to get my fishfinder workin... ducer cracked off. That moving water won't get as jacked up by the cold front that's wht i like it!! If spring is cleared up there could be a big bag from there.

We are going to fish Sunday.  7:30 - 2.  Dress warm, should be a good day for fishing.  We have 3 confirmed boats at least.  Dustin, you got your new rig?  Hope to see you out there!

Got the new rig but just back from a business trip to Ireland.  Swapped trolling motors with a guy from TN on the way back from picking up the boat and need to mount it.  I hope to make it.

djd

Results 10/28/12
6 Boats

1st- Brian/Josh..............11.61lbs. Nice looking bag of fish guys.

BB- Brian/Josh...............3.19lbs. Congrats on a money sweep!

A good bite today for most boats some really nice bags were weighed in
today.

Awesome rig Dustin!

We will watch the weather this week and make a call Friday for next Sunday.

Highlights of the 2012 scheduled 12 event season

Most boats for one event - 22 (current record)

Average number of boats per event -14.8 Wow! Thanks everyone.

Monster Bag of the year - 16.94lbs. Arin fishing solo.

Big Bass of the year - 6.13lbs. Hawgzilla caught by Dustin.

The only two time winner this season - Brian, nice job man!

 WE ARE ON FOR SUNDAY 11/4/12

8:00am - 2:00pm

*********DON'T FORGET THE TIME CHANGE******

SHOULD BE A LITTLE WARMER STARTING AT 8:00AM , WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN 9:00AM LAST WEEK.

I DONT WANNA MISS IT DUMBIT!!! HAMMER EM EVERYONE!

I'm in

Anyone want a partner? I wont get my boat back till Tuesday. This is Tristen and anyone can call me. my number should be on page 5 or 6. If not its 616-402-2590.

Results  11/4/12

1st- Brian/Josh..........................14.89lbs.  WOW! Great bag guys.
BB-  Brian/Josh..........................3.73lbs. They had four quality fish like that one.

The fish are still biting!

Stay tuned for next week, we are predicted to be in the 60's

That's amazing I'm in next week

We Are On For This Sunday!    11/11/12

11/11/12

7:30am-2:00pm

Tristen, Get your rig back?

OK without going back thru all the posts here... where do you launch and how much is entry?

Not sure what is going on this Sunday... might be able to pull off one more tournament.

144th St Launch, Sterns Bayou.

$40 team
$20 Solo

Uh ohhhhh

nope  :(  its going to be another week to finish the welding. although it would be better to fish in it one more time, its better off to do it right than have another problem. boat or no boat ill be at the launch like always. hope the weather stays in the low 60s or high 50s

Hopefully you will be able to get a ride with someone. Fishing should be really good Sunday.

Do you think you can get 6 or 7 boats? If so, I will be there.I have 1hr and 20 min. drive so just trying to justify

We should get 6-8.

Last week was 4 and we didn't have 2 of the regulars.  With the nice weather, and most likely the last tournament of the year I expect a decent turnout.  I would put the over under at 6 boats and bet on the over.

Yup!! We shall be there to donate and help stimulate the economy. Have not been on the Grand in 3 months, so don"t laugh if you see a goose egg sitting at the ramp. LoL ... Thanks Esox L

PineLK 49, Glad you can make it Sunday. Should be a good time with the 60 degree weather and the fish have actually been playing nice lately.

Really nice...

BIG TEASE!!! I can"t see any bait hanging out of her mouth or see anything in the background for a reference. Nice fishy

Well it looks like I won't be able to make it... seems I have a prior commitment I didn't know about.   >:(    Women....   ::)

Results  11/11/12

1st- Brian/Brother...........13.25lbs. Awesome sweep to wrap up the year.
BB-  Brian/Brother...........3.67lbs. Solid fish.

That's a wrap guy's going to call it a season.
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS AN AWESOME SEASON!
Stay tuned for information on next season.
SEE YOU IN THE SPRING...

Thanks Jimmy for another good season. Looking forward to next year!!! I still think your tournaments are the best ones out there. It was nice to finally get few wins here at the end. Made up for my crappy summer.

Thanks for having us! If you have never fished the open, you are missing out on some great fellowship. Never met any of these guys and they were telling us what they were biting on and where to go.
Of course we didnt listen on the part of where to go. We shot up to Spring Lk. and battled the 40mph gusts and fished 3 hrs with little to show for it. So we decided to go to one of our spots in Pettys and when we got there a goose hunter was sitting on our spot. Darn Waterfoul guys. LOL. We let the wind blow us towards the back and got stuck on the bar half way down. Never seen the Grand so shallow before. Only had 3 but still enjoyed 1 last day of fall fishing.

Thanks again
Dave

Spring is here!
Any takers for this Sunday?
Brian can't get his boat in to be winterized until next week and it's supposed to be sunny and in the 50's Sunday. Josh is also game to fish. Tristen is your boat going to be ready? Dustin might possibly be back from his business trip. Ethan are you game? Wild Bill, come on out they are "crushing" spinnerbaits. Let me know guys, we just might do one more.

I'm in

Im in!!

-KURT

Really? haha cmon  :P Got my boat Monday night and put it away for the winter. I might be able to fish without the deck but then i wont have the trolling motor. Anyone fishing solo?

So far we have Kurt, Brian, Ethan for three boats. Anybody else able to make it?

Lets just fish and hope a couple other boats show up. Fishing had been way to good motto go one more time!!!

OK! Let's go 7:30am-2:00pm This Sunday! 11/18/12

Take it easy on us brian!!

Results-11/18/12

1st- Brian/Josh.................12.31lbs. Great Job Guys!
BB-  Brian/Josh...................3.38lbs.

Great Season Guys!!!!!

I'm back from China, Ohio, and Kentucky.  Couldn't make this past weekend, the wife had outpatient surgery on Friday and needs care for several more days.  Hopefully I will get out after Thanksgiving.

djd

Good season boys, still the best circuit on the west side, see you guys in the spring.