Fishing tournament, boat maintainence, top priorities
Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2006
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/decatur/Family_and_Friends/144/
NOB HILL — The 2006 Veterans Pro-AM Welcome Home Tournament will be held on Table Rock Lake, at What’s Up Dock Marina in Kimberling City, Mo. Pre-tournament and pairing meeting will take place June 14 at Reed Springs High School, 20277 Hwy 413, Reeds Spring, Mo. Registration will start at 3 p.m. and meeting at 6:30 p.m. The tournament is on June 14 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Entry fees are $150 for boaters and $50 for Vietnam Veterans.
Anglers will be fishing for more than $28,000 in cash and prizes. In addition, a Nitro 402, powered by a Mercury motor, will be given away. Any prize money won will be split equally between team members. Each boater will also receive two tickets to the Heartland Benefit Concert. More than 37 groups and singers are scheduled to perform at the event.
This is an incredible event for anglers and boaters to participate in. It is an opportunity for bass anglers to give back to the service men and women who sacrifice to keep our nation free.
Additional information can be found on line at: www. welcomehome2006. org or by calling (800) 335-4587. Boat maintenance tips for smooth holiday
Your boat has been sitting dormant in the garage all winter. Anticipation of the upcoming weekend has everyone excited … three whole days with nothing but fun, sun, and boating. The weekend comes and you are ready. At the lake you even wait patiently to launch your boat. Finally, it is your turn. You back down the ramp, jump in the boat, then turn the key. Nothing happens, no sound except your spouse who informs you it does not work. NO KIDDING.
Regular boat, trailer, and engine maintenance could have prevented this holiday weekend disaster. What should boaters do before the holiday weekend gets here? Bryce Newman, owner, engine technician, and boat repair expert of Bryce’s White River Marine was asked that question. "First, it’s best to have your boat checked out before you go," Newman said. "Then boat owners should check their batteries, battery connections, and all fluids. Check trailer tires and lights. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher (if you had to use it last year you need to have it filled or replaced), first aid kit, steering cables, kill switch, wheel bearing.
" Make sure all boat functions, like horn, and lights are working, "Newman said. And lastly" Don’t forget your drain plug. " Boaters who keep up with boat maintenance will be out cruising, while other boaters are heading back towards the ramp if they get that far.
SWEPCO fishing report
Note: Largemouth bass must be released immediately to the water.
Water temperature: 74 at the dam to water discharge area.
Water condition: Lake level has risen covering the drop-off on the boat ramp. Launching the boat is easier with the higher water level.
Effective lures: Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper in Smokey Joe, Yum Muy Grub, Yum Houdini Shad in pearl or watermelon, XCalibur in olive ghost or glass minnow. Effective pattern: Bass are schooling early and late on cloudy days. Topwater action may happen at anytime. Some schooling or topwater fish have proven difficult to catch. Try numerous casts or a variety of different baits to induce bass to strike.
••• Wiegmann is a professional fishing guide. He welcomes questions about fishing conditions or fishing in general. Email him at: cuppy@allel.net or telephone him at (479) 756-5279.