The Florida Parishes Bass Anglers held it's first March tournament on Sunday, March 8th out of Manchac, launch site was the public landing under I-55, just off Hwy 51, or the "Low Road" as it's known to the locals. Those familiar with Manchac know that it can be overwhelming at times due to it's vast size and endless variety of waters surrounding the area. There's at least 5 river systems, large lakes, major passes, bayous, swamps, and marsh habitats to choose from. Basically, pick your strength and get after it, if one area doesn't produce, there's plenty more to choose from.
Once again, the trend of passing cold fronts and heavy rains leading up to tournament day continues like a bad dream or broken record. Several inches of rain early last week left local rivers swollen and muddy. Stained to muddy conditions dominated a lot of the area, but anglers willing to search around were able to find cleaner water in a few spots. This was especially true in areas that bordered the marsh, where drains, ditches, and runouts allowed cleaner black water into the mix. Some of these held a few fish, others seemed void of any life whatsoever.
Once again, the trend of passing cold fronts and heavy rains leading up to tournament day continues like a bad dream or broken record. Several inches of rain early last week left local rivers swollen and muddy. Stained to muddy conditions dominated a lot of the area, but anglers willing to search around were able to find cleaner water in a few spots. This was especially true in areas that bordered the marsh, where drains, ditches, and runouts allowed cleaner black water into the mix. Some of these held a few fish, others seemed void of any life whatsoever.
As safelight approached, 28 anglers readied themselves for blast off, then scattered as boat numbers were called. Most headed in the direction of Ruddock, while others headed east into Lake Pontchartrain and West into Lake Maurepas. A couple even elected to drop the trolling motor within sight of the launch, allowing them to maximize fishing time. Many found the bite to be tough, while others found 5 or 6 bites and scratched out a limit. It's worth noting that nobody reported big numbers of fish caught, which was to be expected given the less than favorable conditions. At 3pm, the scales opened and fish began coming in, the winners were: |
1st Place- Jason & Trenton Pittman 5 fish 11.41 lbs
2nd Place- Wyatt Junot & Josh Crowder 5 fish 10.2
3rd Place- Jean Junius 5 fish 7.00 lbs
2nd Place- Wyatt Junot & Josh Crowder 5 fish 10.2
3rd Place- Jean Junius 5 fish 7.00 lbs
Just missing the money was current FPBA AOY points leaders Derek Paternostro & Darren Welch with the final limit weighing in at 6.71 lbs. These guys have been a model of consistency so far this year, averaging slightly better than a 3rd place finish in all 3 events. Way to go fellas.
The Mister Twister Big Bass award goes to Jason & Trenton Pittman with a nice 3.80 lb bass. Congratulations to all the winners.
The Mister Twister Big Bass award goes to Jason & Trenton Pittman with a nice 3.80 lb bass. Congratulations to all the winners.
Our next tournament will be on Saturday, March 28th, safelight to 3pm. We will hold a club meeting at Buffalo Wild Wings (Pinnacle Mall off I-12 in Covington) on Saturday, March 14th at 7pm to vote on launch site. Per FPBA rules, membership votes on tournament site for all 5th weekend events. For info about FPBA, you can email us at fpbassanglers@gmail.com You can also contact Kevin Williams (985) 502-6146 or Patrick Engerran (985) 474-6112 for info on the fastest growing Bass club on the Northshore. As always, please see our website at fpbassanglers.com and like us on Facebook at Florida Parishes Bass Anglers, where you can find more pictures and video from our events.