Open Team Tournament

10/20/2012 Clarks Hill

We had a great weekend to say the least for the kickoff of our 3^rd annual Open Bass Tournament. We would like to thank Light House Baptist Church and Pastor Eric Kincaid for hosting our meeting.

On the Friday night prior to the event, anglers, tournament staff, friends and family members gathered for a meal, door prizes, and had the opportunity to hear an inspiring message presented by John Barker. We thank God for this inspiring presentation of the Gospel. There were 6 rededications noted on the response cards after the invitation. This is the affirmation that this event is on task as a ministry arm in our mission field. We were honored to have Karen Swink of the SCDNR as a guest speaker also; she covered boating safety, new regulations, and was available for questions during the evening. Thanks to everyone who helped prepare the meal, the steak dinner and fixings were exceptional.

Then came Saturday, which turned out to be a bit windy, but I must say, it was an absolutely beautiful day on Clarks Hill Lake. We launched the 24 teams at approximately 7:00 am Saturday morning after an early morning prayer and then the teams blasted off in hopes of finding a big sack of fish. The fish seemed to have scattered at various depths with our fishermen not finding a constant pattern to catch them. Fish were being caught here and there with numbers not being caught at any one location, more of a run and gun style tournament --- move, move and move again. The fish catches were abundant though, as 17 of the 24 teams brought a five fish limit to the scales at weigh-in.

Coming in 1st was the team of Paul Ham and Gary Burns with 5 fish weighing 16.13 lbs. The 2nd place team of Speedy Gambrell and Robin Whismant weighed in 5 fish for 13.04 lbs. and took home big fish honors with a 6.33 lb. kicker. Third place honors went to the team of Don Nesbitt and Howard Halcomb with a 5 fish limit weighing 12.41 lbs.

We want to thank the North Augusta Fishing Team for assisting with the weigh-in and Chick-fil-A of Aiken/Augusta for providing chicken sandwiches for all the fishermen following the tournament.

The Aiken Christian Bass Anglers would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the fine sponsors that make this event possible:

South Carolina Baptist Convention, F.O.M.N.T.T, Feaster’s Foods, Chick-fil-A of Aiken / Augusta, Deep Creek Lures, Number One Market Bait & Tackle, Z Man Baits, Broadway Bait & Tackle, South Edisto Marine, Outdoors Unlimited, Sutton Marine, Academy Sports, Triangle Dodge, and CSRA Document Solutions

First Place

Paul Ham & Gary Burns

16.13 lbs.

Second Place Third Place

Speedy Gambrell & Robin Whisnant Don Nesbitt & Howard Halcomb

13.04 lbs. 12.41 lbs.