Photo Credit, Colby Sydow

 

The Southeast Region held its third event this past Saturday, March 17, reaching the halfway mark in the 2018 season. We had another great turnout with 114 anglers registered to do battle on the Texas-Louisiana waters of Toledo Bend Reservoir, with our launch and weigh-in venue at San Miguel Park. There were multiple practice reports of some anglers that had “figured them out”,  and some that were hoping the Luck O’ The Irish would be with them on St. Patrick’s Day.

Tournament day proved to be tough, not just because of the bite, but due to the amount of other anglers trying to reap the benefits of Toledo Bend in the Spring.  While the tournament and Big Bass weights were down, 38 anglers out of the 114 angler field managed to find limits, and only 22 did not weigh a fish.

Seven Coves Bass Club angler, Clint Laskoskie, who was observed by his 7-year old son Hunter, managed a 5-fish limit anchored by a 5.55 pound bass by earning him 1^st place.  “I narrowed things down in practice to creeks/ditches that led to spawning flats, focusing mainly on the areas that had vegetation”, said Laskoskie.  ”On Friday, I had fish on multiple baits, but at the end of the day I was keyed into what they wanted as I had 3 bites, in 3 casts, caught 2 fish that went 6 pounds and 3.5 pounder.  Tournament day I worked over these creeks and flats slowly and stayed patient.  The area was crowded with 20+ boats, but patience was key.  I had 8 bites, caught 6, and was able to cull once. Water (depth) was 3′-6′, with roughly 1′ visibility.”

Laskoskie added, “The win was a great experience, but being able to share it with my oldest son Hunter was far better. He was my designated “GoPro Videographer”.  However, he was so excited when I hooked up that he was only able to get video of one fish catch; that’s what it’s all about.  I appreciate all that took a second to chat fishing with Hunter, it’s a day he will not forget…nor will I!”

SCBC angler, Terry Reich, also had a 5-fish limit anchored by a 5.33 big bass for 2nd place, putting him at the top of the standings in the “Angler Of  The Year” race.  “I was fishing an aquatic plant that fittingly (on St. Patrick’s Day) looked similar to four-leaf clover by dragging plastics though it”, said Reich.  Despite the “lucky plant” bite, I give God all the glory to helping to clue in on my pattern.

Katy Bassmaster angler Kyle Bordelon followed in 3^rd place with 15.15 pounds by skipping a 6^th Sense Devine bluegill colored swim jig with a Missle Baits Craw Father  “far back in the trees”.

Big Bass honor was earned by Anthony Phillip with 6.73, followed by Dwayne Pavlock with 6.31.

For more photos, please visti our Facebook Page, Southeast Texas Region BASS Nation.

Thank you to Onalaska Bass Club and Katy Bassmasters for assisting at Toledo Bend.   As San Miguel can be a challenge during launch and parking, we want to thank all of the anglers for their patience and organization as everyone was on the water on time for the National Anthem and take-off.

 

    

Special thanks to San Miguel Park for hosting the tournament as the large covered pavilion provides a great venue for our weigh-in.

The Southeast Regions stop #4 will be on Lake Conroe, April 21^st, out of Lakeview Marina (this has changes this year; see our tournament page for info).  Lake Conroe has been providing some big stringers this year and the prediction will be the weights will be our largest of the year.  See you at Conroe!