The first event for the Ram Trucks Open Series Florida South Division was originally scheduled for January 23rd, but due to inclement weather that would have compromised the safety of the anglers, the event was rescheduled to a later date. This made what was originally the second stop on the schedule, on February 20th, the season opener.
Jett Dexter topped the 82 boat field with a 23.97-pound, five-bass limit to win the Florid South Divison’s first event.
“I was fishing on the north end of the lake and caught them all on a swimbait,” said Dexter, who earned $5,225.00 in his victory. “I caught three this morning and I didn’t finish my limit until 12:30.”
Chad Foster finished the day in second place with 19.60 pounds. An Outkast swim jig helped Foster to a $1,614.00 payday.
Larry Wright finished in third place with 18.79 pounds, followed by Doug Vest in fourth place with 17.78 pounds. Gary Melicevic and Bob Stafford found themselves in a tie for fifth place with 17.61 pounds each.
The Big Bass award went to David Rushing for the 7.87-pounder that fell victim to a fire and ice ribbon tail worm.
Bryan Jones with his tournament winning bag
Bryan Jones took first place and Big Bass honors against 52 other co-anglers. Jones’ 12.72-pound, three-bass limit was anchored by the 6.57-pound Big Bass.
“I caught all my fish throwing a senko on a 7-foot medium-heavy Vexan rod,” said Jones. “I was just throwing it into hydrilla and working it really slow.”
Jones’ patience paid off, en route to a $2,135.00 payday.
David Sullivan threw a swimbait to finish in second place with 12.05 pounds.
Ernie Johnson finished in third place with 10.77 pounds by throwing a “weightless Fluke.”
General Johnson followed behind in fourth place with 9.73 pounds, along with Kenneth Amos in fifth place with 9.43 pounds.
The Florida South Division’s next event is scheduled for April 2nd at Lake Okeechobee. For more information, visit www.ramopenseries.com for more details.
Photos: American Bass Anglers/Ram Trucks Open Series
