The Florida Bass Nation held their Pro/Am State Championship at the beginning of this month at the Harris Chain of Lakes, located in Lake County. 86 Boaters and 36 Co-anglers battled over two days of competition for the FBN Championship title in their respective divisions.
Eric Panzironi of the Winter Springs Bassmasters would prove he had what was needed to be crowned champion. Over the two days of competition, Panzironi boated 34.48 pounds of Harris Chain largemouth. He led the field on day one with a 19.38-pound, five-bass limit, and followed up his catch with another 15.10 pounds on day two.
Arnie Lane represented the Lakeland Bassmasters, and ended the weekend with a second place finish. Arnie, the older brother to Bassmaster Elite Series pro’s Bobby and Chris Lane, boated 32.35 pounds over the weekend.
Jarrod Stroud wins Co-angler division
Danny Engleking of the N.C.B.A Bassmasters finished in third place with 30.84 pounds, followed by a pair of anglers who both represented the Bassmasters of Gator Country. Robert Heron finished in fourth place with 30.63 pounds, followed by Darrel Pons, Sr. in fifth place with 29.30 pounds.
The Harris Chain of Lakes can be tough on even the best anglers. Competing as a Co-angler can make it even more of a challenge, but Jarrod Stroud of the Florida Trails Bassmasters made things work in his favor. He topped the Co-angler division with 20.84 pounds.
Aaron Richardson of the Hub City Bassmasters narrowly missed a championship victory, finishing in second place with 20.52 pounds.
Anglers from the Winter Springs Bassmasters took home third and fourth place finishes. Brian Colson boated 19.39 pounds over two days, while Ken Willits weighed 16.72 pounds for the weekend. Larry Gatlin of the Lakeland Bassmasters finished in fifth place with 16.61 pounds.
For more information, visit www.floridabassnation.com.
Photos: Florida Bass Nation
