The Save Rodman Reservoir annual fishing tournament is held to raise funds towards fighting to keep the reservoir intact. For 18 years, the event has ran strong, and the 19th annual event was no different. 163 teams of anglers flooded the shores to show their support of the body of water simply known as Rodman. For years, activist groups have attempted to gain enough political leverage to breech the dam, and drain the reservoir to a swampy landscape.
Troy Ray and Tim Mann show off part of their second place bag.
In the past, those efforts have always been halted by the persistence of Save Rodman Reservoir, Inc. The issue has recently found the spotlight again, as the dam is being held as a pawn during talks of dredging the St. Johns River. The annual tournament helps gather anglers to support the Rodman, and the organization that fights to keep it alive.
Michael Johnson and David McIntire bested over 300 anglers to win the 19th annual event. Johnson and McIntire’s five-bass limit tipped the scales to 28.31 pounds. Troy Ray and Tim Mann earned a second place finish, weighing a 22.98-pound, five-bass limit. Ray and Mann anchored their bag with the event’s Big Bass, an 8.78-pound Trophy Catch.
Mark and Thomas Shumate locked in a third place finish with a 20.88-pound limit.
Brandon Bragg and Brandon Owens earned a fourth place finish, as they caught a limit weighing 20.08 pounds. Lyle Rose and Will Scaife rounded out the Top 5 with a 20.01-pound, five-bass limit.
David Barnes and Brooks Morrell were awarded the Second Big Bass award for their 8.59-pound Trophy Catch.
If you would like to learn more about Save Rodman Reservoir, Inc., or to donate to their efforts in keeping the reservoir intact, visit www.rodmanreservoir.com.
Photos: Becky Williams
