Story written by Matthew Beck, XBS: Lake Rousseau Tournament Director
One morning removed from a brutal 22 degree mercury reading teams competing in the opening round of the Lake Rousseau Division of the Xtreme Bass Series launched with temperatures near freezing. The weeks prior to the first event have proved tough conditions for most anglers on the West-Central Florida impoundment. Tournament day was no exception.
Matt Beck holds up the Big Bass of the tournament.
Tournament Director Matthew Beck and alternate-partner Steve Naas of Lecanto and Inverness respectively managed a five-fish limit totaling 15.22 pounds as well as landing the heaviest single fish of the day with a largemouth tipping the scales at 6.00 pounds. Their limit of bass came from Lake Rousseau. A mixture of jerkbaits, crankbaits and flipping heavy cover was responsible for the limit of bass.
Many teams ventured east up the Withlacoochee River as well as the Rainbow River that provided anglers warmer ambient water temperatures. Bedding bass have also been spotted in the Rainbow in recent weeks.
Scott Bullard of Ocala kept things close with a second-place limit of bass totaling 15.20 pounds. Bullard reported using finesse tactics including a Trick Worm fished on 8-pound fluorocarbon.
Ocala’s Danny Thompson and alternate-partner Hunter McPherson of Inverness dropped 14.20 pounds for third place.
Following this first event of the season the Lake Rousseau Division will fish the second Saturday of each month through Oct. For information on dates or questions about fishing with Xtreme on Lake Rousseua contact Matthew Beck, tournament director, (352) 422-0888.
With 9 events in each division, anglers competing in XBS events can qualify for the 2015 Championship at Lake Okeechobee, November 5-7, 2015. At this years championship, qualifying anglers will have the opportunity to fish for a brand new Blazer 595 Pro Elite, powered by a 200 HP outboard. To qualify, anglers must fish 7 of the 9 events in one division, or 8 events total from all divisions combined. Teams who finish in the Top 4 of their division will also be invited to compete in the 2016 Florida State Team Championship, where teams of anglers from various organizations across the state, will have the opportunity to compete for another Blazer 595 Pro Elite powered by a 200 HP outboard.
More information on the next event can be found on the Event Calendar.
