Catlin, Bateman sweep Outcasts field on Istokpoga

A favorite stop for the Outcasts Bass Club has been Lake Istokpoga. The South Florida lake is home to some of the state’s largest bass, and due to the extensive visible cover, bodes well for those anglers who enjoy flipping. The club traveled to the lake on June 27th for their sixth event of the season. 

Team of the Year leaders John Catlin and Rick Bateman stretched their lead by winning the event. Catlin and Bateman weighed a 15.91-pound, five-bass limit in their victory. Bateman earned additional bragging rights with the 7.01-pounder he caught that anchored their bag, and won the Big Bass award. 

Jason Kitchens and Gary Bennett weighed a 14.10-pound, five-bass limit to finish the event in second place. Tom Stanforth and Don Faulker finished in third place, weighing a 13.70-pound, five-bass limit. Fourth place was claimed by Chris Meuret and Steve Rabel, who weighed 12.90 pounds, followed by Jim Prokosch and Willie Miranda in fifth with 12.63 pounds. 

The Outcasts Bass Club is based in Brandon, Fla. and is registered for the 2016 Florida State Team Championship. The Top 4 teams at the end of the season, based on team of the year standings, will be invited to compete for a 2016 Blazer 595 Pro Elite powered by a 200 HP Mercury Pro XS. 

The club’s next scheduled event is set for July 25th at Lake Toho, where anglers are not allowed to lock down to any other lake on the Kissimmee Chain.