The Roland Martin Marine Center is a staple on Lake Okeechobee. In conjunction with the Marina and Resort, the family owned business located in Clewiston, Fla. is able to offer anglers and visitors a vast array of accommodations. Along with boat sales and repairs, the Marine Center also hosts an open tournament trail for angles to compete in. On June 13th, they hosted their third qualifying event of 2015, where 62 teams of anglers tried their luck the the $4,030.00 first place prize.
Fred Herron and James Sloan sacked 25.34 pounds of Lake Okeechobee largemouth to win the event. Sloan caught a 9.43-pound lunker to anchor their bag, earning an additional $500.00 for the U.S. Sugar Big Bass.
Local Rayovac FLW Series Pro Brandon McMillan and Frank Jenkins boated a 25.02-pound, five-bass limit to finish the event in second place. The team boated an 8.25-pound TrophyCatch to anchor their bag and earn the 2nd Big Bass award.
The father/son team of Matt and Wyatt Jordan put pressure on McMillan and Jenkins by weighing a 25.01-pound, five-bass limit to finish in third place.
Chet Douthit and Tony Bennett finished in fourth place with 24.79 pounds, followed by Gary Niemi and James Dyer in fifth place with 23.59 pounds.
Ron and Ronnie Buck caught a 7.63-pounder to anchor their 8th place bag and earn the 3rd Big Bass award.
Team of the Year points are crucial for the first full season of the Roland Martin Marine Center Open Tournament Series. Not only will the points champions have earned bragging rights, but the Top 4 teams in the end of year standings will be invited to the 2016 Florida State Team Championship (FSTC). Organizations from across the state are able to register their clubs, trails, and events, giving their top anglers an opportunity to compete for a new 2016 Blazer 595 Pro Elite powered by a 200 HP Mercury outboard.
There is one remaining scheduled events for the Roland Martin Marine Center Open Tournament Series on August 15th, with a two-day championship October 3rd and 4th for anglers who have fished three of four qualifiers.
