The first event for the Roland Martin Marine Center Open Trail presented by Sweetwater Brewing Company kicked off on September 6th, with 48 competing teams.
Chris Jerdan and Katrina Hilliard didn’t start tournament morning the way they had hoped, or planned, as they were unable to get their outboard to run. Many anglers might have called it a day, put the boat on the trailer, and started to head to their mechanic’s shop. Jerdan and Hilliard wouldn’t let a motor issue keep them from the water. One way or another, they were going fishing, so they dropped the trolling motor and did just that.
Their perseverance paid off. Jerdan and Hilliard caught a 21.61-lb., 5 bass limit to win the event, and the $4,800 1st place prize. “Just goes to show you that drive, passion, determination, and an attitude of never ever give up, pays off against all odds,” Jerdan said of the day’s events.
Gerry Brousseau and Dean Heasley brought a 20.91-lb. bag to the scales to claim 2nd place, and $1400.
Matt and Wyatt Jerdan show off their 3rd place limit.
Matt Jerdan and Wyatt Jerdan finished in 3rd place, winning $900 thanks to their 20.45-lb., 5 bass limit.
Ed Thompson and Wes Thompson caught a 19.71-lb. bag to win $500 for 4th place.
Robert Valido and Alex Mut rounded out the Top 5, weighing 19.07 lbs. to win $400.
“Breezy” McMillan and Jeff McMillan weighed the event’s largest bass, a 9.65-lb. lunker, to win $500 sponsored by Sweetwater.
Brousseau and Heasley caught the 2nd Big Bass, an 8.70-lb lunker, to win an additional $250 sponsored by Sweetwater.
Matt and Wyatt Jerdan weighed the event’s 3rd Big Bass, a 5.63-lb. Okeechobee kicker. They won an additional $100 in gift certificates sponsored by Gambler Lures.
The next event will be held October 11th, launching from the Clewiston City ramp. Weigh-in will take place at Roland Martin Marina. For more information on this event, check out the Event Calendar.
Photos courtesy of Chris Jerdan
