What better way to raise money for a good cause, than to get a large group of anglers together and hold a free, open bass tournament? Bartow Ford and Trophy Taker Outdoors did just that on April 19th. In an effort to raise money for the Take Stock in Children’s Polk County chapter, the two companies teamed up to hold the first ever Trophy Taker Outdoors Free Entry Bass Tournament. The inaugural event drew upwards of 150 registered teams for the derby held at Camp Mack’s River Resort. The old Florida fish camp is nestled on the shores of the Kissimmee River, between lakes Hatchineha and Kissimmee.
Joe and Scott Mcquire with their 9.90-pound Big Bass
Events held on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in mid-April are almost guaranteed to showcase the large bass the chain is renowned for. Lee Sisson and Mike Nicknidarvich stumbled across a few of the solid fish the chain is known for surrendering. The duo weighed a 27.45-pound, 5 bass limit to win the inaugural event, and the guaranteed $1,000.00 first place prize.
“We were fishing running water, and had a fury of five-pounders in a fifteen minute span,” stated Nicknidarvich.
Knowing they would need a solid kicker to anchor their bag, the team made a move late in the day, with the hopes of flipping up a big one.
“The plan worked,” stated Sisson. “We pulled up to a mat, and flipped up that seven and a half pounder right at the end of the day.”
David Crews and Jeremy Cannon finished just shy of the top spot of the leaderboard, weighing a 27.15-pound, 5 bass limit. The duo anchored their bag with an 8.30-pound Trophy Catch quality lunker.
Richard Hurst and SammyJay Acree were awarded a third place finish, as they brought a 22.30-pound limit to the scales. Hunter McKamey and Chris Adams weighed a solid 21.20-pound limit to claim a 4th place finish, while Richie Upchurch and David Green secured the final spot in the Top 5 by toting 20.65-pounds to the scales.
Competing anglers also had the opportunity to enter the side pot for the largest bass to be caught throughout the day. Joe and Scott Acquire were glad they decided to take part in the side pot. The father-son team weighed a 9.90-pound giant to win the $800.00 prize. Robert Smith and Spencer Williams won the Blazer Boats Second Big Bass award. Williams’ 9.40-pound lunker netted the team $300.00.
Here’s a look at the Top 30 teams:
