The phrase, “I’d rather be lucky than good,” has probably been said around bass tournaments more times than Hall of Fame pitcher Lefty Gomez did when he was hurling fastballs for the New York Yankees in the 1930’s. Having talent and being good at something is one thing. But you have to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to stand out amongst the rest of the crowd.
At the recent Xtreme Bass Series: Lake Toho divisional event on April 26th, Jeremy Smith and Jim Folks showed everyone why, with a little luck, it pays to be good. Smith and Folks smashed a solid 26.10-pound, five-bass limit to win their second divisional tournament in three events. The bag that topped the 18-boat field was anchored by a 7.50-pound kicker. Without that fish, they still would have edged out the victory. It pays to be good.
Rick Stiener and Brian Rodriguez finished in second place, weighing an 18.20-pound, five-bass limit. Steve Mazon and Chris Evans finished in third place, weighing an 18.10-pound, five-bass limit. Mazon and Evans earned the Big Bass award for the 10.80-pound monster that anchored their bag. Rounding out the Top 5 was the fourth place team of Rich Patterson and David Smith, weighing 16.75 pounds, and the fifth place team of David Howell and Bob Wojocuich with 14.55 pounds.
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.
The Toho Divison of the Xtreme Bass Series is scheduled to compete from Kissimmee Lakefront Park on May 17th for the fourth event of the year.
