Lakeland Bassmasters, “The largest B.A.S.S. affiliated club in the world”, held their 6th event of the 2014 season over Father’s Day weekend on Lake Istokpoga. 54 anglers participated in the 2-day event out of Istokpoga Park, just off Highway 98.
Arnie Smith grabbed the day 1 lead with a 3 bass limit totaling 17.53 pounds. Lee Sisson trailed just behind Smith in 2nd place with his 16.61-pound limit. Levi Brown sat in 3rd place with a 15.07-pound, 3 bass limit. Luke Ferguson caught a 12.90-pound limit to land the 4th spot. Chris Hawker caught 11.56 pounds to put himself inside the top 5.
In multi-day events, consistency is key. If you fall short of duplicating your previous day’s weight, you give up almost all chances of going home with the victory. In 2-day events, there is almost zero chance to rebound if you swing and miss on the first day.
Mike Leggett with his 10.39-pound Big Bass Photo: Lakeland Bassmasters
Day 1 leader Arnie Smith didn’t have to worry about falling short on day 2. His 15.70-pound bag gave him more than enough to win the event, thanks in part to a 9.90-pound lunker. His 2-day weight of 33.23 pounds gave Smith more than an 8-pound margin of victory over 2nd place finisher Luke Ferguson. Ferguson, who caught a 9.26-pound toad to take the Big Bass honor on day 1, caught another limit on day 2 worth 12.19 pounds. His 2-day total weighed 25.09 pounds.
David Perry moved up to 3rd place with a 24.61-pound, 2-day total. Michael Foster made a big jump on day 2 with his 15.78-pound limit. Foster caught 24.50 pounds over 2 days en route to a 4th place finish. Lee Sisson slipped down to 5th place with a 22.11-pound, 2-day total.
On day 2, Mike Leggett caught a 10.39-pound hawg to win the events biggest bass for both days.
Lakeland Bassmasters will hold their next event July 13th, on Lake Toho out of Southport Park. Anglers are regulated to fishing Toho only. The club meeting to be held on July 8th will take place at the Elk’s Lodge in Lakeland. For more information on the event, click here.
