Quinte West (Trenton) was the site for the fourth tournament of the 2005 Quinte Fishing Series season and third bass tournament of the year. 48 teams left at 7:00 a.m. vying for over $6,200.00 in prize money with check -in at 4:00 p.m. "The Bay has been very busy over the last few weeks, explained tournament director Pete Thompson, with not just our tournaments but a number of other circuits coming to the area and August will see two other major events coming to the Bay. We weren't sure what to expect today as the Bay has seen a lot of anglers in the last while but as usual and because it is such a good fishery, the Bay once again coughed up some great weights".
With a weight of 19.51 lbs., Corbyville's Chris Sherman and Dave Henderson claimed their second win of the Quinte Fishing Series 2005 season. These two local anglers took the first place cheque of $2,200.00 as well as a $50.00 gift certificate from Kelsey's/Montana's, Belleville and two fleece coats compliments of Mark Work Warehouse. Sherman on stage stated that, although they had fish going during the week, they had to alter their plans during the day to get their fish but caught over 30 fish during the tournament.
Lakefield's and Angler and Hunter T.V. host, Rick Morgan with partner Brian Robinson from Bridgenorth, claimed the second place spot with 18.24 lbs. which earned them $1,600.00. Rick, fishing the Series for the second time in 2005, complimented the Series for running a great tournament circuit and stated how much he enjoys fishing the Quinte area. Rounding out the top three were local anglers, Terry Langstaff and Brian Hadley with 17.88 lbs. and they took home $1,000.00 for their day on the water.
The Lawrence brothers, Tom and Steve, from Stirling and Bird's Creek, earned $700.00 for their fourth place finish with a weight of 17.86 lbs. Tom had the crowd in stitches as he explained earlier in the week he buried a hook in his thumb and the fun he had at the hospital and getting it out. Fifth place went to Kitchener's Mike Miller and Kelly Bartlett from Belleville with 17.77 lbs. and they took home $450.00 and the husband and wife team of Mike and Mary Nabulsi received $150.00 for their sixth place finish with 16.96 lbs.
The Q.F.S./Minnow Shack "115 H.P. and Under Award" for the top placed team using a motor 115 HP or under went to Stirling's Art McConnell and Blair Smith with a weight of 16.94 lbs. These top area anglers led the leader board for some time and received $150.00 for the win as well as $50.00 worth of tackle compliments of the Nabulsi's at Bass Magnet Lures.
The H2Optix by Bolle` "Big Fish Award" went to the team of Brian Tipping from Stirling and Frankford's Peter McInroy. Brian, who caught the fish said, " I pitched over a tree limb and hooked the fish and didn't know if we were going to land it. The line was caught on the limb and Pete went in after it and got the net under it - we were really lucky to get it!!" This largemouth bass, weighing 5.98 lbs., gave them $960.00 in cash as well as two pairs of quality H2Optix sunglasses and Big Fish trophy.
Once again, the "Team of the Year" race is heating up but with their second win in 2005, Sherman and Henderson lead the way followed closely by the Lawrence's and Hadley and Langstaff. This race always goes down to the wire and 2005 will be know different especially when the Classic results must count toward this award.
The next tournament on the circuit is on August 28th and will again be in Trenton not Deseronto as originally planned. The Deseronto site is being used for another event so tournament organizers have moved this tournament to Trenton. Entries must be postmarked by August 22nd and further info can be obtained by calling tournament director Pete Thompson at 613-967-1024.