2015 BIG BASS Megabucks…

 

The anticipation leading up to registration opening for BIG BASS Megabucks was frantic.  My phone wouldn’t let up with teams inquiring when they could get their money in and their spot secured.   We quickly realized our event was one that guys get on their calendars.  In record time we sold out this year!  In less than a week, a full field of 70 teams had laid down their cash.  Unreal.

The forecast looked iffy.  When boats were being slipped into Big Rideau Lake, it was snowing.  Wowzers….

Once again, Big Rideau showed her true colors.  Some great fishing for the teams that put it together.  It seemed like a mix of Largemouth and Smallmouth all day long.

Hour 1 was won by Lenny Devos and Jeff Desloges with a 3.80 Smallie.

Second spot that hour was Doug Allen and Al Deszcz with a 3.56 Smallie.

Hour 2 was won by Pete McCormack and Trevor Cheney with a 4.30 Largie.

Second spot was Brett Miller and Rob Leighton with a 4.28 Largie.

Hour 3 was won by Rich Lakins and Kevin Seymour with a TOAD! 5.84 Largie.

Second spot that hour was John Ebbers and Skip Lafreniere with a 5.00 Smallie.

Hour 4 was won by Christine Cope and Tony Sleiman with a 4.44 Smallie.

Second spot that hour was Don Sheehan and Bill Hall with a 4.42 Smallie.

Hour 5 was won by Doug Catton and Travis Surrette with a 4.30 Smallie.

Second spot went to Dave Steen and Dave Morin with a 4.24 Smallie.

Hour 6 was won by Father/Son team of Chuck and Patrick Dobson with a 3.96 Largie.

Second spot went to Tony deBoer and Scott Acheson with a 3.24 Largie.

Hour 7 went to Don Jones and Bruce Fitzsimmons with a 4.18 Smallie.

Second spot went to Ed Puddephatt and Lee Branscombe with a 4.12 Smallie.

Final hour of the day went to Doug Allen and Al Deszcz with a 4.04 Smallie.

Second spot went to John Ebbers and Skip Lafreniere with a 4.02 Smallie.

We pulled all the boats and gathered round Mossy’s Smoke Shops setup to grab a bite to eat.  Mossy’s food never disappoints.

Everyone assembled to see the CASH be handed out.  On a day that is filled with so many highs we had a special one left. We had sold fundraising raffle tickets in the morning for a shot at a Shimano Zodias rod and Shimano Stradic CI4 reel.  In the end, the response to the raffle was so overwhelming that we decided to keep all the prizes to be raffled off to reward the anglers.

Through the generosity of the anglers $1250 was raised.

The raffle tickets proceeds were to be split 50/50.  Local tournament angler Mark Robinson had a health scare this year but is recovering.  This donation on behalf of the anglers will aid in helping out his family in this time of need.  The second recipient is Charles Sim.  Charles has qualified as the Ontario angler to represent us at the B.A.S.S. National Championship.  Charles has a 1 in 9 shot at going to the Bassmaster Classic.  These funds will be a small portion of what his costs will be to try to make this happen.

Special thanks from Birdee and I to Shimano Canada, Pirate Cove Marina, Pro Oil Change in Brockville and Bennetts BaitnTackle for their contributions!

To the anglers, like I said after the day.  You make it easy.  Your enthusiasm for this event is unmatched.  Thank you.

See you all again in the Fall of 2016, maybe sooner…;)