Upper Bay Tournament Results

The highest tides in something like 200 years, and a nearly neap tide on top of
that really added to the challenge of the fresh and dirty water influx from the
rivers. Many teams had made plans all week to work the upper bay system
only to be second guessing those decisions the day before, and even the
morning of the event. But those teams that did stay up in the bays found a few
fish. Most of the fish that were found in the dirty water were scattered with
patterns hard to decipher. Fish were found in shallow grass, docks and
deeper water draws. Most teams were throwing the old stand-bys, Gulp!,
spoons and a few plugs. There were a few spinnerbaits in use as well. A
pretty good choice, considering the additional sound factor in the stained
water.

The majority of 14 teams who weighed fish didn't make long runs, with the
exception of the winning team of Phillips/McLeod who found their winning fish
in Mobile on crank baits, following reliable patterns they have developed over
the years. Their weight of 12.51 pounds was reduced by a penalty for a
deceased fish, but their weight was still just enough to edge out second place
team Bennett/Comer. Bennett/Comer saw a win in the May, and with this finish
have established themselves as a team to keep an eye on.

Third place team Pattison/Cube take away enough points to retain their position
at the top of the 2009 points race. Pattison/Cube stood by tried and true
patterns on gold spoons to find their fish in stained, but fishable water over
grass.

Rounding out the top 5 were Nelson/Nelson and Madison/Phillips.

Calcuttas paid out nearly $1000 with Phillips/McLeod taking cash for both top
aggregate weight and second place big fish. Jimmenez/Turner turned in the
largest fish overall at 6.23 pounds. Chase/Thompson were not able to find the
redfish they needed, but the 21 7/8" trout was plenty for first place monies
with Pattison/Cube taking gas money for their second place trout.

The whole event had a feel of a family reunion or small festival, with teams
sharing techniques and stories from the day's events on into the afternoon. I
think that all of us in the ECRC are quite proud of where the club has come this
year, and look forward to our last regular season event and the championship
in November as much as the upcoming 2010 season.

Special thanks to Hot Spots bait and tackle for their sponsorship of this event
and the prizes they donated for the winners. Thanks to our regular sponsors
Ships Chandler Marina Complex, No Doubt fish rule, Stick-it anchor pins,
Gatorback Spoons, Conner's Jigs and Guideline fishing glasses.

The next event is Niceville on October 24. For details see theredfishclub.com