The 2024 Southeast Region Individual Trail kicked off Saturday January 27, 2024, out of Cassels Boykin Park with 75 anglers competing. Due to the low water levels and projected high winds throughout the day, this was designated a trailering tournament.
Rain throughout the week had led to dirtier water and a slight rise in the lake level.
At the conclusion of the weigh-in Vidor Bass Anglers Association member Justin Royal had topped the field with five bass weighing in at 19.03, Justin’s winning weight was anchored by a 5.19 lb. Rayburn sow. Justin reported that he had his winning weight by 7:30 AM that morning, while he caught several more keepers throughout the day, he was not able to improve on his original 5 fish weight. Justin stated that he targeted grass with a 6th Sense Swank 77X in the Gold Reactor color paired with a Reneau Tackle “The One” 02 7’6” rod. Justin would like to thank the following sponsors Reneau Tackle, 6th Sense Fishing, Waterland Glasses, Jordan’s Marne & Pro Fuel, Hayabusa USA, Power Pole Total Boat Control, Yamaha Outboards and Sam Rayburn Performance Rigging.
Chris Glass with The Bass Club finished second with a five bass limit that weighed 16.25 pounds anchored by the second largest bass of the tournament weighing in at 5.89 lbs. Chris said that he found some fish Friday that were up shallow, both North, and South of the 147 bridge. He waivered on which spot to start on first Saturday morning but felt fairly confident about both areas and the quality of fish that were there. He made a last-minute decision to start North Saturday morning and then he headed South of the 147 bridge to finish out the day. He focused on areas that were 4.5 foot deep and shallower with grass using his Hummingbird Mega 360 mounted on Precision Sonar Mount. He utilized Pride Rods Chitter Chatter II and a Mag Rocket working a chatter bait and a light Carolina rig with a 3/16oz Titan Tungsten weight through the grass to catch his five fish. Chris would like to thank the following sponsors PRIDE Rods, Daiwa Reels, Titan Tungsten Weights, Sunline fluorocarbon, Hummingbird, Precision Sonar Mounts, Lowrance and Hummingbird mapping.
Seven Coves Bass Club member Robert Thierry finished third overall with a five bass limit tipping the scales at 15.71 pounds. Robert stated that he targeted a grass ride in 3 to 8 feet of water with soft plastics, said he caught at least two limits throughout the day and lost a few.
A special thank you goes out to the regional clubs that provided members to serve as tournament volunteers, as well as the Southeast Region Directors for their assistance in conducting a smooth tournament.
The next Southeast Region individual event is on February 24, 2024, on the Sabine River out of the City of Orange Ramp.
Written by: Robert Royal Southeast Region Secretary
Justin Royal with 3 of the 5 that anchored his 19.03 pound limit.
SE Region Director Matt Russell and Justin Royal with the 1st Place Plaque.
hris Glass shows off 2 of his 5 that anchored his second-place stringer of 16.25 pounds.