The Texas B.A.S.S. Nation – Southeast Region held its second Region Qualifier of 2020 on February 15. The tournament was held on Lake Conroe out of Stow-Away Marina. Lower water levels and back-to-back cold fronts the week prior to the event made for a tough practice and tougher event.
As pre-tournament fishing reports were not favorable, it was evident the reports were true as 56% of the 104 angler field did not weigh in a keeper. However, we all know “someone always finds them” on tournament day. This statement rang true for Seven Coves Bass Club angler, Jason Gunter, as he found the only one of two 5-fish limits weighing in at 18.86 pounds, anchored with a 6.09 kicker.
Jason said he caught the first 2 keepers and a dozen short fish on weightless flukes targeting shallow buck bass cruisers in a 2-6 feet creek channel, then following the creek channel out towards the mouth of a cove. His limit was complete by 10:30 by deflecting a 6th Sense squarebill crankbait off isolated stumps in 4-6 ft. Gunter then went to deeper water for the “big bite”, but only managed 1 short fish in 3 hours. Gunter returned to the stumps in the afternoon and was able to catch 3 more in the last hour, culling 1 time for a pound upgrade with the squarebill. Gunter added, “The fish weren’t pushing up all over the lake, I only had 2 areas and honestly I was blessed in the fact that I caught my limit in one spot after my practice told me I was going to have to make a milk run. I give credit to the Lord as I made a last minute decision in the morning to start in my backup spot. I got one of those gut feelings as they called my boat number. It proved to be the right decision and I am truly blessed for a great bag under such tough conditions”.
What made Jason’s first Region win so special to him is his aluminum duck boat turned bass rig. “I bought a project boat 2 months ago and have spent over 200 hours trying to get it prepared for this very tourney. All the long nights and hard work I put into it to make it ready is what I’ll remember the most about my 1st win.” It just goes to show you how tournament angling it’s about the dedication and preparation, not the price tag of the boat rig and equipment.
The BASS Club angler Larry Green followed in 2nd place with 13.50, followed by TBC angler Matt Russell in 3rd place with 4 fish weighing 12.20 pounds.
The BASS Club angler Brian Jones weighed Big Bass for the tournament with a 7.93, followed by SCBC angler Ned Westmoreland with 7.08.
Thank you to the Seven Coves Bass Club and The BASS Club for assisting at this event, and to all the anglers! The amount of organization, patience, and preparation at launch was evident as it was one of the smoothest take-offs we have had.
Special thanks to sponsor partners Swagger Tungsten, Karnie’s Krawlers, Big Bite Baits, Jordan’s Marine, Angler’s Arsenal, as well as the gracious event host, Stow-Away Marina.
The next event will be held on Sam Rayburn out of Jackson Hill, March 21. See you at Big Sam!
-DT
