Opening Event Heats Up At “The Rock”!!!

Posted by on March 9, 2016

Reported By: Alex Garoutte, Kickapoo High School Angler

TABLE ROCK LAKE-As the sun began to rise, 70 boats converged at the opening of the Solo Pro Tournament Series on Table Rock Lake out of Schooner Creek. The day was a perfect one to say the least with the high in the 70’s, the sun out, and little wind at the beginning of the take off.

Jason Newberry took first place at this opening tournament with a five fish limit weighing in at 20.48 lbs. When asked how it went Jason said that he had a solid bite throughout the day. In fact by nine o’clock in the morning Jason stated he had a solid 18 lbs in the boat. The rest of the day was spent securing his position fishing the areas between Baxter and Campbell Point culling fish as he went. Jason focused on transition points of chunk rock to pea gravel and throwing a Wiggle Wart and a Jerk Bait. On occasion he would throw the A-rig, but the majority of his big fish were caught on a natural colored crawdad Wiggle Wart and a natural shad color Jerk Bait.

Skip Surbaugh took second place with a five fish limit weighing in at 19.12 lbs. Surbaugh caught all his fish in the James River Arm, at depths of one to five feet. While practicing earlier in the week he found the pattern of fishing in the backs of pockets. Surbaugh only fished with one rod on his deck strung with an E-factor double willowleaf spinnerbait. Skip fished what he was comfortable and confident with all day.

Brian Thompson took third place with a five fish limit weighing in at 17.47 lbs. Thompson spent his day fishing mid lake to the dam. When asked about water clarity, he found the fishing more difficult in the clearer water. He fished in ten to thirty feet, depending on two bank types, pea gravel or chunk rock. When asked what his secret was, he stated, “the Graduate School A-rig” which he manufactures for The Outdoor Xperienced.

Congratulations to the top three anglers and all who participated in this opening event for the Solo Pro Tournament Series. Special thanks to Schooner Creek Resort, who provided guest accommodations and lodging for all the anglers.