Crappie anglers from several states traveled to Cherokee County over the weekend to take part in a Crappie USA (CUSA) event on Weiss Lake.
That event presented Saturday (October 5th) by Bass Pro Shops Cabela’s – as both local and traveling anglers vied for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to compete at the 2019 Cabela’s USA Classic which will feature a guaranteed payout of $125,000 in cash and prizes.
The air temperature at Centre was in the mid-to-upper 90’s, with winds at 10 – 20 mph and gusting from several different directions. Rain and storms moved in around weigh-in time to challenge anglers even further. Water level at Weiss Lake was at winter pool.
Afterwards, WEIS Radio’s Jerry Baker spoke with Tournament Director Darrell Van Vactor. Who said, for a make-up event, he was very well pleased with the day:
Van Vactor added that a total of $6,325 was distributed to the winners.
The Mt Sterling Kentucky team of Kris Mann and Terry Mann claimed top honors of the day with a total weight of 7.45 pounds. The father/son team earned a check for $1,400 for first place and added the Ranger Cup Bonus of $500.
The runner-up position went to Tony Thomas from Section, Alabama and Jamie Heflin from Clanton, Alabama. They teamed up to bring 7.35 pounds to the scales earning a $600 check
Adam Mobbs and Carlton Teague, both of Gaylesville, claimed third place with 7.14 pounds – earning a check for $400.
Stanley Steed and Leonard Steed, both from Cave Spring, Georgia brought in 6.83 pounds to claim spot number four in the Pro Division; meanwhile Shawn Gore and Joey Peck, both out of Almo, Kentucky rounded out the top five.
Gore and Peck had a total bag of 5.23 pounds that included the 2nd Big Fish worth $180.00; Gore and Peck had a very good year in 2019 – going into Saturday’s competition tied in the points race with Team Mann but losing out in the end when Team Mann pulled out the win.
First place in the Amateur Division went to Avery Pruitt and Tim Pentecost, as the Leesburg team brought a total weight of 7.52 pounds to the scales. Their bag included Big Fish of the tournament at 1.92 pounds, earning them a first-place check for $900 and Big Fish check of $420. They added the Jenko Bonus of $100, and the Driftmaster Rod Holders Bonus of $125
Another local team claimed the second spot. As Jason Lawless and Jeff Baker, both of Centre weighed 7.27 pounds to earn the runner-up position and a check for $500.
Phillip Sinyard of Douglasville Georgia and Randy Jenkins from Cartersville Georgia teamed up to weigh 7.22 pounds and earn the third-place check of $400.
The fourth spot at Weiss went to James Causey from Pell City, Alabama, and Tom Gant from Riverside Alabama. They teamed up to bring 7.12 pounds to the scales, which earned them a check for $300
Van Vactor sent a special thanks to Teresa Hulgan for all her help and for hosting the event through the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. He says he really looking forward to being back on Weiss Lake next spring:
He also complimented the angler’s that took part in Saturday’s tournament on Weiss Lake:
The Cabela’s USA Classic Championship will be held this October 23rd – 26th (2019) on Old Hickory Lake, Gallatin, Tennessee and will feature a guaranteed payout of $125,000 in cash and prizes.
For additional information on the Classic and many other CUSA events visit their website at www.crappieusa.com and Crappie USA Tournament Trail Facebook Page.
The CUSA office is available by phone at (502) 384-5924.
FOR COMPLETE WEIGH-IN RESULTS, CLICK HERE