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Nitro Boats xlxMercury Marine xlxTracker Boats xlx Bass Pro Shops xlx MotorGuide xlx Chompers • Marine Technologies
Denali Rods xlx Truman Fiberglass xlxSolar Bat Sunglasses xlx CarStar xlx Aurora Canvas xlx U.S. Reel
Heartland Trails was at Lake of the Ozarks for the third stop of the 2011 season. The fish were really biting and some of the best anglers in the Midwest showed that this lake is at its prime. Take off saw temperatures in the upper 50’s and highs reached the low 70’s. The wind blew at a good clip out of the southwest most of the day.
With Heartland Trails new format for 2011 this tournament brought an end to the first season of 2011 which meant the highest place finisher who had entered the previous two tournaments would be taking home a new Nitro Z-7 with a 150 Mercury Optimax!
Wes Endicott and Greg Wood are veteran anglers who can be counted on to contend at every tournament and this day was no exception. Wes and Greg found a good spinnerbait bite early and had it dialed in by 9:30-10:00. They focused on main lake and secondary points between the toll bridge and Buck Creek and found their fish suspended between 5-8 feet of water. Wes said that having deep water close was a key. Both were throwing a Chompers Jerry McCutchen white and chartreuse ½ ounce spinnerbaits.
Wes had looked for spawning fish on Friday during his pre-fishing but did not find the quality he was looking for. They made the switch and found a quality pre-spawn bite that allowed them to bring 20.91 pounds to the scales. Wes and Greg took home a new Nitro Z-7 with a 150 Mercury Optimax motor valued at $23,000.00 for their efforts! Sponsors include Bass Pro Shop’s, Mercury Marine, Motor Guide, Nitro Boats, Pro Guide Batteries, Kistler Custom Rods, and Lew’s Reels, Hughes Custom Baits and Phoenix Boats.
Second place went to local anglers David Ryan and Robb Barker. David and Robb found and excellent all day bite in the mid river section of the lake flipping Daves Custom Baits ½ ounce black and blue jigs to shallow wood cover. David reported finding fish in all three phases of the spawn.
They focused on spawning banks in major creeks. They culled through 15-20 keepers on the day to bring 20.27 pounds to the scales. David and Robb took home $3,100.00 for their finish! Sponsors include Daves Custom Baits.
Third place went to another local team of Mike “Cowboy” Foree and Lon McKinney. Cowboy and Lon reported catching 25 keepers on carolina rigs and Bulls Eye jigs. They caught an early limit with the jig and culled all those fish out later in the day with the rig.
They focused on transition areas and covered a lot of water. They caught to fish over 4 pounds in the last hour. Cowboy and Lon took home $2,000.00 for their efforts! Sponsors include Nameoki Marine, Ranger Boats, Bull's Eye Bait & Tackle, Bad Boy Mowers.
