Day 1 - Lake Cohoon

This was the Boot’Legg Trails second "Spring Challenge" event and first 2-Day event for the 2008 Season with a shockingly low turnout of only 14 teams (26 anglers).  The weather conditions on this day was overcast, with some sunny periods and a slight breeze, but not enough to be a burden and much better than the other tournaments thus far.  Previous Boot'Legg winners, Parish Malone & Tony Thompson, drew the lake for the Day 1 event – Lake Cohoon. 

Patterns – Bed Fishing / Techniques – Tubes & Jigs.  It's pretty obvious, that during this time of year, if you are not sight fishing for bedding fish, you are pretty much struggling.  That wasn't the case in this event, the entire field was sight fishing for bedding bass, with most having luck on their side; nearly the entire field had limits while 3 bags went over 20lbs.  Day 1 saw a total of 62 fish brought to the scales, for a Day 1 Total Weight of 205.54lbs of fish.

Leading the first day was Sam North & Russ Hall, who had a nice 22.82lbs to their load.  Shadowing them were (Sam North's protégé) Carlton "Moose" Wells & Tom Lang, who were right on their heels with 22.48lbs.  Right behind them was Drew Brown & Wayne Garrett, of which they managed to take Big Fish for Day 1, with a Boot'Legg Record Big Fish going 9.18lbs.  This will leave for an interesting upcoming Day 2.  Tournament Director Lenny Shane decided to pull the lake for Day 2 after the event, so that anglers can meet down at the lake that morning, versus the Truck Stop – Lake Prince.

Day 2 - Lake Prince

Day 2 of the Boot’Legg Trails "Spring Challenge" had better weather conditions, mostly sunny with very few clouds; however it was much windier than the previous day.   

Patterns – Bed Fishing / Techniques – Tubes & Jigs.  Patterns today were no different than yesterday's event, but if you think that Day 1 was impressive, Day 2 was much better and turned around some of the anglers previous days shortfalls.  This time, the entire field limited out; except for one team, only because they did not return for Day 2.  With that, the field had a total of 65 fish on the day, pushing the tournament total weight at 238.82lbs.  Of that, 5 teams had better than 20lbs.

And the results are in...Carlton "Moose" Wells & Tom Lang were able to bring in another 20lbs of fish, taking 1st Place and breaking a 2-Day Boot'Legg Total Weight Record at 42.33lbs.  The Day 1 leaders Sam North & Russ Hall, were unable to maintain their lead, but managed an impressive 2nd Place finish.  Sam & Russ both have fished with the Boot'Legg Trail from the beginning and have yet to put up their first win; this weekend was thought to be the time...ugh...just short.  About 5 ounces away from 2nd Place were Drew Brown & Wayne Garrett, who managed a 3rd Place finish.  Bobby Kinsey & Randy Broughman took 4th Place, while Kevin Mills & Mike Crescini took 5th Place.

Thanks:

Although Sam & Russ came up short from winning the entire event, they did manage to take home an additional $100, for having the Tournaments Heaviest bag of the two days.  Lenny Shane also managed to cash in on a $35 Bass Pro Shops gift card.
 

Additional thanks to all those who participated and helped out during this event.  Lenny cannot thank you guys enough for all you guys have done to continue this effort. 

Tournament Results are below…