Posted by Edward D. Bohn from 64.12.102.158 on April 29, 2001 at 23:02:50:
April 29, 2001
Burnham, IL
The Angling Team of Dave Matual and Carlos Ferrer, both Chicago police officers held off a field of 26 other teams to capture their first Calumet River Bass Tournament (CRBT) title with three smallmouth bass weighing 8.79 lbs. Included in the weight was the big bass of the tournament at 4.01 lbs, which claimed them an additional award, bringing their total payout for the tournament to close to $900.00.
“Last year was the first time we fished the CRBT tournaments and learned a lot about fishing in our own backyard. We didn’t have time to pre-fish for this at all so we figured we’d try a few different pre spawn patterns,” says Dave. “We found a few places where the alewives were schooled and being pushed into the rocks by the waves today. Using white tube baits we picked off the three and lost a couple others at the boat,” said Carlos. “Glad losing those fish didn’t cost us and it feels great to win our first CRBT.”
Jerry Robakowski, Woodridge and Sam Rosefski, Morris took the second place award with three smallmouth which weighed 8.42 lbs. Jerry told the crowd at the weigh-in that all their fish came on crank baits and that they too had lost fish before they could get a net on them. Just couldn’t get a good hook in them I guess? Third place honors went to Mark Jagiello, Oak Forest and Bob Hicks, Crestwood with 2 fish at 6.65 lbs. Rounding out the last two pay spots were the father son team of Francis Monnett Willowbrook, and his son Frank, Crest Hill. The two had three largemouth weighing 5.80 lbs. Howard Malinowski, Alsip and Bob Josephson, Burnham weighted 2 fish- 5.65 lbs.
Only 9 teams of the 27 were able to bring in at least one 14-inch fish to the weigh-in but most of the anglers told of losing fish or catching short fish. The weather conditions play a big part at this time of the year says tournament director Ed Bohn, but I bet in two weeks you’re going to see at least a half dozen 6 fish limits that could push 15 to 20 pounds. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and the winds will subside.
CRBT SPONSORS: Airmarine Chicago, Bedford Sales Morris, Berwyn Marine Center Berwyn, Chicagolandfishing.com Elgin, Comp-U- Grave Alsip, Crest Marine Crestwood, Henry’s Sport & Bait Chicago, Ranger Boats Inc. Flippin AR