By; Frank Evans, Senior Writer, Fishers Of Men

(April 3, 2008 Burnside, KY) … The Fishers of Men’s National Tournament Trail kicked off its 9th annual National Championship on April 3rd with 136 teams from 55 Divisions in 5 Regions, all determined to make the top-27 cut after Friday’s weighin and earn a share of the $89,500 payout that includes a $35,000, 2008 Triton TR-200/200hp Mercury combo. An additional $27,400 in Triton Gold Bonus money is also available to Gold members (contingent upon meeting all requirements of the program).

270 anglers blasted off at 7:25 am from the Burnside State Park ramp on world-famous and beautiful Lake Cumberland located near Burnside, Kentucky. With the water about 35 feet below summer pool and a surface temperature near 54 degrees, the cloudy skies gave way to rain, which lasted most all day, consisting of periods of steady drizzle to outright torrential downpours, along with wind.

As temperatures slowly rose throughout the day (despite the rain) into the mid 60’s, many anglers were successful in finding all 3 species of bass that lurk in the depths of this phenomenal fishery. With 80 five-fish limits and 260 fish, weighing 544.26 lbs, only 39 out of the 136 teams failed to connect.

Most anglers were reluctant to discuss any specific tactics used to catch the largemouths, spots, and (over 18”) smallmouths. The Minnesota West couple, Brian and Mary Brown captured first place with 4 fish weighing 17.46lbs. Anchoring the second place spot with a limit crossing the scales at 16.89, were Tony Calis and Greg Sanders, fishing out of the Tennessee West division. Tony and Greg also won the 1st Big Fish award ($500.00) for a 7.52lbs largemouth. They did mention that they had a few locations that they continued to visit throughout the day.

Third place on Day-1 went to Kentucky South Central’s Jarred Hembree and Mike Devere with another 5 fish limit weighing in at 16.16. Following less than a half pound behind and currently in the forth slot, with 15.74lbs, are Texas Central’s, Dale Read and Paul Carman. The Louisiana South husband/wife team of Ray and Tammy Banker hold fifth place with four nice bass weighing 15.00lbs.

The 2nd Big Bass award ($250.00), weighing 6.73lbs, along with the 6th place spot went to Cecil Cole and Dan Mundy for 3 bass going 14.58lbs. The partners qualified out of the Michigan East division.

The Wednesday night pre-tournament meeting was held at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY. Nearly 300 attendees enjoyed a good Home-style meal of baked chicken with all the trimmings. Afterwards we received a welcome from Mayor Chuck Fourman and Burnside Tourism Board Director, Dona Howard. Competitors and family members were then treated to the exceptional music and ministry of “World Champion” Guitar and Banjo picker, Randy Lucas, accompanied by Andrew Crawford and Dave Holder. At the close of the delightful music and message, several individuals responded with life-changing decisions.

We want to express our deepest thanks to Mayor Chuck Fourman, the City of Burnside Tourism Board, Director Dona Howard, Judy Hatterman, Patty Guinn, Scott Roaden, and Monica Fourman. Also, Pro Bass Shop on Hwy.90, Caterers: the Smith Family, everyone who shuttled our anglers back and forth at Burnside State Park and anyone who I may have missed. All of you are making this one of our most memorable tournaments.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the fine companies that make Fishers of Men possible: Triton Boats, Mercury, Shakespeare, All Star Graphite Rods, Plueger, XTools, Strike King Lure Co., SOSPENDERS, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Marshall’s Marine Lake City SC, Solar Bat, Spike-It Bait Co, Keelshield, HOOAH Energy Bars, MotorGuide, Lowrance, All-Terrain Tackle, Stanley Jigs, Dual Pro Charger, Spot Remover by Buckeye Lures, Kistler Custom Fishing Rods, Deka Marine Master Batteries, Jacobs Glass, Poor Boy's Baits Lurecraft, T&H Marine, Rejuvenate, and Keep Alive Oxygen Infusor.

Day 2 Results

Day 3 Results