National Bass Circuit "Pro Series" Championship
November 10,11,12, 2006
Lake Norman, NC
2006 NBC "Pro Series" Champions
Andy Montgomery / Louie Hull
The 2006 National Bass Circuit "Pro Series" Championship is in the books after three tough days of fishing on beautiful Lake Norman. Hosted by the Lake Norman CVB, this tournament combines some of the best anglers in the country to compete for a purse of over $55,000.00 with $25,000.00 going to the champions.
Day 1 saw cool temperatures but they quickly rose to record high's for this time of the year in the low 80's. Only 8 teams of the 98 competing brought in double digit weights with Tracy McCready of Concord, NC and Steve Dyer of Mt. Pleasant, NC taking the early lead. Their five fish limit weighed in at 12.27 lbs. with the top 20 separated by just a little over 3lbs.
In second on Day 1 were Scott Sellers and Randy Childress of Anderson, SC with 12.13 lbs.and in third were Donald and Kevin Stanley from Newton, NC with 12.04 lbs.
Big fish on day 1 went to Rick Reid of Granite Falls, NC and Dale Bentley of Hickory, NC with a 3.82 lb. bass good for a $275.00 bonus. They wound up fourth for the day.
Day 2 started as Day 1 with the exception of some added wind which made conditions rough later in the day. The boat of Rick Reid and Dale Bentley all but lost their motor coming back in fact, all that was holding it own was the steering cables. They were able to get a ride back in at the last minute to salvage their day and make the cut to the Top 20%.
Scott Sellers and Randy Childress from Anderson, SC grabbed the top spot after Day 2 with a 12.09 lbs limit for a 2-Day total of 24.22 lbs. They also had big fish on Day 2 with a 3.81 lb. bass for an additional $275.00.
In second were after Day 2 were Donald and Kevin Stanley with a total of 23.24 lbs. and in third were Jerry Goble of Sherrills Ford, NC and Jim Witherspoon of Claremont, NC with 22.13 lbs.
The top 20 teams (20%) advanced to the championship round on Sunday which began with cold temperatures and high winds of around 20-25 mph. The anglers were due in at Blythe Landing at 3:00pm and then would caravan over to Kenton Place in Cornelius, NC for our first ever remote weigh-in.
Starting with 20th place after Day 2 the boats rolled up to the stage and the anglers either took a turn in the hot seats or returned to their vehicle to make room for the next team.
When it was all said and done, Andy Montgomery from Grover, NC and Louie Hull from Casar, NC were the champions after bringing in the heaviest limit of the tournament at 15.21 lbs. for a three-day total of 37.03 lbs. They took home $25,200.00 that included big fish for Day 3 at 3.96 lbs.and (2) custom cranking rods from Skeet's Custom Rods. As to no ones surprise they used a jig to catch their fish. Andy and Louie are two of the best jig fisherman in the country and this proves it.
In second were Scott Sellers and Randy Childress with a 3-Day total of 36.24 lbs. good for $7,000.00, gift cards from Skeet's Custom Rods and paid entries into one division for the 2007 season. A total prize worth $8,380.
Taking third were Donald and Kevin Stanley with a total of 33.49 lbs. for the 3 days. They took home $3,000.00, gift cards from Skeet's Custom Rods and paid entries into one division for the 2007 season for a total prize worth $4,330.00.
Fourth went to Jeff and Carroll Queen of Catawba, NC with a 3-day total of 33.03 lbs. which was good for $2,500.00 and paid entries into one division for 2007 a combined value of $3,780.00
Rounding out the top five were Scott Hamrick of Denver, NC and Roger Hoover of Mooresville, NC with a total of 31.71 lbs. good for $1,500.00 and paid entries into one division for 2007 a total combined value of $2,780.00.
Our staff and volunteers did a great job this and we couldn't of done it without any of them, Jeff Turner, Sherry Turner, Bethany Turner, Jo Ellen Atwell, Michael and Jane Norwood, Anthony Williams, Mark Steele and Rachel we appreciate your hard work. Dale Meder thanks for bailing us out at the last minute again!
We would like to take this time to thank all the great sponsors that helped make this event a huge success. The Lake Norman CVB with Julie O' Shea (Sports Marketing Manager) and Sally Ashworth (Executive Director) heading up the effort there. The Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation (Stephanie Frisbee, Jennifer and entire staff) were a tremendous help in this deal as well as the NC Wildlife (Heather). The Charlotte / Mecklenburg Police, Huntersville Police and the fire department were on hand and were appreciated as well. Thank you all!
Also to the Havana Dance / Social Club and the Galway Hooker Irish Pub for their support. Also a big, big thank you to Foothills Marine and Palmetto Boat Center for their tremendous support. They are responsible for the meal on Thursday evening for all anglers and guest. Thank you Matt and Marty for your support.
Also thanks to Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Motor Corp. for your support and we look forward the next several years and beyond.
Of course our long running team consisting of Lucky Craft, Carolina Lunker Sauce, Anglerschannel.com, Skeet's Custom Rods, Blue Marble Performance Oil, Hot Shot Lures, Pro's Soft Bait Glue, Rejuvenade, Capital City / Lake Murray Country, Wilkesboro Tourism Development Authority, Woods & Waters Magazine, Allison Construction, ,Custom Lures Unlimited and Snyder Packaging.
Click on results for a complete rundown and additional photos.
