April 26, 2008

While Travis again relied on his sight fishing pattern he weighed another fourteen pound sack to easily outdistance himself from the rest of the field for a three day total of 45 pounds 9 ounces.

Lake Wylie, Charlotte N.C. Although his attempt was valiant Terry Mcwilliams could only watch as Brian Travis of Concord N.C a local favorite lead wire to wire to win the TBF Championship. McWilliams started the day 10 pounds back but again could only manage just five of the Lake Wylie keepers weighing 9 pounds 2 ounces giving him a three day total of 30 pounds and 1 ounce moving him up one spot in the final standings to finish fifth.

Finishes fifth overall in bid for TBF Championship

The one positive for McWilliams is that he qualified for the BFL All-American May 29 - 31  2008 on Lake Hamiliton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. One of the most prestigous all expenses paid tournaments for weekend anglers. McWilliams again could qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup by winning this event. Calvin Davidson was the last Hoosier angler to participate in this event. Calvin competed when the All American was held on the Ohio River in 2007 finishing fourth overall.

" I could not figure out the big bite" McWilliams said, I could catch five really quick but they were just fourteen inch bass. Terry pretty much called it after his practice period on Wylie. ( He had spent five days there previous to the official off limits period ) Saying that it would take fourteen to fifteen pounds per day to win this deal.  I could pull up to a bank and throw a twitch bait to bedded bass and get them agitated then slip them the "Stupid Tube" he said.  The official practice day turned out to be no help at all. We had clouds, rain and wind so you could not see the beds or what was in them"  What I wanted to do was put the trolling motor on high and run down the bank looking for beds during the tournament but then I would have abandoned my co-anglers. So, I stuck with fishing points early and then moving up to the beds later in the day. A pattern that proved to be a top five pattern.

The TBF Championship was McWilliams fourth time he has qualified to fish in the national spotlight. Including the 2007 Bassmasters Classic. "This was an awesome experience. The TBF and National Guard folks were fantastic".  I can't wait for the All American. McWilliams said. I have less than thirty days to prepare for it. Terry will once again give us a daily report from Lake Hamilton. I want to thank all of my sponsors, The TBF members here in Indiana for their support. Especially the Indiana Bass Federation, Terry said. Without their support and dedication this wouldn't have happened.

The 2008 BFL All - American will begin May 29th - 31st. on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs Arkansas. With daily take off to begin at 7am. Weigh-in is scheduled for 4pm daily at the Hot Springs Convention Center. For more information on attending this event. Visit www.flwoutdoors.com. We would like to thank Terry for his daily updates. Participating in an event on this level is very time demanding but Terry was able to find time for Bassindy.com in his daily schedule and we look forward to reporting on his progress at the All-American.