2010 - Classic Tournament - 2011

LAKE JUNE-IN-WINTER

March 26 & 27, 2011

Fellow CBCers,

To say this “Classic” has competing themes of “Tradition” and “Lost” would be unfair were it not for the humor and memories attached to some of the traditions and “things” lost.

Whatever restaurant we choose, one look at this bunch waiting to be seated tends to have us located away from the “normal” folk !

This time was the exception in that we were seated amongst the regular folk who rolled their eyes at the silliness that occurs at the beginning of our Classic weekend. Yeah, enjoying the anticipation of another Classic Tournament tends to bring out the “inner child” – not much of a stretch with this bunch. No waitress is sparred as we took no prisoners on our way to capture the flag.

What happened next as we headed toward Sebring was not necessarily something that falls into “lost” column – let’s just say “different” than tradition. After breakfast, Bill Coker said he was tired of going only 40 MPH as we trekked east. Rather than argue the point, it was suggested that he lead and set whatever pace he felt good about. Anyone who has fished or rode with Bill knows he has only two speeds – full bore and dead stop.

Page 2

It wasn’t long before he was out of “CB” reach and sight ! Did this possibly lead to leaving the club in the care of one of own (Chuck Bearce) with a history of getting lost ? Since we enjoy blaming Bill for more than he does, it’s his fault (just kiddin,’ Bill) we continued east on 64 rather than the jog we normally make in Zolpho Springs to SR66.

After several miles on the “new” route the CB chatter asked how come we were going this way. In a quick exchange of looks between pilot and copilot (and the fact that turning this train around is always a fiasco), we continued on, breaking several “traditions” set in place over the years.

It was a personal loss that by missing the turn, the fond memory of Scott Ellis watering that tree in Zolpho (he could hold just so much coffee - I have pictures), a tradition that happened every year we came this way was lost.

A little history is in order – you may unaware but this is the first time Scott has missed a Classic since his first appearance back in ’95 (16 years of tradition) ! That tree was nailed on every trip this way. Why did Scott not make it this time ? Our Second Place “Top Ten” competitor had to work ! Coker said the tree was dead anyway – he should know as he went the right way, but traditions were lost.

Just kiddin’ man, thanks to you and our waitress for puttin’ up with us. The Scallops were fabulous !!!

With bellies full and stoked for our first assault on the lake, most crashed after the tradition of swappin’ lies only to wake to the thickest fog we’ve ever encountered. Our reject from the Lewis and Clark expedition of Friday missed the turn, leading several followers south on a portion of US27 we didn’t need to see. Just keepin’ the tradition alive.

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As with every Classic, there is the tradition of something happening at the ramp that gives us an opportunity to rag on the victim. This time it was Dick Fletcher’s turn in the barrel. Saturday morning at 0’ dark thirty Dick’s boat was so anxious to get goin’ that it left the trailer on its own and had to be retrieved by John Fugate. John was the right person to chase down a runaway ! I don’t know the count on how many times Fletch has launched that boat, but it was a good thing he wasn’t by himself or he would have lost that boat (at least until he swam for it) !

At the ramp, the group shot showed an unusual effect reminding one of a morning snow in winter. And speaking of winter, how did this lake get its name, you ask ? Well bunky, there was a guy named Dr. Melvil Dewey (the inventor of the Dewey-Decimal system). In 1927, he convinced Florida state legislature to change the name of this town from Lake Stearns to Lake Placid, after his northern summer resort. He built a sprawling lodge on Lake Childs and had the lake's name changed to Lake Placid to remind his friends of their northern homes. He then had the name of Lake Stearns changed to Lake-June-in-Winter, so that they might think of this as their winter home, reminiscent of their summer homes on Lake June in New York State.⁽¹⁾

Apparently, this guy Stearns hadn’t the juice necessary to hang on. He who has the most marbles, wins or “Winning” as Charlie Sheen says (a new tradition) ! So, that is NOT snow at June in Winter on this March morning, it is the light reflecting off the fog ! Kinda weird, huh ?

It took until at least 10:30am for the fog the retreat enough for some to get to their spots other than idle speed. Chuck Bearce made many circles in the middle of the lake until he figured out the compass part of the GPS at idle speed.

- Saturday -

I would be remiss if I did not mention that one of our competitors caught a quality fish that was overshadowed by Dick’s behemoth. Bob Gwinn drug a 5.96 to the scales that put a smile on his kisser ! Ask him what bait he’s usin’ !

The rest of us were left hoping that Sunday would help us regroup for an attack on the leaders. I think everyone enjoyed the lake in light of the fog, the skiers and the afternoon wind – two out of three always a tradition that I would like to lose.

Back at the ranch, we continued a tradition I hope doesn’t get lost – a cookout after a day on the lake. I think all agree that this is much better than getting cleaned up for restaurant duty. As always, Mrs. Bischoff continued a tradition that has been going on since hubby, Jerry has been in the club (20 years), with a tray of hors devours. Thanks my lady for all you do.

Malcolm brought Korean beef, marinated by his better half that some made a meal out of. Josh brought chicken kabobs and the rest brought various meats to go along with baked potatoes and salad. If anyone went away hungry, there is something wrong – like you lost your mind !

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During the cookout, Chuck Bearce lost his truck keys – I suspect there may have been some adult beverages involved but many others looked, including roomy, Bob Gwinn. Not the first time this has happened, plan “B” was in place and not until morning did said keys show up on the bed where they were thrown. I’m not sure what that says about the color of the keys or the bedspread, or the many “elder eyes” that searched that area, but I have to tell you that a lot of fun was had in the search. It doesn’t take much to entertain us.

Anyway, after consuming enough food to feed a third world village, rack time was in our future with some prayin’ for help, and the ones in front prayin’ to stay there.

Sunday morning cut us a break as there was little fog to keep us from gettin’ to our spots. As is tradition, we make Sunday the short day so we can get home at a reasonable hour. The pressure was on to boat as many as possible before the timekeeper beckoned.

- Sunday -

After the dust settled, the tale of the tape decided which of us the gods had smiled upon and those that may need the tithe more.

Josh Acree took the top spot with a 2-day total of 9 fish at 17.30 pounds and that 6.35 for a First Place check. Although it doesn’t pay, Josh has braggin’ rights to being Clearwater Bass Club’s 2011 Classic Champ. Well done, young man ! You fished hard and you deserve the honors.

Bob Gwinn finished the tournament with 7 fish weighing 16.53 pounds and that Saturday beauty at 5.96 pounds added up to a Second Place check. We may have to change your nickname to that secret bait, eh ! One more “dink” on Saturday would have changed things, huh Bob !!!

Dick Fletcher didn’t get the breaks needed to add to Saturday’s weight and finished in Third Place with 5 at 13.18 and Classic Big Fish honors with that 9.71. Way to go Dick !

The 2011 Classic totals showed 57 keepers coming out of Lake June in Winter tippin’ the scales at 91.87 pounds with 4 limits and several very nice fish. A decent effort from our little band of warriors.

For the rest of us, my hope is that you enjoyed the traditions of the past and will quite complainin’ ‘bout those damn lost fish. I am…

Traditionally Lost,

P.S. Club thanks to John Fugate for bringin' the grill and to "Pop" Acree for helpin' with the weighin !

⁽¹⁾ Source: www.stateparks.com

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