Monthly Tournament Newsletter - Clearwater Bass Club

Dear Anglers and Co-Anglers,

I want to begin by complimenting Dick Fletcher about his concern for the club by considering the cancellation of this tournament due to high winds and dangerous conditions that could have developed.

He met with us and we all gave our input as to how bad it was going to be on the lake. I’m just glad we weren’t fishing on a bowl somewhere that we couldn’t get out of the wind. I think the decision to fish was a prudent one this time, but the future could hold a different outcome as to what happened on Tarpon this day !

Several of us met for breakfast at the usual Denney’s and we swapped lies and discussed the weather we were going to fish in. Jim Sellers wanted to surprise the AOY with a banner placing him at the head of the table for breakfast, but I think that means buying food for all. How’s that sound, Chuck ?

John Fugate and his dad arrived bright and early with the Triton that John had just purchased. They were both proud of that boat, and they looked good in it.

They had a bit of a problem in the afternoon and for some reason John Jr. decided to take a swim. What was that all about, John ? I thought the water was a bit cold to go for a swim, but who knows.

I knew this was going to be a tough outing because of the front that was whistling through as we took to the lake. I was able to go unimpeded to the canals of my choice. I had invited everyone to join me as the weather was more conducive to fishing in calm waters, but all of you respected the waters I usually fish, and I thank you all for that. Unfortunately the fish were elsewhere.

I did manage to catch a keeper at about 7:30 AM. I used to think that was the kiss of death, to catch one early, but lately I been inclined to believe that a keeper anytime is a very comforting thing and I will always be happy to catch one anytime.

I did see a couple of alligators in the canals that will be removed at some time in the future because I believe they are being fed by locals and show no fear of boats or people. The two I mentioned swam right up to the boat and acted like I should provide them some food. I did not do so, and they finally just hung around until I left. I just pray they won’t get someone’s child or pet before they are taken away. These are wild animals and should not be fed by anyone in the wild.

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Chuck Bearce said, ''Ah, that 'blind rodent' theory continues !!!''

Let us give out praise where praise is due on this tough, tough day on Lake Tarpon. Big Fish came from our Fourth Place finisher who had a three pound even fish for the big one and a total of two fish totaling four pounds and four ounces. Good job, Chuck !

Well Done, Fletch. Sorry 'bout the ''1 oz.'' !!!

Way to boat 1 more than your ''Bud,'' Scotty !!!

Congrats Steve. Well done on a tough day !!!

Third Place was garnered by Dick Fletcher who had two fish weighing four pounds and nine ounces. I did see him stick his tongue out at Chuck who beat Dick out of the big fish pot by a total of one ounce ! Very tasteful, Dick ! Congratulations on your finish.

Second Place was taken by Scott Ellis who also had four pounds and nine ounces (same as Dick had), but he had three fish, which is the first tiebreaker when two people have the same weight. I think Dick stuck his tongue out at Scott too, but I’m not sure about that scenario. Good day out there, Scott !

First Place was awarded to Steve Crosby on the merits of his four fish that weighed six pounds and seven ounces. That was a hard fought day to get four in the livewell on such a blustery day. You be the man, Mr. Steve ! Congratulations !

One more note about the fish we caught. I thought I was going to have the smallest keeper with my one pound seven ounce lunker, but Norm Whitten got that honor by two fewer ounces. Thanks, Norm !

Well, we are three quarters of the way through our year and the Top-Ten “Classic” qualifiers are etched in "Jell-O" ! The top seven are in very good shape at this juncture, but eight through 20 still have a chance to get in those coveted ten slots. Three months left ! Let the catching begin !

It is Christmas time at the Poirier household, and Phyllis and I want to wish each and every one of you and your families a very happy and prosperous holiday season. We pray for all of you every night and hope that our stricken comrades and their families get better with each passing day. We care about all of you that way and hope the Good Lord will hear our prayers and heal your “owies” and make your life fulfilled in His name.

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It is time to put this letter to bed and look forward to the Yuletide Season. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year ! May next year be the best that it can be for all of you.


Third Place was garnered by Dick Fletcher who had two fish weighing four pounds and nine ounces. I did see him stick his tongue out at Chuck who beat Dick out of the big fish pot by a total of one ounce ! Very tasteful, Dick ! Congratulations on your finish.	Second Place was taken by Scott Ellis who also had four pounds and nine ounces (same as Dick had), but he had three fish, which is the first tiebreaker when two people have the same weight. I think Dick stuck his tongue out at Scott too, but I’m not sure about that scenario. Good day out there, Scott !	First Place was awarded to Steve Crosby on the merits of his four fish that weighed six pounds and seven ounces. That was a hard fought day to get four in the livewell on such a blustery day. You be the man, Mr. Steve ! Congratulations !