By Staff
BEAR CREEK – Joey and James Wimberly kicked off their first annual Keagan Rose Open Bass Tournament on Saturday, September 8 at Upper Bear Lake's Twin Forks Ramp at 6:30 a.m.
All monies raised will go to benefit Keagan Rose Wimberley for her upcoming leg and hand surgeries she will have to have. All went safe and smooth in getting the boast off on a timely manner., and 79 boats participated in the event.
Joey Wimberley was well pleased with the outcome, saying, and we hadhoped for "at least 60 boats," so seventy-nine was a blessing.
Taking first place in the event was Billy and Ben Pickle. Their efforts yielded them 11 pounds, 2 ounces and a $1500 dollar check. Second place went to J.C. Holder and Billy Tidwell, who brought in 11 pounds,1 ounce and pickedup a check for $1,000.
Third place went to Doug and Randy Smith who picked up $700 for their efforts. Also, Gary Don Fleming and Casey Blanton finished fourth and received $300.
Big fish prize of $700 went to second-place finishersHolder and Tidwell. Matt Riddle from Performance Plus Marina was on hand to present a check for $200 to Steve Lindsey and Gerald Olive for being the top finisher in a Skeeter boat.
Over 40 other prizes were given away as well, ranging in value from $15 to $100 dollars in value.
"Everyone who participated seemed to enjoy themselves very much and all seemed to have had a good time," James Wimberley said. "We were especially grateful for all those who sponsored us from the local area."
Corporate sponsors included Buffalo Rock, Dupont Auto Color, Triton Boats, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Eagle Claw, Truturn Hooks, and Rat &Trap Bait Company.
"The community really came through for us," Joey Wimberley added. "It's nice to see many people who care. The individuals who donated were several, and we thank them as well."
The Wimberleys plan to make this an annual event, so boaters mark your calendars for Sept. 6, 2008. James Wimberley plans to have even more corporate participation next year, and his goal is to make this the biggest single fishing event for this area every year.