May 16, 2004 Lake Anna, VA
Lake Anna Finds Familiar Faces in Familiar Places

1st Place	2nd Place
Big Bass	Deka Winners
Results

Beautiful Lake Anna, located in central Virginia has been the location of the first qualifying tournament for the U.S. Angler's Choice DelMarVa Division the past few years. These events were usually held in late March or early April. With the usual unpredictable East Coast weather, the overall tournament catch has been on the downfall recently. In order to see more limits and bigger fish out of Lake Anna, this 2004 tournament was scheduled much later than normal.

Although added to the schedule in August of last year, one could hardly predict that the past harsh winter would bypass spring altogether and move right into mid-summer-like heat. That was the scenario, however as most of the 48 teams entered in this event arrived to 75-80 degree water temperatures and found the largemouth bass that inhabit this lake finicky at best. Anglers reported catching (few) bass in various stages of pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn. Teams hoping to land that big female from under one of the many boat docks on the lake were just straining water. Other teams cranked steep shorelines in an attempt to fool a bass or 2 that might still be looking to bed down. Several teams were still banking on the ol' reliable Carolina-rigged lizard on the deep points in an attempt to catch a lazy post spawn bass.
One positive factor in favor of the fishermen was Lake Anna's "saving grace"…the over/under slot limit. Bass could be weighed in that measured LESS THAN 12" or OVER 15". This gives each team the opportunity to try for a quick little guy to establish points, then set out to upgrade. On this day, however even the small bass were reluctant to bite. Many teams reported their initial strategy was to catch a few "unders" by skipping trick worms under docks offering shade from the sun. Problem was, it rained for 3-4 hours during the day. Savvy anglers who can change their game plan in a heartbeat and acclimate to the conditions they are dealt will ultimately come out on top, and that is what happened during this tournament.

An hour before the 3:00PM weigh-in, the skies cleared and once again the temperature rose to just under 90 degrees. Also clear was the fact that this would be an "interesting" weigh-in. With precious points on the line, though there was no shame in bringing in just one small bass. As the weigh-in progressed, larger fish began visiting the Equalizer scale, often accompanied by just one 8" or 9" bass. Other teams brought 5 bass limits to the scales weighing between 2 ½-3 lbs. and weren't that far from a paycheck!

Finishing in 5th place with 8.7 pounds was Ken Enders and Danny Vass. Their catch today was worth $450 and moved them into 2nd place in the AOY standings. These guys are tough to beat anywhere and are looking forward to the grass beds of the Upper Chesapeake Bay at the next event.

Our 4th place team is also accustomed to winning checks in Angler's Choice events. The father /son team of Ed and Craig Womack not only weighed in 9.2 pounds but also had the tournament lunker at 5.42 pounds! Although they did not see this giant in the grass they were fishing, they assumed she was a big female seeking an easy meal. Craig and Ed were rewarded with the Big Bass plaque and a total of $1050. Great job, guys!

Our 3rd place winners today featured a longtime DelMarVa angler pairing with a new partner this year. It proved to be a winning combination as Denis Schanberger and Jim Pitt were able to put together a solid stringer of 5 bass weighing 9.73 to earn 2 plaques and checks totaling $675! Way to go, fellows!

Claiming 2nd place on Lake Anna today are 2-time DelMarVa AOY, 5 time Regional Qualifiers, and former Lake Anna Champions Sam Rineer and Rich vonNordeck. Anticipating a "soft jerkbait" bite today, Sam and Rich quickly abandoned that pattern as the skies became cloudy and the rains came. They opted for topwater baits and found 5 willing largemouth that weighed 10.47 pounds and earned them $765.
Pop's Marine in Toano, VA provided Sam and Rich with their BassCat Cougar/Mercury rigs.

Our champions today are also former DelMarVa AOY's, multi- Regional championship qualifiers, and have quite possibly won more money with us in the past 4 years than any other team. However, they can be most proud of the reputation they have earned among their peers as a total "class act" team. Virginia's Don Jones and Chuck Dent, also members of the Pop's Marine Fishing Team and Bass Cat owners count themselves very fortunate during this event. They only had 3 bass over the 15" limit, but they were above average. It was the 2 little guys, however that pushed them past Sam and Rich with 10.77 pounds. In addition to the first place plaques, Don and Chuck were awarded $1530. Congratulations, Don and Chuck…you are now again on top in the AOY race!

After countless quality door prizes were presented all teams remained anxious as the boat number was drawn for the 2-DEKA "absorbed glass mat" Marine Batteries given away at each DelMarVa event. John Bonn (sponsored by Nitro boats),and Dennis Deahl (an Extreme Offshore Marine Pro-Staffer) were the lucky recipients of this award.

Thanks to all of those who assisted at this event…my assistants Skip Walters, Cindy Smelgus and her daughters Megan and Lauren, Walt Ross and Willie Barrett, and Tony Mann and Sam Steelman. A special note of appreciation goes out to Mike Rhodes and Sonny Bell who towed a distressed team back in time for weigh-in.
Finally, on a personal note…I wish to thank Campbell, Chris and their staff at Sturgeon Creek Marina…STILL the premier facility on Lake Anna who goes out of their way to make us and all bass fishermen welcome. They also donated prizes to the top 3 teams.

The next DelMarVa event will be June 13 on the Upper Chesapeake Bay out of Anchor Marina in the North East River.

Dave Kilby, Director