Fifty-eight boats showed up for the Angler's Choice, First Annual Illinois Angler Appreciation Tournament at Smithland Pool. The event is a 100% plus payback tournament and a way for Angler's Choice and the event sponsors to say thank you to the area fisherman. Every team that registered in the morning received sponsor gifts and there were tons of giveaways and cold refreshments available to the teams at the weigh-in.

Mother Nature greeted the angler's with a warm day but a steady breeze kept it comfortable. Around 12:30pm a small thunderstorm very quickly pushed through the area also cooling things down a bit. The bite had been reported to be somewhat tough but on this day they were biting with many teams reporting catching over twenty keepers during the day. There was however a noticeable absence of the larger fish as there has seemed to be through out the year on the pool.

First place goes to the team of Keith Bailey and Jim Hammersley both from Simpson, IL. The team culled through approximately four limits of fish to claim the first place position with a total weight of 13.84lbs. Keith had practiced the day prior and had a good day. The team returned to these same spots during the tournament and the fish were still on! The team caught fish in several creeks, and then on the main river they were able to get few more quality fish. The fish were all caught on soft plastics with their best fish weighing 3.40lbs. The team takes home a check for $3,500.00 and first place plaques. The team is sponsored by: J.D. lures and Jeta Marine. Great Job Guys!!

Second place goes to the team of Randy Timmons from Mt. Vernon, IL. and Travis Loyd from Vienna, IL. The team caught several limits of fish during the day. The team used spinner baits, crank baits and a Senko to amass a total weight of 12.41lbs. They also had big bass of the day, which was caught on a pear colored Bomber model A. The team takes home a check for $1,850.00 for the place plus $580.00 for big bass bringing the days total earnings to $2,430.00 Randy is sponsored by: Lakeside Boats and Motors, Lunker Lure, Wayne's Props, Smelly Jelly, Thunder Baits, Interstate Batteries, Rhino Liner, Bulls eye Tackle and Rend Lake Sporting Goods Travis is sponsored by: Skeeter Boats, Yamaha, Pradco and Jackson Hewitt.

Third place goes to the team of Greg Berner form Elkville, IL. and David "Boo" Guill of Royalton, IL. The team fished creeks using Rattle Back jigs and Hawg Caller tubes. The fish were located on lay downs and stumps. The team reported catching twenty-five keepers during the day and just could not get a larger bite. The team takes home a check for $1,025.00 for the days effort. The team is sponsored by: Triton Boats, Harrison's Sport Shop, Lunker Lure, Hawg Caller, Solar Bat, Jackson Hewitt, Dunn's Sporting Goods and Falcon Rods.