March 16, 2003 Lake Conroe, Tx
Curtis And Cecil Win Conroe

Partly cloudy, moderate temperatures, and a 5 mph breeze - all the right ingredients for perfect fishing conditions. Sunday, March 16, 2003 fifty-five teams left Stow-A-Way Marina to compete for over $8000 in cash and prizes. Everyone knew there would be some good sacks brought to the scales but no one expected what was to unfold this particular Sunday.

As David Curtis and Russell Cecil made their way to the weigh-in line the crowd began to point, whistle, and gasp as David and Russell's sack inched closer to the scales. When their first fish was pulled from the bag the crowd grew louder. "10.67 lbs" the scales registered as the crowd began to applause. Adding to this monster bass were four more fish, any one of which is a prize catch. Their total weight for 5 fish was 27.31 lbs. David and Russell received $2655 (included is the Bass Cat Bonus Certificate) for their 1st place win and $330 for 1st place Big Bass bringing their combined winning total to $2985. Russell and David culled fish all day using Lake Fork Creatures, Fork Craws (in crawfish and green pumpkin colors) and Stanley 7/16 oz jigs in the watermelon color. They flipped around docks and wooded areas in 2-6 ft. of water.

Marcus Bauerle and Chris Opincar shook the scales with their 24.36 lb sack landing them 2nd place and a check for $815.

3rd place went to Todd Gurka and Shawn Shry with their 24.35 lbs. giving them a check for $670. Todd and Shawn would like to thank Castaway Graphite rods and Western Auto of Tomball for their sponsorship and assistance in their 3rd place finish.

Bobby Smith weighed in a 9.36 lb bass getting 2nd place Big Bass and a check for $220. Recently Bobby had suffered an aneurism and stroke and has little feeling in his right arm. Bobby has since been fishing with All-Star Titanium Rods because their incredible sensitivity allows him to feel bites he could not feel otherwise.
Big thanks go to Robert Thierry III and bassfanatic.com for their donation of Mizmo Tubes to the team which finished one place out of the money. We would also like to thank Travis Boating Center in Houston, TX (281-591-2028) and our local Academy Sports and Outdoors for their donations of products which were given away at the weigh-in ceremonies.

Our next tournament will be on Lake Houston on April 6 out of Lake Houston Marina. Registration will be at Lake Houston Marina from 6-8 pm Saturday evening. We will have registration from 5-6 am Sunday morning with a $25 late fee. Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Sincerely,
Jeff and Amanda Manous