Growing up, Erik and I have been very fortunate to make some great friends who all love to the sport of bass fishing. The memories we have created together are enough to last a lifetime. This year I came up with the idea of doing a year long tournament between all of our friends.
The rules are simple. Your best five fish throughout the course of the year are totaled up, and the person with the best biggest weight wins. The participants are Erik and I, our cousin Jordan, our childhood friend Robby, and our good ole pal Matt. If you catch a fish that culls another one, you have to send in a picture of the fish, and a picture of the fish on the scale with the weight visible. We have a spreadsheet that we keep updated with everyone's weights.
Me being as competitive as I am, I hate the fact that I'm not winning right now. I know we are only half way through the year, but I like to keep a good margin between myself and others. As of today, the standings are, Erik in first with 13 pounds 12 ounces, I am in second with 11 pounds 7 ounces, Matt is in third with 11 pounds and 1 ounce. Jordan is in fourth with 9 pounds 1 ounce, and Robby is in last with 7 pounds 7 ounces.
I know there are some of you out there who think these aren't very big bags. If you compare them to the northern smallmouth lakes or some of the lakes down south, you would be right. Keep in mind we live in Saint Louis, Missouri. Missouri isn't exactly known for its big fish. I can tell you, whoever can catch the most four pounders has a great shot at winning. We still have a long way to go until December 31st at midnight. It's still anyones game.
If there was one good thing about this tournament, it gives us a good excuse to go out and fish together as friends. That's one of the things I love about fishing. Fishing has the abitilty to bring people together and have a good time. I hope you are able to replicate all the good times my friends and I have had together. As always Love the Adventure!
- Paul Hoffman