Northern Division Open In Richmond, Virginia

[Sam]

I just spoke with one of the Michigan pros heading to Richmond for the Northern Division Open and he told me that they are up to 140 boaters for the July 7, 8 and 9 event.

There will be five Bassmasters Classic Champions and I was told there are two FLW Champions in the field.

Should be a great tournament with so many pros and excellent bass fishermen trying for a spot in the Classic.

I would think that a five fish limit around 15 pounds a day will win the tournament but I figure most five limits will be in the 12 to 14 pound range.

Who ever finds the big Florida Strain Bass or the fat ladies in the rivers and creeks will probably be the winner.

Can't wait to go to the weigh-ins and see the pros and meet some of the guys I have spoken to over the phone.

Ike will be here so remember, "Never Give Up!!!"

[Aluma-Bass]

Where is the weigh in at?

[hookingem]

The first weigh-in is at Osborne Landing on the James at 3 on Thursday. I'd say at least 75% of the field will be making the run to the chic. first thing in the morning. Sam and I hit the Chic. today saw multiple pros and even swapped words with Boyd Duckett. Today was slow for most of the anglers as far as we could tell. 15lbs would be PHENOMENAL! I'd love to see a local stick weigh in a giant.

[Aluma-Bass]

Dang I work thurs night ...is it same place for the other days?

[hookingem]

Friday same place Saturday is at the BPS.

[Sam]

Blast off is at 5:45 for the first of the eight flights.

Weight in starts at 3:00 at Osborne Landing.

Big thunderstorm yesterday afternoon will dirty up the creeks which will make the fishing difficult. OK, not the fishing but the catching.

Hookingem and I also saw Jamie Fralick, Robert Pearson, Jonathan VanDam, Jim Dillard, Teddy Carr, Ike's Tundra Truck (we think it was Ike's Tundra) and pros all over the place including one guy from Massachuttes who was putting the Lowrance HDS 10 side scanner unit on his boat at the ramp.

We shouted "Hey Jake!" and waved as we went by the pros on the river and they waved back, knowing we were locals. I think it was my Tracker that gave us away as locals.

I nailed two and Hookingem skunked. But it was not his fault. The creeks were stained and the tide went to slack and then incoming. And the two I caught were keepers but small. The first about a pound and the second about a pound and a half to two pounds.

Next time we go I will suggest Hookingem throw smaller baits and if the water is stained go to Junebug for plastics and Firetiger for his crankbaits.

Sending my best of luck wishes to my two friends who are fishing the tournament, Jon & Justin Dodson. Jon and I found them two weeks ago and we nailed 33, with Jon leaving at least 15 pounds in the water by losing three. My first one was a four pounder on a Cavitron and then Jon whacked a two and a half pounder on a topwater and the fun started.

Jon and I had a great day fishing and also viewed a mother Bald Eagle teaching her two chicks to fly. Beautiful sight.

Hope our Forum guys can follow the tournament on Bassmasters. Seems everyone who wants to make the Classic is in Richmond this week.

Should be a great three days.

[Sam]

Had a great time working the event on Friday.

I was the first guy the pros and nonboaters encountered on their way to the weigh-in.

They had their fish from their boats in heavy HAVOCK fish bags. They would then dump the fish into the weight bags in a platic tub. I held the weight bags open so they could pur their fish from one bag to the other.

Only dropped one on the ground all day.

I got to see everyone's fish (there were some beauties) and speak to all the guys.

I ended up soaked and smelling like a largemouth bass.

Some of the pros are great. Others are jerks. I was surprised at their attitudes until I relaized that many of the pros did not do well and they were wet and tired.

Heading to BPS today for the finals but not working the event.

Hope B.A.S.S. has another Open in Richmond. I may consider fishing it just to have a fun time on the river for only $350. Where else can you get a guide for two days on your home waters for only $350?

[Nottoway]

Hey Sam, I wish I knew that was you. Great job!!!! Not sure if it was you or the other guy that spoke highly about my kids. Thanks I wish I could say I was there now, but no matter how you prefish, when you ride the back, its not in your hands. And you are right, $350 for a guided trip with a Pro. The second day I rode with Nate Wellman. I didnt fair well in Tx, However, Nate talked to me about Lake Eric for 8 hours. When the Va BWS heads that way, I feel I now have a leg up on the guys!!! Great Time!!!!!

[Sam]

Nottoway, were you the guy with the two little boys, ages 9 and 5?

I thought it was great to bring them with you on stage.

Yes, that was me. Taking the fish from the big HAVOCK bags and having you guys pour them into the weight bags.

Let me know.

[Nottoway]

Hey Sam, I was about 10 guys behind him. I know it was alot of poeple, however I was the guy in red with the redhead girl , also had my son. My girl went up with me, this was the first time she wanted too. To my surprise, my son, who always is up there with me, told her to go up and he would go up next week at Kerr. It was nice to meet you, even if it was limited and unknown, LOL!!!!

[Sam]

I remember you guys.

Cute kids.

I did not watch the weigh-in stage as I was busy with the bags but it was nice meeting you.