W.Va. Bass Team 2nd after 1st day

State angler in 2nd place individually


Morgantown Dominion Post
24 September 2009
 
Defending champion West Virginia stands second among seven teams after Wednesday’s first day of The Bass Federation Mid-Atlantic Division bass fishing tournament, on the Monongahela River.


Robby Fleshman of Tad with his catch of the day - submitted photo

On the first of three days of the tourney, Mountain State anglers caught 23 fish for a total of 26 pounds, 15 ounces. Pennsylvania had the lead, at 20 fish for 28 pounds, 9 ounces. Virginia was in third, followed by New Jersey, Delaware, District of Columbia and Maryland.

The anglers caught a total of 110 fish and released all but one. The combined total catch was 138 pounds, 7 ounces. The West Virginia team’s Robby Fleshman, of Tad, stands second individually, with five fish weighing a total of 5 pounds, 1 ounce. The leader is Jeff Miller, of Johnstown, Pa. (6 pounds, 3 ounces). Other state anglers: Greg Perry, of Lost Creek, ninth, three fish, 3 pounds, 5 ounces. Willie Adkins Jr., of Wayne, tied for 12th, three fish, 3-4. Kevin McClain, of Fairmont, 14th, two fish, 3-2. Josh Ankrom, of Williamstown, tied for 26th, two fish, 2-7. Mark Knotts, of Nitro, tied for 31st, two fish, 2-5. Daniel Holdred, of St. Mary’s, 33rd, two fish, 2-4. Steve Harrison (1 pound, 7 ounces), of Clarksburg, and Hanns von Schmidt (1-2), of Fairmont, each caught one fish. Lester Marsh, of Weston, and Robert Cline, of Gassaway, were shut out.

The tournament runs through Friday. Boats launch from Fort Martin boat ramp at 7 a.m. and anglers fish until their daily weighin deadline of 3 p.m., at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park.

Anglers bring their best five fish of the day that must be at least 12 inches long and one of three types of black bass: smallmouth, largemouth or spotter. The state with the highest cumulative weight over the tournament wins.

The seven teams are competing for a chance to win a share of the $20,000 prize.

Anglers also are competing for individual spots in the 2010 The Bass Federation national tournament and a chance to win $250,000 next April, in Knoxville, Ky.

Team and individual winners will be announced Friday, during a trophy ceremony.