MacNaught & Drayton Bag 15.13 to Win 1st Big Bucks Chain Event

“From What I Hear, the Fish Are Snappin’ Out There!”

Those were the words of Jack Mudgett, Big Bucks Bass Tournament Director, moments before takeoff Saturday morning at the Chain.  They certainly proved prophetic for several teams, especially Keith MacNaught and Kim Drayton who caught a 6 fish limit weighing 15.13 to claim 1st place.  Overcoming another large tournament, a slight cold front and frequent rain showers the duo not only secured 1st place, but also Big Bass and the $1,000 LOYALTY CASH!  Not including any Bass Cat bonus money, Keith and Kim took home over $3,000 for their great day on the water! 

The pattern that made the difference was keying on areas that saw minimal pressure and finding staging fish on their way to the backs of the channels.  The winners focused on the South end of the Chain and their big fish came on a spinnerbait when Kim thought he had hooked a log.  Luckily for them, that “log” weighed a hefty 4.38 pounds and claimed big bass honors for the day. The winning team reported zero practice time as this was the first time they had the boat out all year!  Proof that sometimes we’d all be better off just “going fishing.”  Keith and Kim would like to thank their sponsors: Badhabitfishing.com, Scum Frog Lures, SBS Batteries, Cedar Roofing Company and AKJ Landscaping.  Great job guys and congratulations on your brand new baby girl Keith!

Coming in second, with a limit weighing 13.69, was the father and son team of Dave and Jason Reif.  Jason is a junior at nearby Zion Benton High School and is proving that age doesn’t matter in tournament fishing.  If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, and you have the determination – the rest will come.  The Reifs reported being out 3 times during the week to locate their fish and establish a solid pattern.  The majority of their fish came flipping on the South end of the Chain.  They reported breaking off/losing a couple of fish that may have made a difference – but 2nd place is not too shabby!  Team Reif took home a total of $1,140 for their efforts on Saturday.  Jason and Dave would like to thank their sponsor…“Mom” for allowing them all the time and resources necessary to have a successful tournament.

Rounding out the top 3 was the veteran team of Bill Felten and Blair Lucas with a weight of 13.13.  That’s a solid limit under tough conditions, great job guys.  Congratulations to the 1st - 9th place teams for taking home a check.    

The biggest story leading up to this tournament had been the water and the weather.  Hopefully, we’ve seen the last of the fluctuations in water levels and temperatures causing tournament cancellations and other abnormalities.  Saturday, some teams reported catching better than 50 fish, with most being “shorts” or non-keepers.  There certainly were a lot of males cruising the shallows looking for a meal or a place to make a bed.  Look for some potentially heavier weights this weekend from the “Spring Fling” event put on by Tom Sipolt and BBB.  More females will likely be joining their male counterparts in the shallows, with some on beds.   Thanks for all your hard work Tom – see you there!