Groh & Schmehl Go Back To Back W/15.41 lbs. at 4^th Chain Event!

On August 16^th, Chris Groh and Jimmy Schmehl of Antioch, IL backed up their July 12^th victory with another impressive conquest.  Besting the field of 40 boats, the team kept their momentum going by nailing 15.41 lbs. of largemouth from the Fox Chain of Lakes.  Groh commented that they caught their fish all over; mostly on the North end on some key weed patches, before heading South for upgrades.  Their fish were more spread out this time around – catching “one here and one there.”  The team reported around 10 hrs. practice time to locate their winning fish. 

The 5 lb. bruiser Chris and Jimmy caught was a finicky fish, biting 3 times on 3 consecutive pitches, before making its way into their livewell.  It also managed to straighten a beefy hook which fell out promptly after the fish was landed.  It usually takes some good fortune to beat out such a talented field of anglers – and these two certainly still have the mojo in their boat.  Their big bass earned the team $320 and 1^st place netted $1,400 for a very profitable day of fishing.  Great job guys.  The team is sponsored by: Raymond Chevrolet, Triangle Sports, www.utrap.com, Twin Lakes Marina Inc., The Roost on 59, B & D Landscaping, RL Burman Plumbing, Miholizich Construction, www.stickerdude.com, Ed Kanabay Remax, JM Tickers, Can Custom Tile and Grass Lake Landing Restaurant and Bar. 

Finishing a close 2^nd with 15.05 was the father and son duo Bob and Rob Fleming of Fox Lake, IL.  This team did not practice and were counting on their typical summer pattern to hold up for this event.  Obviously it did as they reported catching fish on the North end all day with a total of 8 keepers.  Their big bag of fish came off weed edges, weed flats and docks.  Rob commented that their keys were sticking to the pattern even when things got tough and finally landing that kicker fish that had eluded them thus far this season.  Ironically, every time the Flemings would say “let’s leave and try something else,” they would catch a keeper!  Nice work team Fleming.  

Finishing 3^rd were Rick Fry and Joe Marchese, both Chain veterans that are always a threat come weigh in time.  Rick and Joe whacked a limit tipping the scales at 13.59 lbs. to move up in the standings and secure another top 3 finish.  The team was unavailable for comment.

The next Chain tournament on the schedule is a make up and is scheduled for September 7^th.  We hope to see everybody there as the “Anglers of the Year” contest continues to heat up as is the race to qualify for the annual Big Bucks Championship where local anglers fish for 3 boats!  3 teams have already qualified by winning an event and the next ten teams by points are positioned well to attend the fall classic.  It should be a great fight to the finish to win anglers of the year and qualify for the classic.  Where else can you fish against 80 or 100 teams for a chance to win one of 3 boats?  Kudos to Jack and Julie Mudgett for presenting us all with such a great opportunity. 

A Side note: Jack served notice to all at the outset of this tournament that cheating has not, is not and never will be tolerated in this circuit.  Addressing recent rumors and reports of cheating (moving fish, etc.), Jack laid the issue to rest with a stern warning and the promise of a lie detector at the classic which will ask questions about the entire season.  Please be careful with accusations, rumors and “dock talk” as nothing can kill a circuit or the fun of tournaments faster than unfounded gossip.  If you have an issue, please bring it up in a professional manner to the director or with that person.