Bass pros back for big tourney

By DENNIS APRILL
Outdoors Writer

July 05, 2009 03:22 am

— The best bass fishing pros are back in Plattsburgh for the big $125,000 first prize FLW tournament.

There is a lot at stake, beyond the winners' share this coming weekend. The Land O' lakes Angler of the Year race is still too close to call with three anglers within five points. The current leader, Brent Ehrler from Redlands, CA, thinks this may be a tough season finale before the Forrest L. Wood Championship July 30 to Aug 2.

"I hear Lake Champlain is tricky in July," Ehrler said, "and largemouths (bass) are going to be a big factor in this tournament. The smallmouths are going to weigh less because they're post-spawn."

Topwaters baits and flipping will be the technique for largemouths; Carolina rig, jerkbait or tube for smallmouths.

One obstacle could be the wind on the big lake. Some great bass fishing is south of Ticonderoga, and if a competitor tries for the long haul from Plattsburgh and gets wind bound trying to get back, he or she is out of luck.

So far, Ehrler leads Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas by three points for Angler of the Year honors.

The City of Plattsburgh is the official host for this tournament.

"We expect the economic ripple effect to be more than 2 million dollars and maybe close to 5 million," tournament representative Rick Perry said.

Pro anglers (boat owners) are paired randomly with co-anglers who fish from the back of the boats and vie for a $20,000 first place prize. Local co-angler competitors are Ed Pecore, Jason Perry, and John Hines. The tournament will be broadcast on Versus at a future date.

Anglers take off at 6:30 a.m. from Plattsburgh Boat Dock on Dock Street, with the Thursday and Friday, July 9 and 10, weigh-ins there starting at 2:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the semifinals and finals, the weigh-ins will be at the Plattsburgh State Field House starting at 4 p.m.

A Family Fun Zone will be set up there, and if there is added incentive needed, a new Ranger boat will be given away during the final weigh-in Sunday. There is no admission cost to the festivities.

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