Timmy Summers of Wallback caught a 5.5 pound bass and netted $100
By Toby Wagoner
Anglers from across the region took part in the City of Spencer and REACT Labor Day Fishing Tournament at Charles Fork Lake.
It rained buckets throughout most of the day, but that didn't stop a 5.5 pound bass from being caught during the event.
First place and $100 went to Timmy Summers of Wallback, Clay County for his 5.5 pound - 22 inch bass.
Second place winner was Steve Stalnaker also of Wallback - 2.2 pounds, winning $60.
Third place was Travis Smith of Newton, Roane County who won $40 for his 2.0 pound catch.
Michael Marks of Spencer was the angler with the bad break of the day, he claimed the third spot by an ounce, but unfortunately his fish was dead at the time of weigh-in, which eliminated his catch as part of the rules.
Tournament rules indicate that all fish must be alive during weigh-in and then release is encouraged. Yes folks, the big 5.5 pounder caught by Timmy Summers, was released back into the lake.
Fishing on the dock for the annual kids day derby was a little slow this year because the derby was held during downpours during the noon hour. Twelve children and twelve adults took part in the event.
Only three fish were caught during the kids event down from 24 last year. Kids Day winners, both from Roane County were 8 year old Ryan Smith of Newton (2 fish) who also won last year's derby and 8 year-old Courtney Burgess of Walton who caught (1 fish).
The winners received new bikes courtesy of the City of Spencer and WalMart.
If you would like to see the big bass caught during the event or see other photos from the event go online to www.labordayfishing.com
Organizers say start making plans to attend the 2010 bass tournament at Charles Fork Lake and you could be next year's winner.
Sponsors for the annual event were Roane General Hospital, REACT, City of Spencer, Love and Kindness Church and WVRC Radio.
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