.Pictures from " MR LAKE MURRAY" Open Team Tournament

Mr Lake Murray Open Bass Tournament

By Rich Gerken/ contributing writer

The Bass Federation of South Carolina hosted it’s annual “Mr Lake Murray “ Open Bass Tournament on Sat. Sept.24th at Dreher Island State Park. The format for this event is not a draw tournament but rather teams of two anglers per boat. It is open to all that wish to enter, not just TBF members. This year 47 teams entered to try and earn the title and cash awards. The largemouth are usually schooling this time of year chasing shad and herring to the surface. But the unsettled weather of the past week had the fishing off a bit from past years which proved to make it difficult for many teams. Early morning storms and heavy rains more than likely kept some competitors away.

As always happens though there are a few that figure things out and rise to the top. This years winning team was Neil Huffstetler of Chapin and Charlie Sansbury of Pomeria.

Their catch of a 5 bass limit weighed in at 21.73 lbs and earned them the $2500 first place check. Second place honor went to Kevin Fulmer and Al Fortner at 21.57 lbs. They also won the $500 Big Bass award sponsored by Zorro Bait Co for their 6.52 lb largemouth. Third place was the team of Chris and David Sample with a weight of 20.20 lbs. Fourth was Kerry Smith and Roger Hughes with 5 bass weighing 20.03 lbs. Rounding out the top 5 the team of Bobby Stanfil and Kyle Penland at 19.29 lbs.

All anglers were given free raffle tickets that were drawn at the weigh in. TBF would like to thank Buddies Marine Service, Carolina Wings and Anglers South for the prizes they donated. In all 20 teams brought bass to the scales and as the weights show the top teams were very close. TBF also has a trail of points tournaments each year as well as a growing youth program for young anglers.

For more information about The Bass Federation of SC. Please visit www.tbfofsc.com