Let me begin by giving a big THANK YOU to Cheryl and Secret for founding the LBAA and providing women like me, who have a passion for bass fishing, something to look forward to that is fun and exciting. The experience I had at my first LBAA event put a smile on my face all the way back home to Alabama.

You see, I made up my mind to fish the 2010 WBT. When opening day of registration came around, I eagerly sent in all my entry deposits for the year to guarantee myself a spot as a co-angler. My excitement was short-lived when I was contacted by the WBT organizers saying the tour was cancelled.

A few months later when I heard about the LBAA having an inaugural tournament on Lake Dardanelle, I was in. I definitely wanted to be there and show my support. Also, this tournament was a great opportunity for me to get my feet we and meet everyone before the 2011 trail began.

Although my husband, Marty, and I had fished tournaments together for the last 4 years, I never actually got to compete on my own against other co-anglers. I’ve got to say it was more exciting than I had imagined. 

Day one, I fished with Neva Brown from Texas. Although fishing was tough that day, Neva stayed cheerful and up-beat. I caught one fish that weighed 2.73 lbs, which was actually big fish for day one on the co-angler side. 

Day two, Lynda Gessner, from Missouri, and I went to the grass for a big bite. Another tough day as well, but I was able to weigh in one fish at 2.69 lbs. I finished in 2nd place! I could not believe it.

Cheryl, Secret and the staff did an excellent job, and knowing I was a newcomer, went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I am extremely thankful I could be a part of something that is surely going to be a huge success. I can’t wait until March to fish Lake Sam Rayburn and see all of my new friends again!