The Pro Gator Boats sponsored Lady Bass Anglers Association event on Lake Truman, Missouri wrapped up with a come from behind charge by Texas Pro Alisa Johnson.
Fishing was tough with blue bird skies and warm conditions on day one and a cold front moving in over-night dropping temps 40 degrees. The change in wind direction and intensity each day, impacted each day of fishing. Anglers had to adjust and brave the final day cold temps, wind, and rain. Johnson made a long run to cleaner water to find her fish and almost did not make it back in time due to boat issues. Her day two weight of 8.25 lbs. jumped her into first place just out reaching Pam Ridgle of Texas who also made a charge for the top spot. Johnson just edged our Ridgle by less than a half-pound. These charges dropped day one leader Pam Martin-Wells into the third slot for the event. Lynda Gessner of Arkansas finished in fourth place and earning her the Joey Ridgle Septic and Sanitation Services Big Bass honors with her 4.15 lb largemouth. Rounding out the top five was Tennessee angler Teri Cindric.
In the co-angler division, Georgia angler Wendy was able to jump to the top bringing in two bass on the final day with one topping the scale at 4.16 lbs. This big bass also earned her the Joey Ridgle Septic and Sanitation Services big bass award. As was stated earlier, conditions played a big role in angler performance. Co-anglers in every event are at the mercy of their draw and add in huge weather changes, it makes for a challenging set of days. Diana Uebelhack of Indiana came in second, followed by Texas angler Tiffany Hart. Rounding out the top five were Pam Horne of Arkansas and Brianna Wise of Louisiana.
The Vickie’s Threadworks Tiny Bass Cash Awards for the event went to Arkansas Pro Robbie Hartline and Missouri angler Lisa Opfer. Fifth place finishers in each division also earned Yo-Zuri prize packs.
With the modified schedule, the Lake Truman event was the final regular season tournament of the 2020 season. Congratulations goes out to Pam Martin-Wells who earned the 2020 Pro Division Angler of the Year! In Co Division, the points race was very close with only one point separating first and second place. After the dust cleared, Diana Uebelhack of Indiana was crowned as the 2020 Co-Angler of the Year. In the Rookie of the Year race, Tennessee angler DeAnna Lovvorn was the winner! Every angler of the Lady Bass Anglers Association fought hard in each of these Angler of the Year Races. Congratulations once again for an amazing job during the 2020 season!
We want to express our deepest appreciation to Tanya and Rick, owners of the Bucksaw Marina and Resort. They and their staff were outstanding during our events. They have amazing facilities and went out of their way to make our events at their location the best they could possibly be. All the hard work began prior to our arrival. The meal for our banquet was top notch and each day of the tournament, they took great care in getting or fish back into Lake Truman!
The next group we want to make sure we recognize are our Bass Caddies! While many of the anglers used the Marina docs, there were some anglers who launched and loaded each day, and these folks were right there to help. This group is comprised of family members of the anglers. In between times, they help with addressing issues the anglers face with electronics, trolling motors and other general repairs that keep the ladies on the water fishing. They truly are angels sent to help and support all the anglers at each event.
The anglers’ sites are now set on the third day on Truman Lake for a One Day Classic Shootout! The anglers qualifying for the Lady Bass Classic are the anglers who finished in the top 12 in Angler of the Year points; a team from the Tri-State Federation, the 2019 Classic Champions, Winners in any 2020 event, the top two finishing anglers from Pickwick, Hartwell and Truman. The final field will consist of 19 boaters and 19 co-anglers.
The Lady Bass Anglers Association has amazing weigh trailer sponsors as well. Thank you all for your year-long support. Title Sponsor Pro Gator Boats, Joey Ridgle Septic and Sanitation, LLC., Old School Outdoors, HITEC Outdoors, Shipp’s Marine, Lauren’s Legacy, Picky Vicki’s Cleaning Service, Julie Martin Foundation, Yo-Zuri, Vickie’s Threadworks, City of Natchitoches, LA, Hart County, GA, Florence, AL, and Bucksaw Resort, MO.
For more information on the Lady Bass Anglers Association, please go to www.ladybassanglers.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!
