Walleye 11.6 pounds, 32 inches J R Nesbit, Trevor WI May 30, 7 p.m. Clear, Sunny, Warm, Light Breeze 41 Ft., Downrigger, Point 8 Blue & Silver Pro King Spoon Water Temperature: 78 White Bass 3.1 pounds, 19 inches Sharon Streske, Buffalo Grove, IL May 22, 9 a.m. Sunny, Warm, Calm Trolling, 19 Feet Chartreuse with Black Back Hot-n-Tot Crappie 2.3 pounds, 16 inches Dave O'Donnell, Park Forest, IL May 2, 7 p.m. Rain, Calm, Mild Smoke Grub 10 Feet Rainbow Trout 3 pounds Dan Wilczak, Lake-In-The-Hills, IL July 13, 7:30 a.m. Clear, Calm 55 Feet, Downrigging Blue & Silver Pro Kin

Hybrid Striper 4.5 pounds, 23 inches Jayme Zeman, Roanoke, IL August 3, 7 p.m. Hot, Sunny, Calm 58 Feet, Downrigging Blue & Chrome Pro King Largemouth Bass 4.6 pounds Travis Bewley, Atkins, AR 12 Years Old July 6, 10 a.m. Sunny, Calm, Hot Purple & White Bill Norman DD14 Trolling 75 Feet Attempt Catch and Release Smallmouth 3.1 pounds Rich Priller, Schaumburg, IL May 15, 8 p.m. Nighttime, Windy, Cool 15 Feet Floating Smithwick, Black & Orange & Silver Kentucky Bass 3.4 pounds Michael Philipps, Davis Junction, IL May 12, (Morning) Windy, Overcast Smoke Grub on a Rocky Point Catch and Release

1999 Results

April and October were our hottest months for fishing this year! But our springtime fishing was one of the best years ever! Most of our guests that come year after year had big smiles on their faces, and told us the fishing was great this year. The conditions were right. We didn't have many spring cold fronts move thru, so the fishing just got better and better.

The husband and wife team of John and Connie North both won this year for Smallmouth and Kentucky Bass. We also had three women winners. More winners were from Illinois (again). As usual, most of the winners have fished Bull Shoals Lake many times. Carol Vinson and Connie North won two years in a row! The largemouth and smallmouth were larger than last year's winners. Michael caught a 5 1-2 pound smallmouth this spring, which he released. Michael did well this year on a smoke with black flake grub. The lake is very low at this time, around 640. Normal pool is 654. We are way behind in rainfall for the second half of the year. But to look on the bright side, that means more fish concentrated in a smaller area!

Largemouth Bass 4.3 lbs Carol Vinson St. Charles, MO April 12, 7:30 p.m. Sunset, Calm Chug Bug Silver/Black Topwater "Catch and Release" Smallmouth Bass 3.7 lbs Connie North Park Ridge, IL October 5, 11 a.m. Sunny, Calm Rainbow Rebel Fast Tracker Kentucky Bass 3 lbs John North Park Ridge, IL May 2, 1 p.m. Sunny, Breezy, Warm Hot-N-Tot Chartreuse and Yellow White Bass 3.3 lbs Kim Galu McHenry, IL April 10, 9 p.m. (night) Breezy, Clear, Warm Grub Clear/Silver Metalflake

Crappie 2 lbs - 15 inches Bill Saager Ottawa, IL April 6, 5:30 p.m. Sunny, Calm Pumpkin Grub Walleye 5.9 lbs Gene Rose St. Louis, MO October 3, 2 p.m. Warm, Cloudy Just Before Rain Smoke Grub Channel Catfish 6.6 lbs Clyde Jarocki Northlake, IL October 14, 9:30 a.m. Clear, Windy Pearl Norman Little Deep N Downrigging 30 Ft.

1998 Results

The month of May was once again the hottest time of year for fishing, with three winners in our fishing contest. A close second with two winners each were the months of April and October. We also had a a surprise winner in January!

Illinois was the leader in wins as usual, with Missouri coming in second. We were happy to have Mike Purifoy back as a winner for our adopted state of Arkansas.

Lots of women winners (four out of nine!) this year. Congratulations, girls! You better watch out, guys.

We also had virtually all repeat winners. This proves once again that persistence is the quality that most produces good fishing. All our winning fishermen have fished Bull Shoals Lake many times.

Fish were bigger this year in 6 out of 9 categories: White Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Kentucky Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Channel Catfish. We also had a lot more "Catch and Release" winners. Our special salute to you! Although, we wonder if Mike Philipps was able to release that 3-inch Bluegill.

Largemouth Bass 3.8 lbs. Al Latimer Marseilles, IL April 6, 10:30 a.m. Sunny, SE Wind Blue Rapala, Broken Tail Deep Diver, 15 ft. Smallmouth Bass 3.2 lbs. Connie North Park Ridge, IL April 29, 1 p.m. Sunny, Calm Lure Jensen Hot Shot Pink & White Trolling "Catch & Release" Kentucky Bass 3.2 lbs. Mike Purifoy Marion, AR October 4 at Night Chomper Pumpkin/Pepper White Bass 3.3 lbs. Kathy Spiewak Chicago, IL May 28, 8 p.m. Clear, Calm, Warm Lime Green Pro Spoon Downrigger, 40 ft.

Crappie 2.2 lbs. Bill Sligar Oak Forest, IL October 4, a.m. Overcast, Windy, Mild Silver Mr. Twister with 1/4 Oz. L:ead Head Jig 8 ft. Rainbow Trout 7 lbs. 7 oz Carol Vinson St. Charles, MO January 19 Crippled Herring Spoon Blue & Chrome 15 ft. "Catch & Release" Walleye 7.5 lbs. Karin Geers St. Louis, Missouri June 4, 8 a.m. Clear, Calm Black & Gold Pro King Downrigger, 35 ft. Bluegill 12 oz. Mike Schroeder Hoffman Estates, IL May 21, Late Afternoon Sunny, Calm Chrome Spoon Trolling "Catch & Release" Channel Catfish 17.9 lbs. Mike Philipps Davis Junction, IL May 14, 9 a.m. Hazy, Calm, 75o F 3-inch Bluegill "Catch & Release"

1997 Results

Once again, the hottest month for fishing turned out to be May this year! Even the April and June entries were both really close to May (April 29 and June 2 and 5). We think it would have been more evenly distributed between April, May and June, except we had no slow warmup -- just winter to summer!

Illinois once again leads the pack with winners. We could say that they are the best fishermen, but to be fair, we just seem to have more people from Illinois than any other state. We had lots of multiple category winners: Todd Eckert with three; Mike Philipps and Mark Spiewak both with two. These three fish hard and have been coming here for many years, so they know their stuff. You guys may find an armada following you around the lake next year.

We had a mere child beating out his father. Thirteen-year-old Eric Immke was fishing with his father, Bill, when he hooked into a huge hybrid striper (13.2 pounds). These fish aren't even supposed to be in our lake, but they are -- and they're growing! The record hybrid is 22 pounds 1 ounce and came out of our own Bull Shoals Lake. Just another reason to bring your downrigger equipment along.

The fish were bigger in four categories (Largemouth, Smallmouth, Crappie and Rainbow). We also added two new categories (Hybrid Striper and Bluegill). We also had one lone woman winner and a three-way tie on white bass.

We are raising Rainbow Trout at our dock this year for Game & Fish. They will be fed twice a day until they are released in the lake, usually in April. Also, lots of big fish are hanging around the dock, attracted by the feed and the mouth-watering little trout. Hope they stay! Those of you coming down early next year may get to see them all.

As for lures, downriggers are still producing with Pro Kings and Pro Spoons. The Shad Rap is always one of our best-producing lures. It seems all the big fish were mostly caught in the early morning on calm days this year. Or maybe we just have a lot of calm days? You never know with statistics.

Pictured above is Eric Immke, from Saunemin, IL,
who caught the 1997 winning Hybrid Striper.

Largemouth Bass 4.2 lbs Gerry Patterson Smithville, OH June 2, 8 a.m. Foggy, Calm Pop-R Silver/Black Smallmouth Bass 3.9 lbs Rich Gelden Waukegan, IL April 29, noon Sunny, Clear Jig & Minnow Fluorescent Lime Green Kentucky Bass 2.9 lbs. Todd Eckert Waukegan, IL May 3, Evening Clear Jig & Minnow Blue/White Metalflake White Bass (Three-Way Tie) 3.1 lbs. Todd Eckert Waukegan, IL May 4, Dusk Clear, Calm Jig & Minnow Blue/White Metalflake Mark Spiewak Chicago, IL May 29, 7:30 a.m. Clear, Calm Pro Spoon Green & Silver Downrigger, 45 Ft. Chuck Sevick Festus, MO May 5, Early a.m. Clear, Calm Bass Assassin Salt & Pepper

Walleye 6.4 lbs. Mike Philipps Machesney Park, IL May 11, 7:30 a.m. Sunny, Calm #9 Shad Rap Crappie 2.1 lbs. Mike Philipps Machesney Park, IL May 15, 5:45 p.m. Sunny, Windy Minnow & #10 Hook Rainbow Trout 6.4 lbs. Mark Spiewak Chicago, IL May 26, 7 a.m. Overcast, Calm Shad Rap Silver & Black Downrigger 35 ft. Channel Catfish 15.3 lbs. Todd Eckert Waukegan, IL May 7 Night Limb Line Whole Bluegill Bluegill 1.0 lbs. Karin Geers Affton, MO June 5 Sunny, Calm Worm on Bottom Hybrid Striper 13.2 lbs. Eric Immke 13 years old Saunemin, IL July 16, 6:45 a.m. Clear, Calm, Warm Pro King Black & Purple Downrigger, 65 ft.

1996 Results

No contest, the hottest day of fishing last year was May 21, with three winning fish caught. I imagine we'll be booked solid for that time next year!

Fishing was also a family affair, with Art and Gregg Comer (father and son) winning three categories! These guys take fishing to a new level. They are totally rigged for anything, and you can see it has paid off for them. Also, longtime guests Jerry and Joanne Logan hit it big this year, each of them winning a category on that magic day, May 21st. They have also studied and learned this lake and are doing great at fishing every year now.

Gloria Sears was our only "Catch and Release" winner this year. Last year she had the winning recipe; this year she had the winning Smallmouth. Good work, Gloria!

The fish were bigger in five categories (Kentucky, Walleye, Crappie, Brown Trout, and Catfish). The Crappie were good well into June. So that's three months in a row (April, May, and June) where you can try for these delectable fish.

Four winners were from Illinois, narrowly beating out Missouri. The women captured two categories this time. Downrigger fishing again was working, as well as deep-water trolling. You all really should try these techniques on this lake. They really work.

Category winners were caught in every month from May through September. We had a colder than normal spring or we are sure there would have been at least one winner in April, which is usually one of our hottest months.

Largemouth Bass 4 lb. 2 oz. Art Comer Independence, MO August 17, a.m. Mann's Stretch 20 Trolling Smallmouth Bass 3 lb. 4 oz. Gloria Sears Irving, TX June 25, 9 p.m. Jig & Pig "Catch and Release" Kentucky Bass 3 lb. 11 oz. Aaron Ray Decatur, IL July 22, 7:30 a.m. Black & Gold Pro-King Downrigger, 45 feet White Bass 3 lb. 9 oz. Jerry Logan Naperville, IL May 21, 8 p.m. Chartreuse/Black/Green Northport Nailer Downrigger 44 feet

Walleye 7 lb. 5 oz. Art Comer Independence, MO Late August, 8 a.m. Grey Hellbender with Rooster Tail Trailer Trolling Crappie 2 lbs. Mike Philipps Rockford, IL May 21 Minnow Brown Trout 7 lb. 8 oz. Jerry Paylor Shreveport, LA September 23, 5 p.m. Live Cricket White River Rainbow Trout 3 lb. 3 oz. Joanne Logan Naperville, IL May 21, 10 a.m. Black & Gold Pro-King Downrigger, 46 ft. Channel Catfish (Blue) 18 pounds Gregg Corner Grain Valley, MO August 15, Nighttime Whole Bluegill Jug

1995 Results

This year, the most exciting fishing event was probably the White Bass that Mike Huddleston caught in June. Our Whites keep getting bigger and bigger, with records falling all the time. The last four years the winning White was in the four pound range. This year, the biggest White ever caught here at Black Oak was 5 pounds 1 ounce, which is close to the state record of 5 pounds 4 ounces. When we weighed it on our scale, it weighed more than the state record, so we immediately called Game & Fish. They told us we should bring it to their office for an official weight. Mike and Marcia Huddleston did everything in their power to keep it alive so it would not lose ounces. But, after so much time was lost, it officially weighed only 5 pounds 1 ounce. But we know it was really a state record. Congratulations, Mike! By the way, the biggest Whites statistically are caught in June.

The fish were bigger this year in four categories (Largemouth, Kentucky, White, and Walleye). The Crappie weren't as big as last year, but we had a great bumper crop of Crappie during April. Looking back, the biggest Crappie were caught in April in six of the past nine years. So if it's Crappie you really are after, I'd suggest an April fishing trip.

Again, seven of the category winners were from our home state of Illinois. They win big every year. Our only winning woman also qualifies in the children's category. Ten-year-old Emily Dessent landed the largest Walleye, beating out her dad, Bob, who has won before. Also, 11-year-old Eric Immke did what his dad, Bill, is still trying to do. He won for biggest rainbow. Another previous winner, Todd Eckert, won this time in two categories. Jasper Tavolacci won this year, but last year his wife Susan won with a much bigger brown trout. A hollow victory, eh Jasper?

Category winners were caught in every month from March through July, and again in October.

Notice also that downrigging is a great way to get your kids interested in fishing. I'll bet that Eric Immke and Emily Dessent will be more than willing to go fishing next year.

Largemouth Bass 6 lb. 3 oz. Dale Wade Farmington, MO October 6, 2 a.m. Green Gitzit Night-Fishing Full-Moon Walleye 7 lb. 4 oz. Emily Dessent Age 10 Schaumburg, IL July 12, 7:30 a.m. Pink & Silver Northport Nailer Downrigger, 65 ft. Rainbow Trout 3 lb. 7 oz. Eric Immke Age 11 Saunemin, IL July 19, 7 a.m. Purple & Chrome Pro King Clear Downrigger, 65 ft. Smallmouth Bass 3 lb. 14 oz. Todd Eckert Waukegan, IL May 11 Minnow Trolling

Crappie 1 lb. 14 oz. David Churchill Walkerton, IN April 16 Smoke & Silver Grub Evening, sunny White Bass 5 lb. 1 oz. 20" Long, 16" Girth Mike Huddleston Elgin, IL June 21, 8 a.m. Silver Hula-Grub Clear, Calm, Hot Kentucky Bass 3 lb. 10 oz. Phil Golladay Saunemin, IL March 21, 3 p.m. White/Chrome-Tail Berkeley Power Grub Partly sunny, warm 33 feet Brown Trout 4 pounds Jasper Tavolacci Elk Grove Village, IL June 28 Live Worm White River Channel Catfish (Blue) 12 lb. 12 oz. Todd Eckert Waukegan, IL May 8 Live Minnow Limb-Lining

1994 Results

This year had bigger fish in five categories than last year (Smallmouth, Kentucky, Crappie, Rainbow, White), and smaller in three (Largemouth, Walleye, Catfish). We had no entries for Bluegill or Lake Trout, but we added a Brown Trout. So, I'd say the fishing is as good as ever, even on a bit of an upswing as far as size. The winning White Bass is the largest we've ever recorded since we began our contest in 1987. The winning Brown Trout is also the largest ever recorded. (Both caught by "girls"!) The women are gaining on the men, winning THREE categories.

Most of the winners are again from our home state of Illinois. Art and Greg Comer and Glen Householder have now won for three years in a row. Category winners were caught in every month from March through August, and also in November.

Michael once again beats out one of our winners, this time in the rainbow trout category. He beat Glen Householder's 6 lb. 7 oz. Rainbow with a 7 lb. 5 oz. beauty (the record rainbow ever caught), caught downrigger fishing at 8:30 a.m. on July 20 using a pink and chrome Northport Nailer at 50 feet. Michael now holds two records - this year's rainbow and last year's 11 lb. 4 oz. walleye. Not to worry, Glen, since you were the only winner this year in two categories (Rainbow and Kentucky Bass). Michael's win doesn't officially count in the contest, of course.

Largemouth Bass 4 lb. 2 oz. Scott MacKay Bloomingdale, IL November 25, 2 p.m. Crayfish Wiggle Wart Cloudy, Windy Smallmouth Bass 3 lb. 15 oz. Wayne Myers Downers Grove, IL April 20, 8 p.m. 4" Chartreuse Berkley Power Grub Calm "Catch and Release" Kentucky Bass 3 lb. 5 oz. Glen Householder Waukegan, IL June 2, 5:30 a.m. Green & Silver Pro Spoon Downrigger, 40', Slider Calm Walleye 5 lb. 9 oz. Ken Hargadon Chicago, IL August 25, 12:20 p.m. Nightcrawler Lindy Rig, 38 ft. Clear, Calm

Crappie 2 lb. 2 oz. Debbie Gawell Plainfield, IL April 20, 8 a.m. Minnow Calm, Sunny Brown Trout 7 lb. 5 oz. Susan Tavolacci Elk Grove Village, IL July 7, 7 p.m. Plastic Worm, Natural Overcast White River Rainbow Trout 6 lb. 7 oz. Glen Householder Waukegan, IL May 22 Blue & Silver Pro King Downrigger, 30 ft. Point 18 Sunny, 85 White Bass 4 lb. 5 oz. Kathy Ash Justice, IL March 15, 8 a.m. Black & Silver Floating Rapala Sunny, Calm Channel Catfish (Blue) 16 lb. 3 oz. Art & Gregg Comer Independence, MO August 22 Jug, Shad

1993 Results

No, there aren't any typographical errors, even though there are three fish weighing exactly the same (6 lb. 3 oz.); but what a coincidence. You'll notice our record fish started in April this year. Normally, they'd start in March, but we did have an unusually cold spring. We also had record heat this summer, but it didn't seem to hurt fishing at all, with big fish caught every month from April thru August and again in October. Probably our cold spring kept the water cooler longer. Some repeat winners again this year. Art Comer's catfish beat his last year's record by one pound. It's probably that same fish that broke the line after he weighed it in last year (my prediction came true). Jerry Logan didn't repeat, but his wife, Joanne, won this time instead. Also, she was the only woman winner. Illinois had the most winners (again). We also have an eight year old among our winners: Gunnar Bristow caught our biggest rainbow trout. Also, Glen Householder won in two categories (White Bass and Lake Trout). He really deserves to win since both fish are the largest ever recorded in our contest in those categories.

Finally, we are proud to announce that Black Oak Resort actually won the walleye contest when Michael caught his biggest walleye ever, weighing 11 pounds, 4 ounces on July 22 at 11 a.m. (sunny and hot) on a Lindy Rig at 32 feet. The walleye was 29 1/2 in. long with a 19 in. girth. It was also the largest walleye ever caught by anyone at our resort. He had witnesses, too. He was fishing with guests, Bill Immke and Phil Golladay. However, he disqualifies himself from the contest since he's really a pro fisherman, and we'll give Joanne Logan credit for winning with her little fish.

Two honorable mentions: We had a young boy, Chris Walton, catch a 12 oz. bluegill (one ounce away from tying the record). He was big time disappointed he didn't win, but we asked him if he would llike to release the fish so someone could catch it again when it got bigger, and he DID! What a big sacrifice for a young man to give up what was for him probably the biggest fish he'd ever caught. We are proud of you, Chris. Come back and catch it next year! Also, though we don't include rough fish in our annual contest, we must mention one special catch this year. On July 29 on a sunny and hot high noon, Ray Cutrer of Algonquin, Illinois, made quite a catch when he landed a 20 pound gar, 55 inches long, while fishing a Lindy Rig at 30 feet (also fishing with Michael and Bill Immke). Bill Immke must be ready for his turn!

Largemouth Bass 6 lb. 3 oz. Mike Kostial St. Louis, MO October 26 Smallmouth Bass 3 pounds Lou Klimaszewski Merrillville, IN May 27 Black & Green Bomber Sunny, Warm Kentucky Bass 2 lb. 14 oz. Mike Schroder Hoffman Estates, IL May 17 Chartreuse & Blue Double Deep Wee-R Rainy Walleye 6 lb. 3 oz. 25 1/2 inches Joanne Logan Naperville, IL May 24, 11:18 a.m. Black and Gold Pro King Spoon Downrigger 34 ft. Calm, Overcast Lake Trout 6 lb. 3 oz. Glen Householder Waukegan, IL June 4 Black Scale & Gold Pro King Spoon Downrigger 40 ft. Cloudy, Windy

Rainbow Trout 3 lb. 4 oz. Gunnar Bristow Braidwood, IL July 1, 8 p.m. Black & Gold Pro King Spoon Downrigger 44 ft. Hazy, Hot Crappie 2 pounds Bob Warren N. Aurora, IL April 30, 10:30 a.m. Silver & Black Wally Diver Overcast, Drizzle White Bass 4 lb. 1 oz. Glen Householder Waukegan, IL June 2, 8 p.m. Orange & Yellow Spotted Pro King Spoon Downrigger 30 ft. Cloudy, Calm Bluegill 13 oz. David Gray Shorewood, IL April 15, 6 p.m. Live Minnow Windy, Cold, Rainy Channel Catfish 17 pounds Art Comer Independence, MO August 20 Bluegill Jug Fishing

1992 Results

What'd I tell you? The fish caught were bigger this year! We had some of the biggest fish we've seen since starting business in 1985. We caught the biggest Largemouth, Walleye, White Bass (tied with last year), Crappie, Catfish, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout ever recorded in our contest from 1985 onward! We did have a larger white bass, but it was never officially entered (4 lb. 6 oz. caught 2 years ago by Glen Householder of Illinois). With three back-to-back years of good spawns, the fishing should be dynamite in 1993! Also, we seemed to catch more largemouth than in previous years, and most had to be turned back because they were just under the new 15-inch limit. So next year we'll be really getting the keepers.

Another point of interest is that all of the fish except one were caught by our repeat customers. So, if you came down and didn't do sensational the first time, remember that experience counts on a lake, so don't go lake-hopping when the best lake is right here! Of course it goes without saying that you should NEVER resort-hop!

Also, we're still seeing the popularity of catch and release. Notice that two of our winners released trophy fish. Art Comer inadvertently became our third catch and release winner on his 16 pound catfish when, after weighing it, it broke the line and swam away. Maybe Art will nab it again in '93.

We tried to provide you with lots of information about fishing Bull Shoals in our contest statistics. When available, we provided information about weather conditions. Notice that a high pressure system produces good fishing. Also overcast conditions. Notice that with downrigger fishing, the depths vary considerably, so go ahead and experiment. Notice we had another uncannily lucky angler in Jerry Logan, who fished for almost two weeks before finding that perfect combination of depth and weather and time to catch two contest winners, both on the same day on downriggers at 43 feet! He persevered and deserves to win! It's more than just luck!

Illinois was again the leader with the most contest winners. And congratulations to our nephew, Scott MacKay, for finally getting a winning fish. Scott has worked this resort every summer since we opened, and fished every chance he got. We're pleased you won, Scott! And thanks to Linda Vogel, we kept the women in the limelight again!

We had winners in every month from March through September, so time of year isn't as crucial as you'd think.

All contest winners will receive a 10% cabin discount on their next stay with us, plus a Black Oak cap or T-shirt, and also a wall plaque recognizing their achievement. Winners' names will also be on our Black Oak Annual 1992 Fishing Contest plaque at the resort. Congratulations to you all!

Largemouth Bass 8 lb. 8 oz. Steve Bickes Decatur, IL April 6 Blue Metal Flake Grub Smallmouth Bass 3 lb. 13 oz. Mike Purifoy Marion, AR September 10 Jig & Pig Purple & Green (Night) Kentucky Bass 4 pounds Linda Vogel Algonquin, IL March 25 Pumpkin Grub "Catch & Release" Walleye 10 lb. 8 oz. Bob Dessent Schaumburg, IL July 22 Blue & Silver Little Cleo Downrigger 95 Feet 7:15 a.m. Overcast Bluegill 15 oz. Joe Mehaffey Morris, IL May 26 Chartreuse/Blue/Orange Baby "N" "Catch & Release"

Channel Catfish 16 pounds Art Comer Independence, MO August 28 Goldfish Jug Fishing Crappie 2 lb. 7 oz. Ed Tokes Hiawassee, GA May 3 Minnow German Brown Trout 5 lb. 8 oz. Scott MacKay Bloomingdale, IL April 7 Rainbow Trout 6 lb. 8 oz. Jerry Logan Naperville, IL June 3 Pro King Spoon Chrome/Chartreuse/Green Downrigger 43 ft. Cloudy/Windy/High Pressure White Bass 4 pounds Jerry Logan Naperville, IL June 3 Pro King Spoon Chrome/Chartreuse/Green Downrigger 43 feet Cloudy/Windy/High Pressure

1991 Results

This year our annual fishing contest was almost a clean sweep for Illinois. Not one winner from Arkansas, which was a big surprise! The only one who broke the mold was Rob Grillion, from O'Fallon, Missouri, who walked away from the competition with a really nice 7-pound largemouth. I must congratulate Rob, not only for that nice catch, but also because he caught it during our Oakland Resort Spring Opener and took both 2nd place and "Big Bass," Which gave him most of the prize money. And the best thing is, he released that fish back into Bull Shoals, and it's probably 10 pounds now and a whole lot smarter! Congratulations, Rob!

We also had a repeat winner -- Connie North. Either Connie or her husband, John, seems to win every year. Notice we have three women winners this year. One, Katie Martino, is a mere girl (8 years old). Two other things of note. Gene Babb was one lucky guy, winning in two categories a day apart. Also, notice that we had a very hot lure working this year -- the Northport Nailer -- winning in three categories. I'd buy stock in that company if I were you! The top color seemed  to be chartreuse this year (four categories). AND, you'll notice that we had TWO winners from the SAME city in Illinois (Elk Grove Village). What a coincidence!

One more thing: Winning fish this year were bigger than last year in five categories and smaller in three. So, overall, the fish are getting bigger in Bull Shoals, just like I predicted! Looks like the spring and summer turned out to be hot fishing months, but even though no winners turned up in the fall or winter, the tournaments on the lake had some stunning top weights. The Meramec Valley Tournament held in December (a one-day tournament) had a winning weight for 12 bass of over 32 pounds. And the Champion Tournament held in mid-October, had a higher winning weight than in all the previous years since we've been here! It also was another good spawn this year, so we KNOW the fishing will be tremendous next year as well.

Largemouth Bass 7 pounds Rob Grillion O'Fallon, MO March 16 Silver & Black Sassy Shad Smallmouth Bass (Tie) 3 lb. 9 oz. Marlene Ryan Blue Island, IL May 9 Green Jig & Minnow & Harry Gustafson Elk Grove Village, IL April 14 Minnow Kentucky Bass 3 lb. 8 oz. Katie Martino Hanover Park, IL June 3 Chartreuse Crankbait Walleye 6 lb. 14 oz. Bob Dessent Elk Grove Village, IL July 26 Chartreuse Northport Nailer

Rainbow Trout 3 lb. 10 oz. Gene Babb Lisle, IL June 5 Chartreuse Northport Nailer White Bass 4 pounds Gene Babb Lisle, IL June 6 Chartreuse Northport Nailer Catfish 9 lb. 14 oz. Connie North Park Ridge, IL May 4 Pa's Walleye Deep Diver (Purple), with Minnow Crappie 2 lb. 6 oz. Jim Williford Chicago, IL April 15 Minnow