Lake Austin - FOM Centex 2006 Open Tournament
December 2 2006

Lake Austin FOM Centex Open 2006 Results
Tournament Pictures
Tournament Video

I want to thank everyone that came out and fished The Fishers of Men Central Texas 3rd Annual Open presented by Texas Boat World.
We had 35 teams enter the tournament. 56 bass were brought to the scales totaling 152.52 pounds, for an average of 2.72 pounds.
We paid out a total of $4685.00 in cash and prizes for a 133% pay out.

Weather would play a role for the Fishers of Men Central Texas Divisions third annual Open presented by Texas Boat World of Harker Heights.  Saturday morning would not be as bad as predicted however; it was still a brisk 36 degrees at City Park on Lake Austin our host for this event. As the day would progress we would see a mix of clouds and sunshine and the mercury would hit the mid 60’s for a nice afternoon to key in on those finicky bass.  35 teams braved the cold front conditions in hopes of the $2000.00 first place prize money and other cash and prizes.  As in any bass tournament a few teams successfully dialed in on a pattern while others would struggle or swing and miss.

The team of Eddy Maynard of Leander and Ronny Maynard from Georgetown had their bass figured out and brought a five fish limit weighing 19.43 pounds including 7.02 kicker bass. Eddy told me him and Ronnie were fishing the thick grass in about 8ft of water starting out on the edge moving into the shallower water flipping a 1 ¼ oz Terry Oldham’s Jig.

Also bringing a five bass limit was the always consistent team of Dale Read and Paul Carmen from Leander, there 15.21 total weights would award them with second the second place honors. Dale Read said that they have been fishing this particular stretch of the lake for many years, however the past few months had not been producing. They decided to start the day there and see what happened, and today it produced. Dale said they had a limit by 10AM throwing senko type baits. Dale also said that they managed to cull two or three bass later in the day on the “big jig.

Third Place would go to another team of consistent anglers, Bo Berry of Giddings and Randy Tawater of Austin. There five bass tipped the scales at 14.51 pounds, Randy said they would spend their entire day fishing up the lake near the low water crossing throwing the Bass Assassin Eager Beaver and a Hawg Caller Jigs on a ¾ oz weight in 1-3 feet. Randy is sponsored by St. Croix, Minn Kota, Lunker Lures, Hawg Caller, Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, Daiichi, and X Point Hook. Bo Berry is sponsored by Rouge Rods, Maxima Line and Kick N Bass.

Fishing alone and taking Big Bass honors was Bill Guzman from Leander. Bills largemouth bass was a nice 9.01 pounds and was also good enough for a 6th place finish. Bill was started his day fishing the grass and dock around the City Park area, however he told me he was only getting  short fish to bite. He decided to make a move to an area he has done well before near Ski Shores. He was flipping a black blue jig in 1-2 feet in the back of dock when the 9.01 pound hit, Bill said that he saw another 5 and a few 2 pound bass following the big bass as he brought it to the boat. After he landed the fish, he throws back in the dock with the jig and a fluke, however was unable to entice another strike.

 Taking the rest of the top 10 paying positions

4th        Yung Follis/Scott Mahoney      
5th        Don Crowell/Randall Vaughn
6th        Bill Guzman
7th        Bud Croon/Lynn Prince
8th        Philip Smith/Matt Millard
9th        Randy Sitz/Don Schwetze
10th      Tom Yester/Eric McGaha

 Fisher of Men Central Texas is proud to have Texas Boat World as a new sponsor this year. Cliff Brown the new owner has made a commitment to offer quality products at great prices, as well as provide a level of service unmatched in the industry. Texas Boat World is a full service marine dealer, as well as an Authorized Warranty and Service Center for Minn Kota, and Motor Guide. Please give Cliff next time your in need of service or maintenance. And if you’re in the market for a new boat you will not find better prices on 2006 and 2007 Tritons, Stingray, and Sea-Do.

We also want to recognize Sportsman’s Warehouse for their continued support. Stop by and say hi to Lee, Chris and the guys in the fishing department. Let’s not forget you’re online and on site tackle store Geneva Enterprises www.genevaenterprises.com  George will be at a tournament near you with all the latest in tournament proven tackle available.

Thanks also to bassfishingworld.com, Jackal Lures, Kicker Fish Bait Company, Lewis Home Team for the generous donations to the raffle table. Thank you very much.

Jeff Cook - FOM Central Texas Director