The Chattanooga Bass Association started the 2005 season on the 19th with the Chattanooga Fish-N-Fun February Open. Sixty-two boats participated in the season opener with several new teams. The tournament paid 12 places with the following teams making the payout.
- 1st Place winner of $1,500.00 - Galen James & Tony Townsend with 18.98#, Qualifying them for the 2005 Dean Construction Classic Championship if they fish 7 open events.
- 2nd Place - Tim Kennedy & Ronnie Burt 18.72# $800.00 and $360.00 for Big Fish of the tournament, a 5.38# largemouth. This fish takes the early lead in the Hamilton Sport Shop big fish of the season award, worth $500.00 at the end of the open tournament season.
- 3rd Place - Steve Kite & Stoney Johnson 17.16# $600.00
- 4th Place - Chris Coleman & Freddie Lasley Jr. 15.70# $450.00
- 5th Place for $350-Hunter Plumlee & Sean Williams 14.48# $350.00 and $120.00 for Big Kentucky Spotted Bass at 3.68#.
- 6th Place - Rogne Brown & John Kyle 14.38# $300.00
- 7th Place - Jerry Webb & Richard Graham 14.20# $300.00
- 8th Place - Mark Varady & John Taylor 13.42# $250.00 and $120.00 for Big Small Mouth Bass at 4.42#
- 9th Place - Mike Eddings & Blake Van der Cammen 12.62# $200.00
- 10th Place - Joe Jerfie 12.24# $150.00
- 11th Place - Scott Baker & Lance Gray 11.74# $100.00
- 12th Place - Steve Barnes & Clint Harrison 11.66# $100.00
The CBA will have 9 open point tournaments this season with the top 50 individuals in points qualifying for the Dean Construction Championship Classic in November. The final point standings are based on points from 7 of the 9 open tournaments, anyone that missed the first tournament can still receive points for 7 tournaments.
This year's classic will pay $10,000.00 first place with an estimated total payout exceeding $20,000.00 plus merchandise prizes. Those participants that fish at least 7 open tournaments and are not in the top 50 in points will qualify to fish the wildcard tournament, the top 10 individuals in the wildcard tournament also qualify for the classic. Open tournament winners that fish at least 7 open tournaments also qualify.
Visit the CBA website for complete details and sign-up locations, or call 423-421-9635.
In 2004 the CBA had a total cash payout of $68,000, after all tournament expenses this was a 120% payback thanks to the tremendous support we receive from our sponsors. Of the approximate 185 participants 93 different people received checks. The CBA had 11 total events in 2004 with no repeat winners. We would like to invite all local anglers to participate with us. Our next open tournament will be March 5, all tournaments are held at Chester Frost Park. Fishing is permitted on Chickamauga, Watts Bar, and Nickajack. We hope to see everyone on March 5th.
David Craft - CBA Officer