107 anglers, lots of wind and rain and bass season in the Kawartha’s. This sure sounds like a good time to me. Saturday June 26th saw the start to the OKBT 2021 season on the Tri-Lakes (Pigeon Lake, Upper Buckhorn and Chemong.) What was supposed to be the second event of the season become the season opener after having to re-schedule an early season event in Sudbury due to Provincial restrictions in place at the time. None-the-less we hit the water in the rain and wind with a single goal in mind, to start the season with a win. What a day it turned out to be. The field was packed with 107 anglers from across the province making this a new record for an event breaking the old record of 78 anglers set last year at the OKBT season opener.
The day started better than forecast and fish started hitting the board early and a mix of smallmouth and largemouth were coming to the scoreboard. Off to an early start and taking the lead was Kyle Carruthers who found some fish and did not waste any time scoring them. Not to be outdone the field answered with multiple lead changes throughout the day. At the end of the day, and after 346 bass were submitted and judged, we had a completely different looking leaderboard than halfway through the day.
Taking the lead and the win was Matthew Heayn with 80.75” closely followed by Peter Gignac with 80.25” and Max Burgess with 80.00”. John Fulford took home Big Bass honours with a 20.50” largemouth.
Congratulations goes out to all the participants who came and put forth a great effort to make it a memorable day. Tough conditions aside, the event was one for the record books.
1st – Matthew Heayn – 80.75” – $3147.15
2nd – Peter Gignac – 80.25″ – $1517.37
3rd – Max Burgess – 80.00″ – $955.35
4th – Tyler Warner – $200
5th – Nate Conley – $100
Big Bass – John Fulford – 20.50″ – $535.00
A special mention also goes to Gavin Nicholls, who put in a strong showing on the day. Gavin ended up placing 13th on the day. Not bad for a 15 year old and paddling in that wind all day.
And last but certainly not least, we have to give thanks and a shoutout to the OKBT sponsors who went above and beyond again this year to supply us with the amazing after event and year end prizes.
Thank you to
Old Town Canoes & Kayaks
Garmin Marine Canada
Fogh Marine
DAIWA Corporation – Canada
Malone Auto Racks
Power-Pole Total Boat Control
Scotty Fishing Products
Angler’s Choice Quality Made Soft Plastics
Dakota Lithium Batteries
Mega Jigs
Mig Sig Outdoors
Streamside
Gagnon Sports
JVM Custom Lures
See you all on July 24th at Sparrow Lake