Lady Bass Angler : : Women's Bassmaster Tour Point Rankings

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=165 BGCOLOR="#3333CC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>  </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="076d43c0.jpg" border=0 width="468" height="60" ALT="Lady Bass Angler www.ladybassangler.com The online meeting place for women who fish for bass" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women Fishing Business Owners">Women Owned Businesses</A>  |  <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Womens Bassmaster Tour Stops and Info">WBT Tournament Info</A>  |  <A HREF="http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/wbt/index" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassm">WBT Website</A> |  <A HREF="id33.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Womens Bassmaster Tournament Results : L">WBT Tournament Results </A>  |  <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lady Bass Angler : Womens Bassmaster Tou">WBT News Archives </A> | <B> WBT Point Rankings</B>  |  <A HREF="member_list.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="WBT Fellowship of Christian Anglers :: F">WBT FOCAS Group</A>     </div> <div> <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women Fishing :: Meet the Lady Bass Angl">"Meet the Lady Bass Angler" Bio's</A><B> </B> |  <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lady Bass Angler :: WBT Youth Articles">Youth</A>  | <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lady Bass Angler Article Archives">Article Archives </A> |  <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women Fishing :: Lady Bass:Anglers Perso">Lady Angler Personal Websites</A>  | <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Women Fishing :: Local Ladies Bass Fishi"> Local Club Directiory </A> |  <A HREF="contact_us.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Lady Bass Anglers :: B.A.S.S. 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ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1269b3a0.gif" border=0 width="155" height="58" ALT="Keel Shield Hull Protectors" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>  <script type="text/javascript" src="http://optimizedby.rmxads.com/st?ad_type=ad&ad_size=120x600&section=200706"></script>   </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="682"><bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="sheri_glasgow_wins_toyota_women_s"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Sheri Glasgow Wins Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year</B></div> <div> <B>Top 12 in Points Qualify for Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship</B></div> <div>  </div> <div> SHREVEPORT, La. – It has been a long time coming, as Oklahoma’s Sheri Glasgow has remained a front-runner since March to take the crowning title of the Mercury Marine Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Triton Boats.<IMG SRC="ab5faa50.png" border=0 width="250" height="165" ALT="Sheri Glasgow ESPN/BASS PHOTO" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div>  Glasgow, of Muskogee, Okla., is the 2007 Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year. For her efforts, she takes home a 2008 Toyota Tundra. </div> <div>  “It’s one of the highest honors a person can have. The emotions of winning this award are crazy. You can do well in individual tournaments and be consistent all year long, but to be the point’s leader at the end of the year is a hard thing to do,” Glasgow said. </div> <div>  Glasgow came into the season finale on Louisiana’s Red River 129 points ahead of Arkansas’ Tammy Richardson. Glasgow finished third in the final WBT tournament of the season; her total for the three-day event was 28 pounds, 0 ounces, enough to keep at bay both Richardson and Pam Martin-Wells of Georgia.</div> <div>  “Any girl is capable of showing up and winning these tournaments and it’s a struggle everyday you compete. I wasn’t looking at the whole season together; I was looking at each tournament specifically. I had to break it down per day and mentally that made it seem easier. Being versatile enough each day to make changes was key,” she said.</div> <div>  Glasgow has remained at the top of the standings since her win in March at Lake Dardanelle – in Richardson’s home state – and has finished in the top five at each event this season.</div> <div>  At Dardanelle, Glasgow’s winning weight was 46 pounds, 1 ounce. In the season opener at Texas’ Lake Amistad, she finished third, behind winner Juanita Robinson of Texas and Pam Martin-Wells of Georgia. Richardson won the third Tour stop, at Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, while Glasgow finished fifth, and Glasgow finished second to Arkansas’ Lucy Mize in the fourth event, on Kentucky Lake.</div> <div>  “I’ve been enormously blessed this year and it’s almost hard to put into words what it’s like,” Glasgow said of her productive season. “I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet. I’m relieved it’s over and honored that ESPN and BASS have given us this opportunity.” </div> <div>  Glasgow also finished second in the WBT Championship in February on Lake Mitchell out of Birmingham, Ala. Martin-Wells, Glasgow’s closest competitor for Angler of the Year throughout this season’s action, won that event.</div> <div>  While competing for the Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title, WBT anglers also were trying to qualify for the Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship, set for February 2008 on South Carolina’s Lake Keowee. Only the top 12 pros and 12 co-anglers in the points standings were invited to compete in the showdown, which coincides with the Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell out of Greenville, S.C.</div> <div> <B>Anglers who qualified along with Glasgow for the championship: defending champion Martin-Wells; Arkansas’ Lucy Mize, who won the fourth event of the season; Arizona’s Audrey McQueen; Texas’ Juanita Robinson, who won the season opener; Arkansas’ Tammy Richardson; Louisiana’s Judy Wong; 2006 Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year Dianna Clark; Tennessee’s Cindy Hill; Arkansas’ Penny Berryman; Kentucky’s Secret York and Ohio’s Marcia Rubin. </B></div> <div> “I’m really looking forward to the championship and it’s an honor to be associated with the Bassmaster Classic. Last year was the first time, but I don’t think this year will feel any different; it’s going to be a wow for everyone. We’ve all tried so hard to get there. I’m excited to go and anxious to have that date roll around.”</div> <div> <B> Co-anglers who’ll join the pros at the championship include Texas’ Karol Whitehurst; Oklahoma’s Kala; Texas’ Laura Elkins; Ohio’s Debbie Pegoli; Washington’s Bonnie Ward; Georgia’s Kim Stapp; Louisiana’s Cheryl Holloway; Arkansas’ Dianne Kegley; Massachusetts’s Colleen McKay; Texas’ Angie Everitt and Virginia’s Barbara Gaskins. </B></div> <div> <B> </B><B> <A NAME="boater_points_after_red_river"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Boater Points after Red River, Shreveport, La.  Ending 09-22-2007, Day 3</B></div> <div> <B>-------------------------------------------</B></div> <div> <B>Place  Name               St            Pts</B></div> <div> <B>-------------------------------------------</B></div> <div> <B>  1 Sheri Glasgow         Okla.        1480</B></div> <div> <B>  2 Pam Martin-Wells      Ga.          1344</B></div> <div> <B>  3 Lucy Mize             Ark.         1253</B></div> <div> <B>  4 Audrey McQueen        Ariz.        1248</B></div> <div> <B>  5 Juanita Robinson      Texas        1245</B></div> <div> <B>  6 Tammy Richardson      Ark.         1220</B></div> <div> <B>  7 Judy Wong             La.          1214</B></div> <div> <B>  8 Dianna Clark          Tenn.        1206</B></div> <div> <B>  9 Cindy Hill            Tenn.        1194</B></div> <div> <B> 10 Penny Berryman        Ark.         1173</B></div> <div> <B> 11 Secret York           Ky.          1162</B></div> <div> <B> 12 Marcia Rubin          Ohio         1107</B></div> <div> <B> 13 Kathi Hurst           Miss.        1105</B></div> <div> <B> 14 Mary Hencken          N.C.         1096</B></div> <div> <B> 15 Lynda Gessner         Mo.          1090</B></div> <div> <B> 15 Christiana Bradley    Va.          1090</B></div> <div> <B> 17 Karla Bullard         Texas        1081</B></div> <div> <B> 18 Patti Campbell        Texas        1064</B></div> <div> <B> 19 Laura Gober           Ga.          1060</B></div> <div> <B> 20 Jan Heavener          Ark.         1055</B></div> <div> <B> 21 Tammie Muse           Ark.         1051</B></div> <div> <B> 22 Lisa Sternard         Tenn.        1048</B></div> <div> <B> 23 Kay Pennington        La.          1021</B></div> <div> <B> 24 Robinette Fox         Ark.          994</B></div> <div> <B> 25 Robin Babb            Texas         991</B></div> <div> <B> 25 Kathy Womack          Ala.          991</B></div> <div> <B> 27 Teri Neal             Ga.           982</B></div> <div> <B> 28 Emily Shaffer         Tenn.         970</B></div> <div> <B> 29 Mary DiVincenti       La.           965</B></div> <div> <B> 30 Lisa Johnson          Ga.           963</B></div> <div> <B> 31 Jamie Patrick         Ga.           960</B></div> <div> <B> 32 Linda Sands           Ala.          956</B></div> <div> <B> 33 Betty Stahl           Ala.          938</B></div> <div> <B> 34 Angie Douthit         Fla.          933</B></div> <div> <B> 35 Jo Dee Lake           Ala.          923</B></div> <div> <B> 36 Debra Hengst          Texas         907</B></div> <div> <B> 37 Michelle Armstrong    N.C.          904</B></div> <div> <B> 37 Marsha Gipson         Ark.          904</B></div> <div> <B> 39 Debra Petrowski       Texas         893</B></div> <div> <B> 39 Sarah Augustine       La.           893</B></div> <div> <B> 41 Rhonda Pope           Ga.           889</B></div> <div> <B> 42 Deanie Tate           Ark.          874</B></div> <div> <B> 43 Joan Davis            Ind.          863</B></div> <div> <B> 44 Madeline Smith        Ark.          850</B></div> <div> <B> 45 Diane Phillips          848</B></div> <div> <B> 46 Becky McKinney        Fla.          828</B></div> <div> <B> 47 Kandie Candelaria     Texas         813</B></div> <div> <B> 48 Susan Gregory         Miss.         811</B></div> <div> <B> 49 Sandi Karnes          Texas         808</B></div> <div> <B> 50 Kali Weatherford      Texas         789</B></div> <div> <B> 51 Christie Thomas       Ala.          782</B></div> <div> <B> 52 Linda Redford         Mo.           775</B></div> <div> <B> 53 Tanya Kreuzer         Ariz.         762</B></div> <div> <B> 54 Helen Gordon          Texas         756</B></div> <div> <B> 55 Tami Kashiwabara      Japan         747</B></div> <div> <B> 56 Ann Wells             Ill.          727</B></div> <div> <B> 57 Cindy Van Horn        Texas         721</B></div> <div> <B> 58 Kris McClendon        Texas         710</B></div> <div> <B> 59 Cindy Caperton        Tenn.         705</B></div> <div> <B> 60 Cheryl LaLumandier    Mo.           696</B></div> <div> <B> 61 Kristy Darby          Ark.          695</B></div> <div> <B> 62 Sue Parrish           Ind.          683</B></div> <div> <B> 63 Kelley Shepherd       Colo.         678</B></div> <div> <B> 64 Melanie Rockey        Ga.           669</B></div> <div> <B> 65 Rhonda Usery          Ark.          658</B></div> <div> <B> 66 Robin McFarlane       Texas         653</B></div> <div> <B> 67 Christena Baugh       Ark.          618</B></div> <div> <B> 68 Bonnie Johnson        Texas         610</B></div> <div> <B> 68 Lori Masters          Tenn.         610</B></div> <div> <B> 70 Laura Heflin          Kan.          599</B></div> <div> <B> 71 Rose Ellis            Ala.          589</B></div> <div> <B> 72 Laura Moore           Texas         577</B></div> <div> <B> 73 Robin Lefler          Va.           567</B></div> <div> <B> 74 Keri Schieber         Ga.           562</B></div> <div> <B> 75 Kimberlee Striker     Ala.          544</B></div> <div> <B> 75 Lisa Craig            Texas         544</B></div> <div> <B> 77 Kellie Skelton        N.M.          505</B></div> <div> <B> 78 Melinda Mize-Hooper   Ark.          501</B></div> <div> <B> 79 Karen Elkins          Ala.          481</B></div> <div> <B> 80 Kathy Cater           Texas         476</B></div> <div> <B> 81 Mickie Wolfinbarger   Mo.           473</B></div> <div> <B> 82 Darla Bardelli        Ariz.         466</B></div> <div> <B> 83 Billie Jaynes         Texas         453</B></div> <div> <B> 84 Kathy Magers          Texas         431</B></div> <div> <B> 85 Lila Bass             Texas         421</B></div> <div> <B> 86 Pam Pope                410</B></div> <div> <B> 87 Pat White             Texas         388</B></div> <div> <B> 88 Sandy Sherred         Pa.           372</B></div> <div> <B> 89 Kathy Riley           Miss.         364</B></div> <div> <B> 90 Pam Ridgle              363</B></div> <div> <B> 91 Janet Parker          Texas         362</B></div> <div> <B> 92 Cheryl Spencer        Okla.         350</B></div> <div> <B> 93 Danalee Lofton        Ark.          335</B></div> <div> <B> 94 Donna Newberry        Ark.          327</B></div> <div> <B> 95 Mary Croft            Va.           309</B></div> <div> <B> 96 Cheryl Allen          Texas         307</B></div> <div> <B> 97 Wanda Malmsbury       Mo.           284</B></div> <div> <B> 97 Jen Carroll           Texas         284</B></div> <div> <B> 99 Debbie Kemp           Texas         278</B></div> <div> <B>100 Sammie Denyes         Fla.          276</B></div> <div> <B>101 Robyn Gist            Tenn.         267</B></div> <div> <B>102 Joan Craig            Ark.          257</B></div> <div> <B>103 Connie Buckner        Ala.          254</B></div> <div> <B>104 Jennifer Stelly       La.           252</B></div> <div> <B>105 Gail Criswell         Texas         229</B></div> <div> <B>105 Denise White          Ohio          229</B></div> <div> <B>107 Dana Davis            Ala.          207</B></div> <div> <B>108 Sharon Waldo          Ark.          191</B></div> <div> <B>109 Laurie Cork           La.           179</B></div> <div> <B>110 Susan Hand            Ala.          168</B></div> <div> <B>111 Linda Walker          Ark.          167</B></div> <div> <B>112 Sue Crochet           La.           163</B></div> <div> <B>113 Tommie Domingue       Texas         157</B></div> <div> <B>114 Debbie Blanchard      Ariz.         144</B></div> <div> <B>115 Marilyn Biszmaier     Ky.           141</B></div> <div> <B>116 Debra Cunningham      Ariz.         139</B></div> <div> <B>117 Sandra Vise           La.           131</B></div> <div> <B>118 Judy Vancanneyt       Ala.          130</B></div> <div> <B>119 Janet Tucker          Ohio          129</B></div> <div> <B>120 Carolyn Poole         Fla.          117</B></div> <div> <B>121 Violette Sesco        Fla.          114</B></div> <div> <B>122 Cheryl Crafton        Ky.           113</B></div> <div> <B>123 Paula Alexander       Ga.           109</B></div> <div> <B>124 Julie Jacobson        Wisc.          99</B></div> <div> <B>125 Louise Howard         Ala.            0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Teresa Poole          Mo.             0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Toni Corpe            Calif.          0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Dorothy T'Kindt       Ind.            0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Sharri Brazzel        Ariz.           0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Kathryn Ealey         Ala.            0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Bonnie Katke          Mo.             0</B></div> <div> <B>125 Judy Antle            Ky.             0</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="non_boater_points_after_red_river"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Non-Boater Points After Red River, Shreveport, La.  Ending 09-22-2007, Day 3</B></div> <div> <B>-------------------------------------------</B></div> <div> <B>Place  Name               St            Pts</B></div> <div> <B>-------------------------------------------</B></div> <div> <B>  1 Jan Hudson            Ark.         1298</B></div> <div> <B>  2 Karol Whitehurst      Texas        1297</B></div> <div> <B>  3 Kala Wright           Okla.        1274</B></div> <div> <B>  4 Laura Elkins          Texas        1232</B></div> <div> <B>  5 Debbie Pegoli         Ohio         1165</B></div> <div> <B>  6 Bonnie Ward           Wash.        1155</B></div> <div> <B>  7 Kim Stapp             Ga.          1143</B></div> <div> <B>  8 Cheryl Holloway       La.          1142</B></div> <div> <B>  9 Dianne Kegley         Ark.         1127</B></div> <div> <B> 10 Colleen McKay         Mass.        1114</B></div> <div> <B> 11 Angie Everitt         Texas        1112</B></div> <div> <B> 12 Barbara Gaskins       Va.          1107</B></div> <div> <B> 13 Kim Martin            Ind.         1105</B></div> <div> <B> 14 Susan Dameron         Tenn.        1084</B></div> <div> <B> 15 Angela Mitchell       Canada       1065</B></div> <div> <B> 16 Brenda Bates          Texas        1040</B></div> <div> <B> 16 Cheryl Bowden         Texas        1040</B></div> <div> <B> 18 Robertina Filburn     Ky.          1035</B></div> <div> <B> 19 Diane Smith           Ga.          1029</B></div> <div> <B> 20 Sherry Melton         Tenn.        1020</B></div> <div> <B> 21 Bertha Cavakis        Ark.         1008</B></div> <div> <B> 22 Lesa Brown            Ark.         1005</B></div> <div> <B> 23 Crystal Langston      Ala.         1000</B></div> <div> <B> 23 Sharon Withers        Texas        1000</B></div> <div> <B> 25 Elizabeth Sanders     Miss.         987</B></div> <div> <B> 26 Linda Berry           N.C.          986</B></div> <div> <B> 27 Lora Simison          Ind.          920</B></div> <div> <B> 28 Kim McGuffey          Texas         904</B></div> <div> <B> 29 Brenda Reeves         Texas         898</B></div> <div> <B> 30 Sarah Busby           La.           893</B></div> <div> <B> 31 Gail Wood               876</B></div> <div> <B> 32 Brenda Carson         Okla.         847</B></div> <div> <B> 33 Monica Altman         N.C.          842</B></div> <div> <B> 34 Donna Prado           Texas         828</B></div> <div> <B> 35 Nancy Oliver          La.           800</B></div> <div> <B> 36 Denese Freeman        Okla.         785</B></div> <div> <B> 37 Shirley Jordan        Ark.          775</B></div> <div> <B> 38 Susan Wild            D.C.          759</B></div> <div> <B> 39 Dianna Fanning        Ark.          756</B></div> <div> <B> 40 Robbie Hartline       Mo.           724</B></div> <div> <B> 41 Kim Tucker            Ala.          717</B></div> <div> <B> 42 Vickie Jeffries       Ohio          708</B></div> <div> <B> 43 Tracy Doty            Texas         694</B></div> <div> <B> 44 Charlotte Frazier     Texas         687</B></div> <div> <B> 45 Bridget Allen         Pa.           669</B></div> <div> <B> 46 Linda Thomas          Okla.         668</B></div> <div> <B> 47 Robin Kolton          Texas         665</B></div> <div> <B> 48 Vicki Henderson       Ark.          657</B></div> <div> <B> 49 Heather Sullivan      Ala.          653</B></div> <div> <B> 50 De Lynn Montez        Mo.           648</B></div> <div> <B> 51 Sharon Rushton        Mo.           645</B></div> <div> <B> 52 Jada Tidmore          Ala.          637</B></div> <div> <B> 53 Barbara Ferge         Tenn.         603</B></div> <div> <B> 54 Julie Garriety        Texas         594</B></div> <div> <B> 55 Marilu Ives           Ark.          583</B></div> <div> <B> 56 Debra Cook            Ala.          576</B></div> <div> <B> 57 Esther Turner         Tenn.         573</B></div> <div> <B> 58 Lisa Skelley          Tenn.         569</B></div> <div> <B> 59 Tabitha Rudd          Ala.          566</B></div> <div> <B> 60 Carilyn Hill          Okla.         548</B></div> <div> <B> 61 Sharon McEwen         Pa.           547</B></div> <div> <B> 62 Tammie Ply            Ark.          537</B></div> <div> <B> 63 Linda Bald            Texas         530</B></div> <div> <B> 64 Maggie Robledo        Texas         519</B></div> <div> <B> 65 Linda Owens           Miss.         517</B></div> <div> <B> 66 Trish Atkinson        Mass.         516</B></div> <div> <B> 67 Toni Mode             Ore.          502</B></div> <div> <B> 68 Linda Keithley        Mo.           467</B></div> <div> <B> 69 Phyllis Free          Ga.           466</B></div> <div> <B> 70 Mary Lipka            Mo.           462</B></div> <div> <B> 71 Pam Anthony           Tenn.         454</B></div> <div> <B> 72 Jennifer Helgren      Ill.          452</B></div> <div> <B> 73 Trish Levitt          N.M.          402</B></div> <div> <B> 74 Teresa Lolley         Ala.          401</B></div> <div> <B> 74 Kim Petrowski         Texas         401</B></div> <div> <B> 76 Marsha Betz           Texas         400</B></div> <div> <B> 77 Holly Tuyls           Mich.         397</B></div> <div> <B> 78 Beverly Graham        Texas         388</B></div> <div> <B> 79 Shawn Conner          Ind.          367</B></div> <div> <B> 80 Vickie Lesiker        Texas         362</B></div> <div> <B> 81 Melissa Bond          N.M.          350</B></div> <div> <B> 82 Barbie Hagler         Texas         341</B></div> <div> <B> 83 Renee Brisendine      N.C.          330</B></div> <div> <B> 84 Kateena Thomas        Ga.           327</B></div> <div> <B> 85 Leanne Snowden        Mich.         325</B></div> <div> <B> 86 Sharon Gentry         Mo.           322</B></div> <div> <B> 87 Julie Shivers         Texas         305</B></div> <div> <B> 88 Virginia Buckner      Ala.          300</B></div> <div> <B> 89 Donna Newberry        Ark.          280</B></div> <div> <B> 90 Tracy Bailey          Texas         278</B></div> <div> <B> 91 Patsy Mcdaniel        Ala.          264</B></div> <div> <B> 92 Becky Burt            Ark.          254</B></div> <div> <B> 93 Sharon Lawson         Tenn.         248</B></div> <div> <B> 94 Mary James            Ark.          245</B></div> <div> <B> 94 Bonnie Betts          Mo.           245</B></div> <div> <B> 96 Karen Williams        Mo.           244</B></div> <div> <B> 97 Tina Newman           Tenn.         239</B></div> <div> <B> 97 Teresa Morris         Tenn.         239</B></div> <div> <B> 99 Annette Clark         Tenn.         237</B></div> <div> <B>100 Kris Hunter           Texas         235</B></div> <div> <B>101 Jennifer Nevans       Tenn.         233</B></div> <div> <B>102 Lisa Diehl            Pa.           225</B></div> <div> <B>103 Leslie Anderson       Mo.           217</B></div> <div> <B>104 Shely Lee             Texas         207</B></div> <div> <B>105 Judith Hart           Texas         196</B></div> <div> <B>106 Angela Dechau         Mo.           195</B></div> <div> <B>107 Pamela Rodden         Texas         193</B></div> <div> <B>108 Glenda Jackson        Nev.          192</B></div> <div> <B>109 Sandra Dillon         Ark.          189</B></div> <div> <B>109 Dana Beavers          Ala.          189</B></div> <div> <B>111 Judy Pate             La.           187</B></div> <div> <B>112 Kristin Eaton         Ala.          186</B></div> <div> <B>113 Janet Bieda           N.C.          184</B></div> <div> <B>114 Dee Barger            Ala.          183</B></div> <div> <B>115 Kim Stevenson         Mo.           179</B></div> <div> <B>116 Karen Hall            Ky.           177</B></div> <div> <B>117 Kay Harmon            Texas         175</B></div> <div> <B>118 Tracy Pace            Texas         173</B></div> <div> <B>119 Vicki Hester          Ala.          171</B></div> <div> <B>120 Sandy Jeane           Texas         170</B></div> <div> <B>121 Lillian Gutierrez     Texas         167</B></div> <div> <B>121 Agnes Leblanc         La.           167</B></div> <div> <B>123 Heather Thode         Ill.          162</B></div> <div> <B>124 Jeannette Thompson    Texas         161</B></div> <div> <B>124 Cathy Smith           La.           161</B></div> <div> <B>126 Darla Mcintosh        Fla.          157</B></div> <div> <B>126 Janet Barefoot        Miss.         157</B></div> <div> <B>128 Beverly Dickson       Ark.          154</B></div> <div> <B>129 Sylvia Graham         Ind.          153</B></div> <div> <B>130 Summer Stephens       Ga.           151</B></div> <div> <B>131 Brenda Botica         La.           149</B></div> <div> <B>131 Beverly Nelson        Mich.         149</B></div> <div> <B>133 Stephanie Archie      Tenn.         145</B></div> <div> <B>134 Stacy Zhelesnik       N.J.          144</B></div> <div> <B>135 Carolyn Voyles        Texas         142</B></div> <div> <B>135 Sheretta Sweeney      Texas         142</B></div> <div> <B>137 Kristy Darby          Ark.          139</B></div> <div> <B>138 Sabrina Sivley        Ala.          137</B></div> <div> <B>139 Edwina Harper         Texas         135</B></div> <div> <B>139 Mary Miday            Fla.          135</B></div> <div> <B>141 Carol Boykin          Ind.          125</B></div> <div> <B>142 Janet Frerich         Texas         111</B></div> <div> <B>143 Keri Schieber         Ga.             0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Mary Croft            Va.             0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Lila Bass             Texas           0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Sue Freeman           Md.             0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Deborah Woodrow       Ohio            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Tracy Richardson      Ala.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Joellen Dennison      Tenn.           0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Kathy Hughes          Ind.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Lesli Lively          Texas           0</B></div> <div> <B>143 April Lacy            Texas           0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Nora Finks            S.C.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Andrea Studensky-Berr Texas           0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Julia Reynolds        Mo.             0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Carolyn Poole         Fla.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Delorse Mote          Ohio            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Sylvia Hudson         Fla.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Joyce Austin          Ky.             0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Sugar Walker          Ala.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Patti Harland         Ala.            0</B></div> <div> <B>143 Vanessa Seay          Va.             0</B></div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 22861 WIDTH="906"><div> <B><IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div>  <A NAME="profiles_of_the_24_women_who_will"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#3300CC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Profiles of the 24 women who competed in the first Woman's Bassmaster Tour Classic</B></FONT></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__1_dianna_clark"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #1, Dianna Clark</B></div> <div> <B>Bumpus Mills, Tennessee</B></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="6fcb9760.jpg" border=0 width="185" height="118" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Lady Bass Angler was unable to contact this contender</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__1_bonnie_ward"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-angler #1, Bonnie Ward</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="6faaafe0.jpg" border=0 width="170" height="254" ALT="Bonnie Ward" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Women’s Bassmaster Tour anglers that have a spouse or travel companion are always quick to thank them for their support.  For Bonnie Ward it is no different when she speaks about her husband Doug.  Bonnie is a very quiet and frankly shy person.  Her demeanor seems an unlikely one to find in a tough competitive sport.  She finds her strength in the support of Doug and the rest of her family.  It is a love story really.  I have observed them some over the years and notice how Doug is content to travel with Bonnie across the nation pursuing her ‘hobby’.   His years of support and love are reaping rewards or rather awards in the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.  Bonnie won the tournament at Neely Henry and earned the co-angler of the year award. </div> <bR> <div> So, how did an angler from the state of Washington make the decision to enter the Women’s Bassmaster Tour?  “My husband, Doug, was the major influence. I would have waited one more year, but when this tour was announced he felt it would be a mistake not to fish the inaugural season.”  Bonnie Ward says, “He was right!”  </div> <bR> <div> Bonnie started out trout fishing at about eight years old.  She has been fishing for bass about fourteen years, she says “quitting for one reason or another but always coming back to it because I absolutely love this sport”.  She has been tournament fishing about nine years but this is the first tournament trail she has been able to fish the entire year and devote time to. </div> <bR> <div> When she decided to fish the trail it was with the thought that they would drive to all the tournaments. Keep in mind Bonnie is from Snohomish, Washington. For the premier event at Lewisville in the fall of 2005 she says, “We geared up with the intent of driving to all of the tournaments. About halfway there, I knew that was not going to happen. I was heartbroken, but had to be realistic. Maybe someday”.</div> <bR> <div> To wish her luck, her sister Bobbie or Doug, will hide cards of support in her tackle box. She says, “It means a lot to me and I can’t tell you how many times I have discovered and opened the card and words of encouragement are just what I need at that very moment. My Mom has made me a couple of fishing shirts so ‘she can be with me in the boat’, that kind of encouragement feels great”.</div> <bR> <div> Finishing in first place on the co angler side was not easy, highlights include:  1st Place at Neely Henry Lake, Tied for 2nd Place at Bull Shoals Lake.  Bonnie explains what contributed to her success. “My go to bait this year has definitely been Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits 4” Senko.  I caught the majority of my fish this year on the Senko and the Kreature.  The inaugural tournament on Lake Neely Henry was most responsible for helping me qualify for the championship. I drew out on day one with Donna Newberry, with whom I had fished before, so I knew we would have a good day. I had gotten on to the Senko during practice and told her so she took me to some water that she had that fit what I had learned pre-fishing. We both caught fish. I was tied for second at the end of day one. I had never been in that position before so I was very, very nervous. The second day I drew out with Sherrie Brubaker who was great at keeping me calm and believing in myself. Day three I drew out with Tammy Richardson. We had both been fishing the very same kind of water but we were fishing it a bit differently. We made the decision to run through her first stretch one more time and things started changing. She had one more similar area she had found in practice. We stopped there on the way back to some water in which I had confidence and that’s where everything changed. We both started throwing Senko’s and the fish were responsive. It was fun and a dream come true. I caught all but two of my fish over the three days on a Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits 4” Green Pumpkin & Watermelon Laminate 4” Senko, 10 pound Sugoi Fluorocarbon line spooled on a Shimano Sustain Reel, which was mounted on a G. Loomis BCR852 Senko rod. I would cast the Senko against a rock wall or riprap bank and let it fall slowly.”</div> <bR> <div> She also gives credit to her friends when asked if another competitor contributed to her success. “Absolutely!  I was invited by Carolyn Poole, Jan Heavener, Marsha Gipson, and Judy Wong to pre-fish or practice with them. It makes a huge difference to get out there on the water and try to figure out what is going on, even as a non-boater. I am well aware boaters are not obligated to afford us this opportunity. I am extremely grateful to each of these ladies for the opportunity, the friendship, and the education.  I had the good fortune to draw out with some great ladies this season and I learned something new from everyone with whom I was fortunate enough to fish. I drew out with Shelly Perry and Katrina DeHaven at the Bull Shoals tournament. I could not have had greater draws as both partners were determined that I would catch a fish to insure I stay in the top 12. I can’t begin to tell you how flattered and appreciative I was. I will never forget what all these ladies have done for me.”</div> <bR> <div> Bonnie admits winning the first tournament gave her the boost she needed to start season.  “It gave me a reason to believe in myself. My husband, friends, and family have always believed in me.”  As I mention earlier, Bonnie is quite shy.  She would like to take this opportunity to thank those who mean so much to her.  “Public speaking is not my strong suit so I want to take this opportunity to thank Mercury Marine and Triton Boats for sponsoring the WBT; Kathy Magers for working so hard to put this all together; BASS and ESPN for making a series just for us ladies; and the phenomenal staff who have worked with us all season long; and all those who were so supportive and showed up in the mornings to see the top six anglers and co-anglers off and were there for every weigh-in to cheer their fellow competitors on. What class! We all made some great memories.  I want to thank my Mom and Dad, Pat & Bob Johnson, for buying me my first rod, reel, and jar of eggs not knowing from where this desire to fish was coming or why, yet never questioning, just supporting one more desire in a long list and continuing that support my whole life; Jan and Charles Heavener who keep my tackle for me and simplify the flying process immensely; my sister, Bobbie Bugbee, who thinks my love for fishing is the greatest and practiced and pre-fished with me at Lake Dardanelle; and my ever-supportive husband, Doug, who makes all this possible for me, sends me out with last minute words of encouragement and a kiss, and can’t wait to hear about my day on the water when I get back to shore, and always keeps me laughing!”</div> <bR> <div> Well, Bonnie has many memorable moments to look back on.  She says, “I would have not even dared dream so big for myself. This has been a thrill and an honor. Memorable moments would include the inaugural win, seeing my husband for the first time when he made his way back stage after that win, Lurch telling me I was the Co-Angler of the Year, and being made to feel so special by so many of the ladies”.</div> <bR> <div> The male anglers Bonnie admires most are Rick Clunn and one of my personal favorites, Hank Parker. She says, “Rick Clunn because he is always thinking.  I think his ability to reason and his knowledge of bass is incredible.  I also admire Hank Parker for his fishing abilities and the way he has drawn people to this sport. </div> <bR> <div> There are several female anglers she respects.  “I admire Chris Houston. I think she is not only a great angler but also a great ambassador to the sport of bass fishing.  I admire is Sugar Ferris, founder of Bass’n Gal, I can’t imagine the obstacles she must have come up against starting and promoting a ladies circuit. I don’t know that any of us would have had the opportunity we had this past year had it not been for Kathy Magers and I know she was a great angler and another great ambassador of this sport for many years. Of course, there are many great ladies to be admired, and many reasons to admire them in the WBT.”</div> <bR> <div> Typical of how considerate she is of others, she has a last thank you.  “Thanks to my husband, Doug; my sister, Bobbie and her husband, Guy; my Mom and Dad, Pat and Bob Johnson. That is my immediate family and support system. Our good friend, Bob Cone, he keeps everything going on the home front while Doug and I are at these tournaments. Jordon and the rest of the staff at Three Rivers Marine in Woodinville who take extra special care of me, special orders and all. They are all a great support team and I couldn’t do it without each and every one of them.”</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__2_tammy_richardson"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #2, Tammy Richardson</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="706e3bf0.jpg" border=0 width="227" height="191" ALT="Tammy Richardson ESPN/BASS Photo" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Tammy Richardson who has fished as long as she can remember says, “I love to fish. I love competition and when I heard about the Women’s Bassmaster Tour, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”  </div> <bR> <div> Tammy became more than a participant; she rocked the stage with her bags of fish and down to the wire finishes.  What a competitor she is.  Having honed her skills on Lake Degray in Arkansas, and competing in WBFA, Anglers Choice, and Trader Bills Team Tour for the past sixteen years fishing she was ready for the WBT.   </div> <bR> <div> Her highlights included winning the Inaugural event on Neely Henry in Alabama, then winning the coveted ESPY award, winning the tournament at Bulls Shoals Lake and finishing in second place in the Angler of the Year Standings.  </div> <bR> <div> Tammy worked hard, often practicing seven to ten days prior to the official practice days.  Her primary technique was flipping.  What tournament does Tammy consider most responsible for helping her qualify for the championship? “Neely Henry, I was flipping a green pumpkin, and black with red flake, tube.  I had ¼ oz Tru Tungsten weight, and 15 lb. Big game Trilene line.  This worked the first two days.  Due to rain and the weather being much muddier, the tube was not working as well on the final day. I switched to a 4” green pumpkin senko, fishing weightless. I was pitching to the main river bank.  She gives credit to her co-angler on Neely Henry for helping her on the last day.  “My co-angler, Bonnie Ward, was fishing the green pumpkin senko; she is the person who put me onto this bait.”</div> <bR> <div> To prepare for the upcoming championship she is doing her homework, which includes studying the lake and making sure all of her equipment is ready.  “I focus on being prepared, fishing hard, and doing the best I can do. Win or loose I have to know I did those three things or I can’t be satisfied with my performance.”</div> <bR> <div> Tammy enjoys camping and spending time with her family.  She says to unwind, “nothing is more relaxing and peaceful than watching a sunrise or sunset on the water. It’s like the world is at its calmest at that moment”.</div> <bR> <div> Tammy does not have a lucky charm, but does have a tee shirt that says JESUS that she likes to wear on tournament days.  Tammy is a member of the Women’s Fellowship of Christian Anglers (FOCAS), </div> <bR> <div> Although she does not have an individual male angler she admires she says, “I have watched some of these guys fish for a long time.  I am a huge fan of several of them.  I am up on Saturday mornings watching Bassmasters, and if I am gone I record it. No one is more excited to see these guys at the events than me”.</div> <bR> <div> Asked if she had a female angler she admired she says this question was the most difficult to answer.  “It’s all the women that have fished for years competitively and represented women and the love for the sport. It is too hard to pick just one. I am currently fishing against Judy Wong, Penny Berryman, and Lucy Mize. These ladies are great examples of lady anglers, I admire each of them and I am proud to have made their acquaintance.”</div> <bR> <div> Tammy says she has enjoyed getting to know several of the ladies that fish the WBT. “When I speak to ladies about joining us and fishing the WBT, I tell them what a great group we have.  I have never met so many people who are part of a competition and yet so eager and willing to help others.  The majority of the women try very hard to make our new members feel welcome.”    </div> <bR> <div> Was there anything different or special that went on during the tournament season? Yes, the ESPYS. Being nominated for that award was an honor, but to win it made me realize how much support there is for women’s fishing. Thanks to every one who voted. </div> <bR> <div> Tammy and her husband, Bobby Richardson, live at Amity Arkansas.  She has three sons, Christopher Richardson age 18, Dustin Holmes age 13, Austin Holmes age 11.  She is an LPN, licensed x-ray tech, and phlebotomist.  She attended Henderson State University, Qupaw Nursing School.</div> <bR> <div> Her thanks go to her family, “I’m so blessed to have their support. Thanks to BASS and ESPN for the tour, also gives her thanks to a special lady who has brought so many positive things to women’s fishing, Kathy Magers.  Thanks to Deb Wilkinson, Bruce Mathis, and all the BASS staff for a great job with the WBT this year.”</div> <bR> <div> Tammy Richardson is sponsored by Triton Boats, Right Bite Baits, Berkley and G-Loomis.        </div> <div>   </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__2_mary_croft"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-Angler #2, Mary Croft</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="705a1c10.jpg" border=0 width="161" height="193" ALT="Mary Croft" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Her daughter, Taylor Croft, is the most important person in Mary Croft’s life. She expresses how much her daughter’s love and support means to her.  It is also evident how important her family is to her.  Mary says it was her family that influenced her to compete in the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.  It is her family that encourages and supports her in her endeavors, as she says, “her all the way”. </div> <bR> <div> Mary’s home body of water is Smith Mountain Lake.  She lives at Bedford Virginia and works for Advance Auto as a Switcher/Driver.  She also enjoys collecting baseball cards, shooting her bow and likes to unwind by going to the lake. </div> <bR> <div> Although she has been fishing about thirty years she has been tournament fishing for sixteen years. This is the first tournament trail she has completed.  Mary fished one other BASS event, a CITGO Bassmaster, on her home lake as a co-angler and finished in eighth place. </div> <bR> <div> Like most of the WBT anglers, Mary considers fishing this year in the WBT and qualifying to the very first championship as the highlight of her tournament experience. </div> <bR> <div> Kevin Van Dam is the male angler Mary admires most.  She says, “I just like to watch him fish and I admire what he has accomplished”.  Since this is the first all female trail that Mary has fished she is just becoming acquainted with the women anglers.  Mary says, “I did not know many female anglers until this year, but I will have to say I admire the ladies who have been around and have done things for the women through the years like Penny Berryman and Pam Martin Wells”.   </div> <bR> <div> Mary says, “I want to say thank you to everybody that has made this tour possible and to all the great anglers I was fortunate to fish with.  I would like say a special thanks to Judy Antle and Cindy Van Horn for encouraging me and Sheri Glasgow for getting me on the water in Lewisville when I needed to prefish.”</div> <bR> <div> A Texas rigged Zoom trick worm was her ‘go to’ bait this during the season.  She says she primarily used a Texas rigged soft plastic and a jig.  Mary says she feels it was the Neely Henry tournament that she feels contributed to her success.  “I finished fifth overall and it gave me the confidence that I could do this and the drive to do well in the other tournaments.”  During that tournament she finesse fished a watermelon candy baby brushhog in shallow water. </div> <bR> <div> During the 2006 tour Mary’s sponsors were: FishHer, digginupbones.com, ebassfish.com and Pathway Logistics. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__3_lucy_mize"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #3, Lucy Mize</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="6eeacd60.jpg" border=0 width="172" height="214" ALT="Lucy Mize" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Look up the word “professional” in the dictionary and you get examples like: conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession, exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace. Also, participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs, having a particular profession as a permanent career.</div> <bR> <div> Describe Lucy Mize and the word you would most often use would be “professional”.  Lucy is a true professional angler.  She has learned the techniques and has the skill to compete at the highest level of tournament angling.  She comes from the old school of competition with high ethical standards, where the rules are black and white and firmly adhered to.   Courteous, conscientious, and determined, all describe her commitment to her professional angling career.  Witness Lucy for a brief time and realize she is all business in the boat. </div> <bR> <div> Lucy is on a mission.  Her goal is to be the best female angler, make it to the Bassmasters Classic and promote women’s fishing.  She has been one of the top anglers for many years.  This petite southern gal from Ben Lomond Arkansas has earned the respect of men and women alike. What amazes me is how she has quietly gone about her business, fishing with the women for many years and then competing in the prestigious BASS tours, many times as the only female.  </div> <bR> <div> A tournament angler for twenty-one years, some of her angling career highlights include:  Three (3) Bass’ n Gal National Champion, three (3) Bass’n Gal Angler of the Year and the highest placing female on the BASS Circuit.  Lucy says, “I love to compete, I have been fishing Bassmasters for eight years and have been waiting on a really professional women's circuit.</div> <div>  </div> <div> In 2006 Lucy competed not only on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour but also the Bassmaster Northern Tour.  Often she would leave one tournament and head straight to the next one. She was able to prefish each of the lakes zero to only a few days prior to the tournaments, yet she managed to be consistent and finish third in Angler of the Year standings. </div> <bR> <div> To qualify for the WBT Championship she said her ‘go to’ bait and technique was, “flipping a creature bait”.  If she had to define a tournament that she feels most responsible for helping her qualify she says it was the tournament on Dardanelle Lake in Arkansas.  “I was throwing a Berkley Frenzy popper early in the grass and pads in 2-6 ft murky water using Stren 14-lb Dura Tuff line; and then going to 10-25 ft depth for throwing a Carolina Rig using Stren 14-lb main line with a 12-lb leader.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> No lucky charms for Lucy, she has a deep faith in God and her family is her inspiration.  She also gives a big thanks to her family for “always being there for me – no matter what”. Lucy’s husband, Jimmy, fishes the BASS Elite Tour.  She has a son and daughter, Matt and Melinda. Her home body of water is Millwood Lake, Arkansas.  It is not hard to imagine the feelings she has endured this year as she tried to concentrate on competition and the whereabouts of her daughter.  “My daughter, Melinda, who also fishes the tour, is in the Army National Guard.  She was deployed to Kuwait.  On a weeks leave, shortly before she left, she was married to Michael Hooper who is also in the Army.  Needless to say my mind was not always on my fishing.”  </div> <bR> <div> The male angler she admires is “Rick Clunn, because he has always treated me as an equal.  Realizing it's not a man or woman's thing, but that we are all just trying to fish”.  Female angler, is, “Chris Houston, because she is a true professional, she never sweated the small stuff, she didn't get caught up in the ‘dock talk’, she came, did her job, and that was that”.</div> <bR> <div> So what else does a woman whose life seems to revolve around fishing do?  She has a second career as a Tax Preparer.  Her hobby is ‘junkin’ and when she can, she enjoys camping.  To unwind or relax she likes to curl up on the love seat and watch Law & Order.</div> <bR> <div> How confident does she feel about the Championship on Lake Mitchell?  “I think we all would love to win.  But, I hope that I can be the one to pull it off.”  Years ago she was given the nickname of “Lucky Lucy’.  It has never been about luck, it has been about being a professional.  </div> <bR> <div> Lucy says, “I would like to thank BASS for giving women the opportunity to participate in bass fishing at this higher level and to thank my sponsors, through the years, for having faith in me”.</div> <bR> <div> Lucy Mize’s sponsors are: Triton, Mercury, Lowrance, Motor Guide, Berkley/Gulp, Stren, Quantum and Gemini.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__3_keri_schieber"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-angler #3, Keri Schieber</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="6efdbc70.jpg" border=0 width="219" height="199" ALT="Keri Schieber" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> “A family with a passion for fishing”, that is how Keri Schieber describes her legacy.  Teri’s grandfather, Charles Burke, was founder and owner of Burke Fishing Lures in Traverse City, Michigan. Mr. Burke was a chemist and designed his own baits by carving molds for crickets, worms and other insects and formulated his own plastics.  </div> <bR> <div> It was her brother, Chuck, that taught Keri and her twin sister, Teri Neal, how to fish.  She says, “We would dig up some worms and ride our bikes up the road to a small lake in the woods. We would catch perch, bass and sunfish. We continued fishing until we were in our mid teens.”  </div> <bR> <div> It was Teri that introduced her to tournament fishing. She says, “Teri was living in Arizona at the time. I remember flying out there to visit her in 1989. I arrived on a Friday afternoon. She picked me up at the airport, we went to her house, she hooked up her boat and we drove up to Roosevelt Lake for her club tournament. I only caught one fish that weekend, but I really enjoyed it. I laugh now when I think about how I didn’t know how to lip my fish and my boater had to do it for me. She made a big deal out of it and claimed I snagged the only fish I caught. I think that made me determined to learn how to catch and handle fish.”</div> <bR> <div> Later that year Teri sent her a tackle box loaded with her favorite baits.  “I joined the Georgia Peaches Bass Club; they were called the Lunker Lovers back then. I’m still a member and fish with them every chance I get.” </div> <bR> <div> What are her angling highlights?  “I think in 1999, when I won the Georgia Peaches Bass Club championship, was the first highlight in my angling career. I was in second place going into the final event. The tournament was close to home on a lake a lot of people refer to as ‘the dead sea’. The morning of the tournament, my tow vehicle wouldn’t start (failed fuel pump). My husband called his friend, Al, and asked if I could borrow his boat and truck. Al agreed and I got to the lake late, after making a wrong turn down a dead end road. I ended up with over 11 pounds of fish that day and won the championship by just over one pound. Another highlight was when I won again in 2005. I had taken three years absence from the club. I went back as a non-boater and won the championship at the same lake as in 1999, with over 12 pounds. My greatest highlight, of course, is finishing in 3rd place for the WBT season as a co-angler.” </div> <bR> <div> Keri says, “A memorable moment for me was being the first WBT member to set foot on the official Elite series stage, which was at the Neely Henry weigh-in in Guntersville. After I weighed in, I walked back stage and there was Mike Iconelli, Alton Jones, KVD and a bunch of the other guys waiting to weigh their fish. Mike smiled and said ‘hi’ to me. Thanks Mike, you made my day. Also, Teri and I got our picture with KVD and he autographed my WBT visor, which lies next to my trophy I won that day. Now that was exciting!”</div> <bR> <div> The male angler Keri admires is Kevin Van Dam, “I met Kevin at the BP event on Lake Lanier in December of 1991. He had just won the event and I went to talk to him. I told him I grew up in Traverse City, Michigan and we talked about some of his favorite lakes being in the Traverse City area. Since then, I have watched him over the years and have always been impressed with his perseverance and professional attitude.”</div> <bR> <div> She finds it hard to pick just one professional female angler, “This is a tough one to answer. There are several that I admire. I fished with Diana Clark the first day on Neely Henry. She was very professional and had a great attitude. Even though she didn’t do well that day she never gave up and it earned her the Angler of the Year for 2006”.</div> <bR> <div> Like many anglers Keri does admit to a lucky charm. “Well, my lucky charms are probably silly, but I have faith in them. One is a buckeye that I carried in my tackle bag all season. The other is an old, beat-up pink culling ring that my husband, Joe, put in by tackle bag that we call Pinkie.  My inspiration is my grandma Burke. She was very special and taught me so many things that have helped me be who I am today. I think of her a lot when I am out there fishing.”</div> <bR> <div> When the Women’s Bassmaster Tour was announced, Keri and her sister, Teri, decided they would wait and fish as pros in 2007 and fish one event in 2006, she as a pro, and me as a co-angler since I didn’t have a boat yet.  Then Teri received an email from Kathy Magers asking if we were going to fish the first event on Neely Henry. It took a lot of convincing before I decided to do it, but am I glad I did. I finished in 6th place as a co-angler.  After my finish on Neely Henry I had to commit for the rest of the season. </div> <bR> <div> At Neely Henry Keri says, “I didn’t get a chance to practice, but my sister Teri did. She told me to fish a Zoom green pumpkin ultra vibe speed craw along the grass. I fished it with a 1/32 oz. weighted Texas rigged spinning rod. I used 10 pound Berkley Big Game. I think the slow decent of the bait is what got the fish to bite. I fished with Denise Sesco on the second day of Neely Henry, where I weighed in my limit and qualified for the final six”.</div> <bR> <div> To prepare for the upcoming championship, Keri has been studying maps, pulling together as much information as she can.  “I’ve also started back on my weight training and yoga so I can be both physically and mentally prepared.”  In addition to fishing she enjoys gardening, camping, cooking and interior decorating.</div> <bR> <div> Keri lives in Cumming, GA, is a Technical Writer for a marketing distributor of industrial automation products.  Her husband is Joe. “He also has a passion for fishing and we are continually sharing new fishing ideas with each other. I introduced him to tournament fishing and he taught me how to catch spotted bass. It’s wonderful to have his companionship and support.  I have three grown children, Eric, Sarah and Ryan. Eric is a driver instructor at Road Atlanta. He also built and races a Spec Miata in SCCA competition. This past year he qualified for the National Runoffs, where he finished 5th out of more than 50 competitors. Sarah is continuing her education at Georgia State with a major in Criminal Justice and will graduate in December 2007. Ryan is a hard-core programmer and Eric’s partner in the Miata race car. I am very proud of them.”  Her home body of water is Lake Lanier. </div> <bR> <div> As she prepares for the Championship and looks to the future Keri says, “Everything was special about the whole season, starting with the great BASS staff that showed us so much enthusiasm and support. We all owe them a huge thank you. And I met so many wonderful women anglers that I can’t wait to see again during the 2007 season. I must admit, a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about WBT and how it has added a new dimension to my life. Thank you BASS and ESPN.</div> <div> Foremost, I want to thank my sister, Teri. I wouldn’t be fishing if it weren’t for her. She is my best friend and a great fishing partner. And my husband, Joe, who has taught me so much about fishing and is a wonderful husband and bass caddy.  I want to say that I hope during the next few years I will have the opportunity to get to know all of the women fishing WBT and we can become lifelong friends. And I encourage all lady anglers that have not experienced a WBT event, to try just one, but be careful, it’s highly contagious and you’ll want to come back for more”.</div> <bR> <div> About her sponsors, Keri says, “I have one of the best sponsors you could ask for. If it weren’t for AutomatonDirect, the company I work for, I would not have been able to finish all of the events in 2006. They sponsored me with time off and helped with expenses for the last three events. And to top things off, they are sponsoring me again for 2007. Thank you AutomationDirect! Also, I would like to thank Zoom Bait Company, who supplied me with the baits that helped me catch my fish. I’m looking forward to catching more with their baits in the upcoming season. And Hammond’s Fishing and Boat Storage, my local tackle shop, where they are always helping me pick out all that tackle I think I need”.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__4_tammie_muse"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #4, Tammie Muse</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="6e19fe10.jpg" border=0 width="159" height="225" ALT="Tammie Muse ladybassangler.com photo" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> For Tammie Muse it was the Lake Norman tournament that she feels helped her qualify for the Women’s Bassmaster Championship.  “Lake Norman was a great fishery for me.  I really didn't have a very good practice.  During my practice I ran from one end of the lake to other and still didn't have a clue what the fish where doing there.  I had to stop at a marina and buy gas one day and when I looked down from the dock all I could see where large black bass cruising the shore line in that area.  So, I decided if the bass where cruising the shore line right there then that is probably what they where doing on the rest of the lake.  The bass were actually targeting bream beds next to the shore line.  Although, I found them mostly on the secondary points cruising close to the bream beds.  So, I just took out my go to bait I used at home on the Arkansas River.  The little big man spinner bait 1/4oz.  Tennessee shad and my little big man buzz bait 1/4oz. white and black.  I used 10lb P-Line on Castaway rods with Shimano reels.  If I did not hit a rock on the bank I would not get a bite.  As soon as I would hit the bank and make that noise from my bait hitting a rock then it would help trigger the bite I needed.  </div> <bR> <div> Tammie grew up fishing and one of her fondest memories is when she went fishing with her grandmother. “My family loved the outdoors and my grandmother recently passed away at 102 years old.  I remember she used to take me fishing at the age of 2 years old and we would stay out there for days until she had a stringer of fish”.  </div> <bR> <div> She has been tournament fishing since 1995.  She had several family and friends influencing her to enter the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.  Tammie says, “My team fishing partner, Robert Louthian and my boys pushed me to go pro and many of my friends like Scott Rook, Stan Jacks and Cecil Walker.  Tammy has two married sons and two grandchildren that give her great joy.  Her best friend, Robert D. Louthian Jr, is also her business and fishing partner.  She says her best fans including her family seem to be his son and daughter.  Tammie is from North Little Rock Arkansas and considers the Arkansas River her home body of water. She carries a lucky charm from her five year old granddaughter, Jeana, saying, “She gave me a blue plastic frog that I keep in my boat”.  </div> <bR> <div> It would seem fishing the WBT would be a full schedule but Tammy not only excelled in it she fished other tournament trails as well.  Competing in Mr. Bass of Arkansas Pro Am, Vince Millers Team, Vince Millers Couples, BFL, ESPN Outdoor Series, H&W Marine, Fish-n-Stuff.  Tammy says, “I have been tournament fishing since 1995 in Team events and pro-am tournaments.  I fish every weekend someplace and on every Tuesday night (two different trails) all year long every year!</div> <bR> <div> Tammie says she considers Guido Hibdon as one of her favorite male anglers. “I fished with him in a FLW tournament and he showed me the definition of what a true professional angler was all about that day on the water.”  Female anglers she admires, “Judy Wong and Penny Berryman, they are both some of the greatest professional female anglers out there today. They both are very kind people and share the knowledge they have of fishing with all us.” </div> <bR> <div> What fishing technique or primary lure does she feel was the most important in helping her qualify for the championship? “Spinnerbait and buzzbaits.”</div> <bR> <div> Tammie says she feels she will have to it 110% to win the WBT Championship.  “I am already a winner just by going to the WBT Championship.  I know I am competing with some awesome professional female anglers I will have to give it a 110% to the very end.</div> <bR> <div> In addition to fishing she enjoys hunting, NASCAR, restoring old cars, oil painting, and embroidery work.  To ‘unwind’ she says she likes “late night swims in our pool, petting my dog and cats and talking about fishing”.</div> <bR> <div> As you can imagine she has had several angling career highlights which include, winning a fully rigged Skeeter boat during a sponsored BASS N WALLEYE BOAT MAGAZINE tournament on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas in 1999, a Top 10 finish in her very first FLW tournament of the season in 2001 at Lake Okeechobee and this year when she won a fully rigged Triton boat in the H & W Marine Tuesday night championship on September 23 & 24 2006 at Lake Dardanelle with a two day total of 33.71.  Memorable moments include, “winning the boats with my team partner and a milestone for me was going pro and most memorable right now was making my first WBT Top 6 - two times with a third place finish and a six place finish. I think the Championship will become my most memorable moment”.</div> <bR> <div> Tammie is a Pro Angler, CEO of Rob's Transmissions and owner of Eye Sew 4 U, a custom embroidery shop.  She attended college studying Business & Marketing and Office Management & Accounting.</div> <bR> <div> When asked about the Women’s Bassmaster Tour she says, “lady's this is wonderful opportunity for all of us to be winners”. </div> <bR> <div> Tammie would like to thank Robert Louthian Jr; he is my business partner, and fishing partner and most of all my best friend.</div> <bR> <div> Tammie Muse’s sponsors are: Robs Transmissions & Enterprises,  Best Car Wash, Mizmo Bait Co, Norman Lures, Arkie Jigs, Conway Fence, Goss Camper Shells, and Snap on</div> <div> <B> </B></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__4_kim_stapp"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-angler #4, Kim Stapp<IMG SRC="6e5b2b90.jpg" border=0 width="178" height="185" ALT="Kim Stapp" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> “I don’t think you can be successful in the WBT without being versatile, especially as a co-angler.  If you only finesse fish and your boater is power fishing with the trolling motor on high it’s going to be a tough day on the lake.  As a co-angler you have to be able to adapt to your boaters style of fishing,” words of advice from co-angler Championship qualifier, Kim Stapp. </div> <bR> <div> Part of her strategy was using a shaky head jig that she made herself.  Kim says she “usually fished on 12 or 14 pound Berkley Vanish Transition Gold Line with a twin tail grub in smoke or white”.  On how she used it she says, “I can jig it, swim it, I like fishing in along rip rap and rocky points bouncing it down the rocks”.  In addition to the shaky head jig she also likes fishing jerk baits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Carolina rigs.  </div> <bR> <div> As a little girl Kim’s grandfather would take her fishing.  “He taught my how to tie knots and bait a hook. I can remember fishing all day, and on the way home stopping to get a big watermelon.  I really miss him he would have loved watching the WBT.”   That nurturing form her grandfather has led to a life long love of fishing. “I probably fish 65 -80 days a year maybe more. I have never really kept count. I try to make it to the lake most weekends the weather permits. </div> <bR> <div> Kim started tournament fishing with the Georgia Peaches Bass Club.  Although she has only been tournament fishing for about two years she has learned well.  “The WBT was my first experience in a major bass tournament.  I hope to move over to the boater side next year. I just feel I need one more year experience before I make the move. I am stilling learning how to dissect a lake, find fish and eliminate water.”  Her decision to fish the WBT came about when several of the ladies in her bass club were discussing the WBT and some decided to enter.  Along with the bass club she is also a member of ABA.</div> <bR> <div> Kim says she admires Pro angler Penny Berryman, “I saw her a few years ago at the Bass Pro Shop in Atlanta. The seminar she did was very interesting and informative”.</div> <bR> <div> As a co-angler qualifier for the WBT Championship she gives credit to her versatility and the help of others. “I would have to say that each angler I fished with had something to do with me getting to the classic.  But I think that Laura Gober was the one person that made the most contribution.  Even though I never got to fish with her in a tournament, Laura and I pre-fished together most of last year.  We would study the maps before each tournament and share the research we had done the lake.  I learned a lot about preparing for a tournament with her last year.  You can do a lot of research on a lake but nothing can substitute being on the water.”</div> <bR> <div> To prepare for the Championship and the 2007 season Kim has been replacing and adding some new equipment.  She says, “I’ve been experimenting with the drop shot.  I’m getting things like reservations and travel plans out of the way, earlier this year. I am gathering more information of the lakes this year”.   </div> <bR> <div> “I think last year did a lot for my confidence, especially since I’ve only been tournament fishing a couple of years and somehow managed to make it to the classic. But as a co-angler sometimes it just comes down to the luck of the draw. I think it will be a lot different this coming year with better lakes at better times of the year.  I think there will be fewer anglers coming in without fish and the points will be more spread out.  I’m not sure my preparation will be a lot different this year.  However, I feel like I will be more organized.  Last year at some of the tournament I brought things I didn’t need and some I left things at home I needed.  I am sure some things will change from last year but I will have a better ideal of what to expect this year”.  </div> <bR> <div> Kim is not new to competition though.  Her other outdoor hobby involves competition.  “I love to play golf.  The 10 years, prior to this past year, I have had a standing tee time every Saturday and Sunday with three of the most competitive women on a golf course.  That is the one thing I have missed since I started fishing the WBT and other tournaments.”</div> <div> She also enjoys ‘road trips’ with her husband, Mike, in his older model Corvette.  They belong to the Mountain City Corvette Club. “We enjoy taking road trips and mystery cruises with them.”  They also relax by playing cards, poker, backgammon, gin and rook.  </div> <bR> <div> To unwind Kim likes to take her dog, Shelby, on the lake with her.  “It is sometimes nice, just to be on the water with out the pressure of a tournament.  Shelby, she’ll eat anything, loves it when I snag some of the bait fish; she can make those things disappear before they hit the floor of the boat. It is relaxing to explore new places on the lake or sometimes just take a long ride up river on a sunny afternoon.”</div> <div>      </div> <div> She says her angling career highlight was finishing second in Texas and being on the stage at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth Texas.  “I think a memorable moment for me was the weigh-in at Guntersville, last year.  That was the first major event weigh-in I had ever been to.  It was fun see those Elite anglers that you usually only see on ESPN.”</div> <bR> <div> To promote fishing she is involved in a toy drive, take a veteran fishing, and makes personal appearances.</div> <bR> <div> Does she have a lucky charm?  “My little gold hoop earrings, I just feel like something is missing without them.”</div> <bR> <div> Kim is from Ringgold, Georgia.  “Chickamauga Lake in Tennessee is closest to me and is what I would consider my home lake.  But I love fishing Weiss Lake in Alabama.”  Kim and her husband own Stapp Auto Parts and Stapp Automotive Repair.  “I manage the Auto Parts Store and Mike manages the Auto Repair Business.  I have one son, Jason, who works with us and goes to college.” She attended Northwestern Technical College.</div> <bR> <div> Kim says, “I would like to reiterate what Diana Clark said after winning in Arkansas.  I would like to thank Bass, ESPN and the WBT for letting us live our dreams.  I would like to thank my husband who drove me across the southeast United States last year.  He toted my tackle in and out of trucks, motels and boats.  He dropped several of us in the water each morning and pulled us out every afternoon.  (For which he was given the title of Best Boat Caddie.)   He found all the good restaurants and directions to the tackle stores while I was on the water.  And he was also in charge of photography”. </div> <bR> <div> Kim’s sponsors are: Berkley Pure Fishing, Auto Value Auto Parts, and BAJH.   </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__5_sheri_glasgow"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #5, Sheri Glasgow</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="6658fea0.jpg" border=0 width="143" height="234" ALT="Sheri Glasgow" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> “For anyone spending days thinking about going fishing, it’s just that many day’s your missing one of the most incredible experiences of your life. Don’t over think!”  Words of advice from Sheri Glasgow, don’t think about fishing – just do it.  And Sheri does it very well; she is undisputedly one of the top female anglers in the nation.  </div> <bR> <div> Sheri has a career in bass fishing that many might envy.  Numerous awards earned in previous all female tournament trails, Bass ‘n Gal and Women’s Bass Fishing Association (WBFA), as well as blazing a new trail the first year of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.  Her accomplishments go back as far as 1992 when she entered her first Bass ‘n Gal trail, earning the coveted “Rookie of the Year” title.  Sheri worked hard and continued to earn three National Champion titles, two Angler of the Year titles, and worth mentioning is the two runner-up angler of the year titles she missed by only one point and five points.  Finishing in fifth place in Angler of the Year on the Women’s Bassmaster Tour earned her a berth in the Championship on Lake Mitchell. </div> <bR> <div> Sheri resides in Muskogee, Oklahoma and her home lake is the Arkansas River running through Muskogee. Sheri has been tournament bass fishing for about sixteen years.  </div> <bR> <div> Many of us remember another notable Oklahoma angler, Chris Houston.  Sheri says, “I have always had a huge respect for Chris Houston and the attention she brought to women’s angling during her career. Chris was a very consistent angler, and was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame. She was a role model for me when I started not only for her fishing skills, but her character, sportsmanship, and humility”. </div> <bR> <div> In a year of firsts, the first WBT tournament trail, first WBT angler of the year race and Top 12 Championship, Sheri had experienced another first, “I had the opportunity to run my first wrapped Ranger, with Biosonix on one side and Rat-L-Trap on the other. Several people thought I kept showing up in different boats”. </div> <bR> <div> Sheri’s fishing strength is pitching.  When asked what fishing technique she used most often during this year or her ‘go to’ bait, the answer was simple, “Well let’s see, there was pitching, pitching, and on occasion I would pitch.  I’ll pitch most any thing, plastics, spinnerbaits, sometimes crankbaits, including Rat-L-Traps. Yes, I do also cast, sometimes. The year for the most part was really varied with baits”.</div> <bR> <div> At Neely Henry Alabama Sheri sat in second place going into the final day.  Then at Lewisville Texas, she duplicated with another second place going into the final day.  This was quite an accomplishment, an angler making the top six a second time in a row.  It was Lake Norman, North Carolina that raised eyebrows and words of acclaim when she finished in second place the third time in a row going into the final day.  How did she do that?  Sheri says, “I pitched plastics at Neely Henry, spinnerbaits at Lewisville, and plastics, jigs, and Rat-L-Traps at Norman, all on a Quantum Energy 6’6” Medium Heavy rod using a bait caster”.  It was these three finishes that propelled her to qualify for the championship. </div> <div>  </div> <div> For Sheri fishing in the WBT is self motivated and as far as inspiration she says, “God has always been my inspiration, which carries me through good and bad times. As for luck, I call it blessed”.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Asked what she was doing to prepare for the upcoming championship at Lake Mitchell she says, “Pre-scouting and praying a lot!”  How much time will she spend before the lake goes off limits and what’s her strategy, “Probably about three days, it’s a small lake. My first trip over, I left Oklahoma in an ice and snow storm, only to miss a tornado by two and a half hours in a small town in Alabama.  If the ice and snow had not slowed me down, I may have ended up in Kansas with Toto.”   </div> <bR> <div> No stranger to fishing Alabama lakes she says, “I have always felt comfortable fishing the Coosa River system.”  It is that comfort level that is giving her the confidence going into the Championship to feel good about winning.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Sheri has a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Arts from Northeastern State University at Tahlequah, Oklahoma and works as a Custom Cabinet Designer and Sales Representative.    Sheri’s mom is Mary Psomas Taylor and she has three older brothers, Gary, Clay and Pete Psomas.  </div> <bR> <div> Growing up with three older brothers probably brought out the tomboy in her.  She also likes to go deer hunting with a bow as well as a gun.  When she is relaxing you might find her carrying spinning gear as she walks along a creek bed, or riding around Oklahoma on her Harley.  Yes, a Harley!  To be specific, a Harley named Red.  “About a year ago I bought a Harley Davison Dyna Low-Rider, which has been almost as much fun as catching a 10 pounder”.  </div> <bR> <div> Along Sheri’s journey in life she has won so many awards and has a stockpile of great memories.  So what is her personal highlight?  “Having my family at my first Angler of The Year Banquet, with my mother at the head table with me. I know dad, John Psomas, was sending down smiles.”</div> <bR> <div> Sheri sends her thanks to, “All my sponsors, and everyone that has offered their time to help me at tournaments, BASS and ESPN for allowing the ladies to do what we have always dreamed about. Also, the ladies on the tour, who have a passion for fishing, having shared wonderful experiences and friendships, without you this would not happen at all. Mostly God for his mercy, grace, blessing, and giving us the waters to float and the fish to catch.”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Sheri Glasgow’s sponsors are: Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Biosonix, Rat-L-Trap, Quantum, Lowrance Electronics and Motor Guide</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__5_heather_sullivan"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-angler #5, Heather Sullivan</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="66293e70.jpg" border=0 width="147" height="231" ALT="Heather Sullivan" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”  This quote from Lao Tzu could have been written with Heather Sullivan in mind.  Heather was living in Sitka, Alaska when she read in the Bassmaster magazine about an upcoming tournament trail for women only.  Encouraged by her best friend, Greg Baldwin, to enter the Women’s Bassmaster Tour on Lake Neely Henry in Alabama, she made a decision that would open up a new world of opportunity and friends. </div> <bR> <div> In her first tournament she finished in second place.  That place finish, would cause Heather to make a decision.  It was too far to travel from Alaska for the rest of the tournaments but the thrill of the competition was luring her.  Heather returned to Alaska staying long enough to make arrangements to move back to the ‘lower forty-eight’ and compete in the final three tournaments.  Even though she missed one tournament she was able to qualify for the Championship in one of the coveted co-angler spots, finishing in fifth place overall.  </div> <bR> <div> Heather did not get to fish either of the tournaments held on Lake Lewisville in Texas, during the premier event she was Barramunda fishing in Australia and the second time she was making preparation to move to be able to compete in the final three tournaments.  </div> <bR> <div> “Consistently weighing in fish is what got me in the top 12.  I didn't catch huge fish while tournament fishing this year, but I weighed in fish at every tournament, and that's what put me in the top.”   Her primary baits were finesse worms and spinnerbaits.  She stayed with those baits throughout the competition saying “Fishing from the back of the boat, I cast a lot of spinnerbaits and worms.  I caught some nice keepers that kept me in the running.  My biggest fish was caught on a white Bumble Bee spinnerbait at Neely Henry.  It was a lure I got out of my dad's office and they don't even make them anymore.  I was sad to see the bass destroyed my antique lure, but didn't care after realizing he was responsible for placing me in the top 6 at Neely Henry. I consistently caught fish in the tournaments on a Texas rigged watermelon candy or watermelon red Zoom finesse worm.  Usually I used 12 lb. Seaguar fluorocarbon.”    </div> <bR> <div> She grew up fishing, camping and waterskiing on Lake Mitchell.  Heather says she has been fishing as long as she can remember.  “My dad started my sister and I early, bass and bream fishing with a Snoopy pole.  We had some private ponds around our house and we used to fish after school.  We've also had several father - daughter fishing trips through the years that included the Gulf Coast, Grand Isles, and Louisiana and river systems of Alabama”.  </div> <bR> <div> There is calmness about Heather; I suppose it comes from her career.  She graduated from Auburn University and UAB School of Nursing.  In Alaska she was a flight nurse for a medevac company.  “I flew to remote villages of Alaska and transported sick individuals to a higher level of care.  Since southeast Alaska is a big cruise ship route, I also flew a ton of people from the cruise ships to Seattle, Washington.”  In order to make the move to Alabama she took a "travel assignment" and is working in the ER at Baptist South hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. </div> <bR> <div> I spent a few days pre-fishing with Heather and developed great respect for her.  Heather carried a very small tackle pack, crammed tight with old standards in competition baits.  I was not surprised when she said she used an antique lure garnered from her dad’s collection.  Her years of fishing with her dad taught her well to stay with the old standards.  She carried a sufficient supply of what she might need, many old tried and true colors, no new gimmicks or colors.  It served her well.  Just like I imagine an emergency nurse or doctor’s bag might be like – just the basics but enough variety to take care of the situation and do the job. </div> <bR> <div> At Bull Shoals some of us were concerned when Heather decided to pitch a tent and camp near the launch.  Her petite and soft exterior fooled us as to how self sufficient she is.  It rained and turned cold, offers were extended for a warm dry room, yet she would not budge from her cozy tent.  We wondered how she could make it.  “I have a German short hair pointer and we do a lot of pheasant hunting out west.  Also, living in Alaska, we hunt and fish for subsistence, chickens cost $8 -12.  In Alaska I deer hunt, hang and process my own meat.”  She would be okay in the tent. </div> <bR> <div> Other outdoor activities she enjoys, “I am an equestrian at heart.  I grew up training and showing horses.  Now that I am in Alabama again, I ride on a regular basis.  I also love to snow ski.  The best job I ever had was working as a nurse at a ski resort in Winter Park, Colorado where I got to ski everyday.” </div> <bR> <div> You only have to meet Heather’s parents briefly to realize how their encouragement and love created such an independent, reliable, and nurturing person.  Robert and Debbie Sullivan raised two daughters, teaching them to live life to the fullest, give back to others and enjoy this beautiful outdoors.  While Robert taught them outdoor skills like hunting and fishing, Debbie taught them horseback riding and femininity, together they raised unique individuals.  Heather says her parents have been her biggest supporters.  “As with everything my sister and I have done, they have always encouraged us and been there for us as much as possible.”   That was evident at every weigh-in this year, in the audience there was Robert and Debbie cheering on another of their daughters dreams. </div> <bR> <div> “My inspirational or lucky charm is a handmade necklace from Greg.  It is an abalone shell from our island in Alaska, hand beaded to a leather choker from his first Buck (deer) as a child.  Wherever I am in the world, it brings me good luck fishing.  I also have a good luck sun visor.  I bought it at the first tourney at Neely Henry in Alabama.  I was 2nd in this tournament and got to go to the weigh in stage and meet some of the top men anglers behind stage.  I got a few of them to sign my hat and I wear it for every tournament.  My hat blew off the first day of fishing in Dardanelle and I wasn't able to retrieve it.  Crazy enough, on the final weigh in day; the oldest competitor in the WBT (Denise Sesco) saw my visor and picked it up.  She said she recognized Kevin Van Dam's signature and knew it must be important to someone!”</div> <div>  </div> <div> Heather has a tough work schedule and a career that probably requires some way to relax or unwind. “With a cold Coors Light sitting on my back porch swing listening to Country Music.”  Simple, like her tackle pack, just the basics.             </div> <bR> <div> Heather grew up on Lake Mitchell and currently lives nearby so she has been able to get in several days of pre-fishing.  “I work six days on and eight days off, so I get in some good quality lake time.”  She is doing her homework by studying locations, patterns and changing condition.  “I am going to do well in this tournament.  Just this whole year has been too crazy, ironic.  Making the decision to leave my home in Alaska and come to Alabama to fish this tourney series has been a great decision.  I have met some great gals with the same interest as me and I have done well fishing.  It's just all too ironic that I told my mom if I won the first tournament I would move back to Alabama.  After placing second in that tournament, finishing fifth overall, then qualifing for the championship on my home lake, and all my hard work and perserverance, I have some confidence about winning this tournament.”  Heather has certainly put in the extra hours and has the determination.   </div> <bR> <div> A full life is how you might view Heather.  So what does she consider her highlight or memorable moment?  I would guess, all of them, every day, every minute.  Heather says, “Taking control of my destiny and not "settling" for the norm.  There is too much fun to be had and life is too short.  This year and fishing this tournament series has been such a positive and wonderful experience.  When I heard this was going to happen I thought how cool it would be to become a part of history for women and what a great opportunity it would be to meet other women that enjoyed the same things as me.”   </div> <div>  </div> <div> When asked if there were any female anglers she admired I was humbled by her response.  “I have to say how fortunate I was to meet, in my opinion, two of the greatest women fishing the WBT, Conny Jenkins and Sunny Carpenter.  I met them both at my first tournament in Alabama. I flew in from Alaska, this was my first tournament ever and I didn't know anyone or what to expect.  They took me under their wing and have been super helpful and supportive.”   </div> <bR> <div> “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be” certainly does describe her. We might also consider, “Nothing is worth more than this day”. </div> <bR> <div> Heather extends thanks to her dad, Robert Sullivan, and Larry Robertson, Ed Young, and Bob Hill.  </div> <bR> <div> Heather Sullivan’s current sponsors are: G. Loomis, Matzuo and Smith Action Optics.  </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__6_emily_shaffer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #6, Emily Shaffer</B></div> <bR> <div> Emily Shaffer had never been on Lake Mitchell before qualifying for the Women’s Bassmaster Tour Championship.  To prepare for the upcoming competition<IMG SRC="6456ba00.jpg" border=0 width="107" height="160" ALT="Emily Shaffer" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> Emily will be spend her practice time learning the lake.  She knows she needs to learn as much about the uniqueness of the lake as she can to give her an edge in locating fish when she returns for the Championship.  </div> <bR> <div> Asked if she thinks she can win the event, “It is important you have confidence in yourself that you are going to win every tournament you enter”.  Emily holds several awards in the world of women’s competitive angling and has the skills to be the winner of the first WBT Championship. </div> <bR> <div> Highlights of her career include: 1995 Bass n’ Gal Classic Champion (Lake Athens,TX), 1997 Bassn’Gal 1st Pro – Am Champion (Lake Tenkiller,OK), 2000 WBFA Invitational Winner (Lake Pickwick,AL), 2002 WBFA Angler-of-the-Year, 2005 WBFA Invitational Winner (Lake Eufaula, AL).  </div> <bR> <div> Another highlight came this year when she made the top six at the Bull Shoals tournament.  “When I went to Bull Shoals I was hoping to make the Championship. Making the top 6 was a bonus!”  Emily stayed consistent all year, stayed focused and now has the opportunity to make history in the world of fishing. </div> <bR> <div> Echoing what others have said about the tough conditions each of the women faced at the tournaments this year, Emily says, “The last three tournaments have been the most challenging of my career. At Lake Norman I started figuring them out with a jig. At Dardanelle Lake they were also on a jig and I started fishing for them deeper than at Norman. At Bull Shoals I finally figured them to be in shallow water early and after the sun came out they went DEEP. On Friday I know I caught a smallmouth in 52 feet of water. I was using 10 lb. fluorocarbon, a ¾ oz. Strike King prototype hopping jig, on a 6’6” 787 All Star rod and a President Pflueger reel”.  The jig proved to be her go to bait throughout the season. </div> <bR> <div> Professional angler, is not just descriptive of the tournament entry, it is a way of life for Emily. She exudes professionalism when preparing for an event.  To be able to stay in contention for the Championship she would arrive at the lakes several days in advance and be on the water, four to six days in advance of the official practice days.  </div> <bR> <div> Emily says, “My inspiration is my family. My brother passed away in 1995, my Dad in 1999, and my Mom in 2005. My lucky charm is my husband, Larry, if it wasn’t for his patience I would not be where I am today He has had a hard time teaching me but I think he now realizes it has been worth it”!</div> <bR> <div> Coming from a close family Emily says, “I’ve was blessed growing up that my family spent time with me in the outdoors. My first fishing trip I remember was with my Mom and brother. My Dad had to work so Mom took us to a small lake not far from our house. My brother was four years older than me. I was catching fish and he wasn’t so he threw his rod and reel in the water. After Mom scolded him he had to wade in the water and retrieve his rod and reel. As I got older I figured out what was wrong with him! How many times in my career have I wanted to throw my rod and reel in”!</div> <bR> <div> Emily and Larry live at Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and considers her home lake Percy Priest.  She has been tournament fishing for over eighteen years.  In addition to fishing the WBT she also competes in some FLW tournaments.  Other hobbies she enjoys are dove hunting and playing pool.  To unwind she climbs in the hot tub, saying, “It is so relaxing on your muscles after a long day of fishing. I also enjoy my down time reading Bassmaster Magazine and Bass Times”.</div> <bR> <div> Anglers she admires include Rick Clunn and Chris Houston.  On Rick she says, “I think he is part fish! I respect him for his abilities.  His bass skills and his mind are awesome”.  About Chris, “I really miss her fishing with us. She is a great angler and Jimmy really needs to listen to her on how to catch fish”.</div> <bR> <div> The angler garnering her greatest respect is Kathy Majors.  Like most of the women fishing the WBT, Emily recognizes Kathy’s efforts on the ground floor working with BASS to finally establish an all female field of professional anglers.  “I respect her for going to bat for us.”</div> <bR> <div> In addition to recognizing Kathy’s labor of love on the behalf on women, she also thanks Deb Wilkinson, the WBT Tournament Director, saying, “She definitely has a full plate”.   Emily knows how long the road has been to get an organization with the clout and presence like BASS to make the commitment to women, for that she offers, “Thank you to everyone that is helping us to make the sport grew for the women”.</div> <bR> <div> “Every tournament is exciting because it is so neat to look out and see all the women with the same passion for the sport that I have. We are so blessed that ESPN and Bassmasters have seen the gold mine waiting to happen that I have seen!  I know there are more women out there like me and I feel we are able to reach them NOW. </div> <bR> <div> Emily Shaffer’s sponsors include: Evinrude Motors, Stratos Boats, Strike King Lure Company, All Star Graphite Rods, Lowrance Electronics, Pflueger Reels, and Deka Batteries</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__6_lila_bass"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-angler #6, Lila Bass</B></div> <bR> <div> L<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >ila Bass went to the Bassmasters Classic held in Pittsburgh in 2005 when they were unveiling the Women’s Bassmaster Tour.  She met Lucy and Melinda <IMG SRC="64f97ac0.jpg" border=0 width="151" height="172" ALT="Lila Bass" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Mize, Robin Babb, Susan Wild and Maggie Robledo.  Their enthusiasm for the upcoming WBT prompted her to sign up the very next day. </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Competing as a co-angler Lila drew Kim Striker and Pam Pope in the preview event at Lewisville Texas.  It was a great beginning for what was to come. Lila says, “Kim was a blast, and helped me understand where my weaknesses were, and therefore what to practice on like skipping baits, pitching & flipping.  Pam helped me read water, and both taught me to have confidence in myself”.</div> <bR> <div> When you ask Lila what tournament she felt most responsible for helping her qualify for the championship she says all of then.  Lila not only entered the tournaments to do well on the co-angler side, she also wanted to learn from the Pros she was partnered with.  At each tournament she honed her skills in every aspect of professional angling.  At every tournament Lila turned mistakes and missed opportunities into lessons.  </div> <bR> <div> In Alabama on Lake Neely Henry she was paired with Arizona Pro Tanya Kreuzer on Day One.  Lila says, “Tanya started the day very ill.  She struggled to pull herself up, seized the day, and fished her game plan.  Many of her choices would have been mine, which buoyed my confidence.  And she put me on fish; I weighed my first fish on the first day of the first tourney!  Second day, Marilyn Biszmaier shared so very much with me about how to manage myself and my time during tournaments.  I lost a good fish right at the boat, due to tight drag, and a stale knot.  After my tantrum, she helped me to realize I’d lost nothing, but had gained experience, and confirmed the fish were there”.</div> <bR> <div> It was at Lewisville Lake in Texas that Lila drew fellow Texan Deb Petrowski.  “Deb nurtured my fish finding confidence.  Although we were mostly cranking that day, she entertained my desire to cast a green pumpkin Kickercraw to bridge pilings, which landed my second trip to the stage.  Second day, Angie Douthit and I went on quite a tour while hunting fish in that hot, windy weather.  As I cranked away, she went right into fish with my favorite plastics.  That taught me to stick by my guns”.</div> <bR> <div> When I saw Lila at the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society (FOCAS) meeting before the partner pairing at Lake Norman in North Carolina she was tired.  She had laid her head back on the seat before the meeting to catch just a few more minutes of rest and try to rid herself of the headache she was nursing.  “Fishing with Cindy Caperton was a full day course in boat handling, reading water, bait selection, and presentation.  Also taught me how important it is to get some practice in before the tournament.  I came in cold, directly from work, and way too tired to focus.  Also didn’t do my homework on the lake.  Lessons well learned, as I missed opportunities that were hard to find on that lake.  Second day, Tony Stoner and I had a lot of fun, during a very frustrating day.  I hooked a good Kentucky right away jerking a small Green/White LuckyCraft Pointer, but was over excited and tried to swing her in the boat too quick, and lost her.  I pouted way too long and missed the morning bite again.  Soon we moved upstream to murkier water, and I felt right at home.  Casting my Green pumpkin Texas Rig into shady edges along riprap, I brought in two nice large mouths, and earned my third visit to the stage.  Another lesson learned, prepare, practice, be flexible, and keep on casting”.</div> <bR> <div> Lila tells us a bit of what is like to fish with Pam Martin Wells. She was fortunate to draw her in Arkansas on Dardanelle Lake.  “I was definitely star struck to be going out with Pam Martin Wells!  After a restless night, and doubting most everything I already knew, I finally found my reserve, put everything out of my mind, and took a fresh look at the water she presented.  Fishing brush on shallow flats, I started to follow her bait choice, but quickly changed to a Green Pumpkin Chatterbait, to increase casting distance, and vary the presentations.  My third cast was rewarded with a nice large mouth, and my fourth visit to the stage.  Fishing with Pam was like auditing a college course, with the most pronounced lesson being to be strong and confident in my baits and presentations.  Second day, Linda Walker and I toured Dardanelle thoroughly, and worked hard for measurable fish.  It was so affirming to find her going to spots I had mapped myself, and often fishing just as I would, pitching Watermelon Red Trick Worms into the grass, along rock and laydowns”.</div> <bR> <div> Bull Shoals Lake on the Missouri side would prove to be the clincher in Lila qualifying for the Championship.  It was also were she would catch her first smallmouth bass.  “Jan Hudson had her plan in place, and taught me how to really slow down.  I’d never fished a jig so slowly over just plain rocks in deep water.  As I inched my Jewel ¾ oz PBJ football jig with Yamamoto Cinnamon grub trailer along via the gut wrenching 10 pound line, I was sure I’d pass out from holding my breath!  Two bites were all I had that day.  The first just felt a little heavy, mostly like I was stuck on a rock, then charged toward me, allowing little time for hook set, and 35 feet of slack line to wind in.  Never saw that one.  The next bite I was more prepared, having changed out to a stiffer rod, and putting all my confidence into McCoy’s 10lb Mean Green.  The bite was classic:  Tap Tap Tug.  Hook set was solid, and my very first Smallmouth Bass came aboard.  Too thrilling for words!  Fifth visit to the stage!  And a big bass award!  Second day, I was schooled by Melanie Rockey!  Her steel trap mind, school teacher background, and solid broad spectrum homework is awesome. At every spot we fished, she shared why she chose it, what made it an opportunity, how to line up the boat, how we would fish the area, what baits had been productive, how to fish them, and what she’d caught there.  Felt like I was in the boat with Denny Brauer!  And oh how we both worked to get me that fish or two that could keep me in top six.  We fished jigs along deep rocky secondary points; DD22 Tennessee Shad along 7 to 10 ft rocky flats alongside the spring, Cinnamon/brown fleck Senkos in brush piles and along rock banks. We caught fish, but no keepers.  She did manage a nice walleye just outside the marina, first one I’d seen in person”.</div> <bR> <div> Lila knows she worked hard and paid attention, learning well, to qualify for the WBT Championship but typical of her persona she is quick to thank others for helping her along the way.  “Rose Ellis was my link and practice partner.  Rose and I chatted regularly before and after tournaments, sharing ideas and fishing reports.  She took me out to see the lakes, went to fish some spots I’d found intriguing, and helped me eliminate some options, for better focus.  Without our talks, my confidence level would have fallen very low, very often.  Katrina DeHaven has been a constant inspiration.  She pursues her fishing career despite great obstacles, maintaining a positive, loving spirit.  Her love for life is a testament for all. Tanya and Dean Kreuzer have supported me the entire tour.  It’s so wonderful to see Dean on the bank when I come in, asking how I’ve done and praising me with applause, or lending a shoulder for those days when I blank.  Tanya is a blast of positive energy, just try to get by her without feeling better about everything!  Robin McFarlane is an inspiration, and wonderful new friend.  I value her experience, professional attitude, honesty, and integrity.  Traveling with Robin has been such a blessing.  This year would have been a bit hollow without her friendship.</div> <bR> <div> Others Lila thanks, “Husband Michael Bass, he took me fishing on our first date and introduced me to tournament competition.  Shari Anderson, my friend, cheer leader, and biggest fan. My Mom, Marquitta Montgomery, for the many times she accepted the challenge of the unknown, and just made it work. A thank you to Conny Jenkins, for organizing our FOCAS chapter, and all of the meetings.  Deb Wilkinson, for her willingness to accept the challenge of our new tour.  Bruce & Theresa Mathis, for their joy, and hard work.  So many ladies and “bass caddies” on the tour, you’re very special to me.  All my buddies at Sportsman’s Warehouse in Round Rock, TX….they’ve been so supportive!”</div> <bR> <div> Those who attend the FOCAS fellowship meetings before the tournament briefing have enjoyed Lila as the song leader and heard her beautiful voice.  Lila notes another lesson learned, “In the first few tournaments, as many of us do, I asked God to help me catch fish, even got very specific as to how many, what size, and when.  In July, during the heat, and humidity, and bounty of short fish, I changed my mantra: ‘Dear God, please help me to accept what I truly need’, and He has”.</div> <bR> <div> Quick to laugh at herself when things go wrong. “The first day of the first tournament, with less than three hours to fish, my life vest elected to self-inflate.  Tanya and I were astounded when it exploded into a giant yellow alien aboard our boat!  It was such a humbling experience, yet absolutely hilarious.  Definitely helped me put things into perspective”!</div> <bR> <div> Lila admires Shaw Grigsby and Christie Thomas, saying “Shaw for his genuine love for the sport, and open, honest, positive attitude are an inspiration.  I’ve followed him since 2001, read everything he writes, and have spent time with him at BASS University, practicing knots, and hoping to befriend my spinning reel. Christie exudes joy, love, deep faith, and amazing courage.  All this served up with positive outlook, intelligence, acceptance, and just plain fun.  I find her amazing”.</div> <bR> <div> In addition to fishing Lila enjoys gardening and walking.  When indoors she enjoys cooking, reading and watching old movies.  To relax she will talk with friends, read a book or watch old movies.  For inspiration, “I always wear the hot pink Dakota watch Mike gave me last Christmas.  It reminds me that his love for me, and love for fishing are with me all the way”.  </div> <bR> <div> Stillhouse Canyon Lake at Salado Texas is her home lake. Although she has fished off and on all her life it was only five years ago that she began tournament fishing.  From pleasure fishing to the WBT Championship in a few short years is quite and accomplishment.  Of the experience Lila says, ““Fishing alongside veteran anglers has been a cherished affirmation.  There is no better way to instill faith in my own skills than to fish alongside experienced talented anglers.  I feel well blessed by all of my experiences this year.”</div> <bR> <div> Lila Bass’ sponsors: Kelly Jones at KickerFish Bait Company, Kim Smith at Castaway Rods and Pat Howland at McCoy’s Fishing Line.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__7_cindy_hill"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #7, Cindy Hill<IMG SRC="62799e10.jpg" border=0 width="153" height="225" ALT="Cindy Hill" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> “This tour was the toughest lakes that I have fished.”  Cindy Hill says, echoing words and feelings that many of the pro-anglers experienced this year on the Women's Bassmaster Tour. The lakes and the bass were a challenge for most of the 200 anglers at each of the five events on the inaugural tour.  No matter how tough the conditions are though someone always brings them in.  </div> <bR> <div> It was the Lewisville Texas tournament that Cindy says was the most responsible in helping her qualify for the Championship.  “Making the top six at Lewisville was most exciting, but I tend to be consistent and always in the money. At Lake Lewisville I was fishing mid-depth crank bait at riprap and points. It was a power fishing tournament, stay on your trolling motor and cast, cast, cast, and cover water. One advantage I have over other anglers is the equipment I use. All Star rods are so sensitive and lightweight they are a great product. I always use Pflueger reels and Supreme line by Shakespeare”.</div> <bR> <div> Cindy credits her friend for contributing to her success, saying, “I have so many good friends that I fish with and fish against but my best friend is a competitor and my team member.  Emily Shaffer and I have become the best of friends. We work together on every lake we go to, we may not know exactly where each other is fishing but we combine our knowledge of fishing conditions. It's a combined effort of Emily, her husband Larry, my husband Doss, and myself. It also helps give the hubby's some one to run around with while we are fishing.”</div> <bR> <div> Raised by a single mother, she has been fishing since a small child growing up in placeCityMemphis StateTennessee with her two sisters and brother.  Her mom would take all of them to fish in the fishing rodeos at the parks in placeCityMemphis. Cindy says, “I was never told this is what girls do or this is what boys do, it was always what ever you want to do, do it and do it the best of your ability”.  Cindy has proven she is a competitor who does have the ability.  It was about seven years ago that Cindy took up competitive sport fishing.  </div> <bR> <div> “Living in Middle Tennessee will make you more versatile on all fishing. We have man made impoundments, rivers, natural impoundments, from colored water, clear 200 foot deep, current from rivers with damns, and each fishing trip requires a different technique.”  This versatility has made Cindy one of the top female anglers in the nation. Cindy says while fishing the WBT this year she relied mainly on a crank bait and jig.  “My strength would be with a flipping stick, but being very versatile and efficient with crank baits deep and shallow, pitching, flipping, jigs, worms, etc helped me seal the deal.” </div> <bR> <div> Paul Elias is the professional male angler that she admires.  The very first fishing video she rented was one of Paul's, it left an impression and she has come to admire him as an all round good person and an excellent angler.  When it comes to the female anglers she admires Cindy gives credit to those original ladies that stepped out of the box in a male dominated sport and helped women anglers.</div> <bR> <div> Cindy says in addition to fishing she enjoys the outdoors by deer hunting, `just to be in the woods at daylight and hear the woods come alive.”  Then there are the paintball games with her sons, riding four-wheelers, and doing yard work.  </div> <bR> <div> On of her favorite things to do is cook.  “I love to cook but it is so hard to cook for just two people, growing up in a large family, I never learned to cook in small quantities. I drive Doss nuts cooking full course meals for just us and cooking for days for the holidays.” </div> <bR> <div> It is evident the great joys of her life come from her family and friends.  Relaxing to her is to enjoy the time she spends with the people who are important in her life, “<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#080000" FACE="Arial" >just talking, laughing, eating good food and enjoying the company”.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Cindy says her husband, Doss, is her soul mate and the love of her life.  Doss and Cindy have fished together for years, starting during the time they dated.  They make their home in placeCitySmyrna StateTennessee and enjoy fishing their home lake, J. Percy Priest. They have two sons, Jason and his wife, Shelley, and Michael and his wife, Amie. Grandchildren are Andrew 5, Austin 4, Ethan 3, and Hannah 1. </div> <bR> <div> In addition to fishing the WBT this year, Cindy competed in the C & O Marine tournament trail. In the past she fished in the W.B.F.A. and P.B.F. (Professional Bass Fishing) tournament trail.  “I would just like to say a special `thanks' to Willie and Carole Cook for providing me with the first ever women's tour I ever fished, and to WBT/ESPN for giving the ladies what we have been wanting forever. The most memorable moment was the first time someone asked me for my autograph.  My heart skips a beat whenever they know who I am or they say they have kept up with my fishing career. My personal highlight is seeing Doss get choked up and teary eyed when he is so proud of me.” </div> <bR> <div> Even though the lakes were tough this past year Cindy is not discouraged, she says, “I'm looking forward to 2007 when BASS will take us to lakes at the right time of year so we can set some lake records and show just how great women anglers are.”</div> <bR> <div> The WBT Championship is fast approaching and Cindy has been doing her research in preparation.  When asked about her chances of winning on Lake Mitchell, she comments, “I feel the caliber of anglers I will be competing against are the best in the world and I'm confident I can win just as easily as they can, I love river fishing and look forward to February”.</div> <bR> <div> Cindy Hill's sponsors are: Legend Boats, C & O Marine, All Star Rods, Pflueger reels, Shakespeare and Deka batteries. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__7_sharon_rushton_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-Angler #7, Sharon Rushton <IMG SRC="62f92d00.jpg" border=0 width="146" height="208" ALT="Sharon Rushton" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> For Sharon Rushton fishing has been the foundation of her life.  What began at an early age when her father introduced her to trout fishing in Colorado became a way of life. The fishing outings with her family are the greatest memories of her childhood. She believes that fishing provided her self-assurance, great decision making and problem solving skills and most of all a love and appreciation for our natural resources. She was introduced to bass fishing when she moved to Tennessee to work for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. </div> <bR> <div> With a Masters in Natural Resource Administration/Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and Bachelors in Radio/TV/Journalism Sharon has dedicated her life to promoting outdoor activities, particularly fishing, and the responsible use of our natural resources. She has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in the field of fish and wildlife, and has a consistent history of making significant contributions.   </div> <bR> <div> Her career has included: owner of SR Enterprises, founding Executive Director of Future Fisherman Foundation, Director of Education for American Sportfishing Association, and Chief of Information and Education for Tennessee Wildlife Resources. </div> <bR> <div> Sharon developed and marketed four national brands: Future Fisherman Foundation, Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs, Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers, and STEP OUTSIDE. Developed and marketed products: <I>Fishing Fun For Kids</I> (sold over 2 million copies), <I>Sport Fishing and Aquatic Resources Handbook</I> (sold over 200,000 copies), teachers' guides, videos, hats and other items. </div> <bR> <div> In addition to developing national programs that introduce individuals to fishing, Sharon has written/edited books/manuals on fishing, aquatic resources and recruitment. She was a lead angling skills instructor for the National 4-H Sport Fishing Program, and she co-hosted a television program called Tennessee Outdoorsman.  </div> <bR> <div> As the owner of SR Enterprises she is a consultant in marketing, recruitment and education programs, and program development in the field of fish, wildlife and natural resources.  </div> <bR> <div> “I'm very proud and honored to have had career opportunities that have allowed me to have positive impacts on youth, families, traditional outdoor sports, and our natural resources.  I'm most proud of developing the “Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs” program which became an effective drug prevention program for schools K-12.  When I left the Foundation in 1997, the program was being used in schools in 25 states and 4 countries.  I was invited to Norway to give a day's training, meet with the Prime Minister and talk to the Parliament's Environmental Committee.”</div> <bR> <div> Impressively she won first-place in the co-angler division of the Women's Bassmaster Tour preview event held on Texas' Lake Lewisville in October, 2005.   In the 2006 Women's Bassmaster Tour, she finished 7th overall for the season in the co-angler division qualifying for the first ever WBT Championship.  </div> <bR> <div> Sharon says it was the 6th place at Dardanelle and a 7th place at Lewisville that was most responsible for helping her qualify for the championship.  The first day of Dardanelle she caught a 3 lb 11 ounce largemouth on a Bass Pro Shops Shoestring TopKnocker (topwater) plus a another largemouth on a floating 10 inch Berkley Power Worm fished on a 4/0 Daiichi hook.   The second day she caught a keeper spot on a small swimming jig using 6 lb XPS Fluorocarbon.  At Lewisville she caught all but one of her fish on a 7 inch Berkley Power Worm.</div> <bR> <div> Recognizing her strength or rather weakness Sharon made a change that may have made the difference in her competitive edge. Sharon says, “One key change I made mid-year was to switch from right handed baitcasters to left-handed Rick Clunn Baitcasters.  I'm right handed and don't have the strength in my left hand and arm to set the hook.  It was easy to adjust to a left handed baitcasting reel and the Rick Clunn reel is an angler friendly reel, easy to adjust and few backlashes.”</div> <bR> <div> Giving credit to her pro partners Sharon says, “All boaters with whom I fished and caught fish contributed to my success.  One in particular was extremely important.  At Lake Norman I didn't catch a fish the first day off of my boater's fish.  I asked my boater the second day Crystal Langston, if she would go to a spot where I had pre-fished and I knew the technique.  I caught two fish on my spot.  I didn't catch a fish after we left and went to her fish.  If she had not taken the time to go to my spot, I might have zeroed for that tournament which would have kicked me out of any chance of going to the Championship.”     </div> <bR> <div> Techniques she used mostly were plastic worms and tubes, including SENKOs,  Berkley Power Worms and XPS Tubes. Sharon says she depended on Tru-Turn and Daiichi hooks.  “Being flexible was the key. I needed top water, floating worms, Texas rigged worms, tubes, spoons and small jigs.” </div> <bR> <div> A bonus of competing in the WBT according to Sharon is she got to meet a lot of nice women with the same passion for fishing.  On fishing the Championship she says, “Whatever place I finish, I'll be proud because I'm excited and thrilled just to be among the anglers fishing the first WBT Championship”.</div> <bR> <div> In addition to fishing, when time permits, Sharon enjoys target shooting, hunting and snow skiing.  She says another hobby is photography and exploring the natural beauty around the world.  When spending time indoors she relaxes with her music and by watching movies. </div> <bR> <div> Her husband James has been her great supporter.  Sharon puts him at the top of her list of thanks for helping her with her successful year saying, “Thanks to my husband James for his support; my local fishing mentor George Quest and all of my fishing friends from my community who have given me tips, lures, advice and who have encouraged me; the anglers, from the lakes we fished in 2006, who gave me advice; All of the WBT boaters I had throughout the year; all of the WBT anglers for making this year so much fun; and BASS, ESPN, Kathy Magers, Bruce and Deb for making this year possible”.  </div> <bR> <div> Sharon's Sponsors are:  Bass Pro Shops, TTI Companies (Tru-Turn, Daiichi and Stand-Out Hooks), and SunBuster sunglasses.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__8_lisa_stenard"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #8, Lisa Stenard<IMG SRC="60983d70.jpg" border=0 width="131" height="215" ALT="Lisa stenard" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> Like many of the female anglers, Lisa Stenard was introduced to fishing as child by her father.  As a young adult she began tournament fishing in Muskie and Bass Clubs.  She and her husband, Terry, have fished together for almost thirty years and Lisa credits him for teaching her a lot of techniques about bass fishing and helping her refine her skill at boat handling.</div> <bR> <div> In the summer of 1997, Terry brought home a brochure announcing that Bass`n Gals would be having a tournament on Pickwick Lake and thought she should enter it.  When the tournament was over Terry noticed Lisa was sad and asked what was wrong, she told him, “It was so much fun…but now it's over.”  Terry told her she could keep tournament fishing if she wanted to and she has been doing it ever since.  From 1999 through 2005 she was a regular on the all female WBFA tour. </div> <bR> <div> Lisa says, “It was very refreshing to compete against other women who were as crazy about bass fishing as I am.  Being a female tournament angler has become part of my identity and so when both Bass'n Gals and WBFA folded, I naturally progressed to fishing the WBT”.</div> <bR> <div> Qualifying for the WBT Championship required a variety of techniques. Lisa says, “Versatility in use of lures has helped me qualify for the championship. On Neely Henry it was spinnerbaits; Lewisville and Dardanelle was pitching plastics; Lake Norman was Carolina rigging and at Bull Shoals it was Carolina Rigging and open water jigging. I feel my strengths are definitely in the presentation of plastics.  I enjoy fishing deeper off-shore structure with a Carolina  Rig.  Pitching plastics to shoreline cover is also a favorite.  Using Texas-rigged plastics, wacky-rig worms or drop-shot finesse plastics have always been confidence techniques.  If I need to cover shallow water more quickly, casting or pitching spinner baits can also bring me success.  I recognize my biggest weakness is casting crankbaits.  Map reading and use of GPS are skills that have helped me succeed in this sport.  Each tournament was important to help me qualify for the championship, but if I needed to identify one, the win at Lake Norman was the most helpful not only because of the points but it was a tremendous confidence booster.”</div> <bR> <div> Her attitude could be her biggest advantage.  Being competitive is about learning new techniques, new lures, being open to learn anything to have the edge.  During the Lake Norman, NC tournament Lisa learned a valuable lesson from her co-angler.  She credits Ronda Kirby with teaching her proper fish care and helping keep her winning catch alive during the hot weather situation, including fizzing of fish.</div> <bR> <div> Her fishing career has been memorable, of course, winning the WBT on Lake Norman will rank at the top as she looks back on 2006.  The WBFA tournament on Lake of the Ozarks in 1999 when she caught a record five bass weighing 25.09 pounds, several Top 10 finishes and a couple wins make her one of the top female anglers in the nation. </div> <bR> <div> Kentucky and Barkley Lakes are her home lakes.  Lisa lives in Clarksville,Tennnesse. She has a BS in Occupational Therapy and works as an Occupational Therapist doing Home Care.  She has two daughters, Britni, is a junior in college and studying to be an orthopedic surgeon, Tasha is a senior in High School.  In a 2004 WBFA tournament on Lake Eufaula, her daughter, Tasha, fished as a non-boater and caught a 4.48 pound largemouth on the first day to win Big Bass.  </div> <bR> <div> Because of her work schedule Lisa is not able to spend too many days pre-fishing before each tournament.  For the Championship she hopes she will be able to spend a couple weekends on Lake Mitchell before the off-limits.  “I believe that when I do well in a tournament it is because I've worked hard on the water and the good Lord has blessed me. I am very proud to have qualified for this tournament and I will try hard to win.”</div> <bR> <div> When not fishing she enjoys camping and nature walks.  Lisa says, “Fishing is an activity that is both relaxing and energizing.  For me, spending time outdoors with nature can be very calming.  Yet at the same time, when that “big one” picks up my lure and the fight is on…fishing can be very exhilarating”.</div> <div>      </div> <div> Lisa Stenard's sponsors are: Triton Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Zoom Baits, Spro/Gamakatsu, Berkley/Abu Garcia/Fenwick, Stanley Lures, Navionics, MotorGuide, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, and Baney Baits.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__8_tammie_ply"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-angler #8, Tammie Ply</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="608bfe80.jpg" border=0 width="191" height="232" ALT="Tammie Ply" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Some of the best anglers come out of the Ozarks area.  They hone their skills fishing local clubs and on the variety of lakes in the region. Tammie Ply is such an Ozarks Angler and she has been honing her skills on her home lake of Bull Shoals.   </div> <bR> <div> Tammie, from Harrison,Arkansas, holds membership in the Dardanelle Lady Anglers and Table Rock Lady Anglers.  She has been fishing about ten years, and only three of those have been tournament fishing, including a time a competing in the previous organization, Women's Bass Fishing Association (WBFA).</div> <bR> <div> As soon as she heard about the Women's Bassmaster Tour she knew she wanted to fish it.  Although she had little time to pre-fish any of the lakes before the tournament days, Tammie was still able to qualify as a co-angler in the Championship. </div> <bR> <div> A Gary Yamamoto Senko fished either wacky style or as a weightless Texas rig contributed to her success this past year.  Most often she used a green pumpkin black flake.  In addition to the Senko she was able to use her favorite lure, a crankbait, to propel her to the Championship. </div> <bR> <div> Tammie realized she was in striking distance of the Championship after the Arkansas Tournament.  “I was sitting in twenty-eighth place in the point standings and my nineteenth place finish at Dardanelle put me in sixteenth place in the point standings.  I knew that getting in the top twelve was reachable from there.”  Quite an accomplishment since Tammie had little time to pre-fish even during the official practice days.</div> <bR> <div> To prepare for the Championship on Lake Mitchell she is planning to upgrade to some newer equipment.  She says some of her reels are “squeaky and falling apart”.  She is hoping to learn more about the lake and what fishing pattern to expect before she arrives.  “I love the Coosa River and I have always done well on it.  I have never been on Lake Mitchell, but I feel very confident that I will do very well.”</div> <bR> <div> Asked if she had a professional female angler she admired and she is quick to mention Dianna Clark.  “I have had the pleasure of fishing with her twice while fishing the WBFA.  I admire her for several different reasons.  After we fished together that first time she always spoke to me at all of the other events.  That does not happen with every partner that you draw out with.  Some of them don't even remember who you are or never speak to you again.   It meant a lot to me that she made an effort. And then the second time we fished together I had a fish hit at a frog I was using, but it missed it.  She saw it happen and immediately told me to follow it up with a different bait.  So I immediately threw something else and the fish hit it.  That was one of my keeper fish for the tournament.  I would have never of caught it had she not told me to throw something else.”   </div> <bR> <div> This past year she has had little time to enjoy one of her other favorite outdoor activities, camping.  Tammie says, “I own a camper, but with fishing two local clubs and the WBT tour I never have a free weekend”.  Indoor time is spent working shaped puzzles and scrapbooking. When she needs to relax or unwind she says she likes to “sit back and watch TV and surf the internet”.  Tammie works for FedEx Freight in Revenue Services</div> <bR> <div> Over the past three years Tammie has had several top finishes during her competition in the WBFA and the two ladies clubs she belongs to.  During the Inaugural WBT season Tammie had very impressive finishes, she finished in the money in all but one tournament, placing in the top 20 four times. </div> <bR> <div> Tammie says the Championship is one of her greatest accomplishments.  She says, “Making the Classic is a dream come true and will be a very huge memorable moment that I will be able to talk about for the rest of my life”.   </div> <bR> <div> Tammie is sponsored by Sears of Harrison.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__9_juanita_robinson"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #9, Juanita Robinson</B></div> <bR> <div> J<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >uanita Robinson is, by her own admission, one of the oldest ladies that will be fishing the first Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship next month at Lake Mitchell near Birmingham,  Does that bother her?  Not in the least.  Juanita has years of competitive angling behind her.  She says after all the years of tournament angling she no longer gets jitters on tournament day, “I just think of it as another day to go fish and catch as much as I can”. <IMG SRC="5f2b6df0.jpg" border=0 width="182" height="223" ALT="Juanita Robinson" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Although not near the age of octogenarian, Violette Secso, Juanita notes,  “Violette is an inspiration to me, she has so much get up and go for a lady that is in her 80's and still competing in tournaments. She was my co-angler on Lake Dardanelle. I was impressed with her knowledge about fishing. I just hope when I get in my 80's I am still out there fishing.”</div> <bR> <div> A dream year - that seems to be the theme for all of the ladies who competed in the WBT this year.  For Juanita it was even more special.  Fishing the first year of a tour that promises to be the future of women's sport fishing, to finish ninth in a tough field and top it off by qualifying for the first Championship.  “I want to thank ESPN and BASS for giving all of us the opportunity to fish in the Women's Bassmaster Tournaments and to prove there are women out there that can fish as good as the men do, and that we love the sport of bass fishing as much as they do.” </div> <bR> <div> Juanita had help making it to the Championship though.  Her granddaughter, Hannah, made her good luck bracelets and anklets to wear at every tournament.  Her husband, Donnie, has been the rock at every tournament.  “He has helped me stay focused and on track. He was my equipment manager, made sure that the boat was in good running order, and helped me make all the long drives.  She also says it has been her family and friends that have inspired her and cheered her on that helped make the time away from them easier.  It was not easy to miss the special events with the grandchildren this year and she keeps those friends in her heart that have followed her standings each tournament and for the calls cheering her on. </div> <bR> <div> Juanita has a quick smile, great sense of humor, she is quick to give pats on the back to those she admires and vies with Skeet Reece on hairdos when she puts on her visor.  Most admirable about Juanita and Donnie is the ethic in which they raised their children.  Even though she was able to compete in all the Bass'n Gal tournaments when she still had children at home, they made sure to put the family first.  “I believe you need to be home with your kids when they need you the most. You only have one chance with raising them. Thank God all of our children turned out to be very good adults, and they are raising their children with the same rules.”</div> <bR> <div> It was the placeCityLake Lewisville StateTexas tournament that Juanita feels most responsible for helping her to qualify for the Championship. Her technique was flipping trees and lay downs in one to five feet of water.  The water was off color due to the heavy winds.  She used a Zoom Baby Brush Hog and a Vertical Lure Jig, on 15 pound Trilene Big Game. What's her `go to' bait?  “I have caught fish on a Zoom Baby Brush hog at every lake I have ever fished.” </div> <bR> <div> She also credits a couple other competitors with giving her an edge during the tour.  “Tammie Muse helped me some on Lake Dardanelle by telling me some places and how to fish the lake.  Patty Campbell and I teamed up this year to help one another. That worked out real good for the both of us.”</div> <bR> <div> It was her dad that first took her fishing when she was about six years old.  She began entering tournaments in 1984 and estimates she has probably competed in about 400 tournaments over the years.  Along the way she has accumulated several top finishes and angler of the year titles.  In addition to the WBT in 2006 she also competed in The 2 of Us Couples - East Texas.  Since 1997 she has been a member of the Skeeter Boat Team.</div> <bR> <div> When asked to pick a male angler she admires, Juanita says, “It would probably be Rick Clunn. He is a great angler and I have never heard him say anything bad about anyone.  I would like the opportunity to fish with him someday.  Matt Reed, I have fished against him in placeEast Texas team tournaments. He can catch fish every where he goes.  Also, Clay Dyer, he is an inspiration to me. With his disabilities and he can still do what the rest of us do everyday with ease.  When I have a bad day on the water I think of Clay and what all he goes through in a days time. Then I think my day wasn't so bad after all.”</div> <bR> <div> Fishing the WBT did not leave much time for her other outdoor activity, “I love to work in my yards and all my flower beds, this year I haven't been able to take care of them like I would like to”.  She also spends some of her off time riding her four-wheeler in the woods with her husband.  When spending time indoors Juanita works on various stained glass projects making windows and other items, including a beautiful stained glass bass. <IMG SRC="5f6e1b50.jpg" border=0 width="225" height="181" ALT="Juanita and Donnie" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> If there is a need to unwind, you will find her relaxing by watching TV and talking to her sister.  Juanita says, “My sister is the pastor at the Living Waters Church of The Nazarene in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She helps me get through a bad day on the lake. If I fish a tournament on Toledo Bend or Sam Rayburn I like to sit on our pier and catch bream and relax and go over my day in my head”.</div> <bR> <div> Even though fishing keeps her busy she also holds a full time position as a Sales/Merchandiser for Archway Merchandising Services.  Donnie and Juanita make their home in Highland,Texas and consider Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn home lakes.  Their children are Cindy, Chad and Mike.  She proudly tells you her grandchildren are Aaron, R.J., Hannah, Khale, Joselynn and Breianna.</div> <bR> <div> Preparation for the Championship is underway.  She plans to do a lot of research by studying maps, talking to locals and covering a lot of water during pre-fish time before the off limits.  Juanita says, “I plan on going to Lake Mitchell probably for two weeks right before off limits. We are going to have a thirty day off limits so, what you find might not work when you get there to fish. I hope it does.  Confidence level?  “I will do as well as I can. Confidence can get in your way some times. So, I just go out and fish as hard as I can in every tournament I fish.” </div> <bR> <div> Juanita Robinson's sponsors include: SKEETER BOATS (skeeterboats.com), YAMAHA MOTORS (yamahamotors.com), DAWSON MARINE at Beaumont and Jasper StateTX (dawsonmarine.com), J & D STAINED GLASS, PARASITE WEIGHTS (parasiteweights.com), CBS HAWG SAUCE (cbshawgsauce.com), VERTICAL LURES (verticallures.com), and CATCH-N.COM (Catch-n Radio-Pro-Staff & Catch-n Kids-Pro Staff).</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="co_angler__9_angie_everitt"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Co-Angler #9, Angie Everitt</B></div> <bR> <div> Angie Everitt won the Women's Bassmaster Co-Angler Tournament at Bull Shoals.  It seemed fitting and well deserved.  When the preview event was going on in placeStateTexas, Angie couldn't be there because she was having surgery.  “2005 was a difficult year for me. I've never had any health problems, but in 2005, I discovered I had a brain tumor. I had a difficult and lengthy surgery but it was successful.  <IMG SRC="5edb9140.jpg" border=0 width="185" height="276" ALT="Angie Everitt " ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> After that experience, fishing the WBT was something that my husband, Ted, and my best friend, Shely Lee, insisted that I do for myself.  I am glad because I've had the best time of my life doing it.”</div> <bR> <div> Angie has a contagious smile.  One of those genuine smiles that makes you want to smile back and it cheers you up.  Or, it could make you think she is up to something.  Her nephews in Alabama, Adam and Jake, probably have to wonder what orneriness Aunt Angie is getting into this time.  </div> <bR> <div> Angie considers Livingston, Texas and placeCitySlapout, StateAlabama as her hometowns.  She has lived in Livingston StateTexas for seventeen years but was born and raised in placeStateAlabama.  She attended Sam Houston University for three years and currently works as a Fiscal Officer in the Probation Department.  Angie and Ted have three dogs, Bud, Sunny and Dottie. </div> <bR> <div> Even though Angie has been tournament fishing for seven years she had not entered any tournament trails and had fished only local bass club tournaments.  Lake Livingston,Texas is her home lake.  </div> <bR> <div> Angie says she enjoys golfing and gardening, “I would rather do yard work than house work.”  When she wants to relax she spends time reading novels and bass fishing magazines, working word and number puzzles, and playing poker.</div> <bR> <div> This co-angler has a gold dollar that Ted gave her for `fishing luck'.  “Right after he gave it to me we were coming home from a tournament on Toledo Bend and were involved in a very bad accident totaling our truck and boat. Although I had injuries requiring surgery, they were not life threatening.  After seeing the wreckage we could not believe we walked away from it.  Although our clothes had been cut off by the trauma team, the dollar managed to get returned to me.  I carry it with me at all the tournaments, mostly as a reminder of how thankful I am to still be fishing.”</div> <bR> <div> To qualify for the championship Angie had to dedicate more time to top water lures. “It has never been a favorite of mine but I made myself use it during the tournaments and have learned to have much more confidence in top water baits.”<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="5ef20bc0.jpg" border=0 width="288" height="188" ALT="Angie Everitt" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <bR> <div> The win at Bull Shoals cinched her spot in the Championship.  To win she used a Fat Free Shad (12' diver) in Baby Bass color and with a Curado reel spooled with 10 pound fluorocarbon line.  She caught a four pound largemouth working bluffs around the river channel.  “I have to give Marsha Gipson a lot of credit for her efforts on the trolling motor at Bull Shoals. She worked so hard to keep us off the timber and the bluffs in strong wind. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the women I fished with during the year because you all contributed to my success: Madeline Smith, Julie Jacobson, Angie Douthit, Judy Wong, Susan Hand, Lucy Mize, Linda Walker, Helen Gordon, Kathi Hurst, Marsha Gipson, and Emily Shaffer. I appreciate and admire all of you!”  </div> <bR> <div> To prepare for the upcoming championship she is reading articles about the lake and conditions and studying maps of Lake Mitchell.  </div> <bR> <div> Angie plans to fish the 2007 season and hopes the same groups of BASS officials are back.  Not only did she enjoy working with Deb Wilkinson, Bruce Mathis and Steven Scott, aka “Lurch', but also the other officials who staffed the tournaments.  She says, “Everyone is always so helpful and cheerful”.  </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="angler__10_robin_babb"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Angler #10, Robin Babb</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#330000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="5c8a1d70.jpg" border=0 width="161" height="215" ALT="Robin Babb" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div>  It was 1996 when Robin made up her mind to leave her profession and change to a career in fishing. She says she remembers the call to her mom, “from my home in Los Angeles to tell her that I would be quitting my elite career in the entertainment industry to move to Livingston, Texas and become a professional bass tournament angler...she thought I had lost my mind!”  </div> <bR> <div> Robin has no regrets since leaving that lifestyle and based on her Top 12 finish this year on the Women's Bassmaster Tour it was the right decision.  She credits her grandmother with having the patience to take her fishing at a young age. </div> <bR> <div> Ask Robin what female angler she admires and she is quick to tell you, “Hands down it is Kathy Magers. If it had not been for her tenacity and goals there would not be a truly professional women's tour. Because of her we now have the opportunities to make extremely good livings in a career so many dream of doing. Also, because of the publicity and media attention we are gaining through ESPN we can put ourselves in public positions to be role models for younger people.”  </div> <bR> <div> As far as male anglers she says, “There are really tremendous "fishing" role models on the male side, but some of the ones I look up to have more to do with the marketing and business aspects of the sport. Randy Howell, Jason Quinn, Mike Iaconelli to name a few.  They've taken the leap into another realm of the sport and actually are making an incredible professional living.”</div> <bR> <div> Robin honed her skills tournament fishing other trails including: Bass'n Gals, WBFA, Anglers Choice, Bass'n Bucks, National Bass Anglers Association and Redman.  In 2005, Robin earned the WBFA 2005 Co-Angler of the Year.  It gave her the boost to compete in the Women's Bassmaster Tour as a Pro Angler.  She focused her efforts on the tour dedicating many hours to earn her berth in the championship.  To qualify she set a goal, “Consistency was my goal and my focus on that goal never wavered.”  Robin spent seven to ten days prior to the official practice days working each lake.  Her strength this year was flipping and pitching soft plastics.   </div> <bR> <div> Another secret to her success is her connection with other anglers.  Robin says, “Judy Wong was a great travel partner and inspiration during the first portion of the year.  Judy had already committed to rooming with another angler mid-season so Sheri Glasgow and I became travel partners at that time, which has worked out great also!  Having someone who understands completely what we are going through during the season is priceless. Sheri and I have begun sharing info, which was difficult at first because we are such hard core competitors, but we both feel that if we can continue to build on the trust of each other we will be a tough duo to beat!”</div> <bR> <div> In addition to being a Professional Bass Angler, Robin is a restaurant owner and REALTOR near Lake Livingston Texas.<B> </B></div> <bR> <div> This year has been memorable and one of the highlights was being invited to Billie Jean King's Women's Sports Foundation 27th Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner and Auction in New York City and being asked to donate a day on the lake for their benefit auction.</div> <bR> <div> Robin has been using her entrepreneurial skills throughout the year.  This year her ZTS Travel System has been in production. “Talk about special!  Being in on the development stage of such an incredible vehicle for professional anglers has been a dream come true. I'll be glad when we can release more information about this awesome unit! You can visit <A HREF="http://ztsllc.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://ztsllc.com/">http://ztsllc.com/</A> to learn more.”</div> <bR> <div> Will she win?  Robin says<B>, “</B>I feel good! We are all already winners, whether you are one of the 24 competing in the Championship or an angler on tour, we have won by being at the level we are now at!”   For now she is trying to stay calm and relaxes by cruising on her motorcycle.   She has been able to travel to Lake Mitchell to learn how to run it before the dead-water. </div> <bR> <div> Robin is thankful for her mom, Sharon, she says, <B>“</B>If<B> </B>it was not for her taking over for me at our restaurant while I'm traveling I would not be able to live this dream.”</div> <bR> <div> Sponsors Include<B>:  </B>Triton Boats, ZTS Travel Systems, Vicious Fishing, Tru-Tungsten, Biosonix, Powell Rods and Out to Lunch Café.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="summer_stephens_co_angler__10"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Summer Stephens, Co-angler #10</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="5ca843f0.jpg" border=0 width="132" height="319" ALT="Summer Stephens" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> From a young age Summer Stephens was destined for competitive angling.  She caught her first keeper bass at seven years old.  So proud was her father, Frank Nelson, that he had the bass mounted, hanging it proudly with his many trophy size bass.  Though barely legal size it hold its place of honor with a plaque denoting "Summer's First Fish" and in its mouth hangs the green grub it succumbed to. </div> <bR> <div> Standing on the bank waiting for one of her parents to weigh-in was a way of life as she grew into womanhood.  Her parents also owned a boat dock at Dayton, TN where she spent many hours fishing.  Summer says, “I helped out with tournaments and traveled with them in the summer when school was out.  I remember going to the WBFA tournaments with my mom, Donna (Nelson) Blake and seeing people like Pam Martin Wells, Debra Hengst, Emily Shaffer, Penny Berryman, Judy Wong and other well know lady anglers. Now I am fishing with them”.</div> <bR> <div> Summer fished her first tournament when she was fourteen marking the beginning of many team tournaments.  Entering the Women's Bassmaster Tour as a Co-Angler would be the first time she would fish a tournament without one of her parents as a partner. </div> <bR> <div> Her family attended the Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburg, PA to be on hand where the details were unveiled for the Women's Bassmaster Tour and to hear first hand the history making news.  Summer said, “I saw all of the women there that I grew up watching fish with my mom. I knew I had to be a part of it.  I signed up for the preview tournament that day and spent the rest of the time meeting other lady anglers and talking with some that knew me from when I was a little girl.  I made a choice that day to change my life and I haven't regretted a moment of it”.</div> <bR> <div> Although an easy to decision to make it would take the effort of the entire family working together physically and emotionally to support it.  A family owned business had burned due to an electrical fire and the insurance money had not come through.  The loss of the business also caused Summer, her husband and father to seek new jobs.  </div> <bR> <div> But the man who proudly still displays his little girl's first keeper on his wall and holds its even closer in his heart was not discouraged.  “He had so much faith in me that he pre-paid for my entire year of fishing because he believed I could make it. To have someone that has that much faith in you is just amazing” says an emotional Summer. </div> <bR> <div> Jeremy stayed home to take care of them financially, and to care for their three year old son, Hunter, as Summer and her father traveled to each tournament.  Her inspiration was Hunter, who she hates leaving.  She says being away from her son and husband inspires her to fish hard and try to do her best, “because if I have to be gone, I am going to make it count.”   </div> <bR> <div> In a roller coaster year Summer says she almost did not get to fish the last tournament. “I had no vacation time left. My dad had broken his thumb in three places and was to have surgery the day we were to leave.  I just prayed that if it was meant to be then I would get to go. I got off work by offering to work on a few Saturdays to make up and my dad actually had the doctor re-break his thumb so he could postpone the surgery until we got back.  He did that so I could hopefully qualify for the Championship, he didn't want me to miss out on a chance to go and be apart of my dream.  My dad was in so much pain the entire trip. I felt so bad, but I knew I was doing the right thing by fishing.  I went to this tournament determined to do well and to fish this last one for my dad who had given up so much for me so that I could have a chance.”</div> <bR> <div> “The first day I didn't even get a bite. I kept my faith, believing that I was there for a reason. The second day, I caught a fish thirty minutes before weigh-in and had tears in my eyes all the way back.   Summer and her dad have always agreed eagles are good luck.  Frank has his boat wrapped with a design of an American Flag and an eagle flying over it. When she came in he told Summer he knew she had a fish because he saw an eagle fly across and was comforted, feeling she would have a qualifying fish.   </div> <bR> <div> When she left the tournament she did not think she had qualified for the Championship, maybe she had not reached her goal, but the journey had been a family effort, it had brought her and her father closer, he was proud of her, it strengthened her marriage and welded an already tight knit family even closer. </div> <bR> <div> The most memorable moment of her angling career, she says, “hearing my dad tell me that I made the Championship. It just meant everything to me because I had worked so hard for it and I had to go through a lot to get there.” </div> <div>  </div> <div> Drawing a variety of anglers Summer had to decide what baits she would use, since as a co angler she would be packing light. Her `go to' bait this year was a Cutthroat jig in Sloppy Joe, a Chatterbait and a Senko.  She says it was the Cutthroat jig that bailed her out quite a bit this year.  She also gives credit to the pro angler she fished with at Neely Henry for jump starting her on the road to the championship.  Linda Owens taught her how to use a Senko and Summer says, “That one bait, has changed my life! I am so grateful she showed me how to effectively use it because I have fished many lakes since and that bait has really come through for me.” She gives credit equally to her second day partner, Joan Davis.  She says Joan's spunkiness made her a joy to fish with. In the Neely Henry tournament she finished 10th and says that place finish gave her the confidence for the rest of the tour. </div> <bR> <div> Summer also credits all of the pros she fished with for helping her make the top twelve. She says each contributed positively.  “They helped me to want it more.  I would like to say thank you to: Linda Owens, Joan Davis, Toni Stoner, Brenda Baits, Ann Wells, Patty Campbell, Lisa Craig, Jen Carroll, and Kathy Womack. Thank you all for being great partners and friends.”</div> <bR> <div> Andy Morgan is one of Summers favorite anglers. Summer says, “I have known him since I was a little girl. He's not flashy and he's just a good country kinda guy.  When my parents owned the boat dock he would stop in and say hi. He was always so friendly and still is when I see him. I think he is a very good angler and for his age he has done really well for himself. I am proud to know him.”   </div> <bR> <div> Advice for other anglers, “Find someone that believes in you. If you have bad days or if you have good days, report to that person. They will lift you up when you need it the most and they will be your cheerleader to help keep you going.”   </div> <bR> <div> “I would like to thank BASS for making a tour for us to be able to do what we love, my family and friends for your love and support, my sponsors for taking a chance with someone who didn't have a track record but just had a lot of ambition, all of the WBT anglers for making this a successful year so we can continue to do what we love, and God by blessing me with an opportunity to do this and helping me not to lean on my own understanding, but just trusting Him.”  </div> <bR> <div> Summer is a member of the Women's Bassmaster Tour Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society (FOCAS).  She hails from Flintstone, GA, is a Financial Associate at A.G. Edwards and Sons, Inc. and attends college part time pursuing her degree in Criminal Justice, which she has almost attained.  </div> <div>  </div> <div> Can she win the co angler championship?  “I am really confident. I really feel like it's me against the fish and I have to have as much information about them so I catch them.” Before she leaves for a tournament Hunter always tells her "Momma you go and catch a big shark!"  Summer, we won't wish for a shark for you but we sure hope you catch a biggun!</div> <bR> <div> Summer's sponsors are: Cutthroat Lures Co., Vicious Fishing, A.G. Edward & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak Fishing Line, Powell Rods, Sportsman's Warehouse.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>#11 Angler--Linda Sands</B></div> <bR> <div> When the six trucks and boats pulled into the Guntersville High School football field that had been converted into an arena, the crowd went crazy with <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="5b5f0fa0.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="250" ALT="Linda Sands" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT>excitement.  Loud cheers erupted for the top Women's Bassmaster Tour anglers.  For Linda Sands of Cullman, Alabama this was the highlight of her angling career.  “Being a part of the first WBT, and coming into the arena on the final day was thrilling.  They were so excited for the women.”  </div> <bR> <div> When asked how she felt about the Women's Bassmaster Tour, Linda said, “I have enjoyed this whole year, my hope is the tour will grow, and there will be a place for my granddaughters to fish in the future.  I have met so many new people this year, my co anglers were wonderful people to fish with. I have enjoyed seeing some of the people from Bass `n Gal that I haven't seen in so long.”</div> <bR> <div> Linda says, “I have been fishing as long as I can remember, my parents loved to fish, my dad bass fished, and my mom loved to crappie fish.  When I was about 10 my dad kept me home from school to go fishing with him, I think it was because he couldn't find anyone else to go, but it was a good day.”   </div> <bR> <div> Linda has been married to Chris for 32 years.  They live on Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama.  Chris and Linda have worked together in their home building business for twenty-two years.  They have two daughters and two granddaughters.  It is the love of fishing that Linda is hoping to pass on to her granddaughters, Kristen 6 years old, and Emma 9 months.  Consider the time she spends with her granddaughters is relaxing.  That and riding with Chris on his motorcycle.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="5b7fa080.jpg" border=0 width="250" height="520" ALT="Linda Sands and granddaughter Kristen" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Linda's began competitive fishing by entering a Bass `n Gal tournament in 1992.  Her angling highlights include top five finishes, 4 times and top 10 finishes several times but a win has been elusive, so far. </div> <bR> <div> In addition to fishing the national trail Linda also enjoys membership in the BASS Federation Nation Alabama Lady Anglers Chapter.  The chapter has entered some of the qualifying tournaments and Linda has qualified three times for the state championship. </div> <bR> <div> When practicing for a tournament Linda and Chris will usually arrive the Saturday before the tournament.   Linda and her friend, Betty Stahl, decided to share information to help each other.  Linda said, “Sometimes we fished together and sometimes we would spread out and fish different areas.  Betty and her husband usually get to the lakes a week early, so she is a lot more help to me than I am to her.”  </div> <bR> <div> The primary lure that Linda felt was the most important in helping her qualify for the championship was a Zara Spook. Linda says, “Every lake this year was different, but my go to bait when things are tough is always finesse baits. But if there is a top water bite I would rather do that.”  She feels placing third at Neely Henry was catalyst that propelled her to the championship.  </div> <bR> <div> Rick Clunn is one of the anglers she admires, she says, “From all the things I have read and heard about him he is one of the few who does it on his own, and I think he has accomplished so much in Bass fishing, he has won everything.”  Chris Houston and Penny Berryman are favorites and count her good friends Betty Stahl and Kathi Hurst as two of the women she thanks for their friendship and inspiration.  </div> <bR> <div> The angler that Linda admires and has thought of several times throughout this year is an angler she has competed against several times over the years, Sherrie Brubaker.  Linda says, “I think if it wasn't for her illness she would have been in the top 12 this year. We are not close friends, but I admire her.”</div> <bR> <div> Although she does not have a gimmick for a good luck charm she will pick up a feather if she sees one floating by. </div> <bR> <div> As far as that elusive win . . . Linda lives an hour and half from Lake Mitchel,l so she will be able to practice more than for the other tournaments.  As far as her confidence on winning the championship, she says, “I think I can win it, but I also think the other eleven women can too!”   </div> <bR> <div> Linda is sponsored by Chris Sands Construction, Inc</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> .<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Co-Angler #11, Colleen McKay</B></div> <bR> <div> When Colleen wanted to fish the Women's Bassmaster Tour Preview event she had an unusual sponsor step up and pay most of her expenses.  Her BASS <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="5b8bdfa0.jpg" border=0 width="189" height="250" ALT="Colleen McKay" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT>Federation Nation Chapter, the Green Water Wizards Bassmasters, sent her to Texas with their blessings. Colleen says, “It was the first time I had ever fished with a woman. I really enjoyed it so I decided to try to tour this year.”</div> <bR> <div> Hailing from Worcester, MA, Colleen primarily fishes waters in Massachusetts and StateNew Hampshire.   She says, “Hopefully one day the WBT will go to Lake Champlain in Vermont. I have fished it several times. It is a great fishery and a lot of ladies have asked me about it.”  In the early 1990's she fished for trout and salmon and has been bass fishing since 1999.</div> <bR> <div> In addition to the Women's Bassmaster Tour Colleen fishes The Mass Bass Federations Team Trail and her chapter trail. Colleen and her fishing partner qualified for the Tournament of Champions and in 2006 finished 6th, in 2005 finished 7th, and 2003 finished 2nd.   She has qualified for the Green Water Wizards Bassmasters State Team and competed in the state championships in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2006.  Finished in fifth place overall in 2005, qualifying for a boater position as a non-boater - the highest yearly finish for a woman in the history of the club. </div> <bR> <div> Angling highlights have come this year with a second place finish at Lake Dardanelle, AR and a sixth place finish at Bull Shoals, MO on the Women's Bassmaster Tour.  Qualifying for the Championship is the ultimate finish in a great year.  Not only was it the first year for the WBT, it was a first in many ways for Colleen.  It was the first time she fished a tournament with women and she had to fly to all of her tournaments. </div> <bR> <div> Finesse fishing was her primary `go to' baits and techniques.  Colleen says, “<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#080000" FACE="Arial" >Being able to catch fish with a variety of baits,” helped her qualify for the championship.  She says “I caught fish on a number of different baits this year. As a co-angler it is important to adjust and change as your boaters change. You might be in shallow water throwing top water baits one day and fishing deep the next. One day your boater's techniques may be similar to your own but the next day it could be the complete opposite, so you have to try to adapt as best possible.”</FONT></div> <div> <IMG SRC="5ba98b90.jpg" border=0 width="152" height="185" ALT="Colleen McKay" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> She feels it was the `lunker' at Dardanelle that pushed her up in the standings.  At Dardanelle she was fishing a drop-off with a Shakey Head on a St. Croix PS66MF rod with a finesse worm.   Also, “Kimberlee Stricker was my roommate on the tour this year and my practice partner for most of the pre-fishing. She has become a good friend and I learned a lot from practicing with her.”</div> <bR> <div> Due to the distance she will not be able to pre-fish before the month dead-water on Lake Mitchel,l so she is studying the maps and will only have the one day of official practice.  How does she feel about her chances of winning the championship?  “As a co-angler part of fishing is the “luck of the draw” so I think my chances are as good as anyone else's.” </div> <bR> <div> Her higher education includes an M.A. and C.A.G.S. (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study).  Colleen is a Researcher (Mental Health Services).  Becoming a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Medical School was a highlight of her career.   To unwind Colleen enjoys fishing, playing golf and reading. </div> <bR> <div> Asked if she had anyone she would like to thank and she is quick to thank ESPN and B.A.S.S. for creating the Women's Bassmaster Tour.</div> <bR> <div> On sponsorship, Colleen says, “I would like to extend a huge thank you to St. Croix Rods, Barry's Bait & Tackle, Sure-Life Laboratories, and McCoy Line for their on-going support.”</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>#12 Angler---Pam-Martin Wells</B></div> <bR> <div> This was a memorable year for Pam Martin Wells of Bainbridge GA.  For a woman with the competitive fishing career that she has had that is saying something.  There have been World titles, three `Angler of the Year' Titles, countless times in the money and travels across the United States.  What memories.  But this year was special.  This was the year that her fishing career mingled with her faith and her family is special ways. <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="5a8c30d0.jpg" border=0 width="195" height="269" ALT="Pam-Martin Wells Lady Bass Angler Photo" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> First was the incredible win at Lewisville, TX.  She will hold the place in history as the winner of the very first Women's Bassmaster Tour event.  Next competing in the very first all female tour sponsored by BASS.  </div> <div> Barfield to come on tour with her.  This was the year they would get to travel together and bond more than ever before. </div> <bR> <div> Pam's faith is so great that she feels led to take every opportunity to let people she comes in contact with know how God has changed her life.  This year she had the opportunity to travel to Canada to a Fisher's of Women Retreat at Rushing Winds Resort and speak to a group of women about how God has worked in her life.  It was the first time she had spoken publicly to a group about her faith and it was exhilarating for her. This was a momentous trip for Pam and her husband Steven who said they became closer as a result of the trip.  </div> <bR> <div> The parents that taught Pam to fish and took her on countless fishing trips celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in August.  For Pam, with her own marriage celebrating its fourth year, it provided encouragement that true love is lasting and there would be many more happy years for her marriage.  </div> <bR> <div> The year topped off with Pam qualifying for the Women's Bassmaster Tour Classic.  Ask anyone going into the first tournament this year and they would have said Pam would be the one to beat.  There was no doubt she would be in the Top 12 headed to the championship.   Pam says the bait she used most often to secure her berth in the championship was the<B> </B>Wave Shadick.</div> <bR> <div> When Pam is not on the WBT you can find her at Jack Wingate's Lodge guiding hopeful anglers on Lake Seminole.  In the past Pam has fished notable tours such as: BASS, WBFA, Bass N Gal, Lady Bass, and FLW.  The WBT though, is the tour she sees as making a difference for women.  She sees the WBT as the tour that will draw more women than ever before out to compete. </div> <bR> <div> Pam says Rick Clunn is the angler she most admires, “He is an amazing angler, prepared mentally, physically and technically.”  No lucky charms for Pam just a great faith in God for inspiration.   She enjoys hunting for duck, deer and turkey.  To unwind Pam listens to Enya.  </div> <bR> <div> While this year has been incredible for her she would like to thank her husband Steve, her parents and family for being there. </div> <bR> <div> I asked Pam how confident she felt going into the championship tournament that she would win, Pam said, “I go into every tournament thinking I'm gonna win, sometimes the fish just don't cooperate.”  We have no doubt that Pam will be preparing for a win in February. Let's hope the fish cooperate!</div> <bR> <div> <I>Pam's sponsors are:  Legend Boats, Mercury, Wave Worms, Tru-Tungsten, placeCityCosta StateDel Mar, Gamakatsu, SPRO, Lowrance, Gamma line, Stay N Charge, Mustang Survival, Hooah, Wingate's Lodge, Re-Action systems</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5ddf4050.gif" border=0 width="500" height="5" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B>#12 Co-angler--Karen Williams</B></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="596c2030.jpg" border=0 width="194" height="259" ALT="Karen Williams" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> It was last February when a beautiful petite blond woman, sat taking notes at the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO during the seminars.  She caught the eye of professional angler Penny Berryman who is always eager to promote women's competitive fishing.  Penny encouraged her to consider the new Women's Bassmaster Tour just getting underway.  No, this woman wasn't ready for that yet, she just enjoyed fishing with her husband and the kids.  Well, just in case, Penny asked for her number and said if she needed a link partner she might call her.  </div> <bR> <div> The call came a few short weeks later.  Penny needed a link for the tournament at Lewisville,Texas.  Could she come?  With her husband Gary's encouragement, Karen Williams of Stark City, MO decided to enter her very first tournament.  Karen placed ninth and caught big bass.  All the way home she kept looking at the check.  She was hooked.  </div> <bR> <div> Gary told her she needed to fish the rest of the tournaments, but Karen was unsure, what about the business, what about the children, son Hunter, 9 and daughter Sydney, 7.  Gary told her “we'll figure something out”.  </div> <bR> <div> It would not be easy.  Karen and Gary run a 1000 acre cattle farm with 300 head of cattle, not a business you can leave for a week at a time. Gary worked diligently to make things easy for Karen.  He would drive to the lake with the kids and set up the camp site, sometimes returning to the farm and put the kids back in school, then returning back to the tournament for the final weigh-in.  Karen jokes that when she went to Lewisville it was with the thought that she would be fishing one tournament, and the next thing she knew she “was buying a fishing shirt with her name on it and sewing on patches”. </div> <bR> <div> Karen credits her parents for teaching her to fish.  She says they loved to fish and would fish the banks of ponds and lakes.  It was Gary that taught her to bass fish from a boat on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. </div> <bR> <div> She counts many anglers in addition to Penny among her favorites but a few she mentions are, “Woo Daves, he is the most humbling angler. When he explains his techniques he does it in layman's terms where any type of angler can understand.  Watch his videos - anyone can understand him.”  Also, “Lisa Sternard, she has a gift to make any angler feel confident while fishing and she is compassionate to everyone. Secret York, she is the most relaxed angler and can make any bad fishing situation a positive one. If you have a bad day on the lake she can always make a joke of some sort to make you smile.”</div> <bR> <div> Karen has a great faith in God.  She says “God is my inspiration. When you have him you don't need luck. He is what makes the lakes and the surroundings so beautiful for us to enjoy, what better inspiration is there.”  To relax Karen enjoys the outdoors and a cup of coffee, she will sit on the back patio and watch the sun set.  She also likes to redecorate her house and says when she has time she will repaint or wallpaper a different room. </div> <bR> <div> She fished four of the five qualifying events.  Karen says, “I needed to catch fish at all of them to qualify for the championship. Bull Shoals  was the lake I needed a fish to give me the points that I needed to qualify.  I fished a brown jig with a little purple flash on Berkley Vanish 10 lb test line in very clear water. The depth was in 10 feet or less water on shelf rock bringing it over any small spot or bump and letting it sit there for a long time before moving it.”  She says for the baits she mostly used for the other tournaments were finesse jig and hopping a jig. </div> <bR> <div> Is she glad Penny called?  “The tour that I was able to be a part of was special. These are a great bunch of girls and for someone like me, who has never fished in a tournament, they all made me feel confident and as equal as they were and that means a lot.  All eight pros I drew out for the tournaments and to all the other girls in the WBT made it such a great time. I want to thank my husband for all of his support through this and taking care of the kids and working while I am fulfilling a dream, he is wonderful. I want to thank everyone else for all the pats on the back after the tournaments.”</div> <bR> <div> Last February she sat in the audience at the Bass Pro Shop.  This February she will be in a boat competing in a historic event.  Is she confident about the championship?  “I am not so sure I feel confident that I am going to win.  I have 1 in 12 chances to win. The field will be even as a co-angler, it will be luck of the draw and how well your pro has prepared for the tournament.  I am sure in this case all 12 of us are in luck because all 12 pros are exceptional anglers and I will be honored to draw any of them.”</div> <bR> <div> Does she have sponsors?  “Well...I have some on the line, but none in the boat.”  Sponsors - you better set the hook on her she's a keeper!”  </div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#2006_wbt_point_rankings" TITLE="Lady Bass Angler : : Womens Bassmaster T">Back to top</A></div> <bR> <div> (c) Lady Bass Angler 2007</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.bassgifts.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.bassgifts.com"><IMG SRC="2dad43c0.gif" border=0 width="468" height="60" ALT="BassGifts.com "The only online gift store featuring the black bass."" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>