West Regional Results
Roger Hoover Takes Western Regional Win
Story: Bill Frazier
Photos: Lenny Smathers
May 9 and 10, 2014, Pinnacle Landing- Lake Norman, North Carolina hosted the Western Region NC BASS Nation state qualifier. It is the first of two state championship tournaments to select the next Southern Divisional Team in their quest for a berth in the prestigious BASSMaster Classic. The weather in North Carolina has been a little unforgiving this spring with plenty of uncharacteristic snow and ice delaying the spawn. Recent day tournaments have been off and on with this weekend’s championship being a little spotty itself.
First place overall individual winner from the Outdoor Rush club, Roger Hoover, stayed strong finishing with a 2 day total of 25.14 pounds. The balance of the Western Region qualifiers in second to seventh places were Carson Orellanna, David Williams, Chuck Camp, Scott Hammrick, Mark Swink and Pat Tiemey. Most of the talk around the weigh-in centered on the shad spawn and whatever jigs the contenders thought imitated the shad best.
The top three clubs were Outdoor Rush with 108.20 pounds, Carolina Hawg Hunters with 105.66 and BASS Casters with 95.82.
Along with the great performances by these fishermen, the tournament was treated to some high excitement on Day 2 at the weigh-in. At the exact check in time of the second flight, a rather lively storm hit the ramp. Fishermen dodged pea-sized hail while NCBN President Chuck Murray and his weigh-in officials just about got blown off to fantasy land trying to hold down the tents. Not to underestimate the seriousness of the situation, score keepers Lori Murray and Vicky Smathers sheltered their computers and paperwork in the equipment trailer while Chuck, Lenny and some of the fishermen nearly did a little kiting.
The next qualifier will be at Chowan River May 17 and 18, 2014.
