Keith Burden Takes Walk in Water

Walk in Water 10-24-09

Well it has been several years since we fished good ole Walk in Water and I really enjoyed it, just wish we could have caught some bigger fish, but we had a good time.

Before I talk about the tournament, I would like to say goodbye to Dick Moroski and Frank Petrulli. Because of health reasons and age, Dick called me and stated that they would not be at Walk in Water and would not be coming back next year. It has nothing to do with the club, but the early hours, long drive, full day of fishing and the long drive back does weigh upon a body. So Dick and Frank are going to fish Tarpon in the Extreme and I wish them the best of luck! By the way guys, remember you qualify for the CLASSIC next year and hope to see you there.

We started out the day by picking the first three lakes for 2010.

January 23rd    Lake Panasoffkee    Tracy’s Point

February 27th            Istokpoga    Hwy. 98 Ramp

March 27th          Lake Tarpon       Anderson Park

First weekend in April will be the CLASSIC for 2009

Lake Okeechobee out of Clewiston  ( if there is water)

 

So on to the tournament.

The morning on Walk in Water was beautiful and we were the only tournament that day. We had 10 teams show up for our last tournament of the year. By the end of the day we had 8 teams bring fish to the scales. We had 9 teams but Colleen got sick and Frank made her go home so they released their fish early. Now Frank was saying that even Colleen was real sick, she wanted to stay until the weigh in, but Frank said ” no ” Now there is a trooper!

We had four 5 fish limits and a total of 32 bass brought to the scales.

Third Place:  Bill Coker and Dave Felentzer  with 5 fish and total weight of 7.65 lbs.

Second Place:  Phil Mansfield and Darrell Paquin with 5 fish and total weight of 9.78lbs.

First Place:  Keith Burden with 5 fish and total weight of 11.34 lbs.

Big Bass:   Keith Burden with a nice 3.95lb bucket mouth.

Congratulations to all the winners and all the members of the club!

As we wind down another year, we crown ” Angler’s of the Year ” and this year it is the M&M, plain not peanuts team…………..Frank and Colleen Mackin. Frank and Colleen started out 2009 with a win and never looked back. Everyone was gunning for them at every tournament and with only a few hiccups, Frank and Colleen were able to hold off the charging field.

CONGRATULATIONS Frank and Colleen Mackin, The 2009 Angler’s of the Year!

So we draw the end to another year and we also end the 2009 season with me stepping down as your president. You know the ole saying when one era ends another begins. It has been a wonderful 6 years as your president and I have had a wonderful time. We have had our ups and downs, but we are still standing strong. I have chosen Mike Burgun to take over for the 2010 season and I know you guys will support him just like you supported me. It has been a wonderful run an I am truly blessed to call everyone my friend. This group of people is the Heart and Soul of St. Pete Pro Bass and I will never forget all the wonderful memories that we were able to enjoy and share. I wish everyone the best of luck and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. I will forward all information to Mike and everyone please be safe!

 

Phil Mansfield

 

 

HARRIS CHAIN 9-26-09

 

Karl and Dennis Take Lake Harris

Well what can I say, I hate Lake Harris and it was very very unfriendly to Darrell and I. But at least we had a wonderful time Friday night at Godwin’s expense.

Well it all started when Godwin and Herb arrived. First they got lost thru the gate and I had to find them and lead them to the room. Second, Godwin decided to indulge in a little crown and coke, welllll I don’t know what he had before he got there, but for me if I use a plastic cup from a motel I always remove the plastic wrapper before I add my drink to the cup. Third, I hope everyone got the photos I sent out and I hope everyone figured out that somehow, someway Godwin was able to park his boat with the front facing the room? I mean it was right up close the the front door of the room. Please Godwin, enlighten us on how you can get your boat facing the room so close to the rom. I know the sidewalk was not that wide that you drove your vehicle up that close, so please tell us all, how did you get it so slose?

Well it was all in fun and I have to admit that Godwin was a very good sport about his boat being moved, but just remember even though you don’t see Steve in the pictures, someone had to  be using the camera.

Well now for the tournament.

We had every team show up for the worst lake and the hottest day of the year. I mean it was the worst lake for Darrell and I, but some of you were able to find ole bucket mouth. We had 11 teams bring 19 bass to the scales We only had 1 five fish limit, thank you Karl and Dennis.

Third place with 3 fish (2 dead), which knocked them out of second place money was Mike and Steve with 6.39 pounds.

Second place with 3 fish was Frank and his Dad Frank with 6.8 pounds. It seems Colleen was out with the girls to the weeeeeeeee hours of the morning and could not make the tournamnet.

First place with 5 fish was Karl and Dennis with 11.88 pounds.

Big Bass winner goes to Godwin and Herb with their only fish of 4.34 pounds.

Our next tournament will be 10-24-09 on Walk-in- Water. Seems Lake Pierce is in terrible condition so we decided to switch to Walk-in-Water.

This being our last tournament of the year I would like for everyone to try and get there early so we can have a meeting. We will have to pick the first three lakes for 2010 season and we need to talk about the Classic, plus I have a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT concerning OUR CLUB for 2010.

I hope to see everyone at the ramp!

 

Phil Mansfield

philsrodandreel@msn.com

 727-410-2239

 

 

 

LAKE KISSIMMEE

August 22nd, 2009

Bill and Dave Score Big On Lake Kissimmee

Before I talk about the tournament, I would like to say that as a CLUB we may be small, but there is no other club, and I have fished a lot of them, that show the heart that our members have. I have been in clubs that no one and I mean no one would congratulate the winners of a tournamnent. But not our CLUB and that is why I am still here.

Now for the tournamnet. The morning did not start off very well because as we were about to enter Lake Wales and there is a massive back up on both sides of the road. Not because of an accident, because of railroad crossing bars being in the down position and no train in sight. Luckily I was close enough to the front where I made contact with local law enforcement and was provided with an alternate route. We were able to take Mike and Steve, Bill and Dave along with us and made it to the ramp just before daylight. That folks is why you leave early, just in case of this crap!

So we got everyone into the water and away we went. Darrell and I decided to run to North Cove. Big mistake! Bill and Dave , I heard went through the locks and down river. Well that move for Bill ands Dave paid off because Bill told me they had all fish before 0800 hours. Crap we didn’t boat a keeper fish until almost 1130 hours. Now that makes for a long day!

It was HOT HOT HOT and tough fishing all day long. So after tarveling to 6 different locations we ended up back in the canal just up from the ramp and was able to boat 2 more keeper fish. I knew we weren’t a threat, but gee whiz I never expected last place.

So the weigh in went like this:

We had a total of 7 boats show up and 23 bass were weighed in. Of the 7 boats, only one could manage a 5 fish limit and another one had 4 fish. There was four 3 fish limits and one 2 fish.

Third Place went to the BIG BOYZ team of Greg Derosa and Tom Pridham with 3 fish for a total weight of  9.75lbs.

Second place went to Frank and Colleen”i just learned how to flip” Mackin with 5 fish and total weight of 11.5lbs.

First place went to Wild Bill Coker and his sidekick Dave Felentzer with 4 fish”all by 8am” and total weight of 12.41lbs

Now big bass was very interesting. The first Big Bass belonged to Dennis Smith and Karl Sundstrom wit a 5.64 pound beauty. Then Bill Coker and Dave Felentzer came to the scales and scared them with a 5.42 beauty. And then there was Greg Derosa and Tom Pridham who pulled out a very nice 6.40 pound beauty that took top honors for Big Bass.

Well it wasn’t that bad of a day fishing. The weather held off until halfway home and everyone had a good time.

Our next tournament will be on 9-26-09 at Lake Harris. We have already been to John’s Lake so we will fish the alternate. We will launch from Hickory Point. For those who would like to go over Friday 9-25-09, Keith Burden has reserved 4 rooms at a local motel about 5 minutes from the ramp. The room rate is $62.06 with all taxes involved. So if you are interested please let me know ASAP. There are two rooms still available and it will be first come first serve. I know Darrell and I will be sharing a room with Mike and Steve, so that is only $15.00 each. Also I will be sending out some information in the very near future about some special pricing from one of our sponsors.

I would like for everyone to go and check out www.sentrytreatments.com

 

Congratulations To All The Winners and I hope to see everyone at the ramp at Lake Harris.

 

See You At The Ramp

Phil Mansfield

727-410-2239

philsrodandreel@msn.com

Lake June in Winter

July 25th 2009

HOT<HOT<HOT Weather, not fishing!

To start off I would like to say it was good to see Bill Coker and Dave back at the ramp. It was also a pleasure to see Joe and Greg and Keith with his new partner Eric.

Even though the fishing didn’t work out the way I had hoped, it was still a good day on the lake with friends. Although things didn’t go well for Darrell and I, between losing fish and mechanical trouble, we still managed a nice sack to weigh in. ( it could have been more )

It started out a beautiful day and by mid morning it was brutal hot. The locals were out playing with their water toys and several were in areas we needed to fish. OOOOOOWELLL, what are you going to do?

We had a total of 8 boats show up and 17 bass brought to the scales. No one matched a five fish limit(could have been) but there was three four fish limits and that was the top three.

In third place with four bass and total weight of 7.60 pounds—-Mike and Steve

In second place with four bass and a total weight of 7.74 pounds—–Phil and Darrell

In first place with four bass and a total weight of 8.20 pounds—Frank and Colleen

Big Bass went to Frank and Colleen  with BIG OLE BUCKET MOUTH, ( more like a small pail) coming in at 3.18 pounds.

Well, congratulations to all our winners and lets hope the next tournament is better. Our next tournament is scheduled for August 22, 2009 on Lake Kissimmee and we will be launching from the public ramp on Hwy. 60 by the bridge.

Some of you approached me about going out of Camp Mack? I called and was informed that on the 22nd and 23rd  of August there was a two day tournament and they expected 100 – 150 boats. So much for Camp Mack. I was even asked about going out of South Port, but I was reminded by one of our weigh masters , who will remain nameless ( Mike ) that we need to stay with what was voted on. So we will stay at the Hwy 60 ramp.

I hope to see everyone at the ramp and lets try and get everyone to show up.

Also I would like for everyone to welcome Two New Sponsors foe St. Pete Pro Bass. Their products can be viewed on-line and purchased through Me at the regular club discount.

Wecome Aboard  War Eagle Lures (www.wareaglelures.com) and Sentry Fuel Treatment (www.sentrytreatments.com)

Please check out both these fine web sites and if you need anything or are interested in ordering products, please let me know.

See You At Thge Ramp

Phil Mansfield 727-410-2239

www.philsrodandreel@msn.com

John’s Lake

June 27th, 2009

Before I talk about the tournament I have a couple of things to say.

First, on behalf of the entire club and all our family I would like to say to Mike Taylor how sorry we are to hear about the passing of your father. My heart goes out to you and your family and I know on behalf of our club, please do not hesitate to call if you need anything. Our prayers are with you.

Second, I was looking forward to the return of Bill Coker, but he suffered some severe chest pains and was admitted back into the hospital. I have spoken with Bill and he cannot wait to get back to fishing. Bill had actually pre-fished the weekend before and had caught some nice fish. Bill was very upset when Darrell told him the results, cause he knew where the fish were. Well Bill I hope to see you and Dave at Lake Marion.

Now for John’s Lake

What a beautiful lake and I have not seen water depths like this in a long time, but just one question, where were the fish?

I mean everywhere you went looked like it should just be loaded with bass, but I guess ole bucket mouth didn’t like the weather.

I was glad to see everyone get there safely and in a timely manner, with the exception of Godwin and his partner who just happened to get pulled over by local law enforcement. Luckily Godwin got no ticket and was able to make it to the ramp.

We had seven boats show up and were able to launch before another local club. The weather started out real nice , but then the wind picked up around mid morning and the rain started to pour, depending on where you were on the lake. Darrell and I were fishing on one side and could tell that the other side was just pouring. If you don’t believe me ask Mike Burgun, he looked like the Michelin Man in his Frogg Toggs.

Well anyways, the fishing was real tough and I don’t know how the other club faired because they were gone when we came in.

So out of seven teams we had a grand total of 8 bass weighed in. Yep I said 8 bass and that was between two teams.

Second place with a total of 4 bass and a weight of 4.85 pounds goes to Phil and Darrell.

First place with a total of 4 bass and a weight of 7.88 pounds goes to Godwin and his substitute partner Herb Stephens.

Big Bass went to Godwin and Herb with a 2.66pound monster.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Folks, I say it all the time if you have just one fish you may want to weigh it in. In this case if anyone would have weighed one more fish they would have been in third place and that would have made a slight difference in the points awarded. As it stood with only 1st and 2nd place everyone else that paid for the tournament received 27 points.

And did I mention The Mackin Express zeroed! Its true, I asked Frank at the weigh in and his exact words,well I can’t say his exact words because this is a family oriented site and because the FCC might come knocking. But he did say “Phil I rolled a donut”. Well heck Frank we were fishing for bass, not culinary school 101. Just kidding, but it does happen, just ask Darrell.

OK on to the next tournament. It will be on Lake Marion July 25th,2009. I spoke with Bannon’s Fish Camp and he has penciled us in for the day. He told me the water level is up about 18″ above normal and that he has replaced his old log ramp with a new 20′ concrete ramp, so launching is no longer a problem. Alternate lake is June In Winter.

I will be going over to check out the lake on July 17th and will advise everyone the outcome.The address to Bannon’s is 7970 Bannon Fish Camp Rd., Haines City, FL  863-422-1223

So until then, be safe, cherish your loved ones and Frank since you are rolling doughnuts I like apple fritters with a little butter on top.

See You At The Ramp

Phil Mansfield

philsrodandreel@msn.com

 

Lake Toho ” only ” 5-23-09

Well, it seems the Mackin Express is back on track!

We had a total of seven teams show up to take their chances against Mother Nature and the results of rain the entire week.

Darrell had to fish with an alternate because Phil decided he had had enough of Darrell and needed to take a vacation. Just kidding Phil! But I think Darrell had a better time fishing with his wife Kim, even though she complained about not fishing where she wanted to. Sounds familiar!

Seems there were only two places in the lake that had fish. Frank and Colleen, and Jim and Mike were on those two spots.

First Place with total weight of 17.68 lbs. goes to Frank and Colleen Mackin.

Second Place with total weight of 15.66lbs. goes to Jim Fesperman and Mike Touchton who also had big fish weighing 4.58lbs.

With seven teams we had a 100% payout for first place and second place recieved gift certificate. Big bass also was paid.

Next tournament will be June 27th on Lake Minnehaha with alternate Crooked Lake. Hope to see everybody at the ramp. Ramp directions to be posted soon.

Last but not least we are all wishing Bill Coker a speedy recovery. I heard rumors he was talking to a few teams during the tournament and funny thing is Frank and Colleen were waring red hats.

I am sure you all miss Phil’s newsletter humor and his play by play on his and Darrell’s fishing day so just be patient, he will return next tournament Just kidding again Phil! We all appreciate all you do.

Please Call Phil if any questions or concerns  727-410-2239

 

 

DERAILED!

Could we please have a maoment of silence.

 

OK it has happened. The Mackin Express has been derailed and it was on little ole Lake Reedy. We knew it could happen but I would never guess it would be on Lake Reedy. So it took Dennis and Karl and a HOT HOT HOT Lake Reedy to put an end to the Mackin Express.

When I say HOT HOT HOT Lake Reedy, I mean fishing hot. We launched at 0622 hours and by 0640 we had our first keeper in the boat, a nice two pounder. Then by 0712 we had a limit, all about the same size and it didn’t stop there. I say we caught over 25 bass and had only 4 that were not keepers. The one thing we didn’t have was that big ole kicker that I knew Dennis and Karl had, because I saw them catch it.

Lake Reedy was really really fun and normally I hate this lake. This tournament was one of the best we had in a long time. Everyone caught fish and it was a wonderful day on the lake.

We had only 5 teams show up for the tournament, so that means we had our first ever winner take all. Of course we still have big bass, but there was no payout for second and third.

It looked like a few teams woke up and remembered how to fish. I know Karl told me, ” this was the best day fishing that Dennis and I had in a long time ” We better look out it might be the start of something?

I know that Darrell and I have been in a zero mode the last two events but we will bounce back. It was nice to see Greg and Tom up in the top three. I know Tom made a comment before we launched about remembering how to fish.

Like I said we had 5 teams show up for the tournament on Lake Reedy. We had 4 teams with 5 fish limits and one team with 4 fish

5th Place with 4 fish for 5.22 pounds : Mike Burgun / Steve Holmes

4th Place with 5 fish for 8.20 pounds: Frank and Colleen Mackin

3rd Place with 5 fish for 8.55pounds: Greg Derosa / Tom Pritchard

2nd Place with 5 fish for 9.96 pounds: Phil Mansfield / Darrell Pacquin

1st Place with 5 fish for 17.90 pounds: Dennis Smith / KarlSundstrom

BIG BASS with a beauty at 7.90 pounds : Dennis Smith / Karl Sundstrom

Congratulations to everyone that showed up and especially our winners.

Our next tournament will be on 5/23/09, West Lake Toho “ONLY” out of Southport ramp.

Based on the votes of the lakes for the rest of the 2009 year, it goes like this:

May 23rd.  West Lake Toho ONLY   / Alligator Lake as alternate

June 27th. Minnehaha (ramp to be announced)  Crooked as ALT.

July 25th. Lake Marion (Bannon Fish Camp) June in Winter as ALT.

August 22nd. Lake Kissimmee (Hwy 60 ramp) Lake Rousseau as ALT.

Sept. 26th. John’s Lake ( county ramp off 50) Harris Chain as ALT 

Oct. 24th. Lake Pierce ( Jennings )  Aalligator Lake as ALT.

2009 Classic: in April 2010: Okeechobee. Alternate for Classic will be St. John’s River.

I have checked some of the other clubs that fish the same weekend as we do and so far there is not a conflict.

The reason for the alternate lake is because of low water or a suprise tournament.

So Once Again Our Next Tournament is May 23rd., 2009 West Lake Toho

“ONLY” See You At Tghe Ramp

Phil Mansfield 727-410-2239

philsrodandreel@msn,com

Lake Tarpon, March 28th 2009

Who, What, When or Where will the Mackin Express be derailed?

Yes folks, the Mackin Fishing Express is rolling right along and where it stops no one knows. But I will go out on a limb and a very thin and narrow limb to put it into writing and this is a guarantee, the Mackin Express Will Not Win The Classic!

You ask , how can he say that? Well let me tell you how. Because they are not going !

The weather conditions on Lake Tarpon started out windy and some waves. By the time we had to get to the weigh in there were hurrican winds and high rollers on the lake. The fishing was slow and the bite was early and the waves were crashing into and over the boat. I hurt so bad Saturday night from being bounced around, it wasn’t funny.

This year fishing so far has been really strange and for the second tournamnet in a row Darrell and I zeroed and for the second tounament in a row Dick and Frank have weighed in fish. I think they are stealing our spots.

Despite the weather and slow fishing, everyone else did manage to weigh in at least one fish. There were a total of 28 bass weighed in and a total of four 5 fish limits.

 

Third place with a total of 5 fish and 9.3 pounds was Dennis Smith and Karl ” The Beaver ” Sundstrom.

Second place with a total of 5 fish and 10.2 pounds was Mike Burgun and Steve Holmes.

First place , once again, with a total of 5 fish and 13.3 pounds was “The Macin Express” Frank and Colleen Mackin.

Bigg Bass went to the team of Godwin Abele and Mike Taylor with a total weight of 4.81 pounds.

Congratulations To All The Winners!

 

The Classic will be this coming weekend on the St. Johns River. We will have a meeting Saturday night with a little something special. For the ones that are going, we will be picking the rest of the lakes for 2009.

 

Well I hope to see everyone at the Classic and for you Frank, well what can I say. Have fun, be safe and enjoy the fishing with the FLW on Lake Eufaula, cause you ain’t taking no money from us this weekend.

 

See You At The Ramp!

Phil Mansfield         

727-410-2239

philsrodandreel@msn.com

OOOOH BY THE WAY, Welcome Back Keith Burden! Its about time you Knucklehead.

 

 

 

 

LAKE PANASOFFKEE

2 / 27 / 09

Well once again it was wind and not as cold as last month, but the fishing was just a little hotter (for some). This was our first time on Lake Panasoffkee and I think everyone had a good time and caught fish, well almost everyone.

I know I spoke with Steve, owner of Tracys Point and he was very sorry that the other club showed up on the same day as our tournament. Steve said they were in the book for Sunday not Saturday, but we dealt with it and got out before them.

And ONCE AGAIN, it was the MACKIN & MACKIN show when it came to weigh in time. Everyone, well almost everyone caught fish and a total of 28 bass was brought to the scales. There was only two 5 fish limits that made it to the weigh-in.

3rd place with a total of 4 fish for 8.09 lbs., went to Joe DeOliveria & Greg Gonzalez

2nd place with a total of 5 fish for 9.34 lbs., went to Godwin Abele & Mike (I feel so much better) Taylor

1st place with a total of 5 fish for 9.65 lbs., went to Frank (I ain’t slowing down) Mackin and Colleen (Gee it is cold out Here) Mackin

Going back to last year this is the fourth tournament that Frank and Colleen had taken first Place. I think I am going to put a wig on Darrell and make him wear a dress. Just kidding, congratulations to all of our winner for a very well fished tournament.

Now once again folks, I need to know who is going to the CLASSIC and who is staying home. I have got to get the reservations in ASAP. So far I know that DICK & FRANK aren’t going to make it, FRANK MACKIN will be in ALABAMA fishing with the BIG BOYS on the FLW TOUR (You going to let your wife use your boat and fish by herself) and Greg & Tom will be going but staying someplace else.

So let me know ASAP, if I don’t hear from everyone by the 15th of this month, I will go with what I got and we will take it from there.

Also I just finalized a new partnership, DEALER, with KEEL GUARD. So because I did not have a special offer for February, I am going to offer for the rest of the month WHOLESALE cost on any products from KEEL GUARD. You can visit their web site at www.megaware.com . I already have orders for two keel guards and I tell you this, the more I order the cheaper they get.

So if you have ever thought about getting a KEEL GUARD, I know I have, but thought GEEEEE that is kinda HIGH, well now is your chance, I will be placing my order on the 15th of this month, so get them in to me and enjoy a huge SAVING.

Our next Tournament is on LAKE TARPON and we will be fishing there on the 28th of MARCH. Also I think the EXTREME fish that same weekend and will also be using ANDERSON PARK RAMP, so I am going to ask EVERYONE to be at the ramp and ready to go, that is boats in the water by 6 a.m.

Once again I need to know on the CLASSIC for reservation and if you want to order a KEEL GUARD or any of their products let me know by the 15th.

Phil Mansfield
727-410-2239
philsrodandreel@msn.com