Invitational Tournament Trail
Lake Monroe

The third 2003 IBF Invitational Tournament sponsored by Hawg-Sticker^®,  Larry and Darlene Carver, Greenwood, Indiana took place on June 1, 2003 at Lake Monroe. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Larry and Darlene for the baits they provided to all the participants. The fishermen and I really appreciated Larry and Darlene's special effort to show their support of the fishermen and the IBF Invitational Tournament Trail.

We had 276 fishermen start out for a day of fishing with a very cool morning that turned partly sunny and windy during the day. The Corp of Engineers had been dropping the lake approximately 4" per day and the fish didn't like it one bit!! It really made for a tough day of fishing. One Angler remarked during weigh in that one small fish would be worth a lot of points. At weigh in we had 107 fishermen bring 165 fish to the scales with a total weight of 344.74 pounds. Specifically, 69 Anglers weighed in 118 fish weighing 241.32 pounds and 38 Co-Anglers weighed in 47 fish weighing 103.42 pounds.

On the Angler side, Mark Randolph won the tournament with 5 fish weighing 13.32 pounds. He received the first place plaque and a check in the amount of $3,625. Second place went to Jerry Arnett with 5 fish weighing 10.48 pounds. He received the second place plaque and a check in the amount of $1,787. Kelly Hook finished third with 4 fish weighing 8.40 pounds and received a check in the amount of $1,021 and the third place plaque. Finishing fourth with 3 fish weighing 6.44 pounds was Phil Reel. He received the fourth place plaque and a check for $715. The fifth spot went to John Gray with 3 fish weighing 6.20 pounds. He received a check in the amount of $511 and the fifth place plaque. We paid out 21 places on the Angler side. The Hildebrandt Co. First Out Of The Money prize went to Rob Worthy on the Angler side.

On the Co-Angler side, Jack Sturm won the tournament with 4 fish weighing 8.00 pounds. He received the first place plaque and a check in the amount of $1,626. Second place went to Jeff Macabee with 3 fish weighing 6.52 pounds. He received the second place plaque and a check in the amount of $802. Gilmer Addington finished third with 2 fish weighing 5.30 pounds and received a check in the amount of $458 and the third place plaque. Finishing fourth with 1 fish weighing 5.00 pounds was Brad Kippenbrock. He received the fourth place plaque and a check for $321. The fifth spot went to Steve Lehman with 2 fish weighing 4.76 pounds. He received a check in the amount of $229 and the fifth place plaque. We paid out 20 places on the Co-Angler side. The Hildebrandt Co. First Out Of The Money prize went to Co-Angler Darin McKim.

We now have two big bass pots for Anglers and two for Co-Anglers. There is the Regular Big Bass Pot and it operates the same way big bass pots always operate. The Angler and Co-Angler who catch the biggest bass (by weight) win the regular big bass pots. The second is the Progressive Big Bass Pot. The winner of this pot must catch a big bass that meets or exceeds the pre-established target weight. If no one catches a big bass that big, the Progressive Big Bas Pot carries over to the next tournament. There is a Progressive Big Bass Pot for Anglers and one for Co-Anglers.

The Angler Regular Big Bass Pot was won by Jerry Saffold with a big bass of 5.04 pounds. He received a big bass check in the amount of $572. The Co-Angler Regular Big Bass Pot was won by Brad Kippenbrock with a big bass of 5.00 pounds. He received a big bass check in the amount of $266. Since no Anglers or Co-Anglers caught a big bass of at least 6.50 pounds, the Progressive Big Bass Pots carry over to the Rocky Point Tournament. The Angler Progressive Pot is $1,128 and the Co-Angler Progressive Pot is $748. These amounts will be increased at Rocky Point based on the number of entries in the tournament.

The highest finishing Angler and Co-Angler mentioning Solar Bat Sunglasses and wearing them while weighing in received a bonus of $50.00 for the Angler and $25.00 for the Co-Angler. Mark Randolph received $50.00 and Brad Kippenbrock received $25.00 from Solar Bat Eye Protection Systems.

Eddie Gilstrap Motors in Salem are providing a one-year lease of a 2003 Ford F-150 Supercab Pickup Truck to a very lucky fisherman at the end of the regular season. Every time you fish a tournament you will be eligible for the drawing at the last regular season tournament. Anglers and Co-Anglers are eligible for this drawing.

With three tournaments under our belt we begin to focus on what's happening in the Angler and Co-Angler of the year races. After three tournaments, Mike Stetich has moved to the top of the Angler Standings with 269 Classic Points. Mike is followed closely by Nathan Gray, Curt Hughes, Rick Humphrey and Scott McGlinchey. Kelly Hook is holding down the 40th spot with 121 Classic Points. With 300 points still available for the second half of the season virtually everyone still has a chance to make the Classic. Jack Sturm is leading the Co-Anglers with 282 Classic Points and is closely followed by Steve Lehman, Greg Evans, Gilmer Addington and Brad Kippenbrock. Randy Shank is in the 40th spot with 100 points. The Co-Angler race is more wide open than the Angler race. Don't give up if you're a little down. It's still wide open!

As you can see, there are many reasons to come out and fish the IBF trail. We welcome everyone (Anglers and Co-Anglers) to come out and join the fun. Please take the time to look at our sponsors for 2003 and give them your business if you are in need of their services. Also please remember to thank them when you see a representative. The IBF trail could not exist without the backing of our sponsors - we need to let them know that they are appreciated.

YOU DON'T NEED A "GUARANTEED" PARTNER TO ENTER THE TOURNAMENT. Remember that you can send your entry forms in together or separately if you are entering as "guaranteed," but you do need to indicate the person on the entry form. If you have entered and later find a "guaranteed" partner (prior to the entry deadline), just let us know and we will make the appropriate changes. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE "GUARANTEED." PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU FILL OUT THE ENTRY FORM COMPLETELY. We cannot finalize your entry unless it is complete.

As you know, this will be my final season as your Tournament Director. The Tournament Crew and I have enjoyed the Tournament Trail and the new friends and fellowship that come with this job. If you think you would be interested or know of someone who would like to take over as Tournament Director, please contact me or Paul Hollabaugh.

The next event sponsored by Solar Bat Eye Protection will be July 13, 2003 at Rocky Point on the Ohio River. Registration and pre-tournament meeting will be Saturday, July 12, 2003 at Tell City High School, Tell City, Indiana, with registration from 3:00 to 5:00 and the meeting starting at 5:00 p.m.

We were pleased with the participation and excitement of the fishermen. The Tournament Crew and I had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of you and hoped that you had a great time fishing with us. We really appreciate your support. Please feel free to call Sandy or me if you have any questions. Let's keep it up!

LETS KEEP UP THE FUN!

Dan Simmons
Tournament Director