The fog had just begun to lift from East Park Lake when the Badlands Bass Bandits launched their boats for the second tournament of the season. While the fog would eventually give way to a mild, sunny, 80 degree day, only twelve hours earlier a severe thunderstorm had ripped through the area. Winds that gusted to over 80 miles per hour had damaged trees and homes throughout the region.
Despite the conditions that had the fish in a funk, Matt Sullivan and Marty Mantz were able to claim first place by more than three pounds! After struggling early, Matt and Marty figured out a crankbait bite along grasslines to put 11.23 pounds in the boat. Their catch also included the big fish of the event at 4.38 pounds. The win, along with a second place in the season opener at Nelson Lake, gives Matt and Marty the early lead for Angler of the Year.
Jared Sparks and Lance Zent caught their big fish on a popper in the morning near a bridge, and filled out a limit later in the day to finish second. Hunter Wood’s small boat allowed him and Denver Tergeson to maneuver under several bridges and find fish in stretches of canals nobody else could reach. Topwaters and small jigs accounted for most of Hunter and Denver’s catch.
The Bandits season continues during Club Camping Weekend on July 18 and 19. The tournament on July 18 is at Sheep Creek Dam, after which we meet up at Lake Tschida Campground for dinner and games. The following day’s tournament will be on Lake Tschida. More details to follow soon. Club Camping Weekend is always a great time and we look forward to seeing everyone there!
