New Johns Lake along with its connecting bodies of water and waterways was the recent stop for the 2018 Bandits tour. An unusually long summer cold front rolled in days prior to the event and parked on top all the way through the weekend. This caused surface water temps to fluctuate a bit and vegetation in some spots were reported dying off, perhaps an early winter is upon us. One thing was for certain, the typical HOT summer bite at New Johns lake wasn’t really happening. Of course some anglers got into some flurries of bass but finding schools of 4 plus pounders seemed impossible. Perhaps that’s why anglers who never fished this lake before did so well! Coming in with a first place finish was Caleb Messick and his partner Dwayne Wager with 11.71 lbs. Not only did Messick and Wager bring in the heaviest bag to the scales but they also captured the Big Bass award that weighed 4.42lbs. Marty Mantz who is no stranger to this body of water finished second with a 10.12lb bag of smallmouth and team Eric Vossler and Amber Flick were able to bag three nice smallmouth for a 3rd place finish, their final total weight was 9.82lbs.
The next stop on tour will be in South Dakota at Lake Isabel, this small fishery will be jam packed of largemouth fishing action…and perhaps a few smallmouth will be found as well. This lake is located only 2 hours south of Bismarck, 125 miles to be exact. As you all know we have members from the northern, western, central and eastern part of North Dakota and don’t forget we have members from South Dakota. This year’s schedule has definitely provided a chance for all anglers to fish a body of water near them. So please join us for another great tournament on August 18th at Lake Isabel in South Dakota. There are motel and other lodging options in and near the town of Isabel, the lake itself has primitive camping right next to the boat ramp/parking lot. Bunkhouse Inn is located on main street 605-850-8378 and Firesteel Creek Lodge 605-466-2452. The lodge is located 3.7 miles north from the lake and the town of Isabel is located 3.3 miles south of the lake. On a fun note congrats to Aaron Stenvold and Leann Hofer of your engagement!
Final Standings for New Johns:
1. Caleb Messick and Dwayne Wager 11.71 Big Bass 4.42lbs
2. Marty Mantz 10.12
3. Eric Vossler and Amber Flick 9.82
4. Paul Reinbold and Tony Reinbold 9.24
5. Carl and Michael Hayden 8.74
6. Colton Blomberg and Tanner Mall 8.67
7. Scott, Brandon Bullinger and Logan 8.44
8. Trent Fugere and Curt Manley 7.87
9. Willie Kist and DJ Power 7.24
10. Mason McRoberts 6.84
11. Aaron Stenvold and Leann Hofer 4.92
12. Travis Fortier 3.20
13. Justin Enney and Jason Perius 1.81
14. Robert Reinbold 1.19
