Brandon Phillippee and Tony Grubbs break down a stingy Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
The MidAmerica Industrial Park Team Trail presented by Baitmasters Outdoors kicked off today with nearly every team looking for a single bite. Leading up to the event most anglers were in serious panic mode, as the bite had become so tough even professional anglers questioned their positive mental attitudes. March is always a good month to fish the Grand Lake chain with all the giants coming up for their annual spawn.
Water temps were in the low 40's but the ambient temperature was a smooth 68. That warming up of the air sure does a lot for your patience in these scenarios. The wind remained calm and let the anglers pursue each and every cast as they desired. With a five fish limit most angler new the struggle was real and decided to fish anyway.
Brandon Phillippee and long time CoAngler Tony Grubbs have always been in the hunt for AOY and have finished in the mix for the Bassmaster Team Championship fish off several years in a row. This may just be their year as the dropped the net on 5 fish weighing 16.95 starting off the 2021 season with a W.
Zach Vankulen and Brandon McDonald followed up with a second place finish bringing in 5 fish that totaled 15.62 anchored by a 7.77 toad.
The Bill's Marine Lowest Weight Award of $100 went to James Reib and alternate Jeff Taylor on a single largemouth bass that weighed a final 1.34 lbs.
Overall this opening event went off really well, and we are looking at a solid season ahead.
Up next we travel to Mannford, Ok to Keystone Lake where todays teams that struggled will be looking for redemption.
Full Results