Steve "DOC" Rusert Squeaks
out a Hot Win on Mahopac

With Scott Mitchell assisting with Mahopac parking arrangements in advance, our 4^th tournament of 2010 went off without a hitch. Due to a rare 4AM to noon tournament schedule, the only difficulty was dealing with a lack of sleep. Although the first few hours provided comfortable air temps, mid 90 degree hot and sunny weather made it tough. Fortunately the 83 degree water temps did not hinder the bass population. It was amazing how many smallies were caught in relatively shallow water. Prepared to drop shot at 35 to 45 feet, I was surprised to see that active smallies were cruising in the 8 to 15 foot range with periodic surface activity all day. Anglers discovering this condition during pre-fishing were surely at an advantage. Most of the top five finalists pre-fished within one week of the tournament.

One angler who chose not to pre-fish was Steve Rusert who edged out John Hayden by one ounce! While fishing in the dark, Steve nailed his first fish on a Jitterbug. He also boated the tournament lunker, a 4-5 smallie. With excellent dock fishing skills, Steve culled out his limit fishing docks and marinas. Steve’s final 1^st Place bag included 1 smallie and 4 largemouths and totaled 14-12, nice going Steve!

John Hayden pre-fished and developed a good game plan in focusing on feeding fish in one particular northern area. Using spider grubs worked around rocks and boulders, he finished in 2^nd Place with four smallies and one largemouth totaling 14-11. Good Job!

Back in line to receive a check, Mark Scocco only needed five good bites to bag a 3^rd Place limit totaling 13-9. Mark nailed three quick chunky smallies before dawn on a spinnerbait. He then caught another on a Sammy. Later in the morning, Mark nailed his 5^th keeper on a crankbait. All of his bass were found off rocky banks and ledges. During his pre-fishing trip, Mark learned that a good morning bite would be the ticket.

John Ernest, who was winning the tournament when he and Rob Curtis left the weigh-in early, settled into 4^th Place with a nice 12-15 bag. After catching a few bass on the surface, his old school black power worms did the trick again. John pre-fished once and his good showing helps solidify his overall 1^st Place standing.

Rounding out the Top Five, Kris Lechman weighed in three smallies and two largemouth bass totaling 12-9, a nice bag. Using big jigs and spinnerbaits, Kris had a limit by 4:45AM but couldn’t cull until 11:30 when he fooled a big smallie on a spider grub at 15 feet.

Next up are two night tournaments, Bergen’s 10^th Annual Open on Lake Hopatcong and our 5^th Points event on Candlewood. Members are reminded that all local speed limits are to be followed and all safety requirements, as learned during your Boater Safety class, must be adhered to. To help facilitate the healthy release of all bass, adding ice to your livewell is recommended. You only need to lower the water temp by 10 degrees. Too much ice will kill your bass faster than hot water. Another precaution is to run your recirculation pump on manual.

The NINE POUND
2009 Lunker of the Year largemouth

caught by Bergen’s John Williams

has won the first place 2009 Photo Contest at Angler’s Select fishing lures. For his 1^st Place finish, owner Jason Pelak sent John a huge assortment of plastic baits and Eco Pro Tungsten weights. In addition, Jason sent Nick Albano a nice assortment of Eco Pro Tungsten weights that will be distributed to the Bergen Bassmaster Six Man Team fishing the NJBF Chapter Championship in late June. Since Vermont bans lead weights, the Tungsten products will come in handy (THANK YOU JASON). Please check out the www.anglersselect.com website for their excellent products including Eco Pro Tungsten weights. There is a $2.99 flat rate shipping charge and the special weights are $3.50 per pack.

USO Hudson River Challenge Results 2010 USO Open News

2010 Entry Form

Plattsburgh Econo Lodge phone #
518-561-1500

Youth Pages

Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club at Camp Sebago

Images

Twenty years ago

Although I have been fishing for dozens of years, I started tournament fishing in earnest when I joined Bergen in 1989. On May 20, 1989 I was lucky enough to be drawn with a fishing dynamo named Bob Puente. I knew nothing about Twin Lakes CT and relied on Bob to provide me with some tournament tips. Bob was cool and was quick to learn that due to a cold front, the main lake bass were not very active. On a sunny day, he was the only angler to discover that a tiny pond between both lakes held active bass, sunning themselves in slightly warmer and shallow water. Using grubs and plastic worms, he picked up a decent limit of bass and easily won the tournament with over 11 pounds. From that day I learned that no matter how tough the fishing is, there is always something that will work, and someone will unlock the key. Bob was quick to help out other anglers and right from my start with Bergen, I credit him with teaching me two key tactics, don’t waste time with non-productive water and try to do what no one else is doing. I am sure that many Bergenites received a few bassin’ tips, boat/motor assistance or moral support from Bob and we will miss him dearly, may he rest in peace.

Nick Albano

Steve "DOC" Rusert Squeaks out a Hot Win on Mahopac

Johnny E battle’s the elements for another Big Win!

Steve "DOC" Rusert Squeaks
out a Hot Win on Mahopac

Johnny E battle’s the elements
for another Big Win!