Wayne took me out for some “on the water” photos of our juniors.
With a 1:15pm weigh in time, and all of the Jr. anglers back at the boat ramp, boats was loaded on their trailers and buzz in the parking lot started amongst the boat captains and Jr. competitors. Comparing their fishing experiences of the day. With fish care and conservation being a priority with the O.B.F.N, 12 weigh in bags was given out so the young anglers could start the official weigh in. Todd Thompson “ president of the O.B.F.N “ again took the mike and interviewed each angler as they came through the weigh in area. Some of the Jr. anglers was more than willing to give up the secrets of the day but a few held out on Todd “ I think to keep him honest”. A total of 24 Jr. anglers weighed in fish for a total catch of 48 bass weighing 60.86 pounds. A special thanks goes out to Wendy Yost for keeping all the weights straight on the leader board!!!

First place honors in the older division was C.J Shaver weighing in a whopping 5 bass limit that tipped the scales at 6.22 lbs. Right on heels of C.J. was 2nd place Cory Lindsey weighing in 4 bass that weighed 5.14 lbs. 3rd place was Jason Axe with 3 bass weighing 4.45lbs. Jasper Engine And Transmissions Big bass went to Cody Dawson with a largemouth that went 2.27 lbs.
The younger division 1st place finisher was Cody Grey with 2 bass weighing 3.68lbs. In 2nd place was Sam Angle with 2 bass that tipped the scales at 2.21 lbs. 3rd place finisher was Colton Nichols with 2 bass weighing 2.06 lbs. Jasper Engine And Transmission Big bass younger division winner was Cody Grey with a largemouth weighing 2.54lbs.

First place finishers in both age divisions was awarded a Wood Forest Bank saving bond valued at $200.00, a new Dixie Stik from Dixie Marine in Fairfield Ohio, and a plaque from T&T Drywall, Newark Ohio. Second Place Finishers received a Wood Forest Bank savings bond for $100.00, a Plano Molding tackle Bag, and a plaque from T&T Drywall. Third place winners received a Wood Forest Bank saving bond for $100.00, a Plano Molding waist tackle bag, and a plaque from T&T Drywall. Fourth and fifth place finishers received a Wood Forest savings bond for $50.00, a plaque from T&T Drywall, and tackle pack worth $ 20.00. Big bass winners received plaques and Jasper Engine & Transmission tackle organizer, soft plastic baits, spinner bait and a Jasper fishing hat. All anglers that didn’t finish in the top 5 categories received tackle bags valued at $ 20.00 sponsored by Gary Yamamoto Baits, Bob’s Outdoor Supply, Newark Ohio, and Automotive & Truck Services, Columbus Ohio. Boat captains received hats donated by N.A.P.A Auto Parts and the top 6 captains received $10.00 off coupons to Dicks Sporting Goods.
The most popular contest is the Big Ugly. Older angler Matthew Floerke won with a catfish that weighed 1.21lbs and Younger angler Alisha Long won with a catfish that weighed 1.03 lbs. Both anglers received a Berkley Bass fishing Game and a bag of tackle.

After the weigh in contenders, boat captains, family and staff enjoyed a cookout with food provided by Jasper Engine & Transmissions. A BIG thank you goes out to Jerri Thompson, Julie Grey, and Sue Mercer for setting up, preparing and running the grill!! Drinks provided by Pepsi (thanks Mike White) and Wood Forest Bank.

Please take time to call or E Mail a thank you, to all of the O.B.F.N Jr. sponsors, Wood Forest Bank, Jasper Engines & Transmissions, Gary Yamamotto Baits, Toyota, Knox Marine, Dixie Marine, Paul’s Marine, Dicks Sporting Goods, T&T Drywall, Bob’s Outdoor Supply, Automotive & Truck Services, Plano Molding, N.A.P.A Auto Parts. With all their support we were able to award our juniors with over $ 2500.00 in prizes!!

A big THANK YOU !! to all the boat captains that volunteered their time and equipment to make this event happen.

Jim Bartholomew