Championship Week Begins; Three Anglers Attempt to Win LBAA Triple Crown
OutdoorHub 10.09.12
The 26-angler field for the 2012 Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA) 2012 Lady Bass Classic have each began their individual quest for LBAA gold this week on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville. The field of 13 pros and 13 co’s are searching for a successful pattern in pre-practice on the “Big G” that they hope will bring them a season ending championship in the 2012 Lady Bass Classic that takes place October 11, 12 and 13.
Three anglers however have a chance to win an elusive LBAA “Triple Crown”. To win an LBAA “Triple Crown” and angler would have had to win an event, win an end of year title (Angler of the Year or Rookie of the Year) and win the season ending 2012 LBAA Lady Bass Classic tournament.
Two pro anglers and one co-angler have this unique chance at making LBAA history. Kim Bain-Moore (Pelham, AL) who was just crowned the 2012 LBAA Pro Division Angler of the Year (AOY) and Monica Altman (Angier, NC) who was also recently crowned the 2012 LBAA Rookie of the Year, and co-angler AOY winner Kim Giddens (Alpine, AL).
Bain-Moore won the tournament at Lake Dardanelle in May, Altman won on Kentucky Lake in July, and Giddens captured a win at Neely Henry in September.”
Is a LBAA Triple Crown a feasible feat? “Sure, why not,” exclaimed Bain-Moore. “We all work hard during the season so that we can make the Championship. Once you’re there you just go out there and have as much fun as you can. The Championship is the icing on the cake – the one event that you can go into purely for the enjoyment of being there and with no expectations or pressure. When you fish carefree, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.”
Yes, I think it’s very possible, but it will be very challenging due to the competition level,” Altman stated, “but I honestly think with the right preparation it can be done. I’m going to stay completely focused on fishing. I will put everything out of my mind this week. I don’t worry about what other competitors are doing. All I will be focused on will be my own fishing, giving 110% and getting five quality bites every day.”
“I had the opportunity last year to win the Triple Crown and I couldn’t quite seal the deal,” stated Giddens. “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity again this year and I’m going to give it my best. I’m going to need to be consistent and hopefully have a limit each day.”
All three weighed in on whether or not a reduced field (13 per division) will add pressure or make a difference at the 2012 LBAA Lady Bass Classic. Altman was quick to reply saying, “I don’t think the size of the field makes too much of a difference due to the level of competition. I am competing against some of the best female anglers in the U.S., two of which qualified for the Bassmaster Classic.”
“On paper, having a reduced field, increases your odds however I will be fishing against the best of the best. It’s going to be tough,” stated Giddens.
“No, neither. It’s the end of season celebration so I don’t feel pressure,” stated Bain-Moore in her distinctive Aussie accent. “The reduced field is comprised of ladies that have produced solid bags of fish all year. That’s what fun about Championships – it is anyone’s game!”
If a limit (five bass pro division, three bass co-anglers division) can be caught what will it take to stay in contention? Bain-Moore predicts 20-pounds a day and Altman 15 plus a day on the pro side and Giddens says at least eight pounds a day in the co-angler division.
Bain-Moore is sponsored by Evinrude E-Tec, Reaction Innovations, Pflueger Reels, Legend Boats, Humminbird, Navionics, Minn Kota, Hi Seas Fishing Lines, PowerPole and Oakley Sunglasses.
Altman is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Mercury, MotorGuide, MinnKota Talons, Anglers Choice Marine, Deep Creek Lures, Capt. Gary’s Bass Boat Instant Shine, EnviroServe Chemicals, JB Custom Rods, US Reel, Powers Swain Chevrolet, Berkley, TTI Blakemore, 2BKOOL, ProChip and CB’s Hawg Sauce.
As we go to press Giddens is unsponsored.
Weather should become more stable as the week progresses with night time low’s starting in the low 40’s and moving into the mid 50’s by week’s end and highs starting low 70’s on Thursday and progressing into the low 80’s by Saturday.
These ladies are the 13 qualifiers from the LBAA”s Pro Angler Division: Kim Bain-Moore/Pelham, AL, Pam Martin-Wells/Bainbridge, GA, Pam Ridgle/Murchison. TX, Lynda Gessner/Foristell, MO, Monica Altman/Angier, NC, Martha Goodfellow/Simpsonville, SC, Cheryl Bowden/Fort Worth, TX, Debbie Warner/Murray, KY, Robbie Hartline/Foristell, MO, Teri Cindric/Hermitage, TN, Secret York/Benton, KY, Karen Elkins/Oxford, AL, Cheryl Lalumandier /Harvester, MO.
Here are the 13 qualifiers from the LBAA’s Co-angler Division: Kim Giddens/Alpine, AL, Vicki Henderson/Ashdown, AR, Diana Uebelhack, Mt. Vernon, IN, Bonnie Ward/Snohomish, WA, Diane Smith/Fayetteville, GA, Cassie Hall/Alabaster, AL, Denise Sustaita /Etole, TX, Brenda Reeves/Weatherford, TX, Judy Skibinski/Alba, TX, Marsha Reifsteck, Woodville, WI, Brandi Frasier/Hanson, KY, Renee Key-Johnston/Beaumont, TX, Shannon Wood/Martinsburg, WV.
These 26 anglers will also be trying to win the Legend Big Bass award in their respective divisions.
The 2012 LBAA Lady Bass Classic will be held on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville October 11-13 and each day’s competition will run from `safe light’ until 3 PM CST. All launches and weigh-ins will take place at the Bucky Howe Ramp. The ramp is located in the Bucky Howe Park on Route 1 in Guntersville.
