Fricke and Swearengin Win Bama Blues Nighttime Tourney on Wheeler Lake, AL
The most recent Bama Blues Tournament Series event was held on Wheeler Lake, AL. Co-Tournament Directors Chris and Cory Ramsey (Pipeline Tackle) presented the August 28 event out of First Creek Boat Ramp near Rogersville, AL. The 3-fish tournament is part of the ACA Tournament Alliance.
The First Creek event was the second night-time event of the 2021 season with teams from several states competing. Fishing hours were from 7:00 pm until 6:00 am. Given the hot August weather and in the interest of catfish conservation the scales were open all night to weigh any fish that might require special care. Only two fish 34 Inches or over and one fish under 34 inches were allowed at the weigh-in. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish could be used as part of the tournament bag.
First Place and Big Fish
Justin Andrew Fricke and David Swearengin teamed up to take the top spot at Bama Blues on Wheeler. They brought 134 pounds to the scales to earn first-place honors after only a few hours of fishing. Their bag included a 70-pound blue that was Big Fish of the tournament and a new personal best for Swearengin.
“We spent 3 hours running and graphing upriver,” recalled Fricke. “We found running water with a hot feeding seam. We worked it hard and within one hour we were headed back with our 3-fish limit.”
Fricke and Swearengin were fishing on the rope in 28 feet of water using cut skipjack for bait. They used only 4 hours of the 12-hour tournament to come out on top.
“We brought in 134 pounds,” Fricke said. “And I am sure we left even bigger fish behind. But with the weather being hot we just didn’t want to chance it.”
Second Place
The runner-up spot went to Nooner Hall, Les Thompson, and Debbie Thompson, Nooner’s mom. They ganged up to bring 97.4 pounds to the scales and earn second place. Their bag included a 31-pound blue that was Debbie’s personal best.
“We started the day catching fresh bait,” reported Nooner. “It didn’t take long and we had what we needed for a long night of fishing. We found some fish while scanning so the plan was to drag baits through them and hopefully run across some active fish.”
Within the first 30 minutes of fishing, the team had caught around 130 pounds. They were dragging in 28-30 feet of water. The catching continued throughout the night as they culled come nice overs to determine their 3-fish bag limit.
“This was the first tournament my mom has fished with us (me and my dad),” explained Nooner. “That was kind of cool and she got to catch her new personal best.
“I had fun and would do that again,” said Debbie.
“We would like to thank our sponsors for all they do for us,” concluded Nooner. “They include The DeWitt Company, T Force Worldwide, Tomlin Trucking, Smackdown, Catfishing, Drury Hotels, MulTbar, Grizzly Jig, Big River Cats, and Reel Em Up.”
“We would also like to think Pipeline tackle and Bama Blues for a well ran tournament trail!”
Third Place and Female Big Fish
Third place went to Brad Hoalt, his daughter Jocelyn Hoalt, and Ray Nix. They had a total weight of 94.8 pounds to claim the third spot. Their bag included a 47-pound blue that was Jocelyn’s personal best. She was honored for Female Big Fish.
The team was fishing in 24 to 26 feet of water that was measuring 87 degrees. They dragged some and suspended some after using side imaging to find some fish on muscle shell ledges.
“This tournament made memories I will cherish forever,” beamed Brad. “She’s only 9 years old and said that it was the best day ever. The fish were huge and the last two wore her out. Now she wants to fish every tournament with me. I think it’s safe to say I have a new fishing partner for life.”
Jocelyn caught 9 of the team’s fish and most of the skipjack. Looks like she is hooked for life. Dad is going to be the designated netman.
Jocelyn even had some advice for the rest of the team, “Bigger bait for bigger fish.”
We want to thank Chris and Corey Ramsey for putting on a great trail,” concluded Brad. “We are sure going to miss the trail next year.”
Fourth Place
Jack Woodall and James Collins teamed up to bring a total weight of 83.55 pounds to the scales and take the fourth spot.
“We didn’t bring home the gold but 4th place with some of the best catfish anglers ain’t bad,” said Collins in a Facebook post. “If only we could have got that one that broke off at the boat. Thanks to Edmond Crowden for the best bait as always and to Bama Blues for a great trail.”
Final Thoughts
Many teams had their limit by 11 pm and were culling overs for the remainder of the tournament. Weigh-in began a little before sunrise with 22 of the 24 boats bringing fish to the scales.
“We launched 24 boats for the last night tournament of the season,” reported Chris Ramsey. “The talk around town was that Wilson Lake was the hotter lake on the Tennessee River but Wheeler lake didn’t disappoint!”
There were special prizes for the lady anglers from Kat Mama that included Pink Packs and $100 cash to the Female Big Fish and a Pink Pack for the runner-up in that category. Kat Mama also donated 4 sets of Fish Grips to assist the anglers in wrangling their catch during the weigh-in.
“A big thank you goes out to Kat Mama for your support,” offered Chris. “We also gave away a FREE entry to the Mississippi River Monsters event. Congratulations to Matt Russell and Samantha Caudill for winning the free entry. They are Tough competition on the Tennessee River so we are excited to see how they will tackle the mighty Mississippi.”
“We want to thank each and every angler for coming out and fishing with us,” concluded Chris. “And of course a thank you to all of our sponsors for their support throughout the entire season.”
Many Bama Blues anglers are participating in the ACA Points Race and the opportunity to win a new SeaArk Boat. Click here for more information on the ACA Points Race.
The next Bama Blues event will be out of McFarland Park on September 25th. For tournament information, follow Bama Blues on their Facebook page or visit them on the website at www.thebamablues.com.
