Larry and Nichole Mara – Divisional Champions

March 28, 2015

Just two weeks ago the father daughter team of Larry and Nichole Mara locked up the division 22 anglers of year at the Desplanes River winter division. Then to show that it wasn’t just a fluke they brought in a 14.35 pound 5 fish limit to best the field during the 2015 divisional championship. Larry and Nichole’s weapon of choice was suspended jerk baits fished in 10 feet of water. When they were asked what the key to fishing the bait was, they said it was “pausing the bait during the retrieve, sometimes as long as 30 seconds”. The two also recorded the big bass of the tournament, a 3.72 pound brute.

Coming in second place was John Mathias. Fishing alone John brought in a 5 fish limit that went 12.00 pounds. He said he probably caught 15 keepers but couldn’t get that kicker he needed. John caught his fish using a crankbait in less than 5 foot of water.

The third place finishers were Adam Compton and Mike Kendall. Adam and Mike brought 4 fish to the scales that went 6.18 pounds. They took most of their keeper on spinnerbaits in shallow water.

In fourth place was the team of Willie Thompson and Andrew Elizando. They had 2 bass that went 3.47 pounds. The fifth place finishers were Mike Plass and Ken Pecho. Their two bass weighed 3.41 pounds, and finishing in sixth place was Bob Rourke and Steve Morrison. They had one fish that went 1.49 pounds.

The 2015 Desplanes River winter division championship was truly a test of the best. Five of the top six teams that qualified for the championship won an event during the season. These teams not only battle each other all season long but also the weather. Over half the events started with temperatures well below freezing. This Desplanes division and these tournaments are truly the test. They are not only a test of fishing ability but also a test of resilience. Congratulations to all the division 22 teams that battle throughout the season.