MH3 back on top, Reedy gets his second win, a dog fight for KBF challenge series, and more, all in this week's recap!
Week six was a struggle for many as a wild year of weather continues to plague our anglers. From record highs, to record lows and high winds, mother nature has been brutal this season and it definitely has had anglers scratching their heads as they try to figure out how the bass are retracting to the crazy weather cycles.
It doesn't look like there will be consistency anytime soon either, with more flip-flopping and extreme conditions forecasted over the coming weeks.
That all said, while nature may be extremely inconsistent lately, there are some anglers out there consistently finding a way to get it done.
Let's take a look at how things shook out over the past week of competition.
SIYAK | DUGGAR EAST (GSSF) - presented by Bioenno Power
The 2023 SIYAK season is officially underway. This past weekend, SIYAK hosted its 1st event of the year in the East Duggar Unit of the Green Sullivan State Forest.
21 anglers competed in this event on Saturday, giving us a preview of what's to come when IKA visits these same waters in July for the 4th stop of the 2023 Tournament Series.
2022 SIYAK Champion, (MH3) Merlin Hammer III, aka the Bass Wizard, jumped out to an early lead, posting a quick limit and was able to maintain that lead as he slowly upgraded throughout the day. MH3 finished with 74.00” anchored by a 16.75” largemouth.
We asked Merlin how it felt l to win the first event of the 2023 Siyak season after claiming the 2022 SIYAK championship title this past fall.
“It feels awesome, back to back wins and a great way to begin the new season. Hopefully, I can keep this momentum up all season!” -MH3
Now, MH3 sets his sights on the IKA opener this weekend on the Tippy.
Antoine Hayes continues to impress as he adds yet another top finish to his resume this season. Antoine finished the day with 73 inches, putting him in a tie with Chris Wargel, but thanks to a 17.75” chunk, Antoine took 2nd over Chris, whose biggest bass was 15.75” landing him in 3rd.
Big Bass Honors and the SIYAK Wicked Weights "Catch Of The Week” goes to Darren Justice, with a 20.50” largemouth bass.
As always, SIYAK found a way to spice things up. This time, they put up a “Smallest Bass Side Pot” which Justin Kivett proudly cashed in on with his 6.75” Dink.
GRBY | BISCHOFF - presented by Blues Baits
Ryan Reedy is looking strong this year as a GRBY Overall Lake AOY Contender. Reedy grabbed his second win of the season this past week with a 76.00” bag on Bischoff Reservoir.
Chad Cummings finished in 2nd with 72.75” including Big Bass of the event and now controls the series AOY race after two events, leading Reedy by 8pts.
Mr. Rick McClain rounded out the Top 3 with 70.50 inches.
GRBY | KOKOMO RESERVOIR - presented by Soremouth Tackle
By far the toughest event this week and maybe the toughest lake on the GRBY Schedule to date, Kokomo Reservoir continues to be stingy for many. However, there is a glimmer of hope for this fishery as some of its secrets were unlocked by a couple of seasoned anglers.
Matt Gibson, of Carmel Indiana, showed up on the final day of competition, breaking some hearts and hurting some feelings. Matt landed 77.25 inches anchored by the Big Bass of the event, a chunky 18.00 largemouth.
Ryan Platt also broke the 70” mark with a total of 73.50” for second place and Soremouth Tackle pro-staffer, Chad Howard, rounded out the Top 3 with 4 bass for 50 inches even. From there, things really went downhill as almost half the field blanked.
Hopefully, as things continue to warm in the north, the season too will heat up.
GRBY | DOGWOOD - presented by The Rod Glove
You either caught them or you didn't this week on Dogwood and TJ Aylward of Newburgh, IN caught em’ pretty good. TJ put a total of 73.25 inches on the ketch board, just barely edging out Vernon Gehlbach who finished with 73.50 inches.
Kent Gross took 3rd with 72.75 inches, barely holding off the red-hot Antoine Hayes, who just missed another podium finish, with 72.00 inches.
Though Antoine may have missed the podium, he didn't miss another Payday thanks to a 20.25 largemouth, earning him some Big Bass Cash!
While the action on the leaderboard has been hit or miss in this series, the AOY race is shaping up to be real exciting. After 2 events, only 10 pts separates 1st place, TJ Aylward from 6th place, Jim Bailey.
KBF | INDIANA CHALLENGE SERIES - presented by Dakota Lithium
Speaking of exciting action, keep your eyes on the KBF Indiana Challenge Series over the next week as anglers finish out the month and battle for the top spot. Currently, things are insanely close with Antoine Hayes on top at 96.75” but Brant Sharp and “The Champ'' Mike Elsea are breathing down his neck with 95.50 each.
Congratulations to all our Top Performers for week 6!
Get ready, because week 7 is coming in hot…. Okay well, it's actually going to be seasonably cool, but the fishing part is going to be hot. Alright, well you get what I'm trying to say…. Just take a look at what's up next and go get signed up!