Well, where do we begin… I guess the same place we have the last 3 weeks. The weather, once again, has dominated the headlines this week but this time, in a way no one could expect.
Devastating storms broke out across the country on Friday night, with numerous tornadoes and high winds wreaking havoc across the Hoosier State and beyond. Lives were lost, communities devastated, and many were left cleaning up the rubble from a night we will be talking about for years to come.
Almost seems trivial to write about fishing tournaments, but there is something calming about staying the course. Maybe this will serve as a much needed distraction for someone affected.
That all being said, this week's HKB top performers are the first responders, volunteers, and all the hard working men and women who have done everything they can to help those in need, restore power, clear roads, and most importantly, save lives.
Thank you for your service to our communities.
The storms, however, did not stop the action on the water. Here is how things shook out in week three of competition here in the Hoosier State.
GRBY | Central Trail #1 Morse Reservoir - Presented by Honey Creek Tackle
This event left a lot to be desired and continued the ongoing drought of solid limits this season throughout the state. Out of the 31 anglers participating, only one angler was able to find a small limit.
Mason McCollum of Kingman, IN. Put up 62.75” winning by more than 34.50” over second place. Wes Ward had two largemouths for 28.25 inches. Brian Duncan also had two for 24.25 to take 3rd.
Justin Long of Frankfort Indiana landed a biggin’ on the final day of the event to grab Big Bass honors. This chunky pre-spawn largemouth went for 21.75” on the Ketch Board, narrowly beating out Garon Hanke who had a 21.50” on sunday. Hason Kennedy also broke the 20 inch mark.
GRBY | Blue Grass FWA #2 - Presented By Bizz Baits
The second event is the GRBY- Blue Grass Series that took place this past week and though it still is not producing the way it has in recent years, it did start to show us some signs of life.
2022 GRBY Blue Grass AOY, Glenn Landstrom, made his 1st GRBY appearance this season and showed everyone he hasn't skipped a beat. Glenn put up a limit of 75.25” on Thursday, but fell just shy of the lead.
Tyler Atwell landed a total of 77.75” and was in the hot seat all weekend until TJ Alward of Newburgh, IN. tied things up on Monday with a 5 fish limit of 77.75” anchored by a 19.00” largemouth to break the tie and take the Win.
Evansville Native, Matt Kiefer, landed a 21” earning him Big Bass for the event. Matt had 4 fish for a total of 53.25 inches.
KBF | March Challenge Series - Presented by Dakota Lithium
The KBF March Challenge Series concluded last week and the numbers were impressive, especially considering recent tournament results.
The competition was tight for most of the month but in the end, Brant Sharp took the W, finishing just shy of the century mark with a 5-fish limit of largemouth bass totaling 99.75” anchored by 20.75. Nick Money took second with 95.5 and Mr. Troy Stinson rounded out the Top 3 with 94.25 inches.
Christopher Hogan keeps the spotlight on him once again this week, this time for Big Bass honors with a 21.00 largemouth.
IKA | Hoosier Big Bass Hunt - Presented by Moving Water Outfitters
With March in our rearview mirror, let's take a quick look at how the 2023 IKA Hoosier Big Bass Hunt is shaping up. Don't forget registration is still open for this event.
Tyler Atwell currently commands the lead with 37.00 inches. His largemouth is solid at 20.50 but he will likely need to upgrade that and his 16.50” Smallmouth to stay on the podium. That said, this dude is a big fish master and we have no doubt those upgrades are coming soon.
Randall Kiser and Ryan Becker hold down 2nd and 3rd place spots, but watch out for the “Kentucky Phenom” Christopher Hogan, he is one good smallmouth bite away from blowing this thing wide open.
Hobie Bass Open Series | SANTEE COOPER LAKES, SC
Huge Shout Out to Nick Matthews, representing the Hoosier State all the way down in South Carolina in the Hobie Bass Open Series event on Sante Cooper. Nick battled 186 anglers and came out with a 4th place finish, thanks to a 100.25” Limit. Incredible performance Mr. Matthews!
Congratulations to all the Top Performers from this week and the month of March!
Things are about to get really fun in the next couple of weeks as the weather begins to warm up and even more GRBY series kick off, plus we're getting really close to the other Series here in the Hoosier state ramping up for 2023.
Check out the list of upcoming events below and get in on the action!
UPNEXT
IKA | Tippecanoe River | April 29
HKB State Championship Update: The 2023 HKB State Championship originally scheduled for May 4-6th and has been officially postponed. Make up date: TBD.
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