Bryan and Tony Mitchell of Galatia took first place with a five-fish limit that tipped the scales at 18.32 pounds during my 5th annual benefit tournament on Rend Lake IL. The 91-boat field, and weekend events netted over $30,000 for the Special Olympics Illinois.

A special "Thank You" to everyone who made it a successful event!

Read more about it at http://www.thesouthern.com/sports/article_a3446dca-b328-11df-9060-001cc4...

Do I go north and fish for largemouth or do I head south and target smallmouth…..decisions, decisions, decisions. If the wind isn't blowing tomorrow morning I’ll probably head south. Fishing for smallmouth is like a crack addition – I just can’t help myself. Checkout the live weigh-in and leader board. http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/opens/index

I did not make the final day cut of the PAA Bass Pro Shops event on Lake Norman NC, but as President of the Association I was at the Bass Pro Shops store in Charlotte helping with the day’s events. Congrads to Edwin Evers for bringing in two consecutive 15+ pound sacks to win the event. Norman can be a tough lake under the best conditions, but fishing in the extreme heat and post spawn Edwin really figured them out. This is not Edwin’s first win on the lake he has done very well on Norman in the past and just added another notch to his belt.