Pennsylvania West Division

Shenango Reservoir Recap

On July 23rd, 2005 we had 13 teams face the challenge of fishing Shenango Lake, a body of water classified as a “trophy class” fishery by the Fish & Game commission. This lowland reservoir sits on the border of eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania and features plenty of stump and tree laden flats at either end. With mile high blue skies and searing 95 degree temperatures hampering the bite, Shenango would not prove to be the big bass producer it usually is as only 1 team would produce a 5 fish limit of 15+ inch fish and the entire field would only manage to weigh-in just over 46 pounds. Most fish were reported to have been caught on deeper diving crankbaits or flipped jigs and soft plastics amongst the standing timber.

Taking a commanding lead in the year end points championship by winning their 5th consecutive FOM tournament dating back to last season, brothers Ernie and Ken Pate produced the only 5 fish limit at 9.51 pounds for a $784.00 1st place payday. Coming in 2nd place with 8.83 pounds was John Keene Jr. and Mark Keene while 3rd place went to Jamie Ferdarko and Chris Lanager with just 2 bass weighing in at 5.31 pounds, one being the second biggest fish of the tournament. Placing 4th on the strength of only 1 fish, which just happened to be the big bass of the tournament, was Mike and Tim DeZort with a nice “pig” weighing in at just over 5 pounds. Rounding out the top 5 was the Adult / Junior team of John and Chase Whelan with 4.23 pounds.

DeZort & DeZort
Big Bass

The fourth of 5 tournaments for the Pennsylvania – West circuit season will be on August 13th, 2005 on the Three Rivers launching at Southside Park in Pittsburgh. Fresh off the Bassmaster Classic, let’s see what our field of members can learn from the top pro’s as they tackle this water. All the information for this event can be found at our national website www.FOMNTT.com under the Schedules tab or for more detailed information, at http://www.sfvu.com by double clicking on the FOM logo, then hitting the PA-West button.

Special thanks to Dave and Sam DeJoy of Miracle Valley church for providing the pavilion and our meal and as is always the case with any Fishers’ of Men event, we were excited about the opportunity to gather together for an awesome night of free food, fellowship, pre-tournament planning, door prizes and powerful testimony. We were blessed to have the Vice President of Operations from the FOM National organization, Bobby Eads as our speaker. His message focused on comparing the promises made to us everyday by advertisers versus the guarantees made to us with the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He pointed out that while Satan has to sell his agenda, God does not, he simply gives it away free! 5 individuals were so moved by the message that they were motivated to proclaim a renewed commitment to return to God and follow Jesus in all areas of their lives!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our primary national sponsors: Triton Boats, Mercury Outboards, Strike King Lure Company, Kistler Custom Fishing Rods and Presnell Plantation Services.

The Pennsylvania - West division is blessed to have the following regional divisional sponsors: Call Brian, Craig or Brad at one of the nations largest and finest independent tackle dealers, Woodlands World (866-472-6969) and if you present your FOM membership card at checkout, you will get 15% off everything (except firearms and related optics). Call Chad at Halls Marine (570-546-2310) for your new Triton bass boat, whether it is fiberglass or aluminum. These guys rank as one of the nations premier dealerships and when you meet and talk with Chad and his staff, you will immediately know why! Ask him for the special Fishers’ of Men discount on your next Triton boat purchase. A special note of thanks to Jim Herr of Herr’s Snacks as well as Trey at Kistler Custom Rods, Gary at Solar Bat Polarized Sunglasses, Troy at Mizmo Tubes and Lizards, Tom at RoboWorm Finesse Handpoured Soft Plastics, Sam at Penetrater Slick Coated Tungsten Weights, Joe at Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits, the National Promotions Team at Choice Hotels as well as Cracker Barrel restaurants.

I would also like to thank our other National Sponsors which include: Gary Yamamoto, Spike-It, Marshall’s Marine, Castrol, V&M Plastics, Motor Guide, Keel Shield, Solar Bat, Stanley Jigs, Lowrance, The Original Fish Formula, Dual Pro Chargers, Keep Alive Oxygen Infusor, Deka Marine Master Batteries, Jacob’s Glass, FishingWorld.com, X-Tools, The Spot Remover, All-Terrain Tackle, Hot Rods Marine Care and Bass Rx.