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MY HOOKER TOPS THE OPEN CLASS IN DIVISION 9!

by Jack Holmes

Al Davis gets to go to the Nationals on Mercury and the SKA. Better yet, he won Division 9 with an 85.82 in a Mercury powered Palmetto named My Hooker, which should make the South Carolina boat builder very happy. Davis, along with Grady and Chuck Gordon and Kyle Hughes, caught a 38.22 in the Greater Wilmington, then scaled a 24.25 in the Jolly Mon and ended with a 23.35 at the Fall Brawl. A great performance from a team who has been steadily improving since joining the SKA last year. This is the true sign of winners!

Bob Watson, who fishes the Bout Time with Terry Schoenick and Craig Johnson, is another team you have to keep your eye on. A 21st last year, second this year with 78.45 points. The team scaled a 21.70 in the Greater Wilmington, but it was his 42.70 in the King of the Cape that pushed them up the standings. They ended with a 14.05 in the Fall Brawl, which I'm sure disappointed the team. But that's fishing and nothing to dwell over. You made your point and everyone knows you're a serious contender. The team fishes a Mercury powered Fountain.

Scott Quaintance weighed two fish last season for 28 points, but roared back this year with a third place 77.40 aggregate. That's diggin' Scott! With Chris Gravatte, Michael Norton and Brian Snow on the Mercury powered Yellowfin, Casual Water, they scaled three very consistent fish, a 26.70, a 26.05 and a 24.65. I like that consistency. Dave Workman believes that consistency is the element most needed for victory and I believe him. Good job!

The Weathers boys, Jeff, Bob and Greg, put three nice fish on the scale in Division 9 plus they earned ninth in the Pros this year. A great job by a team that is destined to make history with their fishing efforts. The fish a Mercury powered Contender and had 76.18 points based on a 23.38, a 29.65 and a 23.15. Make no mistake; Triple Gobble is one of the best teams fishing today. They're energetic, confident and leave little to chance. Don't doubt me on this one!

Rob Ferris put his Mad Mouse into the fifth slot in the Division. Rob went from fishing a VIP in the Class of 23' to a Mercury powered Sea Craft and it seemed to be the best investment he's ever made. Together with Monica Ferris, Brian Holt, Russ Ferris and David Sharron, they scored 75.42 points with their biggest, a 31.45, scaled in the King of the Cape event. Can we expect a repeat performance like this next year? I wouldn't bet against it!

Tim Moore got his Mercury powered Yellowfin, Triple Play, into sixth this season with 72.52 points. The team of Michael Gilgo and Brian Edwards got their big boy in the Greater Wilmington, a 34.22. It looks like Moore found a Division he could excel in, and it's one of the toughest in the country. Gotta tell you something!

Allen Kinney put his Hydra-Sport, Gambler, into seventh with 72.42 points. He fishes with Denise Kinney.

The Black Cat was eighth with 71.98 points however finished higher, second place, in Division 3. James Stewart has had a spectacular season aboard his Mercury powered Triton. Together with Carlette Stewart and Vernon Stewart they scaled their biggest king, a 38.15, in the Jolly Mon event. Carlette won the Division's Top Lady honors while Vernon Stewart picked up Top Senior honors. Whatever this team is doing, it seems to be right.

The Reel Time, a Suzuki powered Trophy, picked up ninth on the strength of a great 40.44-pounder caught in the Greater Wilmington event. Craig Hughes, Neal Bradshaw and Charlie Hughes earned 69.44 points. You now know you're capable of putting a big fish on the scale, if you can improve on the consistency you will be a real contender in the sport of kingfishing. But I suspect you're already doing that.

John Monko, Sr. rounded out the top ten with 65.90 points. Fishing with the Dawggone team, Juliane Monko and John Monko Jr., in a Yamaha powered Regulator, their biggest king came in the Fall Brawl, a 27.65.

David Jackson who fishes the Live Line with Michael Jackson earned the Division's Top Junior Angler honors. The whole team earned a berth to the Nationals finishing 16th. They fish a Yamaha powered Contender.

This Division is loaded with talent but the veterans from a year ago dominated this year's leaderboard. It happens, and is doing so with more regularity. I think determination is the key factor here. Whatever, you really have to be proud of the Division 9 anglers.