I just got home from my very first stren series tournament on Santee Cooper in South Carolina. I just have to say that FLW puts on one heck of an event. I had so much fun outside of the fishing that I can't wait until next season when I'll fish the entire season. Here's a little recap of my experience.

On Wednesday, the first day, it rained all freaking day. Despite that it was the best fishing day I had. I had 5 bites on a black Gambler cane toad and caught 2 of them. I was a little upset because 2 of the fish that crashed were toads, over 5lbs each. I ended the day in 21st place.

Thursday was a nightmar for most guys fishing. That lake can get really nasty and the wind was supposed to blow 20-30 w/ 40mph gusts. Most guys abandoned their spots and fished with a couple of miles of the ramp. I still got lucky and caught 1 fish that went 3lb 13oz and wound up in 18th.

The last day sucked for me. I drew the M&M's pro Pat Fisher who was in 41st place in the points for the season and had a rough couple of days. Pat told me starting out his situation and we decided to make sure he makes the championship and if there was time we would find me some fish. Starting out I caught 2 catfish that woulda weighed 70lbs together. Unfortunately they were my only bites. Pat however whacked'em and caught 18lbs 2oz and sealed the deal for his trip to the championship. I was happy to let Pat catch his fish. It's his job and that's what matters. Points meant nothing to me and w/ the first two days I was pretty much guaranteed a check.

After the final day I was in 33rd place and did get a check. That last day was awesome. I have never seen so many giant fish up on the beds. He would catch a fish off of a bed come back in a couple hours and the buck would have another female on it. There 4-9lb fish everywhere!!!

I want to say thanks to my partners, Dave, Billy Bowen jr, and Pat Fisher. They all taught me some new stuff and we had a good time fishing. Also, thanks to Val from Gambler for finding me a place to stay on short notice and for making baits that made me money!!

~JP~

I take it Pat kinda back seated you huh...... :-/.....But if I was in his shoes and it was my last shot at making the championship I cant say I wouldnt do that too..........The thing Ive learned this year from being a Non-Boater is you do learn alot of thing from the pros........congrats on the check

Nice. checks at that level aint easy to come buy. And getting backseated is worst part about fishing with someone who needs the money to pay bills.

Pat lives near me.I have fished againest him alot. He is a great guy and a great fisherman. Just had a couple of rough years here recently. Glad to hear he's moving back up the ladder.

Alot of the tournaments i fish, most the guys from GA that fish the strens are at.

Mike cleveland,kip carter,tony couch, Pat, jim murray jr, tom hamlin and a few others.

Feels real good to beat them, too.

Awesome man way to go!

Sounds like you had a great time, Ill hopefully be fishing some Stren series next year.

Im new to BFL and FLW am learning more everyday.

Gl this year    -WM

If there were 4-9 pound bass everywhere as you stated, you should have been able to at least try at catching a couple.  I fish pro on the Stren series myself, and I gladly give my co- angler a chance to catch  bedding fish if they are plentiful. Good to see you're fired up about your fishing.