Weir and Wright Win on Wylie

By Mike Whatley

Rock Hill, SC – June 20, 2009 – Eric Weir, of Belmont, NC took the final one day qualifier for the North Carolina Division of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series on Lake Seminole with a 5 fish limit that weighed in at 19.71 pounds.  His 1st Place victory earned him the guaranteed $5,000 purse plus 200 points toward his qualifying for the Year-end Championship worth over $200,000 and a slot in the prestigious “Bassmaster Classic”.

A local angler of 40 years on Lake Wylie, Weir used his knowledge of natural rock locations and a very astute use of topwater baits and a hand tied jig to put together his winning sack. Having a limit in the boat early, Eric stayed with the topwater pattern catching his fish in 1 ½ to three feet of water, until 11:00 before switching to the jig, which was responsible for his largest fish which included a 4.50 pound largemouth. Weir is also eligible for an additional $500 in Mercury Contingencies, being the registered owner of a 2007 Mercury Outboard, bringing his total earnings for this event to $5,500.

The remaining top five boaters were Second Place Parks Jones of York, SC, (5 bass, 17.61 pounds, $1302); Third Place Jerry Goble of Sherrills Ford, NC (5 bass, 14.89 pounds, $868); Fourth Place Tracy Schiff of McConnells, SC (5 bass, 14.58 pounds, $607) and Fifth Place David Williams of Maiden, NC (5 bass, 13.69 pounds, $521).

Tom Russell, of Fort Mill, SC was the highest finishing Triton Gold participant, placing tenth, and is eligible for an additional $250 in contingencies.

Brad Wright, of Granite Falls, NC took the win on the co-angler side, making this his second `back of the boat` win of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series. Brad used a jig to follow up behind his boater partner, who was throwing a topwater bait, to boat his three fish limit that weighed in at 10.92 pounds. His First Place finish earned Brad $1158 for his efforts.

The remaining top five co-anglers were Second Place Gordon Smith of Lake Wylie, SC, (3 bass, 10.52 pounds, $579); Third Place Andrew Beachley of Charlotte, NC (3 bass, 9.59 pounds, $386); Fourth Place Charles Wood of Thomasville, NC (3 bass, 8.77 pounds, $270) and Fifth Place Kerry Murphy of Mooresville, NC (3 bass, 8.39 pounds, $232).

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