The 2004 Big Fat Bass Fall Challenge Contest

On September 1/2004 members of Big Fat Bass were invited to enter the big fish they caught and weighed in at any Canadian Bass Tournament, the contest dates were Sept. 1/04 to Dec. 31/04. In the following weeks we saw some really nice fish entered into the contest.

• Dave Baristow entered a 7.13 lb Largemouth caught at the Bassmania Basseye tournament.
• Adam Hillen entered a 6.72 Largemouth caught October 3, 2004. Fall Big Nutz Challenge.
• Al Gorrie entered a 5.98 pound Smallie caught off of Sherkston Beach ( Lake Erie ), in 44 feet! Sept 18 / 04 - Niagara Bassmasters Club Tournament.

Those were all great fish but the winner turned out to be a 7.28 lb Largemouth caught at the 2004 Quinte Classic by Robert Mitchell with his partner Rob Coolahan doing a splendid job as netboy.

It was the first day of The Quinte Fishing Series Classic and Rocket was winding him self up like an eight day clock. When blast off came we ran down the bay at 70 miles an hour for twenty minutes to our first spot. We slammed five quick fish at our first hole which were 2.5 to 3.5 Lbs. After the pressure was off, I told Rocket of a spot that I had found a week prior to the Classic. He asked why I had not told him before if you know Rocket and tell him about big fish, he goes at them like an exocet missile!.

After we arrived at the spot I told Rocket to relax, and that I was going to make a few casts. The first fish was caught on a Lucky Craft Pointer SP 3.5 Lbs. The second fish was caught on a Wave Worm 5" Tiki Stick, green and white pearl swirl. After boating the second fish it was all Rocket could stand, I had given him the same Tiki Stick before blast off. After casting into the spot all I could hear was " BIG FISH!, BIG FISH!!, BIG FISH!!!." Before he got the fourth "BIG FISH" out of his mouth, I already had the 7.28 in the net. It was the first time that I had ever seen Rocket at a loss for words!. It was caught on a 7' Quantum Flippin Stick, Quantum ACS Reel, 20 Lb Stren Super Braid and a 5/0 Gamagatsu worm hook.

After putting the Hog in the livewell Rocket had to sit down for five minutes and regain his composure. I kept fishing and boated two more before we left that spot. I would like to thank Rocket for a memorable day on the water and hope that next time" he finds and nets the fish.!!" I would like to thank my sponsors (Lucky Craft Lures, Quantum Rods and Reels, Perry's Tackle,Wave Worms and Fitovers).

Rob Coolahan

Not only did Robert win the Big Fat Bass Fall Challenge but his fish turned out to be the biggest ever weighed in at the Quinte Fishing Series.

For his 10 seconds of hard work Robert will soon be the proud owner of the contest prize, an Avid AC60MF casting rod donated by Bob Stirling and St. Croix.

The second part of the prize will be a cheque from Big Fat Bass for $175.00 to buy himself a nice reel for the rod.