Thanks Andrea for the safe prayers. We will all need it since we could possibly all encounter some snow on the way. Lets get all who are fishing from WBC to finish in the top ten.
Russ

Just wanted to say Good Luck and Safe Travels to all going to Banks this weekend for the tourney.

May your rain gear keep you dry and the smallies keep your lines tight!


Andrea

Rob,

No you can buy me a beer dude.  I don't do movies unless they are fishing videos.
Russ

I here ya, but I'll make you a deal......

If you pull 16lbs both days or 18 one day.....I'll buy one of your movies...

Rob,

You just need to get to know the lake better. Yes one guy who fishes without 50 boats around can make a difference, but if the lake fishes anywhere like it did last week for me and a few other guys figure it out, 28lbs is realistic. My best two bags on thursday and friday were 16lb & 18Lbs and that was with 5 fish. Yes things can change in a hurry if guys are on your spots, but heck when you find them like that in many areas, who knows.
Russ

I'd be happy with 10lbs a day. I have never had one over 8lbs in the two events I have fished. Banks just doesn't kick out big bags. All the cookie-cutters is the main reason I don't like the lake all that much.

Ok.  Did some research on the topic of past tourney weights, some WBC, NW Bass, Scholarship, Frost bites:
1.  June 2003, 20lbs 2ozs -  WBC
2.  June 2004, 22-3 - WBC
3.  Aug 2004, 18-8 - WBC
4.  Sept 2004, 19.04 - Northend
5.  Oct 2004, 22-9 - Scholarship
6.  Nov 2004 - 23-9 - Frostbite
7.  May 2005 - 31-3 (Three Days) - Jamboree
8.  April 2005 - 12.88 (one day) - NW Bass
9.  July 2005 - 24.10 - WBC
10.  Sept 2005 - 26.91 - NW Bass Champisonship
11.  Oct. 2005 - 24.69 - Scholarship
In my research (remember, I am an engineer), the 80% of the winning teams also had the big fish, with an average weight of just under four pounds.  In the NW Bass Champ., the winning team had BF for both days, hence the heavy weight.  My point is that historically, the huge weights in our discussion set up unrealistic expectations for most anglers, especially new tournament anglers.  I am just trying to "keep it real".  As tournament anglers, or with any competition, setting your sights too high can be your downfall.  What I like to say to my hoop teams, "Over-analysis, leads to paralysis".  I think the same holds true for bass fishing.

Don't forget  NO LARGEMOUTH!!!

Rich

Why is it that weight predictions for Banks ever top 20-24lbs?  I am not saying that it can't happen, but I too have been fishing this lake for a ton of years and have been fairly successful.  If Lyle and I can top 10 lbs per day, we should be in the money.

I think you're right in the ballpark Chad. 12-13lbs average should be pretty good. One guy on the lake is different than a tournament of 50 boats. it seems to bring the sacks down a little as spots get scarcer. I wouldn't think more than 28lbs.

Me and my father have fished this event the last 7 years. EVERY year it takes 24-26lbs to win. Most of the years, big fish will be between 3.5-4lbs, but I believe someone caught a 5+ last year. 20lbs for the two days allways gets you in the money, and usually most everyone will at least limit. The last few years there was around 40 teams.
C&r chad

"For those who are fishing the event" registration will be held between 7-9PM on Friday at the Sky Deck Hotel or at Coulee Playland on Saturday between 5-6:30AM. Drivers meeting will be at 6:30 am at Coulee Playland

Looking forward to a great event and big limits. Man with a View was correct when he said 30-32lbs.
Russ

A prediction on weight......5 fish limit and you better have a min. of 28 lbs. 6 fish limit 30 lbs.  I was there last weekend and I know of a person that put together 2 days of fish with best 10 well over 26 lbs. on the way conservitive side.  I would guess more like 31 or 32. Big fish could be rather large for banks possibly over 4.  Don't let the weather stop you the fishing it hot enough to keep your mind off of the cold.

Well, it's not happening for me this year...

Have a good time guys and enjoy the poker. With that many WBC teams, I hope to see lots of top ten spots.

Good lcuk and good fishing.

Faz

I believe Ron makes a good point. Why would any circuit limit the number to 50 when they can have over 100 boats. They want to make money to. No one does this for free that I know of.
Russ