The promise was that the 48 teams that signed up to fish Caney Lake in the third leg of the Northeast Louisiana High School Anglers tournament circuit on February 11th would be landing the largest “lunkers” of the year. The reality was that for 8 hours and 29 minutes the renowned waterway gave up only 66 total fish that weighed only an average of 3.24 lbs. to the 27 teams that caught at least one fish far below the standards that the lake is known for.
Even though it was a tough day for all, there was somewhat of a “home lake” advantage for Landin Chatham of Weston High and partner Jesse Parker from West Ouachita (shown in banner above). The pair that fishes under the NELAHS Anglers mantra because they are from two different schools was one of only four teams to land at least four fish. The 8.11 lbs they weighed in was good for fifth place that boosted them to second in the year to date standings after three events.
Brayden Brown and Joseph Irvin of Weston High also finished in the top ten after the two fish they caught weighed in at 6.88 lbs. and Chatham’s sister Hailey and teammate Addison Ledford scored with two fish weighing a total of 3.08 lbs that was good for a 22nd place finish.
It was a hard day for the four team Quitman High contingent. Hayden Davis, holder of the LHSAA state “Big Bass’ award and his partner Maddox Duck, had the highest finish at #23 that dropped them to #8 overall year to date. Tucker Goss and Cary Hayden Seymore was one back at #24 with Jalin Horne and Aiden Patton coming in #27. QHS entry Waylon Sullivan and Jake Vail along with Brody Halbrook and Gabe Walsworth of Grace Christian failed to land a fish.
The winner was Peyton Barnett and Brayden Pye of Choudrant High who turned in a four fish stringer of 14.83 lbs that included the big bass of the day, a 7.95 pounder. Coming in second was Maddox Williams of Saline High and his partner Eddie Hyatt from Lakeside, who was one of only two teams to reel in a full five fish stringer.
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