Our Bluegrass Baptist Church “Reel Men” Fourth Annual Bass Tournament has come to a successful end. We had 12 fishermen who met on Friday night for fellowship, rules, and a wonderful message from pastor Matt Tullos about FISH (Forgiveness, Integrity, Strength, and Heaven). Everyone walked away with a door prize. We awoke about 3:15 Saturday morning to steady rain and thunder. By the time we reached the ramp at 5:30, the rain had let up to a random drizzle with no thunder, so everyone was checked in and launched. As soon as safe light arrived, we blasted off with Nathan Vaughn in the lead. One boat stayed behind in the cove (good decision). On our first hole, we tried topwater to no avail, and quickly switched to a Carolina rig. A short time later we had a keeper Kentucky in the livewell and John Pipken broke off a HAWG about 6:15. Then the rain hit again, Then the wind got up. Then it rained harder. Then the wind really got up and it rained sideways. Finally the rain let up so we took off for our second hole in 30 mph sustained wind as the temperature was dropping. Just as we came off plan in the second cove, a cold gust hit us and we could see our breath for about a minute before it warmed back up to the low 50’s. Nathan Vaughn and Josh Jones slipped into the same cove a little later. Nathan said everytime he looked over, one of us was hung. All I’ve got to say is “If you’re not getting hung, you’re not cathin’ fish!”. The weather gradually improved through the day. Tommy Elsten said Trent Elsten caught his first bass on a worm, and the expression on his face was priceless!. Joe Hafner and Ray Goff fished shallow, but only caught 4 fish, no keepers. Luke Sines and Dave Marchlewski did the same, but finished second, as did Don Jarvis and Tony Askew who finished first and had big fish. Nathan and Josh caught 4 Kentuckies on a bluff, and we ended up with 2 Kentuckies and a largemouth. Weather for the weigh-in was perfect and everyone had a good time. Most boats caught a bunch of fish, but few keepers (we caught 20, but only 3 keepers). We would like to welcome our new participants, Don Jarvis and Tony Askew, who took us to school on fishing bedding bass. Also returning anglers Dave Marchlewski and Joe Hafner. John Pipkin was the lucky winner of the $25 gift card to Tractor Supply. We hope to see everyone again next year. Don’t forget our Thursday night fellowships at Stark Knob on Old Hickory Lake at 6:15. We will NOT fish Thursday, May 15th due to a conflict with the deacon’s banquet. Good luck, good fishing, and may God bless each of you and your families!