It what could be called the battle of 2, Andy Tobe and Bobby Farmer have had very competitive season. Staying neck and neck through out the 2018 season, but despite their best efforts. Ernie Shuler regained some much needed focus and climbed from the bottom to the top with back to back wins including his first Fish Off win at Lake Erie and fish his 2018 season as Angler of the Year. However, despite a great showing from Ernie Shuler, he was not able to dethrone Andy Tobe’s impressive Big Bass of the year of 5.90 lbs.

This years weather has made the season very difficult for the club, and nobody in the club has had a tougher year than Bobby Farmer. Though this is Bobby Farmers first year being the Tournament Director, he has done a fantastic job. Analyzing each tournament and making sound decisions on weather to fish, relocate, or cancel. All of this while staying competitive through out the year. The club certainly appreciates the decisions he has made this year in attempts to keep the club safe while on the water.

Last but certainly not least, when we say our club is like a family, never has then been proven more true than during our last tournament. As the entire club even after a long day of fishing took the time to help one of its own. Changing a tire on a boat trailer may seem as nothing big, but how many times have people passed a person on the highway with a flat without giving it a second thought. The club saw member in need of assistance and rose to the occasion without hesitation. Insuring the club members tire was changed and that he was able to arrive home safely.

With 2018 officially in the books, look out 2019, cause here we come…..

Summer is in full swing, muggy weather, water temperatures comparable to bath water, and the inevitable tough summer bite. With overcast skies and a lite sprinkle here and there. Mother nature gave the club a bit of a break this time out, but despite pleasant weather, given the time of year, the bite still proved to be tough.

Despite tough fishing, 2 anglers seemed to have the magic touch. Bob Farmer would capture 4 fish totaling 5.40lbs, but despite another great showing from the veteran known to the as Bobby Bass, the victory would go to Tony Vieson. Achieving his first 5 fish limit totaling 7.06lbs. Tony would also capture Big Bass victory with a respectful 2.25lbs bass.

With 4 tournaments in the books, the Angler of the Year standings is till up for grabs.

1st Bob Farmer 18.58lbs
2nd Andy Tobe 17.19lbs
3rd Dan Schmitz 12.46lbs

Bob Farmer and Andy Tobe continue to put some distance on the back while Dan Schmitz can feel the pack closing in. With less than a pound separating 3rd to 5th. Will East Fork be the lake that closes the gap on the leaders, will we see another Angler climb out of the bottom of standing put some on 3rd through 5th. Only time will tell….

The 2018 season is in full swing and this years weather has certainly played a role in the clubs outing. Our first tournament cancelled due to weather and our most recent outing was moved to Rocky Fork. Which offered up some great fishing, as the club captured 38 fish. The best outing this season so far. Several members got there first fish of the season, while others hit there 5 fish limit. Tyler Spurlock would grab his first season win and would beat out co-angler Ron Crabtree by mere ounces to take the big bass win as well. Totaling 9.93 lbs for the day and a big bass of 3.66 lbs.

With 3 Tournaments in the books, the earlier leaders are beginning to put some distance on the pack.

1st Andy Tobe with 15.77 lbs
2nd Bobby Farmer with 13.18 lbs
3rd Dan Schmitz Sr with 12.46 lbs

Being this early in the season, Angler of the Year is very much up for grabs. Tyler Spurlock’s who blanked at Loramie is now less that a pound away from the top 3. Ron Crabtree capturing his first fish of 2018 is now in 5th. 1 tournament can make the difference and this weeks tournament could be as up in the air as the standings. With weather playing a large role in this years season. Could the river offer up another big change in the club stands or will mother nature once again send the club to alternate waters. Only time will tell.

It’s once again time for the clubs favorite event of the year. That’s right, the DD and Youth Fishing Derbies are upon us. For over 25 years our club has been encouraging fishing within our community by being a part of the Hamilton Optimist Youth Ranches fishing derbies. If you haven’t been to one of the derbies before you are missing out. On day 1 June 2nd is the DD Fishing Derby. A completely free event for the development disable community. All they need is a fishing pole. We have bait and hooks. They get a free meal and door prizes and hours of fishing in a friendly and safe environment. Then on day 2, bring on the kids for the Youth Fishing Derby. Just as with day 1, a free meal, and door prizes for all who participate. All you need is a fishing pole. Registrations begins at 7am both days and we fish till noon. With 3 different age groups, each age group has first place boy and girl winner. The only major rule, you can only use the bait we provide which is free. Registration starts a 7am both days and fishing begins a 8am and ends at noon. After which the scores are tallied and winners are announced. As in years past, the Butler County Bassmasters will present a $50 cash prize to the youth who catches the largest bass during the event. We hope to see you there. Click the image below for direction to the event.

Address: 567 Beissinger Rd, Hamilton, Ohio 45013

Jack Frost and mother nature have been a bummer this year. Refusing to let winter go. It has left us to cancel and reschedule our first tournament. It also made for some tough fishing at this years Regionals with water temps barely above 50 degrees. Despite tough conditions, our own Danny Schmitz would take first place at this years Regionals. This marks Danny’s first Regional win.

Its officially May and this looks to be a busy months for the club. First we have several new faces. 1 boater and 2 non-boaters will be participating in this months tournaments. Looking to join the Butler County Bassmasters family. Our first tournament will be May 6th at Brookville. The run down is as follows

1. Bobby Farmer and Danny Schmitz
2. Rick Hensler and Ron Crabtree
3. Andy Tobey and Justin Hienbokel
4. Tyler Spurlock and Steve
5. Rick Couch and Toney Barker
6. Scott Wilmoth
7. Ernie Shuler
8. Tony Vieson

From there we head to Loramie on May 20th

1. Bobby Farmer and Steve
2. Tony Vieson and Ron Crabtree
3. Rick Hensler and Danny Schmitz
4. Toney Barker and Josh
5. Tyler Spurlock and Dan Schmitz Jr.
6. Ernie Shuler
7. Andy Tobey

Then before our next meeting, we will be once again be making our way to the Hamilton Optimist Youth Ranch. For the DD and Youth Fishing Derbies on June 2nd and June 3rd. Please remember that kids of all ages are aloud to participate and its 100% free. If you have a son or daughter looking for a great day of fun. Then come to the Youth Ranch on June 3rd by 8am. It is a great time for kids of all ages and we hope to see you there.

Its cold, snowing, and looking at the boat in the garage is almost down right depressing. So how does a fisherman lift his spirits during this time of year? By going to a fishing Expo of course. The Indiana Fishing Expo in Franklin, IN to be exact. Scheduled for Jan 27th and 28th. Be there or be square.

It has been a busy couple of months and it seems like just yesterday we were at Rocky Fork. But a lot has happened in the past 2 months. For starters, lets head to Lake Monroe for the clubs annual fish off. On day 1, Dan Schmitz dethroned Ernie Shuler as the seasons Big Bass holder, who has held the big bass title since the first tournament of the season. Unfortunately day 2 would not be as enjoyable. As only 2 anglers brought fish to the scales. But that wouldn’t hinder Dan Schmitz Jr’s lead as he would not only capture Big Bass for day 1, but the Fish Off Tournament victory as well. Unfortunately, Dan’s over confidence got the better of him as he didn’t let his fish ride allowing Tyler Spurlock to take the Big Bass title on day 2.

From there we headed to Brookville Lake, with mirror ounces separating 2nd through 5th in the standing and Ernie Shuler with a comfortable 9 lb lead, Brookeville was set to be the lake that decided it all. With high winds, mother nature certainly didn’t make it easy on the club, but despite the conditions, 2 anglers had an amazing day. Ernie Schuler had his best tournament yet as he captured a monstrous 13.86 lbs. and captured the tournament Big Bass of 4.94 lbs. Leaving him just shy of recapturing Big Bass for the season. Danny Schmitz Jr. however wouldn’t be out done. Despite not being a tournament fish, the biggest fish of the day would be is 17+ lbs Stripper.

With all the tournaments completed, Ernie Shuler for the second season the a row captures Angler of the Year and Dan Schmitz Jr. holds onto Big Bass

Rick Hensler takes the win at Rocky Fork and makes ground on Ernie Shuler. With only 2 tournaments left in the season. The season equalizer is upon us with the clubs yearly fish off approaching. With only 10 lbs separating 1st and 2nd, this years Fish Off could be the tournament that either locks it up for Ernie Shuler, or allows Rick Hensler or Bobby Farmer to snatch Angler of the year right from under Ernie Shuler’s nose. Bobby Farmer will have the advantage with the most lake experience, Ernie Schuler blanked on day 1 last year but was on the fish by day 2, and this will be the first trip for Rich Hensler to this lake, but beginners luck maybe on his side. As the last 3 tournaments have been new waters for Rick and he has managed to capture the win at all 3. This years angler of the year may come down to wire.

Standings

1st – Ernie Shuler – 31.02 lbs
2nd – Rick Hensler – 21.08 lbs
3rd – Bobby Farmer – 17.43 lbs
4th – Danny Schmitz Sr. – 14.44 lbs
5th – Dylan House – 12.77 lbs

Rick Hensler makes it 2 in a row. Weighing in 6.21lbs at Tanners Creek. Rick would also take the Big Bass win as well with his 3.87lb bass. Ernie Shuler grabbed second with 3.87lbs, and Scott Wilmoth would close out the top 3 with 2.15lbs.

With only 3 tournaments left, the season standings are as follows

1st – Ernie Schuler – 27.24lbs
2nd – Bobby Farmer – 16.27lbs
3rd – Rick Hensler – 15.53lbs
4th – Danny Schmitz Sr – 13.59lbs
5th – Dylan House – 12.77lbs

Lake Loramie was a scorcher, baking the club in there attempts to find fish in the very muddy waters. 1 angler even departed early as with already not feeling well. The baking sun proved to be to much. Despite the muddy waters and high temperatures. Several club members had good days, but despite the good days of some, Rick Hensler had the best day capturing a 5 fish limit of 6.27 lbs and taking home his first club victory. Bobby Farmer would take the big bass win with his 2.04 lbs bass. Toney Barker would take 3rd with 2.65 lbs

The season is officially half over and Lake Loramie shook up the club standings quite a bit.

Ernie Shuler lost a little ground but still holds 1st with 23.37 lbs
Bobby Farmer jumps from 4th to 2nd with 14.28 lbs
Danny Schmitz Sr. holds onto 3rd with 13.59 lbs
Dylan House drops to 4th with 12.77 lbs
Rick Hensler climbs out of 8th into the top 5 with 9.32 lbs

The club will head back to the river at Tanners Creek. Will this be the tournament to really gain ground on Ernie Shuler? After great season last year, will this be the tournament that Tyler Spurlock and Tony Vieson need to turn there season around? Or will Rich Hensler make another impressive showing and take a run at the top 3. Only time will tell.