Mertens and grandson win stage 2 of LCAA Shootout

LEE COUNTY - Thirty-four two-angler teams gathered for the second of three “Shoot -Out” tournaments, this time on Lake Sugema, Iowa, near Keosauqua.  
Water temperatures around 85-87 degrees usually forces anglers to seek a little deeper, slower approach presentation.  Generally, that was proved with a few notable exceptions.
Team Mertins consisting of Mike and 10-year-old grandson, Bo,  just outright owned the first-place finish with a bag of five bass tipping the scales at 23.60 lbs.  In addition, they weighted a 7.50 lb bass which took the “Big Bass Award”.  The second-place team of Calab Neu and Conner Swenson took a bag of 21.14 lbs. to the scales, including a 6.11 lbs. beauty. Third place was earned by Jared and Todd Flockhart  who took five bass to the scales weighing 20.83 lbs.
 Some anglers found a niche using swim baits, 8 in. plastic worms, Ned rigs and even a few fish were caught using top water lures while mixing up whatever they could to catch larger fish.

Fourth-place Anthony Barnes and Chad Saltzgaver caught 19.48 lbs. of fish including a nice 6.68 lb. largemouth bass.  Fifth place was found by Scott and Mitch Seager added a huge 6.73 big bass included in the very respectable 18.57 lbs.  Sixth place went to Kritter Hayes and Scott Anderson bagging 17.27 lbs .including a 6.68 lbs. bass.
Team Culbertson of Mark and Ryan Culbertson teamed up to boat 16.8 lbs. of bass from the lake, while including a 5.27 lb largemouth bass to finish in seventh place. 
Total fish weighed was 120 bass for a total weight of 348.29 lbs., with an average weight  of 2.90 lbs.
The final “Shootout” will be on August 8 at Pool 19 out of the Fort Madison Marina.  Tickets for a drawing for a shotgun, St. Croix rods, and more will be drawn at this final weigh in.  The public is  encouraged to drop by and take a look.  For more information visit  Lake Cooper Angling Assocation on Facebook.
For years, the Lake Cooper Angling Association have been offering aspiring anglers an opportunity to participate in  light competition with local and area friends and is available to men, women and kids. Some restrictions apply.