FORT MADISON - Thirty-six anglers closed out the 2026 “Shoot Out” bass tournament on the Mississippi River here on Lake Cooper at Fort Madison. The weather, as usual, provided a warm setting for anglers as they bolted the entire length of the pool, and some who locked up or down.
First Place - David Son (Charleston), a frequent competitor, and partner Rob Needham (Kirksville Mo.) finished with 14.02 lbs. In addition, they also nabbed the “BIG BASS” of the tournament with a fish weighing 4.02 lbs., helping increase their prize money. No doubt top water baits, spinner baits and wacky worms contributed to filling the live well.
Second Place-Father/son combo Joe and Jacob McCornick of Fort Madison, worked well together catching a five bass limit finishing at 13.91lbs. Water temperature hovered around 82-85 degrees in the murky waters of Lake Cooper, after weather changes.
Third Place finish by anglers Allen Welch, of Middletown, and Mitch Edwards, from Mediapolis, who brought 12.39 lbs. to the scales.
Fourth Place went to father/son duo, Scott and Mitch Seager of Ft. Madison. The two finished just out of third place,to finish with a decent 12.15 lbs., bag of bass.
Fifth place belonged to Dave Vandenberg of Donnellson, and partner Greg Cooper of Monroe City, Mo., who more than likely beat the murky water with spinner baits, landed them in fifth place with a bag of 11.60 lbs., including the second largest bass at 3.29lbs.
The total number of fish brought to the scales was 83 for a total pounds of 184.32.
The team of Mertens/Brotherson are “Shoot Out Finals Champions ! ”Mike Mertens, of Salem, and grandson Bo Brotherson, of New London fished the three tournaments required to qualify for the “Champions Award” each acquiring points based on total weights/points to see which team accumulates the most.
The final standings are as follows:
1.Mertens/Brotherson - 168 points
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