2005 Gander Mountain Pro-Am Completes Record-Breaking Year
2005 Gander Mountain Pro-Am Completes Record-Breaking Year
By Chris Kenyon
The 2005 Gander Mountain Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon and Trout Team Tournament Series (Gander Pro-Am) finished a stellar year with the final leg in Wayne County nearly doubling the entrants from 2004. Sixty-one boats competed in the July 15-16 event, which completed the 2005 tournament series, that started in Niagara County early in June.
Niagara, Oswego, and Wayne Counties, the three ports in the Gander Mountain Pro-Am Series, all had impressive record breaking numbers. Niagara tied 2004's outstanding numbers with 82 teams fishing the tournament, 44 professionals and 38 amateurs. Oswego set a record with 78 teams participating, beating the 2003 record by three. Oswego had 43 professionals and 35 amateurs. Wayne County nearly doubled their entrants, and also set a record with the highest points in a Pro-Am series, when team "Real Deal" took first place with a 303.66 total score. (Pro-Am points are based on 10 points for each fish and one point for pound weight.) Wayne's total contestants for their second year were 61 teams, 33 professionals and 28 amateurs.
The fishing during all three events was nothing short of spectacular. The king salmon dominated the catch and the "silver fish" were consistently in the 25-to 30-pound class.
Niagara started the Gander Mountain Pro-Am June 5 and 6. Both days in the Pro Division had many contenders; however, two teams were neck and neck during the contest. "Reel Excitement" with Captain Bob Songin, and Captain Bob Steven's "Sunrise II" battled like true fishing champions, and one fish decided first place. "Sunrise II" took the $10,000 prize package, which included $5,000 in cash.
Niagara amateur team newcomer, "Rochester Guys" took first place in their division. John Martone, from Hilton, New York and team won $5,000 in prizes, $2,500 of that in cash.
Oswego's turn to shine was July 8 and 9, and after two beautiful days of fishing The Big O's waters, the record 78 teams filled their boxes with another outstanding catch of fish. "Thrillseeker," with Captain Vince Pierleoni and crew, added another win to his impressive history of fishing competition for trout and salmon in Lake Ontario. Captain Pierleoni caught 10 salmon the first day out, then came to the weigh-in tent with another great catch of 12 salmon for the final day. Those two days of "silver fish" gave him a score of 523.92. The "Thrillseeker" team walked away with $8,250 in cash and prizes for their first place win at Oswego.
Amateur team "Team Lightning" took the honors for first place with an impressive 360 points, and won $4,750 in cash and prizes. A total of $35,000 cash and prizes were given out during the Gander Mountain Oswego Pro-Am.
Final stop on the tournament trail was Wayne County, July 15 and 16, one week following the Oswego tourney. Weather was perfect, although very hot; however, that didn't stop the kings on the bite. The 61 boats that entered hammered the fish, and after the two day event was over a record score of 601.33 gave "Real Deal" the best hand in the fishing game. Captain Dennis Ferry and team led the first day and although the race was tight early, the "Real Deal" team brought in three boxes on day two, and the mighty king salmon again led the way on catches. Captain Ferry won $6,500 in cash and prizes for first place. Amateur team "Screamer" weighed in a two day catch of 395.71 and took home $3,500 in cash and prizes. "Screamer's" Wayne County scores also gave them first place in the Challenge Cup in the Amateur Division.
The Challenge Cup is presented to the teams in both Professional and Amateur Divisions who score the highest points while competing in Niagara, Oswego, and Wayne Counties. "Thrillseeker" took the title and the cup in the Professional Division. Captain Vince Piereloni won $2,500 in cash and prizes for taking his team "Thrillseeker" to the top by scoring the highest in all three counties. Dave Antenori won $500 in prizes for his performance with team "Screamer." The prestigious Challenge Cup is sponsored by Great Lakes Tackle Supply, Yeck Lures and Lyman Lures.
The complete standings in all three Gander Mountain Pro-Ams, as well as a list of our very vital and important sponsors are listed on the official web page www.Lakeontarioproam.com.
The 2006 season promises to be bigger and better, and if the fishing continues to provide these competing teams with such phenomenal catches, records will certainly be broken. Dates for 2006 are: Niagara County, June 3 & 4, Oswego County, July 7 & 8, Wayne County, July 14 & 15.
Chris Kenyon is an Outdoor Columnist for The Sodus Record-Sun. He is a member of NYSOWA and The Outdoor Recreational Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism. He is also a freelance writer for several publications.