LAWHON & COLLIER
WIN 2003 WINTER TRAIL CLASSIC

April 5th, 36 teams came to the launch site at White City with hopes of taking home one of the 5 places worth $5,000 that was to be paid out during the 3rd Annual North West Fl. Winter Trail Classic.



These 36 teams were the teams that had qualified after 6 months of competition to get here. It wasn't long into the day before we realized the Bass were going to cooperate as me and my partner, Dave Rogers had started catching a few right away. The fish we had located were so far back in the reeds when you got one hooked up that didn't necessarily mean you got him in the boat. We had enough come off that day to cost us $500. But if you don't put em' in the boat you don't get paid!



When it was all said and done the team of Lawhon & Collier won the 2003 N.W. Fl. Winter Trail Classic with a great 5 fish limit weighing in at 16.18 lbs, and with one at 4.65 lbs was good enough for 2nd Lunker. The always consistent team of Grant & Ray grabbed 2nd place with their limit weighing 14.62 lbs, and a 5.52 pounder took Big Bass honors for the Tournament. Bobby Smith, fishing alone, took third with 13.18 lbs. Poor guy didn't have anyone to share his money with. Fourth place was the team of Duke & Hall with 11.81 lbs and last place in the money was Richburg &Newton with 11.58. The winners said they caught their fish on Spinner Baits, but it was the color that made the difference, and they weren't willing to share that color with me.

The Northwest Fl. Winter Trail holds 6 tournaments per year, starting in October and ending in March with the Classic usually in April. All tournaments are held out of White City, Fl. Tournament entry fee is $70.00 per boat, with a 5 fish limit. This year's trail consistently had 40+ boats per tournament, which always made for a great payout. If you're interested in fishing this Trail in the upcoming season you can call Tournament Director, Kenny Owen at (850) 265-8133.
He can give you any other information you may need or log on to www.AROUNDTHETOURNAMENTTRAIL.com
click on N.W. Fl. Winter Trail for next years schedule.

Good Fishin,

Allen Courtney