By Tommy Milstead
The fourth qualifying tournament for NW Alabama Angler's Choice Team Trail was held on Wilson Lake. Clay Fritts and Jeff Stern , for the 2nd time this year claimed the top prize. Fritts and Stern relied on watermelon tubes, white/chartreuse spinnerbaits, and chartreuse crankbaits around 5-8 foot water on the upper end of the lake. Their five fish limit weighed 17.46 lbs, and included the biggest bass of the day, 4.97 lbs. Fritts and Stern took home $1,715 plus a $1000 BassCat Bonus Bucks certificate good for the purchase of a brand new BassCat. If someone is in the market for a new BassCat, these guys are the ones to talk to, they now have $2000 in certificates.

Sam Mize and Bill Dillard continued their strong abilities, coming in 2nd with five fish that weighed 15.32 lbs. Mize and Dillard worked weedbeds during the early morning to pound out a limit by 6:30 am. They used a white Strike King Mirage spinnerbait around drop offs next to the weedbeds in the middle sections of the sloughs and creeks. Mize and Dillard were awarded $570 for their finish.

Leon Tidwell and Monroe Tidwell teamed up to place 3rd with five fish that weighed 14.41 lbs. Tidwell and Tidwell carried with them $430.

Tony Johnson and Barry Gillespie finished in 4th with 13.50 lbs, and $330. Levoyd Lemmond and Jimmy Brakefield came in 5th with 12.67 lbs, and won $275.

In the year to date standings, Mize and Dillard moved up from 2nd to 1st place with a total of 434.46. Fritts and Stern are a close 2nd with 425.84.

The next tournament for NW Alabama Team Trail is June 29,2003 at Guntersville Lake. Goose Pond Tackle and Grill will be the host ramp. For more information contact George Milstead 256-370-7744 or Tommy Milstead 256-389-8670 or email angchnwala@comcast.net

Southeastern Team Championship: October 15-18, Columbus Lake, Columbus MS.

Anglers Choice national sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, Mercury Outboards, Motorguide Trolling Motors, Pure Fishing, Hamby's, Lowrance, Keep Alive and Sure Life Labs, Competitive Edge, Bass West, and Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits.

NW Alabama team trail sponsors are Gray's Tackle Shop, Jim Bishop Big Six Autos, LB Lures, Listerhill Credit Union, Carter Oil Company, Woody's Lodge, Dale's Restaurant, George's Steak Pit, Goose Pond Tackle & Grill, and Mango Tackle.