53rd Annual Chaonia Landing Bass Tournament By RB Bass Outdoors Angler Jeff Jewell

The 53rd Annual Chaonia Open Bass Tournament was held last Saturday at Lake Wappapello in Southeast Missouri. Wayne and Melanie McSwane, owners of Chaonia Landing Marina hosted the tournament and had the store and restaurant opened early so the Angler’s could get a hot breakfast, ice and any other last minute needs. The McSwane’s took over the Marina a few years ago and have made taking care of the fishermen a priority that is very much appreciated. With cooler evenings over the last few weeks Lake Wappapello has been starting its fall transition, shad schools are moving out of the river system and working their way towards the back of coves. Pre blast off dock talk was all about an inconsistent bite, with the bass moving day to day and the difficulty in finding some bigger fish. Once the weigh-in started it was obvious that bigger fish were in short supply with a majority of teams weighing in 8 to 9 pounds for a 5 fish limit.

One of the teams to find some better fish were Randy Pierce and Kieth Carroll, these guys brought in a 5 fish limit of Wappapello Largemouth weighing in at 16.06 to take the win. Randy and Kieth are always in contention for the win at Wappapello. Randy said they fished Shallow with top waters early and pitching into the brush later in the day for their winning limit of bass…. Congratulations Guys, Great Job.

Coming in second was another one of Wappapello’s top teams, Doug Cheatham and Kevin Royer. Doug said they ran up river and threw crank baits all day for their limit that weighed in at 14.98.

Fresh off a victory in the Big “O” Charity Tournament Nate Griffen teamed up with his Father Greg to capture 3rd place with a total weight of 14.25. Nate said they cranked the River edge to get their fish.