Team Abbott Win Celilo June 26th 2010

In 2009 father/son team Don and Randy Abbott had just joined the Columbia River Bassmasters when they scouted the Celilo Pool in preparation for a CRB tournament. High wind warnings forced the club to re-locate the event that year. Although it was considered, this time the event was not moved. High winds, bluebird skies, and post spawn conditions greeted the 8 teams that launched. Don and Randy found their fish and last season's pre-fish finally paid off. Located on one stretch between two points Don and Randy threw Jigs and spinnerbaits and let the area replenish itself throughout the day. Don caught their two largest fish on back to back casts. These fish had 3 and 4lb length, but they had just spawn and none weighed more than 3lbs. They estimated their spot delivered over 40 fish. Congratulations to Don and Randy for their 1st win!

By contrast 2nd place finishers Shon Childers and Rich Lockhart drove up and down and the choppy pool, covered many spots, and never returning for a second chance. For the final four hours they carried a keeper they could not cull. Rich got on a productive spinnerbait bite and Shon asked if he had a spare he could use. Rich said most of the fish in their bag were Shon's including the tournament's big fish 2.81lbs. Another father/son team Jim and Jeremiah Massey finished in third place.

The Abbotts, Randy (left) and Don (right) took first at Celilo in very windy conditions.