On Saturday, March 16th FOBA held it's first fundraising derby at Little Seneca Lake (Black Hill).  These events are open to all members or non-members provided that at least one angler on each boat is a FOBA member (can be either the boater or the co-angler).

This lake has a reputation for being very challenging in the early spring and the tournament day lived up to that reputation.  In total, 22 fish for a cumulative weigh of 39 lbs 3 oz were weighed in by the full field of 20 anglers.  FOBA utilized its Catch-Weigh-Release format since it is currently closed season for bass in MD non-tidal waters.  All boats are provided with identical calibrated scales and fish are weighed, verified, recorded, and then released.  

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The anglers were greeted by strong winds frequently gusting over 30mph, mostly sunny skies, and cool temperatures.  The water was 43 to 45 degrees with 3 to 6 feet of visibility on average in the main lake areas, with some areas having more stained water and warmer temperatures.

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Boater winner Logan Summers reported catching his fish on a jerkbait, jig, and spinnerbait.  The jerkbait fish came in clear water on the main lake while the rest of the fish were far back in a creek where he found muddy water that was considerably warmer than the rest of the lake.  He also caught the largest fish of the day at 3-10, which came on a spinnerbait in shallow water.  

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Co-Angler winner Chris Hawkins caught only 1 fish, but it was a good one and was enough to win by over a pound.  He reported catching it on a jig in the back of a creek.