On August 14th the Watershed Bassmasters held their 7th event of the season on Copake Lake. After a violent overnight storm which knocked down trees and power lines ripped thru Columbia County, the morning began with a beautiful sunrise. And unlike the previous 4 or 5 tournaments, the only precipitation on this day was the perspiration from the anglers. Oppressive humidity with temps in the 90s challenged the focus and fortitude of all those on this day.

As they say, some things never change, and this trip to Copake was no different. When all was said and done, John Ogolik won his 3rd consecutive regular season tournament at the lake with a 14.62 lb bag of largemouth bass. John fished “junk” all day and reported that the bite was off. His bass were hitting short much of the time. Evident when he would bring his jig in with the trailers pulled off and watching fish swim away. But obviously he put enough green fish in the well to secure the win.  He could be on his way to his third consecutive AOY as he has now separated himself even further from the pack with three tournaments left.

About a pound behind the winner was Gary Menchen with 13.59 lbs. Early on when his jig was constantly bringing up muck on almost every cast, Gary changed from a 5/8 to a 1/2 ounce jig which worked much better. In making a strong bid for his 2nd straight victory and third of the year Gary could not cull out a squeaker largemouth as a heavy fish shook loose in the final hour. Gary did however catch the day’s lunker, a 3.65 largemouth.

Third place went to the home-lake favorite Kenny Kapfer who brought in a good limit weighing 10.68 lbs. Kenny also fished jigs all day long.

Rick Faubert secured the Top Non-Boater spot with a limit weighing 8.49 lbs. Slick Rick acknowledged Kenny K’s guide service as a key part of his success during the event.