Moro Bay State Park welcomed fishing enthusiasts to its 28th Perch Jerk Classic Bream and Crappie Tournament on Saturday, July 15th. Despite challenging conditions caused by heavy rain and a significant rise in the river level, the event drew a respectable turnout of 49 teams, comprised of a diverse range of participants, including young individuals, older couples, best buddies, and even next-door neighbors.
Park Superintendent Paul Butler commented on the difficulties faced by the anglers, stating, “The river level rose 7 feet in the few days leading up to the tournament from the recent heavy rain, so fishing was difficult for many. However, as they always do, a few teams found some good fish even in difficult conditions.” Despite the adverse circumstances, several teams managed to secure impressive catches.
Top photo: Big Bream winner Reese Welch
Considering the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament’s participation was slightly lower than usual. Nevertheless, it was a noteworthy achievement for Moro Bay State Park to be able to host the event again after the hiatus since 2019. The park management expressed their gratitude to all the participants and local merchants who contributed to the success of the tournament.
A total of 39 local merchants from El Dorado, Warren, Hampton, Strong, and Lake Village generously donated door prizes worth $1,634, consisting of 73 prizes in total. Each participant had a chance to win these prizes, and Jason Boswell emerged as the lucky winner of the grand prize—a fish cooker and propane. Boswell also secured a Marine Battery in the regular drawing.
Moro Bay State Park expressed its profound appreciation for the support received from donors and participants. These contributions enable the park to fulfill its mission of protecting the natural resources at Moro Bay and providing people with opportunities to experience the great outdoors. The park management also acknowledged the importance of Amendment 75, a 1/8th cent conservation tax, in making events like the Perch Jerk possible.
The winners of the tournament, along with their respective prize money, are as follows:
Bream Division: 1st Place Total Weight Bream – Mike and Kathleen Purdue (5 lbs. and 5 oz.) – $100 2nd Place Total Weight Bream – Bill and Reese Welch (4 lbs. and 4 oz.) – $70 3rd Place Total Weight Bream – Carlton and Terry Poole (3 lbs. and 7 oz.) – $50 Largest Bream – Reese Welch (7 oz.) – $20
Crappie Division: 1st Place Total Weight Crappie – Chad Miller (fished without a teammate) (4 lbs. and 2 oz.) – $100 2nd Place Total Weight Crappie – Dale and Cole Fife (2 lbs. and 10 oz.) – $70 3rd Place Total Weight Crappie – Craig and John Coleman (1 lb. and 10 oz.) – $50 Largest Crappie – Chad Miller and Dale Fife (tie) (1 lb. and 6.7 oz.) – $20
In the Crappie Division, Chad Miller emerged victorious with an impressive total weight of 4 pounds and 2 ounces. Notably, Miller fished without a teammate, showcasing his exceptional angling skills. In the Bream Division, Mike and Kathleen Purdue claimed the top spot, securing a total weight of 5 pounds and 5 ounces.
Special recognition was also given to Reese Welch, who caught the largest bream, weighing in at 7 ounces, and Chad Miller and Dale Fife, who had an equal share in catching the largest crappie, weighing 1 pound and 6.7 ounces. The tie for the trophy and monetary reward was resolved by a coin toss, with Chad Miller emerging as the fortunate winner.
The success of the 28th Perch Jerk Classic Bream and Crappie Tournament showcased the resilience and dedication of the participants, despite the challenging conditions. Moro Bay State Park extends its appreciation to all those involved and looks forward to hosting more memorable events in the future, thanks to the support of the local community and the conservation tax.
