Meridian Anglers dominate WBFL Columbus tournament
By By Mike Giles / outdoors writer
May 23, 2003
Meridian has long been known as a hotbed for some of the best fishermen that the state has to offer.
Last Saturday the local fishermen around Columbus found out just how good the Meridian anglers could be.
Todd Ratcliff of Meridian claimed $3,476 as the winner of the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League Mississippi Division's third regular-season tourney, held Saturday on the Columbus Pool near Columbus.
Ratcliff snared the top spot with a five-bass limit weighing 13 pounds, 12 ounces. Ratcliff caught his bass on spinner baits.
James Hays of Meridian had another good outing with a five bass, 12 pound creel which was good for $904.
Ken Murphy of Meridian also had a fine showing by coming in fifth, while catching five bass that weighed 11 pounds, 10 ounces. Fifth place was good enough for $765.
Delayed arrival
Murphy arrived in Columbus just in time for the tournament. He had been fishing an FLW tournament on Kentucky Lake where he came in 31st.
That performance propelled him into ninth place on the national FLW co-angler trail.
Murphy found his bass at Columbus by casting Zara Spooks and frogs. During the practice prior to the tournament he really had the bass blowing up on the topwater baits.
Tim Fox of Lauderdale also had a strong showing by catching a limit of bass that weighed in at 10 pounds 8 ounces.
Rounding out the top finishers from Meridian was Brent Baucum with 4 bass weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces.
Co-anglers
Michael Miller of Meridian finished fourth with a three-bass catch weighing 8 pounds that earned him $438.
Miller was fortunate to be paired with Ken Murphy, who was on a strong topwater pattern.
David Wheat of Philadelphia came in 12th. Wesley Wheat of Meridian had another strong showing with a 26th place finish.
