Canadian Junior Wins Eastern Divisional Qualifier

Jake Sasnowski of Bowmanville ON. wieghed in 8 pounds 8 ounces to capture top honors of the 15 to 18 year old Junior Bassmasters Easter Qualifier on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampture. Maine angler Brian Volkernick won the 11-14 year old group.

After a 2 hour fog delay, yet another change in the weather that plauged the seniors the previous days, the juniors blasted off with the senior FNC qualifiers as boaters. Winni, as the locals call it can be tough at this time of year, particularly after a long year of tournament pressure. But the juniors seem to brush that off and had a good day on the water. Gerry Heels guided Jake and younger Mark Morrison from Barrie Ontario. Mark came up empty but fished hard and had a great time.

It was a long wait for Jake as he was last to wiegh-in and already watching the first bag wieghed in at 7 pounds six ounces. Jake was pretty sure he had over 8 pounds but tournament scales can be disappointing. Nobody topped the first bag weighed until Jake wieghed in. 

What did he use?

Winnipesaukee hosts a good number of tournaments each year and many of the seniors adapted to the pressured fish by using smaller baits and extremely light line. Drop-shot seem to be the technique of chioce for most of the  senior qualifier. So when the juniors hit the water they were armed with what worked for the previous days.

Jake used an X-Rap after getting some advice from top Ontario Team qualifier Mike Desforges and boater Gerry Heels. He landed his three casts into his first spot.

Next stop for Jake was the JWC at Milford Lake out of Junction City, Kan. For more information on that leg of Jake’s and Mike Desforges’ Journey please click here

Jake's winning bag

Lake Winnipesaukee

Milford Lake