Following instincts brings Enon bass fisherman McNeal big haul

Angler in contention for elite event after Weekend Series win at Alum Creek.

Bryan McNeal of Enon won the Ohio Division Bassmaster Weekend Series tournament May 16 at Alum Creek. His one-day, five-fish weight of 9.67 pounds was well ahead of second-place (8.35 pounds). Contributed photo

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By Brian Plasters, Staff Writer 11:17 PM Saturday, June 6, 2009

Pre-fishing for a tournament at Alum Creek, Bryan McNeal had just a couple bites as he tried to find and pattern the largemouth bass in the reservoir.

That was on Friday, May 15.

One day later, McNeal could hardly keep the bass out of his boat on his way to winning the Ohio Division Bassmaster Weekend Series tournament. His one-day, five-fish weight of 9.67 pounds was well ahead of second-place (8.35 pounds) and the rest of the field.

McNeal’s largest bass weighed 3.68 pounds. He caught seven in all and culled two (switched them with larger fish) to finish ahead of 59 other boaters. Only six of 60 anglers brought in five fish, the limit.

McNeal’s total payday for winning the tournament, after sponsor contributions, was $12,250. It was the biggest money win to date for the Enon resident and veteran of several bass tournament trails.

To get the win, McNeal said he followed his instincts. He ditched all his work from the pre-fishing and went with what he does best: fishing a spinnerbait.

“I followed my gut instinct,” McNeal said.

Plus, the weather cooperated.

“It was cloudy and overcast, and it would mist now and then, but it never rained to the point where we had to put our rain suits on,” McNeal said. “I just got what I wanted to fish the way I wanted to fish.”

He caught all his fish before lunch. By 1 p.m., the fish turned off and his day was basically done.

“That mid-morning bite seemed to be the ticket,” McNeal said.

McNeal, 41, fishes both the Weekend Series and the Ohio BASS Federation Nation. If he keeps winning, both could get him to his ultimate goal — a berth in the Bassmaster Classic, bass fishing’s top event.

The top 20 percent, based on points, of the Weekend Series anglers advance to the regional tournament. Last month’s Alum Creek win puts him solidly in contention to advance.

“I’m a die-hard BASS guy. Between the federation and this series, I have a shot to move on,” McNeal said. “It’s a long road, but at least I have a shot to move on. When you throw the contingency money on top of that, to me it’s a no-brainer.”

Simon Blanton of Mechanicsburg finished third at Alum Creek in the co-angler division with two bass weighing 2.57 pounds.

ontact this reporter at (937) 328-0366 or bplasters@coxohio.com.

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