While most people were sound asleep early July 31, a group of fishermen made their way to Metro Beach, off of Lake St. Clair.
The reason for the early morning gathering was to participate in the Seventh Annual Customer Appreciation Invitational Two-man Team Bass Tournament, hosted by Jan’s Sport Shop, 7285 State Road, Goodrich.
All the tournament entrants, while using different equipment to catch their fish, had one thing in common ? they were all using boats provided by Jan’s Sport Shop, which was a requirement for entering the tournament.
Jerry Haddrill of Rochester, along with partner John Robiadek of Clarkston, won the pro team division with a total of 20.13 lbs. worth of fish caught, while Pete Lusis of White Lake and partner Mike Kiester of Davisburg won the amateur team division with a total of 22.01 lbs. worth of fish.
First price for the pro division was $3,000, while first price for the amateur division was $1,000.
The day’s festivities lasted until about 6 p.m., according to Brad Hempton, general manager at Jan’s Sport Shop. There was a weigh-in at 3 p.m., followed by awarding of door prizes and a meal afterwards.
Hempton said there were 63 teams participating in the tournament. He said, in past years, between 61-78 teams have participated in the tournament.
‘We have it every year just to thank all of our customers,? he said. ‘We appreciate their business and try to make it a family-oriented thing.?
Haddrill, who has taken part in the tournament all seven years of its existence, said he was pleased with the quality of the event.
‘She probably puts on one of the better tournaments, meaning there’s a little bit to do after the tournament,? he said. ‘There was a nice meal and plenty of camaraderie. It’s a very nice tournament.?
During the tournament, Haddrill used a Ranger boat with a 250 Yamaha motor, and a GPS global positioning unit from Global Electronics, which Haddrill said allows him to go to a certain spot in the lake.
As far as the actual fishing equipment was concerned, Haddrill used Bass Pro equipment and Shimino rods.
Like Haddrill, Lusis, who took part in the tournament for the sixth year, said the event was very well-run, and the staff at Jan’s treated the participants very well.
‘It draws a lot of boats,? he said. ‘Anytime you can get over 60 boats, it’s a good deal.?
Lusis used both tube and creature bait to capture his fish, and went out on the water in a combination fish and ski bass boat.
‘It’s kind of unusual ? most fish out of straight bass boats,? he said. ‘It’s an Astro boat, which has since been discontinued.?
Lusis, who has fished in various tournaments for about 20 years, said winning the Jan’s amateur tournament was a highlight of his fishing career.
‘After six years of trying to win, it’s been a personal goal to win,? he said. ‘Now I have to switch to the professional side.?
Jan’s Sport Shop is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; and closed Sunday. Phone: (810) 636-7173, or go to www.janssports.com.