The Midlands Striper Club recently treated anglers to a thrilling “doubleheader” fishing event on Lake Murray. Not only did they host their monthly tournament, but they also organized the DNR Open Tournament off Dreher Island on April 20th. A total of 48 teams participated, with 23 teams in the MSC April Tournament and 25 teams in the DNR Open Tournament. Together, they reeled in 54 striped bass weighing a total of 441.18 pounds and brought in a full two-fish creel to the scales.
Claiming the top spot in the MSC event was team Next Time, led by Captain Louis Buckwell, alongside Billy Durant and Leonard Bishop Jr., with a total weight of 21.20 pounds. Following closely behind, team Sea-N-Stripes, captained by Chip Bragg, along with Ryan Eubanks, Kendall Eubanks, and Gene Bragg, secured second place with 20.10 pounds. Meanwhile, team Pole Bending Charter Service, led by Captain Wayne Condrey and Clyde Condrey Sr., clinched third place with a total weight of 20.0 pounds and also took home the Team Wildman Big Fish Award sponsored by The Nichols Store for their 13.70-pound striper.
In addition to these winners, accolades were also bestowed upon other participants, including Liz Sineath from team Stone Age for the Lady Angler award, Kendall Eubanks from team Sea-n-Stripes for the Youth Angler award, and team Stone Age for the Middle of the Pack award. Team MasterBaiters claimed the Smallest Creel award, while the Synergy eTherapy Live Release Award went to Team One More Fish.
In the DNR Open Tournament, team Next Time emerged victorious once again, securing first place with a total weight of 21.20 pounds. They were closely followed by team Sea-N-Stripes in second place and team Pole Bending Charter Service in third place. Pole Bending Charter Service also claimed the First Big Fish prize, while team Next Time took home the Second Big Fish award. Team Wildman topped the TWT category.
The event was further enriched by the support of creel sponsors, Team Fish’N 4 WEIGH’N and Team Rocky Bottom, contributing to the overall success and enjoyment of the tournament.
