Repoli Breaks Records En Route to Championship

DANBURY – In 7-plus years of existence, no one from the BAWS bass club had ever weighed in a fish that meet or eclipsed the 6-lb mark. That is until Kevin “Beers” Repoli did so in the 2011 BAWS season finale at Candlewood Lake, bringing a new club-record 6.85 lb largemouth to the scale.  Adding some drama to the mix, Repoli’s lunker and first-place finish on the day (15.28 lbs) with partner Mike “River” Adamciewiecziecweiczicwiezc assured Repoli of capturing his second career BAWS Championship.  “I was fishing my butt off for a lot of reasons this year,” an elated Repoli explained post–tournament.  “I kept my eye on the prize and was able to hang on for the victory.”  Being the only non-boater to ever win the overall BAWS Championship twice now means a great deal to Repoli.  “Winning as a non-boater isn’t the easiest thing to do, but I’ve been fortunate to be partnered up with some quality boaters in my time,” he said. 

Team Daves (Willis and Botteron) took the second place finish for the day with a 12.63 lb bag of smallmouth, catching all their fish on blade baits.  “Wasn’t sure if the water was going to be cold enough for them,” Botteron said, “but apparently it was.”  Botteron, who had a shot at the top spot for the year, ended up 3^rd overall for the season. “If someone was going to beat me, I’m glad it was Kevin,” admitted a bleary-eyed Botteron.  Willis, the previous lunker record holder (5.74 lbs), plans on taking his record back in the future. “I hope Kev enjoys it while it lasts, because I’m coming after him,” Willis said with a big smile on his face.

TJ “Ponds” Steward and Wayne “Wanye” Meager finished in third place for the day also with all smallmouth (11.83 lbs).  Steward captured the Boater of the Year title and was happy for Repoli regardless of his own second place season finish.  “Kevin’s a good guy, but I’ll beat him next year,” said Steward.  “I only pre-fished 18 days this year, next year I’ll at least double that and maybe I’ll win it all,” he added.

With another season in the books, anglers are already looking forward to next year.  “It’s time to regroup and get back to the top of the mountain,” said 2010 champion Nic Okun “Stein” emphatically.

As the chill of winter descends upon the region, boats will be cleaned and prepared for winter storage.  Snow will fall, sheets of ice will form over the water and dreams of big fish will fill BAWS members’ dreams during long winter nights. 

To be continued in 2012 . . .

Tournament Notes

-New club lunker record - 6.85 lbs (Kevin R.)