Grove, OK, – The XFL-Extreme Fishing League presented by Skeeter Boats held it’s 2013 Championship on Grand Lake out of Wolf Creek Park on October 12 & 13, 2013. Prior to this event fishing had been fairly tough on Grand with a 15 lb. stringer being considered a “good sack”. However, if a team could break the 15 lb. mark they would stand a good chance to win. Grand is famous for it’s shallow, early fall square bill crankbait and topwater bite, especially if the weather is overcast and/or rainy. The 142 teams that participated in this event were given just those conditions. However, after interviewing several teams the topwater and square bill crankbait didn’t materialize for whatever reason this year. This was evidenced by only 72 limits brought to the scales over two days. In typical Grand Lake fashion the average fish was a healthy 2.35 lbs and all fish were returned alive. The team that adjusted the best was, once again, Curt Warren and John Pilcher. Curt and John weighed a very impressive 39.54 lbs (21.18 Day 1, 18.36 Day 2) to take home the 1st Place prize of $30,000 cash. Curt and John also had Big Bass on Day 1 and won an additional $1,000 for a total payday of $31,000.00. 2nd place went to the team of tournament veterans Allen Head and Gary Carrier with a total weight of 32.84 lbs good for $15,000. The Skeeter Customer Appreciation Bonus of $5,000 went to Phillip Lunceford and Logan Ellar for their 19th place finish. This is Phillip and Logan’s 2nd Skeeter Customer Appreciation Bonus award.
Over the past several years Curt Warren and John Pilcher have established themselves as the team to beat on Grand Lake. Their victories on Grand are too numerous to mention. They certainly do their homework and have earned the respect and admiration of all who fish Grand Lake. I caught up with John at the end of the tournament and he shared a little bit on what they did to win this event in such a dominating fashion.
John said they caught all their fish in 20-25′ of water using a Bass-X Jig tipped with a Paca Craw trailer. One Day 1 they caught their limit of 21.18 lbs on their second stop. The team opted to weigh-in early at 1:00 p.m. because one of their fish was showing signs dying. After weighing-in, the fish was properly “fizzed” by the Skeeter Tournament staff and released into the live release boat where it was monitored. The fish recovered and was released alive back into the lake. Day 2 for Curt and John was a little more of grind in that they ran several spots to catch their Day 2 limit of 18.36 lbs. Not wanting to chance a fish care penalty they once again weighed-in early. Due to upcoming tournaments John didn’t want to disclose much more information which is understandable. The team would like to thank their sponsors Falcon Rods and Bass-X Jigs for their support.
The XFL-Extreme Fishing League presented by Skeeter Boats continues to be the leader in percentage payouts. This year the XFL averaged around 150% payout at each regular season event. This event took the payout a step further. Total entry fees collected for this event was $42,600 with a total payout of $88,315.00 which yields a incredible 207% payout! I would venture to say that no other team circuit pays out over 200%, much less 150%, in the country. Furthermore, this is all cash. No merchandise, no boats, just straight cash. So, if the reader knows of anyone looking for the best paying team trail to fish, please spread the word about XFL.
On behalf of the XFL staff I want to thank Brad’s Boat Sales, H&H Marine and Nichols Marine-McAlester, all the other sponsors and especially the fishermen for their support. Without each and every one of you the XFL wouldn’t exist. Also, a special thanks goes out to the City of Grove, the GRDA and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife for continuing to improve the Wolf Creek facility. The installation of the light towers at the launch ramp is a huge improvement. We wish everyone the best and look forward to seeing all of you again next year.
Capt. Rob