Paczkowski paves the way to co-angler title

Alan Paczkowski used a 15-pound, 4-ounce catch to capture the Co-angler Division title on Guntersville Lake. Paczkowski took home $6,000 in prize money. Photo by Gary Mortenson. Angler: Alan Paczkowski.

June 8, 2002 • Gary Mortenson • Archives

Needs only four fish to claim top prize of $6,000

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Despite only catching four fish and losing all power in the boat during a crucial two-hour period on the final day of competition, co-angler Alan Paczkowski of Henrio, N.C., still managed to buck the odds and walk away with an improbable first-place finish on Guntersville Lake – capturing the first EverStart tournament title of his career.

“This is absolutely incredible,” said Paczkowski, who was still shaking his head at the amazing turn of events shortly after weigh-in. “This is one of the best days of my life.”

Ironically, a few short hours earlier, Paczkowski wasn’t even thinking about winning the tournament. He was only trying to get back to shore.

“At about 1 p.m., our battery power went out and we couldn’t crank up the big motor. So, we switched over to the trolling motor and tried to fish with that,” he said. “But a little before 2 p.m., the trolling motor quit on us. Thankfully, two local fishermen came over and gave us a jump. Otherwise we would not have gotten back. We were really blessed today.”

Paczkowski said his pro partners and some timely bites also had a big hand in victory.

“I owe a lot of this to my pro partners, they really went out of their way all week to help me,” he said. “I was also lucky enough to get big bites all week. I must have caught almost 50 pounds of fish this week.”

Using a Zoom Spook top-water bait and a 10-inch Zoom Old Monster worm, Paczkowski managed to turn in a 15-pound, 4-ounce catch to capture the title.

“I’ve just had a great week,” he said. “I’ve been fishing the EverStart trail for four years now, and this is my first title. I couldn’t be more happy.”

Taylor nets second place, spot in 2002 record books

Bolstered by a catch of 14 pounds, 8 ounces, Jeff Taylor of Vernon, Ala., not only managed to finish in second place, but he also secured a share of the 2002 EverStart Eastern Division year-end points title in the process.

“After three years of fishing the EverStart Series, this is my best-ever finish,” said Taylor, who tied Ken Karoll of Lake Placid, Fla., for the 2002 points title with his dramatic, final-day rally. “It’s just been a great week. It’s been phenomenal.”

Taylor, who trailed Karoll by 15 points heading into the semifinals and 8 points heading into the finals, ultimately finished the year with 726 points. Anglers receive 200 points for each victory, 199 points for a second-place finish, 198 points for third place, and so on.

Taylor, who won $4,000 for his efforts, has now finished in the top 20 in three of four tournaments this year in the Eastern Division.

“I knew if I kept my bait in the water all day, anything could happen,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of fun. I caught fish all week and I’ve had a great time. You just can’t beat it.”

For the record, Taylor targeted milfoil and hydrilla pockets in 4 to 6 feet of water using a Zara Spook top-water bait and Zoom Old Monster worms.

Roy Altman Jr., of Augusta, Ga., finished the day in third place after posting a 10-pound, 3-ounce catch.

“We caught fish all day long,” said Altman, who won $3,500 for his efforts. “This is just a fabulous lake. I’ve had a great time.”

Fourth place belonged to Lance Henderson of Fort Ogden, Fla., who turned in a catch of 10 pounds to take home $3,000 in winnings.

Legrant Scott of Tucker, Ga., used a 9-pound, 14-ounce catch to finish in fifth place, capturing a total purse of $2,500.

Best of the rest

Rounding out the top-10 finalists were: Harry Cowley of Birmingham, Ala., with a catch of 9 pounds, 10 ounces; Joshua Vest of Okeechobee, Fla., with a catch of 6 pounds, 13 ounces; Ron Figueroa of Appling, Ga., with a catch of 4 pounds, 15 ounces; David Parks of Decatur Ala., with a catch of 4 pounds, 3 ounces; and Brad May of Regina, Ky., with a catch of 2 pounds, 4 ounces.

The Guntersville, Ala., tournament concludes the 2002 regular season of Eastern Division competition. However, the top 50 EverStart Eastern Division co-angler qualifiers will be invited to participate in the 2002 EverStart Championship, scheduled to take place Nov. 6-9 on Lake Martin in Alexander City, Ala.