Well, it did spread out the competition, but as far as relieving pressure on the Virginia Division, that did not happen. It is as strong as it ever was. And the new Carolina Division is growing stronger with every tournament, so all the split did was make one strong trail with major entries into two strong trails with major entries.

“The split has really been working good,”Lucas said. “We were hoping it would take some of the pressure off the Virginia side, but we started out with 200 boats. And the Carolina division keeps getting bigger and bigger.. I don’t know if the split alleviated any pressure – both sides are large and going good so far.”

Both divisions are headed to Kerr Reservoir this weekend for the first time this year, with the Virginia Division fishing on Saturday and the Carolina Division on Sunday. Both will be out of Occoneechee State Park Ramp #1.

“Everybody is excited about getting to Kerr this year,” said Lucas. “The season has been going good, we’ve had good participation and the fishing has been good. The guys have been catching some nice bags of fish.”

Lucas admitted he does not know what Kerr has in store for the anglers this weekend.

“I’ve not heard how the fishing is going down there. I’d like to think there will be some spawning fish. I’d say this time of year you could catch them on pretty much anything you wanted to catch them on,” he said. “I don’t think we will see any huge bags, but 17 or 18 pounds will probably give you a chance.”

With four tournaments in the bag so far on both sides and only two tournaments left for each side, Kerr could also be the deciding point in the points race, which has begun to tighten up, Lucas said.

“It looks like it’s going to be just like it was last year. We had a tie for the points last year and had to determine the winner at the classic,” he said. “One of the things we have done this year is provide the top five teams a free entry into the classic and there is a $1,250 bonus if they win it, so the guys are going after that, too.”

After Saturday, the Virginia Division goes to Smith Mountain Lake, May 25, out of Parkway Marina, and then wraps up the regular season back at Kerr Lake June 29, out of Occoneechee State Park. After Sunday the North Carolina Division goes to High Rock Lake June 22, out of Tamarac Marina, and then finishes the regular season June 30 at Kerr Lake out of Occoneechee State Park.

Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail – Virginia Division

Sat, Apr 27, 2013

Kerr / Buggs Island Lake

Occoneechee State Park Ramp #1

Call Chris Lucas at 276-358-0844 for details