Just mention “Guntersville” to Zell Rowland and you’ll see a grin spread across his weathered face about as wide as the Grand Canyon. Rowland thumped Guntersville lake for 87 pounds over four days back in 2005 to win the Bassmaster Tour tournament held the final week of February. He caught 27 pounds on (Read on at ODU……) the final day and held off a hard charge from Morizo Shimizu, who was probing deeper water for “big mama” and brought in 30 pounds that afternoon.
Rowland’s win came as he battled a lung-rattling cold and worsening weather conditions. Heavy clouds rolled in, bringing a cold, bone-chilling rain. But Rowland’s series of docks and 5-pound bass, along with a shot at the win, kept him in good spirits. It still does, almost 10 years later.
“Things just got better each day,” Rowland said. “I’ve fished Guntersville for 30 years and have some favorite places, some areas where I’m comfortable and have caught fish, and know fish are going to be at certain times of the year. That tournament was just one of those times when everything came together perfectly. I wasn’t the only one catching ‘em, though.” Read on at ODU……
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