by Michelle Armstrong
The first stop this year for the Ladies Bass Angler Association (LBAA) was held on Lake Hickory in Hickory, NC. With a field of almost 50 anglers, four of North Carolinas’ female anglers ended up in top ten positions.
In the “co-angler division coming in 4th place was Terri Davis from Sanford, NC. She also had the biggest fish on the co-angler side weighing 4.45lbs. Terri is a NC native who grew up in the Appalachian mountains. She started fishing tournaments only a year ago and has already amassed one win at the Big Bass Bash held on Badin Lake and several 2nd place spots on other tournament circuits.
Doris Parsons from Maiden, NC came in 1st place on the co-angler side. Doris, a Louisiana native, made NC her home in the mid 70s. Doris has fished competitively for quite some time. Upon moving to North Carolina, Doris opened Tackle Town, an outfitter located in Maiden NC and well known among anglers. She is often commissioned for advice by some of the best fishermen around and also to hand craft lures for them.
In the professional division, Angela Mayo finished in 7th place. Also a native North Carolinian, she grew up in Mocksville and resides in Maiden. Angela began competing several years ago and has an impressive number of high finishes as well as a few “championship” titles. She is a legal assistant for Sigmon, Clark, Mackie, Hanvey & Ferrell located in Hickory, NC.
Coming in 5th place on the “Pro” side is Denver, NC’s Michelle Armstrong. Michelle has competed for many years in couples, and co-ed formats. She formerly fished The Women’s Bassmasters Tour. This is her first National tournament trail in eight years. Michelle is a manicurist and owns The Nail Therapist located in Mt. Holly, NC. She is also on Bass Pro Shops “pro-staff” and can often be found there hosting seminars.
LBAA was founded a few years ago and allows women across the country to compete against each other at a National level. LBAA is a Pro-Am format meaning there is a Professional and an “amateur” ( “co-angler” ) on each boat. Pros compete with Pros, and amateurs compete against other amateurs. Ladies with all different skill levels, and from all over the country show up to compete.
There are a total of four tournaments this year with the next on being on Toledo Bend. For more information on LBAA visit www.ladybassanglers.com or you can find them on Facebook.
1. Me
2. Angela Mayo
3. Terri Davis
4. Doris Parsons