John Flowers and Rick Bevins each caught a northern pike on
crankbaits during their competition in July 2014.
This shortnose gar was caught on a Mepps spinner. Many others were
caught on worms. In past contests, longnose gar have also been caught.
Often mistaken for carp, the shorthead redhorse is a good indicator of
healthy river systems.
JUNE 2016 • NEBRASKAland 67
numbers of different fish
are most active, though
they have also gone in the
summer and fall. Typically
outfitted with two or three
rod-and-reel combinations,
and fishing with two at a
time with different rigs,
they have used baits such
as crayfish and shrimp
for drum, canned corn for
carp, minnows and worms
for a variety of species,
crankbaits, spinnerbaits,
and more to lure in as
many species as possible.
Once a species is caught,
bait and tackle is switched
to attract a different one.
The contest usually begins
at 11 a.m. and ends at 5
p.m. with a lunch break in
between.
"Sometimes fish bite on
both of an angler's rods at
once, and that can lead to
some humorous chaos,"
Flowers said.
These photos were taken
in 2014, when Gus Carlo
passed the trophy to John
Flowers, who won again in
2015. The trio's 2016 trip is
planned for early July, just
after the holiday. Should
readers of this story
happen to be at Gavins
Point and notice them,
don't hesitate to say hello
and ask questions about
how to enjoy this activity.
"It's always fun," said
Carlo, who has recently
moved from UNL to accept
a position at the University
of Missouri. "John also
retired several years ago,
but we still get together
every year."
Who will win this year?
■
