Laube, Flor win local bass tournament

The first annual Precision Propeller Works/Excel Bass Classic catch-and-release fishing contest took place June 24 on Lower South Long Lake.

The all-day event included a weigh in, awards ceremony, raffle and barbecue on the beach at the home of Mike and Nichole Hall, owners of Precision Propeller Works.

First place went to Phil Laube and Seth Flor for five bass weighing 14 pounds, 2 ounces. Second place went to Ronald Matt Cartwright and third place to Bill Bongs and Chuck Steinbauer.

A drawing for a four-blade stainless steel Power Tech Propeller (retail value $525) was won by Scott Lindman. Other contestants won fishing tackle and prop wrenches. An impromptu award went to Chuck Steinbauer for being recognized by Buddy, the resident pooch, as the person among all those present who most likely would give up a couple bites of his hamburger.

The second annual event is planned for June 2008. Sponsors of this year's contest were Precision Propeller Works and Tournament Tackle Company of Brainerd and Power Tech Propellers of Shreveport, La.