Co-Ed divisions are somewhat a new thing for USA Bassin’ but many are taking advantage of a great opportunity. Fishing with a Co-Ed team can be done this year and gain points for a Classic appearance. C0-Ed teams may fish in a division set for Co-Ed’s or any tournament on the National Trail. However, if you fish Co-Ed in a National trail you must tell the director prior to the tournament you want the points obtained in that tournament to go to Co-Ed points. Kentucky is leading the way in the national point’s race with 23 of the top 25 spots.

John Newton, director for Kentucky divisions and Kentucky Regional director wants to inform all Co-Ed’s that the 2-day get together planned for Oct 1st and 2nd on the Rough River Lake for all those earning 250 points or better has been cancelled. Due to permit issues John is going to do the Co-Ed get together in June 2012 at the Co-Ed Classic on Kentucky Lake.

Last year’s divisional points champion in the Spring Lakes division, Todd and Karla Buckingham was the winner of this year’s season opener. The Buckingham’s are no stranger to Co-Ed fishing they have participated in the series since the start. I asked Todd in an interview about how the two got started fishing together. Todd said that on vacations at Kentucky Lake he convinced Karla to try bass fishing with him and since that time the two have been fishing together now for 4 years.  

Todd went on to say that at times when it was extremely cold out he would tell Karla to take a break if she wanted and Karla would reply “I’m OK”. Karla seems to have taken to it well, not only did the two win the division last year they also came only 2 points away from winning the fall division. At the season opener on Spring Lakes the two culled once during the tournament. Todd flipping bushes and Karla throwing a crank bait team Buckingham turned in a 13.41 sack of bass. Todd caught big bass of the day weighting in at 5.51 lbs. Buckingham told me that catching the fish in shallow water and the appearance of the fish looked as if she had spawned out.

Todd felt that the three days of warm weather may have produced an early spawn. You can rest assured at the Classic in June 2012 the Buckingham’s will be there ready to take their shot at the big prize. Team Gore and Nalley had the only other limit for the day to take home second place with a 10.92 bag. Co-Ed team Paul and Paul was the third place team with 4 fish weighting 8.37.