logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
First major fish tournament of the year held
News
March 20, 2025
First major fish tournament of the year held

Josh Teply of Harrah, made an impressive statement at Lake Eufaula this past weekend, securing the victory at the first ABA Pro League tournament of the season for the Oklahoma division. Despite limited practice due to severe windstorms that reached speeds up to 80 mph on Friday, Teply relied on his previous experience on the lake to bring in a solid five-fish limit weighing 21.81 pounds. His catch was anchored by a notable 5.76-pound bass, which also earned him Big Bass honors.

Teply received $3,400 for his first-place finish, along with an additional $440 for the biggest fish of the day. The challenging weather conditions significantly impacted the overall weights brought to the scales.

“I figured out these fish are where they want to spawn,” Teply explained. “Water temperatures were in the low to mid-50s most of today, but I found pockets yesterday morning where temperatures reached 64 degrees. I just focused on spawning areas and threw spinnerbaits all day. It was tough—I broke off a few fish and lost several big ones, but still managed to land about 12 keepers. Around 10 a.m., we finally got some sunshine and a breeze, and that really turned the fish on.”

Sand Springs resident Darin Anderson took second place with a fivefish limit totaling 17.13 pounds. Anderson’s catch included an impressive bass weighing 4.38 pounds, earning him a payout of $1,500.

“I caught most of my fish throwing jerkbaits,” Anderson said. “I missed a couple of bites early but made a key color change, which made all the difference. I stayed in 7 to 8 feet of water throughout the day. Overall, I caught about eight fish, six of which were keepers, so while it wasn’t extremely busy, it was definitely productive.”

Third place went to Barry Hoehne of Newalla, who brought in a fivefish limit weighing 14.21 pounds. Hoehne earned $1,200 for his efforts.

“I found the warmest water I could and did what I hate doing: throwing a spinnerbait,” Hoehne remarked humorously. “I know it’s almost sacrilege because bass typically avoid spinnerbaits here in Oklahoma, but that’s what they were biting today, so that’s what I threw. I stayed in one area all day and kept grinding. I caught about seven keepers, which allowed me to cull a couple of times.”

Eli Brumnett from Wagoner and Bill Bean from Eufaula tied for fourth place. Both anglers weighed exactly 13.85 pounds and each received a check for $900.

For anglers who missed this event, there’s still plenty of opportunity to qualify for the Ray Scott Championship.

Points needed for qualification can be earned from any ABA division nationwide and participating in just one event makes anglers eligible for the two-day tournament later in the fall.

The next tournament will take place at Lake Tenkiller, launching from Sizemore Ramp, on April 26.

Treasurer honored at retirement party
A: Main, News...
Treasurer honored at retirement party
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
Retiring McIntosh County Treasurer Betty Whisenhunt received high praise from the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd at Whisenhunt’s retirement party Friday. “She could give courses acros...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Council approves water rate increase for city and rural users
By SHAUNA BELYEU GENERAL MANAGER 
July 3, 2025
A newly adopted ordinance, passed June 9 by the City Council, increases rates for all users, including those living outside city limits. This new ordinance officially raises monthly water rates for re...
this is a test
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
A: Main, News...
Lightning strike kills Eufaula woman in cemetery
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
July 3, 2025
A 57-year-old Eufaula woman was killed by lightning during a routine stroll through a cemetery Friday evening. Joy Ann Rogers was walking through Greenwood cemetery shortly before 7 p.m. when a thunde...
this is a test
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
A: Main, News...
Family, friends and fans bid farewell to Blues legend
By LENORE BECHTEL 
July 3, 2025
Her casket rested below center stage at the Checotah Performing Arts Center, open for friends, fans, and family to view her precious body before her life’s celebration began. No one lingered long. Tha...
this is a test
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
A: Main, News...
Classmates reunite after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
July 3, 2025
Class of 1975 honor Jim Caro as 'Significant Alumni' Classmates from all over the U.S. reunited after years apart during Checotah Alumni weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion by hon...
this is a test
Killing them with kindness
commentary
Killing them with kindness
July 3, 2025
What a month it’s been for me personally and in our close-knit communities. Trying to cope with the loss of loved ones has been extremely difficult and downright demanding. Yet having to come to terms...
this is a test
United for Oklahoma
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
commentary
For the Children ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ overhauled in Senate, would cause even more government borrowing
By JOE DORMAN, OICA CEO 
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past month, I have highlighted portions of the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Currently, the bill is under consideration by the U...
this is a test
Another busy week in the district
commentary
Another busy week in the district
By REP. TIM TURNER 
July 3, 2025
I started last Saturday June 21, bright and early at Stigler Reunion Days. I kicked things off at the Haskell County GOP Tent, answering questions and catching up with friends and supporters. Then I h...
this is a test
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
commentary
Hays Supports MOHA Executive Order
July 3, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Muskogee, today expressed strong support for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MOHA) executive order, which targets artificial food additives and ...
this is a test
News
Woman captured following foot chase
July 3, 2025
A 39-year-old Eufaula woman who had an outstanding warrant on an arson charge was arrested Wednesday, June 25, following a foot chase in a wooded area around south 7th Street in Eufaula. Tamara Dean K...
this is a test
Katy Depot Meet and Greet
News
Katy Depot Meet and Greet
July 3, 2025
Mike Key talked to his Class of 1975 and other alumni about their Significant Alumni Jim Caro at the Katy Depot Meet & Greet on Saturday.
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy