It took three days and two different months to decide it, but the Badlands Bass Bandits finally wrapped up their season Oct. 20 with the completion of their 2012 Classic Championship. The Classic was scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 15-16 at Lake Sakakawea State Park. It marked the first time the Bandits had chosen Lake Sakakawea for their finale.
Robert Reinbold, of Timber Lake, S.D.. outdueled season points leader and defending Classic Champion Marty Mantz of Center on Day 1. Reinbold brought a three bass limit weighing 8.11 pounds to the scale. Mantz was a close second with a catch of 7.82 pounds. Jeff Wetzel of Mandan was third at 6.96 pounds.
The weather turned windy and cool for Day 2 of the Classic. The uncooperative elements limited access to many fishing areas on Lake Sakakawea, particularly for shallow drafting bass boats. Reinbold protected his lead during Day 2 with an excellent catch of 11.15 pounds. Once again Mantz was second, 8.78 pounds; and Wetzel third with 5.85 pounds. Due to the weather limiting full participation, it was decided to add a third day to the Classic.
Article Photos
Submitted photograph
Bob Reinbold, Timber Lake, S.D., center, captured the Bass Bandits 2012 Classic Championship held on Lake Sakakawea. Marty Mantz, of Center, left, was the Classic runner-up and Angler of the Year. Eric Vossler, Bismarck, right, finished third in the Classic.
Day 3 was staged Oct. 20 out of Lake Sakakawea State Park. The top two positions didn't change. Reinbold captured the Classic with a three bass limit of 8.56 for a three-day total of 27.82 pounds. Runner-up Mantz weighed in 7.51 pounds to secure second place with 24.11 pounds. A final day catch of 6.88 pounded vaulted Eric Vossler of Bismarck into third place on the final day.
Fact Box
Badlands Bass Bandits final standings
Marty Mantz, Center67 pts.
Janine Wetzel, Mandan51 pts.
Matt Sullivan, Bismarck47 pts.
Jeff Wetzel, Mandan43 pts.
Paul Reinbold, Dickinson41 pts.