Flora fisherman reels in the big prize
By Jennifer Archibald Staff writer

First-place prize Ladd Kitchel won this bass boat by earning the title "first place angler" in the Indiana Bass Federation's Forrest L. Wood Classic. He is pictured with his wife, Kim, their daughter, Karlee, and son, Braydon. Kitchel's tournament sponsors are Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Killbuck Valley Sports, Bass Boat Saver, and Solar Bat Sunglasses. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald

Ladd Kitchel of Flora has been fishing competitively for more than 20 years.

In the bass tournament circuit, he recently won "the big one" - the Indiana Bass Federation's Forrest L. Wood Classic.

As first-place angler, he received a $40,000 Ranger bass boat.

This was the 30th year for the Classic, which was held Oct. 13 and 14 on the Ohio River at Clarksville/Jeffersonville.

Kitchel said he has had several top 10 finishes in various tournaments and placed second in two other Classics, but this is the biggest tournament he has won.

Six qualifying tournaments, all in Indiana, were held prior to the Classic. Kitchel said 150 anglers started out in the first tournament. At the end of the six tournaments, Kitchel was 21st overall. The top 40 were eligible to compete in the Classic.

Kitchel said the fish have to be at least 12 inches long to count, and there is a five-fish limit each day. He was the only angler to catch the limit both days.

His first day's catch weighed in at a total of 6.68 pounds, and the second day's at 6.88 pounds, totaling 13.56 for the first-place finish. The second place angler brought in a weight of 10.56, three pounds less than Kitchel's total.

Besides the boat, Kitchel also received a plaque, rod and reel, and other prizes.

Kitchel fishes in the angler or boater category. Those who have boats are paired with those who don't. The nonboaters fish from the back of the boat and compete with others in their own category.

Kitchel said his father, Larry Kitchel of Monticello, goes with him to the tournaments and competes in the non-boater category. In 2002, when Kitchel placed second at the Classic, his father won in the co-angler division.

Kitchel said he grew up fishing with his dad.

"I've been fishing in tournaments since I was 18, and I bought my first boat when I was 21," he said.

"For me, fishing is a passion. It's an opportunity to stay competitive, do something I really enjoy, and be on the water."

He said Mike McDonald, with Ranger Boats, has been a big help to him.

Kitchel said if anyone is interested in learning more about the Indiana Bass Federation tournament trail, contact him by email at lkkitch@skyenet.net.