Around Erie with Hicks

Mark Hicks went to Lake Erie a week ahead of time to practice for the final Bass Pro Shops Northern Open out of Sandusky Bay.

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BoatUS Angler insurance saved my bacon on Monday’s official practice day when my outboard’s fuel pump gave out. I was in Canadian water 20 miles from the ramp. The tow didn’t cost me a cent.
BoatUS Angler insurance saved my bacon on Monday’s official practice day when my outboard’s fuel pump gave out. I was in Canadian water 20 miles from the ramp. The tow didn’t cost me a cent.
The Ann Marie towboat out of Marblehead, Ohio, came to my rescue when my outboard’s fuel pump died on Monday’s practice day. BoatUS insurance paid off big time for me. Don’t leave for a tournament without it.
The Ann Marie towboat out of Marblehead, Ohio, came to my rescue when my outboard’s fuel pump died on Monday’s practice day. BoatUS insurance paid off big time for me. Don’t leave for a tournament without it.
Cory Schenk (left) and Kevin Holmes towed me in when my fuel pump quit while I was fishing in Canadian water during practice. Thank you Cory, Kevin and BoatUS.
Cory Schenk (left) and Kevin Holmes towed me in when my fuel pump quit while I was fishing in Canadian water during practice. Thank you Cory, Kevin and BoatUS.
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes goes over the rules at the pre-tournament meeting.
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Tournament Director Chris Bowes goes over the rules at the pre-tournament meeting.
You can’t tell by this photo, but the competitors at the pre-tournament meeting can’t wait to get after Lake Erie’s giant smallmouth bass.
You can’t tell by this photo, but the competitors at the pre-tournament meeting can’t wait to get after Lake Erie’s giant smallmouth bass.
Someday I hope to earn one of these Bassmaster Open trophies, preferably, the one on the left.
Someday I hope to earn one of these Bassmaster Open trophies, preferably, the one on the left.
When the second day of the tournament was canceled due to weather, my daughter Valerie, Opens angler Brian Schram and I trekked to Cedar Point to enjoy some thrill rides. The parking lot was empty and the off-season hours were 6 to 9 p.m. We needed sleep for the next tournament day more than thrill rides.
When the second day of the tournament was canceled due to weather, my daughter Valerie, Opens angler Brian Schram and I trekked to Cedar Point to enjoy some thrill rides. The parking lot was empty and the off-season hours were 6 to 9 p.m. We needed sleep for the next tournament day more than thrill rides.
Val and I pose in front of Tyrannosaurus rex outside the gates at Cedar Point.
Val and I pose in front of Tyrannosaurus rex outside the gates at Cedar Point.
There were no pirates or pirate types at the Thirsty Pirate on Catawba Island. However, The Thirsty Pirate had a wide assortment of beer. We bought sample glasses so we could imbibe several beers without getting woozy.
There were no pirates or pirate types at the Thirsty Pirate on Catawba Island. However, The Thirsty Pirate had a wide assortment of beer. We bought sample glasses so we could imbibe several beers without getting woozy.
The next stop on cancellation day was the Nagoya restaurant, which is known for its sushi. We had five rolls of sushi brought to our table.
The next stop on cancellation day was the Nagoya restaurant, which is known for its sushi. We had five rolls of sushi brought to our table.
Val and Schram are adept with chopsticks. I got by, but had to resort to a fork on one occasion.
Val and Schram are adept with chopsticks. I got by, but had to resort to a fork on one occasion.
The Erie Open was Michael Iaconelli’s last chance to qualify for the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. His clutch performance will go down in history. Very impressive.
The Erie Open was Michael Iaconelli’s last chance to qualify for the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. His clutch performance will go down in history. Very impressive.
Iaconelli takes a moment to read the inscription on his Northern Open trophy. He said that every win is special in its own way. It’s hard to believe that any win is more special to Iaconelli than this one when his back was against the wall to qualify for the Classic.
Iaconelli takes a moment to read the inscription on his Northern Open trophy. He said that every win is special in its own way. It’s hard to believe that any win is more special to Iaconelli than this one when his back was against the wall to qualify for the Classic.
I pose with one of the few big smallmouths I caught during the Erie Open. This one weighted 5-2.
I pose with one of the few big smallmouths I caught during the Erie Open. This one weighted 5-2.
Tournament Director Chris Bowes was kind enough to let me say a few words on stage at the Lake Erie Open.
Tournament Director Chris Bowes was kind enough to let me say a few words on stage at the Lake Erie Open.