Combs event a real Slam on Rayburn

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The 2nd Annual Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam was held on Oct. 7 at the Umphrey Pavilion on Texas’ famed Lake Sam Rayburn. Combs, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro who won the season-ending event, reports the tournament was a huge success.
The 2nd Annual Keith Combs Sam Rayburn Slam was held on Oct. 7 at the Umphrey Pavilion on Texas’ famed Lake Sam Rayburn. Combs, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro who won the season-ending event, reports the tournament was a huge success.
This year’s event featured a youth casting contest, with 50 kids between 9-18 competing for Shimano rod/reel combos, gift cards to Tackle Addict, and the grand prize of a kayak.
This year’s event featured a youth casting contest, with 50 kids between 9-18 competing for Shimano rod/reel combos, gift cards to Tackle Addict, and the grand prize of a kayak.
There were different styles employed by the youth. This boy gives his pitch a little mouth English.
There were different styles employed by the youth. This boy gives his pitch a little mouth English.
Then there’s the stoic look of deep concentration.
Then there’s the stoic look of deep concentration.
Combs, of Huntingdon, Texas, served as emcee as the kids chased some nice prizes. He also introduced some of his Elite friends.
Combs, of Huntingdon, Texas, served as emcee as the kids chased some nice prizes. He also introduced some of his Elite friends.
Classic champ Jordan Lee was on hand and spoke to the youth.
Classic champ Jordan Lee was on hand and spoke to the youth.
There were three age groups, and the top two in each division received a rod/reel combo from Fish Shimano while the third-place finisher received a $100 gift card from Tackle Addict.
There were three age groups, and the top two in each division received a rod/reel combo from Fish Shimano while the third-place finisher received a $100 gift card from Tackle Addict.
The winners of each age group then competed for the overall champion prize, a Predator kayak from Old Town Canoe and Kayaks.
The winners of each age group then competed for the overall champion prize, a Predator kayak from Old Town Canoe and Kayaks.
Combs presents the kayak to the overall casting winner, 16-year-old Justin Booth.
Combs presents the kayak to the overall casting winner, 16-year-old Justin Booth.
Here’s the morning launch of the tournament, which drew 164 teams. They competed for more than $45,000 in cash and merchandise.
Here’s the morning launch of the tournament, which drew 164 teams. They competed for more than $45,000 in cash and merchandise.
Combs sends them out, probably reminding each that the top prize was a Ranger 198P Bass boat with a Yamaha 150 SHO.
Combs sends them out, probably reminding each that the top prize was a Ranger 198P Bass boat with a Yamaha 150 SHO.
There were plenty of plaques to be awarded to the top teams.
There were plenty of plaques to be awarded to the top teams.
Debbie Perkins was pleased to show off her big catch.
Debbie Perkins was pleased to show off her big catch.
Combs had fellow pro anglers Matt Reed and James Niggemeyer on hand to speak to the gathering of anglers.
Combs had fellow pro anglers Matt Reed and James Niggemeyer on hand to speak to the gathering of anglers.
Albert Collins (center), who’s qualified to recent Bassmaster Classics, and teammate Clayton Boulware show off their Sam Rayburn chops. They finished fourth with 25.94 to win $1,000.
Albert Collins (center), who’s qualified to recent Bassmaster Classics, and teammate Clayton Boulware show off their Sam Rayburn chops. They finished fourth with 25.94 to win $1,000.
Showing their catch are the youth division champions Cole Moore and Colby Miller. They weighed in 19.3 to win a Humminbird Helix 7 and two Mid-South Lakemaster cards.
Showing their catch are the youth division champions Cole Moore and Colby Miller. They weighed in 19.3 to win a Humminbird Helix 7 and two Mid-South Lakemaster cards.
The co-ed winners, Clint Wade and Stacey Sprigs, weighed in 25.24 to finish fifth overall. They won a Hydrowave and $700.
The co-ed winners, Clint Wade and Stacey Sprigs, weighed in 25.24 to finish fifth overall. They won a Hydrowave and $700.
The top college team of Blake Schroeder and Easton Heigley receive their plaques.
The top college team of Blake Schroeder and Easton Heigley receive their plaques.
Jason Moorhead and Ty Moorhead won with a five-fish limit of 28.76 pounds, which included the big bass on the left, a 9.59 lunker.
Jason Moorhead and Ty Moorhead won with a five-fish limit of 28.76 pounds, which included the big bass on the left, a 9.59 lunker.
The Moorheads won a Ranger 198P Bass boat with a Yamaha 150 SHO valued at $32,000 and the Big Bass award of a $750 gift card to Tackle Addict.
The Moorheads won a Ranger 198P Bass boat with a Yamaha 150 SHO valued at $32,000 and the Big Bass award of a $750 gift card to Tackle Addict.
Overall, the event saw 18 bags over 20 pounds, and Combs shows great appreciation to his friend and sponsor, Brian Vonderau. Combs enlisted a number of his sponsors to help make the event a success.
Overall, the event saw 18 bags over 20 pounds, and Combs shows great appreciation to his friend and sponsor, Brian Vonderau. Combs enlisted a number of his sponsors to help make the event a success.
Combs said the event is getting close to its goal of raising $25,000 for Warrior’s Weekend and Hurricane Harvey victims. With several auctions remaining, there has been $20,000 raised.
Combs said the event is getting close to its goal of raising $25,000 for Warrior’s Weekend and Hurricane Harvey victims. With several auctions remaining, there has been $20,000 raised.