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Jim Alphin

Jim Alphin, Hemphill, TX

Team Yamamoto Texas staffer, Jim Alphin works at Gary Yamamoto's Pro Shop on Toledo Bend Reservoir, Hemphill, Texas (409-625-0495). He recently returned to bass fishing again, following 23 years of active duty as a First Sergeant in the U.S. Army. So far, Jim has five bass over 10, up to 12.25 lbs. He's fished the Texas Association of Bass Clubs, the Honey Hole circuits, and fished for Bumble Bee Boats and for Ron Totten with T.U.F. Line. Jim fished the Everstart Central with 2 top 10 finishes and last year he qualified for the Everstart Championships on Pickwick. Jim also does guide work on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn. But the best thing Jim does is, "Teach fishing to just about anyone who will listen to me!"

As Jim always says, "Keep a Good Eye on a Tight Line!"

Jim Alphin caught this 9.97 on a Fat Ika in color 051 (black w/red flake). It was in mid-March 2003 on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend Reservoir. "I had this one plus four more for a little over 22 lbs total. I was using Sugoi 16 lb. gray line and skipping the Fat Ika out in front of buck brush that was in 3 to 5 ft of water. The key this day seemed to be to back off the brush banks toward the deeper water just a little further out (20 ft plus)," says Jim Alphin.

Now, we all have to admire Jim for his honesty. How many other guys would have rounded up that 9.97 into a 10? Way to go, Jim!

Jim Alphin
Toledo Bend Pro Shop
Phone 409-625-0495
Highway 21 at the Pendleton Bridge just outside Hemphill, Texas