STOP #7 - Chipman

The second leg of a scorching double-header weekend brought anglers to Municipality of Grand Lake NB, in Chipman, NB where the scent of fresh sawdust lingered in the summer air, the wind picked up just in time, and the water teemed with multi-species opportunity. From bass to sunfish, catfish to perch — anglers gave it everything to stack points and land their way to victory in this multi-species format.

With big prizes, wild diversity in catches, and intense competition — Chipman did not disappoint!

TOP 5 ANGLERS
1st – Rene Pelletier – 102.75 pts $500 Winner
Rene locked down the top spot with a well-rounded and gritty effort. He stacked 7 species, including a chunky 16.25" smallmouth, and a healthy chain pickerel. He also added in sunfish, catfish, chub/fallfish, and a won the X Zone LuresTHE ROD GLOVE target species prize pack with 22.50 inches of white and yellow perch. Rene walked away with a dominant win and a $500 payday courtesy of Municipality of Grand Lake NB.

2nd – Gage Nyenhuis – 95.25 pts $300 Winner & Top Youth Angler
Gage proved again that age is no barrier to skill, finishing second in both tournaments this weekend. His day included 7 above average species: a solid 11.75" fallfish, smallmouth, catfish, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed. Gage snags another Walters Baits Plaque.

3rd – Jean Muzzerall – 93.75 pts $200 Winner
Jean brought a consistent and tactical approach to the day, catching 7 total species, with kicker 18" smb, and 22" chain. Jean's solid spread and efficient scoring gave him the edge to land in third and claim a well-earned $200 prize.

4th – Michael Marsh – 92.25 pts Only Eel Caught!
Michael had one of the most unique catches of the tournament, landing the only eel of the day! His total included 7 species like smallmouth, pickerel, perch, sunfish, catfish. He narrowly missed his first Atlantic Laser Works plaque but earned massive respect for the rare species.

5th – Chris Bingham – 90.5 pts
Chris fished hard and stacked 7 species, highlighted by a chunky 15.75" smallmouth, strong perch numbers, and a hefty pickerel. His diverse lineup and bonus points pushed him into the Top 5 — a clutch performance in a deep field of anglers.

BONUS HIGHLIGHTS
Lunker Bass: Quinn Marsh took home $150 for a solid 16.75” smallmouth
NB Bass Tour Draw Winner: Quinn Marsh also walked away with a free NB Bass registration for 2.

Terry Lemon Lemon’s Hardware Daiwa Combo Winner: Congratulations to Nicolas Mayne (QC) on the big gear win!

Nixie Knox Gallery HP Plaque Winner: Allan Marsh
Walters Baits Tackle Box Winner: Greg McLaughlin

Special shout out to TJ with Access Paving and Construction who joined us for the weekend!

Huge shout out to Thomas Tower Cranes and Shawn Patterson for sponsoring our Chipman tournament and welcoming us all to your marina!

TOP 5 OVERALL ANGLERS – 2025 HOOK & PADDLE SERIES (After Chipman)
After two hot and weed-choked tournaments in Harts Lake and Chipman, the series leaderboard is starting to take shape — and these five anglers have risen above the pack with consistent, clutch performances in multi-species madness.

1st – Rene Pelletier – 256.75 points
Rene is setting the bar with only two events remaining, claiming 14 of 16 on the species list, Pelletier is looking to continue his consistency, show his range and making a strong run at his 4th series title. Rene’s the one to beat right now, and everyone is looking to catch him.

2nd – Travis Melanson – 244.25 points
Hot on Rene’s tail is Travis, who’s fishing with power and precision. His standout consistency and podium placement along with bonus points are keeping him within range of striking. Don’t be surprised if he surges to the top with one more big catch.

3rd – Bryan Cawthra – 224.25 points
Bryan has had an up and down season, but this past weekend he managed to reel in the only Muskie in the series this season, which vaulted him into a top 3 position. He will need to find a few more species to defend his 2024 HP title looking to remain on the podium down the stretch.

4th – Peter Nyenhuis – 212.75 points
Peter has been near the top of every tournament, managing to find strong species diversity in any conditions. Peter is keeping pace with the leaders, which is no surprise, but don't sleep on this HP Sleeper as he has proven clutch catches when needed.

5th – Jean Muzzerall – 207.25 points
Jean has been quietly stacking points all season long, landing 12 species already, he will rely on execution and bonus potential, Jean is well within striking distance as the series heads into its next stage.
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With tight margins and bonus points in play, anything can happen next. Stay tuned as the Hook & Paddle ~ Oromocto ~ Finale Day 1 Hook & Paddle ~ Fredericton ~ Finale Day 2 is next on the schedule — with plaques, prizes, and pride on the line this year will no doubt be another exciting finish.