Kris Thornton (Osceola) and John Fuchs (Mishawaka) weighed a 4.24-pound, five-fish limit that included 4 "under 12 inches" and 1 over ì15 inchesî to win the R&B Circuit open on the St. Joseph River at Maggies Landing.

Fishing conditions were extremely tough due to muddy water. Not one smallmouth bass was weighed in. The new DNR bass regulation on rivers imposes a 12- to 15-inch slot limit, meaning each angler can have in his possession fish under 12 and one over 15 inches.

The winners caught their fish on jerkbaits and within the first 15 minutes of the tournament. They took home $320.

Curtiss Werner (Osceola) and Darrin Schaap (Edwardsburg) were second ($210) with 4 unders and 1 over that weighed 4.11 pounds. Their fish fell for a Money Mouth Baits Double Take Rig.

A single, 3.75-pound largemouth gave Andy Jenkins (Elkhart) and Scott Beard (Elkhart) third place ($110) and earned them big fish honors ($160). The fish fell for a black/blue jig.

The R & B Bass Circuit season officially begins April 26. In 2013 nearly $20,000 was paid back in the 100% payback circuit. Costs include a one-time $30 team membership fee and $70 per tournament. More information can be found at www.randbbasscircuit.com.