When Dave and Denise Tanner entered their first Guys & Dolls bass tournament, they had no thoughts of qualifying for a year-end championship. They simply wanted to compete with other couples in their region and share in some on-the-water fellowship. As the season progressed, however, they soon realized a championship was within reach.
“We entered the Florida circuit simply because we both like to compete, and it was something we could do together,” recalls Dave. “I ran it by Denise and she was all-in.”
Little did the pair know where that first event would lead.
“We qualified for the Guys & Dolls Championship that first year, and it was quite an experience,” said Denise. “It was an eye-opener.”
After tasting some success, the pair was hungry for more. “We fished four years straight and qualified for the championship every year,” said Dave. “In 1990, we won the Couple of the Year title. The following year, the championship was held on Lake Chickamauga in Tennessee. That’s when we hit paydirt.”
Amassing a two-day total of 21 pounds, 4 ounces, the Tanners claimed the Guys & Dolls Couples Championship — besting second place by more than 5 pounds.
Along with the Tanners, 35 other couples qualified through their respective regions — all of which were in the Southeast. Each division hosted six qualifying events, through which the top 12 couples advanced to the championship.
Lady luck
Dave claims it was Denise who put them over the finish line in 1991.
“She caught 14 pounds of our total weight, plus the big bass of the event — a 4 1/2 pounder. We fished the same area where I’d caught an 8-pounder in practice, and it proved to be the winning spot.”
Together, the Tanners won the keys to a fully rigged Ranger boat valued at more than $24,000. That was a lot back then, and it more than paid for the cost of fishing four years on the couples circuit.
“If you want to test your marriage, try spending a few days in a boat with your spouse,” quipped Denise Tanner. “There were challenges, but overall it was a great experience … one we would gladly do over again.”
Other couples circuits
Not long after the Tanners won the Guys & Dolls championship, the organization folded. And, for a time, there were no large-scale, his-and-her tournament circuits to compete in. That’s all changed now. This year, the American Bass Anglers introduced its “American Couples Series,” sponsored by Bass Pro Shops.
Designed as a team format for family involvement, teams are made up of one male and one female — husbands and wives, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons. The series features 12 divisions across the country, six to 10 events per division each season. Through those, the top 200 teams (determined by points) are invited to a year-end championship.
According to the circuit’s organizers, their events are restricted to weekend anglers only. Guides and pros are not allowed to participate. And entries are $100 per couple. They tout them as “one-day, close-to-home events,” the best five of which count toward your “National Point Standings.” Finish in the top 200 teams and you’re on your way to the championship, where the winners will walk away with thousands in cash. For more information, visit their website or call (256) 232-0406.
There are numerous other couples circuits out there, as well. Among them are the Couples Association of Sport Tournaments (C.A.S.T.), Texas Bass Couples, Fun & Sun Couples Trail and the Better Half Tour. By doing a simple Google search, you’re certain to find one in your part of the country.
In dealing with a pandemic, what better way is there to spend your time with your better half than competing on the water?