Jamie Hartman of Newport, N.Y., takes the lead on the second day of the Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge bringing a two-day total weight of 39 pounds, 1 ounce to the scales.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
April 7, 2017
MANY, La. — Where Jamie Hartman comes from, the largemouth bass spawn only lasts about two weeks.
So, when the New York resident pre-fished Toledo Bend Reservoir back in February and saw lots of bass already on the beds, he just assumed the spawn would be long done by the time he returned for this week’s Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge.
He was wrong, but he wasn’t too stubborn to admit it.
After starting the week in deeper water, Hartman adjusted and has put together a two-day total of 39 pounds, 1 ounce to lead the event. While much of the 110-angler field struggled during post-front conditions Friday, Hartman caught a five-bass limit that weighed 15-12.
“I had a terrible, terrible practice this week,” Hartman said. “I’m not familiar with these southern waters, where the spawn just lasts for months, obviously.
“I pre-fished here for 2 1/2 weeks in February and saw two big waves of fish go in and out. I spent all of that time graphing deeper spots where I thought postspawn fish would be, and it just hasn’t happened yet.”
When Hartman realized this week that the fish weren’t positioned as he expected, he said he started gradually moving shallower until he found the transition areas that are holding prespawn bass.
He caught an impressive five-bass limit that weighed 23-5 during Thursday’s opening round and then survived Friday’s downturn well.
“All I could catch on those places I graphed were small fish,” Hartman said. “I moved in and started catching bigger ones. I don’t think I’ve caught a fish that has spawned since the tournament started. Every one I’ve caught has been big and fat.”
Hartman said he caught about 10 keepers Friday — and that was enough to put the Elite Series rookie on top of a leaderboard that includes veterans like James Elam (second, 38-8), Todd Faircloth (third, 37-14), Brett Hite (fourth, 37-13) and Casey Ashley (fifth, 36-12).
Elam also came to Toledo Bend expecting to catch postspawn bass after catching so many postspawn fish on Lake Conroe during the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods two weeks ago.
Unlike Hartman, he said he’s been able to stick with his strategy. But the bites have been few and far between.
“Size-wise, I caught some good fish today, but I didn’t get a whole bunch of bites,” said Elam, who weighed in 22-10 Friday. “Yesterday, I had a lot of fish that would bite the bait and miss it. But late in the day, I found a bait they would eat.
“Today, I had three 5-pounders, and I just caught those randomly. They were the only good fish I caught from those areas.”
Faircloth, who caught 20-2 Thursday, saw his weight dip slightly to 17-12 Friday. But he said he still caught fish on three baits, fishing three distinct types of cover.
“I’m fishing shallow, deep and in between — and catching fish in all of those places,” he said. “I think that really tells you just how good this lake is. When you can do that consistently, it’s a real testimony to the fishery.”
After catching 24-11 Thursday — good enough for second place on Day 1 — Hite saw his weight cut nearly in half during Friday’s harsh post-front conditions. He brought only 13-2 to the scales Friday, but fell just two spots to fourth.
“I caught just as many fish today,” Hite said. “I executed on every fish that bit, but I never had one of those big bites that you need here.”
Hite said he expected the day to be tougher, judging by the weather forecast.
“The second day after a front is usually the toughest one,” Hite said. “It should get better as the week goes along, but the boat traffic will also increase as we get into the weekend.”
Texas angler Kelly Jordon weighed in the biggest bass of the day, a 7-13 largemouth, but Jason Christie’s 9-10 largemouth from Thursday has him in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week.
The tournament will continue Saturday, with the Top 51 remaining anglers taking off from Cypress Bend Park at 6:45 a.m. CT. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3 p.m., with only the Top 12 anglers advancing to Championship Sunday for a chance to win a $100,000 first-place prize.
The event is hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country.
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Minn Kota, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Yamaha, Berkley, Huk, Shell Rotella, Humminbird, Nitro Boats, Mercury, Skeeter Boats
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: T-H Marine, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, Shimano, Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
2017 Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge 4/6-4/9
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many LA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 39-01 110 $500.00
Day 1: 5 23-05 Day 2: 5 15-12
2. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 38-08 109
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 22-10
3. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 37-14 108
Day 1: 5 20-02 Day 2: 5 17-12
4. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 37-13 107
Day 1: 5 24-11 Day 2: 5 13-02
5. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 36-12 106
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 23-09
6. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 36-08 105
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 15-03
7. Jacob Wheeler Indianapolis, IN 9 36-02 104
Day 1: 5 25-01 Day 2: 4 11-01
8. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 10 33-08 103
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 13-11
9. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 10 33-05 102
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 13-05
10. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 33-02 101
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 15-14
11. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 33-01 100
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 17-05
12. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 10 32-10 99
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 15-09
13. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 10 32-08 98
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 18-05
14. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 32-06 97
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 13-11
15. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 32-05 96
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 15-04
16. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 32-01 95
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 16-02
17. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 10 31-11 94
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 13-06
18. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 31-11 93
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 14-02
19. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 10 31-09 92
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 17-11
20. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 31-05 91
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 13-02
21. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 31-00 90
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 13-03
22. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 30-15 89
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 16-01
23. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 30-13 88
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 10-05
24. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 10 30-13 87
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 13-11
25. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 30-12 86
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 18-00
26. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 30-12 85
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 16-12
27. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 10 30-12 84
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 14-02
28. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 30-03 83
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 12-00
29. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 10 30-01 82
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 17-10
30. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 30-00 81
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 17-12
31. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 29-14 80
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 15-10
32. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 29-07 79
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 11-11
33. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 29-07 78
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 17-03
34. John Murray Spring City, TN 10 29-04 77
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 11-07
35. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 28-14 76
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 13-09
36. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 28-12 75
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 16-14
37. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 28-06 74
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 12-04
38. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 28-04 73
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 10-11
39. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 28-02 72
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 13-14
40. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 28-00 71
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 11-04
41. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 27-13 70
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 10-06
42. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 10 27-10 69
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 15-02
43. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 27-08 68
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 11-01
44. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 27-06 67
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 14-12
45. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 27-03 66
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 11-12
46. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 9 27-03 65
Day 1: 4 14-15 Day 2: 5 12-04
47. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 9 27-02 64
Day 1: 4 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-08
48. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 27-00 63
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 13-04
49. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 26-14 62
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 12-11
50. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 26-10 61
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 13-15
51. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 26-04 60
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 14-08
52. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 10 26-00 59
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 13-10
53. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 10 26-00 58
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-00
54. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 25-08 57
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 11-04
55. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 10 25-08 56
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 12-09
56. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 10 25-04 55
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 13-09
57. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 10 24-15 54
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 14-10
58. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 10 24-15 53
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 13-06
59. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 24-09 52
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 10-13
60. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 24-01 51
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 10-05
61. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 7 23-13 50
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 5 19-11
62. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 9 23-09 49
Day 1: 4 11-00 Day 2: 5 12-09
63. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 23-08 48
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-07
64. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 10 23-08 47
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 11-05
65. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 23-06 46
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 10-06
66. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 10 23-03 45
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 11-08
67. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 9 23-01 44
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 4 08-10
68. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 22-12 43
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 13-08
69. David Williams Newton, NC 10 22-06 42
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 08-08
70. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 22-06 41
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 11-02
71. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 22-05 40
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 10-08
72. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 22-04 39
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 08-15
73. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 9 22-03 38
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 08-03
74. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 10 22-01 37
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 12-11
75. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 21-15 36
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 08-11
76. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 21-15 35
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 12-02
77. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 8 21-09 34
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 3 07-02
78. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 8 21-08 33
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 3 08-11
79. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 7 21-07 32
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 2 05-01
80. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 21-06 31
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 09-10
81. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 21-06 30
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 11-09
82. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 8 21-01 29
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 3 08-13
83. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 21-00 28
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 09-03
84. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 8 20-12 27
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 3 06-01
85. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 10 20-05 26
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 11-03
86. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 9 20-04 25
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 4 08-01
87. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 19-13 24
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 10-00
88. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 19-10 23
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 07-08
89. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 9 19-07 22
Day 1: 4 06-14 Day 2: 5 12-09
90. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 9 19-03 21
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 4 08-06
91. Jesse Tacoronte Orlando, FL 8 18-06 20
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 3 05-11
92. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 9 18-03 19
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 4 07-03
93. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 18-02 18
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 09-08
94. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 9 18-02 17
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 4 09-08
95. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 8 17-14 16
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 5 11-12
96. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 7 17-03 15
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 2 04-04
97. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 7 16-11 14
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 2 05-14
98. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 7 16-08 13
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 5 12-04
99. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 7 16-04 12
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 5 10-15
100. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 8 16-02 11
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 5 09-11
101. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 7 15-11 10
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 5 11-15
102. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 8 15-10 9
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 3 05-13
103. Alton Jones Jr. Lorena, TX 6 15-09 8
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 1 01-10
104. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 9 15-09 7
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 4 06-11
105. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 8 15-08 6
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 3 04-14
106. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 9 15-06 5
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 4 07-06
107. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 6 14-06 4
Day 1: 4 10-05 Day 2: 2 04-01
108. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 8 14-04 3
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 5 07-10
109. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 11-13 2
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 4 07-11 1
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 2 04-04
