Jacob Wheeler of Indianapolis, Ind., takes the lead on the first day of the 2017 Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge, bringing 25 pounds, 1 ounce to the scales on Thursday.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
April 6, 2017
MANY, La. — For the second time in three tournaments this season, Jacob Wheeler is sitting atop the leaderboard.
The Indiana pro caught five bass that weighed 25 pounds, 1 ounce during Thursday’s first round of the Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge.
Wheeler, who won the season’s first Elite Series event on Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake in February, leads Arizona pro Brett Hite (24-11) by 6 ounces. But the field has three days left to fish on a lake that has topped the list of Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes the last two years.
“I don’t have much experience here, which might have helped me a little bit or might have hurt me,” said Wheeler, who made the move to the Elite Series this year after a successful career on the FLW Tour. “I spent two days here in the fall one time, five or six days in pre-practice and then practice this week — and that’s it.
“But I know there are a lot of big fish here, and everything worked out for me today.”
With so much fishing left to do, Wheeler was tightlipped about how he caught his fish Thursday. He only said that he managed to catch a few good fish early to calm his nerves.
He said things could change on the 180,000-acre fishery as the week goes by, and the key to winning will be rolling with those changes.
“I think the biggest thing right now is to keep an open mind,” Wheeler said. “I really don’t know how I’m going to fish tomorrow. I’ve got to run around, fly by the seat of my pants, fish a few areas that look good. I’m definitely going to mix it up.”
Many big largemouth bass are spawning on Toledo Bend. But the winds blew 15 to 20 mph Thursday, making it hard for some anglers to spot those bass in shallow water.
Like Wheeler, Hite didn’t say how he was fishing. But he said the wind didn’t hurt him at all.
“Where I’m fishing, I didn’t have the big waves,” Hite said. “A little breeze never hurts when you’re trying to get them to bite.
“Dead-slick calm, post-front conditions would have probably been just right for the sight fishermen. But for what I’m doing, a little breeze always helps.”
Hite said he started his day in the area where he had the most bites during practice, and it proved to be a good decision. One of his first fish was largemouth that weighed 7 1/2 pounds.
“I caught that big fish and had a limit that weighed probably 18 or 19 pounds and moved out of there,” Hite said. “I made a little switch-up and caught a couple of big ones later in the afternoon. That definitely keyed me in on some stuff and how to fish it.”
Toledo Bend didn’t show out from top to bottom Thursday, but the Top 7 anglers all had at least 20 pounds. Behind Wheeler and Hite were Jamie Hartman (23-5), Jason Christie (21-5), Steve Kennedy (20-8), Todd Faircloth (20-2) and Matt Lee (20-0).
Christie’s bag was anchored by a 9-10 largemouth that gave him the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week.
“That’s the third-biggest fish I’ve ever caught in a tournament,” Christie said. “I went to a place just thinking I could catch a limit fishing the shad spawn and caught that fish. I just went in there hoping to catch five, and I caught that one.
“It kind of helped the stringer a little bit.”
Christie said he actually needed to sit for a moment and collect his thoughts after landing the big bass.
“When I hooked it I thought it was a 5-pounder,” Christie said. “Then it came up and kind of wallowed and I thought maybe it was a 7-pounder. Then it came by the boat, and I knew it was a giant.
“Luckily, it was hooked good.”
The tournament will continue Friday with takeoff scheduled for 6:45 a.m. CT from Cypress Bend Park. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m., with only the Top 51 anglers moving on to Saturday’s semifinal round.
The event is hosted by Toledo Bend Lake Country.
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Yamaha, Berkley, Huk, Minn Kota, Triton Boats, Power-Pole, Shell Rotella, Humminbird, Nitro Boats, Mercury, Skeeter Boats
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Lowrance, Shimano, Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures, T-H Marine, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Phoenix Boats
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 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jacob Wheeler Indianapolis, IN 5 25-01 110
Day 1: 5 25-01
2. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 24-11 109
Day 1: 5 24-11
3. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 23-05 108
Day 1: 5 23-05
4. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 21-05 107
Day 1: 5 21-05
5. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 20-08 106
Day 1: 5 20-08
6. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 20-02 105
Day 1: 5 20-02
7. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 20-00 104
Day 1: 5 20-00
8. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 19-13 103
Day 1: 5 19-13
9. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 18-11 102
Day 1: 5 18-11
10. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 18-05 101
Day 1: 5 18-05
11. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 18-03 100
Day 1: 5 18-03
11. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 18-03 100
Day 1: 5 18-03
13. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 17-13 98
Day 1: 5 17-13
13. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 17-13 98
Day 1: 5 17-13
15. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 17-12 96
Day 1: 5 17-12
16. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 17-09 95
Day 1: 5 17-09
16. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 17-09 95
Day 1: 5 17-09
18. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 17-07 93
Day 1: 5 17-07
19. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 17-04 92
Day 1: 5 17-04
20. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 17-02 91
Day 1: 5 17-02
21. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 17-01 90
Day 1: 5 17-01
21. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 17-01 90
Day 1: 5 17-01
23. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 16-12 88
Day 1: 5 16-12
24. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 5 16-10 87
Day 1: 5 16-10
25. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 16-07 86
Day 1: 5 16-07
26. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 16-06 85
Day 1: 5 16-06
27. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 16-02 84
Day 1: 5 16-02
28. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 15-15 83
Day 1: 5 15-15
29. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 15-14 82
Day 1: 5 15-14
30. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 15-12 81
Day 1: 5 15-12
31. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 15-07 80
Day 1: 5 15-07
32. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 15-05 79
Day 1: 5 15-05
33. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 4 14-15 78
Day 1: 4 14-15
34. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 14-14 77
Day 1: 5 14-14
35. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 14-11 76
Day 1: 5 14-11
36. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 4 14-10 75
Day 1: 4 14-10
37. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 14-07 74
Day 1: 5 14-07
37. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 14-07 74
Day 1: 5 14-07
39. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 14-04 72
Day 1: 5 14-04
39. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 14-04 72
Day 1: 5 14-04
39. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 14-04 72
Day 1: 5 14-04
42. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 14-03 69
Day 1: 5 14-03
42. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 14-03 69
Day 1: 5 14-03
44. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 14-00 67
Day 1: 5 14-00
44. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 14-00 67
Day 1: 5 14-00
46. Alton Jones Jr. Lorena, TX 5 13-15 65
Day 1: 5 13-15
47. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 13-14 64
Day 1: 5 13-14
47. David Williams Newton, NC 5 13-14 64
Day 1: 5 13-14
49. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 13-12 62
Day 1: 5 13-12
49. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 13-12 62
Day 1: 5 13-12
49. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 13-12 62
Day 1: 5 13-12
52. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 13-05 59
Day 1: 5 13-05
53. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 13-04 58
Day 1: 5 13-04
54. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 13-03 57
Day 1: 5 13-03
55. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 13-01 56
Day 1: 5 13-01
56. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 13-00 55
Day 1: 5 13-00
56. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 13-00 55
Day 1: 5 13-00
58. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 5 12-15 53
Day 1: 5 12-15
58. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 12-15 53
Day 1: 5 12-15
60. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 12-13 51
Day 1: 5 12-13
61. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 12-12 50
Day 1: 5 12-12
62. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 12-11 49
Day 1: 5 12-11
62. Jesse Tacoronte Orlando, FL 5 12-11 49
Day 1: 5 12-11
64. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 12-10 47
Day 1: 5 12-10
65. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 12-08 46
Day 1: 5 12-08
66. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 12-07 45
Day 1: 5 12-07
67. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 12-06 44
Day 1: 5 12-06
68. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 12-04 43
Day 1: 5 12-04
68. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 12-04 43
Day 1: 5 12-04
68. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 12-04 43
Day 1: 5 12-04
71. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 12-03 40
Day 1: 5 12-03
71. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 12-03 40
Day 1: 5 12-03
73. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 12-02 38
Day 1: 5 12-02
74. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 11-14 37
Day 1: 5 11-14
75. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 11-13 36
Day 1: 5 11-13
75. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 11-13 36
Day 1: 5 11-13
75. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 11-13 36
Day 1: 5 11-13
78. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 11-12 33
Day 1: 5 11-12
78. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 11-12 33
Day 1: 5 11-12
80. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 11-11 31
Day 1: 5 11-11
80. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 5 11-11 31
Day 1: 5 11-11
82. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 11-09 29
Day 1: 5 11-09
83. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 11-04 28
Day 1: 5 11-04
84. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 11-00 27
Day 1: 5 11-00
85. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 4 11-00 26
Day 1: 4 11-00
86. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 10-13 25
Day 1: 5 10-13
86. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 10-13 25
Day 1: 5 10-13
88. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 5 10-10 23
Day 1: 5 10-10
89. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 5 10-05 22
Day 1: 5 10-05
90. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 4 10-05 21
Day 1: 4 10-05
91. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 09-13 20
Day 1: 5 09-13
91. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 09-13 20
Day 1: 5 09-13
91. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 09-13 20
Day 1: 5 09-13
91. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 09-13 20
Day 1: 5 09-13
95. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 09-06 16
Day 1: 5 09-06
96. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 09-04 15
Day 1: 5 09-04
97. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 5 09-02 14
Day 1: 5 09-02
98. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 08-14 13
Day 1: 5 08-14
99. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 5 08-10 12
Day 1: 5 08-10
99. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 08-10 12
Day 1: 5 08-10
101. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 08-00 10
Day 1: 5 08-00
102. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 4 06-14 9
Day 1: 4 06-14
103. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 3 06-10 8
Day 1: 3 06-10
104. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 3 06-07 7
Day 1: 3 06-07
105. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 3 06-02 6
Day 1: 3 06-02
106. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 2 05-05 5
Day 1: 2 05-05
107. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 2 04-04 4
Day 1: 2 04-04
108. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 2 04-02 3
Day 1: 2 04-02
109. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 2 03-12 2
Day 1: 2 03-12
110. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 2 03-07 1
Day 1: 2 03-07
