Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., maintains the lead on the second day of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Go RVing out of Waddington, N.Y., with a two-day total weight of 43 pounds, 13 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

July 21, 2017

WADDINGTON, N.Y. — One the biggest names in professional bass fishing history managed to hold his ground at the top of the leaderboard during Friday’s Huk Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Go RVing.

Kevin VanDam — a four-time winner of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic and seven-time Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year — caught five bass that weighed 19 pounds, 8 ounces and remained in the lead with a two-day total of 43-13.

The 23-time B.A.S.S. winner from Kalamazoo, Mich., said Friday’s weather conditions in upstate New York didn’t help the technique he’s using.

“When the wind is blowing the same direction as the current, it really speeds it up — and this afternoon it was really blowing,” he said. “That makes it a lot harder to get a good drift, to get that weight moving with your bait so it’s really natural to the fish.

“When it’s calm and the current is slow, it’s a lot easier to get them to bite.”

If that’s the case, Saturday’s weather forecast, which is calling for much lighter winds, favors VanDam — and he has little margin for error.

Another former Bassmaster Classic winner, Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., is right on his heels. Ashley caught 21-14 Friday and jumped from sixth place into second with a two-day total of 42-12.

Unlike VanDam, who started slow and finished strong Friday, Ashley caught good fish immediately.

“I started off with a bang,” said Ashley, who won the 2015 Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell. “My first fish weighed about 4-12, and then I caught three big ones real quick.”

Then things cooled off, as Ashley said he was also affected by the wind.

“After I caught those first four, things got really slow,” he said. “But I could still see the fish in there.

“The wind shifted and was blowing more west than south. In that place where I’m fishing, they just seem to like a south wind.”

As VanDam and Ashley are battling for the tournament victory and its $100,000 first-place prize, they also occupy two of the top three spots in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. Ashley is in the lead with 619 points, followed by Idaho pro Brandon Palaniuk (615) and VanDam (604).

Another developing storyline for the event is the battle between KVD and his nephew, Jonathon VanDam.

The younger VanDam caught 21-15 Friday and moved into third place with 42-8.

“It’s supercool when we’re both in the running,” KVD said. “We talk multiple times during practice just to see what the other is seeing and finding out. We fish, really, very differently. But the general things make a big difference when you’re smallmouth fishing.

“He’s got a lot of pressure on him right now to qualify for the Classic, but he’s also got a lot of confidence. That’s one thing that all VanDams have is a lot of confidence.”

Jonathon, who has missed the Classic the past three years, said the fishing has been slow for him — despite what the standings say.

“I think I’m around the right kind of fish, but it’s just really hard to get them to bite,” he said. “I’m just fishing shallow and only getting a handful of bites.

“I’m around some really big ones. All of the ones that I’ve weighed in so far haven’t even been close to what I’ve seen.”

Palaniuk made the biggest jump Friday with a 25-pound bag that pushed his two-day total to 40-15. He rose from 72nd place all the way to ninth.

“It’s all about the area here, getting around the right fish,” Palaniuk said. “Today, I went to an area that I found in practice, and they were there.

“I didn’t go there yesterday because I thought I could catch 22 to 25 doing something else.”

The field will now be trimmed to the Top 51 anglers for Saturday’s semifinal round. Takeoff will be at 6:15 a.m. ET from Whittaker Park, with the weigh-in scheduled back at the park for 3:15 p.m.

Only the Top 12 anglers will advance to Championship Sunday.

The event is hosted by the Village of Waddington.

2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Power-Pole, Shell Rotella, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Nitro Boats, Mercury, Minn Kota

2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, Shimano, T-H Marine, Advance Auto Parts

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), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), 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 Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, 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.

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Media Contact: JamieDay Matthews, 205-313-0945, [email protected] or Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, [email protected]
2017 HUK Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River presented by Go RVing 7/20-7/23
St. Lawrence River, Waddington NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 43-13 110 $500.00
Day 1: 5 24-05 Day 2: 5 19-08
2. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 42-12 109
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 20-14
3. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 42-08 108
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 21-15
4. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 10 42-02 107
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 22-08
5. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 42-00 106
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 21-08
6. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 10 41-11 105
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 20-03
7. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 10 41-09 104
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 19-00
8. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 41-08 103
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 19-12
9. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 10 40-15 102
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 25-00
10. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 10 40-03 101
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 20-10
11. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 39-13 100
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 18-01
12. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 39-12 99
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 20-10
13. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 39-09 98
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 16-03
14. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 10 38-15 97
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 17-05
15. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 10 38-12 96
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 19-05
16. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 10 38-10 95
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 16-15
17. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 38-09 94
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 19-00
18. Seth Feider Isle, MN 10 38-06 93
Day 1: 5 22-11 Day 2: 5 15-11
19. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 10 38-06 92
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 18-00
20. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 38-04 91
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 19-08
21. John Murray Spring City, TN 10 38-00 90
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-02
22. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 37-15 89
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 20-09
23. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 37-15 88
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 17-07
24. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 10 37-12 87
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 18-13
25. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 10 37-09 86
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 19-04
26. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 37-08 85
Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 15-04
27. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 37-07 84
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 18-06
28. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 37-04 83
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 21-10
29. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 37-04 82
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 20-00
30. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 36-13 81
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 17-13
31. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 36-05 80
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 15-13
32. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 36-05 79
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 18-11
33. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 36-04 78
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 16-03
34. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 36-04 77
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 17-07
35. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 36-03 76
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 16-07
36. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 10 36-00 75
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 18-12
37. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 35-13 74
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 14-11
38. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 35-13 73
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 15-15
39. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 35-12 72
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 19-07
40. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 35-08 71
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 18-01
41. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 35-05 70
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 15-10
42. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 35-04 69
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 21-10
43. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 35-03 68
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 20-12
44. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 35-03 67
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 18-09
45. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 35-03 66
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 16-14
46. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 35-01 65
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 17-11
47. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 35-00 64
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 18-06
48. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 10 35-00 63
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 17-00
49. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 34-14 62
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 19-15
50. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 34-13 61
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 15-10
51. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 34-13 60
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 15-14
52. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 10 34-12 59
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 15-09
53. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 34-08 58
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 13-15
54. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 34-03 57
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 18-00
55. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 33-14 56
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 13-03
56. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 33-11 55
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 18-10
57. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 33-08 54
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 16-03
58. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 33-07 53
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 18-02
59. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 33-03 52
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 16-04
60. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 33-01 51
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 16-14
61. David Williams Newton, NC 10 33-00 50
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 14-11
62. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 32-15 49
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 13-10
63. Alton Jones Jr. Lorena, TX 10 32-13 48
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 17-13
64. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 32-09 47
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 17-02
65. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 10 32-08 46
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 13-14
66. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 32-06 45
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 15-11
67. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 32-04 44
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 12-13
68. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 10 32-04 43
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 16-01
69. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 10 32-00 42
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 16-09
70. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 31-14 41
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 13-10
71. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 31-14 40
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 17-09
72. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 31-09 39
Day 1: 5 19-09 Day 2: 5 12-00
73. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 10 31-09 38
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 12-12
74. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 10 31-09 37
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 13-04
75. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 31-07 36
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 13-13
76. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 9 31-04 35
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 4 12-10
77. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 30-14 34
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-08
78. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 30-10 33
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 14-07
79. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 10 30-09 32
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 17-02
80. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 30-09 31
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 14-08
81. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 30-08 30
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 15-04
82. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 30-07 29
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 12-04
83. Jesse Tacoronte Orlando, FL 10 30-07 28
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 14-00
84. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 29-12 27
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 13-08
85. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 29-09 26
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 15-03
86. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 29-07 25
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 15-04
87. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 10 28-15 24
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 15-02
88. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 10 28-12 23
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 13-13
89. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 28-11 22
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 15-02
90. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 9 28-09 21
Day 1: 4 10-01 Day 2: 5 18-08
91. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 28-06 20
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-02
92. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 28-05 19
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 16-11
93. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 27-13 18
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 12-08
94. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 27-11 17
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 16-04
95. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 27-09 16
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 15-03
96. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 10 27-07 15
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 12-12
97. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 10 27-02 14
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 18-11
98. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 27-00 13
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 17-14
99. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 8 26-03 12
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 3 09-07
100. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 10 25-15 11
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 10-02
101. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 25-14 10
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 13-00
102. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 10 25-02 9
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 12-11
103. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 24-14 8
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 11-02
104. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 24-08 7
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 15-03
105. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 23-06 6
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 12-12
106. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 9 22-08 5
Day 1: 4 10-02 Day 2: 5 12-06
107. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 9 20-12 4
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 4 06-11
108. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 4 11-13 3
Day 1: 3 09-12 Day 2: 1 02-01
109. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 1 05-09 2
Day 1: 1 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-