Louisiana’s Ebare Leads Day Two of Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland
Southwestern Division Pro Leads by 9-Ounce Margin in Competition for $235,000
BURNSIDE, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2020) – Pro Dakota Ebare of Denham Springs, Louisiana, crossed the stage Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 16 pounds, 12 ounces, for a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 30 pounds, 13 ounces to lead after Day Two of the Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland, in Burnside, Kentucky. Ebare now holds a 9-ounce lead over pro Cameron Lineback of Mount Airy, North Carolinawho weighed a two-day total of 10 bass for 29-9 – in the championship event that featured 221 boaters and co-anglers competing a top cash award of up to $235,000 on the pro side, and the keys to a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard for co-anglers.
The field is now cut to just the top 10 boaters and co-anglers for the final day of competition in the no-entry fee Toyota Series Championship, hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission, that featured the top 25 pros and top 25 co-anglers from each of the eight Toyota Series divisions and tournament winners, the highest finishing boater and co-angler from each regional at the All-American, the College Fishing National Champions and second-place team, and the top pros and co-anglers from the FLW International Division.
Ebare is guaranteed the $10,000 bonus awarded to the highest finishing angler from each division and is the only Southwestern Division angler to make the top 10.
“I caught about the same amount of fish today as I did on Day One, but today the quality showed up,” said Ebare. “I was going through the motions the first day I arrived and had a tactic in mind that worked at Dale Hollow, but it just wasn’t happening here on Lake Cumberland. I started trying to find something else and ran into a little pattern that I’ve expanded every day of practice.
“The practice day that turned nasty and cold, with high winds and snow – that was a good day for me. They were biting good and I was able to dial in where they were at, which keyed me in on the pattern.”
That’s the pattern Ebare said he’s been running the last two days and it seems to be working.
“I’m extremely blessed and thankful. God has blessed me so much all year. I’ve had some ups and downs, but this is a humbling sport and that’s just part of it. You have to roll with the punches and keep going.
“To win $235,000 would be a lot of money. Winning this championship would be something special and a great way to cap off the year.”
The top 10 pros that advanced to the final day of competition on Lake Cumberland are:
1st: Dakota Ebare, Denham Springs, La., 10 bass, 30-13
2nd: Cameron Lineback, Mount Airy, N.C., 10 bass, 29-9
3rd: Chris Malone, Ironton, Ohio, 10 bass, 28-11
4th: Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif., 10 bass, 26-1
5th: Michael Caruso, Peoria, Ariz., 10 bass, 26-0
6th: Eric Olliverson, Lampe, Mo., 10 bass, 25-15
7th: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., 10 bass, 25-11
8th: Hunter Eubanks, Inman, S.C., 10 bass, 24-14
9th: Trent Palmer, Cumming, Ga., 10 bass, 24-10
10th: Kurt Mitchell, Milford, Del., 10 bass, 24-8
Full results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Travis Otto of Jefferson City, Missouri, shot to the lead in the co-angler division Friday with four bass weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. His two-day total of eight bass weighing 15-5 gives him a 9-ounce lead over Mario Riojas of Blanchard, Oklahoma, who has weighed seven bass totaling 14-12, good for second place. Co-anglers are competing for a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard.
The top 10 co-anglers that will fish the final day on Lake Cumberland are:
1st: Travis Otto, Jefferson City, Mo., eight bass, 15-5
2nd: Mario Riojas, Blanchard, Okla., seven bass, 14-12
3rd: Matt Greene, Ventura, Calif., six bass, 14-3
4th: Justin Kimmel, Athens, Ga., five bass, 14-0
5th: Don White, Columbus, Miss., six bass, 13-15
6th: Larry Elliott, Enoree, S.C., seven bass, 13-6
7th: Morgan Brown, Spanish Fort, Ala., six bass, 13-0
8th: Mason Chapman, Lake Quivira, Kan., seven bass, 12-12
9th: Landon Huff, Madison, Ga., seven bass, 12-11
10th: Jarvis Ellis, Albany, Ga., four bass, 12-3
The final 10 boaters and co-anglers will take off Saturday from General Burnside Island State Park, located at 8801 S. Highway 27 in Burnside, at 7:30 a.m. EST. Saturday’s Championship weigh-in will be held at the State Park beginning at 2:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family and essential staff. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the “FLW Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at FLWFishing.com.
For complete details and updated information visitFLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.L
Big Bite Helps Carson To Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake
Keith Carson of DeBary, Fla., is leading after Day 2 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake with a two-day total of 35 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Chris Mitchell/B.A.S.S.
December 4, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Keith Carson’s positive attitude was put to the test Friday, but perseverance paid big dividends as the Florida angler took the Day 2 lead in the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake with 35 pounds, 4 ounces.
After placing second on Thursday with a limit of 16-10, Carson added 18-10 Friday — the tournament’s heaviest catch. He anchored his Day 2 limit with a big 7-3 largemouth.
Making his first appearance at Lay Lake, Carson followed his Day 1 performance by saying he would enter Friday’s second round focused on enjoying the day and keeping an open mind. After a tough start, he admitted he was starting to doubt that perspective.
“Yesterday, I had all my fish by 9:36; today, at 9 a.m., I didn’t have a single fish in the boat,” he said. “I started to get a little worried. I was like, ‘I guess I’m just not going to catch ’em today.’
“I said, ‘I still have a lot of time,’ so I just kept moving. I fished a particular bank, I hit a log and caught a 3 1/2-pounder. Then, I went up about 20 yards and caught that 7-3. I had over 10 pounds with two fish, so I was like, ‘Okay, now let’s get the ball rolling.’”
Carson caught his early fish on a deeper grass edge with a Berkley Frittside 5 crankbait. After that, his day turned into a grind with sporadic productivity.
“I never really ran into a good group of fish like I did yesterday,” he said. “I would go like two hours without a bite, and then I’d catch two or three in a half-hour period. Then I’d go another two hours without a bite, and then I’d catch a few.”
Carson said his day ended with a last-minute flurry that gave him the weight he needed to take the top spot.
“I had no time left because I was 30 minutes upriver and I made it back just in time,” he said. “I made three culls on back-to-back casts. I pulled up on a point and I caught two good largemouth and a spot and I culled out all of my smaller ones.”
After his early grass bite fizzled, Carson targeted rock, bridges and wood. His late-day culls came off a large stump near a grass edge in about 12 feet of water. He caught them on a Texas-rigged Berkley Havoc Pit Boss in the watermelon candy color.
“Today, it was just about letting it happen and believing,” he said. “It was my first time here, so I put in four and a half days of practice.”
Clint Miller of Jemison, Ala., moved into second place with 31-13. After placing third on Day 1 with 16-3, he gained a spot with a Friday limit of 15-10.
After catching his Day 1 fish around shallow brushpiles, he had to move off the bank and fish a 1/4-ounce shaky head with a green pumpkin worm around rock and wood in 12 to 15 feet.
“I ground it out all day and finally got 12 pounds in the boat,” Miller said. “At 2 o’clock, I went to a spot where I’d caught largemouth, but never a big one.
“It was just a slick bank with good bottom in 15 feet. I fired in there, set the hook and caught almost 6 pounds.”
Day 1 leader Jacob Walker slipped to third with 30-4. The pro from Alabaster, Ala., struggled with more fishing pressure in his key areas today and ended up adding 13-0 to the 17-4 he weighed Thursday.
“I still felt like I was around the fish I was around yesterday,” Walker said. “I had the opportunities to have a bag like I had yesterday, but a lot of the guys who fished downriver yesterday decided to come up the river today.”
Walker caught his fish by pitching a jig and throwing a spinnerbait around shallow wood.
Carson is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 7-3.
Jay Przekurat of Stevens Point, Wis., leads the co-angler division with 15-8. Adding a big Day 2 limit of 10-13 to his first-round score of 4-11 moved him up from 40th place.
“It was when they had the water running in the first hour or two hours today when I caught my fish,” he said. “You’d get bit like once every 45 minutes, but it was a big fish. I capitalized on three big bites and that was pretty much it.”
Przekurat caught a limit comprised entirely of spotted bass on a jerkbait, swimbait and a jig.
Michael Elrod of Cropwell, Ala., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 4-5.
Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Eastern Open standings with 765 points, followed by Joshua Stracner (752), Pat Schlapper (728), Justin Atkins (711) and Scott Martin (696).
Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,329 points.
Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:15 a.m. CT from Beeswax Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 2:15 p.m.
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake 12/3-12/5
Lay Lake, Shelby County AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Keith Carson Debary, FL 10 35-04 200
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 18-10
2. Clint Miller Jemison, AL 10 31-13 199
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 15-10
3. Jacob Walker Alabaster, AL 10 30-04 198
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 13-00
4. Adam Neu Forestville, WI 10 28-12 197
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 15-08
5. Chris Payne Vance, AL 10 28-11 196
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 16-01
6. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 10 27-15 195
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 15-07
7. Alex Sherrill Clanton, AL 10 27-14 194
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 14-13
8. Samuel Fish Calera, AL 10 27-03 193
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 11-11
9. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 10 26-14 192
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 14-05
10. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 26-10 191
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 13-01
11. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 10 26-08 190
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-15
12. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 8 26-05 189
Day 1: 3 11-12 Day 2: 5 14-09
13. Jason Burroughs Hodges, SC 10 26-05 188 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 13-03
14. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 10 26-03 187 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 10-01
15. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 10 25-12 186 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 13-06
16. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 25-05 185 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-01
17. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 25-04 184 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-07
18. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 10 25-00 183 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 12-12
19. Jared Turnbloom Calera, AL 10 24-14 182 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 09-09
20. Andy Chappell Warrior, AL 9 24-14 181 $2,988.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 4 10-15
21. Todd Castledine Nacogdoches, TX 10 24-13 180 $2,717.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 13-04
22. Bryan New Belmont, NC 10 24-05 179 $2,717.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 09-15
23. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 24-04 178 $2,717.00
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 12-12
24. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 10 24-02 177 $2,717.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 11-01
25. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 24-00 176 $2,717.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 08-02
26. Caiden Sinclair Wilsonville, AL 10 23-14 175 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 13-06
27. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 10 23-13 174 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-07
28. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 10 23-12 173 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-02
29. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 10 23-09 172 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 14-01
30. Bo Hunter Gardendale, AL 10 23-09 171 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 13-03
31. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 23-07 170 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 10-14
32. Matt Vanzant Sylacauga, AL 10 23-03 169 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 08-10
33. Andy Wicker Pomaria, SC 10 23-01 168 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 08-05
34. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 10 22-11 167 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 11-10
35. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 22-09 166 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 10-09
36. Randall Carter Maplesville, AL 10 22-09 165 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-11
37. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 10 22-08 164 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 09-07
38. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 10 22-07 163 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 08-12
39. Josh Herren Ashville, AL 10 22-06 162 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 10-04
40. Cameron Smith Wareham, MA 10 22-05 161 $2,499.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 09-14
41. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 10 22-02 160
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 11-02
42. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 21-14 159
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 14-12
43. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 10 21-09 158
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 11-04
44. Tyler Ellis Battlefield, MO 10 21-08 157
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 12-05
45. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 10 21-06 156
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 08-11
46. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 21-05 155
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 11-04
47. Shane Horton Wilsonville , AL 10 21-05 154
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 10-02
48. J T Russell Mccala, AL 10 21-05 153
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 10-14
49. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 21-01 152
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 12-00
50. Trevor Prince Blue Ridge, GA 10 21-01 151
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 11-00
51. Bryce Matthews Olanta, SC 10 21-00 150
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-04
52. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 9 20-15 149
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 4 08-09
53. Matt Lee Bremen, AL 9 20-14 148
Day 1: 4 09-07 Day 2: 5 11-07
54. Jon Canada Helena, AL 8 20-13 147
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 3 06-09
55. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 20-13 146
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 11-09
56. Kenneth Malone Columbiana, AL 10 20-11 145
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 08-08
57. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 10 20-11 144
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 10-01
58. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 10 20-05 143
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 09-10
59. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 20-02 142
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 09-02
60. Justin Hamner Foley, AL 10 20-02 141
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 10-04
61. Stephen Morella Townshend, VT 10 20-01 140
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 09-10
62. Spencer Peters Knoxville, TN 10 19-14 139
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 08-03
63. Dave Turner Crystal River, FL 10 19-10 138
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 09-15
64. Tyler Caton Clanton, AL 10 19-07 137
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 07-06
65. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 10 19-07 136
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 09-13
66. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 10 19-05 135
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 08-12
67. Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 19-04 134
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 09-11
68. Joel Bowden Sylacauga, AL 10 19-00 133
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 09-11
69. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 10 18-14 132
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 08-05
70. Zeke Gossett Pell City, AL 10 18-12 131
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 08-11
71. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 10 18-10 130
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 10-13
72. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 8 18-08 129
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 3 04-10
73. Jarrett Brown Montevallo, AL 10 18-07 128
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 06-10
74. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 9 18-02 127
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 4 06-14
75. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 10 18-02 126
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 10-14
76. Henry Mcpherson Mountain Brk, AL 10 18-02 125
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 5 09-14
77. James Meers Rome, GA 9 18-01 124
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 4 05-03
78. Hall Hobbs Wilsonville, AL 10 17-15 123
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 09-04
79. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 10 17-14 122
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 07-03
80. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 10 17-13 121
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 5 11-06
81. Jake Rossi Columbus, OH 10 17-12 120
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 10-03
82. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 10 17-11 119
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 06-15
83. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 10 17-09 118
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 08-00
84. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 10 17-08 117
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 08-01
85. Chandler Stewart Waco, TX 10 17-05 116
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 06-08
86. Caleb Gibson Locust Grove, OK 10 17-01 115
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 08-00
87. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 10 17-00 114
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 06-02
88. Scott Patton Paris, TN 10 17-00 113
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 09-13
89. Josh Hubbard Braidwood, IL 8 16-15 112
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 3 06-05
90. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 10 16-14 111
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 08-08
91. Brandt Tumberg Moore, SC 10 16-09 110
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 09-10
92. Gregg Fogner Conway, SC 10 16-09 109
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 08-11
93. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 10 16-08 108
Day 1: 5 07-04 Day 2: 5 09-04
94. Connor Macdougall Bremerton, WA 10 16-07 107
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 5 10-02
95. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 8 16-04 106
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 3 05-02
96. Garrett Dixon Citronelle, AL 10 16-03 105
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 05-06
97. Brandon Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 10 15-15 104
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 07-02
98. Joe Thompson Clayton, GA 8 15-04 103
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 5 10-08
99. Jonathan Carter Glenburn, ME 10 15-04 102
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 07-05
100. Stephen Perry Pike Road, AL 7 15-04 101
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 4 07-06
101. David Parsons Dothan, AL 10 15-03 100
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 08-06
102. Mark Pappas Dandridge, TN 8 15-02 99
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 3 06-13
103. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 8 15-01 98
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 3 04-08
104. Cam Sterritt Newfields, NH 10 14-13 97
Day 1: 5 07-10 Day 2: 5 07-03
105. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 8 14-11 96
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 3 06-00
106. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 14-09 95
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 07-00
107. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 8 14-07 94
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 5 10-08
108. Noah Godwin Clanton, AL 8 14-06 93
Day 1: 3 03-05 Day 2: 5 11-01
109. Lance Rose Pipe Creek, TX 8 14-03 92
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 3 04-05
110. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 7 14-01 91
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 4 09-07
111. Matt Mattingly Gravel Switch, KY 10 13-11 90
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 5 07-04
112. John Maner Falkville, AL 10 13-06 89
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 06-00
113. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 5 12-13 88
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-13
114. Cole Dodson GARDENDALE, AL 7 12-11 87
Day 1: 2 02-02 Day 2: 5 10-09
115. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 12-03 86
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Trevor Topken Warwick, NY 7 11-12 85
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 5 07-00
117. Lance Owen Greer, SC 6 11-10 84
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 06-03
118. Kameron Harbin Abbeville, SC 9 11-09 83
Day 1: 5 05-07 Day 2: 4 06-02
119. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 5 11-06 82
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 3 07-03
120. Tyler Berger Delaware, OH 8 11-06 81
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 3 04-08
121. Chris Peters Birchwood, TN 8 11-04 80
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 3 04-07
122. Chris Wooten West Point, MS 5 10-12 79
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
123. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 8 10-10 78
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 3 03-03
124. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 8 10-09 77
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 3 04-02
125. Chad Schroeder Lowndesboro, AL 5 10-05 76
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
126. Colby Robertson Summerfield, FL 8 10-05 75
Day 1: 4 05-01 Day 2: 4 05-04
127. Kopeland Rosser Helena, AL 5 09-15 74
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 6 09-13 73
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 1 01-07
129. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 6 09-06 72
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 4 04-11
130. Barry Wilson Birmingham, AL 5 09-03 71
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
131. Gus Kneidinger Prospect, PA 6 09-03 70
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 02-11
132. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 7 09-02 69
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 4 04-00
133. Ronald Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 5 09-01 68
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
134. Michael Bradford Scottsboro, AL 5 09-00 67
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 7 08-15 66
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 5 06-04
136. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 08-13 65
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
137. Justin Barnes Monroeville, AL 5 08-12 64
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
138. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 5 08-10 63
Day 1: 1 00-12 Day 2: 4 07-14
139. Johnny McCombs Morris, AL 5 08-07 62
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Clint Nail Sterrett, AL 5 08-04 61
Day 1: 5 08-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
141. Dj Ellis Crestview, FL 5 08-02 60
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
142. Ronnie Getz Sunman, IN 7 07-15 59
Day 1: 4 04-11 Day 2: 3 03-04
143. Bob Behrle Hoover, AL 5 07-11 58
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
144. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 3 07-10 57
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
145. Anthony Goggins Clanton, AL 5 07-09 56
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
146. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 2 07-09 55
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 07-09
147. Larry Franks Jr. Wilsonville, AL 4 07-00 54
Day 1: 4 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
148. Brandon Mccombs Mc Calla, AL 3 06-13 53
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Mark Duerr West Allis, WI 4 06-09 52
Day 1: 4 06-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
150. Denis Karachopan Rocky Point, NY 5 06-08 51
Day 1: 4 05-11 Day 2: 1 00-13
151. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 06-04 50
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
152. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 3 06-03 49
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 2 04-13
153. Cj Knight Sylacauga, AL 3 06-00 48
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
154. Jerry Gallogly Jr North Tazewell, VA 4 05-13 47
Day 1: 4 05-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
155. Richard Reeger Gastonia, NC 3 05-06 46
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-06
156. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 9 05-00 45
Day 1: 4 00-00 Day 2: 5 05-00
157. Ryan Branch Chelsea, AL 3 04-14 44
Day 1: 3 04-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
158. Rich Mcbride Calera, AL 3 04-10 43
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
159. Robert Gibson Niota, TN 2 04-07 42
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
160. Cassidy Evans Huntsville, AL 2 04-03 41
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
161. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 2 02-03 40
Day 1: 2 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
162. Jason Casteel Winter Garden, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
162. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 126 722 1487-08
2 103 616 1243-14
----------------------------------
229 1338 2731-06
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake 12/3-12/5
Lay Lake, Shelby County AL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 6 15-08 200
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 3 10-13
2. Steve Robbins Piketon, OH 6 13-08 199
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 05-14
3. Connor Graham Minneapolis, MN 6 13-06 198
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 3 07-04
4. Michael Elrod Cropwell, AL 4 13-02 197
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 3 10-06
5. Rodney Graham Childersburg, AL 6 13-00 196
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 3 06-07
6. Alex Prince Blue Ridge, GA 6 12-14 195
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 3 05-01
7. Robert Bruguiere Mechanicsville, VA 6 12-09 194
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 3 05-07
8. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 6 12-08 193
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 05-07
9. Shawn Spaeth Cadott, WI 6 12-05 192
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 05-07
10. Don Harvey Franklin, TN 6 12-01 191
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 3 04-15
11. Kibbee Mccoy Knoxville, TN 6 12-01 190
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 3 07-00
12. Jim Laster Newnan, GA 6 11-13 189
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 3 05-03
13. Sam Sobieck New Prague, MN 6 11-12 188 $983.00
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 3 07-01
14. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 6 11-11 187 $893.00
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 3 04-14
15. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 6 11-06 186 $804.00
Day 1: 3 03-12 Day 2: 3 07-10
16. Jason Reaves Montague, TX 6 11-04 185 $715.00
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 3 07-05
17. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 6 10-12 184 $670.00
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 3 05-09
18. Jacob Novak Clear Lake, MN 6 10-09 183 $670.00
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 3 06-06
19. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 6 10-09 182 $670.00
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 3 05-07
20. Caz Anderson Hayesville, NC 6 10-08 181 $670.00
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 3 04-12
21. Russell Hoyle Newton, NC 6 10-06 180 $625.00
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 3 06-04
22. Brian Rothrock Monticello, IN 5 10-04 179 $625.00
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 2 04-05
23. Joe Eubanks Marietta, GA 5 10-02 178 $625.00
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 3 07-13
24. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 6 10-00 177 $625.00
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 3 05-13
25. Carl Hunter Snellville, GA 6 09-14 176 $625.00
Day 1: 3 04-09 Day 2: 3 05-05
26. Cody Shry Pinehrst, TX 5 09-12 175 $536.00
Day 1: 3 07-08 Day 2: 2 02-04
27. Harold Addison Columbia, SC 5 09-11 174 $536.00
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 2 03-15
28. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 6 09-06 173 $536.00
Day 1: 3 05-01 Day 2: 3 04-05
29. Daniel Valois Gomez Coral Springs FL VENEZU 6 09-04 172 $536.00
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 3 05-05
30. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 4 09-04 171 $536.00
Day 1: 2 04-14 Day 2: 2 04-06
31. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 6 09-03 170 $491.00
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 3 04-09
32. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 5 09-02 169 $491.00
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 2 04-02
33. Ryan Fronina Mohrsville, PA 4 09-01 168 $491.00
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 3 07-02
34. Bailey Rothrock Monticello, IN 5 09-01 167 $491.00
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 2 02-07
35. Dustin Williamson Aiken, SC 6 09-00 166 $491.00
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 03-06
36. Ken Sharkey Spring Lake, MI 6 08-14 165 $491.00
Day 1: 3 03-12 Day 2: 3 05-02
37. Chris Bridges Clinton, MO 5 08-12 164 $491.00
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 2 03-13
38. Travis Culbreth Columbia, AL 5 08-08 163 $491.00
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 2 03-05
39. Jeff Keever Tignall, GA 5 08-07 162 $491.00
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 3 05-15
40. Chris Newton Whitesboro, NY 5 08-03 161 $491.00
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 3 05-10
41. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, FL 5 08-03 160
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 2 03-11
42. Scott Corliss Northwood, NH 4 07-15 159
Day 1: 2 05-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
43. Michael Schrader North Attleboro, MA 5 07-13 158
Day 1: 2 02-02 Day 2: 3 05-11
44. Randy Woodley Harvest, AL 4 07-11 157
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 1 01-02
45. Bryden Mugleston Mount Juliet, TN 6 07-10 156
Day 1: 3 03-05 Day 2: 3 04-05
46. David Booth Erin, TN 6 07-09 155
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 3 02-13
47. Andrew Packard Fresno, CA 6 07-08 154
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 3 03-10
48. Logan Stewart Nashville, TN 5 07-07 153
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 2 02-15
49. Craig Congleton Rockford, MI 4 07-05 152
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 1 01-15
50. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 4 07-03 151
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 1 01-11
51. Tyler Harless HELENA, AL 5 07-03 150
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 2 01-14
52. Harry Linsinbigler IV Dover, FL 3 07-02 149
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 07-02
53. Dawson Wisner Green Cv Spgs, FL 5 07-01 148
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 2 01-14
54. Rick Williams Jr Sandston, VA 5 07-01 147
Day 1: 2 02-05 Day 2: 3 04-12
55. Jeffery Strong Sharpsburg, GA 4 07-00 146
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 1 01-02
56. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 6 07-00 145
Day 1: 3 03-10 Day 2: 3 03-06
57. Greg Secord Salem, SC 3 06-15 144
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
58. Bradley Brooks Easley, SC 4 06-14 143
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 3 04-03
59. Parker Vincent Deatsville, AL 3 06-13 142
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
60. Charles Harris Athens, AL 3 06-13 141
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 2 04-12
61. Chuck Thurlow Auburn, AL 5 06-13 140
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 2 02-10
62. Adam Traugh Gilroy, CA 5 06-13 139
Day 1: 3 04-01 Day 2: 2 02-12
63. Max Mcgee Louisville, MS 5 06-12 138
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 2 02-05
64. Steven Kellam Dry Ridge, KY 6 06-12 137
Day 1: 3 03-05 Day 2: 3 03-07
65. Mike Scroggins Wilsonville, AL 4 06-10 136
Day 1: 3 05-13 Day 2: 1 00-13
66. Jim Ford Magnolia, AR 3 06-09 135
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-09
67. Kelvin Young Guntersville, AL 3 06-08 134
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
68. Caleb Dennis Childersburg, AL 4 06-07 133
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 3 04-08
69. Steve Lindsey Bayou La Batre, AL 3 06-06 132
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 1 01-11
70. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 5 06-04 131
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 3 03-07
71. Randal Griffice Bessemer, AL 4 06-00 130
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 1 00-13
72. Justin Thomas Panama City, FL 4 05-15 129
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 3 05-00
73. Andy Semonco Chester, VA 3 05-13 128
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-13
74. Steven Slaughter Roanoke, TX 5 05-13 127
Day 1: 2 01-11 Day 2: 3 04-02
75. Todd Mowery Munford, TN 6 05-11 126
Day 1: 3 03-02 Day 2: 3 02-09
76. John Hatfield Panama City, FL 3 05-10 125
Day 1: 1 00-14 Day 2: 2 04-12
77. Randy Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 4 05-09 124
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 2 01-13
78. Scott Waters Saint Cloud, FL 3 05-07 123
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 1 01-07
79. Cody Stahl Griffin, GA 3 05-06 122
Day 1: 3 05-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
80. Josh Dees Mt. Olive, AL 3 05-03 121
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
81. Kai Barnett Wilsonville, AL 4 05-03 120
Day 1: 3 03-08 Day 2: 1 01-11
82. Grant Hopson Hartselle, AL 4 05-03 119
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 3 03-01
83. John Connell Marion, IL 3 04-15 118
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 2 03-10
84. Jon Lawson Cartersville, GA 3 04-11 117
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-11
84. Waylon Mullis Tuscaloosa, AL 3 04-11 117
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-11
86. Josh Morse Apopka, FL 2 04-10 115
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 1 02-02
87. Burley Langford Jr. S.Chesterfield, VA 4 04-09 114
Day 1: 3 03-06 Day 2: 1 01-03
88. Phil Dodds Hixson, TN 2 04-04 113
Day 1: 2 04-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
89. Darren Ashley Calhoun Falls, SC 3 04-04 112
Day 1: 2 01-13 Day 2: 1 02-07
90. Jonathan Majors Chelsea, AL 4 04-03 111
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 3 03-03
91. Roy Hurst Jr Birmingham, AL 3 04-03 110
Day 1: 2 01-15 Day 2: 1 02-04
92. Doug Johnson Prattville, AL 3 04-02 109
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 2 02-13
93. Buddy Elston Jr. Odenville, AL 2 04-00 108
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
94. Lonny Peryer Sparta, MO 4 04-00 107
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 3 03-01
95. Zack Barrera Morriston, FL 2 04-00 106
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 1 02-08
96. Hayden Marbut Vestavia, AL 3 03-15 105
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 1 01-01
97. Wendell Edgil Winfield, AL 2 03-13 104
Day 1: 2 03-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
98. Chip Stith Piscataway, NJ 3 03-12 103
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 2 01-13
99. Jack Alexander Mountain Brook, AL 3 03-11 102
Day 1: 3 03-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
100. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 2 03-11 101
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 1 02-07
101. Ashley Bishop Chesapeake, VA 3 03-09 100
Day 1: 3 03-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
102. Bert Seitz Chelsea, AL 2 03-09 99
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
103. Kent Duchaine Fort Gaines, GA 2 03-08 98
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
104. Tanner Plumlee Gadsden, TN 1 03-07 97
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
105. Steve Legg Vincent, OH 3 03-05 96
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 2 02-00
106. Billy Messer Spartanburg, SC 2 03-04 95
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-04
107. Jon Brazeal Eucha, OK 3 03-01 94
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 03-01
108. Ralph Pierce Prattville, AL 2 02-15 93
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
109. Lucas Bradley Gadsden, AL 2 02-13 92
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Jason Beasley Millbrook, AL 1 02-13 91
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
111. Brad Hoff Brooks, GA 3 02-11 90
Day 1: 3 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
112. Todd Young Perryville, KY 2 02-11 89
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
113. Eric Davis Athens, AL 3 02-08 88
Day 1: 3 02-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
114. Mitch Van Ert Watertown, WI 2 02-08 87
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 00-13
115. Luke Kerstetter Brookfield, WI 1 02-04 86
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. Daniel Istik Cranberry Twp, PA 4 02-03 85
Day 1: 3 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-03
117. William Maddox Trussville, AL 1 02-03 84
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
118. Isaac Booth Washburn, TN 2 02-02 83
Day 1: 2 02-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Lee Means Madison, AL 2 02-01 82
Day 1: 2 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
120. Paul Scharf Sr Tampa, FL 1 02-00 81
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
121. Eric Carroll Gaylesville, AL 2 01-15 80
Day 1: 2 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 2 01-14 79
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 01-14
123. Grover Jones Jr Starr, SC 2 01-13 78
Day 1: 2 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 2 01-12 77
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 01-12
125. Mason Gunter Newnan, GA 1 01-04 76
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-04
126. Ryan Godsey Chickamauga, GA 1 01-00 75
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Steve Deyton Forest City, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Barney Edens Midland, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Mark Guhne Hixson, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Ray Hill Lake City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Yo Howard Bolingbrook, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Chris Jones Birmingham, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Deandrae Kimbrough Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Caleb Scott Sylacauga, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
Felix’s Fall Run Secures Bassmaster Rookie Of The Year Honors
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Austin Felix of Eden Prairie, Minn., has won the 2020 Elite Series Rookie of the Year title.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
December 4, 2020
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A strong run through rescheduled tournaments gave Bassmaster Elite Series pro Austin Felix a shot at winning the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, and although disappointed his fortunes fell short, the native of Eden Prairie, Minn., is proud to have accomplished his initial goal of winning Elite Series Rookie of the Year.
“Rookie of the Year is really special because you get one shot at it. You don’t get a do-over,” Felix said. “It’s bittersweet to be that close to AOY, but I’ll get a shot at it next year.”
Felix might have won this year and swept the season awards if not for subpar first and last events.
“I knew I dug myself a bit of a hole,” Felix said of his 64th-place finish in the season opener on the St. Johns River, “but I’ve been thinking about ROY the whole season.”
Well-versed at clear-water fishing, Felix banked on making a move when the Elite Series headed north to smallmouth waters at the St. Lawrence River (25th), Lake Champlain (18th) and Lake St. Clair (13th). Those finishes pushed him into the Top 15 in AOY standings, but Felix never displayed his trademark consistency.
“I had one stellar day and one mediocre day where I let it get away from me,” Felix said. “It seemed like the third day I’d catch them again, but I could never climb up into that Top 10. I underperformed up north, not making any Top 10s.
“It wasn’t until tournaments on Santee Cooper and Chickamauga Lake that I was able to put two good days together to have a good event. After the smallmouth tournaments, I was at the point of just trying not to give back all the points I gained up north. Fortunately, the fall fishing played into my hand a lot more than I thought it would.”
The COVID-19 pandemic forced B.A.S.S. to move four events to fall, previously unexplored territory for the Elites. Elite Series tournaments on Lake Guntersville, Santee Cooper Lakes, Chickamauga Lake and Lake Fork were moved to times requiring the anglers to figure out the current conditions, not rely on past patterns. Felix began the run with a 40th on Guntersville but maintained his position in the points race.
“What I was most afraid of was Santee Cooper. To be fortunate enough to find that group of offshore fish that allowed me to coast to a solid limit every day, it was really exciting,” said Felix, who competed for the title and ended up fourth.
That finish moved him to sixth in the AOY standings. Felix followed it with a fifth at Chickamauga Lake that put him just five points behind the AOY leader heading into the season’s final event on Lake Fork. While there was a great chance, it wasn’t to be on Fork, where Felix finished 68th and dropped to seventh overall. He could only get a handful of bites each day in practice on the famed Texas fishery, “but it deteriorated over the tournament — I just couldn’t get it done.”
What he did get done is put himself beside the names of previous ROYs like Drew Cook, Jake Whitaker, Drew Benton, Brandon Card and 2020 Bassmaster Classic Champion Hank Cherry. Felix totaled 651 points to top Kyle Welcher (639) and Lake Eufaula champion Buddy Gross (638). Japan’s Taku Ito, who led the AOY standings for a short time at midseason, finished fourth with 606.
“This rookie class has been incredibly talented,” Felix said. “It took Buddy Gross two tournaments to win his first blue trophy. Kyle Welcher proved to everybody that he isn’t just a YouTube kid. He caught the biggest fish of the year. All we had to do was go to New York and Taku made himself a viral sensation. Any one of those guys would have totally deserved this.”
Felix refined his fishing acumen while crossing the county competing for the University of Minnesota (he won an FLW College National Championship in 2014), FLW and Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens events.
“I was under this false impression that local knowledge was key at every lake, which is totally not the case,” said Felix. “It showed me that by doing some research and understanding how regional fish react, you can compete even if you don’t know where every brushpile is.”
Now, Felix is confident that he can go to new places, or at new times, and have a decent shot at discovering a pattern and competing.
“I think that with my angling repertoire, different techniques that I’m confident and comfortable with, I’m going to be able to figure out something they’re going to bite if I can just find the fish,” he said. “I’ve become more comfortable regionally, and I felt like I’ve learned a lot to try to compete across the country.”
Admittedly more of a consistent angler than the guy who wins big tournaments, Felix said he’s working on learning how to finish. Felix is ready to prep his new Phoenix boat and himself for the 2021 season. He’s already thinking about “how I can improve on last year. As soon as the season’s over, I take a few days off and I’m ready to start again.”
And this year, Felix will be starting the season with a title that will follow for the rest of his career: 2020 Bassmaster Elite Rookie of the Year.
Local Knowledge Helps Walker Grab Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake
Jacob Walker of Alabaster, Ala., is leading after Day 1 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake with 17 pounds, 4 ounces.
Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
December 3, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Local angler Jacob Walker said he’s very familiar with Lay Lake, and he needed every bit of that knowledge to catch a limit of 17 pounds, 4 ounces and grab the Day 1 lead of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open.
“The way it is right now, you have to run from one end to the other,” said Walker, who lives in nearby Alabaster, Ala. “You can’t count anything out, that’s for sure.”
Noting that he was on a pure run-and-gun game plan, Walker said he fished between 40 and 50 spots Thursday. He fished efficiently and didn’t sit long on any one place.
“I was catching some out of the grass when the wind blew, and I bounced around to (several) other spots,” Walker said. “I probably had 20 rods on my deck. It was all junk fishing.
“I came into this tournament expecting to do that. It’s been like this the last three months.”
The sharp cold spell that moved into the area early in the week sent temperatures plunging. Overnight lows dipped into the lower 20s and even dropped a little snow on the lake.
Thursday was a little warmer, but Friday’s rainy outlook suggests another cold front on the way.
Meteorological fluctuations typically impact fishing, but Walker said this week’s weather is less than favorable. His biggest bass was a 4-7 largemouth, but he said he wasn’t able to leverage the lake’s potential.
“I think this weather is hurting me more than helping me; it’s hard to catch a big largemouth right now,” he said. “I got fortunate and caught one good one today. I had four spotted bass and one largemouth.
“I’m a largemouth fisherman. That’s what I do, so I’d much rather catch them.”
Walker said he threw a broad array of baits and ended up catching his weight fish on three of them.
“I caught plenty more on other baits, so you gotta keep them honest,” he said. “It was mostly reaction baits for me; I was staying on the move.
“The stuff I’m fishing is pretty fast, so if I sit down and fish (an area) for 30 minutes, I’ll probably make 25 to 30 casts. Sometimes, if I feel like they’re there, I might make 50 casts or more.”
Across the board, wind exposure was the most important factor for each of Walker’s spots. Wind pushes bait into areas, and that gave Walker confidence he would find hungry bass.
“I knew the bait was there,” he said. “It was blown in there by the wind. Some of it is affected by current, but most of it’s the wind.
“As the day goes on, the wind picks up. But we caught ’em all day. My better bites were later in the day and I have a later boat number tomorrow, so that might help me out.”
Keith Carson of DeBary, Fla., is in second place with 16-10. Recognizing a familiar scenario helped him excel in his first Lay Lake appearance.
“I’m just running everything and fishing like I would in Florida,” he said. “When I saw the grass, I knew how to fish it. I caught a lot of fish on a deeper ledge in 11 to 12 feet, but still really close to the grassline.”
Noting that he fished deep and shallow spots, Carson said he caught all of his bass on reaction baits. Covering water to find tight areas of productivity was his strategy.
“There’s a lot of dead water out there,” Carson said. “I caught a 5-11 and then I caught my second-biggest fish on back-to-back casts. They’re all grouped up when you hit them.”
Clint Miller of Jemison, Ala., is in third with 16-3. Despite struggling with the weather conditions, he found two big opportunities and capitalized on one of them.
“I caught them today, but it was tough,” Miller said. “I lucked out and caught a big one (6-0). But without him, I would have had 11 or 12 pounds.”
Miller caught his big fish at 8:30 and lost one around 4 1/2 at 11. Targeting brush, he caught all of his fish on a 1/4-ounce shaky head with a green pumpkin finesse worm.
“I caught them fishing my strength and fishing slow,” Miller said.
Miller is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 6-0.
Alex Prince of Blue Ridge, Ga., leads the co-angler division with 7-13.
Cody Shry of Pinehurst, Texas, holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 4-0.
Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Eastern Open standings with 729 points, followed by Justin Atkins with 709. Pat Schlapper is third with 706, while Joshua Stracner is fourth with 699 and Bryan New is fifth with 696.
New also leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,341 points.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:15 a.m. CT from Beeswax Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 2:15 p.m.
The tournament is being hosted by Discover Shelby, AL.
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake 12/3-12/5
Lay Lake, Shelby County AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jacob Walker Alabaster, AL 5 17-04 200
Day 1: 5 17-04
2. Keith Carson Debary, FL 5 16-10 199
Day 1: 5 16-10
3. Clint Miller Jemison, AL 5 16-03 198
Day 1: 5 16-03
4. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 16-02 197
Day 1: 5 16-02
5. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 15-14 196
Day 1: 5 15-14
6. Samuel Fish Calera, AL 5 15-08 195
Day 1: 5 15-08
7. Jared Turnbloom Calera, AL 5 15-05 194
Day 1: 5 15-05
8. Andy Wicker Pomaria, SC 5 14-12 193
Day 1: 5 14-12
9. Matt Vanzant Sylacauga, AL 5 14-09 192
Day 1: 5 14-09
10. Bryan New Belmont, NC 5 14-06 191
Day 1: 5 14-06
11. Jon Canada Helena, AL 5 14-04 190
Day 1: 5 14-04
12. Andy Chappell Warrior, AL 5 13-15 189
Day 1: 5 13-15
13. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 13-14 188
Day 1: 5 13-14
14. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 5 13-11 187
Day 1: 5 13-11
15. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 5 13-09 186
Day 1: 5 13-09
15. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 13-09 186
Day 1: 5 13-09
17. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 5 13-06 184
Day 1: 5 13-06
18. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 13-04 183
Day 1: 5 13-04
18. Adam Neu Forestville, WI 5 13-04 183
Day 1: 5 13-04
20. Jason Burroughs Hodges, SC 5 13-02 181
Day 1: 5 13-02
21. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 5 13-01 180
Day 1: 5 13-01
21. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 5 13-01 180
Day 1: 5 13-01
21. Alex Sherrill Clanton, AL 5 13-01 180
Day 1: 5 13-01
24. James Meers Rome, GA 5 12-14 177
Day 1: 5 12-14
25. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 12-11 176
Day 1: 5 12-11
26. Chris Payne Vance, AL 5 12-10 175
Day 1: 5 12-10
27. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 5 12-09 174
Day 1: 5 12-09
27. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 12-09 174
Day 1: 5 12-09
29. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 5 12-08 172
Day 1: 5 12-08
30. Cameron Smith Wareham, MA 5 12-07 171
Day 1: 5 12-07
31. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 5 12-06 170
Day 1: 5 12-06
31. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 12-06 170
Day 1: 5 12-06
33. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 5 12-04 168
Day 1: 5 12-04
34. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 12-03 167
Day 1: 5 12-03
34. Kenneth Malone Columbiana, AL 5 12-03 167
Day 1: 5 12-03
36. Josh Herren Ashville, AL 5 12-02 165
Day 1: 5 12-02
37. Tyler Caton Clanton, AL 5 12-01 164
Day 1: 5 12-01
38. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 12-00 163
Day 1: 5 12-00
39. Randall Carter Maplesville, AL 5 11-14 162
Day 1: 5 11-14
40. Jarrett Brown Montevallo, AL 5 11-13 161
Day 1: 5 11-13
41. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 3 11-12 160
Day 1: 3 11-12
42. Spencer Peters Knoxville, TN 5 11-11 159
Day 1: 5 11-11
43. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 11-10 158
Day 1: 5 11-10
44. Todd Castledine Nacogdoches, TX 5 11-09 157
Day 1: 5 11-09
45. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 11-08 156
Day 1: 5 11-08
46. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 11-04 155
Day 1: 5 11-04
47. Shane Horton Wilsonville , AL 5 11-03 154
Day 1: 5 11-03
48. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 11-02 153
Day 1: 5 11-02
49. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 5 11-01 152
Day 1: 5 11-01
50. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 11-00 151
Day 1: 5 11-00
50. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 11-00 151
Day 1: 5 11-00
52. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 5 10-14 149
Day 1: 5 10-14
53. Garrett Dixon Citronelle, AL 5 10-13 148
Day 1: 5 10-13
53. Chandler Stewart Waco, TX 5 10-13 148
Day 1: 5 10-13
53. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 10-13 148
Day 1: 5 10-13
56. Bryce Matthews Olanta, SC 5 10-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-12
56. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 5 10-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-12
56. Chris Wooten West Point, MS 5 10-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-12
59. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 5 10-11 142
Day 1: 5 10-11
59. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 5 10-11 142
Day 1: 5 10-11
61. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 5 10-10 140
Day 1: 5 10-10
61. Josh Hubbard Braidwood, IL 5 10-10 140
Day 1: 5 10-10
63. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 5 10-09 138
Day 1: 5 10-09
63. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 5 10-09 138
Day 1: 5 10-09
63. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 10-09 138
Day 1: 5 10-09
66. Caiden Sinclair Wilsonville, AL 5 10-08 135
Day 1: 5 10-08
67. Stephen Morella Townshend, VT 5 10-07 134
Day 1: 5 10-07
67. J T Russell Mccala, AL 5 10-07 134
Day 1: 5 10-07
69. Bo Hunter Gardendale, AL 5 10-06 132
Day 1: 5 10-06
70. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 5 10-05 131
Day 1: 5 10-05
70. Chad Schroeder Lowndesboro, AL 5 10-05 131
Day 1: 5 10-05
72. Zeke Gossett Pell City, AL 5 10-01 129
Day 1: 5 10-01
72. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 10-01 129
Day 1: 5 10-01
72. Trevor Prince Blue Ridge, GA 5 10-01 129
Day 1: 5 10-01
75. Kopeland Rosser Helena, AL 5 09-15 126
Day 1: 5 09-15
76. Justin Hamner Foley, AL 5 09-14 125
Day 1: 5 09-14
76. Lance Rose Pipe Creek, TX 5 09-14 125
Day 1: 5 09-14
78. Dave Turner Crystal River, FL 5 09-11 123
Day 1: 5 09-11
79. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 5 09-10 122
Day 1: 5 09-10
80. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 5 09-09 121
Day 1: 5 09-09
80. Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-09 121
Day 1: 5 09-09
82. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 5 09-08 119
Day 1: 5 09-08
83. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 5 09-07 118
Day 1: 5 09-07
84. Matt Lee Bremen, AL 4 09-07 117
Day 1: 4 09-07
85. Joel Bowden Sylacauga, AL 5 09-05 116
Day 1: 5 09-05
86. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 09-04 115
Day 1: 5 09-04
87. Tyler Ellis Battlefield, MO 5 09-03 114
Day 1: 5 09-03
87. Barry Wilson Birmingham, AL 5 09-03 114
Day 1: 5 09-03
89. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 09-01 112
Day 1: 5 09-01
89. Caleb Gibson Locust Grove, OK 5 09-01 112
Day 1: 5 09-01
89. Ronald Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 5 09-01 112
Day 1: 5 09-01
92. Michael Bradford Scottsboro, AL 5 09-00 109
Day 1: 5 09-00
93. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 08-13 108
Day 1: 5 08-13
93. Brandon Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 5 08-13 108
Day 1: 5 08-13
95. Justin Barnes Monroeville, AL 5 08-12 106
Day 1: 5 08-12
96. Hall Hobbs Wilsonville, AL 5 08-11 105
Day 1: 5 08-11
96. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 08-11 105
Day 1: 5 08-11
98. Johnny McCombs Morris, AL 5 08-07 103
Day 1: 5 08-07
99. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 5 08-06 102
Day 1: 5 08-06
99. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 5 08-06 102
Day 1: 5 08-06
101. Mark Pappas Dandridge, TN 5 08-05 100
Day 1: 5 08-05
102. Henry Mcpherson Mountain Brk, AL 5 08-04 99
Day 1: 5 08-04
102. Clint Nail Sterrett, AL 5 08-04 99
Day 1: 5 08-04
104. Dj Ellis Crestview, FL 5 08-02 97
Day 1: 5 08-02
105. Jonathan Carter Glenburn, ME 5 07-15 96
Day 1: 5 07-15
106. Gregg Fogner Conway, SC 5 07-14 95
Day 1: 5 07-14
107. Stephen Perry Pike Road, AL 3 07-14 94
Day 1: 3 07-14
108. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 5 07-13 93
Day 1: 5 07-13
109. Bob Behrle Hoover, AL 5 07-11 92
Day 1: 5 07-11
110. Cam Sterritt Newfields, NH 5 07-10 91
Day 1: 5 07-10
111. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 3 07-10 90
Day 1: 3 07-10
112. Anthony Goggins Clanton, AL 5 07-09 89
Day 1: 5 07-09
112. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 07-09 89
Day 1: 5 07-09
112. Jake Rossi Columbus, OH 5 07-09 89
Day 1: 5 07-09
115. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 5 07-07 86
Day 1: 5 07-07
116. John Maner Falkville, AL 5 07-06 85
Day 1: 5 07-06
117. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 5 07-04 84
Day 1: 5 07-04
117. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 5 07-04 84
Day 1: 5 07-04
119. Scott Patton Paris, TN 5 07-03 82
Day 1: 5 07-03
120. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 07-02 81
Day 1: 5 07-02
121. Larry Franks Jr. Wilsonville, AL 4 07-00 80
Day 1: 4 07-00
122. Brandt Tumberg Moore, SC 5 06-15 79
Day 1: 5 06-15
123. Tyler Berger Delaware, OH 5 06-14 78
Day 1: 5 06-14
124. David Parsons Dothan, AL 5 06-13 77
Day 1: 5 06-13
124. Chris Peters Birchwood, TN 5 06-13 77
Day 1: 5 06-13
126. Brandon Mccombs Mc Calla, AL 3 06-13 75
Day 1: 3 06-13
127. Mark Duerr West Allis, WI 4 06-09 74
Day 1: 4 06-09
128. Gus Kneidinger Prospect, PA 3 06-08 73
Day 1: 3 06-08
129. Matt Mattingly Gravel Switch, KY 5 06-07 72
Day 1: 5 06-07
129. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 5 06-07 72
Day 1: 5 06-07
129. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 5 06-07 72
Day 1: 5 06-07
132. Connor Macdougall Bremerton, WA 5 06-05 69
Day 1: 5 06-05
133. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 06-04 68
Day 1: 5 06-04
134. Cj Knight Sylacauga, AL 3 06-00 67
Day 1: 3 06-00
135. Jerry Gallogly Jr North Tazewell, VA 4 05-13 66
Day 1: 4 05-13
136. Denis Karachopan Rocky Point, NY 4 05-11 65
Day 1: 4 05-11
137. Kameron Harbin Abbeville, SC 5 05-07 64
Day 1: 5 05-07
138. Lance Owen Greer, SC 3 05-07 63
Day 1: 3 05-07
139. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 3 05-02 62
Day 1: 3 05-02
140. Colby Robertson Summerfield, FL 4 05-01 61
Day 1: 4 05-01
141. Ryan Branch Chelsea, AL 3 04-14 60
Day 1: 3 04-14
142. Joe Thompson Clayton, GA 3 04-12 59
Day 1: 3 04-12
143. Trevor Topken Warwick, NY 2 04-12 58
Day 1: 2 04-12
144. Ronnie Getz Sunman, IN 4 04-11 57
Day 1: 4 04-11
145. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 2 04-11 56
Day 1: 2 04-11
146. Rich Mcbride Calera, AL 3 04-10 55
Day 1: 3 04-10
146. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 3 04-10 55
Day 1: 3 04-10
148. Robert Gibson Niota, TN 2 04-07 53
Day 1: 2 04-07
149. Cassidy Evans Huntsville, AL 2 04-03 52
Day 1: 2 04-03
149. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 2 04-03 52
Day 1: 2 04-03
151. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 3 03-15 50
Day 1: 3 03-15
152. Noah Godwin Clanton, AL 3 03-05 49
Day 1: 3 03-05
153. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 2 02-11 48
Day 1: 2 02-11
154. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 2 02-03 47
Day 1: 2 02-03
155. Cole Dodson GARDENDALE, AL 2 02-02 46
Day 1: 2 02-02
156. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 1 01-06 45
Day 1: 1 01-06
157. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 1 00-12 44
Day 1: 1 00-12
158. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 4 00-00 43
Day 1: 4 00-00
159. Jason Casteel Winter Garden, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. Richard Reeger Gastonia, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 126 722 1487-08
----------------------------------
126 722 1487-08
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake 12/3-12/5
Lay Lake, Shelby County AL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Alex Prince Blue Ridge, GA 3 07-13 200
Day 1: 3 07-13
2. Steve Robbins Piketon, OH 3 07-10 199
Day 1: 3 07-10
3. Cody Shry Pinehurst, TX 3 07-08 198
Day 1: 3 07-08
4. Robert Bruguiere Mechanicsville, VA 3 07-02 197
Day 1: 3 07-02
4. Don Harvey Franklin, TN 3 07-02 197
Day 1: 3 07-02
6. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 3 07-01 195
Day 1: 3 07-01
7. Greg Secord Salem, SC 3 06-15 194
Day 1: 3 06-15
8. Shawn Spaeth Cadott, WI 3 06-14 193
Day 1: 3 06-14
9. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 3 06-13 192
Day 1: 3 06-13
9. Parker Vincent Deatsville, AL 3 06-13 192
Day 1: 3 06-13
11. Jim Laster Newnan, GA 3 06-10 190
Day 1: 3 06-10
11. Bailey Rothrock Monticello, IN 3 06-10 190
Day 1: 3 06-10
13. Rodney Graham Childersburg, AL 3 06-09 188
Day 1: 3 06-09
13. Randy Woodley Harvest, AL 3 06-09 188
Day 1: 3 06-09
15. Kelvin Young Guntersville, AL 3 06-08 186
Day 1: 3 06-08
16. Connor Graham Minneapolis, MN 3 06-02 185
Day 1: 3 06-02
17. Brian Rothrock Monticello, IN 3 05-15 184
Day 1: 3 05-15
18. Jeffery Strong Sharpsburg, GA 3 05-14 183
Day 1: 3 05-14
19. Mike Scroggins Wilsonville, AL 3 05-13 182
Day 1: 3 05-13
20. Harold Addison Columbia, SC 3 05-12 181
Day 1: 3 05-12
20. Caz Anderson Hayesville, NC 3 05-12 181
Day 1: 3 05-12
22. Dustin Williamson Aiken, SC 3 05-10 179
Day 1: 3 05-10
23. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 3 05-08 178
Day 1: 3 05-08
24. Craig Congleton Rockford, MI 3 05-06 177
Day 1: 3 05-06
24. Cody Stahl Griffin, GA 3 05-06 177
Day 1: 3 05-06
26. Tyler Harless HELENA, AL 3 05-05 175
Day 1: 3 05-05
27. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Travis Culbreth Columbia, AL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Josh Dees Mt. Olive, AL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Randal Griffice Bessemer, AL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Dawson Wisner Green Cv Spgs, FL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
32. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 3 05-02 169
Day 1: 3 05-02
33. Kibbee Mccoy Knoxville, TN 3 05-01 168
Day 1: 3 05-01
33. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 3 05-01 168
Day 1: 3 05-01
35. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 3 05-00 166
Day 1: 3 05-00
36. Scott Corliss Northwood, NH 2 05-00 165
Day 1: 2 05-00
37. Chris Bridges Clinton, MO 3 04-15 164
Day 1: 3 04-15
38. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 2 04-14 163
Day 1: 2 04-14
39. David Booth Erin, TN 3 04-12 162
Day 1: 3 04-12
40. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 3 04-11 161
Day 1: 3 04-11
40. Sam Sobieck New Prague, MN 3 04-11 161
Day 1: 3 04-11
42. Steve Lindsey Bayou La Batre, AL 2 04-11 159
Day 1: 2 04-11
43. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 3 04-10 158
Day 1: 3 04-10
44. Carl Hunter Snellville, GA 3 04-09 157
Day 1: 3 04-09
45. Logan Stewart Nashville, TN 3 04-08 156
Day 1: 3 04-08
45. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, FL 3 04-08 156
Day 1: 3 04-08
47. Max Mcgee Louisville, MS 3 04-07 154
Day 1: 3 04-07
48. Phil Dodds Hixson, TN 2 04-04 153
Day 1: 2 04-04
49. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 3 04-03 152
Day 1: 3 04-03
49. Jacob Novak Clear Lake, MN 3 04-03 152
Day 1: 3 04-03
49. Chuck Thurlow Auburn, AL 3 04-03 152
Day 1: 3 04-03
52. Russell Hoyle Newton, NC 3 04-02 149
Day 1: 3 04-02
53. Adam Traugh Gilroy, CA 3 04-01 148
Day 1: 3 04-01
54. Buddy Elston Jr. Odenville, AL 2 04-00 147
Day 1: 2 04-00
54. Scott Waters Saint Cloud, FL 2 04-00 147
Day 1: 2 04-00
56. Jason Reaves Montague, TX 3 03-15 145
Day 1: 3 03-15
56. Daniel Valois Gomez Coral Springs FL VENEZU 3 03-15 145
Day 1: 3 03-15
58. Andrew Packard Fresno, CA 3 03-14 143
Day 1: 3 03-14
59. Wendell Edgil Winfield, AL 2 03-13 142
Day 1: 2 03-13
60. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 3 03-12 141
Day 1: 3 03-12
60. Ken Sharkey Spring Lake, MI 3 03-12 141
Day 1: 3 03-12
62. Randy Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 2 03-12 139
Day 1: 2 03-12
63. Jack Alexander Mountain Brook, AL 3 03-11 138
Day 1: 3 03-11
64. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 3 03-10 137
Day 1: 3 03-10
65. Ashley Bishop Chesapeake, VA 3 03-09 136
Day 1: 3 03-09
66. Bert Seitz Chelsea, AL 2 03-09 135
Day 1: 2 03-09
67. Kai Barnett Wilsonville, AL 3 03-08 134
Day 1: 3 03-08
68. Kent Duchaine Fort Gaines, GA 2 03-08 133
Day 1: 2 03-08
69. Tanner Plumlee Gadsden, TN 1 03-07 132
Day 1: 1 03-07
70. Burley Langford Jr. S.Chesterfield, VA 3 03-06 131
Day 1: 3 03-06
71. Steven Kellam Dry Ridge, KY 3 03-05 130
Day 1: 3 03-05
71. Bryden Mugleston Mount Juliet, TN 3 03-05 130
Day 1: 3 03-05
73. Todd Mowery Munford, TN 3 03-02 128
Day 1: 3 03-02
74. Ralph Pierce Prattville, AL 2 02-15 127
Day 1: 2 02-15
75. Hayden Marbut Vestavia, AL 2 02-14 126
Day 1: 2 02-14
76. Lucas Bradley Gadsden, AL 2 02-13 125
Day 1: 2 02-13
76. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 2 02-13 125
Day 1: 2 02-13
78. Jason Beasley Millbrook, AL 1 02-13 123
Day 1: 1 02-13
79. Michael Elrod Cropwell, AL 1 02-12 122
Day 1: 1 02-12
80. Brad Hoff Brooks, GA 3 02-11 121
Day 1: 3 02-11
81. Todd Young Perryville, KY 2 02-11 120
Day 1: 2 02-11
82. Bradley Brooks Easley, SC 1 02-11 119
Day 1: 1 02-11
83. Chris Newton Whitesboro, NY 2 02-09 118
Day 1: 2 02-09
84. Eric Davis Athens, AL 3 02-08 117
Day 1: 3 02-08
85. Jeff Keever Tignall, GA 2 02-08 116
Day 1: 2 02-08
86. Josh Morse Apopka, FL 1 02-08 115
Day 1: 1 02-08
87. Joe Eubanks Marietta, GA 2 02-05 114
Day 1: 2 02-05
87. Rick Williams Jr Sandston, VA 2 02-05 114
Day 1: 2 02-05
89. Luke Kerstetter Brookfield, WI 1 02-04 112
Day 1: 1 02-04
90. William Maddox Trussville, AL 1 02-03 111
Day 1: 1 02-03
91. Isaac Booth Washburn, TN 2 02-02 110
Day 1: 2 02-02
91. Michael Schrader North Attleboro, MA 2 02-02 110
Day 1: 2 02-02
93. Grant Hopson Hartselle, AL 1 02-02 108
Day 1: 1 02-02
94. Lee Means Madison, AL 2 02-01 107
Day 1: 2 02-01
95. Charles Harris Athens, AL 1 02-01 106
Day 1: 1 02-01
96. Paul Scharf Sr Tampa, FL 1 02-00 105
Day 1: 1 02-00
97. Eric Carroll Gaylesville, AL 2 01-15 104
Day 1: 2 01-15
97. Roy Hurst Jr Birmingham, AL 2 01-15 104
Day 1: 2 01-15
99. Caleb Dennis Childersburg, AL 1 01-15 102
Day 1: 1 01-15
99. Ryan Fronina Mohrsville, PA 1 01-15 102
Day 1: 1 01-15
99. Chip Stith Piscataway, NJ 1 01-15 102
Day 1: 1 01-15
102. Darren Ashley Calhoun Falls, SC 2 01-13 99
Day 1: 2 01-13
102. Grover Jones Jr Starr, SC 2 01-13 99
Day 1: 2 01-13
104. Steven Slaughter Roanoke, TX 2 01-11 97
Day 1: 2 01-11
105. Mitch Van Ert Watertown, WI 1 01-11 96
Day 1: 1 01-11
106. Zack Barrera Morriston, FL 1 01-08 95
Day 1: 1 01-08
107. John Connell Marion, IL 1 01-05 94
Day 1: 1 01-05
107. Doug Johnson Prattville, AL 1 01-05 94
Day 1: 1 01-05
107. Steve Legg Vincent, OH 1 01-05 94
Day 1: 1 01-05
110. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 1 01-04 91
Day 1: 1 01-04
111. Ryan Godsey Chickamauga, GA 1 01-00 90
Day 1: 1 01-00
111. Jonathan Majors Chelsea, AL 1 01-00 90
Day 1: 1 01-00
113. Lonny Peryer Sparta, MO 1 00-15 88
Day 1: 1 00-15
113. Justin Thomas Panama City, FL 1 00-15 88
Day 1: 1 00-15
115. John Hatfield Panama City, FL 1 00-14 86
Day 1: 1 00-14
116. Daniel Istik Cranberry Twp, PA 3 00-00 85
Day 1: 3 00-00
117. Jon Brazeal Eucha, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Steve Deyton Forest City, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Barney Edens Midland, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Jim Ford Magnolia, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Mark Guhne Hixson, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Mason Gunter Newnan, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Ray Hill Lake City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Yo Howard Bolingbrook, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Chris Jones Birmingham, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Deandrae Kimbrough Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Jon Lawson Cartersville, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Harry Linsinbigler IV Dover, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Billy Messer Spartanburg, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Waylon Mullis Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Caleb Scott Sylacauga, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Andy Semonco Chester, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
Arizona’s Uribe Leads Day One of Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland
Toyota Series Western Division Pro Leads by 4-Ounce Margin in Competition for $235,000
BURNSIDE, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2020) – A tournament field of 221 boats – each featuring a pro and a co-angler – began their three-day competition for a top cash award of up to $235,000 at the Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland, in Burnside, Kentucky, Thursday.
Pro angler Joe Uribe, Jr. of Surprise, Arizona, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 16 pounds, 2 ounces to take the early lead after Day One of the three day event. Uribe now holds a slim 4-ounce lead over proNick Ratliff of Vine Grove, Kentucky, who caught five bass weighing 15 pounds, 14 ounces, to end the day in second place. The no-entry fee bass-fishing championship, hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission, features the top 25 pros and top 25 co-anglers from each of the eight Toyota Series divisions and tournament winners, the highest finishing boater and co-angler from each regional at the All-American, the College Fishing National Champions and second-place team, and the top pros and co-anglers from the FLW International Division.
Hailing from the Western Division, Uribe set the pace in the championship Thursday and added another mark to his sterling record, having only finished outside of the top six in the Western Division Angler of the Year points standings twice in the past 10 years. Though success has been lacking at the championships, he’s overdue to show off on a national stage, and a tough lake with smallmouths and rock could be just the fix.
“I’m so glad to be out here – this lake is beautiful,” said Uribe. “We made a long run to our first spot and stuck it out, fishing slow and thorough. I only got six bites all day, but I made them count.”
Uribe credits his lead on Day One to covering large amounts of water.
“I threw moving baits and covered a lot of water. I looked at different pieces on the bank – bank transitions – just something a little bit different. I found a creek in practice that I thought looked really good, with a lot of variations of structure and depth and immediately felt comfortable where I was and fished that area all day.
“I only had two days of practice, but everything just clicked and I started getting bit right away. I literally had one rod on the deck – I was winding a crankbait, making a lot of casts and continuously moving.”
For a tournament with more than 220 boats on the water, Uribe said his location was relatively quiet.
“There were maybe five boats in the area I was fishing. I’m looking forward to going back out there tomorrow – the weather has been brutal and it’s supposed to rain tomorrow. Hopefully that ends up being a good thing.”
Uribe attributed his success to the fact that he never stops practicing.
“I made a couple stops on the way back and caught a couple. I’m going to practice again tomorrow during the competition and if I’m fortunate enough to make the Top 10, I’ll be practicing again on Saturday.”
The top 20 pros after Day One on Lake Cumberland are:
1st: Joe Uribe, Jr., Surprise, Ariz., five bass, 16-2
2nd: Nick Ratliff, Vine Grove, Ky., five bass, 15-14
3rd: Chris Malone, Ironton, Ohio, five bass, 15-3
4th: Greg Bohannan, Bentonville, Ark., five bass, 14-13
5th: Kip Carter, Mansfield, Ga., five bass, 14-7
6th: Will Beutjer, Athens, Ala., five bass, 14-5
7th: Dakota Ebare, Denham Springs, La., five bass, 14-1
8th: Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., five bass, 13-13
9th: Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., five bass, 13-12
10th: Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif., five bass, 13-11
11th: Cameron Lineback, Mount Airy, N.C., five bass, 13-8
12th: R.M. Couch, Jr., Ocala, Fla., five bass, 13-4
13th: Jason Meninger, Saint Augustine, Fla., five bass, 13-3
14th: Cody Bird, Granbury, Texas, four bass, 13-2
14th: Chris Fiore, Midlothian, Va., five bass, 13-2
16th: Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 13-0
17th: Eric Olliverson, Lampe, Mo., five bass, 12-15
18th: Jonathan Bowling, Harriman, Tenn., five bass, 12-12
19th: Michael Caruso, Peoria, Ariz., five bass, 12-10
20th: Jason Wilson, Lincolnton, N.C., five bass, 12-7
For a full list of results visit FLWFishing.com.
Don White of Columbus, Mississippi, leads the co-angler division with five bass weighing 12 pounds even, followed by Mark Svendsen of Doraville, Georgia, who weighed three bass totaling 11-10, securing second-place. Co-anglers are competing for a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard.
The top 20 co-anglers after Day One on Lake Cumberland are:
1st: Don White, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 12-0
2nd: Mark Svendsen, Doraville, Ga., three bass, 11-10
3rd: Casey Taylor, Smithville, Tenn., five bass, 10-8
4th: Kevin Hesson, Seneca, Pa., four bass, 10-1
5th: Jason Hinger, Timberlake, N.C., five bass, 10-0
6th: Mario Riojas, Blanchard, Okla., five bass, 9-13
7th: Rachel Uribe, Long Beach, Calif., four bass, 9-8
8th: Travis Otto, Jefferson City, Mo., four bass, 9-4
9th: Justin Kimmel, Athens, Ga., three bass, 9-3
10th: Josh Lockard, Somerset, Ky., four bass, 8-10
10th: Jarvis Ellis, Albany, Ga., three bass, 8-10
12th: Rob Crane, Fairview Heights, Ill., five bass, 7-9
13th: Andrew Wiley, Joppa, Md., five bass, 7-6
14th: Early Whitaker, Iron City, Ga., three bass, 7-5
15th: Aaron Seay, El Cajon, Calif., three bass, 7-4
16th: Eric Wild, Brooklyn, Mich., four bass, 6-10
17th: Derek Brown, Charlottesville, Va., three bass, 6-4
18th: Michael Leach, Shenandoah, Texas, two bass, 6-0
18th: Leo Reiter, Greenup, Ill., three bass, 6-0
20th: Randy Forbes, Pleasant Plain, Ohio, two bass, 5-12
Anglers will take off daily at 7:30 a.m. EST from the General Burnside Island State Park, at 8801 S. Highway 27, in Burnside. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. each day. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family and essential staff. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the “FLW Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at FLWFishing.com.
The full field of anglers will compete on Days One and Two of the event, with only the top 10 boaters and top 10 co-anglers continuing to the third and final day. The 2020 Toyota Series champions will be determined by the heaviest three-day total weight.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
B.A.S.S. Announces Long-Awaited 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
The Bassmaster Elite Series will open its nine-event 2021 season on Florida's scenic St. Johns River.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
December 3, 2020
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After the shortest offseason break in the trail’s 16-year history, B.A.S.S. officials announced Thursday that the Bassmaster Elite Series will open its 2021 tournament slate Feb. 11-14 on the St. Johns River in Florida.
The season-opener will begin just over three months after the final event of a 2020 schedule that was reworked due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a much later finish than usual.
“We’re as excited about this schedule as any that we’ve ever put together for the Elite Series,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “It features a good mix of venues that have become fixtures for B.A.S.S. and a few we’ve been to before but haven’t visited in a while.”
The St. Johns River falls into the category of a fixture, with B.A.S.S. having visited the picturesque fishery 22 times for major events since 1973, including three times during the past five seasons.
Connecticut pro Paul Mueller won a weather-shortened event in 2020 with a three-day total of 47-6, and events in 2016 and 2019 were won by Missouri legend Rick Clunn. Each of Clunn’s victories allowed him to break his own record for the oldest angler to claim an Elite Series trophy.
Whether the St. Johns weights are eye-popping usually depends on the finicky Florida weather and which stage of the spawn the bass are in. Regardless, big largemouth will be the target.
From Florida, the season will shift north Feb. 25-28 to Knoxville, Tenn., which has played host to two fantastic major B.A.S.S. events the past four seasons, including the record-breaking 2019 Bassmaster Classic. Like that Classic, the 2021 event will take place on the Tennessee River where largemouth and smallmouth will both likely come into play.
“Knoxville was thrilled to host the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2017,” said Chad Culver, senior director of the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. “It was the first time B.A.S.S. had been here since 1981. That event led to Knoxville hosting the 2019 Bassmaster Classic – the largest in event history.
“Needless to say, we could not be more excited to welcome B.A.S.S. back to the waters of Knoxville and East Tennessee.”
Elite Series action will pause for the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, which is set for March 19-21 on Lake Ray Roberts near Fort Worth, Texas. Then the schedule will resume April 8-11 on another Texas fishery, the Sabine River in Orange.
Trips to the Sabine often see anglers targeting narrow canals where largemouth are the prize. While the winning weights are sometimes small, the weigh-in crowds are some of the largest B.A.S.S. sees anywhere. The 2013 Elite on the Sabine drew 33,000 spectators — the second-largest crowd in Elite Series history.
B.A.S.S. has visited the Sabine four times for major tournaments, including the 2018 Elite Series event that was won by Louisiana pro Greg Hackney.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Bassmaster and are looking forward to another great event that promotes both the great sport of bass fishing as well as the great area of Orange County, Texas,” said Orange County Judge John Gothia.
Elite Series pros Brandon Cobb, Garrett Paquette and Patrick Walters each earned a Century Belt — 100 pounds in a four-day event — on Lake Fork in 2019 and 2020 respectively, and more anglers hope to join their ranks when the Elite field heads back to the fishery April 22-25.
After their stops in Texas, the Elites will embark on a midseason Alabama swing, visiting Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden May 6-9, Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro May 20-23 and Pickwick Lake in Florence June 10-13. Though all in one state, each fishery will offer vastly different scenarios.
The trip to Lake Guntersville will mark the 26th time B.A.S.S. has visited the famed fishery, making it the second most popular destination in B.A.S.S. history behind only Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas. The “Big G” has earned its place in sportfishing history, ranking No. 2 on Bassmaster Magazine’s list of Best Bass Lakes of the Decade. Guntersville hosted two B.A.S.S. events in 2020 alone, including the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, which was won by North Carolina pro Hank Cherry.
“We are excited and honored to host the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series in Scottsboro. We recognize and appreciate the tremendous impact fishing has on our economy, tourism and quality of life, particularly a tournament of the stature and exposure of a Bassmaster Elite,” said Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy.
Pickwick is a 43,100-acre Tennessee River impoundment where a mixture of largemouth and smallmouth are often brought to the scales, while Neely Henry is an 11,200-acre Coosa River lake full of healthy spotted bass.
B.A.S.S. visited Pickwick six times for major events in the past — and just this year, the lake was the site of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship in November. Neely Henry has hosted B.A.S.S. only three times for major events, including the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open that was held on the lake in October.
As warm weather takes hold across the country, the Elites will make what has become an annual swing to the north with a visit to Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vt., July 8-11, and a stop in the scenic Village of Waddington, N.Y., for a season-ending tournament on the St. Lawrence River July 15-18.
B.A.S.S. has held 13 major events on Champlain, including four of the last five seasons. Idaho veteran Brandon Palaniuk won the 2020 Elite on Champlain with just over 80 pounds.
The trip to the St. Lawrence will mark the 21st time B.A.S.S. has visited the Upstate New York smallmouth paradise, which took the top spot in 2019 on Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes list.
St. Lawrence tournaments always feature big bass — Canadian pro Chris Johnston won the 2020 Elite event there with a four-day total of 97-8 — and big crowds. A 2013 visit to Waddington drew an Elite Series-record 36,200 fans.
“We here in St. Lawrence County and the Village and Town of Waddington are very excited to be part of the B.A.S.S. family,” said Janet Otto Cassada, president of North County Events. “Our area looks forward to holding our next Elite event in July 2021. Our hopes are that we have COVID behind us and can show everyone that Waddington and St. Lawrence County is where the world comes to fish.”
“There are some venues that have become regular stops for B.A.S.S. the past few years, and it’s obvious why,” Akin said. “They are known by everyone as some of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. But it’s also nice to revisit our past a little bit with trips to lakes like Pickwick and Neely Henry.
“It should all make for a fantastic season.”
For the first time in history, all nine Bassmaster Elite Series events as well as the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will feature live television coverage on the FOX Sports platforms. Visit Bassmaster.com for more details.
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule
Feb. 11-14, AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.
Feb. 25-28, Tennessee River, Knoxville, Tenn.
March 19-21, Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, Lake Ray Roberts, Fort Worth, Texas
April 8-11, Sabine River, Orange, Texas
April 22-25, Lake Fork, Emory, Texas
May 6-9, Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, Ala.
May 20-23, Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, Ala.
June 10-13, Pickwick Lake, Florence, Ala.
July 8-11, Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vt.
July 15-18, St. Lawrence River, Waddington, N.Y.
Aug. 19-22, Make-up date
MLF announces New Toyota Series Wild Card Division, Upcoming BIG5 Priority Entry Dates
Priority Entry Dates Just in Time for the Holidays with an Additional Qualification Opportunity to the Toyota Series Championship and $235,000 Top Payout
BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the new Toyota Series Wild Card Division, a second-chance opportunity for Toyota Series pros and co-anglers to advance to the 2021 Toyota Series Championship – and the shot at winning up to $235,000 cash – along with upcoming entry dates, a perfect gift for the holiday season.
Anglers who fish all three regular-season events in any of the six Toyota Series divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – and finish in the top 25 qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship. With the introduction of the new Wild Card Division, anglers can fish four or more tournaments in any combination of the six Toyota Series divisions and keep their three highest finishes, meaning pros and co-anglers now have three ways to qualify – win a tournament, finish in the top 25 in any of the six divisions, or finish in the top 12 in the new Wild Card Division by fishing four or more tournaments and counting the best three. Wild Card Division ties will be resolved by the highest finish in a tournament.
Entry dates for the MLF Toyota Series and each of the MLF BIG5 circuits were announced earlier this fall with each circuit’s 2021 schedule, however most of the priority entry dates will open over the next two weeks. With these new advancement opportunities for Toyota Series anglers, and a variety of options for anglers across all circuits, ‘tis the season to be fishing. Be sure to enter early with a co-angler or boater/pro counterpart to secure your spot in the field.
The 2021 entry dates for each MLF BIG5 circuit are:
Toyota Series:
December 2 – Priority entry for all anglers who fished a full division of the 2020 Toyota Series or a full division of the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League.
December 3 – Priority entry for TBF members.
December 4 – Open entry for all other anglers.
Pros and co-anglers entering by the entry/balance deadline for each tournament and providing a counterpart (with membership numbers who have not yet been confirmed in the tournament) will be given priority.
Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine:
December 7 – Cowboy, Gator, Hoosier and Music City divisions.
December 8 – Bulldog, Bama, Illini, Mississippi and Volunteer divisions.
December 9 – Buckeye, Choo Choo, Great Lakes, Mountain and Ozark divisions.
December 10 – Arkie, LBL, North Carolina, Northeast and Okie divisions.
December 11 – Michigan, Piedmont, Savannah River, Shenandoah and South Carolina divisions.
Boaters and co-anglers entering by the priority deadline for each tournament and providing a counterpart (with membership numbers) will be given top priority.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI:
December 14 – Priority entry for teams from school clubs represented in the 2020 College Fishing National Championship.
December 15 – Open entry for all other teams.
High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing:
December 2 – Open entry for all teams.
Check out the tournament schedules and register at FLWFishing.com or by calling (270) 252-1000.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Bassmaster Opens Angler Of The Year Battle Wraps Up At Lay Lake
Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., is leading the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year race heading into the last event of the season.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
December 2, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — The Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year race concludes this week as anglers compete Dec. 3-5 at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake, the final event of the 2020 season. Not only will the overall Angler of the Year be crowned but 12 anglers will also earn coveted invitations to the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series.
The overall Opens AOY title will be determined by combined points for anglers competing in both the Central and Eastern Opens. This season, each Opens division had four events, with three ways to qualify for the Elite Series invitations. The Top 4 from both the Central and Eastern Divisions get invites, along with the Top 4 overall anglers in the points standings.
At Lay Lake, everyone is gunning for the winner’s trophy, which brings with it a berth in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. To fish the Classic, the winning angler must have competed in the previous Eastern Open events held at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lake Hartwell and Cherokee Lake.
Anglers are also contending for the available Elite Series invitations as the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year race concludes. Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., leads the race with 1179 points. Marc Frazier of Newnan, Ga., (1158) is second. The rest of the Top 6 includes Kissimmee champion Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., (1150); Cherokee Lake winner Matt Robertson of Kuttawa, Ky., (1148); Justin Atkins of Florence, Ala., (1143); and KJ Queen of Catawba, N.C., (1111). All of them have expressed interest in accepting an invitation.
Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Eastern Opens Division with 581 points. Walters is double-qualified as a current Bassmaster Elite angler, leaving the door open for another angler to earn an Elite spot. Josh Stracner of Vandiver, Ala., (580), is second and Pat Schlapper of Eleva, Wis., (550) is third. Schlapper has already earned an Elite Series invitation as winner of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, opening another invitation from the Eastern Division. Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., (541), whose season goal is qualifying for the Elite Series, is fourth. Rounding out the Eastern Division Top 6 are Timmy Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C. (532) and Atkins (526). As it currently stands, Stracner, Martin, Thompkins and Atkins would qualify for the Elite Series from the Eastern Division.
The Bassmaster Central Opens season ended on Lewisville Lake in Texas. Christie claimed the top spot in the Central Division with 719 points, while Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., finished just three points behind in second. Japan’s Kenta Kimura and Frazier also finished in the Top 4. Christie and Frazier are double-qualified from the higher priority overall AOY points, meaning as the points currently stand those invitations would likely go to Darold Gleason of Many, La., who finished fifth, and sixth-place finisher Paul Browning of Morrilton, Ark.
The points standings have the potential to change daily depending on how far apart contenders land in the daily standings. Some can jump others based on good or poor performances.
Unlike other recent events, the anglers might be treated to a true fall bite at Lay Lake, as opposed to the challenging fall transition conditions occurring over the last two months.
Lay Lake’s surface temperatures are expected to keep fish activity consistent throughout the tournament. Some anglers reported water temps in the low 60s on the Coosa River system. The tournament week forecast calls for daytime highs in the low 50s and nighttime lows in the low 30s. Add it all up, including predicted rainfall, and Lay Lake could have the temperatures and water color favorable for fall bass fishing on the Coosa River.
Abu Garcia and Berkley Join as Premier Sponsors of the Big Bass Tour
Courtesy of Big Bass Tour
Published on 12-02-2020
The Woodlands, Texas – The Big Bass Tour announced today that Abu Garcia and Berkley brands have joined as premier sponsors of the 2021 Tour.
“We are proud to welcome these outstanding Pure Fishing brands to the Tour and look forward to a long partnership.” said Scott Gordon, Tournament Director. “Our anglers will get to experience first-hand the incredible products these two brands have to offer.” added Gordon.
“We are always looking for opportunities to connect with competitive anglers. Abu Garcia and Berkley are excited to begin this relationship with the Big Bass Tour,” said Jon Schlosser, Sr. Vice President of Marketing. “BBT provides us an avenue to get our products into the hands of avid anglers where they can test them at events and lakes they love,” added Schlosser
About Abu Garcia and Berkley
Abu Garcia® and Berkley® are leading global providers of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels.
https://www.berkley-fishing.com
About Big Bass Tour
Founded in 2010, the Big Bass Tour is the nation's premier big bass tournament series. The 2021 season will feature over $1,800,000 in guaranteed prizes and payouts with events in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. For more information visit www.bigbasstour.com
Z-Man® Baits Crush It at National Kayak-Bass Championship
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Kayak pros land 1st, 3rd and Angler of the Year titles |
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Ladson, SC (December 2, 2020) – For the past few seasons, something special, subtle, perhaps intangible about Z-Man baits has caught on with the kayak brigade—those aerobic aquatic explorers who prefer to cast anywhere trolling motors and glitter rockets can’t go. Whatever the it factor might be, Z-Man baits once again ruled the outcome of the Hobie Bass Open Series (BOS), this time, accounting for 1st place, 3rd place and Angler of the Year titles at the illustrious Hobie Tournament of Champions (TOC). For two tumultuous days (Nov. 13 and 14) on the Tennessee River system near Knoxville, local stick and Z-Man pro Ryan Lambert tossed Z-Man SlingBladeZ™ spinnerbaits and Ned-rigged Big TRDs™ to seduce 186.25-inches of river bronze— easily enough smallmouth bass to earn a $30k Championship payday. Among a talented 50-angler qualifying field of ‘yak-driven anglers, Lambert out-caught 2nd place finisher Jordan Marshall by 11-inches and Z-Man pro and 3rdplace finisher Kristine Fischer by 14. |
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Championship winner Ryan “Lunchmoney” Lambert leaned on a 1-2 punch of Z-Man baits. |
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“A month ago, I was lucky enough to win the Tennessee state kayak championship on these waters,” admits Lambert, a resident of nearby Chattanooga. “The fish were just crushing a ChatterBait® JackHammer™ at that time, like usual.” (Earlier in the year, Lambert lip-locked a goliath 22-inch smallmouth at Lake Guntersville, also a JackHammer-eater.) “I returned for the Hobie national championship and thankfully found the smallmouth school in the same location. But for whatever reason, I couldn’t get them to eat a JackHammer, so I switched over to a one-two punch of a SlingBladeZ spinnerbait and a Ned Rig, and worked the same big school of smallmouths both days.” On day-1, Lambert slung a tandem, Pearl Ghost-colored SlingBladeZ spinnerbait and Pearl Turbo CrawZ™ trailer upstream, working it methodically back down with the current, through 6-feet of water. “The SlingBladeZ is such a stable, balanced spinnerbait—ideal for strong flows,” believes Lambert. “The tandem willow-Colorado blade was key in the stained water, providing extra flash and thump at the same time. Giving off a second layer of vibration and action, the Turbo CrawZ ran perfectly on the back of the spinnerbait. The pinchers on this bait really help focus the bass’s attention on the hook, too.” Lambert’s spot, which he described as “a non-descript stretch of a feeder river with flooded timber, rocks and a bit of grass” held a huge school of smallmouths along a 40-yard stretch. “My first bite didn’t come until about 11 a.m., but then during a hot 45-minute span, I boated my entire day-one limit, including a 20.5-inch hawg on the SlingBladeZ.” |
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Prior to day-2, Lambert heard through the grapevine that another angler might elbow in to his spot. Sure enough, an intruding angler helped turn Lambert’s smallmouth school even more difficult to catch. “It was already tricky holding on such a small river area, but I felt like if I stuck to my guns and worked the fish with the Ned Rig, I could scratch five keepers and finish in good shape. “I’m a big fan of Z-Man’s Mag ShroomZ™ and a Big TRD. The Mag ShroomZ has a heavier duty hook, perfect for river Ned Rigging,” says Lambert. “Crazy thing was, I lost one of only two of these jigs I had to a rock right away. Somehow, I managed to snag it a few casts later, so I reclaimed my one back-up. “In the current and for big bruiser smallmouths, the heavier 3/8-ounce weight and bigger hook are key. I just kept working that combo and keeping bottom contact with it, until I had my fish. That Z-Man Ned Rig is such a confidence deal for me that I just kept showing it to fish over and over until they bit it. “After measuring my fifth keeper smallmouth, I looked at the sky, saw a big storm coming and paddled back to my truck. I called A.J. (tournament director A.J. McWhorter) and told him, ‘I’m done, man.’” Meanwhile, a heavy storm rolled through, including wind gusts to 60-mph. For many of the other anglers still on the water, including Fischer, the storm brought the bite to a halt. |
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The popular Fischer faced even longer odds, having spent scant hours of prefishing on a waterway she’d never seen before. “There’s so much water here, so much great looking stuff,” she notes. “Thankfully, I’m pretty comfortable on rivers. On day-1, I happened to notice a bit of commotion on the up-current side of an island and paddled over. I caught a bass that coughed up a 4-1/2-inch baitfish.” Fischer tied on and slow-rolled a Z-Man MinnowZ™ (Opening Night pattern) swimbait on a 3/8-ounce underspin. “Right away, I started hammering good fish, including two 19.5-inchers—one of which was a super fat 5-pound smallmouth. A nearby logjam split the current into a slackwater flat and two current seams. Some bass were on the seams, others were in the logjam itself. At one point, I drilled fish on 8 casts in a row. That’s when you know you’re on to the right pattern.” Fischer finished the day in second place, measuring an impressive 94-inches—a mere inch behind Lambert. With the approaching storm on day-2, Fischer knew she’d need to get to her spot early to cash in. “Caught a big largemouth right away, but when the bite slowed I switched to a Z-Man Shaky HeadZ® and Turbo CrawZ, flipping the weedless combo into timber. I had four fish by noon, and needed one more to make a run. This shaky head and craw combo has become a real go-to in super tough conditions.” |
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Hobie BOS Angler of the Year and Z-Man pro Drew Gregory. |
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While fifty exceptional anglers vied for the Championship, at least ten others had their eyes on Hobie’s Angler of the Year title. Among them was Z-Man pro Drew Gregory. “Coming in to the Tournament of Champions, I logged 4th, 1st and 4th place finishes at the last three BOS events,” noted Gregory, an elite kayak angler who won the Lake Dardanelle BOS with a ProjectZ™ ChatterBait®. “Coming in to the Championship, I trailed two great anglers, Jody Queen and Rus Synders, so I knew I’d have to be on my game here to have a chance.” Gregory found success with a SlingBladeZ spinnerbait in open river stretches and his favorite ProjectZ ChatterBait skipped beneath limbs and into the bases of root balls. Both baits induced aggressive strikes from a mixture of largemouth and smallmouth bass. “My biggest bass was a stout 18-inch smallmouth on a ProjectZ ChatterBait (Sexier Shadpattern) with a Pearl DieZel MinnowZ™. That bait has been money for me all year. In my opinion, it’s the best—and maybe the most underrated— of all Z-Man’s ChatterBaits.” Back-to-back limits of 78.5- and 81-inches ultimately earned Gregory 7th place and the Angler of the Year title, including a $5,000 check and automatic invitation to the Hobie Worlds. “For me, power fishing fast-moving baits like the SlingBladeZ and ProjectZ ChatterBait continues to be a winning formula. What a crazy, crazy, cool year. Feels awesome to win Angler of the Year. |
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Summarized TOC winner Lambert: “What’s so great about these Hobie BOS tourneys is everyone knows everyone. It’s a family-like atmosphere. Everyone hangs out together. We go to dinners. The kayak brigade just seems to bring good people together, fosters friendships. That means when we discover a hot bite or new bait, we’ll probably spill the beans with our buds around a campfire.” |
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Z-Man pros (L-to-R)Kristine Fischer and Ryan Lambert took 3rd and 1st place at the Hobie Tournament of Champions, while Drew Gregory captured Angler of the Year honors. |
High School Bass Class and Classic Qualifiers!
This week the boys welcome in Neil Paul from the High School Bass Class to give us some insight into the upcoming program & Classic Qualifier Tommy Williams joins us to talk about his recent win on Lake Lewisville. Its time to hit play!
High School Bass Class announces support from Berkley and Abu Garcia and upcoming dates
Anderson, S.C. – The High School Bass Class, a bass fishing seminar program for high school and middle school anglers, announces its new title sponsors, Berkley® and Abu Garcia®, and the 2020 seminar date, Dec. 12-13.
The newly titled Berkley Abu Garcia High School Bass Class will be back in Anderson, S.C. in December for the two-day classroom format experience. The event provides youth anglers opportunities to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge of bass fishing through classroom instruction taught by industry leaders and professional anglers.
This year’s event will feature a keynote address from the 2020 Bassmaster Classic Champion and Berkley and Abu Garcia angler, Hank Cherry, along with general sessions and panel discussions with professional anglers and industry professionals. Other professional anglers scheduled to speak during the event are Justin Atkins, Mike Huff, Hunter Shryock, Edwin Evers, Patrick Walters and Andy Montgomery. Additional speakers are being added and will be announced soon.
The unique event connects youth anglers, boat captains and fishing programs with industry representatives to provide opportunities for engagement with professionals and brands throughout the fishing industry – providing skills and conservation education and creating awareness of professional and post-graduate opportunities.
Berkley and Abu Garcia are well-known names in the bass fishing industry and have previously provided in-kind support to High School Bass Class events. Signing on as the title sponsor is proof of the iconic brands’ support of the fishing community at large, and especially for youth anglers. In addition to sponsoring the High School Bass Class, Berkley and Abu Garcia operate the Student Angler Program for high school and college anglers.
Other partners such as Garmin, Bass Pro Shops, Plano, Black Rifle Coffee Company and Phantom Outdoors have signed on to be a part of the High School Bass Class event.
Registration is open for the December event, and high school and middle school anglers can register online at www.highschoolbassclass.com. The two-day event is $95 and includes a shirt, gift bag with sponsor items, a networking lunch on Saturday, dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning. There will not be an onsite registration at the event.
Coaches, Boat Captains and Parents are welcome to register, participate and attend.
Rapala Extends Sponsorship Of Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing And B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Rapala, maker of premium lures and other fishing tackle and accessories, has extended their sponsorship of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail as well as their title sponsorship of Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing for the 2021 season.
“B.A.S.S. continues to bring new ways to promote the sport at every level, and Rapala is excited to continue our partnership through 2021,” said Matt Jensen, Rapala Director of Marketing. “Rapala VMC Brands have so many new products each year pushing the limits of innovation in many categories, and being able to expose our top products through the B.A.S.S. platform helps us execute our initiatives.”
“In addition, Rapala and B.A.S.S have an initiative to continue to grow Fantasy Fishing and engage more fans with interactive ways to be a part of the tournaments and have a chance at amazing prizes during the year.”
Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing saw a 36% jump in participation during the 2020 season as fans competed for more than $90,000 in prizes. Fantasy Fishing provides more than 37,000 highly engaged fishing fans a competitive platform to test their knowledge of professional fishing and prognostication skills. Every 2020 event featured $2,500 in prizes from Rapala, and the season points champion took home over $20,000 in gift cards, cash and gear.
Rapala will be a Supporting Sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.
As a tournament sponsor, Rapala will enjoy exposure to enthusiastic fans of sportfishing and B.A.S.S. members during tournament weigh-ins as well as across Bassmaster.com, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Timesmagazines and various social media platforms while Fantasy Fishing also receives extensive coverage when fans tune in to Bassmaster LIVE to follow their fantasy team anglers.
Six 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series pro anglers — Bernie Schultz, Seth Feider, Patrick Walters, Gerald Swindle, Brandon Palaniuk and Bob Downey — are part of the Rapala pro staff.
Wellspoken Ministries Nitro/Mercury boat raffle
Greenville, South Carolina – Wellspoken Ministries will hold its 3rd annual boat raffle drawing on December 5th. The winner will take home a 2020 Nitro Z18 powered by a Mercury 175 Pro XS. 10 Lew’s rod and reel combos, and five Strike King tackle packs will also be given away in the drawing.
“Wellspoken ministries exists to reach out to sportsmen with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Chris Wells, the ministry’s Executive Director. “2020 has been a challenging year, with over 50 speaking events postponed due to COVID 19. All the proceeds from this fundraiser benefit our mission and allow us to enter into 2021 seeking opportunities to share Jesus with as many people as possible.”
Tickets are $100 and available at www.chriswells.org or by calling (864) 414-9453, or in-person on the 5th. All tickets are not tax-deductible.
The in-person drawing is on December 5th at 4:00 pm at the Cabela’s in Greenville at 1025 Woodruff Road and will be live-streamed on Facebook. The winner does not need to be present to win.
“We are so thankful for everyone who has been a part of this raffle in the past, and appreciate the support this year, too,” said Wells.
For more information on Wellspoken Ministries or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.chriswells.org.
The raffle is officially registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
It’s Always Been the Anglers
Vance McCullough
Samoset was the native American who first greeted a group of miserable, shivering religious outcasts from Europe who had landed on the coast of what is now Massachusetts with the intention to establish a colony. They landed during a New England winter and wondered if they would make it to spring.
One day in March, the tall, long-haired Samoset, wearing only a loin cloth, walked into their camp and spoke, “Welcome! Welcome! Englishmen!”
The year was 1620 and the colonists were amazed that Samoset spoke English. ‘Where had he, a nearly naked native in the wilds of North America, learned the language?’
It turns out that Samoset had picked up the language from fishermen who had come to North America to hunt for cod. While the unknown fishers will never be named, it is little surprise that hunters of one stripe or other were the first to explore a ‘hidden’ region of the world long before those who sought fame and fortune. It has always been man’s quest to feed his belly and his family that has pushed him to extremes unrivalled by others. Sometimes the pursuits are fatal, but so too, is starvation.
Samoset’s tribe, the Wampanoag, descended from the first people to cross the Bearing Land Bridge out of Asia and into the ‘New World’ roughly 14,000 years ago. Ice sheets receding, intrepid hunters pressed on as glaciers calved chunks of ice the size of houses into the ocean. Only the brave moved forward. Only the lucky survived.
And so it has always been that hunters are the first to see new lands, the first to make contact with those who live there. They are the original explorers.
Today, we have options for feeding ourselves that don’t involve exploration, but those foods just stuff the body, often with low quality calories. As we have solved the challenges of caloric deficit, we are realizing another deep need, the need to feed our souls. Modern hunters and anglers are in search of the thread that binds us to our past as much as anything else. After all, our ancestors risked everything to reach our shores from afar, physically. While they might humbly say that they were simply doing what they had to do and living each day as it came to them, it’s important that we reach back through time to shake their hands and honor their efforts - and the DNA they passed on to a lucky handful of us.
Today I give thanks for my sporting heritage and the explorer DNA I have been blessed to carry and pass on to my children, and the freedom to enjoy this aspect of my personality in the United States of America.
"Focused and Ready to Win" - Featuring Pat Schlapper
This week Chris & the boys welcome in BASS NATION Champ Pat Schlapper to the show to talk about his incredible run this season not only in the NATION events but also in the Eastern Opens. With one event remaining he has a chance to double qualify for both the Classic & the Elites. Chris runs his mouth on the recent BOT roster & remembers an old friend. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Columbia’s Culbertson Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Wild Card Championship on Lake of the Ozarks presented by Fish-Intel.com
Co-angler Victory Goes to Kentucky’s Long
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (Nov. 24, 2020) Boater Austin Culbertson of Columbia, Missouri, brought a two-day total of eight bass to the scale weighing 25 pounds, 9 ounces to win the no-entry fee Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Wild Card Championship on Lake of the Ozarks presented by Fish-Intel.com. For his victory, Culbertson earned one of the final berths into the 2021 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship.
The Wild Card tournament is a last-chance shot at the All-American for Bass Fishing League anglers that didn’t qualify for a Regional Championship.
“This is incredible,” said Culbertson. “I wasn’t able to practice, but luckily I’m from the area so I was able to get on the water and just adjust to what the fish were doing.
“I caught my first fish on a Zara Spook and it was a five-pounder so it was a great start. I continued to chase that bite for several hours before switching to a jig and catching my three other keepers. I tried to find that fifth keeper from 9:30 a.m. on, with no luck. I finished the first day with only four fish at 13 pounds even.”
Culbertson said he started day two right back where he caught the five-pounder.
“I was thinking the topwater bite would be better on day two due to the weather, but I chased it for more than two hours with only one bite. Around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday I caught my first keeper on a jerkbait.
“I noticed the fish had moved up off the bottom and were more suspended, so I made a slight adjustment,” continued Culbertson. “I found a good cove and was able to secure two more keepers on the jerkbait.”
Culbertson said he spent the rest of the day looking for the last two fish he needed to get his limit.
“Right at the end of the day, I ran to a spot where I’d had success with big fish in the past, but hadn’t fished all week. I fished the jerkbait along a bluff wall, and caught close to a 5-pound largemouth. I fought it for three or four minutes around the boat and got it in with just enough time to throw a few more casts before running back for the weigh-in.”
Culbertson came in to the weigh-in with only four fish again on the final day.
“I was around the right ones, just not enough of them, but it turned out to be enough for the win,” said Culbertson.
The top six boaters that qualified for 2021 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American were:
1st: Austin Culbertson of Columbia, Mo., eight bass, 25-9
2nd: Kyle Kitts of Joplin, Mo., 10 bass, 21-1
3rd: Harmon Davis of Marlow, Okla., seven bass, 20-9
4th: Joey Schmidt of Hickory, Ky., 10 bass, 20-6
5th: Garrett Johnson of Indianapolis, Ind., six bass, 20-2
6th: Richie Marsh of Excelsior Springs, Mo., seven bass, 19-15
Rounding out the top 10 boaters were:
7th: Mick Fenn of Grove, Okla., six bass, 18-14
8th: Kevin Bishop of Ashland, Ky., eight bass, 18-10
9th: Jim Eakin of Clarksville, Tenn., six bass, 18-9
10th: Chris Gable of Hopkinsville, Ky., eight bass, 18-8
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Boater Brent Barnes of Chattanooga, Tennessee, weighed the heaviest bass of the tournament Friday – a 6-pound, 10-ouncer - that won the day’s Boater Big Bass Award of $225.
Kitts took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Raymie Long of Stanford, Kentucky, weighed in a two-day total of eight bass weighing 11 pounds, 11 ounces to win the Co-angler Wild Card Championship and advance to the 2021 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The top six co-anglers that qualified for the 2021 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American were:
1st: Raymie Long of Stanford, Ky., eight bass, 11-11
2nd: Zach Barnes of Chickamauga, Ga., six bass, 11-4
3rd: Cotton Snodgrass of Norman, Okla., seven bass, 11-3
4th: Bryan Schuster of Oklahoma City, Okla., five bass, 11-0
5th: Jeff Cave of Mount Juliet, Tenn., four bass, 10-5
6th: Chris Gebhardt of Columbia, Mo., five bass, 9-11
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers were:
7th: Robert Holliday of Greensboro, Ga., five bass, 9-4
8th: Jim McLaughlin of Vinita, Okla., four bass, 8-13
9th: Larry Chadwick of Phenix City, Ala., four bass, 8-11
10th: Joe Tucker of Osceola, Mo., four bass, 8-9
The Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Wild Card tournament on Lake of the Ozarks was hosted by Fish-Intel.com.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2021 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held June 3-5 at Douglas Lake in Dandridge, Tennessee, and is hosted by the Jefferson County Department of Tourism. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the Toyota Series, the pathway to the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and ultimately the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour.
Marietta Bassmasters Club Wins FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Hartwell Open
ANDERSON, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2020) – The Marietta Bassmasters Club duo of Carter Koza of Marietta, Georgia, and Tanner Hadden of Evans, Georgia, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 12 pounds, 10 ounces to win the FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Hartwell Open in Anderson, South Carolina.
For their win on Lake Hartwell, the team now advances to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship.
The top ten teams that qualified for the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Marietta Bassmasters Club, Marietta, Ga. – Carter Koza, and Tanner Hadden, five bass, 12-10
2nd: North Hall High School, Gainesville, Ga. – Caleb Tanner and Brandon Martin, five bass, 12-7
3rd: Union County High School, Blairsville, Ga. – Coby Thompson and Bentley Floyd, five bass, 11-4
4th: Travelers Rest High School, Travelers Rest, S.C. – Cole Sanders and Hunter Dill, five bass, 10-14
5th: Greenbrier High School Bass Club, Evans, Ga. – Hunter Knutson and Gauge Toole, five bass, 10-11
6th: James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, S.C. – Marshall Robinson and Mason Fulmer, five bass, 10-5
7th: North Forsyth High School, Cumming, Ga. – Jacob Frank and Carsen Newman, five bass, 10-2
8th: James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, S.C. – Cody Abbott and Mitchell Robinson, five bass, 10-1
9th: Palmetto High School, Palmetto, Ga. – Ross Davis and Ethan Thrasher, five bass, 9-12
10th: Indiana Student Anglers – Elijah Meyers, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Dalton Defelice, Howe, Ind., five bass, 9-8
Complete results from the event can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The event launched from Green Pond Landing in Anderson, South Carolina, and was hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Hartwell Open in Anderson, South Carolina, was a free, two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12 and open to any FLW and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2021 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2020 World Finals.
Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
Stable Conditions On Tap For Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake
Alabama's historic Lay Lake will host the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open Dec. 3-5, 2020.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
November 24, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Extended warmth has made the fall transition challenging this year, but Bassmaster Elite Series pro Scott Canterbury believes the milder conditions could deliver solid potential for the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open on Lay Lake.
Competition days will be Dec. 3-5 with daily takeoffs from Beeswax Park at 6:15 a.m. CT and weigh-ins each day at the park at 2:15 p.m.
Making his home in Odenville, Ala., Canterbury calls Lay his home lake. Anticipating a good fall bite, he’s registered to compete on this 12,000-acre Coosa River reservoir that has played host to four Bassmaster Classics.
“Everything is really good, the water clarity is good, the water level is good,” Canterbury said. “We haven’t had any rain lately, but a little rain might help as far as current and a little color. The Coosa normally fishes a little better when it has a little stain to it.”
During his preThanksgiving practice trips, Canterbury found stable conditions. The water level is a few inches below full pool and that’s likely to remain fairly steady through the tournament.
Two weeks before the event, Canterbury was measuring Lay Lake water temperatures in the low 60s. He said he expects a minor cooling could reach into the upper 50s by early December. But, barring any major cold fronts, that should keep the fish active.
“I signed up hoping it would be a lot colder and maybe with a little more rain,” Canterbury said. “It’s probably not going to be those conditions, but everything will be good.”
Canterbury said he expects most competitive bags to include a mix of species. The common scenario will find anglers securing a limit of spotted bass and then hunting a kicker largemouth. Canterbury said the fact that the lake has recently produced impressive examples of both should bode well for tournament anglers.
“If you can just catch 3 1/2-pound spots, you’re doing well, but 4-pound spots are big ones on this lake,” he said. “There have been 6-pounders weighed in this year in tournaments that I’ve fished and in a recent tournament, a guy weighed in a largemouth over 8.
“I’ve fished a couple of tournaments (on Lay) this year where I had over 20 pounds and had 6-pound largemouths in the mix. There are a lot of 4- to 6-pound largemouth and a whole lot of 2 3/4- to 4-pound spots.”
Noting that Lay’s entire 48-mile length will be in play, Canterbury said specific site selection will come down to an angler’s target species. Largemouth will mostly relate to shallow grass and wood, while spots are typically found around standing timber, creek channels, current breaks and occasionally near shallow cover — provided bait schools are present.
“Spotted bass could be anywhere from the Logan Martin Dam (downstream) to the Lay Dam,” Canterbury said. “The largemouth are most prevalent from about midlake on down because that’s where you start getting into bigger feeder creeks and there’s more grass on this lower end.”
Canterbury said that the relatively mild water temperatures will likely make swimming a jig around the shallow cover one of the top largemouth presentations. Casting spinnerbaits and flipping jigs or Texas-rigged plastics into grass or cover will also produce. Those targeting spots will do so with jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits and shaky heads.
“I’ve heard some people say it’s going to take 19 pounds a day to win, but it won’t,” Canterbury said. “Nineteen might be leading the first day, but if someone can catch 16 a day, they’re going to be right there.
“I think the winning weight will be (approximately) 49. That’s just a touch over 16 a day. If you catch 50 pounds, you’re going to be hard to catch.”
Canterbury said he wouldn’t be surprised to see someone weigh a 20-pound bag. However, he believes that doing so more than once is highly unlikely.
“Like everywhere in the country, it’s been a little tougher this fall than it normally is,” he said. “But Lay Lake is one of the best on the Coosa Chain, so it’s gonna be good.”
Since this is the final Eastern Open of the season, the Top 4 anglers in the Eastern Division standings after the event will be in line for invitations to fish the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series. The division’s current Top 4 includes Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., with 581 points, Joshua Stracner of Vandiver, Ala., (580), Pat Schlapper of Eleva, Wis., (550) and Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., (541). Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year Standings with 1,179 points.
Plano Signs on to Support Berkley Abu Garcia High School Bass Class
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Grand Prairie, TX (November 24, 2020) - Leading fishing brands continue to sign on in support of the Berkley Abu Garcia High School Bass Class seminar program, including storage solution manufacturer Plano.
Plano, the go-to source for outdoor storage solutions, has signed on as a presenting sponsor of the bass fishing seminar program for high school and middle school anglers. Having previously supported the event through in-kind donations, Plano is increasing its commitment to youth anglers through sponsorship of the event.
"We are proud to be a part of this young angler education program." Stated Chris Russell, Marketing Director for Plano Molding. "These young men and women are changing our sport; they have become a force as they move up in the ranks of pro tournaments and it is exciting to get to work with them face to face. Sharing our knowledge, telling some fish stories and encouraging new anglers to get involved in the sport of fishing is what Plano is all about."
A two-day classroom format experience, the High School Bass Class is open to middle school and high school anglers. With Plano's support, attendees will have access to a robust list of industry professionals - business leaders and professional anglers - to learn about all facets of the fishing industry.
"I don't know of anyone that has ever fished that didn't have a Plano box of some kind to store their favorite baits," said Neil Paul, co-founder of the High School Bass Class. "Plano is a well established leader in the fishing industry and their commitment to the next generation of anglers is strong - we're proud to have them on board as a partner."
The experience provides sessions on angling skills and conservation education and creates awareness of young anglers' professional and post-graduate opportunities. Exposing middle school and high school anglers to the fishing industry and the prospect of developing a career in the industry is invaluable as young anglers navigate school paths and attempt to align with their passions.
Registration is now open for the December event, and high school and middle school anglers can register online at www.highschoolbassclass.com. The two-day event is $95 and includes a shirt, gift bag with sponsor items, a networking lunch on Saturday, dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning.
About High School Bass Class
Founded in 2016, High School Bass Class is an experience designed to provide education, exposure and connections for high school and middle school anglers. The program offers opportunities to foster engagement with the broader bass fishing industry on the topics of on-the-water skills, conservation, networking and career development. For more information, visit www.highschoolbassclass.com.
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Major League Fishing Announces Cancellation of REDCREST 2021 Outdoor Sports Expo, Confirms Tulsa for REDCREST 2022
Expo Scheduled for February 26-28 in Tulsa Cancelled, REDCREST 2021 – the Bass Pro Tour Championship – to Proceed as Scheduled on Grand Lake
TULSA, Okla. (Nov. 24, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that the REDCREST 2021 Outdoor Sports Expo, scheduled to be held Feb. 26-28, 2021 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been cancelled. REDCREST 2021, the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship, will proceed as scheduled on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees showcasing the top 40 Bass Pro Tour anglers from the 2020 season competing for the REDCREST title and the top prize of $300,000.
In addition to the cancellation, MLF also announced that Tulsa and the River Spirit Expo Square will host the REDCREST 2022 Outdoor Sports Expo on March 25-27, 2022. Competition will again be held on Grand Lake.
MLF officials remained in close contact with VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission – divisions of Tulsa Regional Tourism – throughout the year in planning for the 2021 event. Mounting uncertainty due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, combined with travel restrictions and a guest capacity reduction at Expo Square has rendered continuing with the Expo inadvisable. MLF expects the decision will help exhibitors, attendees and sponsors plan accordingly.
“The past eight months has challenged everyone, including our industry and sports events in general. This proactive decision will allow our partners enough time to plan accordingly for 2021,” said Michael Mulone, MLF Senior Director of Events and Partnerships. “The decision to cancel the expo is a tough one, but we believe it is the right one. Every week we had to expand the show floor plan because of demand, and we expected to sell out the entire facility. Now, with more than a year of lead time, we are already looking ahead to REDCREST 2022.”
The REDCREST 2021 Outdoor Sports Expo had been a much-anticipated event and was expected to be a big win for the local Tulsa economy. In addition to the sponsors, exhibitors and media, tens of thousands of fans were expected to converge on Tulsa and the Northeastern Oklahoma area.
“We are disappointed that the Major League Fishing REDCREST Championship Expo is being postponed due to the lingering pandemic. We are partnering with all involved parties to prioritize the safety of event participants and the right decision is to postpone,” said Ray Hoyt, President, Tulsa Regional Tourism. “This event is expected to deliver millions of dollars in total economic impact for the region, and we look forward to hosting this world-renowned event in the Tulsa area in March, 2022.”
“While the cancellation of the REDCREST 2021 Expo is disappointing, it is a decision that we understand and fully support,” said Gary Lancina, Senior Director of Marketing at Mercury Marine. “We will certainly miss the public interaction and activation, but are committed to the safety and well-being of the fishing community. We look forward to a great 2021 REDCREST competition and anticipate the excitement of an Expo as part of REDCREST 2022.”
For complete details and updated information on REDCREST 2021, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Tennessee’s Lipscomb University Wins Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Tournament on Lake Hartwell
ANDERSON, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2020) –Lipscomb University angler Dalton Dowdy of Chapin, South Carolina, won the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Hartwell event Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 15 pounds even. The victory earned the Lipscomb bass club $2,000 and qualified Dowdy to compete in the 2021 College Fishing National Championship.
In Abu Garcia College Fishing competition, each team generally consists of two anglers. However, if one team member is unable to attend the tournament an angler is permitted to fish alone with approval from the tournament director. Dowdy won by a 1-pound margin over the second-place team of Grayson Morris and Jacob Pfundt from the University of Montevallo, who weighed in five bass totaling 14 pounds even. The tournament launched from Green Pond Landing in Anderson, South Carolina.
The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2021 College Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Lipscomb University – Dalton Dowdy, Chapin, S.C., five bass, 15-0, $2,000
2nd: University of Montevallo – Grayson Morris, Birmingham, Ala., and Jacob Pfundt, Canton, Ga., five bass, 14-0, $1000
3rd: Bryan College – Mason Cizek, Knoxville, Tenn., and Jake Lee, Powell, Tenn., five bass, 14-4, $500
4th: Erskine College – Brycen Williamson, Wagener, S.C., and Jack Hunt, Townville, S.C., five bass, 13-14, $500
5th: University of Montevallo – Chance Schwartz, Ball Ground, Ga., and James Willoughby, Gulfport, Miss., five bass, 13-9, $500
6th: Carson Newman University – Matthew Hughes, Dandridge, Tenn., and Maddux Walters, Canton, Ga., five bass, 13-9
7th: Brewton-Parker College – Corey Yaden, Grovetown, Ga., and Blake Stephenson, Evans, Ga., five bass, 13-1
8th: Catawba Valley Community College – Lane Bailey, Granite Falls, N.C., and Adam Seagle, Lincolnton, N.C., five bass, 13-1
9th: University of Montevallo – Trey Dickert, Taylors, S.C., and Miller Spivey, Tyler, Ala., five bass, 12-11
10th: Emmanuel College – Garrett Ankerich, Harwell, Ga., and Matthew Benson, Watkinsville, Ga., five bass, 12-6
Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI event on Lake Hartwell was hosted by the Anderson Convention and Visitors Bureau. It was the third and final qualifying tournament for Southeastern Conference anglers and the last event of the year for the 2020 Abu Garcia College Fishing season.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.
Marietta Bassmasters Club Wins FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Hartwell Open
ANDERSON, S.C. (Nov. 23, 2020) – The Marietta Bassmasters Club duo of Carter Koza of Marietta, Georgia, and Tanner Hadden of Evans, Georgia, brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 12 pounds, 10 ounces to win the FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Hartwell Open in Anderson, South Carolina.
For their win on Lake Hartwell, the team now advances to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship.
The top ten teams that qualified for the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Marietta Bassmasters Club, Marietta, Ga. – Carter Koza, and Tanner Hadden, five bass, 12-10
2nd: North Hall High School, Gainesville, Ga. – Caleb Tanner and Brandon Martin, five bass, 12-7
3rd: Union County High School, Blairsville, Ga. – Coby Thompson and Bentley Floyd, five bass, 11-4
4th: Travelers Rest High School, Travelers Rest, S.C. – Cole Sanders and Hunter Dill, five bass, 10-14
5th: Greenbrier High School Bass Club, Evans, Ga. – Hunter Knutson and Gauge Toole, five bass, 10-11
6th: James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, S.C. – Marshall Robinson and Mason Fulmer, five bass, 10-5
7th: North Forsyth High School, Cumming, Ga. – Jacob Frank and Carsen Newman, five bass, 10-2
8th: James F. Byrnes High School, Duncan, S.C. – Cody Abbott and Mitchell Robinson, five bass, 10-1
9th: Palmetto High School, Palmetto, Ga. – Ross Davis and Ethan Thrasher, five bass, 9-12
10th: Indiana Student Anglers – Elijah Meyers, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Dalton Defelice, Howe, Ind., five bass, 9-8
Complete results from the event can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The event launched from Green Pond Landing in Anderson, South Carolina, and was hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Hartwell Open in Anderson, South Carolina, was a free, two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12 and open to any FLW and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2021 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2020 World Finals.
Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
Rather Outdoors’ SVP of Sales Phil Marks Passes
Lexington, S.C. – November 23, 2020 –
It is with great sadness that Rather Outdoors announces the passing of Senior Vice President of Sales, Phil Marks. Marks passed on the morning of Saturday November 21 at home in Dallas, Tex. with his family, following a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Robin and children Taylor and her husband Austin, Payton, and Hunter. His father Phil and his sister Leann and her husband Nathan.
Marks, a proud graduate of Texas A&M, spent his professional life in the fishing industry. Marks served as the head of Research and Development for many years at Strike King, and was critical in collaborating with key pro anglers over the years to produce baits that claimed numerous titles at every level of tournament angling. From Bassmaster Classic titles, Bassmaster and FLW Angler of the Year titles and numerous wins on Bassmaster, FLW and MLF tours and events the world over, his influence and accomplishments within the fishing industry cannot be easily measured.
While many would know his work as a lure designer, Marks was also an accomplished tournament angler. In his fishing career, Marks competed in 49 FLW events, notching three victories, and 14 top 10 finishes.
Outside of his business pursuits and his passion for the outdoors, Marks was a devoted family man, coaching sports teams for his children and sharing his passion for life with family and friends. He experienced more in his 55 years of life than most do in 90. Marks was larger-than-life and that was reflected in his incredibly deep and genuine relationships with his colleagues.
“From day one upon joining the team, the family culture within Strike King was palpable and real. Through John Barns leadership, accompanied by Doug & Mary Minor, Crispin Powley, Phil and others, I was offered the opportunity to be made part of their family. Over the years since, I got to know the core of the Strike King team more deeply, and can say without question that Phil Marks left his unique mark on me, as he did so many others. The best words I have to describe Phil is that he uniquely embodied everything that is right about the fishing industry and this lifestyle we’re all so passionate about. Phil was unique, genuine and authentic in everything he did, both within his profession, and his life overall. He will be deeply missed, and I consider him a truly irreplaceable part of our company, and my life, along with the many other lives he’s touched over the years”, said CEO, Ken Eubanks.
Marks leaves behind a catalog of contributions to the fishing community, as well as a significant void in the company he loved, but more importantly, in the lives of the people fortunate enough to enter his world; he will be sorely missed.
Tim & Judy Reneau Win TTZ Championship in Choke Canyon with 61.01 two-day total & 12.38 Big Fish!
PL ANGLER 1 ANGLER 2 FISH BIG BASS WEIGHT PRIZE BONUS
1 TIM RENEAU JUDY RENEAU 10 12.38 61.01 $10,000 + $820 BIG BASS + BASS ASSETS $100 Product Certificate
2 CHARLES WHITED BRENDAN KENNELL 10 6.42 40.03 $5,000
3 TOM GRIDLEY BRAD DENTON 10 0.00 36.63 $3,000
4 DEAN ALEXANDER ADRIAN SANCHEZ 10 0.00 36.43 $1,500
5 RICK SCHEEN AUSTIN QUIET 10 4.27 36.30 $1,000
6 JASON WILLIAMS JEREMY WRIGHT 10 0.00 35.79 $750
7 PATRICK STARNES THOMAS HARALSON 10 0.00 35.68 $500
8 BARRY MOTT MATT HILL 10 0.00 33.70 $425
9 DANIEL BARNES ADRIAN BARNES 10 0.00 33.31 $350
10 JUSTIN HUMMEL LEONARD DEBRASKA 10 6.93 32.56 $300
11 LANCE DILLARD BLAKE DILLARD 10 0.00 31.44 $0
12 PHIL WARREN BRIAN MATER 10 4.69 30.43 $0
13 LOGAN CLARK TRAVIS COCKERHAM 10 0.00 30.24 $0
14 LYNN PIERCE TERRY HALL 10 0.00 30.18 $0
15 JASON MURPHREE PATRICK AMICK 10 0.00 29.96 $0
16 SETH KELM MIKE BATES 10 0.00 29.39 $0
17 TREY EPICH BRANDON DICKENSON 10 0.00 28.23 $0
18 BRYAN SCOTT TYLER TORWICK 10 0.00 27.30 $0
19 QUINN VANCE CHRIS BERTELSON 10 0.00 27.28 $0
20 PHILIP THOMPSON THOMAS HOWE 10 5.16 27.04 $0
21 STEVE MAGNELIA CLINT ROBERTSON 10 0.00 26.83 $0
22 JACOB FROESE GARY FRIEDEL 10 0.00 26.73 $0
23 BILLY MCCRARY II DONNIE O'NEAL 10 0.00 26.33 $0
24 JASON OLIVO BOBBY ACOSTA 10 0.00 26.16 $0
25 SAM MORROW COLT DIETZ 10 0.00 25.51 $0
26 DUSTIN TRIMUAR WAYNE ALBERTHAL 10 0.00 25.23 $0
27 ERIC CRUMLEY RONNY MAYNARD 10 0.00 25.01 $0
28 JACKY ROBERTS EDDIE PELFREY 10 0.00 24.48 $0
29 SHANE LOGAN TONY FERDINANDO 9 0.00 24.07 $0
30 TERRY WILLIAMS JR BILLY WALDSCHMIDT 10 0.00 24.03 $0
31 RYAN BODE FRANK WIGET 10 0.00 24.00 $0
32 DARRELL WUENSCHE ANDREW SWEET 9 0.00 23.62 $0
33 SCOTT SMITH TODD IVINS 8 0.00 23.47 $0
34 JAYSON KISSELBURG DEAN GOLMON 8 0.00 22.68 $0
35 KEN WILKINS KEITH HEINRICH 9 0.00 22.67 $0
36 ALLEN GASS JOHN RATLIFF 9 0.00 22.57 $0
37 SHAWN TAMEZ CRAIG CORDOVA 9 5.72 22.24 $0
38 DAMON ROSS DONNIE ROSS 10 0.00 21.61 $0
39 MIKE MCEACHEM JOSEPH KENNEDY 9 0.00 20.74 $0
40 JASON BUCHANAN JAKE BUCHANAN(Y) 9 0.00 20.29 $0
41 BUBBA WAMPLER HANK FRY 9 0.00 19.41 $0
42 RUSTY REEDY AYDEN REEDY(Y) 8 0.00 19.05 $0
43 GARY JOHNSON MIKE SODEN 8 0.00 18.34 $0 Pre-Registration Prize Winners-Shimano Clarus Rod
44 WESLEY MCCLAIN MIKE HARMAN 8 0.00 17.85 $0
45 TONY MALDONADO RICK HAMILTON 6 0.00 14.97 $0
46 JAMIE SLAYDEN BRANDON HOUSTON 4 8.81 14.23 $0
47 DARREL ROUTON JACK CULBREATH 6 0.00 13.77 $0 Shoreline Decal $250 Fuel Card Winners
48 MICKEY SANDERS ROGER MEEK 9 0.00 13.59 $0
49 ANDY TOLLEY TYLER TOLLEY 4 5.62 12.12 $0
50 JASON TRUITT JOHNNY RAY 5 0.00 11.71 $0
51 DAVID ACHILLES JOHN MILLS 5 0.00 11.55 $0
52 CHUCK WARE CODY FRAISER 5 0.00 11.37 $0
53 TRENT BLAKE SHAWN MARKGRAFF 5 0.00 11.33 $0
54 TOM GUIDRY DUSTIN ISBELL 5 0.00 11.12 $0
55 BRINTON HASKINS MICHAEL ATKINS 5 0.00 10.41 $0
56 RYAN KESSLER PATRICK KESSLER(Y) 4 0.00 10.03 $0
57 JUSTIN WISIAN KENNETH FAIRLY 4 0.00 9.60 $0
58 ROBERT KESSLER RUSSELL KESSLER 4 0.00 9.40 $0
59 MICHAEL KILE 4 0.00 8.22 $0
60 JUSTIN MAY GARY FERGUSON 4 0.00 7.99 $0
61 DENNIS WHITED MAX KIPP 4 0.00 7.71 $0
61 WILL BERNHARD DARYL PRICE 4 0.00 7.71 $0
63 GRANT GOODNER JAMES GOODNER 2 5.28 6.64 $0
64 CHRISTOPHER WASHINGTON JARRID HOHENSEE 4 0.00 6.59 $0
65 CRAIG BULLOCK DAVID BARATZ 3 0.00 5.57 $0
66 WYATT RAE HUNTER PRICE 2 0.00 3.23 $0
67 RICK LOWE BRONWYN LOWE 1 0.00 1.53 $0
68 JOHN WARDEN CHARLES DORTCH 1 0.00 1.48 $0
69 DANNY HARRELL MICHAEL NOBLE 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 DON GORDON JAMES ROBERTS 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 ANDY ARMENDARIZ SR 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 BYRON ALBRECHT MIKE JOHNSON 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 MICHAEL ZIBERT 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 BRYAN RICHARDS MAT KEVIL 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 MATT CANNON JARED SIEGELER 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 WARREN KEPKE BUSTER JOHNSON 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 NATHEN LABAY BRANDON BUSSELL 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 SPENCER SCHNEIDER BRIAN HUGHES 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 DONNIE WEBER JOHN KAPALDO 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 JUSTIN MADDING STERLING MARTIN 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 JJ LARSON JASON LARSON 0 0.00 0.00 $0
69 DAVID REID ROBBIE THORSTEINSON 0 0.00 0.00 $0 David Reid-Shimano Loyalty Program Winner-SLX Reel
Williams Claims Victory At Tough Bassmaster Central Open On Lewisville Lake
Tommy Williams, of Shepherdsville, Ky., has won the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake with a three-day total of 41 pounds, 15 ounces.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
November 21, 2020
LEWISVILLE, Texas — Enduring a tough day marked by mishaps and disappointment, Tommy Williams of Shepherdsville, Ky., won the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake with a three-day total of 41 pounds, 15 ounces.
On Day 1, Williams caught a second-place limit of 18-8 and trailed early leader Brandon Dillard by 6-1. Adding a Day 2 limit of 15-8 sent him into Championship Saturday with a 6-3 lead.
On Saturday, that margin proved essential as Williams found only three keepers for 7-15, but held on to claim the top prize of $35,933 and a berth in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk scheduled for March 19-21 on Lake Ray Roberts.
“Everybody knows how tough it is to win a tournament when you have a missed opportunity and I had a couple of them,” Williams said. “The fish bit funny today. I had fish blow up on a spinnerbait and I lost fish on a flipping stick.
“I fished clean all week, but today, they just pulled off. But it’s been a wonderful experience. Texas has treated me well. This is the first time I’ve been in contention to win one of these events.”
Williams spent his tournament in three areas. Two comprised windward pockets with baitfish blown into dense tangles of shallow wood. The third was a main-lake flat.
“I spent seven days of practice and it came together on the third day,” he said. “I fished my strengths through the whole thing.”
He flipped the wood with a Texas-rigged green pumpkin creature bait with the tails dipped in chartreuse. On the flat, he fished a 1/4-ounce spinnerbait with a single No. 3 willow-leaf blade and a chartreuse curly tail grub for a trailer.
The two-pronged attack served him the first two days, but he struggled in the final round.
“My first fish this morning came off when I pinned him against a log,” Williams said. “He was about a 2 1/2-pounder and I said ‘This is how it’s gonna go.’
“The next bite, I caught a good one, then the next fish came off. Then it was the dink-fest. I caught more short (undersized) fish in an hour and a half than I caught all week.”
Williams added another keeper mid-morning, but after multiple days of fishing pressure from him and other competitors sharing the area, the shallow wood bite fizzled.
“I told the camera crew ‘I have some spinnerbait fish that I’m going to have to go fish sometime today,” he said.
Making that move in the latter part of the day, Williams experienced one of his most frustrating moments around 1:30. Williams had a big fish boil under his spinnerbait without committing. When he followed up with the creature bait, the fish bit but missed the hook.
“I threw in there and he thumped it, but I missed it — twice,” Williams lamented.
Notably, Williams caught his third and final keeper on his spinnerbait spot, but he caught it on the Texas-rigged creature bait.
Branden Hollingshead of Azle, Texas, finished second with 40-6. Turning in the tournament’s biggest comeback, Hollingshead struggled with the Day 1 wind, catching only a pair of keepers for 7 pounds and placed 51st place.
With calmer conditions on Day 2, he found a limit of 20-12 and moved into third. Continuing his improvement, he caught a final-round limit of 12-10 and gained one more spot in the standings.
Targeting deeper rocks on ledges and a couple of isolated trees in 12 to 16 feet, Hollingshead caught his bass on a 3/8-ounce jig with a Yamamoto craw trailer.
“The bite was a lot tougher and I think the fishing pressure was getting to them,” he said. “I could see a lot of fish were suspended up in the water column. I was just hoping one or two of them would pull up there to feed and I could catch them.”
Brian Clark of Haltom City, Texas, finished third with 37-11. Days 1 and 2 saw Clark miss his limit by one fish with weights of 12-12 and 9-3 that put him in 12th, then eighth place.
He made up for those deficits on Day 3 by catching the day’s only limit. Clark anchored his 15-12 — the final day’s biggest catch — with a 7-10 largemouth. He caught his bass on a YUM Vibra King tube, a Strike King 5XD crankbait, a 1/2-ounce mop jig and a Lucky Craft 1.5 squarebill.
“I caught fish from 5 inches of water to 12 feet,” Clark said. “I knew I could go into this tournament trying to get a lot of bites or try to get five big ones a day.”
Brandon Dillard of Grapevine, Texas, won the $750 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for the 8-11 largemouth he caught on Day 1. Hollingshead won the $500 Garmin Tournament Rewards prize.
Joe Lee of Midlothian, Texas, won the co-angler division title with a three-day total of 20-15. He sealed the win Saturday with a three-bass limit that weighed 7-7.
Michael Grossman of Dallas, Texas, won the $250 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award among co-anglers with a 6-4 largemouth.
Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., won the Central Opens Angler of the Year title with 719 points. He earns an automatic invitation to fish the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Louisiana pro Greg Hackney (716) finished second in the points race, followed by Japanese pro Kenta Kimura (713) and Georgia’s Marc Frazier (688). They will also receive invitations to fish the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series.
Christie also leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,179 points. The final Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens event is scheduled for Dec. 3-5 on Alabama’s Lay Lake.
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake 11/19-11/21
Lewisville Lake, Lewisville TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 13 41-15 200 $35,933.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 3 07-15
2. Branden Hollingshead Azle, TX 12 40-06 199 $17,953.00
Day 1: 2 07-00 Day 2: 5 20-12 Day 3: 5 12-10
3. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 13 37-11 198 $12,320.00
Day 1: 4 12-12 Day 2: 4 09-03 Day 3: 5 15-12
4. Bryan New Belmont, NC 11 33-05 197 $10,267.00
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 5 16-11 Day 3: 3 10-00
5. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 12 31-11 196 $8,932.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 4 07-10 Day 3: 3 07-00
6. Brandon Dillard Grapevine, TX 8 31-09 195 $8,963.00
Day 1: 5 24-09 Day 2: 2 03-04 Day 3: 1 03-12
7. Blake Whatley Harleton, TX 13 30-08 194 $7,700.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 3 07-11
8. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 10 27-05 193 $7,187.00
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 2 06-06
9. Shawn Temple Krugerville, TX 10 26-08 192 $5,647.00
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 4 11-10 Day 3: 1 03-10
10. Billy Cline Argyle, TX 9 26-06 191 $4,620.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 2 09-12 Day 3: 2 04-09
11. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 11 25-09 190 $4,107.00
Day 1: 4 12-02 Day 2: 5 09-05 Day 3: 2 04-02
12. Austin Cranford Norman, OK 9 23-06 189 $3,593.00
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 5 12-15 Day 3: 1 02-09
Iowa Angler Cole Claims B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series Victory At Chickamauga Lake
Tyler Cole, of Hopkinton, Iowa, has won the Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia at Chickamauga Lake with a five-fish limit measuring 89.5 inches.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
November 21, 2020
DAYTON, Tenn. — With the help of a last-minute giant, Tyler Cole, of Hopkinton, Iowa, secured the victory at the Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia at Chickamauga Lake with five bass that measured 89.5 inches.
Cole earned $6,907 and will join the Top 29 anglers from this event at the Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series National Championship scheduled at Lewisville Lake March 17-18 in conjunction with the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
“This has been pretty amazing,” Cole said. “Especially after the Lake Fork event this spring. I had four good fish down there and I lost my fifth fish at the net that would have gotten me to the Top 3. This gave me a little redemption from that. All I’ve ever wanted is one of these blue trophies and now I’ve got it.”
Cole used his grass-fishing experience on the Mississippi River, fishing only a Booyah Pad Crasher to catch his bass.
“Frogging is my forte back home so I stuck with something I know. I caught two smaller fish on a ChatterBait and two on a frog (in practice), one was 18 and one was 19.5,” Cole said. “And I thought if I could string together five of those bites, I should be able to get up there pretty good. I thought it was going to take more than 89.5 to get there.”
Cole launched from Chester Frost Park on the Southern end of Chickamauga — an area that has been historically productive — and targeted grasslines in 2 to 3 feet of water. He started slow, catching just one bass in the opening hours before he landed back-to-back fish around 10 a.m.
The rest of the day, Cole worked the same stretch of his most productive water. One bass short of a limit and minutes removed from losing another quality fish, Cole landed a 21-inch bass with 15 minutes remaining to fill his limit and ultimately secure the win.
Tennessee angler Brandon Strock found success fishing in the same area as Cole, catching 87 inches of largemouth to finish in second place and earning $3,207. Strock focused on grasslines that had rock present.
He crawled a Z-Man JackHammer ChatterBait across the rock and when he got hung, ripped the bait out of the grass.
“It is a known winning area,” Strock said. “I started out throwing an A-rig and I missed a couple on that first thing in the morning. It wasn’t really productive, so I switched to a ChatterBait.”
After switching lures, Strock was able to find a rhythm, catching four keepers by midday. Then he went searching for a kicker — and with about five minutes to go, he landed a 21-incher to fill his limit.
“I knew if I had one good fish, I would at least give myself a shot,” he said. “I was like Iaconelli back there, just whooping and hollering, and everyone in the campground was looking at me.”
While Cole and Strock caught all largemouth, Minnesota angler Scott Stuhlmann caught 81.5 inches of smallmouth to finish third. With the water level approaching winter pool, Stuhlmann said he had a feeling smallmouth could play.
While foggy conditions hurt his early morning bite, Stuhlmann found success cranking rocky shelves with a DT 16 and a DT 10 on the very North end of Chickamauga.
“The bite picked up after the fog burned off,” he said. “All the places we had marked from before were really active.”
South Carolina’s Terry Smith landed the B.A.S.S. Nation Big Bass of the tournament, a 23-inch largemouth that earned him $500.
The 2021 National Championship at Lewisville Lake will be a two-day event, starting on March 17 and concluding on March 18. The awards ceremony will be held on the Bassmaster Classic stage in Fort Worth on March 19 prior to the Day 1 Classic weigh-in.
The tournament was hosted by the Rhea County Economic Development & Tourism Council. Digital coverage was presented by Old Town Canoes.
Secondary Pattern Pushes Williams Into Lead At Bassmaster Central Open On Lewisville
Tommy Williams, of Shepherdsville, Ky., is leading after Day 2 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake with a two-day total of 34 pounds.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
November 20, 2020
LEWISVILLE, Texas — A change in fish behavior led Tommy Williams of Shepherdsville, Ky., to discover a secondary pattern that helped propel him into the Day 2 lead of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake with a two-day total of 34 pounds.
Thursday’s first round saw Williams catch a second-place limit of 18-8 and trail Day 1 leader Brandon Dillard by 6-1. On Friday, Williams added another limit that went 15-8. He enters Championship Saturday with a 6-3 margin over Dillard.
Williams returned to the same windblown pocket he fished on Day 1 and spent much of his time flipping shallow wood. The key to this area, he said, was the baitfish that had been blown into the shallows.
Confident that his area still held quality fish, Williams again flipped the cover with a Texas-rigged creature bait. Just like Thursday, precise casts and slow presentations were essential to getting bit. However, the action was considerably more sparing than he found on Day 1.
“The fish kind of laid me down today; it was a lot harder to get bites,” Williams said. “I had a lot of company and a lot of pressure on those fish. There are a couple of guys in the Top 12 that were fishing in there — we all found the same fish.
“They’re moving around a little bit and we’ve had to fish a little harder for them. Actually, my primary area let me down most of the day.”
Faced with a leaner outlook on his main pattern, Williams backed away from the shallow cover and explored nearby flats. There, he discovered he could get bites with a spinnerbait.
“I may have stumbled onto a little something for tomorrow,” he said. “As long as the wind doesn’t completely lay down, they’re going to eat the spinnerbait. That’s going to be the ticket for me.”
Carrying two potentially productive patterns into the final round gives him cause for optimism, but Williams said he’s unsure if his area will be able to produce a final competitive limit.
“The fish are either going away or they’ve all been caught,” he said. “It is a very small area that I’m fishing in and it has a lot of pressure.”
While solitude would have been preferable, Williams credited his fellow competitors for cooperative interactions.
“I have to hand it to the guys who’ve been in there with me,” he said. “We’ve all been courteous to one another. We have been gunnel to gunnel at times — literally — and we’ve all gotten along.”
Hailing from Grapevine, Texas, Dillard set the high mark on Day 1 with a limit of 24-9. On Friday, Lewisville treated the local guide with far less generosity and he found only two keepers for 3-4. He’s in second with a two-day total of 27-13.
“I ran a lot of the same stuff and I ran a lot of new stuff,” Dillard said. “I’m not really sure what changed. Like I said yesterday, Lewisville is feast or famine. One day you can go out and really wreck ’em and the next day it can be tough as nails. That’s what I experienced today.
“I was bouncing in and out, doing the same thing I did yesterday. I had some bites that just didn’t commit. Tomorrow’s a pre-front day, so maybe they’ll chomp. I’m just glad I get to fish the final day.”
Dillard fished a variety of shallow and deep habitats and caught one of his keepers on a spinnerbait and the other on a shaky head.
Branden Hollingshead of Azle, Texas, is in third place with 27-12. After catching two keepers for 7 pounds and placing 51st on Day 1, he added a limit of 20-12 and gained 48 spots.
“The wind died down and let me fish what I wanted to fish today,” Hollingshead said. “Yesterday I couldn’t fish my spots, so I scrambled and put together what I had. Today, I quit fishing by 9 o’clock.”
Anchoring his Day 2 limit with a 6-9 largemouth, Hollingshead targeted deeper rock on ledges and a couple of isolated trees. Working in 12 to 16 feet, he fished slow presentations. Friday’s lighter wind allowed him to detect subtle bites.
“There’s a lot of bait in my area,” he said. “The fish are starting to move back and I’m getting them at the mouths of these transition areas.”
Dillard is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with the 8-11 largemouth he caught on Day 1.
Joe Lee of Midlothian, Texas, holds the overall lead in the co-angler division with a two-day total of 13-8. He placed third on Day 1 with a limit of 7-13 and rose to the top Friday by adding two keepers for 5-11.
Michael Grossman of Dallas, Texas, holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 6-4 largemouth.
Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., leads the Central Open standings with 719 points, followed by Greg Hackney with 717. Kenta Kimura is third with 713, Marc Frazier is fourth with 688 and Darold Gleason is fifth with 684.
Christie also leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year Standings with 1,179 points.
The Top 12 remaining anglers in each division will take off at 7 a.m. CT Saturday from Lewisville Lake Park. The weigh-in will be held at the Park at 3 p.m.
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake 11/19-11/21
Lewisville Lake, Lewisville TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 10 34-00 200
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 15-08
2. Brandon Dillard Grapevine, TX 7 27-13 199
Day 1: 5 24-09 Day 2: 2 03-04
3. Branden Hollingshead Azle, TX 7 27-12 198
Day 1: 2 07-00 Day 2: 5 20-12
4. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 9 24-11 197
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 4 07-10
5. Bryan New Belmont, NC 8 23-05 196
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 5 16-11
6. Shawn Temple Krugerville, TX 9 22-14 195
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 4 11-10
7. Blake Whatley Harleton, TX 10 22-13 194
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 13-00
8. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 8 21-15 193
Day 1: 4 12-12 Day 2: 4 09-03
9. Billy Cline Argyle, TX 7 21-13 192
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 2 09-12
10. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 9 21-07 191
Day 1: 4 12-02 Day 2: 5 09-05
11. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 8 20-15 190
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 5 15-00
12. Austin Cranford Norman, OK 8 20-13 189
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 5 12-15
13. Shaun Haag Montgomery, TX 8 20-13 188 $2,823.00
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 5 12-13
14. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 8 20-08 187 $2,823.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 3 08-00
15. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 7 20-07 186 $2,823.00
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 2 07-11
16. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 7 20-06 185 $2,823.00
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 5 16-06
17. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 6 20-06 184 $2,823.00
Day 1: 2 04-01 Day 2: 4 16-05
18. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 7 20-01 183 $2,823.00
Day 1: 4 09-14 Day 2: 3 10-03
19. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 6 19-15 182 $2,823.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 1 04-09
20. Chris Jones Bokoshe, OK 8 19-13 181 $2,823.00
Day 1: 4 11-06 Day 2: 4 08-07
21. Matthew Nobile Sorrento, LA 8 19-10 180 $2,567.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 3 07-07
22. Cody Ryan Greaney Manchaca, TX 7 18-15 179 $2,567.00
Day 1: 4 10-08 Day 2: 3 08-07
23. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 7 18-11 178 $2,567.00
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 5 15-04
24. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 7 18-11 177 $2,567.00
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 2 05-09
25. Terry Peacock Royse City, TX 6 18-01 176 $2,567.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 1 03-10
26. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 18-00 175 $2,361.00
Day 1: 4 13-03 Day 2: 1 04-13
27. Terry Bollom Frisco, TX 7 17-05 174 $2,361.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 2 03-03
28. Chandler Stewart Waco, TX 5 17-01 173 $2,361.00
Day 1: 3 11-13 Day 2: 2 05-04
29. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 8 16-12 172 $2,361.00
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 3 06-13
30. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 4 16-08 171 $2,361.00
Day 1: 3 12-08 Day 2: 1 04-00
31. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 6 16-07 170 $2,361.00
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 4 11-04
32. Billy Billeaud Lafayette, LA 7 16-04 169 $2,361.00
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 2 05-05
33. Paul Browning Pecos, TX 6 16-00 168 $2,361.00
Day 1: 2 05-07 Day 2: 4 10-09
34. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 4 15-12 167 $2,361.00
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 2 10-11
35. Drew Sloan Scurry, TX 4 15-09 166 $2,361.00
Day 1: 4 15-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
36. Jeff Lugar Princeton, TX 5 15-05 165 $2,361.00
Day 1: 4 11-05 Day 2: 1 04-00
37. Jake Rossi Columbus, OH 5 15-05 164 $2,361.00
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 3 10-02
38. James Stricklin Fort Smith, AR 6 15-04 163 $2,361.00
Day 1: 4 11-01 Day 2: 2 04-03
39. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 8 15-00 162 $2,361.00
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 5 08-13
40. Kylie Sparks Denham Spgs, LA 6 14-13 161 $2,361.00
Day 1: 2 04-10 Day 2: 4 10-03
41. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 5 14-09 160
Day 1: 4 10-12 Day 2: 1 03-13
42. Marc Schilling Shady Shores, TX 7 14-07 159
Day 1: 3 06-15 Day 2: 4 07-08
43. Spike Stoker Stephenville, TX 5 14-06 158
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
44. David Drinkard Sour Lake, TX 6 14-05 157
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 4 09-13
45. Robert Parkison Marshall, TX 5 14-01 156
Day 1: 4 12-06 Day 2: 1 01-11
46. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 13-11 155
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 2 05-09
47. Justin Prisock Robinson, TX 6 13-07 154
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 1 02-00
48. Mark Watson Midlothian, TX 4 13-07 153
Day 1: 2 06-10 Day 2: 2 06-13
49. Wes Nofire Tahlequah, OK 4 12-15 152
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 1 03-11
50. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 5 12-13 151
Day 1: 3 08-11 Day 2: 2 04-02
51. Josh Bragg Jacksonville, AL 4 12-11 150
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 12-11
52. Theron Caldwell Decatur, TX 4 12-09 149
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 12-09
53. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 6 12-09 148
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 1 01-09
54. Doug Vahrenberg Higginsville, MO 4 12-01 147
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 3 10-04
55. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 4 11-15 146
Day 1: 4 11-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
56. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 4 11-11 145
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 3 10-04
57. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 11-11 144
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 2 04-01
58. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 4 11-06 143
Day 1: 2 06-13 Day 2: 2 04-09
59. Greg Yates Oak Point, TX 5 11-01 142
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 1 03-14
60. Caleb Gibson Locust Grove, OK 4 11-00 141
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 1 03-03
61. David Gillham Heath, TX 4 10-12 140
Day 1: 4 10-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
62. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 3 10-08 139
Day 1: 2 07-08 Day 2: 1 03-00
63. Dakota Ebare Dehnam Springs, LA 5 10-07 138
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 1 01-13
64. Shonn Goodwin Moore, OK 4 10-07 137
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 1 02-11
65. Jed Holt Livingston, TX 5 10-06 136
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 1 01-12
66. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 6 10-05 135
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 4 06-14
67. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 3 09-14 134
Day 1: 1 03-10 Day 2: 2 06-04
68. Marshall Hughes Hemphill, TX 4 09-10 133
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 2 06-13
69. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 4 09-09 132
Day 1: 1 03-02 Day 2: 3 06-07
70. Ron Wells Claremore, OK 3 09-08 131
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 2 07-00
71. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 4 09-07 130
Day 1: 1 03-06 Day 2: 3 06-01
72. Billy Smith Montgomery, TX 3 09-06 129
Day 1: 1 05-05 Day 2: 2 04-01
73. James Biggs Euless, TX 4 09-05 128
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 1 02-01
74. Todd Castledine Nacogdoches, TX 4 09-05 127
Day 1: 1 03-14 Day 2: 3 05-07
75. Larry Puckett Decatur, TX 4 09-04 126
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 3 07-12
76. Floyd Teat Valley Mills, TX 4 09-03 125
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 1 02-11
77. Jerod Hawkes Eagle Pass, TX 3 09-03 124
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 2 06-06
78. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 4 09-01 123
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 3 07-02
79. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 4 08-15 122
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 3 06-12
80. Travis Ledford Tuttle, OK 5 08-14 121
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 4 07-04
81. Kazuki Kitajima Corinth, TX 4 08-12 120
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 1 01-08
82. Bart Stanisz Brookeland, TX 3 08-06 119
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 1 03-09
83. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 07-14 118
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 3 04-14
84. Cody Morrison Collinsville, TX 3 07-11 117
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
85. Steve Sennikoff Edgewood, TX 4 07-11 116
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 1 02-15
86. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 4 07-05 115
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 2 04-01
87. Spencer Lambert West Monroe, LA 2 07-04 114
Day 1: 2 07-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
88. Jay Brainard Mountain Home, OK 3 07-03 113
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 07-03
89. Hunter Denmark Saraland, AL 3 07-02 112
Day 1: 2 05-11 Day 2: 1 01-07
90. Cameron Mattison Bossier City, LA 2 07-02 111
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 1 05-00
91. Matt Pangrac Broken Arrow, OK 4 07-02 110
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 3 04-10
92. Jake Boomer Spokane Valley, WA 4 07-01 109
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
93. Casey Bennett Waco, TX 3 07-01 108
Day 1: 2 05-08 Day 2: 1 01-09
94. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 2 07-00 107
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 07-00
95. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 3 06-13 106
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
96. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 4 06-12 105
Day 1: 4 06-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
97. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 3 06-08 104
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 1 02-08
98. Brad Shuflin Windsor, CO 1 06-07 103
Day 1: 1 06-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
99. Kyle Dorsett Odenville, AL 3 06-04 102
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
100. Brandon Mcdonald Longview, TX 2 06-04 101
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 06-04
101. Brian Post Janesville, WI 3 05-15 100
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 1 01-15
102. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 3 05-12 99
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
103. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 3 05-07 98
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 2 03-13
104. Randy Qualls Streetman, TX 2 05-05 97
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 1 03-07
105. Toby Hartsell Afton, OK 3 05-05 96
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 2 03-00
106. John Hammersmith Branson, MO 3 05-04 95
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
107. Wardell Motley Jr Cleburne, TX 2 05-04 94
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 1 02-09
108. Clark Reehm Elm Groove, LA 2 05-02 93
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 03-07
109. James Davis Jr Ferriday, LA 2 04-13 92
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 04-13
110. Steven Caldwell Whitesboro, TX 3 04-12 91
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 1 01-06
111. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 2 04-11 90
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 1 01-06
112. Jerry Riddle Jr Summit, MS 3 04-10 89
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 1 01-08
113. Wes Logan Springville, AL 2 04-06 88
Day 1: 2 04-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
114. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 1 04-04 87
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 04-04
115. Kyle Hogg Hewitt, TX 2 04-00 86
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
116. RJ Chandler Jr. Vinton, LA 2 03-12 85
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-12
117. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 2 03-10 84
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
118. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 2 03-06 83
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 1 01-14
119. Neels Beneke Amanzimtoti SOUTH AFRIC 1 03-04 82
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 03-04
120. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 2 03-04 81
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 1 01-15
121. Ryan Dusek Azle, TX 2 03-02 80
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Cody Huff Ava, MO 1 02-15 79
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
122. Ernie Stumpf III Frisco, TX 1 02-15 79
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
124. Jay Stidham China Spring, TX 2 02-14 77
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 1 02-14 76
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-14
126. Tommy Murray Bedford, TX 1 02-13 75
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
127. Jake Biram Tulsa, OK 1 02-11 74
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
128. James Caldemeyer Gilmer, TX 1 02-05 73
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-05
129. Greg Vance Delhi, IA 1 02-04 72
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-04
129. Trait Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 1 02-04 72
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-04
131. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 1 02-03 70
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
131. Brian Mathis Cedar Park, TX 1 02-03 70
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
133. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 1 02-00 68
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
134. Jeff Bridges Prosper, TX 1 01-15 67
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 1 01-14 66
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
135. Andrew Wright Plano, TX 1 01-14 66
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
137. Brent Homan Graham, TX 1 01-10 64
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-10
138. Troy O'Rourke Bentonville, AR 1 01-08 63
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
139. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 1 01-04 62
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Chris Bachta Grapevine, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Lucas Bradley Flippin, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Justin Hallmark Bertram, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Mark Hicks Glouster, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Larry Jenkins Leesburg, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Lyvon Kennard Harker Hts, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Terry Luedtke Burton, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Bill McNutt Henry, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Chad Mrazek Montgomery, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Lance Rose Pipe Creek, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Bill Watts Beaumont, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Dirk Wenzlaff Frisco, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
140. Jd Williams Mckinney, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
Clemson brings accessibility to professional wildlife and fisheries resources degree
Steven Bradley, Media Relations
November 16, 2020
For Josh Caldwell, serving as active-duty military in Utah, getting a professional degree to further his goals for employment with a state or federal fish hatchery when his military career is over didn’t seem feasible at a traditional brick-and-mortar school.
Clemson University graduate student Breanna Ondich observes a turtle during her work at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Ondich is one of many students taking advantage of the added accessibility of Clemson’s fully online professional wildlife and fisheries resources degree program.
Image Credit: Clemson University
For Breanna Ondich, already working in her desired field at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, advancing her education was something she felt necessary to keep up with her peers but difficult to do from her current job’s location on a barrier island off the coast.
For both, the Master of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources (MWFR) degree in Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences offered the key ingredient to making their educational goals possible: accessibility.
With a new online delivery option for students with experience in natural resources who wish to enhance their professional degree skills, the non-thesis program is in a fully online format, allowing lectures to be available 24/7.
Program Coordinator Thea Hagan said it is a widely appealing option for students who are passionate about wildlife and would like to get into the field, but did their undergraduate work at a non-land-grant university or one without a wildlife-specific program and who need to narrow their academic focus as they move into graduate work.
“Most, if not all, of them would like to come to campus and do a thesis-based degree, but they can’t for any number of reasons — financial or because they are place-bound or otherwise,” Hagan said. “So, within that group, we’ve made a degree available to people who would not have been able to pursue it otherwise. They can work full time and still take our classes, and nearly 100 percent of the students in the program have a full-time job and are doing the degree and take one or two classes each semester.”
That is true for Ondich, who said she has been able to “ease in” to the degree program in a manner and speed that allowed her to continue her research work at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center while also pursuing an advanced degree.
Ondich was hired at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a wildlife rehabilitation hospital that also has a learning center for education located on Jekyll Island, after completing her undergraduate work. And while graduate school always remained a possibility for her future plans, Ondich said she did not want to risk giving up a full-time position in her chosen field.
Now two years into the program, Ondich said she would need “about a year” to complete it at a pace she is comfortable with.
“I’ve been doing about one class per semester, and one of the things that is helpful to me is my employer offers tuition reimbursement up to a certain amount per fiscal year, so that was also a motivator to me to do this program because I don’t know if I could afford it on my own,” she said.
Cost was also a concern for Caldwell, who is stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah and working as a weather forecaster, as he sought to pursue the master’s degree he needed to further his biology degree.
“Trying to figure out how to pay for school without going into debt and going straight from undergraduate to graduate to Ph.D. is so expensive because you can’t really work full-time while you’re doing that,” Caldwell said.
Clemson University graduate student Josh Caldwell smiles and poses after returning home from UAE and being reunited with his now wife.
Image Credit: Clemson University
While Caldwell admitted that many military members were able to attend “brick-and-mortar” schools during their service, he noted that it was often for more general degrees that don’t require labs or a thesis.
“Because a typical master’s degree requires labs and thesis work, doing that as active duty is almost impossible,” he said. “With something else, like a leadership degree or something, you might be able to do the research and write it at home. But you really can’t do that without equipment for a science degree.
“The program is still young and they’re still adding new classes, but what I’ve taken so far has been extremely interesting and rewarding — and very stressful, because it’s still graduate-level education,” he added.
For Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Chair Todd Petty, who was recently hired to the role after serving for the past five years as an Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at West Virginia University, creating a program such as the Master of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources degree would have been his top priority upon arrival at Clemson … had it not already existed.
“In the environmental conservation field, a professional degree is necessary in order to do what you want — an undergrad degree is not enough — and what happens in the real world is it creates this enormous bottleneck for master’s degrees,” Petty said. “There’s limited space in professors’ labs … but the profession demands grad students. What the online master’s can do is it can help to break that bottleneck. It gives advanced education in a profession that demands it and it gives it in a way that becomes accessible.”
Petty said another key component of the program’s success has been Hagan’s prowess at maintaining the quality of education and experience in a learning environment that is remote rather than in-person.
“Thea is very innovative in helping our faculty add the experiential pieces that are needed in our profession into these online classes,” Petty said. “Accessibility to this highly valued Clemson education — you’re not just throwing out this education and putting Clemson’s name on it. It’s a Clemson education that you’re making more accessible, and you’ve got to be innovative in order to do that, in order to keep that whole package together.”
Major League Fishing Unveils 2021 Bass Pro Tour Roster
TULSA, Okla. (Nov. 20, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the 2021 Bass Pro Tour angler roster. The roster includes 75 returning anglers, headlined by 2020 Angler of the Year (AOY), Heavy Hitters winner and General Tire World Champion Jordan Lee, five-time MLF event winner Jacob Wheeler, Ott DeFoe, Edwin Evers, and the man considered by many to be the greatest professional angler of all-time, Kevin VanDam.
Joining the 75 returning anglers will be DeBary, Florida’s John Cox. A perennial AOY contender during his 10-year FLW Tour/Pro Circuit career, and the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup Champion, Cox was an original invitee when the Bass Pro Tour roster was filled in 2018. He opted not to accept that invitation then, but still fished the FLW Tour and Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Cox now plans to fish both the Bass Pro Tour and the Pro Circuit in 2021, setting the table to fish upwards of 20 pro-level events if he qualifies for REDCREST and MLF Cups.
“I like the lakes on the schedule, I like the payouts, and I like that I can fish a lot of tournaments,” Cox said. “I don’t know exactly how I’ll do in the MLF format for a full season, but even if I don’t do great, I feel good about my chances to make a few top 10s and cash checks. There are a few places on that 2021 schedule where I think to myself ‘Hmmm, I know a spot or two here or there, I think I might do quite well in that one.’ I’m excited about it.”
The four remaining roster spots at the seven regular-season Bass Pro Tour events will be filled by the top anglers from each Pro Circuit event in 2021. The top four finishers from each individual Pro Circuit event will receive automatic invitations to compete in the Bass Pro Tour events that follow, opening the door for the Pro Circuit’s top performers to compete in the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release format and another opportunity at a $100,000 first-place check.
The four roster spots at the Bass Pro Tour Stage One event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir (March 21-26) will be filled based on the 2020 Pro Circuit AOY standings; Pro Circuit event number one – Feb. 11-14 at Lake Okeechobee, Florida – will then feed Bass Pro Tour Stage Two at Lake Travis (April 30-May 5) and so on.
“We’re all fishing to try to make the Bass Pro Tour, and this will be a really good opportunity for a guy to get his feet wet in that format,” said 11-year Pro Circuit veteran angler Bill McDonald, who got his first taste of the MLF format at the 2020 TITLE championship at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. “You can tell yourself that the Bass Pro Tour format isn’t really that much more pressure, but I can tell you from experience that it takes a strong mental game. It’s the highest of highs to hear your name at the top (of SCORETRACKER®), but your brain goes crazy when you drop rapidly. It’ll be valuable experience to qualify for one of those (Bass Pro Tour) events.”
The 76 professional anglers that will compete on the 2021 Bass Pro Tour are:
Casey Ashley
Adrian Avena
Josh Bertrand
Tommy Biffle
Zack Birge
Stephen Browning
Brent Chapman
Luke Clausen
Dustin Connell
Brandon Coulter
John Cox
Cliff Crochet
Mark Daniels Jr.
Mark Davis
Ott DeFoe
Boyd Duckett
David Dudley
Brent Ehrler
James Elam
Paul Elias
Edwin Evers
Todd Faircloth
Shin Fukae
Anthony Gagliardi
Shaw Grigsby
Roy Hawk
Brett Hite
Timmy Horton
Randy Howell
Alton Jones
Alton Jones Jr.
Kelly Jordon
Gary Klein
Jeff Kriet
Jason Lambert
Bobby Lane
Chris Lane
Russ Lane
Jordan Lee
Matt Lee
Dave Lefebre
Jared Lintner
Justin Lucas
Aaron Martens
Mike McClelland
Cody Meyer
Ish Monroe
Andy Montgomery
Andy Morgan
John Murray
Britt Myers
Michael Neal
Takahiro Omori
Cliff Pace
Keith Poche
Skeet Reese
Marty Robinson
Dean Rojas
Mark Rose
Fred Roumbanis
Bradley Roy
Terry Scroggins
Fletcher Shryock
Gerald Spohrer
Jeff Sprague
Wesley Strader
Scott Suggs
Randall Tharp
Bryan Thrift
Kevin VanDam
Jonathan VanDam
Greg Vinson
David Walker
James Watson
Jacob Wheeler
Jesse Wiggins
In 2021 MLF Bass Pro Tour competition, anglers are vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for REDCREST 2022, the world championship of professional bass fishing. Each stage of the Bass Pro Tour includes six days of competition using the catch, weigh, immediate-release format, broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and MajorLeagueFishing.com, totaling more than 450 hours of original programming. Fans can also follow the on-the-water action as it unfolds on the live SCORETRACKER® leaderboard.
The 2021 MLF Bass Pro Tour will air on Discovery Channel beginning in July 2021 and the Sportsman Channel in early 2022.
2021 MLF Bass Pro Tour Schedule
· Feb. 23-27 REDCREST 2021 at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees – Tulsa, Okla.
· March 21-26 Bass Pro Tour Stage One at Sam Rayburn Reservoir – Jasper, Texas
· April 9-14 General Tire HEAVY HITTERS at Falls Lake, Jordan Lake & Shearon Harris Reservoir – Raleigh, N.C.
· April 30-May 5 Bass Pro Tour Stage Two at Lake Travis – Austin, Texas
· May 21-26 Bass Pro Tour Stage Three at Harris Chain of Lakes – Leesburg, Fla.
· June 4-9 Bass Pro Tour Stage Four at Lake Chickamauga – Dayton, Tenn.
· June 25-30 Bass Pro Tour Stage Five at St. Lawrence River – Massena, N.Y.
· Aug. 5-10 Bass Pro Tour Stage Six at Lake Champlain – Plattsburgh, N.Y.
· Sept. 10-15 Bass Pro Tour Stage Seven at Lake St. Clair – St. Clair Shores, Mich.
LAMBERT CAPTURES NATIONAL CROWN ON HOME WATERS AT HOBIE B.O.S. ANCHORED BY POWER-POLE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Tennessee Anglers Sweep Top Three Spots. Gregory clinches A.O.Y. honors.
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (November 20, 2020) - When the splashing ended, drags stopped screaming and howling wind finally subsided, Ryan Lambert’s name stood alone atop the leader board at the Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Tournament of Champions (T.O.C.) sponsored by Power-Pole. Held last weekend on the famed Tennessee River System bass waters that slice through the heart of Knoxville and hosted the 2019 49th Annual Bassmaster’s Classic, the contest featured an elite field of 50 kayak bass fishing sharpies who qualified for their limited slots based on performance during nine B.O.S. series events spread across the country, plus a one-day Shootout held in Knoxville, on Friday.
Simply put, the 34-year old Lambert, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, showed the world how to get ‘er done on his home waters. Dusting the field by nearly 11 inches with a tally of 186.25” for the two-day event, he finished ahead of fellow local angler Jordan Marshall (175.50”), and Kristine Fischer (172”), as the Tennesseans swept the top three spots in what is arguably the most prestigious of kayak bass fishing championships.
“This really was an amazing event, and a terrific way to wrap up our B.O.S. season,” said tournament director, A.J. McWhorter. “When you put the best anglers in our series together, it can be anybody's game – and there were a lot of folks who had a reasonable chance of claiming this crown. In the end, the top spots went to local anglers who were familiar with the waters and best able to adapt to the changing conditions. No matter where you go this time of year, Nature can play rough and our competitors got a full dose of her fury with cool temperatures and heavy fog on Saturday morning, strong currents on both days, and a heavy storm with 60 m.p.h. wind gusts that blew through around lunchtime on Sunday. Through it all, Ryan Lambert was the only one who managed to sustain super-high catch levels across both days and that’s why he’s our champion. He earned it with an amazing performance.”
For his efforts, Lambert collected a $30,000 first-place check while Marshall pocketed $8,000 and Fischer took home $5,500. In total, the tournament paid out a whopping $61,000 to the top ten finishers, plus an additional $1,000 to Cole Kleffman, who edged out Lambert by a quarter-inch for Bassin’ Magazine Big Bass honors with a 20.75” brute. All told, competitors caught, measured and released 437 fish, a mix of smallmouths and largemouths, with the bronzebacks dominating the money spots. In addition to his substantial cash prize, Lambert also qualified for the Hobie Worlds 10 and the 2021 T.O.C. Fischer, it should be noted, finished higher than has any other female competitor in a kayak fishing national championship event.
“I love river fishing for smallmouths and these waters are local for me, so I felt pretty good heading into this tournament,” said Lambert. “Still, to win it all? I just couldn’t imagine that. I’ve had several second- and third-place finishes at national events, but I’ve been lacking that signature win on the big stage. For it to come at the Holy Grail of kayak bass fishing, well, that’s hard to believe. If I were going to pick one kayak event to win, this would be it. The competition here is the best you’ll find anywhere, and this tournament is so well run, so respected. I’ve got to tell you, it feels really good!”
For Lambert, the T.O.C. was perfectly timed. While he didn’t have a national title to his credit, he was coming off a solid season, qualifying for the championship back in March at the Lake Norman B.O.S. event in Mooresville, North Carolina. He competed in a total of four B.O.S. events during the year and captured the Kayak Anglers Society of Tennessee (KAST) State Championship in mid-October on the same Knoxville waters where he would claim his Hobie Crown.
“That KAST competition was the key for me,” revealed Lambert. “It was there I found a productive area where some big bass seemed to pile up. Honestly, it was an unassuming stretch of the French Broad riverbank that featured some flooded timber in the water and a rock pile with grass on it a little further down. I figured if they could just hang tight until the T.O.C. I’d be in good shape. Luckily, they did.”
Arriving at his launch site on Day 1, Lambert found nearly a dozen kayaks ready to head out so he opted to put in at another site five miles upstream and paddle back to his hot spot in hopes of keeping it quiet. He didn’t catch a fish until about 11 a.m., but then culled a 95” limit in a 45-minute span using a Z-Man SlingbladeZ™ spinnerbait and a Z-Man Ned rig.
“It was a pretty strong bite once it got started and I finished in the top spot for Day 1,” revealed Lambert. “I knew then that if I could buy five bites on Day 2, I’d be in the running. I got six, but I had to work a lot slower to earn each strike. I had to sit on those fish all day long with a Ned rig to post 91.25” of bass. Fortunately, that was enough!” said the winner, who acknowledged having tears of relief in his eyes upon claiming his fifth and final fish of the tournament.
Marshall, 25, from Maryville, Tennessee, spent his time covering as much water as possible while targeting smallmouth bass with homemade custom spinnerbaits on the Holston River. He found himself in fourth place at the end of Day 1 with 91” of bass and followed that up with a Day 2 total of 84.5”, good for second behind Lambert.
“I was throwing the same pattern that helped me cash a check at the T.O.C. last year,” he said. “It’s a half-ounce, natural shad color presentation with double willow blades. I’d say it’s accounted for 80% of my fish in the last two Hobie B.O.S. championships. I was looking for banks that had a lot of current, and outside bends and little shoots. The rocks in these river situations make small eddies and a little bit of slack water where big smallmouths like to hide.”
Conditions were tough, noted Marshall, especially on Sunday when the storm rolled through the region. “That was probably the strongest wind I’ve ever fished through,” he stated. “Overall, I’m quite happy with my performance, but I’ve got to tip my hat to Ryan. I’d have paid him to fish the stretch he chose. I know these waters well and I didn’t think that area would hold enough big bass to put him over the top. Heck of a job.”
Fischer pinned her hopes on patterning smallmouths along cut banks and shoreline indentations that featured some slack water. It took her until 10:30 a.m. to find her first fish as the fog lifted on Day 1 to reveal a flat at the tip of an island where the French Broad splits. “There was a large area of slack water there,” she said, “and I was able to align my Hobie with a blowdown and work a solid school of bass by fan-casting the flats. I’d drilled eight or nine fish there on an underspin before deciding to save the spot for Day 2. At the end of Day 1, I was in second place with 94” of bass, just an inch behind Ryan. That left me with some exciting prospects.”
Returning to the same area for the second day of the tournament, Fischer found the bite had slowed and resorted to a shaky head presentation. By 12:30 p.m. she had dug up four fish. “Getting that fifth one was tough,” she admitted, “especially once the weather changed for the worse. I really needed the sun to make that flat bite work. With about an hour to go, I finally filled my limit with an 18.75” smallmouth that inhaled a Z-Man Shaky HeadZ® with a Turbo CrawZ™ trailer. Unfortunately, my fish ran a bit smaller than the day before, and I could only work my way up to ninth place for Day 2, which left me in third overall.”
Like Marshall, Fischer offered props to Lambert’s achievement. “I dropped a big fish late in the tournament,” she recalled. “But even with that one, I didn’t have the bites to beat him. Ryan really brought his A-game and had a stellar performance. It was a very well-deserved win.”
Both Marshall and Fischer noted that their Hobie Mirage 360 Pro Angler 14 kayaks with Kick Up Fins proved a big help in attaining and holding superior casting positions during the tournament, especially as the winds increased on Sunday. “The way that wind was blowing on Sunday, I couldn’t imagine finishing in the top three with any other kayak,” said Marshall.” There were times I was drifting at six or seven m.p.h. but with the balance, strength and MirageDrive on my Hobie, I could back-up and tuck into the spots I needed to reach, line up my casts, and hold my position to make a solid presentation.”
“My Hobie was a huge advantage in this contest,” added Fischer. “Its maneuverability is the best on the market. It allowed me to cut through current seams and hold steady in ways no other kayak can do. It really put me in a great position to maximize my fishing and casting skills.”
While all fifty anglers were battling for the T.O.C. championship title, at least a dozen more were seriously in the hunt for Hobie’s Angler of the Year (A.O.Y.) honors. Heading into the contest, A.O.Y. point leaders Jody Queen and Rus Snyders were in control of their own destinies, a top-three finish virtually assuring victory for either competitor. But it was Drew Gregory, from Ohio, who clawed his way from the third position to overtake the leaders and secure the title. Ron Champion of Georgia took second while Marshall grabbed the third spot to cap a great day. This year’s A.O.Y. first-place prize package included $5,000 cash and a fully rigged, custom-colored, orange and black B.O.S. camo Hobie Mirage 360 Pro Angler 14 outfitted with a Power Pole, Lowrance Unit on a Scotty base, and Dakota Lithium batteries. In addition to cash and prize packages, the top three A.O.Y. winners also received invitations to the Hobie Worlds 10.
For McWhorter, the end of Hobie’s tournament season brings some relief, but plans for the 2021 Hobie B.O.S. sponsored by Power-Pole are already well underway. “After a season full of challenges that still showed record growth for our series, I just want to thank all of our anglers for their continued support, willingness to travel, and everything they do to make this tourney trail so awesome. We wouldn’t be able to do it without you. Our competitors are the stars of this show, and we can’t wait to showcase even more of you next year.”
As for the city of Knoxville, McWhorter offered plenty of praise. “What an amazing time of year to be here,” he concluded. “To witness the leaves changing and the morning sun rising above these bass-filled waters and the Great Smokey Mountains has been magnificent. This was a spectacular venue for a terrific tournament, and this city has been so friendly and helpful. I’d highly recommend you find some time to visit Knoxville when you can. There’s a great mix of city and outdoors life to experience here. We’ll certainly be coming back.”
For more information on the Hobie B.O.S. Anchored by Power-Pole, or to view the final T.O.C. standings, go to: https://tourneyx.com/app/tourney/hobie-bos-tournament-of-champions.
All photos by Shane Durrance Productions
McKinney Wins Bassmaster College Classic Bracket On Lay Lake, Earns Dream Classic Berth
McKendree University's Trevor McKinney has won the 2020 Carhartt College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on Lay Lake and earned a berth in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
November 19, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Thanks to a morning flurry, McKendree University senior Trevor McKinney caught 11 pounds, 11 ounces to win the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops at Lay Lake, defeating McKendree teammate Blake Jackson by just over a pound.
With the victory, McKinney qualified for the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk scheduled for March 19-21 on Lake Ray Roberts.
“It’s been my dream since I was a little kid to make the Classic. I watched it every Sunday morning when I was a kid. Now I can say I’m going to the Classic,” McKinney said. “All of my friends and family are superproud.
“I'm not trying to sound cocky, but I’ve had a feeling all week that this was mine to win.”
McKinney caught the biggest bag of the event on Day 1 with 12-4 but stumbled a little on Day 2 with 7-12. With Jackson weighing the heaviest bag of Day 2 with 9-8, McKinney said he knew it would be a close battle in the championship round.
“I know how good of a fisherman Blake is. I knew he was fishing his strengths, and I knew he was going to be hard to beat today,” McKinney said.
During the first two days, McKinney focused on the back of one pocket on Lay Lake that had a plethora of baitfish in shallow water. As the tournament wore on, he noticed he was catching fewer fish and knew he had to make an adjustment.
So, to start the championship round, McKinney started on the point outside of the pocket where he hadn’t caught fish the first two days. He caught around 40 fish, filling his limit within an hour.
“I knew fish were leaving the area and the first place they are going to stop is that point. And that point had a lot of current coming around it too,” he said. “There was actually a hard spot off the point about 15 yards, and all of those fish were right on the hard spot.
“Even though I didn’t catch them on the point yesterday, I could see them on the graph. When I started there this morning they were biting.”
After using an underspin with a baby fluke on Day 1 and a jerkbait on Day 2, McKinney used a Rapala DT 6 crankbait to catch the majority of his fish in the final round. While he had been catching mostly largemouth the first two days, he caught all spotted bass on the final day.
“It was different for me every day,” McKinney said. “If I had come into the tournament with a mindset to do one thing, I wouldn’t have caught them.”
When the bite stalled on the point, McKinney moved to a deeper bank and used a DT 10 to make two critical culls to put the tournament out of reach.
Jackson also had a productive morning, catching all five of his keepers before the 10:30 a.m. break. He only trailed McKinney by 6 ounces at the time.
The afternoon bite never materialized for him, however, and as McKinney culled up, Jackson was unable to land another keeper fish.
“(Going back to the dock) was one of the hardest things I’ve endured. I was pretty emotional about it,” McKinney said. “If there was anyone I wanted to win this tournament other than me, it was Blake. He’s my best friend.”
Along with the Classic berth, McKinney earned $7,500 courtesy of Carhartt and will receive paid entry into all of the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens. McKinney will fish the Opens out of a Nitro Z20 rigged with Humminbird and Minn Kota products and have the use of a Toyota Tundra tow vehicle.
Discover Shelby County, AL hosted the event.
2020 Carhartt College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops 11/17-11/19
Lay Lake, Columbiana AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Club/School No./Weight
Trevor McKinney McKendree University 5 11-11
Blake Jackson McKendree University 5 10-06
Big Bite Anchors Dillard’s Day 1 Bag At Bassmaster Central Open On Lewisville
Lewisville Leader Dillard.jpg
Brandon Dillard of Grapevine, Texas,is leading after Day 1 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake with 24 pounds, 9 ounces.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
November 19, 2020
LEWISVILLE, Texas — Abundant options nearly overwhelmed Brandon Dillard, but a moment of inspiring clarity set him on a course that led him to a 24-pound, 9-ounce limit that topped Day 1 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake.
Hailing from Grapevine, Texas, the Lewisville guide said mentally sorting through his vast local knowledge nearly kept him up all night before the opening round. Rising with only an hour of sleep was less than ideal, but an early text from his mother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, provided a calming influence.
“She said, ‘Just have fun and go fishing,’ and that’s what I did,” Dillard said. “I had my weight by noon and then I stopped fishing. My main thing today was to just stay calm, have fun and not put a lot of pressure on myself.”
Anchoring his bag with an 8-11, Dillard said versatility was essential to his success.
“I fished from 1 foot to 17 feet; I caught shallow fish and deep fish,” Dillard said. “I have 175 brushpiles (marked on Lewisville), so I’m hitting some brushpiles and I’m hitting some rock.”
Sky conditions guided the timing of Dillard’s various targets. The morning saw cloudy skies yielding to bright blue skies by midday. Knowing the fish would reposition with the day’s developing complexion, Dillard adjusted accordingly.
“I’m hitting the shallow stuff early — what’s left of the buckbrush,” he said. “Most of the buckbrush is out of play this time of year, so anywhere you can find some kind of shallow cover like laydowns or stumps early, it’s good.
“When it turned sunny, I transitioned out to deeper (brushpiles), but I stayed shallow while we had the cloud cover and the wind.”
Keeping it textbook, Dillard hit his shallow spots with reaction baits and then switched to slower presentations once he moved deep. His biggest fish, which came off a deep brushpile, required some extra attention, but Dillard’s experience ensured the trophy bass’s safe release.
“When it bit, it felt like a perch and when I swung on it, she came right to the boat with her mouth open the whole time,” Dillard said. “I had to fizz her and I was having trouble getting her to fizz (release excess air from the swim bladder), so I spent about an hour doing that. I wound up getting her stabilized, so she made it.”
Dillard said he plans to repeat his game plan tomorrow. Knowing the lake intimately, he knows he has his work cut out for him.
“This lake can be great one day and a real struggle the next,” he said. “So, I’m going to do the same thing; I’m going to have fun and give it all I’ve got. I’ll fish the same patterns, but I’ll fish some new water tomorrow.”
Tommy Williams of Shepherdsville, Ky., is in second place with 18-8. His day started early and he had his weight by 9 a.m. After that, he simply guarded his area for Day 2.
Williams caught his fish out of shallow wood targets in pockets where wind had blown baitfish against the shoreline. Finding particular areas where he could leverage a wind break enabled him to effectively work his spots.
“I was fishing a creature bait dead slow — almost deadsticking the bait,” Williams said. “Also, very precise flips were important. You had to really fish for them.”
Greg Hackney of Gonzalez, La., is in third place with 17-1. In his first visit to Lewisville, Hackney reported fishing a mid-depth range and targeting a particular habitat feature with slow presentations. Covering a lot of water and eliminating the unproductive areas was central to his strategy.
“It’s painstakingly slow; you don’t get very many bites,” Hackney said. “I had a handful of bites in practice and I’m just running my practice, but there’s a lot of dead water for me. I just caught my fish out of a few key places.”
Dillard is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 8-11.
Jeff Arnold of Lewisville, Texas, holds the overall lead in the co-angler division with 9-8. Brian Hamaker of Huntsville, Ala., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 5-12.
Hackney leads the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open standings with 718 points, followed by Jason Christie with 717. Kenta Kimura is third with 717, Darold Gleason is fourth with 697 and Marc Frazier is fifth with 696.
Christie leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,177 points.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. CT from Lewisville Lake Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 3 p.m. After Friday’s weigh-in, the Top 12 anglers will advance to Championship Saturday.
The tournament is being hosted by the Lewisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake 11/19-11/21
Lewisville Lake, Lewisville TX.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brandon Dillard Grapevine, TX 5 24-09 200
Day 1: 5 24-09
2. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 18-08 199
Day 1: 5 18-08
3. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 17-01 198
Day 1: 5 17-01
4. Drew Sloan Scurry, TX 4 15-09 197
Day 1: 4 15-09
5. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 15-06 196
Day 1: 5 15-06
6. Terry Peacock Royse City, TX 5 14-07 195
Day 1: 5 14-07
7. Spike Stoker Stephenville, TX 5 14-06 194
Day 1: 5 14-06
8. Terry Bollom Frisco, TX 5 14-02 193
Day 1: 5 14-02
9. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 4 13-03 192
Day 1: 4 13-03
10. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 13-02 191
Day 1: 5 13-02
11. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 12-12 190
Day 1: 5 12-12
12. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 4 12-12 189
Day 1: 4 12-12
13. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 12-08 188
Day 1: 5 12-08
14. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 3 12-08 187
Day 1: 3 12-08
15. Robert Parkison Marshall, TX 4 12-06 186
Day 1: 4 12-06
16. Matthew Nobile Sorrento, LA 5 12-03 185
Day 1: 5 12-03
17. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 4 12-02 184
Day 1: 4 12-02
18. Billy Cline Argyle, TX 5 12-01 183
Day 1: 5 12-01
19. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 4 11-15 182
Day 1: 4 11-15
20. Chandler Stewart Waco, TX 3 11-13 181
Day 1: 3 11-13
21. Justin Prisock Robinson, TX 5 11-07 180
Day 1: 5 11-07
22. Chris Jones Bokoshe, OK 4 11-06 179
Day 1: 4 11-06
23. Jeff Lugar Princeton, TX 4 11-05 178
Day 1: 4 11-05
24. Shawn Temple Krugerville, TX 5 11-04 177
Day 1: 5 11-04
25. James Stricklin Fort Smith, AR 4 11-01 176
Day 1: 4 11-01
26. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 5 11-00 175
Day 1: 5 11-00
27. Billy Billeaud Lafayette, LA 5 10-15 174
Day 1: 5 10-15
28. David Gillham Heath, TX 4 10-12 173
Day 1: 4 10-12
28. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 4 10-12 173
Day 1: 4 10-12
30. Cody Ryan Greaney Manchaca, TX 4 10-08 171
Day 1: 4 10-08
31. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 09-15 170
Day 1: 5 09-15
32. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 4 09-14 169
Day 1: 4 09-14
33. Blake Whatley Harleton, TX 5 09-13 168
Day 1: 5 09-13
34. Wes Nofire Tahlequah, OK 3 09-04 167
Day 1: 3 09-04
35. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 3 08-11 166
Day 1: 3 08-11
36. Dakota Ebare Dehnam Springs, LA 4 08-10 165
Day 1: 4 08-10
36. Jed Holt Livingston, TX 4 08-10 165
Day 1: 4 08-10
38. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 3 08-02 163
Day 1: 3 08-02
39. Shaun Haag Montgomery, TX 3 08-00 162
Day 1: 3 08-00
40. Austin Cranford Norman, OK 3 07-14 161
Day 1: 3 07-14
41. Caleb Gibson Locust Grove, OK 3 07-13 160
Day 1: 3 07-13
42. Shonn Goodwin Moore, OK 3 07-12 159
Day 1: 3 07-12
43. Cody Morrison Collinsville, TX 3 07-11 158
Day 1: 3 07-11
44. Darold Gleason Many, LA 3 07-10 157
Day 1: 3 07-10
45. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 2 07-08 156
Day 1: 2 07-08
46. James Biggs Euless, TX 3 07-04 155
Day 1: 3 07-04
46. Kazuki Kitajima Corinth, TX 3 07-04 155
Day 1: 3 07-04
48. Spencer Lambert West Monroe, LA 2 07-04 153
Day 1: 2 07-04
49. Greg Yates Oak Point, TX 4 07-03 152
Day 1: 4 07-03
50. Jake Boomer Spokane Valley, WA 4 07-01 151
Day 1: 4 07-01
51. Branden Hollingshead Azle, TX 2 07-00 150
Day 1: 2 07-00
52. Marc Schilling Shady Shores, TX 3 06-15 149
Day 1: 3 06-15
53. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 3 06-13 148
Day 1: 3 06-13
54. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 2 06-13 147
Day 1: 2 06-13
55. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 4 06-12 146
Day 1: 4 06-12
56. Bryan New Belmont, NC 3 06-10 145
Day 1: 3 06-10
57. Mark Watson Midlothian, TX 2 06-10 144
Day 1: 2 06-10
58. Floyd Teat Valley Mills, TX 3 06-08 143
Day 1: 3 06-08
59. Brad Shuflin Windsor, CO 1 06-07 142
Day 1: 1 06-07
60. Kyle Dorsett Odenville, AL 3 06-04 141
Day 1: 3 06-04
61. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 3 06-03 140
Day 1: 3 06-03
62. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 3 05-15 139
Day 1: 3 05-15
63. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 3 05-12 138
Day 1: 3 05-12
64. Hunter Denmark Saraland, AL 2 05-11 137
Day 1: 2 05-11
65. Casey Bennett Waco, TX 2 05-08 136
Day 1: 2 05-08
66. Paul Browning Pecos, TX 2 05-07 135
Day 1: 2 05-07
67. Billy Smith Montgomery, TX 1 05-05 134
Day 1: 1 05-05
68. John Hammersmith Branson, MO 3 05-04 133
Day 1: 3 05-04
69. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 2 05-03 132
Day 1: 2 05-03
69. Jake Rossi Columbus, OH 2 05-03 132
Day 1: 2 05-03
71. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 2 05-01 130
Day 1: 2 05-01
72. Bart Stanisz Brookeland, TX 2 04-13 129
Day 1: 2 04-13
73. Steve Sennikoff Edgewood, TX 3 04-12 128
Day 1: 3 04-12
74. Kylie Sparks Denham Spgs, LA 2 04-10 127
Day 1: 2 04-10
75. David Drinkard Sour Lake, TX 2 04-08 126
Day 1: 2 04-08
76. Wes Logan Springville, AL 2 04-06 125
Day 1: 2 04-06
77. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 2 04-01 124
Day 1: 2 04-01
78. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 2 04-00 123
Day 1: 2 04-00
78. Kyle Hogg Hewitt, TX 2 04-00 123
Day 1: 2 04-00
78. Brian Post Janesville, WI 2 04-00 123
Day 1: 2 04-00
78. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 2 04-00 123
Day 1: 2 04-00
82. Todd Castledine Nacogdoches, TX 1 03-14 119
Day 1: 1 03-14
83. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 2 03-10 118
Day 1: 2 03-10
84. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 1 03-10 117
Day 1: 1 03-10
85. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 2 03-07 116
Day 1: 2 03-07
85. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 2 03-07 116
Day 1: 2 03-07
87. Steven Caldwell Whitesboro, TX 2 03-06 114
Day 1: 2 03-06
88. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 1 03-06 113
Day 1: 1 03-06
89. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 1 03-05 112
Day 1: 1 03-05
90. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 2 03-04 111
Day 1: 2 03-04
91. Ryan Dusek Azle, TX 2 03-02 110
Day 1: 2 03-02
91. Jerry Riddle Jr Summit, MS 2 03-02 110
Day 1: 2 03-02
93. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 1 03-02 108
Day 1: 1 03-02
94. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 2 03-00 107
Day 1: 2 03-00
95. Cody Huff Ava, MO 1 02-15 106
Day 1: 1 02-15
95. Ernie Stumpf III Frisco, TX 1 02-15 106
Day 1: 1 02-15
97. Jay Stidham China Spring, TX 2 02-14 104
Day 1: 2 02-14
98. Marshall Hughes Hemphill, TX 2 02-13 103
Day 1: 2 02-13
99. Jerod Hawkes Eagle Pass, TX 1 02-13 102
Day 1: 1 02-13
99. Tommy Murray Bedford, TX 1 02-13 102
Day 1: 1 02-13
101. Jake Biram Tulsa, OK 1 02-11 100
Day 1: 1 02-11
101. Wardell Motley Jr Dallas, TX 1 02-11 100
Day 1: 1 02-11
103. Matt Pangrac Broken Arrow, OK 1 02-08 98
Day 1: 1 02-08
103. Ron Wells Claremore, OK 1 02-08 98
Day 1: 1 02-08
105. Toby Hartsell Afton, OK 1 02-05 96
Day 1: 1 02-05
106. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 1 02-03 95
Day 1: 1 02-03
106. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 1 02-03 95
Day 1: 1 02-03
106. Brian Mathis Cedar Park, TX 1 02-03 95
Day 1: 1 02-03
109. Cameron Mattison Bossier City, LA 1 02-02 92
Day 1: 1 02-02
110. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 1 02-00 91
Day 1: 1 02-00
111. Jeff Bridges Prosper, TX 1 01-15 90
Day 1: 1 01-15
111. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 1 01-15 90
Day 1: 1 01-15
113. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 1 01-14 88
Day 1: 1 01-14
113. Randy Qualls Streetman, TX 1 01-14 88
Day 1: 1 01-14
113. Andrew Wright Plano, TX 1 01-14 88
Day 1: 1 01-14
116. Doug Vahrenberg Higginsville, MO 1 01-13 85
Day 1: 1 01-13
117. Clark Reehm Elm Groove, LA 1 01-11 84
Day 1: 1 01-11
118. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 1 01-10 83
Day 1: 1 01-10
118. Travis Ledford Tuttle, OK 1 01-10 83
Day 1: 1 01-10
120. Troy O'Rourke Bentonville, AR 1 01-08 81
Day 1: 1 01-08
120. Larry Puckett Decatur, TX 1 01-08 81
Day 1: 1 01-08
120. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 1 01-08 81
Day 1: 1 01-08
123. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 1 01-07 78
Day 1: 1 01-07
124. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 1 01-05 77
Day 1: 1 01-05
125. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 1 01-04 76
Day 1: 1 01-04
126. Chris Bachta Grapevine, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Neels Beneke Amanzimtoti SOUTH AFRIC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Lucas Bradley Flippin, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Josh Bragg Jacksonville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Jay Brainard Mountain Home, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. James Caldemeyer Gilmer, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Theron Caldwell Decatur, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. RJ Chandler Jr. Vinton, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. James Davis Jr Ferriday, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Justin Hallmark Bertram, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Mark Hicks Glouster, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Brent Homan Graham, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Larry Jenkins Leesburg, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Lyvon Kennard Harker Hts, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Terry Luedtke Burton, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Brandon Mcdonald Longview, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Bill McNutt Henry, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Chad Mrazek Montgomery, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Lance Rose Pipe Creek, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Greg Vance Delhi, IA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Bill Watts Beaumont, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Dirk Wenzlaff Frisco, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Jd Williams Mckinney, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
126. Trait Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 18 327 836-04
----------------------------------
18 327 836-04
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake 11/19-11/21
Lewisville Lake, Lewisville TX.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jeff Arnold Lewisville, TX 3 09-08 200
Day 1: 3 09-08
2. Brian Hamaker Huntsville, AL 2 08-05 199
Day 1: 2 08-05
3. Joe Lee Midlothian, TX 3 07-13 198
Day 1: 3 07-13
4. David Booth Erin, TN 2 05-14 197
Day 1: 2 05-14
5. Steven Hatch Long Beach, MS 3 05-09 196
Day 1: 3 05-09
6. Brandon Clayton Haslet , TX 2 05-09 195
Day 1: 2 05-09
7. Michael Grossman Dallas, TX 3 05-06 194
Day 1: 3 05-06
8. Leroy Mcdonald Jr Blanchard, OK 3 05-05 193
Day 1: 3 05-05
9. Carson Denmark Malcolm, AL 2 05-04 192
Day 1: 2 05-04
10. Allen Heston Pittsburg, TX 3 05-03 191
Day 1: 3 05-03
11. Trever Moore Lantana, TX 2 05-00 190
Day 1: 2 05-00
12. Chad McClendon Grapevine, TX 2 04-09 189
Day 1: 2 04-09
13. Lonnie Mesar Sanger, TX 2 04-07 188
Day 1: 2 04-07
14. Johnny Matthews Laguna Park, TX 1 04-04 187
Day 1: 1 04-04
15. John Connell Marion, IL 2 04-03 186
Day 1: 2 04-03
16. Will Major Port Allen, LA 2 04-01 185
Day 1: 2 04-01
17. Jorge Benitez Wallis, TX 2 03-14 184
Day 1: 2 03-14
18. Chuck Boso Oklahoma City, OK 1 03-14 183
Day 1: 1 03-14
19. Jason Childers Aubrey, TX 1 03-12 182
Day 1: 1 03-12
20. Russell Baca Sherman, TX 1 03-10 181
Day 1: 1 03-10
21. Jessie Ayers Antlers, OK 2 03-08 180
Day 1: 2 03-08
21. Dustin Keys Nevada, MO 2 03-08 180
Day 1: 2 03-08
23. Will Williford Orange, TX 1 03-05 178
Day 1: 1 03-05
24. Jason Phillips Bulverde, TX 1 03-02 177
Day 1: 1 03-02
25. Sieg Kilby Kilgore, TX 1 03-01 176
Day 1: 1 03-01
26. Ethen Preston Tower City, ND 2 03-00 175
Day 1: 2 03-00
27. Adam Boyd Humble, TX 1 02-15 174
Day 1: 1 02-15
28. Jeremy Montgomery Burleson, TX 1 02-14 173
Day 1: 1 02-14
29. Robert Paxton Jr Flower Mound, TX 1 02-13 172
Day 1: 1 02-13
30. Dylan Smith Midlothian, TX 1 02-12 171
Day 1: 1 02-12
31. Glenn Dolezal Houston, TX 1 02-11 170
Day 1: 1 02-11
31. Daren Scott Aledo, TX 1 02-11 170
Day 1: 1 02-11
33. Cody Shry Pinehrst, TX 1 02-09 168
Day 1: 1 02-09
34. Joe Olivas Worthington, OH 1 02-07 167
Day 1: 1 02-07
35. Shigekazu Tateno Dallas, TX 1 02-06 166
Day 1: 1 02-06
36. Grant Chapman Denver, CO 1 02-03 165
Day 1: 1 02-03
36. John Goebel Lumberton, TX 1 02-03 165
Day 1: 1 02-03
38. Larry Beauboeuf Bossier City, LA 1 02-02 163
Day 1: 1 02-02
39. Aaron Hansen Irving, TX 1 02-01 162
Day 1: 1 02-01
40. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 1 02-00 161
Day 1: 1 02-00
41. Colton Anders Burton, TX 1 01-15 160
Day 1: 1 01-15
42. William Young Livingston, TX 1 01-14 159
Day 1: 1 01-14
43. Trey Bigger Celina, TX 1 01-13 158
Day 1: 1 01-13
44. Mike Allcorn Mckinney, TX 1 01-12 157
Day 1: 1 01-12
44. Craig Schmidt Columbus, NE 1 01-12 157
Day 1: 1 01-12
46. Eric Jenkins Arnold, MO 1 01-11 155
Day 1: 1 01-11
46. Brent Shimanek Fort Worth, TX 1 01-11 155
Day 1: 1 01-11
48. Scott Bunday Plano, TX 1 01-10 153
Day 1: 1 01-10
49. Nathan Adams House Springs, MO 1 01-09 152
Day 1: 1 01-09
49. Paul Starnes Flowermound, TX 1 01-09 152
Day 1: 1 01-09
51. Dwain Vogelpohl Cambridge, MN 1 01-08 150
Day 1: 1 01-08
52. Russell Seynaeve Justin, TX 1 01-04 149
Day 1: 1 01-04
53. Todd Drury Haslet, TX 1 01-03 148
Day 1: 1 01-03
54. Bo Rhodes Argyle, TX 1 01-02 147
Day 1: 1 01-02
55. Keith Allen Springfield, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Noel Allen Jr Brandon, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Ruben Arevalos Poth, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Brad Bailey Saint Louis, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Brandon Beaver Durant, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. John Bickley Weatherford, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Bud Biram Tulsa, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Isaac Booth Washburn, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Paul Bosco Lantana, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Kurt Bundick Hillsboro, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Bob Burgess Millington, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Troy Burton Lewisville, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Sam Chapman Norman, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Matt Connolly Duluth, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. John Cummings Alexander, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Lee Deboer Mckinney, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jim Dillingham Arlington, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Keith Eddleman Buda, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Eugene Eisenmann Jr Frisco, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Spence Fowler Ganado, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Dusty Frank West Point, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Elliot Gardner Brenham, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. David Gibson Red Oak, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Steven Gilliam Blanchard, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jason Grammer Roland, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Todd Greenwood Chesterfield, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Montana Hand Weatherford, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Eugene Hermes Muenster, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Darrell Hille Springfield, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Chris Jeffery Sedan, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Mike Jensen Cameron, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Gary Kaehler Strawn, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Paul Keys III Nevada, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Casey Lawson Terrell, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Kevin Mallow Kansas, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jake Marsac Round Rock, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Roger Mcdowell Springtown, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Billy Messer Spartanburg, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Lee Midkiff Mckinney, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Richard Miller Janesville, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Lonnie Miller Broken Arrow, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jon Mohon Sr Houston, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Cameron Naquin Gray, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jenny Nevans Dayton, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Bryan Nickelson Flower Mound, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Matt Palesano Chickasha, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Rick Parker Kaufman, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jimmy Patterson Amarillo, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Robert Pennell Cuero, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jerad Perry Marshall, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Terry Petchinsky Lewisville, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Mike Petty Merkel, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Johnny Ramos Odessa, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Wade Richardson Texico, NM 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Robert Robinson Duncanville, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Lynn Roller Fort Worth, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Steven Schmidt Flower Mound, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Rob Schuppenhauer Azle, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Clarence Schwarz Bedford, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Gregory Shimanek Keller, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Bobby Shockley Springfield, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Ben Shuler Midland, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Shane Soriano Merced, CA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Jon Stidham Mcclelland, IA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Ryan Stimmel Seminole, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Shane Stockton Fort Worth, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Justin Suchy Shreveport, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Kayden Tanner Millsap, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Robb Taylor Irving, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Joe Thielen La Grange, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Keith Thomas Naples, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Daniel Travis The Colony, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Dakota Treat Oklahoma City, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Marty Trent Dodge City, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Kerry Trent Dodge City, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Raymond Vargas Hattiesburg, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Stephen Vogel Muenster, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Randy Waddell Guntersville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Scotty Walton Oklahoma City, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Frank Williams Saint Charles, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Billy Wilson Highland Village, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Steve Wright Plano, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
55. Michael Zierath Flower Mound, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
142. Gary Bates Athens, AL 0 -1-00 0
Day 1: 0 -01-00
MLF Announces Lake Chickamauga as Location of 2021 Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Open
Top 20 Teams at Seventh-Annual College Fishing Open Advance to the 2022 College Fishing National Championship – First Place Club Earns $33,500 Phoenix 518 Pro boat with 115-horsepower Mercury outboard
BENTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Dayton, Tennessee will host the 2021 Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Open on March 30-31 at Lake Chickamauga. The famed big-bass fishery has produced some of the best trophy bass fishing opportunities in the country and has served as a highly competitive playing field for many major bass " tournaments over the years.
“We are extremely excited to give our college anglers the opportunity to compete on Lake Chickamauga,” said Kevin Hunt, MLF Senior Director of Tournament Operations, College and High School. “This will be the first experience for many college anglers on this fishery, and with the tournament set for late March we expect to see plenty of big bass and an awesome competition.”
The two-day event will be hosted by Fish Dayton and the Rhea Economic & Tourism Council, a proud and prominent supporter of bass fishing and the substantial economic impact it brings to the region.
“Fish Dayton is thrilled to host the 2021 Abu Garcia College Fishing Open on Lake Chickamauga,” said John Bamber, Executive Director of Rhea Economic and Tourism. “We are excited to see some great weights brought in by these talented college anglers and are thankful for their stewardship of this fishery.”
The 60-mile-long impoundment of the Tennessee River provides diverse cover and substantial space for the hundreds of anglers and boats that will be competing in the event. The top 20 teams from the 2021 College Fishing Open advance to the 2022 Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship presented by Lowrance, where the top two teams will advance to the 2022 Toyota Series Championship to compete as pros, for a shot at winning as much as $235,000. In addition to the automatic berth into the 2022 College Fishing National Championship, the first-place team will also earn a new Phoenix 518 Pro boat with a 115-horsepower Mercury outboard, valued at $33,500. Additional teams will qualify for the National Championship if the Open field size exceeds 200 boats.
As in all College Fishing events, the College Fishing Open at Lake Chickamauga will feature live weigh-in coverage on both days of competition.
Priority entry for the 2021 Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI season opens at 8 a.m. CT on December 14, 2020, for teams from schools represented in the 2020 College Fishing National Championship. All other teams may enter beginning December 15, 2020. Teams can enter at FLWFishing.com or by calling (270) 252-1000. The entry fee remains the same for 2021 – $75 per team for teams who enter prior to onsite check-in and $100 for teams who enter onsite.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in three regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship presented by Lowrance.
Complete rules for the 2021 Abu Garcia College Fishing program can be found online at FLWFishing.com.
For complete details and updated information, visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow Abu Garcia College Fishing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
GOAT BOXCO Disrupts Cooler Industry with Launch of High-Performance Food and Gear Storage Solution Engineered for People Who Live Ready
GOAT Cooler System Debuts Customizable Modular Design, Delivering the Ultimate Base Camp
Austin, TX (Nov 19, 2020) – GOAT BOXCO is launching their all-new GOAT Cooler System, a high-performance food and gear storage solution built by, and for, people who GO AT life. Engineered to flip the switch on the cooler industry, the first-of-its-kind GOAT Cooler System delivers customizable storage and organization in a fully integrated, modular design that allows consumers to tailor their ultimate prep kit for any outdoor adventure or emergency preparedness need.
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that life is unpredictable,” says GOAT BOXCO founder Jack Robbins. “Our mission at GOAT is to equip people everywhere with the smart tools and essentials they need to live ready – because when you’re prepared, you can confidently tackle whatever life throws your way. We’re proud to launch our brand with this revolutionary product system that redefines how our adventure-driven consumers approach functional, intuitive gear storage and empowers them to live fully committed to the moment.”
The GOAT Cooler System’s modular product and storage design consists of four key innovations. At the centerpiece, the GOAT HUB 70 cooler is constructed with heavy-duty rotomolding and features four integrated turrets that secure the system’s interchangeable GOAT CANs. Each compartment offers handy storage for tools, food and essential gear that can be easily removed, replaced and kept well-organized in the GOAT RACK when not in use.
For additional convenience, GOAT will also offer a suite of customized gear kits that have been curated by like-minded, premium brand partners in the outdoor, camping, emergency preparedness, first aid and nutrition spaces. Each pre-packed kit will be organized to stash easily within the GOAT CANs which load into the HUB 70 performance cooler for any adventure or emergency. Initially, GOAT has partnered with more than twenty industry-leading brands, including MyMedic, ReadyWise, Katadyn, HydraPak, UCO, Havalon, NOCO, Argali, Dizzy Pig and Sea to Summit, just to name a few... Additional kits and partner brands are in the works and ready to be announced soon.
“GOAT is not just another cooler brand,” Robbins notes. “Our team has devoted extensive research in the thoughtful design of this multifaceted system to disrupt the space and reinvent the functionality of coolers in a whole new way. We’re thrilled to team up with the best brands in the industry and are grateful for the work of our extremely talented crew in launching the GOAT brand.”
Individual components of the GOAT Cooler System are available for purchase at GoatBoxCo.com.
GOAT BOXCO: The Base Camp for Your Base Camp
The GOAT HUB 70 changes the high-performance cooler game. The HUB blends functional, intuitive gear storage features with heavy-duty rotomolded construction. Built for storing and organizing outdoor gear at base camp — not to mention keeping food and brews frosty — the HUB’s exterior Quick-Stash cargo net keeps crucial items close at hand, while its integrated turrets securely house interchangeable GOAT CANs that hold gear for any situation.
MSRP: $399.99 (with 4 CANs)
Volume: 62.29QT (58.95L)
Weight: 42.2LBS
The fundamental component of GOAT’s modular gear storage system, GOAT CANs are sized to hold essential gear for any situation, from rippin’ lips to running fence wire. Designed to securely integrate into GOAT’s HUB 70 and RACK storage solutions, and able to be removed and replaced in a matter of seconds, GOAT CANs are ready for the action when you are.
MSRP: $29.99
Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.5”x4.6”x14.75”
No more digging through overflowing plastic bins to find your outdoor gear. The GOAT RACK organizes your interchangeable GOAT CANs in a single centralized location, providing a garage or mudroom gear storage solution for your essential gear kits.
MSRP: $99.99
Dimensions (LxWxH): 26” x 18” x 13.25”
The Kits feature like-minded, premium brands in the outdoor, camping, emergency preparedness, first aid, and nutrition spaces-- including BBQ-- to curate essential gear kits pre-packed with everything needed to be prepared for any situation. The Kits fit directly into the GOAT CANs.
MSRP: $59.99-$269.99
About GOAT BOXCO
GOAT is built by, and for, people who GO AT life. GOAT’s gear is the ultimate reflection of their ideals: always prepared to quickly, confidently, and completely face any situation and see it through. Always there when you need it, intuitive, damn-near indestructible and as versatile as your favorite multi-tool. GOAT’s modular system of storage and organization products are made to be taken anywhere, from the tailgate to the trailhead. Because when you’re prepared, you’re ready for anything. #LiveReady. To learn more, visit www.GoatBoxCo.com
Rather Outdoors Continued Evolution
Lexington, S.C. – November 19, 2020 –
In alignment with the recent announcement regarding Lew’s Holdings Corp transitioning to Rather Outdoors, CEO Ken Eubanks orchestrated additional changes within the organizations leadership structure in an effort to maximize Rathers ability to respond to recent consumer trends and capitalize on future opportunities within the fishing market as the organization continues to adapt to a global footprint.
“For the past few years, I have had the privilege of serving as CEO and President of North America, as we have seen our company grow and transition towards a global organization. Reflection of recent events combined with the steps required to make the transition of becoming an efficient and capable global organization have revealed to me that, in the best interest of our company, it is no longer ideal that I continue to serve in both capacities. Therefore, I have asked Rocky Kalsow to assume the role as President of North America and provide the North America business unit the leadership our team deserves,” said Eubanks.
With the transition, Rocky Kalsow assumes responsibility for heading Brand/Product Development, Sales, Marketing and Operations for all North American initiatives. Kalsow is excited about the role and the opportunity to continue to strengthen the Rather Outdoors brands within the U.S. market. “Our brands and business are all about people. Be it the end user of our products who we strive to enhance their time on the water; the retailers who trust us as partners in the success of their business; or the passionate team at Rather Outdoors who love and live fishing and get up every day dedicated to what we stand for,” he said. “I consider it a great honor to step into this role and I am humbled and excited to help lead us towards our goals.”
In an effort to further address the organizations evolution, Jason McKee has taken on the role of VP Marketing North America, allowing industry veteran, David May to assume the newly created role of Chief Digital Marketing Officer (CDMO). Mays new role will allow him to address the consumer trend toward digital content and on-line shopping that has seen dramatic acceleration recently and develop a comprehensive global Digital strategy for Rather Outdoors.
“While I feel we have done a sufficient job in engaging our consumers on digital platforms to date, recent shifts in consumer activity brought to light the need to accelerate further evolution in our digital strategy and ecommerce capabilities,” said Eubanks. “I am confident that David’s experience and skill set will help us to reshape our company, ensuring that we are at the forefront of the digital transformation that is taking place.”
With the rapidly changing landscape in both domestic and global marketplaces, the leadership at Rather Outdoors remains focused on continually evaluating and ensuring the responsiveness of the organization to ensure that the Rather family of brands remains capable of meeting the needs and demands of fellow anglers and consumers.
About Rather Outdoors
Rather Outdoors is a global outdoors corporation uniting some of the most recognizable brands in the fishing space. With historic and iconic brands such as Lew’s, Strike King, Fox, Matrix, Salmo and Fox Rage, Rather Outdoors provides a wide assortment of fishing products worldwide in an effort to enhance angler’s success and the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits. To learn more about the Rather Outdoors brands, visit www.ratheroutdoors.com.
McKendree Teammates Advance To Bassmaster College Bracket Championship On Lay Lake
Trevor McKinney (left) and Blake Jackson (right) of McKendree University have advanced to the final round of head-to-head competition in the 2020 Carhartt College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on Lay Lake.
Photo by Kyle Jessie/B.A.S.S.
November 18, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — McKendree University teammates Blake Jackson and Trevor McKinney won their individual matchups in the semifinal round of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops at Lay Lake on Wednesday, advancing to the championship round of the elimination-style event.
It is the second-straight season when regular season teammates will compete for a spot in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk after Cody Huff and Carter McNeil from Bethel University squared off last season.
“It’s superexciting, especially coming in being the seven seed and eight seed,” McKinney said. “I think it says a lot about our program at McKendree and the caliber of our anglers. We just fish hard. It wasn’t likely we were going to make it to the last round, but I think it says a lot about Blake and I and a lot about McKendree as a whole.”
Using a shad colored Rapala DT 6 crankbait, Jackson caught 9 pounds, 8 ounces on Day 2 to defeat University of North Alabama’s Cole Thompson, who caught 4-9. Jackson said he has been running main-lake points and channel swings and has found success on a few key areas that have baitfish present.
“There is a lot of bait on a few of these points in 15 to 30 foot,” Jackson said. “These fish are pushing the bait on these points and that’s when I’m catching them. It’s really a timing deal.
“When you catch one, normally you are going to have a little bit of a flurry for 15 to 20 minutes.”
After an afternoon flurry lifted him to victory on Day 1, Jackson caught most of his bass on Day 2 in the morning hours. His final keeper came around 9 a.m., a 2-13 spotted bass that anchored his bag.
“I did lose a couple fish today that I thought were going to cost me,” Jackson said. “Going into tomorrow I’m pretty confident. I didn’t have to pressure my fish too badly today. I went looking for a lot of new areas and found one more area that I will have in my back pocket.”
While he wasn’t able to match his 12-4 bag from Day 1, McKinney secured 7-12 to win his semifinal matchup against Benson Dowler, who weighed in 2-6. Unlike Day 1, the morning bite was productive for McKinney, who caught his first two bass in the first few minutes and caught his limit before the 10:30 a.m. break.
“After that, it got slow for me,” McKinney said. “My bite turned off a little bit which was surprising to me because yesterday the afternoon bite was actually my best bite. It got tough this afternoon for me.”
McKinney caught almost every fish he weighed on Day 2 on a jerkbait. The largemouth bite has been the most productive, he said, but added he lost two quality spotted bass during the morning hours.
Although his afternoon areas did not pan out, McKinney said he saw a 2-pounder jump out of the water in pursuit of shad as he idled away and headed to check-in.
“I’m pretty sure they are there,” he said. “This might sound crazy, but God might just be saving them for tomorrow, the most important day.”
McKinney and Jackson will takeoff from Beeswax Landing Thursday at 6:30 a.m. CT and fish until 3 p.m. Bassmaster LIVE coverage will begin on Bassmaster.com at 8 a.m.
The winner will not only qualify for the Bassmaster Classic, they will also receive $7,500 from Carhartt and paid entry into all eight 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens, plus the use of a Toyota Tundra and Nitro Z20 powered by Mercury and equipped with Humminbird electronics and Minn Kota Trolling Motor and Shallow Water Anchors.
“We both can put them in the boat,” Jackson said. “He’s just as good if not better than me. I would love to fish the Bassmaster Classic, but I’m going to walk away with my head held high even if I don’t make it tomorrow because I know a really good angler and a best friend in life is getting to.”
2020 Carhartt College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops 11/17-11/19
Lay Lake, Columbiana AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2
Angler Club/School No./Weight
Blake Jackson McKendree University 5 09-08
Cole Thompson University of North Alabama 4 04-09
Trevor McKinney McKendree University 5 07-12
Benson Dowler University of North Alabama 3 02-06
Bassmaster Opens Angler Of The Year Race Heats Up In Texas
Jason Christie, of Park Hill, Okla., is leading the Bassmaster Central Opens points race heading into this week's Basspro.comBassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
November 18, 2020
LEWISVILLE, Texas — Up for grabs this week are three coveted prizes at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake. Those are the overall winner titles for the top boater and co-angler; an invitation for the boater to the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk; and four invitations to the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series. Those will come from the restructured format of the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year points race.
This is the last shot for Central Opens anglers to achieve any of those goals. The Central Open at Lewisville, which runs Nov. 19-21, is the final event of the season. The Eastern Opens wrap up Dec. 3-5 at Lay Lake in Alabama.
The overall Opens AOY title will be determined by combined points for anglers competing in both the Central and Eastern Opens. Falcon Rods will award a $10,000 prize to the overall points winner in the pro division. The top co-angler will earn paid entry fees into the 2021 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens division of their choice.
This season, each Opens division has four tournaments and there are three ways to qualify for one of the coveted 12 Bassmaster Elite Series invitations. The Top 4 from both the Central and Eastern Divisions get invites, along with the Top 4 overall anglers in the points standings. That explains why more than 50 boater anglers signed up for both divisions, up from just 16 in 2019.
At Lewisville Lake, everyone is gunning for the winner’s trophy, while others are also drilling down on the Elite Series invitations. Going into the tournament, the Central division’s Top 5 are Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., with 547 points, Darold Gleason of Many, La., (540), Lee Livesay of Longview, Texas (539), Marc Frazier of Newnan, Ga., (533) and Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho (531).
Livesay failed to qualify for the Classic through the Bassmaster Elite Series. His goal this week is to win the tournament to make it in. He gets another shot at the Eastern Opens finale next month at Lay Lake.
Livesay and Palaniuk are both double-qualified as Elite Series pros. That potentially leaves the door open for sixth place Central Opens AOY angler Kenta Kimura, the Japanese pro who has regularly competed in the Opens since 2013.
Christie, also second overall in the overall AOY race, is only two points out of the lead held by Justin Atkins.
“I’d really like to win it, obviously, and Falcon Rods is also one of my sponsors, and I’d like to win it for them,” Christie said. “The goal though is to qualify for the Classic.”
In the overall AOY race, Atkins has 1009 points and Frazier is third with 1003 points. In fourth place is Matt Robertson with 964 points. The Kentucky angler plans to pursue sponsors for an Elite Series move should he receive the invitation.
Of keen interest is the AOY campaign of Scott Martin. The high-profile Florida pro started the year strong after posting a fifth-place finish at the season opener at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. He sank after low finishes in June and September at the Arkansas River and Sam Rayburn Reservoir, respectively. After a rebound and fifth-place finish at Lake Hartwell, he finished poorly at the next two events at Neely Henry Lake and Cherokee Lake. Martin is currently ranked seventh with 945 points. There are two more opportunities for Martin to improve on his ranking and gain the Elite Series invite that he set forth as his goal for this year.
The tournament is being hosted by the Lewisville Convention & Visitors Bureau
AC Insider Podcast with Uncharted Supply CEO Christian Schauf
This week Chris & the boys welcome in Uncharted Supply Co. CEO and founder Christian Schauf to the show to talk about some of the survival systems & other products his company creates to help you escape extraordinary circumstances. The boys look at past derbies & then look ahead to the weekend.
McKendree, UNA Dominate Day 1 Of Bassmaster College Classic Bracket On Lay Lake
Trevor McKinney, Benson Dowler, Blake Jackson and Cole Thompson have advanced to the second round of head-to-head competition in the 2020 Carhartt College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on Lay Lake.
Photo by Chris Mitchell/B.A.S.S.
November 17, 2020
COLUMBIANA, Ala. — McKendree University teammates Trevor McKinney and Blake Jackson and University of North Alabama teammates Cole Thompson and Benson Dowler all secured individual victories in the first round of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops on a stingy Lay Lake Tuesday afternoon, securing spots in the semifinal round of the elimination-style tournament.
McKinney had the biggest catch of the day with a mixed bag of 12 pounds, 4 ounces and defeated Bryan College senior and 2020 Bassmaster College Series champion Conner DiMauro, who caught the second-highest weight of the day with 11-12.
“The Lord blessed me today with guidance,” McKinney said. “There was a bait laying in the rod locker I never even thought I would throw and I tied it on and caught every fish I weighed on it.”
After finding quality fish under similar conditions during the only day of official practice, McKinney was expecting the fishing to be much better. But after finding little success in the areas where he practiced, McKinney scrapped his game plan and found quality fish in a new section of Lay Lake.
“At the halftime break, I had two fish for about a pound,” McKinney said. “I fished hard until about noon. It wasn’t going how I planned it. I scrapped it all and just went fishing. I found an area that is supergood. It has a lot of fish in it and I milked it.”
With 15 minutes left, McKinney landed a 4-pound largemouth that anchored his bag and gave him the advantage over DiMauro.
“Conner and Cole (Sands) are both phenomenal fishermen. I knew coming into it if I could beat either of them, I would have a good chance to win this tournament. It was very nerve-wracking because, at the halftime break, Conner had four fish for 9 pounds. I knew it was going to be close.”
McKinney will take on Dowler in the semifinal round after Dowler secured 7-11 to defeat Georgia Southern University’s Ty Black.
Thompson advanced to the second round with 7-12, beating Georgia Southern’s Avry Thomason, who caught 6-1. After spending most of his practice day running and evaluating the lake, Thompson said he didn’t know what to expect when he began fishing.
“I really wasn’t sure what I had or where I was going to catch my fish,” he said. “I was just hoping that the areas I thought looked right were going to pay off. I had a good little flurry this morning.”
During practice, Thompson had not seen any schooling fish, but around 9:30 a.m. in a main-lake pocket, he found feeding fish and caught four bass in about 10 minutes with a crankbait. About an hour later, right before the halftime break, Thompson caught his biggest fish of the day, a 2-6 spotted bass.
While he battled trolling motor problems the rest of the day, Thompson found a secondary area he hopes can produce quality largemouth Wednesday.
“I had two big bites and I missed both of them,” he added.
Thompson will match up against Jackson on Day 2. Jackson caught 7-1 to narrowly beat Bryan College senior Cole Sands by 7 ounces.
“I thought the weights were pretty high today compared to how yesterday was looking,” Thompson said. “I’m going to have to keep catching them to beat these boys. I’m going to have to grind tomorrow and try to make the bites that I get count.”
The final four anglers will take off from Beeswax Landing Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. CT and fish until 3 p.m. The two winners of the head-to-head matchups will advance to the final day and compete for a spot in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
2020 Carhartt College Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops 11/17-11/19
Lay Lake, Columbiana AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Club/School No./Weight
Cole Sands Bryan College 5 06-11
Blake Jackson McKendree University 5 07-01
Cole Thompson University of North Alabama 5 07-12
Avry Thomason Georgia Southern University 5 06-01
Conner DiMauro Bryan College 5 11-12
Trevor McKinney McKendree University 5 12-04
Benson Dowler University of North Alabama 4 07-11
Ty Black Georgia Southern University 3 05-02
FOX Sports To Feature Live Coverage Of All Bassmaster Elite Events And Bassmaster Classic Beginning 2021
Fans can catch live coverage of all nine Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments and the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk courtesy of a new partnership between FOX Sports and Bassmaster.
Photo by B.A.S.S.
November 17, 2020
FOX Sports To Feature Live Coverage Of All Bassmaster Elite Events And Bassmaster Classic Beginning 2021
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the first time in history, all nine Bassmaster Elite events, as well as the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will feature live television coverage as the Elite Series moves to the FOX Sports platforms beginning in February 2021.
This new multi-year partnership between FOX Sports and Bassmaster allows for more expansive coverage of the tournaments, giving fans an opportunity to follow the action live as the world’s best anglers battle big bass — and each other — on some of America’s most legendary fisheries.
Highlighting the coverage is the iconic Bassmaster Classic on Lake Ray Roberts March 19-21, which will feature three hours of content on the FOX broadcast network and three hours of content on FS1.
Fans enjoy two new ways to catch the action during live weekend broadcasts. During the FOX television programming, an additional livestream with additional anglers will be featured on Bassmaster.com.
On days and times when the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series tournaments are not being broadcast on FOX or FS1, the award-winning Bassmaster LIVE show will be streamed at Bassmaster.com and on the FOX Sports digital platforms. Bassmaster LIVE, which debuted in 2015, features expert commentary and insight while following the top-ranked Elite anglers.
“There is a huge appetite for live bass fishing and this partnership with FOX provides an incredible opportunity to reach new fans as a record number of people participate in fishing,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “Fishing license sales are up by double-digits this year, and we commend our anglers as well as the Bassmaster LIVE hosts for making use of time on-screen to explain the sport as well as offer tips and techniques to help fans of all levels improve their fishing.”
The Bassmaster Elite Series was one of the only major sports able to complete their full 2020 season, which drew both enthusiastic fans of bass fishing and sports fans craving the thrill of competition to live broadcasts of the Elite Series tournaments. Not only are both dedicated fans and newcomers alike eagerly tuning in to Bassmaster, but participation in the sport is booming across the country.
According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, 81% of Americans say they’ve spent time enjoying outdoor activities during the pandemic, 31% for the first time. Many of those people are flocking to fishing, as states across the country have seen remarkable growth in fishing license sales. In the first half of 2020, the number of new fishing licenses sold is up 40% according to the DNR. Iowa, Minnesota, Vermont and Louisiana all report more than 50% higher fishing license sales in 2020, according to their state conservation agencies. Considered a hotbed of recreational fishing, even Alabama — where B.A.S.S. is headquartered — has experienced a 37% jump in resident fishing license sales.
The FOX Sports platforms reach more than 100 million viewers each weekend with their coverage of NASCAR, NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and beyond.
“FOX Sports sees this as a unique opportunity to work with Bassmaster to elevate a best-in-class sports property to a new level and to an expanded audience,” said Bill Wanger, FOX Sports EVP, Head of Programming and Scheduling. “It’s going to be a lot of fun showcasing the best anglers in the world competing from lakes and rivers across the country on live television.”
A full 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule will be released at a later date. Visit Bassmaster.com for more details.
About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing FOX Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Additionally, FOX Sports and social broadcasting platform, Caffeine jointly own Caffeine Studios which creates exclusive eSports, sports and live entertainment content. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture business Big Ten Network, a licensing and commercial relationship with The Stars Group that created the FOX Bet sports betting platform and the FOX Sports Super 6 free-to-play game, and a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.
Louisiana’s Ruston High School Wins FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Sam Rayburn Open
BROOKELAND, Texas (Nov. 16, 2020) – Louisiana’s Ruston High School duo of Garrett Pody and Zachary McMillan brought five bass to the scale Saturday weighing 16 pounds, 1 ounce to win the FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Sam Rayburn Open in Brookeland, Texas.
For their win on the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, the team now advances to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship.
The top three teams that qualified for the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Ruston High School, Ruston, La. – Garrett Pody and Zachary McMillan, five bass, 16-1
2nd: Splendora High School, Splendora, Texas – Kendale Pagan and Connor Canada, five bass, 15-9
3rd: Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, Orange, Texas – Brandon Brones and Dakota Posey, five bass, 13-1
Rounding out the top 10 were:
4th: West Monroe High School, West Monroe, La. – Mack Green and Bradley Newcomb, five bass, 12-13
5th: Conroe High School, Conroe, Texas – Tyler Kitkoski and Cade Lipham, five bass, 12-12
6th: Elizabeth High School, Elizabeth, La. – Gage Shepherd and Ty Haymon, five bass, 11-13
7th: Livingston High School, Livingston, Texas – Kaden Mueck and Breckett Long, five bass, 11-4
8th: Haughton Fishing Team, Haughton, La. – Jase White and Cole Golden, five bass, 11-3
9th: Ruston High School, Ruston, La. – Julianna McMillan and John Randall Stansbury, five bass, 10-14
10th: Nederland High School, Nederland, Texas – Zachary Garsea and Logan Williams, five bass, 10-7
Complete results from the event can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The event launched from the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, and was hosted by the Jasper County Development District.
The FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Sam Rayburn Open in Brookeland, Texas, was a free, two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12 and open to any FLW and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2021 High School Fishing National Championship. The High School Fishing national champions will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship to the school of their choice.
In addition to the High School Fishing National Championship, all High School Fishing anglers nationwide automatically qualify for the world’s largest open high school bass tournament, the 2021 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. More than $2.8 million in scholarships and prizes were offered at the 2020 World Finals.
Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.
Stephen F. Austin University Wins Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Tournament on Sam Rayburn
BROOKELAND, Texas (Nov. 16, 2020) – The Stephen F. Austin University team of Cooper Thor of Mansfield, Texas, and Cody Barchenger of Taylor, Texas, won the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Sam Rayburn event Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 7 ounces. The victory earned the Stephen F. Austin bass club $2,000 and qualified them to compete in the 2021 College Fishing National Championship.
The Lumberjacks duo won by a 1-pound, 4-ounce margin over the second-place team of Maguire Parker and Kyle McAllen from Northwestern State University, who weighed in five bass totaling 18 pounds, 3 ounces. The tournament launched from the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas.
The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2021 College Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Stephen F. Austin University – Cooper Thor, Mansfield, Texas, and Cody Barchenger, Taylor, Texas, five bass, 19-7, $2,000
2nd: Northwestern State University – Maguire Parker, Stonewall, La., and Kyle McAllen, Stonewall, La., five bass, 18-3, $1,000
3rd: Louisiana State University – Jack Thomas, Prairieville, La., and Connor Turner, Albany, La., five bass, 18-0, $500
4th: Louisiana State University – Heath Pinell, Plaquemine, La., and Bryan Bergeron, Port Allen, La., five bass, 16-12, $500
5th: Texas A&M University-Commerce – Frederick Arenas, Alba, Texas, and Brady Gaines, Caddo Mills, Texas, five bass, 15-10, $500
6th: Stephen F. Austin University – Hunter Muncrief, Pineland, Texas, and River Lee, Nacogdoches, Texas, five bass, 15-4
7th: Texas State University – Hamilton Tarbett, Plano, Texas, and Collin Lansdale, San Marcos, Texas, five bass, 15-4
8th: Dallas Baptist University – Michael Postlewait, Astoria, Ore., and Andrew Rickman, Canton, Texas, five bass, 14-6
9th: Drury University – Grant Harris, Springfield, Mo., and Beau Browning, Hot Springs, Ark., five bass, 14-5
10th: East Texas Baptist University – Jacob Keith, Jefferson, Texas, and Cannon Bird, Marshall, Texas, five bass, 14-0
Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir was hosted by the Jasper County Development District. It was the third and final regular-season qualifying tournament for Southern Conference anglers. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be on Nov. 20 – the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Scroggins says now is the time for punching bugs
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Terry “Big Show” Scroggins has done it all. The generous Florida pro caught a 9-pounder out of a Toledo Bend brushpile on a drop shot rig, a 44-pound limit on Falcon Lake dragging a Carolina Rig across a submerged roadbed, qualified for 11 Bassmaster Classics, and has won $2 Million dollars in prize money.
But when “Big Show” burst on to the pro bassing scene in 2001 – much of his momentum came from his supreme knowledge of pulling big fish from tremendously thick and matted vegetation. And according to Scroggins, right now – late autumn through winter is prime time for punching small soft plastics through the thick stuff.
“Everybody thinks of thick green summertime vegetation when you talk about punching shallow, but right now is the absolute best time to be punching the big weight through the mats,” says the former autobody tech.
Proof of this statement came two weeks ago when Scroggins’ Team Toyota buddy Mike Iaconelli recorded the best bass fishing day of his life – catching a (5) bass limit from public water that totaled 41 pounds – punching big weights through thick vegetation.
“Whether you’re talking about Okeechobee, Kissimmee Chain, or even along the shoreline at a place like Lay Lake, Alabama, bass get in the matted vegetation because it holds heat during the coldest months of the year, and then serves as a pre-spawn staging area,” he explains.
In fact, one of his more famous exploitations of this pattern came during the chilly 2007 Bassmaster Classic on Lay Lake, AL when he caught 39-pounds of bass from the shallow matted vegetation around the shoreline in that late February event … even though water temps were in the 50s.
Tackle needs
This is the ultimate in heavy cover, big equipment bassin’ – so Scroggins uses a 7’ 9” heavy action rod from Mud Hole, spools up with 65-pound braid, and uses a 1.5-ounce weight in front of the 3.25” Big Show Soft Plastics Punch Bug. Asked to choose his all-time favorite color, he cited black/blue with silver fleck.
Relate to the roots
“The water willow and other grass at Lay had a vine in it that thickened up the canopy to make it even better. Roots are key to this pattern. Roots beneath the canopy act the like corner posts on a shaded boat dock,” explains Scroggins.
Weather makes a big difference
“This bite can change daily based on the weather,” says Scroggins. “Typically, they’ll eat the Punch Bug while it’s falling, but if a cold front comes through - you may have to pick it up and kind of hold it still against the underside of the canopy until one grabs ahold of it,” he says.
Don’t jerk too soon
Scroggins ends his tutorial on wintertime punchin’ by warning not to make the biggest mistake most anglers do with this pattern. “Most people jerk way too fast when they get a bite in the mats. Let the fish pull it down just a bit and you’ll catch 90% more fish than if you jerk like you’re trying to club ‘em with a big jig in a flooded bush,” he warns.
And should you make that common mistake – let the area rest – come back a couple hours later – and there’s a real good chance that same fish will bite again in the exact same patch of grass.
Clark Wendlandt Comes from Behind to Win 2020 B.A.S.S. Elite AOY
Courtesy of Rather Outdoors
Lexington, S.C. – November 16, 2020 – Strike King has long held a reputation for having one of the premier pro staff teams in the business. The team has earned a long list of impressive titles in all of the major tours, and the records keep piling up.
On November 7, at the Bassmaster Elite Series Toyota Texas Fest, Strike King pro team member Clark Wendlandt clinched the title of 2020 Bassmaster Angler of the Year. The Leander, Tex. pro has proven his consistent excellence throughout his long professional career. With his season-long win, Wendlandt adds the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title to his three FLW Tour Angler crowns from 1997, 2000 and again in 2009.
Wendlandt began the 2020 season with a 19th place finish in the season opening event at the St. Johns River, had two top 10 finishes and a top five finish at the Lake St. Clair event in August, and averaged a 25th place finish for the year to win the title with 680 points for the season.
With this title, he joins an impressive list of bass fishing legends who have won the title as a part of the Strike King team. Previous Strike King pro team Bassmaster Angler of the Year winners are seven-time winner Kevin VanDam, three-time winners, Bill Dance and Mark Davis, 1986 winner Jimmy Houston, 1987 winner Denny Brauer and 2014 winner Greg Hackney.
He said that the Strike King product line was key to his performance throughout the season. "The great thing about being a part of the Strike King family is that they have everything I need to compete no matter the fishery," he said. "This season presented a lot of variables, and everything from the Thunder Cricket to the KVD 1.5 and 2.5, to the Poppin Perch, soft plastics and the XD Series of crankbaits played a role for me. They just flat have it all, and it helps me compete every day."
Mark Copley, Director of Pro Staff and Media Relations said that they are proud of the accomplishment, but not surprised. " When we added Clark to the team, we knew that we were getting not only a world class angler, but a quality person as well, "said Copley. "In our history as a company, Strike King's pro staff has collected every major trophy in the sport, and we are proud of Clark's season, pleased to have played a role in it, and even more so to have him as a part of Team Strike King."
Follow along as Wendlandt begins his victory lap as the 2020 Bassmaster Angler of the Year as the Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off its 2021 season and leads the team into the 2021 Bassmaster Classic in Fort Worth, Tex. and Lake Ray Roberts in March.
Jordan Lee Wins 2020 General Tire World Championship
Alabama Superstar Catches 2-Pounder in Final Minutes to Overtake Casey Ashley in Dramatic Finale, Earns Johnny Morris Award and Top Payout of $100,000
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (Nov. 16, 2020) – The 29-year-old Alabama superstar did it again. Major League Fishing (MLF) pro Jordan Lee of Cullman, Alabama, caught 37 bass totaling 69 pounds, 4 ounces, to narrowly edge out South Carolina’s Casey Ashley and win the 2020General Tire World Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and the top prize of $100,000.
It was a nail-biting finale that came down to the wire in the final day Championship Round that aired Saturday on Discovery. Lee caught his last fish – a 2-pound, 2-ounce largemouth – with just 14 minutes to spare in the final period, overtaking Ashley, who had put together a frantic 17 bass third-period rally to move to the top of the leaderboard. Lee’s last fish came on a Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General worm.
“Oh man, what a feeling,” said Lee, who was the 2020 Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year, winner of the inaugural Heavy Hitters tournament in February, and now the 2020 General Tire World Champion. “Casey was just killing it right there at the end. It seemed like every time I caught one, he would catch two. It was gut-wrenching. I was listening to him bumping up the SCORETRACKER® and he just kept coming and I couldn’t do anything about it. I just had to keep my head down and focus on every single bite. That last fish turned out to be the difference maker. We fished all day long and I won by less than a pound. Unreal.”
Lee started out his day on Spider Lake targeting largemouth with a vibrating jig and a swimjig, before mixing in a frog and eventually the Berkley The General worm (black and black-and-blue) as the day progressed. He keyed on the shallow reeds and lily pads on the 1,392-acre lake.
“It was mostly a fun day of flipping and frogging, and that is what I love to do,” Lee said. “I mixed up a couple of different baits to start with, but the swim jig really got me started. It clued me in that the fish were around the reeds and the pads, and then I started catching some good ones.”
Lee led after Period 1 of competition and had a near 20-pound lead into Period 2 before his bite slowed in Period 3. Meanwhile, Ashley’s pattern caught fire. Ashley took the lead with 40 minutes remaining in the event, and the two anglers battled back and forth before Lee’s last-minute heroics clinched the victory.
“We were so close, I pretty much knew that whoever caught the last scorable bass was going to win,” said Lee. “As the clock ticked down, I kept expecting my boat official to tell me that Casey had caught one at the very end to take it, but luckily for me that didn’t happen.
“To win this event is just the best feeling in the world,” Lee went on to say. “MLF puts us out in the middle of nowhere – down dirt roads, places we’ve never fished before. I love that part of this game. It’s a level playing field, and to come away with a win against this bunch of guys – they’re the best in the world. This has been a special, special week. Nothing comes easy in this sport and I don’t take it for granted. I’ve had a great year. I’m fishing with confidence and I hope I can keep the good vibes going next season.”
The final six anglers at the 2020 General Tire World Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops in Grand Rapids, Minnesota finished:
1st: Jordan Lee of Cullman, Ala., 37 bass, 69-4
2nd: Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., 35 bass, 68-5
3rd: Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., 28 bass, 48-2
4th: Takahiro Omori of Tokyo, Japan, 29 bass, 46-10
5th: Jacob Powroznik of Prince George, Va., 20 bass, 43-6
6th: Cody Meyer of Star, Idaho, 10 bass, 21-10
Complete results and photos from the event can be found at MajorLeagueFishing.com.
Meyer caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day – a 5-pound, 2-ounce largemouth at the end of Period One that came on an unnamed finesse worm.
Overall, there were 159 bass weighing 297 pounds, 5 ounces caught by the final six pros during the Championship Round of competition on Spider Lake.
The 2020 General Tire World Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops was hosted by Visit Grand Rapids and premiered on the Discovery Channel as six, two-hour original episodes debuting on Oct. 10, 2020, and running through Nov. 14, 2020. The event, shot over six days in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, showcased 16 MLF pro anglers culminating the 2020 Cup season and competing for the top prize of $100,000.
For complete details and updated information visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
BERKLEY PRO JORDAN LEE RIDES POWERBAIT MAXSCENT TO VICTORY IN MLF’S 2020 GENERAL TIRE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Largemouth gamble pays off, resulting in a $100,000 payday and a third major championship.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (November 16, 2020) — Looking at his fourth new lake in four days, Berkley Pro Jordan Lee had a decision to make. After sliding into the championship round of the 2020 General Tire World Championship in the sixth and final spot, Lee had 30 minutes to decide his plan of attack for the final day: go after the greater numbers of smallmouth or fish for the bigger largemouth? Either could be boom or bust, but he felt confident the fishery held championship-clinching largemouth.
Luckily, his boat held a lot of Berkley PowerBait MaxScent, the same bait that dominated the professional tournament trails in 2020.
Predominantly flipping PowerBait MaxScent The General around lily pads, Lee recorded 69 pounds, 4 ounces of largemouth in the championship round of Major League Fishing’s 2020 General Tire World Championship, picking up another major championship and a $100,000 first-place payout. With the win, the list of successes for both Lee and PowerBait MaxScent grew even longer.
The win gives Lee, who also has back-to-back Bassmaster Classic wins to his credit, his third major championship while adding to PowerBait MaxScent’s incredible 2020 highlight reel. Earlier this year, PowerBait MaxScent dominated predominantly smallmouth tournaments as the major professional bass fishing tours took their northern swings. But you won’t find the Alabama angler pigeonholing PowerBait MaxScent.
“Largemouth, smallmouth, it doesn’t matter. MaxScent makes me not want to fish with anything else because my confidence is so high with it,” said Lee, who is quick to remind that Berkley’s bait scientists tested PowerBait MaxScent almost exclusively on largemouth during the product’s lengthy development period. “It gets more bites. And if something gets more bites then that’s what I’m going to be using.”
Flipping black and junebug PowerBait MaxScent The General with a 1/4-ounce tungsten weight and a Berkley Fusion19 4/0 straight-shank flipping hook, Lee’s gear consisted of a 7-foot, 6-inch Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier rod paired with a 7.3:1 Revo Premier spooled with 50-pound-test Berkley X9 braid—key for getting fish out of thick swaths of lily pads. As consistent as the bites were as Lee fished the edges of the lily pad jungles, so was the tendency of the hooked fish to try to wrap him around the roots of the pads. With X9, Lee was able to muscle the fish straight to the boat, which he did repeatedly on his way to building a commanding lead.
Lee entered the third period of competition with a 20-plus-pound advantage over second place, but the lead was evaporating as other anglers began to key in on quality fish. With 15 minutes remaining in the event, Lee’s 20-plus-pound lead from the third period was gone and he trailed the new first-place leader by a pound. Absent the time needed to get to new water, Lee decided to make one more pass through his favorite stretch of lily pads, confident that the PowerBait MaxScent could fool even pressured fish. It did, producing a two-pounder to seal the victory.
“Without MaxScent, I wouldn’t have gone back to a spot I had already hit that hard earlier in the day. With all that pressure, these fish just wouldn’t be caught without it,” Lee said. “MaxScent just gets bites when other baits won’t—even these pressured fish. The lake wasn’t big, and it was getting a lot more pressure than it normally ever sees.
“People can talk about PowerBait MaxScent for smallmouth all they want—and it’s definitely the best smallmouth bait I’ve ever used— but I’m an even bigger believer in fishing for largemouth with MaxScent because it gets bites that other soft plastic baits won’t.”
Major League Fishing’s made-for-TV 2020 General Tire World Championship wrapped in July, but competitors were barred from revealing the outcome until it could air on Discovery Channel on November 14.
“It was a long wait to find out what happened, but when we saw what Jordan was able to do with the PowerBait MaxScent on such a big stage, it was the perfect ending to an incredible year for both our pros and this incredibly effective line of baits,” said Berkley Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “We’re incredibly proud of Jordan for his clutch performance in such a pressure-filled situation and can’t wait to see him and the rest of our pros continue this hot streak in 2021.”
Humminbird® Introduces the APEX™ Series: A Premium MFD with a Full-HD Display, First-Class Sonar and Networking Options
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MISSOURI’S MACY WINS PHOENIX BASS FISHING LEAGUE PRESENTED BY T-H MARINE ALL-AMERICAN ON LAKE HARTWELL
ANDERSON, S.C. (Nov. 13, 2020) – Boater Chris Macy of Diamond, Missouri, won the 37th annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine All-American on Lake Hartwell presented by TINCUP Friday, bringing a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 13 pounds, 1 ounce. Macy’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 34-10 was enough to overtake second-place angler Todd Goade of White Pine, Tennessee – who led the event after the second day of competition – by a 2-pound, 4-ounce margin. For the win, Macy earned the top payout of $100,000.
A person that is standing in the grass
Description automatically generated“This is unbelievable – going in to today, I really didn’t think I had a shot at it,” said Macy, who qualified for this tournament through the Bass Fishing League Ozark Division. “I went out this morning and thought that if I could catch 10 pounds, I’d be happy. When you make it to the last day, you kind of look at the payscale and you know that every spot you can hold or move up is another thousand bucks in your pocket. My goal was just to hang in there.
“I stumbled on to something around 1 o’clock this afternoon, and it absolutely went crazy from there,” Macy continued. “On the LiveScope, I would watch my swimbait come across the brush piles and if I could get the fish to follow it, I would kill it and let that swimbait go straight to the bottom. Every one of those fish would nose down on it, and as soon as I popped that swimbait up off the bottom, they would eat it every time.”
Macy said that of the 15 keepers he brought to the weigh-in stage this week, 14 of them came on a Keitech 2.8-inch swimbait in Tennessee Shad and Sexy Shad colors. He credited his electronics as being crucial to his win.
“Every fish that I caught came off of a brush pile,” Macy said. “My Garmin LiveScope was crucial. Every fish that I caught this week, I watched it bite. Most of the water I fished was 20- to 30-feet-deep, and if I could get the fish sitting up on top of the brush piles, it was game on.
“Overall, it has just been a super three days,” Macy went on to say. “I was just so happy to be fishing on the third day of the All-American, and I knew that if I could put a big one in the bag today that anything could happen. When it’s your time, it’s your time and today was just my day.”
The top 10 boaters on Lake Hartwell finished:
1st: Chris Macy, Diamond, Mo., 15 bass, 34-10, $100,000
2nd: Todd Goade, White Pine, Tenn., 15 bass, 32-6, $20,000
3rd: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio, 15 bass, 31-11, $15,000
4th: Jayme Rampey, Liberty, S.C., 15 bass, 31-7, $21,000
5th: Bryan Dowdy, Florence, Ala., 15 bass, 30-7, $18,000
6th: Roger Fitzpatrick, Eldon, Mo., 15 bass, 28-1, $12,000
7th: Randall Allen, Owens Cross Roads, Ala., 15 bass, 27-11, $12,000
8th: Kip Carter, Mansfield, Ga., 15 bass, 27-11, $10,000
9th: Dustin Lippe, Lampe, Mo., 12 bass, 25-11, $9,000
10th: Dennis Berhorst, Holts Summit, Mo., 13 bass, 23-11, $8,000
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Overall, there were 45 bass weighing 77 pounds, 5 ounces, caught by the final 10 boaters Friday. The catch included eight five-bass limits.
Justin Kimmel of Athens, Georgia, won the co-angler division and $50,000 Friday with a three-day total of 14 bass weighing 26 pounds, 9 ounces, followed by Larry Rothweil of Saint Charles, Missouri, in second place with 12 bass weighing 22-2, good for $10,000.
The top 10 co-anglers finished:
1st: Justin Kimmel, Athens, Ga., 14 bass, 26-9, $50,000
2nd: Larry Rothweil, St. Charles, Mo., 12 bass, 22-2, $10,000
3rd: Kibbee McCoy, Knoxville, Tenn., 12 bass, 19-14, $6,000
4th: David Blankinship, Cushing, Okla., 13 bass, 19-6, $5,000
5th: Dalton Steele, Cherokee, Ala., 10 bass, 18-5, $4,500
6th: Cole Sands, Calhoun, Tenn., 12 bass, 17-11, $4,000
7th: Andrew Wiley, Joppa, Md., 13 bass, 17-7, $3,500
8th: Leo Reiter, Greenup, Ill., 13 bass, 16-13, $3,000
9th: Jeff Rikard, Leesville, S.C., 11 bass, 16-2, $3,000
10th: Kerry Harris, Bethel Island, Calif., 11 bass, 16-1, $2,000
Overall, there were 30 bass weighing 40 pounds, 6 ounces, caught by the final 10 co-anglers Friday. The catch included two five-bass limits.
In addition to the cash payouts, the highest-finishing boater and co-angler from each of six Regional Championships, the Wild Card Championship and The Bass Federation (TBF) National Championship at the All-American now advance to the 2020 Toyota Series Championship next month on Lake Cumberland for a shot at winning $235,000 and $33,500, respectively.
The eight boaters and co-anglers that now advance to the 2020 Toyota Series Championship are:
Region 1 (Lake Hartwell) Boater Champion: Todd Goade, White Pine, Tenn.
Region 2 (Lake Seminole) Boater Champion: Randall Allen, Owens Cross Roads, Ala.
Region 3 (Kentucky-Barkley lakes) Boater Champion: Kerry Frey, Middlebury, Ind.
Region 4 (Potomac River) Boater Champion: Bradford Beavers, Summerville, S.C.
Region 5 (Lake Guntersville) Boater Champion: Cole Floyd, Leesburg, Ohio
Region 6 (Grand Lake) Boater Champion: Chris Macy, Diamond, Mo.
WildCard (Kentucky Lake) Boater Champion: Bryan Dowdy, Florence, Ala.
TBF (Kentucky Lake) Boater Champion: Blake Wilson, Benton, Ark.
Region 1 (Lake Hartwell) Boater Champion: Justin Kimmel, Athens, Ga.
Region 2 (Lake Seminole) Boater Champion: Jeff Rikard, Leesville, S.C.
Region 3 (Kentucky-Barkley lakes) Boater Champion: David Blankinship, Cushing, Okla.
Region 4 (Potomac River) Boater Champion: Mark Blankenship, Christiansburg, Va.
Region 5 (Lake Guntersville) Boater Champion: Dalton Steele, Cherokee, Ala.
Region 6 (Grand Lake) Boater Champion: Larry Rothweil, Saint Charles, Mo.
WildCard (Kentucky Lake) Boater Champion: Leo Reiter, Greenup, Ill.
TBF (Kentucky Lake) Boater Champion: Andrew Wiley, Joppa, Md.
