N.C. State Anglers Vault Into Lead In Bassmaster College Series Tournament On Lake Norman

Lake Norman presented by Bass Pro Shops out of  Cornelius, N.C., with a two-day total of 27 pounds, 1 ounce.

Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
Feb. 22, 2019N.C. State Anglers Vault Into Lead In Bassmaster College Series Tournament On Lake Norman

CORNELIUS, N.C. — With more than 250 boats to send through takeoff one at a time, it can take a long while for those drawing a high boat number in this week’s Carhartt Bassmaster College Series tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops to get a lure in the water.

That happened to Jacob Moore and Gilliam Tharpe of North Carolina State in the first round on Lake Norman, but they were able to take full advantage of an early morning bite today, when the boat order was reversed, and they were among the first to head out.

Moore and Tharpe, who were in 17th place after weighing four bass on Thursday, vaulted to the top of the leaderboard Friday with a limit of five bass that weighed 15 pounds, 10 ounces. The Wolfpack anglers have a two-day total of 27-1 which is nearly 2 1/2 pounds more than Oklahoma State’s Taylor Hamburger and Tristen Turley, who have 24-11.

The top 12 teams will compete Saturday in the final round of the tournament — the first of four regular-season Bassmaster College Series events scheduled this year. The dozen remaining teams will win a share of $8,500 in cash for their respective bass fishing teams, with the winning twosome earning a $2,500 prize for their school.

The heaviest largemouth bass for most teams came during the first few hours of fishing Thursday, and the trend continued today. But unlike the first day, when the rain eventually slacked and the sun shined for the first time in a week, the showers started overnight and didn’t relent through weigh-in today at Blythe Landing. Temperatures stayed in the high 40s all day, too, which made conditions especially rough on the anglers.

Saturday’s weather is expected to be just as wet, with temperatures hovering in the low to mid-40s all day.
Moore and Tharpe haven’t let the dismal conditions rattle them, though. They had a limit weighing about 13 pounds by 11 a.m. Friday, and they made slight upgrades twice in the afternoon to add heft to their haul.

“I think a lot of people are trying to catch these bigger (largemouth bass) by cranking,” Tharpe said. “That was our bread-and-butter technique yesterday. But today, the fish were just not eating a crankbait. Whether it’s because of the fishing pressure, the weather changing, whatever… we had to adjust throughout the day. We’re doing a little bit of everything.”

Moore caught the biggest bass of the tournament on Thursday. The 6-13 largemouth anchored his team’s Day 1 catch of four bass that totaled 11-7. Though that’s easily the biggest bass of the tournament so far, having a catch of that caliber builds confidence.

“You can’t really target something like that,” Moore said. “But we’re in an area with a bunch of largemouth. We’ll catch whatever bites and hope we get one that big again.”

Tharpe said once he and Moore had 15-plus pounds onboard Friday, they vacated their best spot and scouted a few other areas for potential keepers. They won’t have to be as conservative on Saturday.

“That’s the difference,” Tharpe said. “There’s no reason to conserve anything tomorrow. We can just fish our spot until it’s empty if we need to.”

Hamburger and Turley caught a 15-14 limit on Friday; the biggest bag of the day. They caught two spotted bass in the 3- to 4-pound range early, and targeted largemouth later in the afternoon, with the heaviest weighing approximately 5 pounds.

Hamburger said he and his teammate had found a good area for largemouth bass, and they have tried to conserve it by minimizing their time there. “I didn’t want to lean on it too hard,” Hamburger said. “Once we got the good bag today, we backed off a little bit. We hope to find a limit early tomorrow and then go for largemouth again.”

Also fishing in the finals Saturday are Benjamin Hager and Noah Shaver, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, third with 24-10; Isaac Duncan (fishing solo), Blue Mountain College, fourth with 24-9; and Cole Breeden and Cameron Smith, Drury University, fifth with 24-0; Jacob Louis and Nathan Doty, McKendree University, sixth with 24-0; Chandlar Ellis and Gil Senn, Lander University, seventh with 23-9; Garrett Warren and Eric Lampkin, Snead State Community College, eighth with 23-7; Louis Monetti and Andrew Weaver, UNC-Charlotte, ninth with 22-12; William Nichols and Jamon Phillips, Jacksonville State University, 10th with 21-13; Justin Barnes and Adam Carroll, University of Montevallo, 11th with 21-10; and Miller Spivey and Trey Dickert, University of Montevallo, 12th with 21-7.

Moore and Tharpe remain in the lead for the Carhartt Big Bass Award and the $500 Carhartt gift certificate that goes to the tandem with the heaviest bass of the tournament. Ellis and Senn, the Day 1 leaders with a 16-10 limit, remain in the lead for the Bass Pro Shops Big Bag Award and the $250 Bass Pro Shops certificate that accompanies it.

In all, 256 college tandems from around the U.S. started the three-day tournament on Lake Norman. The top 10 percent of those duos (26 teams in all) automatically advance to the college national championship tournament to be held at a yet to be disclosed fishery later this year.

The Bassmaster College Series tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops is sponsored by Visit Lake Norman, Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte.

The Day 3 launch will begin at 7 a.m. ET at Blythe Landing. Weigh-in will start at 3 p.m. The weigh-in can be seen on Bassmaster.com  

Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Lake Norman presented by Bass Pro Shops
2/21/2019 - 2/23/2019 Lake Norman - Blythe Landing - Cornelius, NC
STANDINGS  BOATER DAY   2
Name # Fsh Lbs - Oz # Fsh Lbs-Oz College
1 Jacob Moore - Gilliam Tharpe 5 15-10 9 27- 1 North Carolina State University
2 Taylor Hamburger - Tristen Turley 5 15-14 10 24-11 Oklahoma State University
3 Benjamin Hager - Noah Shaver 5 12-12 9 24-10 UNC-Charlotte
4 Isaac Duncan - 5 12-12 10 24- 9 Blue Mountain College
5 Cole Breeden - Cameron Smith 5 13- 6 10 24- 0 Drury University
6 Jacob Louis - Nathan Doty 5 12-12 10 24- 0 McKendree University
7 Chandlar Ellis - Gil Senn 3 6-15 8 23- 9 Lander University
8 Garrett Warren - Eric Lampkin 3 9- 5 8 23- 7 Snead State Community College
9 Louis Monetti - Andrew Weaver 5 11- 4 10 22-12 UNC-Charlotte
10 William Nichols - Jamon Phillips 5 15- 5 9 21-13 Jacksonville State University
11 Justin Barnes - Adam Carroll 5 7- 3 10 21-10 University of Montevallo
12 Miller Spivey - Trey Dickert 5 10-15 10 21- 7 University of Montevallo
13 Nick Schultz - Trey Autry 5 7-12 10 20-13 UNC-Charlotte
14 Noah Boyett - Hunter Hanby 5 9- 0 10 20-10 University of Arkansas
15 Cody Huff - Garrett Enders 5 8-10 10 20- 8 Bethel University
16 KJ Queen - Dax Ewart 4 9- 8 9 20- 4 Bethel University
17 Brian Linder - Nathan Thompson 5 10- 8 10 20- 0 Bemidji State
18 Rob Hendrick - Chad Pruner 5 9- 6 10 19-13 Western Carolina University
19 Danny Sprague - Riley Welch 5 9- 5 10 19-12 Michigan State University
20 Matthew Davis - Jarrod Layton 5 9- 2 10 19- 7 Adrian College
21 Brad Ableman - Seth Roberts 5 11- 2 10 19- 4 Bethel University
22 Aaron Digh - Jerris Bush 5 12- 2 9 19- 3 East Carolina University
23 Jacob Woods - Samuel Vandagriff 5 12- 3 10 19- 2 Tennessee Tech University
24 Connor Usher - Omar Petty 3 5-12 8 18-15 UNC-Charlotte
25 Aidan England - Braden Perry 5 8- 8 10 18-13 Carson-Newman University
26 Mitch Moore - Clark Mannas 5 10- 9 10 18-10 Texas A&M University
27 Sean Hall - Wyatt Michel 3 6- 3 8 18- 7 SCAD
28 Jordan Hartman - Will Gentry 5 8-10 10 18- 5 Murray State University
29 Anthony Fazio - Luke Jasper 5 9- 8 10 18- 4 Illinois State University
30 Gunner Wilson - Griffin Fernandes 5 10- 6 9 18- 2 Adrian College
31 Nolan Minor - Casey Lanier 3 7-15 8 18- 0 West Virginia University
32 Luke Mason - Justin Lane 2 3-10 7 17-14 University of North Alabama
33 Landon Smith - Jordan Thompson 5 9- 3 10 17-13 Calhoun Community College
34 Alex Williamson - Coleman Roberts 5 12- 3 8 17-12 Liberty University
35 Zeke Gossett - Hayden Bartee 2 6- 9 7 17-12 Jacksonville State University
36 Peyton McCord - Cole Burdeshaw 4 8- 6 9 17-10 Auburn University
37 Foster  Dubroc - Nathan Hardin 4 7- 5 8 17- 9 Brewton-Parker College
38 Ethan Jones - Trevor McKinney 5 10- 1 9 17- 8 Mckendree UNiversity
39 David Dueland - Cameron Glasscock 4 6- 3 9 17- 5 University of Montevallo
40 Brady Bowden - Tyler Pennington 5 8- 3 10 17- 4 Faulkner University
41 Matthew Reece - Joshua Boone 5 11-10 9 17- 2 Eastern Kentucky University
42 Will Leonard - Jared Page 3 6- 7 7 17- 2 Kennesaw State University
43 Tanner Ward - Rory Franks 4 7- 1 9 16-14 Kent State University
44 Ryan Winchester - Tyler Black 5 8- 6 9 16-14 Bethel University
45 Derek Freeman - Caleb Allgood 4 7- 3 9 16-11 Clemson University
46 Chase Serafin - Jack Hippe 2 3- 0 7 16- 9 Adrian College
47 Bailey Fain - Trevor St. John 4 8-15 8 16- 7 Bryan College
48 Blake Knies - Noah Whalen 5 8- 0 9 16- 7 University of Evansville
49 Robert Cruvellier - Sean Murphy 3 6- 7 8 16- 6 Auburn University
50 Nicholas Moore - Jacob Harris 3 4- 4 8 16- 4 Southeast Missouri State University
51 Branden Newcome - Garrett Thompson 3 6- 4 8 16- 1 West Virginia University
52 Jake Lee - Dalton Price 2 3- 6 7 15-14 Brian College
53 Whit Edmonds - Reed  Green 2 4-11 7 15-14 Lander University
54 Justin Tingle - Fisher Young 5 8-14 8 15-14 Blue Mountain College
55 Cully Scroggins - Nathon Portch 5 9- 9 9 15- 8 Bethel University
56 Justin Hill - Scott Williams 3 7-11 5 15- 7 North Carolina State University
57 Carter McNeil - Cole Floyd 4 7- 3 9 15- 6 Bethel University
58 Tyler Vanbrandt - Ben Barrus 5 7- 4 10 15- 6 Adrian College
59 Tripp Norris - Dan Cusick 5 9-13 7 15- 3 North Carolina State University
60 John Garrett - Kyle Palmer 5 9- 7 7 15- 1 Bethel University
61 Jonathan Kelley - Logan Odum 5 7-15 8 15- 1 Coastal Carolina University
62 Grayson Whicker - Anderson Tran 5 11- 9 7 15- 0 University of North Carolina
63 Anthony Vintson - Brandon Mathews 4 6- 2 9 14-14 Auburn University
64 Landon Sigger - Logan Reynolds 5 10- 8 7 14-11 Wytheville Community College
65 Jacob Boyd - Colby Shope 4 9-12 6 14-11 Western Carolina University
66 Drew Pridgen - Chasten Beck 5 10- 9 7 14-10 Lander University
67 Luke Barrett - Tyler Watts 2 5- 0 7 14-10 Western Carolina University
68 Josh Hart - Ben Dominque 5 7- 2 10 14- 7 Clemson University
69 Fisher Overton - Alden Keel Jr 2 3- 7 7 14- 6 Blue Mountain College
70 Ethan Shaw - Thad Simerly 5 10- 9 7 14- 5 Bryan College
71 Dalton Combs - Xavier Tiberghien 4 6- 0 7 14- 4 Drury University
72 Chris Carnes - Tyler Lawwill 4 5-14 9 14- 3 UNC-Charlotte
73 Jaret Evan Slentz - Colin Slentz 5 6-11 10 14- 2 Lander University
74 Joe Titus - Samuel Heichel 5 9- 3 8 14- 0 Bemidji State
75 Logan Anderson - Josh Frederick 4 9- 6 7 13-14 North Carolina State University
76 Justin Carr - Austin Carr 3 5- 3 8 13-11 Illinois State University
77 Mason Bishop - Michael Lewis 4 5- 4 9 13- 9 Southern Illinois University Carbondale
78 Will Dickerson - Tucker Putnam 4 4- 9 9 13- 8 Wallace State Community College
79 Perry Marvin - Cantley Krafft 4 6- 9 8 13- 7 Virginia Tech University
80 Logan Parks - Lucas Lindsay 2 2-13 7 13- 4 Auburn University
81 Daniel Jenkins - Cooper Casillas 2 4- 4 7 13- 3 James Madison University
82 Jason Felter - Joseph McClosky 4 9-13 6 13- 1 Bethel University
83 Hunter Haraway - Graham Beatty 4 9-11 6 13- 0 Calhoun Community College
84 Grant Adams - Adam Carman 5 8- 8 8 12-15 Campbellsville University
85 Justin Grigg - Taylor Queen 4 9- 2 6 12-13 Winthrop University
86 Austin Handley - Jeff Hopkins 1 2-11 6 12-12 Auburn University
87 Max McQuaide - Grant Tattersall 3 7- 2 6 12-11 Coastal Carolina University
88 Liam West - Brady Waits 5 9- 1 7 12-10 Clemson University
89 Spencer Guthrie - Ryan Kennedy 4 7-14 7 12- 6 Kennesaw State University
90 Robert Troje - Ben Saba 2 3- 2 7 12- 4 Bemidji State University
91 Landon Whicker - Jonathan Hester 2 2-15 7 12- 1 UNC-Greensboro
92 Jacob Daily - Drew Deloney 3 7- 7 5 11-15 University of Alabama
93 Jackson Howard - Denton Hale 0 0- 0 5 11-10 Liberty University
94 Luke Lamb - Olivia Sheely 5 10- 1 6 11-10 Bethel University
95 Will Alewine - Matthew Rhodes 3 7- 3 6 11- 9 Presbyterian College
96 Tanner Eaves - Austen  Willard 5 9- 6 6 11- 8 Calhoun Community College
97 Caleb Gibson - Bo Adams 5 10- 3 6 11- 7 Northeastern State University
98 Trevor Harrill - Forrest Lee 3 6- 9 5 11- 1 Appalachian State University
99 Ryan Nevil - Nathan Wood 3 4-11 6 11- 1 Dallas Baptist University
100 Grayson Wages - Garrett Beem 5 11- 0 5 11- 0 Kennesaw State University
101 Grant Harris - Lauren Plunkett 5 10-13 5 10-13 Drury University
102 Tyler Heuple - Ethan Stone 2 3- 6 5 10-10 Virginia Tech University
103 Luke Gillund - Jack Kons 2 5- 3 6 10-10 Bemidji State University
104 Hunter Sales - Tristan Stalsworth 1 1-11 6 10- 6 Carson-Newman University
105 Joseph Bruener - Bailey Bleser 3 5- 9 6 10- 6 McKendree University
106 Jarrett Brown - Tyler Harless 2 3-13 6 10- 1 University of Montevallo
107 Cody Gregory - Shawn Blankenship 3 7-12 4 9-15 Bethel University
108 Josh Cannon - 2 4- 0 5 9-15 Central Peidmont College
109 Gavin Haley - Jack Reed 1 1- 9 5 9- 9 Liberty University
110 Landon Batten - Curtis Dillon 1 2- 0 5 9- 9 East Carolina University
111 Blake Miles - Noah Beckley 3 6- 2 5 9- 9 James Madison University
112 Rick Couch  Jr - Cole Hewett 3 5-10 5 9- 9 University of Central Florida
113 Lucas Murphy - Mitchell Gunn 1 2- 6 6 9- 8 Grand Valley State University
114 Weston Bison - Brenden Farley 2 3-14 4 9- 8 Lander University
115 Aaron Bunting - Nolan Pyle 3 6- 1 5 9- 7 Gannon University
116 Chase Clarke - JP Pirani Jr 5 6-10 6 9- 6 Auburn University
117 Nicholas Inzeo - Nick Montilino 3 4- 6 6 9- 6 Murray State University
118 Jared Turnbloom - Thomas Milstead 0 0- 0 5 9- 5 University of Alabama
119 Kele Maney - Hunter Smith 0 0- 0 5 9- 4 Kennesaw State University
120 Atom Ward - Thomas Tidstrom 5 9- 2 5 9- 2 Indiana University Southeast
121 Bailey Stover - Chase Christie 2 5- 1 4 9- 2 University of West Georgia
122 Colton Breeding - Lee Hale 2 9- 1 2 9- 1 Tennessee Tech University
123 Wyatt Reid - Gehrig DeFronzo 0 0- 0 4 8-15 Erskine College
124 Joshua Butts - Xavier Tiberghien 3 3-13 6 8-14 Wallace State Community College
125 Aaron Denny - William Mathews 1 2-15 4 8-12 Grand Valley State University
126 Joseph Lacy - Breanna Wyatt 3 7- 1 4 8- 9 Faulkner University
127 Jake Walters - Tanner Nettleship 0 0- 0 3 8- 8 Murray State University
128 Leighton Hensley - David Gadd 1 2-12 4 8- 8 Eastern Kentucky University
129 Britt Myers - Tanner Maness 2 4- 1 5 8- 8 Lander University
130 Tristan McCormick - Dakota Pierce 0 0- 0 5 8- 6 Bethel University
131 Michael Chase Owens - Will Monti 0 0- 0 4 8- 5 North Carolina State University
132 Rudy Worley - John Nowlin 0 0- 0 4 8- 0 Blue Mountain College
133 Bryce Fowler - Richard Osborn 1 2- 4 5 8- 0 East Carolina University
134 Jarred Jones - Devin Mobbs 4 7-13 4 7-13 Jacksonville State University
135 Nathan Adams - Will O'Rourke 4 5- 2 6 7-11 Murray State University
136 Hunter Bailey - Jr Young 1 1- 5 4 7-10 Jacksonville State University
137 Brett Blackwood - Caleb Blackwood 0 0- 0 5 7- 9 Winthrop University
138 Austin Mundy - Reade Daniel 1 3- 9 3 7- 9 UNC-Charlotte
139 Griffin Heffington - Mason Cizek 3 4- 4 5 7- 2 Bryan College
140 Taylor Cox - Jake Buchanan 2 3- 9 4 7- 1 University of West Georgia
141 Austin Young - Colin Glover 0 0- 0 4 6-14 University of North Georgia
142 Dillon Bryant - Dustin Wagner 2 2-10 5 6-14 Patrick Henry Community College
143 Aidan Hansen - Colt Scofield 2 3-12 4 6-12 St. Cloud State University
144 Reid Strobl - Samuel Scott 1 1- 7 4 6-10 Dallas Baptist University
145 Ryan Dixon - Tripp Meland 1 2- 0 4 6- 8 UNC-Charlotte
146 Trey Joyce - Michael Muther 2 3- 7 4 6- 7 Virginia Tech University
147 Cody Stahl - Adam White 2 4- 2 3 6- 4 SCAD
148 Nicholas Guthrie - Gordon Davis 2 3- 9 3 6- 4 Appalachian State University
149 Austin Rozier - Ty Leatherwood 3 6- 1 3 6- 1 Appalachian State University
150 Bradley Lovings - Calvin Herndon 0 0- 0 3 6- 0 Liberty University
151 Chad Matthews - Jack Martin 1 1- 7 4 5-15 Auburn University
152 Blake Jackson - Christian Hernandez 0 0- 0 3 5-11 McKendree University
153 Tyler Pendergrass - Noah Garnett 3 4- 6 4 5-11 Wallace State Community College
154 Jackson Staib - Dylan Smothers 4 5-10 4 5-10 Bethel University
155 William Missert - Blake Mcclure 2 4- 3 3 5-10 University of North Carolina
156 Ryleigh Tyson - Alexis Joyce 2 2-10 4 5-10 SCAD
157 Cullen Lamm-Hoover - Preston Tribble 4 5- 8 4 5- 8 Hampden-Sydney College
158 Jared Penton - Dustin Pearcy 2 2-15 3 5- 8 East Texas Baptist University
159 Eli Lubbehusen - Seth Mendel 2 4- 5 7 5- 7 University of Evansville
160 Will Crumpton - Jack Crumpton 0 0- 0 2 5- 5 Western Carolina University
161 Noah Ziadie - Reese Kingston 2 3- 4 3 5- 3 Brewton-Parker College
162 Hunter Stephens - Chauncey Kendall 0 0- 0 2 5- 2 East Carolina University
163 Laura Foshee - Chasten Whitfield 2 3- 2 3 5- 2 SCAD
164 Zeb Holland - Jacob Silver 0 0- 0 3 5- 0 Western Carolina University
165 Gl  Compton - Matthew Sprouse 2 3- 4 3 5- 0 Clemson University
166 Daniel Kennedy - Leo Lee 3 4-15 3 4-15 SCAD
167 Christopher Lupo - Tommie Roden 2 2-13 3 4-13 Calhoun Community College
168 Zachary Lewis - Timothy Tungate 0 0- 0 2 4-11 University Of Louisville
169 Thomas Carter - Chris Haas 2 2-13 3 4-11 Christopher Newport University
170 Ethan Ange - Clint Bartlett 1 3- 0 2 4-10 Western Carolina University
171 Zachary Bonnema - Caleb Vander Groef 1 2- 2 2 4-10 Liberty University
172 Zach Kronewitter - Ethan Urey 1 1-11 2 4- 5 Clemson University
173 Matthew Hillman - Blake Riley 2 4- 4 2 4- 4 Eastern Kentucky University
173 Jacob Welch - Jack Rankin 2 4- 4 2 4- 4 Drury University
175 Weston Randall - Anthony Hunckler 1 1- 3 2 4- 1 Appalachian State University
176 Mason Moore - Logan Estes 0 0- 0 2 4- 0 Eastern Kentucky University
177 Nick Fulks - David Blaker 2 2-10 3 4- 0 California University of Pennsylvania
178 Robert Swope - Clay Ferguson 1 1-14 2 4- 0 Virginia Tech Univeristy
179 Stephen Kinard - Jimmy Mitchum 2 3-13 2 3-13 Lander University
180 Nathan Ragsdale - Justin Sisavath 2 3-11 2 3-11 University of Georgia
181 Garret Sanders - Owen Kuhn 0 0- 0 3 3- 9 Florida State University
182 Reece Crabtree - Robert Moody 0 0- 0 2 3- 9 Missouri State University
183 Jeffery Cullop - Jacob Johnson 1 4- 6 1 3- 6 Virginia Tech University
184 Michael Chism - Zach Koonce 0 0- 0 2 3- 5 Southest Missouri State University
185 Drew Camp - Connor Fenwick 1 1- 8 2 3- 5 Christopher Newport University
186 Cole Sands - Conner Dimauro 1 1- 6 2 3- 3 Bryan College
187 Corey Skaggs - Luke Miller 0 0- 0 2 3- 0 University of Louisville
187 Ryan Wood - Hunter Scott 0 0- 0 2 3- 0 Dallas Baptist University
189 Chandler Hildebrand - Derek Parker 0 0- 0 2 2-15 Kent State University
189 Tyler Lubbat - Andrew Patterson 0 0- 0 2 2-15 University of Alabama
189 Cole Walker - Wilson Smith 0 0- 0 2 2-15 Bethel University
192 Chase Farris - Peyton Vinson 0 0- 0 2 2-14 University of North Georgia
193 Timothy Jones - Andrew Snelgrove 0 0- 0 2 2-13 Presbyterian College
194 Stedy Stedman - Randy Damery 0 0- 0 1 2-13 Illinois State University
195 Alex Johnson - Zach Potter 1 1- 7 2 2-13 Ramapo College
196 Luke Weaver - William Higgins 0 0- 0 2 2-10 UNC-Greensboro
197 Zachary Asher - Jacob Klicman 0 0- 0 2 2- 8 Kent State University
198 Jacob Schrimsher - Nathan Wight 0 0- 0 1 2- 6 Calhoun Community College
199 Brennan Chuprinko - Jared Reed 0 0- 0 1 2- 4 University of Delaware
199 Tyler Dixon - Robert Pryor 1 2- 4 1 2- 4 Virginia Tech University
201 Preston Kulakowski - Jackson Monk 0 0- 0 1 2- 3 Liberty University
202 Ty Cox - Chandler Boman 0 0- 0 1 2- 2 Blue Mountain College
202 Alex Degenstein - Coltin Hicks 1 2- 2 1 2- 2 Coastal Carolina University
204 Austin Buchanan - Xavier Tiberghien 1 2- 1 1 2- 1 East Carolina University
204 Ben Taylor - David Howell 1 2- 1 1 2- 1 Appalachian State University
206 Wyatt Ivers - Christopher Duxbury 0 0- 0 1 2- 0 James Madison University
207 Cole Borland - Brandon Acker 0 0- 0 1 1-15 Faulkner University
207 Hunter Stewart - Luke Slaton 0 0- 0 1 1-15 University of North Georgia
209 Tanner Barnes - Ezra Oliver 0 0- 0 1 1-14 Campbellsville University
209 Dylan Richardson - Griffin Stephens 0 0- 0 1 1-14 Wallace State Community College
209 Dalton Smith - Wil Rigdon 0 0- 0 1 1-14 Campbellsville University
212 Blake Albertson - Adam Puckett 0 0- 0 1 1-13 Murray State University
212 Hunter Scharphorn - Spencer Montcastle 0 0- 0 1 1-13 Lake Superior State University
214 Jj Kocevar - Tanner Shriver 0 0- 0 1 1-12 Kent State University
215 Riley Fletcher - Jack Long 0 0- 0 1 1-11 Drury University
215 Denver Monteith - Trevor Lay 1 1-11 1 1-11 Trevecca Nazarene University
215 Connor Peacock - Garrett Neal 0 0- 0 1 1-11 North Carolina State University
218 Colby Hays - Jordan Smallwood 0 0- 0 1 1-10 Campbellsville University
219 Joseph Dobbratz - Riley Scovel 0 0- 0 1 1- 9 UNC-Charlotte
219 Dale London - Robert Faber 0 0- 0 1 1- 9 UNC-Charlotte
219 Neal Wisinski - Jesse Pliska 0 0- 0 1 1- 9 University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
222 Jacob Frazier - Keegan Jones 0 0- 0 1 1- 8 Carson-Newman University
222 Peyton Wates - Mike Cawthon 1 1- 8 1 1- 8 Auburn University
224 Justin Baxley - James Whitacre 0 0- 0 1 1- 7 Wallace State Community College
224 Joe Long - Logan Wade 0 0- 0 1 1- 7 Indiana University
226 Jon-Austin Welsh - James Jerding 0 0- 0 1 1- 4 Bethel University
227 Zach Graham - Cody Batterson 0 0- 0 1 1- 3 Adrian College
228 Abigail Askew - Abigale Devane 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 SCAD
228 Zac Bennett - Chase Williams 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Georgia College
228 Brandon Bland - Xavier Tiberghien 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 U. of South Alabama
228 Chris Bowen - Ryan Howard 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 East Carolina University
228 Will Brown - Chase Chastain 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Jacksonville State University
228 Dakota Cantrell - Dustin Jones 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Campbellsville University
228 Michael Clark - Jacob Cotton 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Liberty University
228 Tony Collard - Jack Sherman 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 UNC-Greensboro
228 Dustin Curtis - Trent Jones 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Trevecca Nazarine University
228 Charlie Grapatin - Taylor Mazur 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 St. Cloud State University
228 Evan Hughes - Ryan Teems 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Erskine College
228 Charlie Ippolito - Bo Howland 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 James Madison University
228 Collins Janus - Joshua Rose 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Winthrop University
228 Cody Jordan - Hayden Wright 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Lander University
228 Zheng Li - Zheng Xu 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Liberty University
228 Brandon Matney - Chase Berry 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Virginia Tech University
228 Armando Ortiz - Dylan McKee 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Auburn University
228 Robert Parker - Harrison Rice 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Liberty University
228 Ross Parris - Xavier Tiberghien 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Lander University
228 Andrew Pittman - Ryan Geraghty 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 East Carolina University
228 Jay Preston - Josh Oakley 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 East Carolina University
228 Alex Rhoney - Zach Hayes 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 University of North Carolina
228 Christian Rines - Beau Barkley 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Faulkner University
228 Matthew Roberts - Richard Cornett 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Allice Lloyd College
228 Zach Seamon - Brandon Dayvault 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 UNC-Charlotte
228 Caleb Sheldon - Tommy Teaster 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Lander University
228 Tyler Smith - Tommy Fyle 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 East Carolina University
228 Stephen Stang - Zachary Crum 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 Virginia Tech University
228 Amren Strigo - Andrew Mega 0 0- 0 0 0- 0 UNC-Charlotte
BIG BASS Day Name Lbs-Oz
1 Jacob Moore - Gilliam Tharpe Stanley, NC
2 Colton Breeding - Lee Hale Sparta, TN

Fort Loudon, Tellico Lakes Will Give Bassmaster Classic Competitors Plenty Of Options

Downtown Knoxville, Tenn., will become the center of the bass fishing world March 15-17, when the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods gets underway on the Tennessee River.
                                             Photo courtesy of Visit Knoxville
February 21, 2019

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods brings bass fishing’s grandest event to the spot where one of the nation’s grandest rivers begins.

Literally forming at the host city of Knoxville, the Tennessee River traces its beginning to the confluence of the Holston and French Broad rivers on the town’s east side. From there, it extends 652 miles before emptying into the Ohio River.

The entire length of the Tennessee is known for its bass fishing, but the upper section will become the focal point of the bass fishing universe March 15-17, when the Classic gets under way. The three-day event is worth $300,000 to the winner, out of a total purse of $1 million.

The Classic waters have been off-limits to the 52 Classic qualifiers since December 31. They’ll have a few more days to scout the fishery just prior to the start of competition as they try to pinpoint locations where they can catch the heaviest five-bass limits each day.

Classic waters include Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, twin reservoirs connected by a canal and comprising about 30,000 combined acres. Competitors can fish either lake and anywhere along the Tennessee River upstream from Fort Loudoun Dam to the Interstate-40 bridge on the Holston River and the Highway 168 bridge on the French Broad River.

“The river just has so much to offer from top to bottom,” said Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brandon Card, who lives in Knoxville and loves the river. “A lot of the anglers who’ll be fishing this Classic have probably never seen this particular part of the river before.

“I’ve been fishing Fort Loudon and Tellico off and on my whole life, and I know how good they can be.”

Fort Loudoun

Named after an 18th-Century British fort built during the French and Indian War,
Fort Loudoun Lake was constructed in 1943 for hydroelectric power production, and it boasts 379 miles of shoreline and 14,600 surface acres.

Card said anglers in the 52-angler Classic field who prefer to fish for largemouth will likely spend most of their time on Fort Loudon due to its stained water color and wealth of shallow structure.

“Fort Loudon looks more like a river,” Card said. “It has that Tennessee River water clarity that is just great for fishing shallow. The ‘power’ fishermen — the guys who like to throw crankbaits and swimbaits and things like that — will probably gravitate toward Fort Loudon.

“That’s what I would do — and I’d look for places that have big largemouth and smallmouth because both species are in Fort Loudon.”

Noting that March is one of the best months to fish all of the Tennessee River reservoirs, former Bassmaster Classic champion David Fritts agreed that Fort Loudon is more suited for shallow fishing.

“The key to success is being able to find the staging fish as they move in,” Fritts said. “Rock is always important this time of year on the Tennessee River. Wood on a rocky spot enhances it, but a hard bottom is the key. You’re not going to catch a whole lot of fish off of laydowns, unless they have hard bottom underneath.”

Tellico

Completed in 1979, this 15,560-acre reservoir was created as a Loudoun extension. The Tellico Dam impounds the Little Tennessee River, which flows northwestward from its source in the Appalachian Mountains and enters the Tennessee River near Lenoir City.

Unlike its neighboring Fort Loudoun structure, Tellico Dam has no power-generation capabilities. Instead, it serves to divert water through a short canal into Fort Loudoun for greater flood control and navigational purposes.

Perhaps as a result, Tellico typically features clearer water than Fort Loudon and can be more attractive to deep-water anglers.

“You’re talking 10 feet of visibility on Tellico versus maybe 3 feet of visibility on Fort Loudon,” Card said. “So, the light-line, smallmouth guys are definitely going to favor Tellico.”

As with most clear-water fisheries, Card said success on Tellico is tied heavily to the weather of the day.

“Tellico is more of a conditional lake,” he said. “On overcast days or real windy days, that’s when Tellico is going to shine. But if we get a bluebird, sunny day, Tellico will be tough.”

Tale of two Classics

Card said limits of 20-pound smallmouth are possible on either fishery. It’ll just be a matter of how an angler wants to fish and what the weather will allow. Though the area is being pounded by heavy rains now, Card said if the weather stabilizes, the venue should make for a great Classic.

“You can pretty much pick your poison,” he said. “You can fish a drop-shot rig in 40 feet of water on Tellico, or you can fish a squarebill on Fort Loudon in 2 feet of water.

“Strategically, you’re going to have to make some tough decisions all three days.”

The biggest decision, according to Elite Series pro Mark Menendez of Kentucky, may be whether you want to catch lots of smallmouth at Tellico or bank on an occasional monster smallmouth at Fort Loudon.

“Loudoun has a good population of 4- and 5-pound smallmouth, and those are going to play big in the Classic,” Menendez said. “It’s easier to catch a 5-pound smallmouth on Loudoun than a 5-pound largemouth — but there are more largemouth. It’s going to make for a really fun guessing game.”

Knoxville leaders are excited about showing off their fishery to fishing fans visiting from throughout the nation.

“The Visit Knoxville Sports Commission has enjoyed partnering with B.A.S.S. and looks forward to welcoming the Bassmaster Classic in just a few short weeks,” said Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville. “Hosting this event in Knoxville is the perfect opportunity to showcase the beautiful Tennessee River to the Classic competitors and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Classic anglers will take off each competition morning from Volunteer Landing in downtown Knoxville, and weigh-ins will be each afternoon at Thompson-Boling Arena on the University of Tennessee campus. The Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods and other activities will take place at the Knoxville Convention Center and the adjacent World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. For more information about attending the 49th Bassmaster Classic, visit VisitKnoxville.com/Bassmaster, or go to Bassmaster.com.


Sam the Man!

 

On this weeks Rookie Podcast with Jason Duran, Jason welcomes in FLW Tour & TH Marine Pro Sam George to the Program a learn a little more about the Athens, Alabama Pro, How he got into fishing and how he dealt with the nervousness of his first FLW Tour Event on Sam Rayburn. Check it out!


Lander University Team Takes Early Lead In Bassmaster College Event On Lake Norman

Chandlar Ellis and Gil Senn of Lander University take the lead on the first day of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Lake Norman presented by Bass Pro Shops out of  Cornelius, N.C., with 16 pounds, 10 ounces.

Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S.
Feb. 21, 2019

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Every angler entered in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops would rather the sun shine like it did Thursday afternoon on Lake Norman.

But they certainly would rather catch bass like they did Thursday morning, when slate grey skies produced periodic rainstorms, many of them heavy.

Chandlar Ellis and Gil Senn of Lander University in Greenwood, S.C., made the most of the morning bite and they lead a field of 256 duos competing on 32,000-acre Lake Norman here in the heart of the Tar Heel State.

Ellis and Senn caught five bass on Day 1 that weighed 16 pounds, 10 ounces. That total gave them more than a 2-pound edge over the remainder of the field.

The tournament is the first of four regular-season events on the 2019 Bassmaster College Series schedule.
“We pulled up this morning and on the first three casts, we had three fish,” said Senn. “That morning bite is extremely important to us. As the day wore on, the bite really slowed down. The fish were getting smaller.”

The tandem targeted largemouth bites on Lake Norman, which easily provided more spotted bass on Thursday than any other species. But Ellis caught a 4-11 largemouth that tied for the second largest catch of the day and provided the heft his team needed to grab the first-round lead.

In fact, the Lander University tandem caught four largemouth bass on Thursday to go with one spotted bass. That was the difference that provided them a 2-pound cushion heading into Day 2.

“We pulled up to a bank and were moving along it this morning,” Ellis said. “I threw once and I caught a 3-pounder. I put him in the livewell and threw right back to the same spot and caught that 4-pounder. Fishing was good for a while this morning. The sun warmed up the rocks a bit and we caught a couple that way, but it wasn’t the same as it was early.”

Senn said he and Ellis agreed during practice that a 25-pound total over two days would get a team into the group of 12 tandems that survive the cut to fish on Saturday.

The Lander University anglers are close to that mark after only one day of competition.

“The fish are replenishing really well now,” Senn said “It’s just that time of year. We caught one largemouth all week in practice,” Senn said. “It was all spots for us until today. We get in there today and it was all largemouth. Who knows? But we’ll definitely try for them again tomorrow.”

Justin Barnes and Adam Carroll of the University of Montevallo (Ala.) are in second place with 14-7. Luke Mason and Justin lane of the University of North Alabama are third with 14-4, Garrett Warren and Eric Lampkin of Snead State Community College (Ala.) are fourth with 14-2 and Chase Serafin and Jack Hippe of Adrian College (Mich.) are fifth with 13-9.

The team of Jacob Moore and Gilliam Tharpe of North Carolina State caught the big bass on Thursday – a 6-pound, 13-ounce largemouth that outweighed any other bass caught Thursday by 2 pounds. That gives the tandem an early lead for the Carhartt Big Bass of the tournament and the $500 Carhartt gift card that comes with it.

Moore said he caught the fish on, not surprisingly, an early-morning bite.

“It was exciting,” he said. “I wish we had four more like it.”

Friday’s weather looks like it will see-saw much like it has throughout the week. There’s a 60 percent chance of rain early Friday, but it dips to 25 percent by late morning. There’s a 70-percent likelihood of rain by 1 p.m., a full two hours before the first flight of anglers is due to weigh-in.

Temperatures are not expected to climb higher than 50 degrees on Friday.

The top 10 percent of teams competing on Lake Norman (26 teams in all) will automatically advance to the Carhartt Bassmaster College National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops tournament to be held at a yet to be disclosed fishery later this year.

The top dozen duos will split $8,500 in cash for their respective bass fishing teams, with a $2,500 prize going to the winning team’s school.

Ellis and Senn have the early lead on the Bass Pros Shops Big Bag of the tournament, which earns the winner a $250 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

The Bassmaster College Series tournament presented by Bass Pro Shops is sponsored by Visit Lake Norman, Mecklenberg County and the City of Charlotte.

The Day 2 launch will begin at 7 a.m. ET at Blythe Landing. Weigh-in will start at 3 p.m.

Carhartt Bassmaster College Series at Lake Norman presented by Bass Pro Shops 2/21/2019 - 2/23/2019 Lake Norman - Blythe Landing - Cornelius, NC STANDINGS BOATER DAY 1
Place Name Day 1
Fish / Weight
Total
Fish / Weight
1 Chandlar Ellis - Gil Senn Lander University 5 / 16 - 10 5 / 16 - 10
2 Justin Barnes - Adam Carroll University of Montevallo 5 / 14 - 7 5 / 14 - 7
3 Luke Mason - Justin Lane University of North Alabama 5 / 14 - 4 5 / 14 - 4
4 Garrett Warren - Eric Lampkin Snead State Community College 5 / 14 - 2 5 / 14 - 2
5 Chase Serafin - Jack Hippe Adrian College 5 / 13 - 9 5 / 13 - 9
6 Connor Usher - Omar Petty UNC-Charlotte 5 / 13 - 3 5 / 13 - 3
7 Nick Schultz - Trey Autry UNC-Charlotte 5 / 13 - 1 5 / 13 - 1
8 Jake Lee - Dalton Price Brian College 5 / 12 - 8 5 / 12 - 8
9 Sean Hall - Wyatt Michel SCAD 5 / 12 - 4 5 / 12 - 4
10 Nicholas Moore - Jacob Harris Southeast Missouri State University 5 / 12 - 0 5 / 12 - 0
11 Cody Huff - Garrett Enders Bethel University 5 / 11 - 14 5 / 11 - 14
12 Benjamin Hager - Noah Shaver UNC-Charlotte 4 / 11 - 14 4 / 11 - 14
13 Isaac Duncan - Xavier Tiberghien Blue Mountain College 5 / 11 - 13 5 / 11 - 13
14 Noah Boyett - Hunter Hanby University of Arkansas 5 / 11 - 10 5 / 11 - 10
14 Jackson Howard - Denton Hale Liberty University 5 / 11 - 10 5 / 11 - 10
16 Louis Monetti - Andrew Weaver UNC-Charlotte 5 / 11 - 8 5 / 11 - 8
17 Jacob Moore - Gilliam Tharpe North Carolina State University 4 / 11 - 7 4 / 11 - 7
18 Jacob Louis - Nathan Doty McKendree University 5 / 11 - 4 5 / 11 - 4
19 Whit Edmonds - Reed Green Lander University 5 / 11 - 3 5 / 11 - 3
19 Zeke Gossett - Hayden Bartee Jacksonville State University 5 / 11 - 3 5 / 11 - 3
21 David Dueland - Cameron Glasscock University of Montevallo 5 / 11 - 2 5 / 11 - 2
22 Fisher Overton - Alden Keel Jr Blue Mountain College 5 / 10 - 15 5 / 10 - 15
23 KJ Queen - Dax Ewart Bethel University 5 / 10 - 12 5 / 10 - 12
24 Will Leonard - Jared Page Kennesaw State University 4 / 10 - 11 4 / 10 - 11
25 Cole Breeden - Cameron Smith Drury University 5 / 10 - 10 5 / 10 - 10
26 Miller Spivey University of Montevallo 5 / 10 - 8 5 / 10 - 8
27 Rob Hendrick - Chad Pruner Western Carolina University 5 / 10 - 7 5 / 10 - 7
27 Logan Parks - Lucas Lindsay Auburn University 5 / 10 - 7 5 / 10 - 7
27 Danny Sprague - Riley Welch Michigan State University 5 / 10 - 7 5 / 10 - 7
30 Matthew Davis - Jarrod Layton Adrian College 5 / 10 - 5 5 / 10 - 5
30 Aidan England - Braden Perry Carson-Newman University 5 / 10 - 5 5 / 10 - 5
32 Foster Dubroc - Nathan Hardin Brewton-Parker College 4 / 10 - 4 4 / 10 - 4
33 Austin Handley - Jeff Hopkins Auburn University 5 / 10 - 1 5 / 10 - 1
33 Nolan Minor - Casey Lanier West Virginia University 5 / 10 - 1 5 / 10 - 1
35 Robert Cruvellier - Sean Murphy Auburn University 5 / 9 - 15 5 / 9 - 15
36 Branden Newcome - Garrett Thompson West Virginia University 5 / 9 - 13 5 / 9 - 13
36 Tanner Ward - Rory Franks Kent State University 5 / 9 - 13 5 / 9 - 13
38 Jordan Hartman - Will Gentry Murray State University 5 / 9 - 11 5 / 9 - 11
39 Luke Barrett - Tyler Watts Western Carolina University 5 / 9 - 10 5 / 9 - 10
40 Derek Freeman - Caleb Allgood Clemson University 5 / 9 - 8 5 / 9 - 8
40 Brian Linder - Nathan Thompson Bemidji State 5 / 9 - 8 5 / 9 - 8
42 Jared Turnbloom - Thomas Milstead University of Alabama 5 / 9 - 5 5 / 9 - 5
43 Kele Maney - Hunter Smith Kennesaw State University 5 / 9 - 4 5 / 9 - 4
43 Peyton McCord - Cole Burdeshaw Auburn University 5 / 9 - 4 5 / 9 - 4
45 Robert Troje - Ben Saba Bemidji State University 5 / 9 - 2 5 / 9 - 2
45 Landon Whicker - Jonathan Hester UNC-Greensboro 5 / 9 - 2 5 / 9 - 2
47 Brady Bowden - Tyler Pennington Faulkner University 5 / 9 - 1 5 / 9 - 1
48 Will Dickerson - Tucker Putnam Wallace State Community College 5 / 8 - 15 5 / 8 - 15
48 Daniel Jenkins - Cooper Casillas James Madison University 5 / 8 - 15 5 / 8 - 15
50 Wyatt Reid - Gehrig DeFronzo Erskine College 4 / 8 - 15 4 / 8 - 15
51 Taylor Hamburger - Tristen Turley Oklahoma State University 5 / 8 - 13 5 / 8 - 13
52 Anthony Fazio - Luke Jasper Illinois State University 5 / 8 - 12 5 / 8 - 12
52 Anthony Vintson - Brandon Mathews Auburn University 5 / 8 - 12 5 / 8 - 12
54 Hunter Sales - Tristan Stalsworth Carson-Newman University 5 / 8 - 11 5 / 8 - 11
55 Landon Smith - Jordan Thompson Calhoun Community College 5 / 8 - 10 5 / 8 - 10
56 Justin Carr - Austin Carr Illinois State University 5 / 8 - 8 5 / 8 - 8
57 Ryan Winchester - Tyler Black Bethel University 4 / 8 - 8 4 / 8 - 8
58 Jake Walters - Tanner Nettleship Murray State University 3 / 8 - 8 3 / 8 - 8
59 Blake Knies - Noah Whalen University of Evansville 4 / 8 - 7 4 / 8 - 7
60 Tristan McCormick - Dakota Pierce Bethel University 5 / 8 - 6 5 / 8 - 6
61 Mason Bishop - Michael Lewis Southern Illinois University Carbondale 5 / 8 - 5 5 / 8 - 5
61 Chris Carnes - Tyler Lawwill UNC-Charlotte 5 / 8 - 5 5 / 8 - 5
63 Michael Chase Owens - Will Monti North Carolina State University 4 / 8 - 5 4 / 8 - 5
64 Dalton Combs - Xavier Tiberghien Drury University 3 / 8 - 4 3 / 8 - 4
65 Carter McNeil - Cole Floyd Bethel University 5 / 8 - 3 5 / 8 - 3
66 Brad Ableman - Seth Roberts Bethel University 5 / 8 - 2 5 / 8 - 2
66 Tyler Vanbrandt - Ben Barrus Adrian College 5 / 8 - 2 5 / 8 - 2
68 Mitch Moore - Clark Mannas Texas A&M University 5 / 8 - 1 5 / 8 - 1
69 Gavin Haley - Jack Reed Liberty University 4 / 8 - 0 4 / 8 - 0
69 Rudy Worley - John Nowlin Blue Mountain College 4 / 8 - 0 4 / 8 - 0
71 Gunner Wilson - Griffin Fernandes Adrian College 4 / 7 - 12 4 / 7 - 12
72 Justin Hill - Scott Williams North Carolina State University 2 / 7 - 12 2 / 7 - 12
73 Brett Blackwood - Caleb Blackwood Winthrop University 5 / 7 - 9 5 / 7 - 9
74 Landon Batten - Curtis Dillon East Carolina University 4 / 7 - 9 4 / 7 - 9
75 Bailey Fain - Trevor St. John Bryan College 4 / 7 - 8 4 / 7 - 8
76 Jaret Evan Slentz - Colin Slentz Lander University 5 / 7 - 7 5 / 7 - 7
77 Ethan Jones - Trevor McKinney Mckendree UNiversity 4 / 7 - 7 4 / 7 - 7
78 Josh Hart - Ben Dominque Clemson University 5 / 7 - 5 5 / 7 - 5
79 Tyler Heuple - Ethan Stone Virginia Tech University 3 / 7 - 4 3 / 7 - 4
80 Lucas Murphy - Mitchell Gunn Grand Valley State University 5 / 7 - 2 5 / 7 - 2
81 Jonathan Kelley - Logan Odum Coastal Carolina University 3 / 7 - 2 3 / 7 - 2
82 Aaron Digh - Jerris Bush East Carolina University 4 / 7 - 1 4 / 7 - 1
83 Justin Tingle - Fisher Young Blue Mountain College 3 / 7 - 0 3 / 7 - 0
84 Jacob Woods - Samuel Vandagriff Tennessee Tech University 5 / 6 - 15 5 / 6 - 15
85 Perry Marvin - Cantley Krafft Virginia Tech University 4 / 6 - 14 4 / 6 - 14
85 Austin Young - Colin Glover University of North Georgia 4 / 6 - 14 4 / 6 - 14
87 William Nichols - Jamon Phillips Jacksonville State University 4 / 6 - 8 4 / 6 - 8
88 Ryan Nevil - Nathan Wood Dallas Baptist University 3 / 6 - 6 3 / 6 - 6
89 Hunter Bailey - Jr Young Jacksonville State University 3 / 6 - 5 3 / 6 - 5
90 Jarrett Brown - Tyler Harless University of Montevallo 4 / 6 - 4 4 / 6 - 4
91 Bradley Lovings - Calvin Herndon Liberty University 3 / 6 - 0 3 / 6 - 0
92 Cully Scroggins - Nathon Portch Bethel University 4 / 5 - 15 4 / 5 - 15
93 Josh Cannon Central Peidmont College 3 / 5 - 15 3 / 5 - 15
94 Aaron Denny - William Mathews Grand Valley State University 3 / 5 - 13 3 / 5 - 13
95 Bryce Fowler - Richard Osborn East Carolina University 4 / 5 - 12 4 / 5 - 12
96 Leighton Hensley - David Gadd Eastern Kentucky University 3 / 5 - 12 3 / 5 - 12
97 Blake Jackson - Christian Hernandez McKendree University 3 / 5 - 11 3 / 5 - 11
98 Weston Bison - Brenden Farley Lander University 2 / 5 - 10 2 / 5 - 10
98 John Garrett - Kyle Palmer Bethel University 2 / 5 - 10 2 / 5 - 10
100 Max McQuaide - Grant Tattersall Coastal Carolina University 3 / 5 - 9 3 / 5 - 9
100 Alex Williamson - Coleman Roberts Liberty University 3 / 5 - 9 3 / 5 - 9
102 Matthew Reece - Joshua Boone Eastern Kentucky University 4 / 5 - 8 4 / 5 - 8
103 Luke Gillund - Jack Kons Bemidji State University 4 / 5 - 7 4 / 5 - 7
104 Tripp Norris - Dan Cusick North Carolina State University 2 / 5 - 6 2 / 5 - 6
105 Will Crumpton - Jack Crumpton Western Carolina University 2 / 5 - 5 2 / 5 - 5
106 Reid Strobl - Samuel Scott Dallas Baptist University 3 / 5 - 3 3 / 5 - 3
107 Hunter Stephens - Chauncey Kendall East Carolina University 2 / 5 - 2 2 / 5 - 2
108 Joshua Butts - Xavier Tiberghien Wallace State Community College 3 / 5 - 1 3 / 5 - 1
109 Zeb Holland - Jacob Silver Western Carolina University 3 / 5 - 0 3 / 5 - 0
109 Nicholas Inzeo - Nick Montilino Murray State University 3 / 5 - 0 3 / 5 - 0
111 Jacob Boyd - Colby Shope Western Carolina University 2 / 4 - 15 2 / 4 - 15
112 Joseph Bruener - Bailey Bleser McKendree University 3 / 4 - 13 3 / 4 - 13
112 Joe Titus - Samuel Heichel Bemidji State 3 / 4 - 13 3 / 4 - 13
114 Zachary Lewis - Timothy Tungate University Of Louisville 2 / 4 - 11 2 / 4 - 11
115 Logan Anderson - Josh Frederick North Carolina State University 3 / 4 - 8 3 / 4 - 8
115 Ryan Dixon - Tripp Meland UNC-Charlotte 3 / 4 - 8 3 / 4 - 8
115 Spencer Guthrie - Ryan Kennedy Kennesaw State University 3 / 4 - 8 3 / 4 - 8
115 Chad Matthews - Jack Martin Auburn University 3 / 4 - 8 3 / 4 - 8
119 Jacob Daily - Drew Deloney University of Alabama 2 / 4 - 8 2 / 4 - 8
119 Trevor Harrill - Forrest Lee Appalachian State University 2 / 4 - 8 2 / 4 - 8
121 Grant Adams - Adam Carman Campbellsville University 3 / 4 - 7 3 / 4 - 7
121 Britt Myers - Tanner Maness Lander University 3 / 4 - 7 3 / 4 - 7
123 Will Alewine - Matthew Rhodes Presbyterian College 3 / 4 - 6 3 / 4 - 6
124 Dillon Bryant - Dustin Wagner Patrick Henry Community College 3 / 4 - 4 3 / 4 - 4
125 Landon Sigger - Logan Reynolds Wytheville Community College 2 / 4 - 3 2 / 4 - 3
126 Drew Pridgen - Chasten Beck Lander University 2 / 4 - 1 2 / 4 - 1
126 Bailey Stover - Chase Christie University of West Georgia 2 / 4 - 1 2 / 4 - 1
128 Mason Moore - Logan Estes Eastern Kentucky University 2 / 4 - 0 2 / 4 - 0
128 Austin Mundy - Reade Daniel UNC-Charlotte 2 / 4 - 0 2 / 4 - 0
130 Rick Couch Jr - Cole Hewett University of Central Florida 2 / 3 - 15 2 / 3 - 15
131 Ethan Shaw - Thad Simerly Bryan College 2 / 3 - 12 2 / 3 - 12
132 Justin Grigg - Taylor Queen Winthrop University 2 / 3 - 11 2 / 3 - 11
133 Garret Sanders - Owen Kuhn Florida State University 3 / 3 - 9 3 / 3 - 9
134 Reece Crabtree - Robert Moody Missouri State University 2 / 3 - 9 2 / 3 - 9
134 Liam West - Brady Waits Clemson University 2 / 3 - 9 2 / 3 - 9
136 Taylor Cox - Jake Buchanan University of West Georgia 2 / 3 - 8 2 / 3 - 8
137 Blake Miles - Noah Beckley James Madison University 2 / 3 - 7 2 / 3 - 7
137 Grayson Whicker - Anderson Tran University of North Carolina 2 / 3 - 7 2 / 3 - 7
139 Aaron Bunting - Nolan Pyle Gannon University 2 / 3 - 6 2 / 3 - 6
140 Michael Chism - Zach Koonce Southest Missouri State University 2 / 3 - 5 2 / 3 - 5
140 Hunter Haraway - Graham Beatty Calhoun Community College 2 / 3 - 5 2 / 3 - 5
142 Jason Felter - Joseph McClosky Bethel University 2 / 3 - 4 2 / 3 - 4
143 Aidan Hansen - Colt Scofield St. Cloud State University 2 / 3 - 0 2 / 3 - 0
143 Trey Joyce - Michael Muther Virginia Tech University 2 / 3 - 0 2 / 3 - 0
143 Corey Skaggs - Luke Miller University of Louisville 2 / 3 - 0 2 / 3 - 0
143 Ryleigh Tyson - Alexis Joyce SCAD 2 / 3 - 0 2 / 3 - 0
143 Ryan Wood - Hunter Scott Dallas Baptist University 2 / 3 - 0 2 / 3 - 0
148 Chandler Hildebrand - Derek Parker Kent State University 2 / 2 - 15 2 / 2 - 15
148 Tyler Lubbat - Andrew Patterson University of Alabama 2 / 2 - 15 2 / 2 - 15
148 Cole Walker - Wilson Smith Bethel University 2 / 2 - 15 2 / 2 - 15
151 Chase Farris - Peyton Vinson University of North Georgia 2 / 2 - 14 2 / 2 - 14
151 Griffin Heffington - Mason Cizek Bryan College 2 / 2 - 14 2 / 2 - 14
153 Weston Randall - Anthony Hunckler Appalachian State University 1 / 2 - 14 1 / 2 - 14
154 Timothy Jones - Andrew Snelgrove Presbyterian College 2 / 2 - 13 2 / 2 - 13
155 Stedy Stedman - Randy Damery Illinois State University 1 / 2 - 13 1 / 2 - 13
156 Chase Clarke - JP Pirani Jr Auburn University 1 / 2 - 12 1 / 2 - 12
157 Nicholas Guthrie - Gordon Davis Appalachian State University 1 / 2 - 11 1 / 2 - 11
158 Luke Weaver - William Higgins UNC-Greensboro 2 / 2 - 10 2 / 2 - 10
159 Zach Kronewitter - Ethan Urey Clemson University 1 / 2 - 10 1 / 2 - 10
160 Nathan Adams - Will O'Rourke Murray State University 2 / 2 - 9 2 / 2 - 9
161 Jared Penton - Dustin Pearcy East Texas Baptist University 1 / 2 - 9 1 / 2 - 9
162 Zachary Asher - Jacob Klicman Kent State University 2 / 2 - 8 2 / 2 - 8
163 Zachary Bonnema - Caleb Vander Groef Liberty University 1 / 2 - 8 1 / 2 - 8
164 Jacob Schrimsher - Nathan Wight Calhoun Community College 1 / 2 - 6 1 / 2 - 6
165 Brennan Chuprinko - Jared Reed University of Delaware 1 / 2 - 4 1 / 2 - 4
166 Cody Gregory - Shawn Blankenship Bethel University 1 / 2 - 3 1 / 2 - 3
166 Preston Kulakowski - Jackson Monk Liberty University 1 / 2 - 3 1 / 2 - 3
168 Ty Cox - Chandler Boman Blue Mountain College 1 / 2 - 2 1 / 2 - 2
168 Tanner Eaves - Austen Willard Calhoun Community College 1 / 2 - 2 1 / 2 - 2
168 Cody Stahl - Adam White SCAD 1 / 2 - 2 1 / 2 - 2
168 Robert Swope - Clay Ferguson Virginia Tech Univeristy 1 / 2 - 2 1 / 2 - 2
172 Laura Foshee - Chasten Whitfield SCAD 1 / 2 - 0 1 / 2 - 0
172 Wyatt Ivers - Christopher Duxbury James Madison University 1 / 2 - 0 1 / 2 - 0
172 Christopher Lupo - Tommie Roden Calhoun Community College 1 / 2 - 0 1 / 2 - 0
175 Cole Borland - Brandon Acker Faulkner University 1 / 1 - 15 1 / 1 - 15
175 Hunter Stewart - Luke Slaton University of North Georgia 1 / 1 - 15 1 / 1 - 15
175 Noah Ziadie - Reese Kingston Brewton-Parker College 1 / 1 - 15 1 / 1 - 15
178 Tanner Barnes - Ezra Oliver Campbellsville University 1 / 1 - 14 1 / 1 - 14
178 Thomas Carter - Chris Haas Christopher Newport University 1 / 1 - 14 1 / 1 - 14
178 Dylan Richardson - Griffin Stephens Wallace State Community College 1 / 1 - 14 1 / 1 - 14
178 Dalton Smith - Wil Rigdon Campbellsville University 1 / 1 - 14 1 / 1 - 14
182 Blake Albertson - Adam Puckett Murray State University 1 / 1 - 13 1 / 1 - 13
182 Drew Camp - Connor Fenwick Christopher Newport University 1 / 1 - 13 1 / 1 - 13
182 Cole Sands - Conner Dimauro Bryan College 1 / 1 - 13 1 / 1 - 13
182 Hunter Scharphorn - Spencer Montcastle Lake Superior State University 1 / 1 - 13 1 / 1 - 13
186 Gl Compton - Matthew Sprouse Clemson University 1 / 1 - 12 1 / 1 - 12
186 Jj Kocevar - Tanner Shriver Kent State University 1 / 1 - 12 1 / 1 - 12
188 Riley Fletcher - Jack Long Drury University 1 / 1 - 11 1 / 1 - 11
188 Connor Peacock - Garrett Neal North Carolina State University 1 / 1 - 11 1 / 1 - 11
190 Ethan Ange - Clint Bartlett Western Carolina University 1 / 1 - 10 1 / 1 - 10
190 Colby Hays - Jordan Smallwood Campbellsville University 1 / 1 - 10 1 / 1 - 10
192 Joseph Dobbratz - Riley Scovel UNC-Charlotte 1 / 1 - 9 1 / 1 - 9
192 Luke Lamb - Olivia Sheely Bethel University 1 / 1 - 9 1 / 1 - 9
192 Dale London - Robert Faber UNC-Charlotte 1 / 1 - 9 1 / 1 - 9
192 Neal Wisinski - Jesse Pliska University of Wisconsin Stevens Point 1 / 1 - 9 1 / 1 - 9
196 Jacob Frazier - Keegan Jones Carson-Newman University 1 / 1 - 8 1 / 1 - 8
196 Joseph Lacy - Breanna Wyatt Faulkner University 1 / 1 - 8 1 / 1 - 8
198 Justin Baxley - James Whitacre Wallace State Community College 1 / 1 - 7 1 / 1 - 7
198 Joe Long - Logan Wade Indiana University 1 / 1 - 7 1 / 1 - 7
198 William Missert - Blake Mcclure University of North Carolina 1 / 1 - 7 1 / 1 - 7
201 Nick Fulks - David Blaker California University of Pennsylvania 1 / 1 - 6 1 / 1 - 6
201 Alex Johnson - Zach Potter Ramapo College 1 / 1 - 6 1 / 1 - 6
203 Tyler Pendergrass - Noah Garnett Wallace State Community College 1 / 1 - 5 1 / 1 - 5
204 Caleb Gibson - Bo Adams Northeastern State University 1 / 1 - 4 1 / 1 - 4
204 Jon-Austin Welsh - James Jerding Bethel University 1 / 1 - 4 1 / 1 - 4
206 Zach Graham - Cody Batterson Adrian College 1 / 1 - 3 1 / 1 - 3
207 Eli Lubbehusen - Seth Mendel University of Evansville 5 / 1 - 2 5 / 1 - 2
208 Abigail Askew - Abigale Devane SCAD 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Zac Bennett - Chase Williams Georgia College 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Brandon Bland - Xavier Tiberghien U. of South Alabama 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Chris Bowen - Ryan Howard East Carolina University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Colton Breeding - Lee Hale Tennessee Tech University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Will Brown - Chase Chastain Jacksonville State University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Austin Buchanan - Xavier Tiberghien East Carolina University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Dakota Cantrell - Dustin Jones Campbellsville University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Michael Clark - Jacob Cotton Liberty University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Tony Collard - Jack Sherman UNC-Greensboro 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Dustin Curtis - Trent Jones Trevecca Nazarine University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Alex Degenstein - Coltin Hicks Coastal Carolina University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Tyler Dixon - Robert Pryor Virginia Tech University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Charlie Grapatin - Taylor Mazur St. Cloud State University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Grant Harris - Lauren Plunkett Drury University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Matthew Hillman - Blake Riley Eastern Kentucky University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Evan Hughes - Ryan Teems Erskine College 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Charlie Ippolito - Bo Howland James Madison University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Collins Janus - Joshua Rose Winthrop University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Jarred Jones - Devin Mobbs Jacksonville State University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Cody Jordan - Hayden Wright Lander University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Daniel Kennedy - Leo Lee SCAD 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Stephen Kinard - Jimmy Mitchum Lander University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Cullen Lamm-Hoover - Preston Tribble Hampden-Sydney College 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Zheng Li - Zheng Xu Liberty University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Brandon Matney - Chase Berry Virginia Tech University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Denver Monteith - Trevor Lay Trevecca Nazarene University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Armando Ortiz - Dylan McKee Auburn University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Robert Parker - Harrison Rice Liberty University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Ross Parris - Xavier Tiberghien Lander University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Andrew Pittman - Ryan Geraghty East Carolina University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Jay Preston - Josh Oakley East Carolina University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Nathan Ragsdale - Justin Sisavath University of Georgia 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Alex Rhoney - Zach Hayes University of North Carolina 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Christian Rines - Beau Barkley Faulkner University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Matthew Roberts - Richard Cornett Allice Lloyd College 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Austin Rozier - Ty Leatherwood Appalachian State University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Zach Seamon - Brandon Dayvault UNC-Charlotte 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Caleb Sheldon - Tommy Teaster Lander University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Tyler Smith - Tommy Fyle East Carolina University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Jackson Staib - Dylan Smothers Bethel University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Stephen Stang - Zachary Crum Virginia Tech University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Amren Strigo - Andrew Mega UNC-Charlotte 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Ben Taylor - David Howell Appalachian State University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Grayson Wages - Garrett Beem Kennesaw State University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Atom Ward - Thomas Tidstrom Indiana University Southeast 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Peyton Wates - Mike Cawthon Auburn University 0 0 / 0 - 0
208 Jacob Welch - Jack Rankin Drury University 0 0 / 0 - 0
256 Jeffery Cullop - Jacob Johnson Virginia Tech University 0 0 / -1 - 0
BIG BASS Day 1 Jacob Moore - Gilliam Tharpe Stanley, NC 6-13

Falardeau Wins ABA East TN Opener on Chickamauga

ATHENS, Ala. – Dillon Falardeau of Hixson, Tennessee, won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series East Tennessee event held on Lake Chickamauga on 2/16/19. Running out of the Dayton Boat Dock access area in Dayton, TN, Falardeau weighed in a five bass limit totaling 23.83-pounds. His limit was anchored by a bass weighing 7.11-pounds which was the biggest bass weighed in by a boater. For the win and big bassFalardeau took home $2100.00.

“The lake was very pressured. I picked up a spinning outfit rigged with light line and a very small swimbait and never put it down,” said Falardeau.

In second for the boaters, Brian Wilson of Calhoun, Georgia, weighed in a five bass limit weighing 20.65-pounds. His limit was anchored by a bass weighing 5.13-pounds.

“I was fishing shallow today. My fish was caught on a Chatterbait, a rattletrap, and a jerkbait,” said Wilson.

Taking third for the boaters, Joseph Tallent of Knoxville, Tennessee, weighed in a five bass limit weighing 18.91-pounds.

“I caught all of my keepers today on a rattletrap fishing shallow,” said Tallent.

In fourth place for the boaters, Nathan Hill of Rockwood, Tennessee, weighed in five bass for 13.96-pounds.  Rounding out the top 5 Anthony Rodefe of Knoxville, Tennessee, weighed in five bass for 13.40-pounds.

In the Co-angler Division Chris Seese of Ten Mile, Tennessee weighed in three bass weighing 11.56 pounds. He took home $950.00 for the win.

“I caught my fish using a spinning outfit, 8lb line and a very small swimbait,” said Seese.

Taking second for the co-anglers, John Wilkerson of Nashville, Tennessee, weighed in three bass weighing 10.78 pounds.

“I caught around seven bass today. All of my fish were caught using a shad colored rattletrap and a red squarebill crankbait,” said Wilkerson.

Taking third for the co-anglers, Eric Morehead of Chatsworth, Georgia, weighed in two bass weighing 10.55-pounds. Morehead also collected big bass honors for weighing in the biggest bass caught by a co-angler. His bass weighed in at 7.52-pounds.

“I caught the big bass on a Berkley War Pig and my other bass came on a squarebill crankbait,” said Morehead.

In fourth for the co-anglers David Perron of Dayton, Tennessee, weighed in three bass weighing 10.19-pounds. Rounding out the top five, Roy Yother of Red Bank, Tennessee weighed in two bass weighing 7.88-pounds.

Slated for May 11th the next event for the East Tennessee Division will be held on Lake Cherokee launching from the Hamblen County Dock.

For more information on this event contact local director Rodney Michael at 256-497-0967

About American Bass Anglers - American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression.  For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.


Day 2 BASS Open cancelled at Toledo Bend

MANY, La. — Due to potentially dangerous storms in the area, B.A.S.S. officials elected to cancel the second day of competition at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Opens tournament underway at Toledo Bend.

Thunderstorms with dangerous lightning raised concerns over the safety of the 213 boats — each with two contestants — going out on the massive 185,000-acre impoundment. The National Weather Service forecasts a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms for Thursday.

Toledo Bend, the nation’s fifth largest manmade reservoir, is known to become especially dangerous for boating when impacted by wind-driven thunderstorms.

“We made this decision based on the safety of the anglers, fans, B.A.S.S. staff and everyone who would be outdoors in the dangerous lightening,” said Chris Bowes, B.A.S.S. senior tournament manager.

“We are fortunate enough to have access to and the ability to use advanced forecasting and radar tools to make weather-related decisions,” Bowes added. “We also consulted with other tournament officials and collectively made the best decision for everyone.”

The plan is for the entire field to fish on Friday, when the tournament winner will be determined at Cypress Bend Park.


Early Bass Bite Gives Millender The Lead In Bassmaster Open At Toledo Bend

Randy Millender of Teague, Texas, leads after Day 1 of the 2019 BassPro.com Central Open on Toledo Bend, out of Many, La., with a total weight of 22-11.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S.
 

Feb. 20, 2019

MANY, La. Focusing on early prespawners lead Randy Millender to the Day 1 lead at the season opener of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open on Louisiana’s Toledo Bend Reservoir with a 5-bass limit that weighed 22 pounds, 11 ounces.

While many anglers were looking for bites inside the mouths of spawning creeks, the Teague, Texas, pro devoted his day to main-lake structure. He targeted a specific habitat feature in 5 to 6 feet of water.

Often, anglers in later flights find the longer day affords them more opportunities. However, despite weighing his fish in the day’s last flight, Millender said the afternoon hours did not impact his performance.

“I caught all these fish on my first stop this morning,” he said. “I had a stretch that had ’em. I had my limit by 8:30. But whether they’ll be there tomorrow or not, who knows?”

Millender caught all of his fish on a squarebill crankbait. Noting that crawfish patterns were most productive, he said his retrieve was intrinsic to his success.

“Long casts are always important with a crankbait, but speed was also important,” Millender said. “Once it was down there, I tried not to work it too fast.

“The strikes were very lethargic. Half the time, you don’t even know you have a fish; they just load up on it.”

After a rainy, windy practice period, Toledo Bend saw gray skies yielding to the bright “bluebird” conditions of the classic post-frontal scenario. This, Millender said, is what made his morning more productive than his afternoon.

“After the clouds rolled out and we got this high pressure, the fish really locked down,” he said.

John Cox of DeBary, Fla., is in second place with 21-7. Game plans are good, but Cox found a random run-and-gun strategy with a reaction bait delivering his bites.

“It started off slow, and I just ground on them all day,” Cox said. “I got lucky and caught my two best ones almost back to back around 11. Then I started bouncing around and fishing stuff that looked good and culled out my other fish.”

Dave Redington of Winnsboro, Texas, is in third place with 20-8. After starting offshore, he felt the call of a shallow flipping bite, but after several unproductive hours of close work, he realized he should have stayed put.

“I was only catching about one every 30 minutes offshore, but I kept wanting to get back to my shallow stuff,” Redington said. “Once it warmed up, I spent about four hours doing that and I had four decent ones and one little ‘rat.’ I figured the best way to get rid of that little one was to go back out deep.

“I went back out and culled that with a 2 1/2-pounder. I caught them on a crankbait and a Carolina rig.”

Travis Alcock of Antioch, Ill., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 9-1 largemouth.

Stephen Sennikoff Jr. of Garland, Texas, leads the co-angler division with 11-12. He caught all of his fish on a white/chartreuse spinnerbait with a willowleaf/Colorado-blade combination.

“I’d been catching them in practice on a ChatterBait when the water was a little dirtier,” Sennikoff said. “The area I was in cleared up today, and I thought a spinnerbait would be key. I was slow rolling it and just trying to keep it a couple of feet down in the water column near grass and wood.”

Darrell Hille or Springfield, Tenn., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 6-2.

Thursday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. CT at Cypress Bend Boat Ramp. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 2:45 p.m.

 

2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open Toledo Bend 2/20-2/22
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many  LA.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Randy Millender        Teague, TX               5  22-11  200
Day 1: 5   22-11
2.  John Cox               Debary, FL               5  21-07  199
Day 1: 5   21-07
3.  Dave Redington         Winnsboro, TX            5  20-08  198
Day 1: 5   20-08
4.  Colby Cotterill        Houston, TX              5  18-07  197
Day 1: 5   18-07
4.  Kris Wilson            Montgomery, TX           5  18-07  197
Day 1: 5   18-07
6.  Tommy Robinson         Westland, MI             5  18-05  195
Day 1: 5   18-05
7.  Marc Frazier           Newnan, GA               5  18-00  194
Day 1: 5   18-00
8.  Soushi Kataoka         Ohtsu Shiga JAPAN        4  17-12  193
Day 1: 4   17-12
9.  Bill Chapman           Salt Rock, WV            5  16-13  192
Day 1: 5   16-13
10. Chad Smith             Minnetonka, MN           5  16-11  191
Day 1: 5   16-11
11. Stephen Mitchell       Trout, LA                5  16-02  190
Day 1: 5   16-02
12. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             5  15-15  189
Day 1: 5   15-15
13. Billy Billeaud         Lafayette, LA            5  15-14  188
Day 1: 5   15-14
14. Nick Uebelhor          Loogootee, IN            5  15-12  187
Day 1: 5   15-12
15. Dan Parker             Guttenberg, IA           5  15-08  186
Day 1: 5   15-08
16. Taku Ito               Chiba JAPAN              5  15-06  185
Day 1: 5   15-06
17. JP Kimbrough           Bossier City, LA         5  15-04  184
Day 1: 5   15-04
18. Tommy Martin           Hemphill, TX             4  15-02  183
Day 1: 4   15-02
19. Ken Iyobe              Tokoname JAPAN           5  15-01  182
Day 1: 5   15-01
20. Darold Gleason         Many, LA                 5  14-15  181
Day 1: 5   14-15
21. Alex Heintze           Denham Springs, LA       5  14-12  180
Day 1: 5   14-12
22. Logan Latuso           Gonzales, LA             5  14-10  179
Day 1: 5   14-10
23. James Davis Jr         Ferriday, LA             5  14-09  178
Day 1: 5   14-09
23. Tom Redington          Royse City, TX           5  14-09  178
Day 1: 5   14-09
25. Caleb Kuphall          Mukwonago, WI            4  14-03  176
Day 1: 4   14-03
26. Teb Jones              Hattiesburg, MS          5  14-02  175
Day 1: 5   14-02
27. Josh Bauer             Random Lake, WI          5  14-01  174
Day 1: 5   14-01
27. Gerald Swindle         Guntersville, AL         5  14-01  174
Day 1: 5   14-01
29. Jesse Wiggins          Cullman, AL              5  13-15  172
Day 1: 5   13-15
30. Devin Bushland         Allen, TX                4  13-14  171
Day 1: 4   13-14
30. Gary Caruso            Baton Rouge, LA          4  13-14  171
Day 1: 4   13-14
32. Chris Groh             Spring Grove, IL         5  13-09  169
Day 1: 5   13-09
33. Wes Logan              Springville, AL          5  13-07  168
Day 1: 5   13-07
34. Randy Plyler           Arkadelphia, AR          5  13-05  167
Day 1: 5   13-05
35. Matthew Loetscher      Many, LA                 4  13-03  166
Day 1: 4   13-03
36. Blake Betz             Baton Rouge, LA          5  12-15  165
Day 1: 5   12-15
36. Theron Caldwell        Colleyville, TX          5  12-15  165
Day 1: 5   12-15
38. Daisuke Aoki           Minamitsurugun Yamanash  5  12-10  163
Day 1: 5   12-10
39. Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR          5  12-06  162
Day 1: 5   12-06
40. Cody Bertrand          Dyer, IN                 4  12-05  161
Day 1: 4   12-05
41. David Gillham          Heath, TX                5  12-04  160
Day 1: 5   12-04
42. Cameron Frowick        Tyler, TX                5  12-01  159
Day 1: 5   12-01
43. David Curtis           Trinity, TX              5  11-15  158
Day 1: 5   11-15
43. Bob Downey             Hudson, WI               5  11-15  158
Day 1: 5   11-15
45. Bryan Finch            Belton, TX               4  11-14  156
Day 1: 4   11-14
46. Philip Atkins          Columbus, MS             5  11-12  155
Day 1: 5   11-12
46. Seiji Kato             Outsu Shiga JAPAN        5  11-12  155
Day 1: 5   11-12
46. Lance Rose             Pipe Creek, TX           5  11-12  155
Day 1: 5   11-12
49. Beau Browning          Hot Springs, AR          4  11-12  152
Day 1: 4   11-12
50. Zach Gagnard           Pineville, LA            5  11-08  151
Day 1: 5   11-08
50. Nick Hatfield          Chuckey, TN              5  11-08  151
Day 1: 5   11-08
50. Joseph Webster         Winfield, AL             5  11-08  151
Day 1: 5   11-08
53. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               4  10-14  148
Day 1: 4   10-14
54. Nick Albus             Trinity, TX              5  10-13  147
Day 1: 5   10-13
54. Steve Sennikoff        Garland, TX              5  10-13  147
Day 1: 5   10-13
54. Chance Woodard         Paris, TX                5  10-13  147
Day 1: 5   10-13
57. Chad Wiley             Pineville, LA            5  10-12  144
Day 1: 5   10-12
58. Gary Adkins            Green Bay, WI            2  10-12  143
Day 1: 2   10-12
59. Toby Hartsell          Afton, OK                5  10-08  142
Day 1: 5   10-08
60. Chris Wooten           West Point, MS           4  10-08  141
Day 1: 4   10-08
61. Johnny Grice           Arp, TX                  4  10-04  140
Day 1: 4   10-04
62. Ritter Ferguson        Diana, TX                3  10-04  139
Day 1: 3   10-04
63. Jimmy Greer Jr         Dry Prong, LA            5  10-02  138
Day 1: 5   10-02
63. Nick Ratliff           Vine Grove, KY           5  10-02  138
Day 1: 5   10-02
65. Dusty Anders           Deville, LA              4  10-02  136
Day 1: 4   10-02
66. Lucas Mcdaniel         Fishers, IN              3  10-01  135
Day 1: 3   10-01
66. Mark Price             Ruston, LA               3  10-01  135
Day 1: 3   10-01
68. B.J. Usie              Bourg, LA                4  09-15  133
Day 1: 4   09-15
69. Blaine Covington       Fort Worth, TX           3  09-14  132
Day 1: 3   09-14
70. Brent Crow             Hartselle, AL            5  09-12  131
Day 1: 5   09-12
71. Grant Galloway         Houlka, MS               4  09-09  130
Day 1: 4   09-09
72. Dusty Nomey            Jonesboro, LA            3  09-07  129
Day 1: 3   09-07
73. Casey Bennett          Waco, TX                 5  09-06  128
Day 1: 5   09-06
74. Brent Shores           Boise, ID                4  09-04  127
Day 1: 4   09-04
75. Caleb Stark            Pineville , LA           5  09-03  126
Day 1: 5   09-03
76. Kyle Dorsett           Odenville, AL            4  09-01  125
Day 1: 4   09-01
77. Travis Alcock          Antioch, IL              1  09-01  124
Day 1: 1   09-01
78. Lance Vick             Mineola, TX              5  09-00  123
Day 1: 5   09-00
79. Ron Cherkas            Grimes, IA               2  08-15  122
Day 1: 2   08-15
80. Joey Cifuentes III     Clinton, AR              5  08-14  121
Day 1: 5   08-14
81. Harold Allen           Shelbyville, TX          4  08-13  120
Day 1: 4   08-13
82. Dustin Reneau          Mckinney, TX             2  08-11  119
Day 1: 2   08-11
83. Todd Risinger          West Monroe, LA          3  08-10  118
Day 1: 3   08-10
84. Terry Peacock          Royse City, TX           3  08-09  117
Day 1: 3   08-09
85. Doug Vahrenberg        Higginsville, MO         2  08-08  116
Day 1: 2   08-08
86. Dylan Connell          Marion, IL               3  08-07  115
Day 1: 3   08-07
87. Andrew Upshaw          Tulsa, OK                5  08-06  114
Day 1: 5   08-06
88. Matthew Mcardle        Humble, TX               3  08-04  113
Day 1: 3   08-04
89. Kazuki Kitajima        Corinth, TX              4  08-02  112
Day 1: 4   08-02
90. Drew Sloan             Scurry, TX               3  08-01  111
Day 1: 3   08-01
91. Chris Babin            Raceland, LA             2  08-01  110
Day 1: 2   08-01
92. Masayuki Matsushita    Tokoname-Shi JAPAN       4  08-00  109
Day 1: 4   08-00
93. Mike Pharr             Shreveport, LA           4  07-10  108
Day 1: 4   07-10
94. Rob Burns              Plano, TX                3  07-10  107
Day 1: 3   07-10
95. Randy Sullivan         Breckenridge, TX         3  07-09  106
Day 1: 3   07-09
96. Larry Puckett          Decatur, TX              3  07-08  105
Day 1: 3   07-08
97. Justin Atkins          Florence, AL             4  07-07  104
Day 1: 4   07-07
98. Phillip Whittaker      Baytown, TX              3  07-07  103
Day 1: 3   07-07
99. Billy Smith Sr         Montgomery, TX           3  07-06  102
Day 1: 3   07-06
100. Brady Vernon           Birmingham, AL           3  07-04  101
Day 1: 3   07-04
101. Dustin Laber           Greeley, CO              2  07-04  100
Day 1: 2   07-04
102. Stephen Johnston       Hemphill, TX             4  07-02   99
Day 1: 4   07-02
103. Spike Stoker           Stephenville, TX         3  07-02   98
Day 1: 3   07-02
104. Kyle Worsham           Cherokee, AL             3  07-01   97
Day 1: 3   07-01
105. Daisuke Kita           Ootsu-Shi JAPAN          3  06-15   96
Day 1: 3   06-15
106. Scott Pellegrin        Chippewa Falls, WI       1  06-15   95
Day 1: 1   06-15
107. Jimmy Charbonnet       St.Amant, LA             2  06-14   94
Day 1: 2   06-14
108. Cody Bird              Granbury, TX             3  06-13   93
Day 1: 3   06-13
109. Scotty Villines        Compton, AR              3  06-12   92
Day 1: 3   06-12
110. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               2  06-11   91
Day 1: 2   06-11
111. Allan Nail             Sand Springs, OK         3  06-10   90
Day 1: 3   06-10
112. Bryant Adam            Madison, MS              3  06-09   89
Day 1: 3   06-09
113. Jeff Cloud             Lubbock, TX              2  06-09   88
Day 1: 2   06-09
114. Dewayne French         Mammoth Spring, AR       2  06-08   87
Day 1: 2   06-08
115. Steven Hatala          Harrison Township, MI    3  06-07   86
Day 1: 3   06-07
116. Paul Browning          Pecos, TX                3  06-06   85
Day 1: 3   06-06
117. Joey Nania             Cropwell, AL             2  06-03   84
Day 1: 2   06-03
118. Jed Holt               Livingston, TX           2  06-01   83
Day 1: 2   06-01
118. William Mcnutt II      Bossier City, LA         2  06-01   83
Day 1: 2   06-01
118. Adam Neu               Forestville, WI          2  06-01   83
Day 1: 2   06-01
118. Russell Pasket         Anderson, TX             2  06-01   83
Day 1: 2   06-01
122. Stacey King            Reeds Spring, MO         3  06-00   79
Day 1: 3   06-00
123. Brian Mathis           Cedar Park, TX           3  05-14   78
Day 1: 3   05-14
124. Thor Swanson           Blaine, MN               2  05-14   77
Day 1: 2   05-14
125. Jimmy Mason            Rogersville, AL          2  05-13   76
Day 1: 2   05-13
126. Shane Williams         Keithville, LA           2  05-12   75
Day 1: 2   05-12
127. Gary Isgrigg           Mt Washington, KY        2  05-11   74
Day 1: 2   05-11
127. Jesse Wolfe            Nelson, WI               2  05-11   74
Day 1: 2   05-11
129. Kevin Short            Mayflower, AR            3  05-09   72
Day 1: 3   05-09
129. Ernie Stumpf III       Frisco, TX               3  05-09   72
Day 1: 3   05-09
131. Gary Riffle            Paris, TX                3  05-08   70
Day 1: 3   05-08
132. Kyle Glasgow           Guin, AL                 2  05-08   69
Day 1: 2   05-08
133. Hunter Denmark         Saraland, AL             2  05-05   68
Day 1: 2   05-05
133. Cade Laufenberg        Goodview, WI             2  05-05   68
Day 1: 2   05-05
135. Austin Howard          Granby, CO               2  05-03   66
Day 1: 2   05-03
136. Brian Potter           Claremore, OK            3  04-13   65
Day 1: 3   04-13
137. Jacopo Gallelli        Firenze ITALY            2  04-13   64
Day 1: 2   04-13
137. Joseph Hardy           Hewitt, TX               2  04-13   64
Day 1: 2   04-13
137. Bill McNutt            Henry, IL                2  04-13   64
Day 1: 2   04-13
140. Justin Margraves       Diana, TX                2  04-10   61
Day 1: 2   04-10
141. Brandon Ackerson       Afton, OK                2  04-07   60
Day 1: 2   04-07
142. Garrett Rose           Pipecreek, TX            2  04-06   59
Day 1: 2   04-06
143. Dan Hamdorf            Lowden, IA               2  04-05   58
Day 1: 2   04-05
143. Ryan Pinkston          Center, TX               2  04-05   58
Day 1: 2   04-05
145. Trait Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX           2  04-03   56
Day 1: 2   04-03
146. Jeff Kitchens          Auburn, AL               1  04-03   55
Day 1: 1   04-03
147. Troy O'Rourke          Natchitoches, LA         2  04-01   54
Day 1: 2   04-01
148. Jerod Hawkes           Eagle Pass, TX           2  04-00   53
Day 1: 2   04-00
149. Malcolm Rachal         Alexandria, LA           2  03-13   52
Day 1: 2   03-13
150. Scott Bonvillain       Lake Charles, LA         2  03-11   51
Day 1: 2   03-11
150. Steven Caldwell        Whitesboro, TX           2  03-11   51
Day 1: 2   03-11
150. Todd Murray            Prarrieville, LA         2  03-11   51
Day 1: 2   03-11
153. Justin Hamner          Northport, AL            2  03-10   48
Day 1: 2   03-10
153. Jody White             Gilbertsville, KY        2  03-10   48
Day 1: 2   03-10
155. T-Roy Broussard        Port Arthur, TX          1  03-09   46
Day 1: 1   03-09
156. Kevin Ruh              Onalaska, WI             1  03-06   45
Day 1: 1   03-06
157. Brent Breznik          Borger, TX               2  03-04   44
Day 1: 2   03-04
158. Terry Luedtke          Burton, TX               1  02-14   43
Day 1: 1   02-14
158. Cameron Mattison       Bossier City, LA         1  02-14   43
Day 1: 1   02-14
160. Andy Hribar            Lakeville, MN            2  02-12   41
Day 1: 2   02-12
161. Ish Monroe             Oakdale, CA              1  02-12   40
Day 1: 1   02-12
161. Danny Weems            Como, TX                 1  02-12   40
Day 1: 1   02-12
163. Chandler Stewart       Spring Branch, TX        1  02-11   38
Day 1: 1   02-11
164. Bob Blackerby          Chelsea, AL              1  02-10   37
Day 1: 1   02-10
164. Tommy Murray           Bedford, TX              1  02-10   37
Day 1: 1   02-10
164. Greg Vance             Dubuque, IA              1  02-10   37
Day 1: 1   02-10
167. Tadd Johnson           Lakeview, MN             1  02-08   34
Day 1: 1   02-08
167. Alex Murray            Lake Charles, LA         1  02-08   34
Day 1: 1   02-08
169. Jim Dillard            West Monroe, LA          1  02-06   32
Day 1: 1   02-06
169. Eddie Norris           Mannford, OK             1  02-06   32
Day 1: 1   02-06
171. Shane Melton           Kokomo, IN               1  02-05   30
Day 1: 1   02-05
172. Chris Berry            Houston, TX              1  02-03   29
Day 1: 1   02-03
172. Denny Fiedler          Minnetonka, MN           1  02-03   29
Day 1: 1   02-03
174. Timmy Reneau           Richland Springs, TX     1  02-01   27
Day 1: 1   02-01
175. Keith Pace             Monticello, AR           1  02-00   26
Day 1: 1   02-00
176. Tommy Durham           Whitney, TX              1  01-14   25
Day 1: 1   01-14
177. Preston Johnson        Rice Lake, WI            1  01-13   24
Day 1: 1   01-13
177. Kenta Kimura           Osaka JAPAN              1  01-13   24
Day 1: 1   01-13
179. Lucas Bradley          Flippin, AR              1  01-12   22
Day 1: 1   01-12
179. RJ Chandler Jr.        Vinton, LA               1  01-12   22
Day 1: 1   01-12
181. Nathan Harbison        Madera, CA               1  01-11   20
Day 1: 1   01-11
181. Andy Williamson        Lake Andes, SD           1  01-11   20
Day 1: 1   01-11
183. Randy Cisler           Balch Springs, TX        1  01-09   18
Day 1: 1   01-09
183. Charlie Hartley        Grove City, OH           1  01-09   18
Day 1: 1   01-09
185. John Connell           Marion, IL               1  01-08   16
Day 1: 1   01-08
186. Darrell Newman         Bruceville, TX           1  01-06   15
Day 1: 1   01-06
187. Jason Allred           Bluffton, MN             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Phillip Brannon        Sylacauga, AL            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Austin Brimeyer        Dubuque, IA              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Mike Brown             Vidor, TX                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Rodney Bunge           Mechanicsville, IA       0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Matthew Graves         Little Rock, AR          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Parker Greer           The Woodlands, TX        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Wayne Hall             Cottonwood, AZ           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Chris Hart             Franklin, TN             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Tony Hogan             Mc David, FL             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Keith Houston          Lahoma, OK               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Homer Humphreys Jr.    Minden, LA               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Brandon Hunter         Benton, KY               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Bo Keith III           Haughton, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Trea Luedke            Montgomery, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Thomas McMillan        Choudrant, LA            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Ed Melton              Houston, TX              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Cody Miller            Livingston, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Aaron Morgan           Marietta, OK             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Chad Murray            Vidalia, LA              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Jordan Nettles         Purvis, MS               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Joseph Norris          Bossier City, LA         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Dustan Oustad          Kingsland, TX            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Duane Pittman          Baton Rouge, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Clint Royse            Athens, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Keith Surber           Longview, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Trey Swindle           Cleveland, AL            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
187. Nick Trim              Galesville, WI           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        56       584      1568-08
----------------------------------
56       584      1568-08

2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open Toledo Bend 2/20-2/22
Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many  LA.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Stephen Sennikoff Jr.  Garland, TX              3  11-12  200
Day 1: 3   11-12
2.  Scott Bateman          Jasper, IN               3  11-00  199
Day 1: 3   11-00
3.  Dave Newman            Longview, TX             3  10-11  198
Day 1: 3   10-11
4.  Caz Anderson           Hayesville, NC           3  10-04  197
Day 1: 3   10-04
5.  Andre Chapman          Church Point, LA         3  09-13  196
Day 1: 3   09-13
6.  Dwight Minogue         Keithville, LA           2  09-07  195
Day 1: 2   09-07
7.  John Barrera           Milam, TX                3  09-03  194
Day 1: 3   09-03
8.  Kerry Trent            Dodge City, KS           3  09-02  193
Day 1: 3   09-02
9.  Ben Abraham            Woodworth, LA            3  08-13  192
Day 1: 3   08-13
9.  Jamie Taylor           Bloomfield, IA           3  08-13  192
Day 1: 3   08-13
11. Robert Parkison        Marshall, TX             3  08-12  190
Day 1: 3   08-12
12. Charles Melder         Monticello, AR           3  08-09  189
Day 1: 3   08-09
13.  Chris Hooten          Granite Shoals, TX       3  08-04  188
Day 1: 3   08-04
13. Cody Shry              Pinehrst, TX             3  08-04  188
Day 1: 3   08-04
15. Charles Dubroc Jr      Hessmer, LA              3  08-03  186
Day 1: 3   08-03
16. Bryan Lohr             Lumberton, TX            3  07-12  185
Day 1: 3   07-12
17. Darrell Hille          Springfield, TN          2  07-10  184
Day 1: 2   07-10
18. Christopher Glasgow    Guin, AL                 3  07-07  183
Day 1: 3   07-07
19. Andrew Thomasson       Dublin, VA               2  07-07  182
Day 1: 2   07-07
20. John Goebel            Lumberton, TX            3  07-06  181
Day 1: 3   07-06
20. Clay Torson            Cedar Rapids, IA         3  07-06  181
Day 1: 3   07-06
22. Michael Nantz          Ben Wheeler, TX          3  07-00  179
Day 1: 3   07-00
23. Joe Lee                Midlothian, TX           3  06-15  178
Day 1: 3   06-15
24. Tyler Lange            Tyler, TX                2  06-15  177
Day 1: 2   06-15
25. Troy Anderson          Galesville, WI           3  06-14  176
Day 1: 3   06-14
26. John Brown             Deltona, FL              3  06-13  175
Day 1: 3   06-13
27. Albert Hudson          Austin, TX               3  06-10  174
Day 1: 3   06-10
28. Don Rolland            Haughton, LA             3  06-06  173
Day 1: 3   06-06
29. Chris Bailey           Eddy, TX                 3  06-03  172
Day 1: 3   06-03
30. Ryan Bowman            Seneca, SC               2  06-02  171
Day 1: 2   06-02
31. Don White              Columbus, MS             3  06-01  170
Day 1: 3   06-01
32. Ross Kellermeier       Edina, MN                3  05-14  169
Day 1: 3   05-14
33. David Zabolio          Lafayette, LA            3  05-13  168
Day 1: 3   05-13
34. Matthew Russell        Waco, TX                 2  05-10  167
Day 1: 2   05-10
35. Robb Taylor            Colleyville, TX          3  05-09  166
Day 1: 3   05-09
36. Keith Honeycutt        Temple, TX               2  05-07  165
Day 1: 2   05-07
37. Josh Crededio          Chicago, IL              2  05-06  164
Day 1: 2   05-06
38. Brandon Clayton        Haslet , TX              3  05-02  163
Day 1: 3   05-02
39. David Pechacek         Champlin, MN             3  05-01  162
Day 1: 3   05-01
40. Morris Collins         Kettering, OH            2  05-01  161
Day 1: 2   05-01
40. Donny Davis            Livingston, LA           2  05-01  161
Day 1: 2   05-01
42. Larry Vick             Alba, TX                 3  04-15  159
Day 1: 3   04-15
43. Ryan Varner            Alhambra, IL             2  04-15  158
Day 1: 2   04-15
44. Jeffrey Bauer          Merrillan, WI            2  04-11  157
Day 1: 2   04-11
44. James Callaghan        De Berry, TX             2  04-11  157
Day 1: 2   04-11
46. Steve Duncan           Amarillo, TX             2  04-10  155
Day 1: 2   04-10
47. Shea Breznik           Borger, TX               2  04-06  154
Day 1: 2   04-06
48. Adam Boyd              Humble, TX               2  04-02  153
Day 1: 2   04-02
49. Keith Glasby           Ovilla, TX               2  04-00  152
Day 1: 2   04-00
50. Jimmy Saltzman         Lake Charles, LA         2  03-15  151
Day 1: 2   03-15
51. Richard Brannon        Ringgold, GA             1  03-15  150
Day 1: 1   03-15
52. Pierce LaFleur         Ragley, LA               1  03-14  149
Day 1: 1   03-14
52. Shigekazu Tateno       Dallas, TX               1  03-14  149
Day 1: 1   03-14
54. Scott Bunday           Plano, TX                2  03-10  147
Day 1: 2   03-10
55. Justin Suchy           Shreveport, LA           1  03-10  146
Day 1: 1   03-10
56. Yuta Aoki              Columbus, OH             2  03-09  145
Day 1: 2   03-09
57. Shannon Price          Port Arthur, TX          1  03-09  144
Day 1: 1   03-09
58. Mike Tribble           El Dorado, AR            2  03-08  143
Day 1: 2   03-08
59. Brandon Sanchez        Livingston, LA           1  03-06  142
Day 1: 1   03-06
59. Joe Ward               Iowa, LA                 1  03-06  142
Day 1: 1   03-06
61. Jon Mohon Sr           Houston, TX              2  03-05  140
Day 1: 2   03-05
61. Josh Olson             Pepin, WI                2  03-05  140
Day 1: 2   03-05
63. Skyler Browning        Crosby, TX               1  03-05  138
Day 1: 1   03-05
63. Shane Soriano          Merced, CA               1  03-05  138
Day 1: 1   03-05
65. Jon Jezierski          Troy, MI                 2  03-04  136
Day 1: 2   03-04
66. Jeff Marks             Hamburg, AR              1  03-04  135
Day 1: 1   03-04
67. Michael Leach          The Woodlands, TX        2  03-03  134
Day 1: 2   03-03
68. Robert Baxter          Bullard, TX              1  03-02  133
Day 1: 1   03-02
69. Brian Murphy           Sulphur, LA              1  03-01  132
Day 1: 1   03-01
70. Randy Hicks            Lumberton, TX            1  02-14  131
Day 1: 1   02-14
70. Hiroyuki Watanabe      Fuji Shizuoka JAPAN      1  02-14  131
Day 1: 1   02-14
72. Rush Decatur           Troy, NH                 1  02-13  129
Day 1: 1   02-13
72. Paul Nettles           Lumberton, MS            1  02-13  129
Day 1: 1   02-13
74. Edgar Tellez Jr        Monterrey Nuevo Leon ME  1  02-12  127
Day 1: 1   02-12
75. Brandon Winter         Bruce, MS                1  02-11  126
Day 1: 1   02-11
76. Chris Pearson          Marthaville, LA          1  02-09  125
Day 1: 1   02-09
77. Nick Bagnato           Madison, MS              1  02-08  124
Day 1: 1   02-08
77. John Goul              Philadelphia, MS         1  02-08  124
Day 1: 1   02-08
79. Mitch Van Ert          Watertown, WI            1  02-07  122
Day 1: 1   02-07
80. Kevin Maxwell          Laneville, TX            1  02-06  121
Day 1: 1   02-06
81. Josh Chandler          Grove, OK                1  02-05  120
Day 1: 1   02-05
81. Doug Logan             Springville, AL          1  02-05  120
Day 1: 1   02-05
81. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Dunnellon, FL            1  02-05  120
Day 1: 1   02-05
84. Erik Dubose            Vidor, TX                1  02-04  117
Day 1: 1   02-04
84. Stephen Parnell        Brandon, MS              1  02-04  117
Day 1: 1   02-04
84. Scotty Vines           Helena, AL               1  02-04  117
Day 1: 1   02-04
87. Paul Scharf Sr         Tampa, FL                1  02-03  114
Day 1: 1   02-03
88. Gerald Andrews         Benton, KY               1  02-02  113
Day 1: 1   02-02
88. Edward Bean            Johnsburg, IL            1  02-02  113
Day 1: 1   02-02
88. Marty Cook             Paducah, KY              1  02-02  113
Day 1: 1   02-02
88. Will Major             Port Allen, LA           1  02-02  113
Day 1: 1   02-02
92. Rudy Rudisill          Bossier City, LA         1  02-00  109
Day 1: 1   02-00
92. Don Sneed              Lakeside, TX             1  02-00  109
Day 1: 1   02-00
94. Chris Lam              Sachse, TX               1  01-15  107
Day 1: 1   01-15
95. Travis Culbreth        Auburn, AL               1  01-14  106
Day 1: 1   01-14
95. Coy Mott               Fruitland, ID            1  01-14  106
Day 1: 1   01-14
95. Jay Pzekurat           Stevens Point, WI        1  01-14  106
Day 1: 1   01-14
95. Chance Vicknair        Hemphill, TX             1  01-14  106
Day 1: 1   01-14
99. Colten Anders          Burton, TX               1  01-12  102
Day 1: 1   01-12
100. Leslie Brandenburg     Springfield, MO          1  01-11  101
Day 1: 1   01-11
100. Chad Bushnaq           Buffalo, NY              1  01-11  101
Day 1: 1   01-11
100. Jason Fontenot         Lake Charles, LA         1  01-11  101
Day 1: 1   01-11
100. Jim Gilbert II         Forney, TX               1  01-11  101
Day 1: 1   01-11
100. Andrew Golden          Center, TX               1  01-11  101
Day 1: 1   01-11
105. Mark Cowart            Kearney, MO              1  01-10   96
Day 1: 1   01-10
105. Jack Evans             Bucklin, KS              1  01-10   96
Day 1: 1   01-10
107. Chris Lafleur          Lake Charles, LA         1  01-09   94
Day 1: 1   01-09
107. Terry Morris           Spearsville, LA          1  01-09   94
Day 1: 1   01-09
107. Ronald Robbs           Ironton, MO              1  01-09   94
Day 1: 1   01-09
110. Hagen Cooley           DeRidder, LA             1  01-08   91
Day 1: 1   01-08
110. James Hickman          Shreveport, LA           1  01-08   91
Day 1: 1   01-08
112. Noel Allen Jr          Brandon, MS              1  01-07   89
Day 1: 1   01-07
112. Justin Hallmark        Bertram, TX              1  01-07   89
Day 1: 1   01-07
112. Matthew Steadman       Plano, TX                1  01-07   89
Day 1: 1   01-07
115. Calvin Balch           Porter, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Gary Bates             Athens, AL               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Max Bates              Princeton, TX            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Larry Beauboeuf        Bossier City, LA         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Brandon Beaver         Durant, OK               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Dustin Bliss           Brooklyn Park, MN        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Calvin Bogan           Livingston, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Clay Boone             Wills Point, TX          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. David Booth            Erin, TN                 0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Kevin Booty            Dequincy, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Daniel Bornholtz       Woodbury, MN             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Travis Burch           Gardner, KS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Bob Burgess            Millington, TN           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. John Burleson          Lovelady, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Dustin Carlson         Montgomery, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Daniel Corkern         Florence, MS             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Justin Crawford        Rockwall, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Bernard Crump          Jackson, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Joseph Czekala         Homer Glen, IL           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Carson Denmark         Malcolm, AL              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. James Dickey           Appling, GA              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Floyd Drannon          Stratford, OK            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Richard Earle Jr       Youngsville, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Colt Farris            Joshua , TX              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Timothy Flueter        Brighton, CO             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Farley Fondren         Maben, MS                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Luke Frankowicz        Monroe, LA               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Matt Gnoth             Sharon, KS               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Jerry Gonzalez         Laredo TX Coahuila MEXI  0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Michael Greer          Deridder, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Tom Guilford           San Marcos, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. David Harrell          Downsville, LA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Steve Hatch            Long Beach, MS           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Charlie Hewitt         Prairieville, LA         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Mark Hicks             Glouster, OH             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Duane Hill             Port Arthur, TX          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Brad Hollowell         Azle, TX                 0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Chris Jeffery          Sedan, KS                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Joey Johnson           Vidor, TX                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Stacy Johnson          Jonesboro, LA            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Joshua Kehret          Burnsville, MN           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. David Keith            Haughton, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Sieg Kilby             Kilgore, TX              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Lancia Kitabatake      Ota-Ku JAPAN             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Clint Koen             Alexandria, LA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Klaus Kuester          Forest Park, IL          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Kevin Kumagai          San Jose, CA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Erik Lane              Live Oak, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Jordan Lane            Conroe, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Donald Larsen          Waynesville, MO          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Xeng Lee               Onalaska, WI             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Pelli Lee              La Crosse, WI            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Todd Lee               Jasper, AL               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Justin Leet            Bartlett, TN             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Chris Masters          PELL CITY, AL            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Kyle Mcclelland        Rogers, AR               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Gerald Nabours         Hemphill, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Cameron Naquin         Gray, LA                 0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Jim O'Connell Jr       Castle Rock, CO          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Shawn Overton          Coal Valley, IL          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Robert Paxton Jr       Flower Mound, TX         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Mike Picha             Decatur, TX              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Burt Poche             Natchez, LA              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Alton Powell           Marthaville, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Joshua Price           Temple, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Ronnie Ray             Mckinney, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Aaron Renda            Deville, LA              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Judy Reneau            Richland Springs, TX     0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Jerry Riddle Jr        Summit, MS               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. John Roberson          Shreveport, LA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Jake Rossi             Columbus, OH             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Gregory Ruff Jr        Bloomington, MN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Brent Rutherford        Etna Green, IN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Alex Salinas Salinas Cruz Monterrey Nuevo Leon ME  0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Daren Scott            Aledo, TX                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Bobbie Simmons         Hemphill, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Steven Singleton       Orange, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Josh Sneed             River Oaks, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Denny Swartz           Broussard, LA            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Kayden Tanner          Millsap, TX              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Chuck Thurlow          Auburn, AL               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Marty Trent            Dodge City, KS           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Sakae Ushio            Tonawanda, NY            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Elijah Vargas          Tyler, TX                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. David Varner           Branson, MO              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Dwain Vogelpohl        Cambridge, MN            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Karl Voss              Sulphur, LA              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Brett Walker           Pleasant Valley, MO      0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Brett Wall             Shreveport, LA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Jeff Wallace           West Monroe, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Vernon Ward            Mary Esther, FL          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Chris White            Russiaville, IN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Joe Wilkerson          Many, LA                 0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Scott Wilkinson        Valley Spring, TX        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Frank Williams         Saint Charles, MO        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Mark Wilson            Six Mile, SC             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Randy Woodard          Paris, TX                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Damon Woodcock         Lake Charles, LA         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. William Young          Livingston, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
115. Emiliano Zucchi        Baselga Di Pine ITALY    0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00


Alabama - Cullman and Smith Lake - The Destination for MLF Bass Pro Tour Stage Five

TULSA, Okla. (Feb. 20, 2019) - Major League Fishing® (MLF) announced today that Cullman, Alabama, and nearby popular bass fishery Lewis Smith Lake will serve as the setting for Stage Five of the 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour, April 30 - May 5.

"We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership and adventure with Major League Fishing," said Woody Jacobs, Mayor of the City of Cullman. "By bringing the 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour to our community this spring, we will be opening new avenues to sports tourism that were not always an option.

"I want to thank those involved with our Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism, along with Cullman Economic Development Agency for recruiting and securing the event; and also the Cullman County Commission and County Parks and Recreation for providing resources for this all to work. MLF consists of the top bass anglers in the world, and Smith Lake offers one of the best spotted bass fisheries in the entire United States. All of these factors, along with the tourism benefits and the prime coverage will help to make this a successful and fun event."

Neither the state nor Cullman are strangers to the bass fishing scene. Sixteen of the Bass Pro Tour's 80-angler field call Alabama home, and Jesse Wiggins, Matt Lee and Jordan Lee are from Cullman. Jordan Lee won the inaugural Bass Pro Tour opener in Kissimmee, Florida, and he's the reigning Bassmaster Classic champion with back-to-back Classic titles - winning in 2017 and 2018.

Jordan Lee is one of three MLF anglers from Cullman, Ala., and among the 16 who reside in the state from the 80-man field that will be competing in the MLF Bass Pro Tour Stage Five event at Alabama's Lewis Smith Lake, April 30 - May 5. Lee won the Bass Pro Tour inaugural competition on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Florida.(Photo by Garrick Dixon. Click to enlarge/download)

The north Alabama reservoir is located on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River. It is about 21,000 acres in size and reaches depths of more than 250 feet near its dam. The lake's diversity in depth and structure caters to literally every bass fishing technique imaginable, from topwater to drop shotting, meaning every angler should be able to fish to his liking.

The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) recently reopened the public boat landing that will serve as the Stage Five launch site. The renovated facility includes a 90-foot-wide, six-lane launching slab and a paved parking lot with room for 113 tow vehicles with boat trailers, and 10 cars.

Other improvements include security lighting, a paved overflow parking lot for another 70 truck and trailer rigs, a 45-foot stationary aluminum pier, two large floating aluminum piers and a fixed aluminum pedestrian bridge that connects the overflow and main parking areas. The launch site is located on the northeast side of Ryan Creek and accessed free of charge through Smith Lake Park at 403 County Rd. 386 in Cullman.

The project was funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment, and the sale of state fishing licenses. For more information about this and other WFF public boating access areas, visit http://boatramps.dcnr.alabama.gov/.

As for Smith's quality fishing, anglers often find themselves challenged in deciding whether to focus on the lake's generous population of spotted bass, target the bigger largemouth bass or rely on both. Making it even more interesting is the fact that the MLF Bass Pro Tour uses a unique catch-weigh-and-immediate-release format in which all "scorable" bass caught do count in an angler's score. That means Smith Lake's big schools of healthy spotted bass could be game changers throughout the competition.

"It's going to be highly exciting to watch our MLF hammers compete in the heart of the Yellowhammer State," said Michael Mulone, MLF's Senior Director of Events & Partnerships. "MLF's format will really show off how good this fishery is because bass within Smith Lake's 13-to-15-inch slot limit will count in our competition once they satisfy the one-pound minimum rule and since MLF fish are released immediately back into the water after being caught and weighed ... they don't go into livewells.

"The Cullman folks are already working hard to make Stage Five something special and I can assure all MLF fans that this will definitely be a must-attend festival."

As in all Bass Pro Tour events, the Cullman visit will feature seven hours of live coverage on each competition day with access to the MLF NOW! free live stream found on the league's website, www.majorleaguefishing.com.

The Smith Lake event will also result in a two-hour television show that will air on Discovery Channel in the fourth quarter of 2019, and repeat on Sportsman Channel in first and second quarters of 2020.

MLF programming also airs on Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and Discovery Channel, and all episodes are available on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).

For more information about Cullman and Smith Lake, visit Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism or the Cullman Economic Development Agency.

For more information about MLF and its anglers, rules and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

###

About Major League Fishing
Developed through a joint effort between Outdoor Channel and the PBT anglers in 2011, Major League Fishing brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America's living rooms in the form of riveting two-hour TV episodes. World-class anglers are filmed over the course of a six-day event. The show captures their efforts as they utilize a demanding format that allows them to weigh all the "scorable bass" they catch. Unlike other competitive fishing events, live leaderboards in the boats allow anglers to know their standings at all times. For more information about the game, visit www.majorleaguefishing.com and follow Major League Fishing on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You can catch all current and past episodes of Major League Fishing on #MyOutdoorTV, the world's leading outdoor television global, streaming service provider. Also, for more information about MLF anglers, see Game & Fish magazine, the official publication of MLF.


VanDam’s 3 Top Lures for Early Spring

By Alan McGuckin with Dynamic Sponsorships

 

If you live in Texas, Florida, Southern California, Arizona or Cancun you may decide to scroll ahead.

 

But if you live within 300 miles of Charlotte, St. Louis, Nashville, Syracuse, Minneapolis, Tulsa, Indianapolis, or anywhere else where snow flurries still threaten to fly, the “Kalamazoo Kid has chosen three lures you might want to make sure you have ready for your first big bass fishing trip of the new season.

 

“The first fishing trip of the year for most people involves water temps in the 40s or really low 50s. So the three lures I’m choosing here are among my three favorites to cover a variety of conditions when the water is still really cold,” says VanDam.

 

½ ounce Strike King Red Eye ShadIt’s hard to beat a lipless crankbait in some shade of red or crawfish in late winter or early spring. It really shines well if there’s aquatic vegetation – but that’s not critical. It wasn’t critical when I won the 2010 Classic on Lay Lake with a Red Eye Shad, and there was actually still a thin layer of ice on some of the backwaters when we started practice that week in Alabama,” remembers the Team Toyota angler.

 

“The key is to fish it near the bottom at this time of year by dragging or short hopping it, rather than burning it higher in the water column, like you would in much warmer water,” he emphasizes. “That’s why I like to use a slightly slower Quantum Smoke 6.1:1 reel when fishing a lipless bait in cold water – that slower gear ratio reel forces me to slow down my retrieve.”

 

Suspending Jerkbait  “Anybody who’s followed my career probably knows I love to fish a jerkbait. Most pros, including myself, never leave home without a Plano box full of jerkbaits at this time of year – especially if the water is clear, or mostly clear,” says VanDam.

 

“This is not a lure you want to throw in muddy water like you see in the photo. But in cold clear water, it’s probably the very best lure you can tie on. The series of jerks – and then long pauses of the rod tip – before jerking again, are not only visible in clear water, but also give cold lethargic fish time to react, ” he says.

 

Forced to choose just two colors, VanDam picks Crystal Shad for super clear water, and Sexy Shad for barely stained water. He says the Strike King KVD Deep 300 jerkbait will dive to 10-feet on 10-pound line.

 

½ ounce Strike King Structure Jig – “If the water is muddy like you see it behind me – you’ll need a fairly bulky jig to slowly probe every piece of shallow cover you can find, but this jig is also super versatile, so if you have clearer water you may want to drag it slowly across a rocky bottom on a primary or secondary point. Versatility is the reason I choose this jig as one of my three lures to begin your fishing this year,” says VanDam.

 

And as you might have guessed, during this time of year, as blankets of white snow finally give way to yellow daffodils and pink dogwood blooms, VanDam chooses green pumpkin colored jigs for clear water and black/blue if the water is muddy.

 


Rambo & Clark win Outlaw Outdoors Sweet 16 tournament on Sam Rayburn with over 26 pounds!

Congratulations to the duo of Cory Rambo and Rusty Clark for taking home the win today with their impressive 26.75 lb stringer. 162 Teams.

 

Full results


Maryland’s Duarte Wins T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League South Carolina Division Opener on Lake Hartwell Presented by Navionics

Co-angler Title Goes to Gilbert’s Hough

ANDERSON, S.C. (Feb. 18, 2019) – Boater John Duarte of Middle River, Maryland, caught five bass Saturday weighing 18 pounds, 8 ounces, to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) South Carolina Division season opener on Lake Hartwell presented by Navionics. For his win, Duarte earned $4,396.

“I fished mid-lake docks in pockets and tried to cover as much water as I could,” said Duarte, who earned his second career victory in BFL competition. “It was on fire from 11 (a.m.) until the end of the tournament. I think the time of day positioned those fish in the backs of the pockets and put them where they were easy to catch.”

Duarte said he caught 12 to 15 keepers overall, saying that four of the five fish he weighed came on a 4.8-inch Pro Blue Red Pearl-colored Keitech FAT Swing Impact swimbait with a ¼-ounce jighead.

“I was skipping it under the docks and casting to the edges,” said Duarte.

Duarte’s other limit-fish came on a ½-ounce homemade green-pumpkin-colored jig with a Zoom Big Salty Chunk trailer of the same color. He said he caught it around 8:30 a.m. from under a docked pontoon boat up the Seneca River.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1st:          John Duarte, Middle River, Md., five bass, 18-8, $2,396 + $2,000 Ranger Cup Bonus

2nd:         Wesley Sandifer, Chapin, S.C., five bass, 16-0, $1,148

3rd:          Kyle Austin, Ridgeville, S.C., five bass, 15-14, $701

4th:          Scott Allgood, Fair Play, S.C., five bass, 15-8, $489

5th:          Shayne McFarlin, Martin, Ga., five bass, 15-6, $419

6th:          Nitro pro David Williams, Maiden, N.C., five bass, 14-13, $384

7th:          Thomas Guthke, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 13-9, $349

8th:          Randy Childers, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 13-7, $314

9th:          Travis Garrett, Toccoa, Ga., five bass, 13-6

10th:        Jayme Rampey, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 13-1

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Brian Tucci of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, caught a 5-pound, 4-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $100.

Kate Hough of Gilbert, South Carolina, won the Co-angler Division and $1,248 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 11 pounds, 13 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1st:          Kate Hough, Gilbert, S.C.,   five bass, 11-13, $1,248

2nd:         Stephen Britt, Columbia, S.C., five bass, 10-3, $574

3rd:          Jeff Horton, Boiling Springs, S.C., five bass, 9-7, $349

4th:          Mario Hill, Thomson, Ga., five bass, 9-4, $245

5th:          Lee Inman, Inman, S.C., five bass, 8-15, $210

6th:          Kyle Deeds, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 8-6, $192

7th:          Bill Hawkins, Piedmont, S.C., five bass, 8-3, $175

8th:          Shawn Kincaid, Lexington, S.C., five bass, 8-1, $157

9th:          Jeff Rikard, Leesville, S.C., four bass, 6-1

10th:        Weston Thomas, Chapin, S.C., five bass, 6-0

Dwayne Parton of Anderson, South Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 3 pounds, 10 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $100.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional Championship on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.

The T-H Marine FLW BFL South Carolina Division tournament on Lake Hartwell presented by Navionics was hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2019 BFL All-American will be held May 30-June 1 at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland, and is hosted by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Commissioners of Charles County. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube.

PLACE ANGLER CITY/STATE DAY 1
WT (Fish)
DAY 1&2
WT (Fish)
WINNINGS
1 JOHN DUARTE MIDDLE RIVER, MD 18 - 8 (5) 18 - 8 (5) $2,396 + Ranger Cup ($2,000)
2 WESLEY SANDIFER CHAPIN, SC 16 - 0 (5) 16 - 0 (5) $1,148
3 KYLE AUSTIN RIDGEVILLE, SC 15 - 14 (5) 15 - 14 (5) $701
4 SCOTT ALLGOOD FAIR PLAY, SC 15 - 8 (5) 15 - 8 (5) $489
5 SHAYNE MCFARLIN MARTIN, GA 15 - 6 (5) 15 - 6 (5) $419
6 DAVID WILLIAMS MAIDEN, NC 14 - 13 (5) 14 - 13 (5) $384
7 THOMAS GUTHKE ANDERSON, SC 13 - 9 (5) 13 - 9 (5) $349
8 RANDY CHILDERS ANDERSON, SC 13 - 7 (5) 13 - 7 (5) $314
9 TRAVIS GARRETT TOCCOA, GA 13 - 6 (5) 13 - 6 (5)
10 JAYME RAMPEY LIBERTY, SC 13 - 1 (5) 13 - 1 (5)
11 COLE DRUMMOND EFFINGHAM, SC 12 - 0 (5) 12 - 0 (5)
12 MICHAEL MAXFIELD HANAHAN, SC 11 - 10 (5) 11 - 10 (5)
13 JERRY PELFREY LAURENS, SC 11 - 7 (5) 11 - 7 (5)
14 STEVEN MCKISSACK MONTGOMERY, AL 10 - 10 (5) 10 - 10 (5)
15 MIKE SHEPARD DAWSONVILLE, GA 10 - 7 (5) 10 - 7 (5)
16 TRA DUMIT GREENVILLE, SC 10 - 6 (5) 10 - 6 (5)
17 AUSTIN JOHNSON CHESNEE, SC 9 - 15 (5) 9 - 15 (5)
18 BRIAN TUCCI SURFSIDE BEACH, SC 8 - 3 (3) 8 - 3 (3) $100
19 JAMES BUCHANAN MONROE, NC 8 - 0 (5) 8 - 0 (5)
20 TAKERU OKUMURA COLUMBIA, SC 7 - 10 (5) 7 - 10 (5)
21 ROBERT HOLLAND COLUMBIA, SC 7 - 8 (3) 7 - 8 (3)
21 JOHNATHAN CROSSLAND CHAPIN, SC 7 - 8 (5) 7 - 8 (5)
23 RYAN SHOAF ROCK HILL, SC 6 - 8 (3) 6 - 8 (3)
24 JAMES LITTICH DAVIDSON, NC 6 - 5 (5) 6 - 5 (5)
25 CHARLES CHILDERS BUFFALO, SC 6 - 2 (4) 6 - 2 (4)
26 CALVIN JONES RAEFORD, NC 4 - 12 (3) 4 - 12 (3)
26 ROBBIE HARRELSON MONCKS CORNER, SC 4 - 12 (4) 4 - 12 (4)
28 BRANDT TUMBERG MOORE, SC 3 - 11 (2) 3 - 11 (2)
29 JEFF BAILEY INMAN, SC 3 - 10 (2) 3 - 10 (2)
30 CARL CHAVIS SIMPSONVILLE, SC 3 - 2 (2) 3 - 2 (2)
31 JEFFREY BORNE GILBERT, SC 2 - 7 (1) 2 - 7 (1)
32 ANASTASIA PATTERSON SUMTER, SC 2 - 2 (2) 2 - 2 (2)
33 RANDY BROWN LUGOFF, SC 1 - 15 (2) 1 - 15 (2)
34 BEN COX ANDREWS, SC 1 - 12 (1) 1 - 12 (1)
35 JOHN MCKENZIE HAMPTON, SC 1 - 10 (1) 1 - 10 (1)
JAY JEFFERIES MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JEFF FLETCHER MOUNT AIRY, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JOSEPH MARKS DUNCAN, SC 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
DEREK LEHTONEN WOODRUFF, SC 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
SAWYER HUNT SPRINGFIELD, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)

Boynton Beach’s Stevens Catches 32-Pound Limit, Wins T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League Gator Division Tournament on Lake Okeechobee

Lake Worth’s Goldberg Grabs Co-angler Title

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2019) – Boater Kail Stevens of Boynton Beach, Florida, caught a massive five-bass limit Saturday weighing 32 pounds, 10 ounces, to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Gator Division tournament on Lake Okeechobee. Stevens took home $4,766 for his efforts.

“We had a little cold front come through and it slowed everything down leading up to the tournament,” said Stevens, who earned his first career victory with FLW. “On Saturday, though, it seemed like a new wave of fish moved up.

“I was around the Monkey Box and Harney Pond and was fishing for bedding fish,” continued Stevens. “I didn’t know whether they were in or out yet. I started inside, shallow, where I could see bottom and I caught some smaller bucks. That told me they might be coming in, but they’re not in yet. I went out midway toward the main lake and caught a 7-pounder flipping cattails.”

Stevens said he caught the 7-pounder flipping a 4.25-inch black and blue Gambler Stinger.

“I fished through there and ended up back where I started, and on my first cast back I caught an 8-pound, 11-ouncer,” said Stevens. “Three casts later I caught a 6-pounder. I Power-Poled down and picked off two more 5-plus-pounders. I went from having 12 pounds to 25 or 26 pounds in 30 to 40 minutes.”

Stevens said those fish came on black and blue- and green-pumpkin-colored Gambler Big EZ swimbaits.

“In practice the water was dirtier, so I threw lighter colors, but in the tournament it cleared up so I went darker,” Stevens went on to say. ”All of my fish came from the same 100-yard stretch. It was definitely a day I’ll never forget.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1st:          Kail Stevens, Boynton Beach, Fla., five bass, 32-10, $4,766

2nd:         Brandon Medlock, Lake Placid, Fla., five bass, 29-12, $1,883

3rd:          Timothy Feller, Coral Springs, Fla., five bass, 27-2, $1,456

4th:          Alex Terescenko, West Palm Beach, Fla., five bass, 26-1, $879

5th:          Josh McDermott, Fishers, Ind., five bass, 25-2, $853

6th:          Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla., five bass, 24-11, $690

7th:          Trent Pardue, Troy, N.C., five bass, 24-3, $628

8th:          Nicholas Anthony, Port Saint Lucie, Fla., five bass, 24-2, $565

9th:          Val Osinski, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., five bass, 23-1, $502

10th:        Chad Van Slyke, Cicero, N.Y., five bass, 23-0, $439

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Derek Savage of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, caught a 9-pound, 13-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $500.

Sam Goldberg of Lake Worth, Florida, won the Co-angler Division and $2,133 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 22 pounds, 5 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1st:          Sam Goldberg, Lake Worth, Fla., five bass, 22-5, $2,133

2nd:         Shawn York, Sarasota, Fla., five bass, 21-5, $1,142

3rd:          Joshua Weaver, Monroe, Ga., five bass, 17-14, $627

4th:          Bill Osceola II, Ochopee, Fla., five bass, 17-5, $439

5th:          Doug Caldwell, Indiantown, Fla., five bass, 17-0, $377

6th:          Dalton Hottle, Monmouth, Ill., five bass, 16-13, $345

7th:          Kazunori Okuma, Moriyama, Japan, five bass, 16-9, $314

8th:          Stephanie Hutcheson, Orange City, Fla., five bass, 16-8, $332

9th:          Kenneth Guy, Miramar, Fla., five bass, 15-13, $251

10th:        Ricky Martes, Lake Worth, Fla., five bass, 15-9, $220

Goldberg also caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $250.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional Championship on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.

The T-H Marine FLW BFL Gator Division tournament on Lake Okeechobee was hosted by the Okeechobee County Tourist & Development Council.

The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2019 BFL All-American will be held May 30-June 1 at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland, and is hosted by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Commissioners of Charles County. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube.

PLACE ANGLER CITY/STATE DAY 1
WT (Fish)
DAY 1&2
WT (Fish)
WINNINGS
1 KAIL STEVENS BOYNTON BEACH, FL 32 - 10 (5) 32 - 10 (5) $4,766
2 BRANDON MEDLOCK LAKE PLACID, FL 29 - 12 (5) 29 - 12 (5) $1,883
3 TIMOTHY FELLER CORAL SPRINGS, FL 27 - 2 (5) 27 - 2 (5) $1,456
4 ALEX TERESCENKO WEST PALM BEACH, FL 26 - 1 (5) 26 - 1 (5) $879
5 JOSH MCDERMOTT FISHERS, IN 25 - 2 (5) 25 - 2 (5) $853
6 CHRISTIAN GREICO TAMPA, FL 24 - 11 (5) 24 - 11 (5) $690
7 TRENT PARDUE TROY, NC 24 - 3 (5) 24 - 3 (5) $628
8 NICHOLAS ANTHONY PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL 24 - 2 (5) 24 - 2 (5) $565
9 VAL OSINSKI FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 23 - 1 (5) 23 - 1 (5) $502
10 CHAD VAN SLYKE CICERO, NY 23 - 0 (5) 23 - 0 (5) $439
11 DERERK SAVAGE PORT ST. LUCIE, FL 22 - 11 (5) 22 - 11 (5) $895
12 CASEY MARSH TAMPA, FL 22 - 4 (5) 22 - 4 (5) $364
13 CHRIS MCBEATH BRADENTON, FL 22 - 1 (5) 22 - 1 (5) $352
14 MIKEY KEYSO JR NORTH PORT, FL 21 - 12 (5) 21 - 12 (5) $333
15 NATHAN THOMAS WEIRSDALE, FL 21 - 5 (5) 21 - 5 (5) $314
16 MARK LUNDGREN SAINT CLOUD, FL 20 - 8 (5) 20 - 8 (5) $301
17 JESSIE MIZELL SARASOTA, FL 20 - 1 (5) 20 - 1 (5) $289
18 JUSTIN MORGAN OKEECHOBEE, FL 19 - 15 (5) 19 - 15 (5) $276
19 JARED MCMILLAN BELLE GLADE, FL 19 - 14 (5) 19 - 14 (5) $264
20 GREG HARP VERO BEACH, FL 19 - 11 (5) 19 - 11 (5) $251
21 CHRISTOPHER JERDAN CAPE CORAL, FL 19 - 10 (5) 19 - 10 (5)
22 MATTHEW WIETEHA MIAMI, FL 19 - 6 (5) 19 - 6 (5)
23 NEIL NIX OKEECHOBEE, FL 18 - 8 (5) 18 - 8 (5)
24 EDWIN BARTLETT CASCO, ME 18 - 6 (5) 18 - 6 (5)
25 DONNY BASS NAPLES, FL 18 - 5 (5) 18 - 5 (5)
26 ANTHONY FORD NEW SMYRNA, FL 18 - 0 (5) 18 - 0 (5)
27 DEREK PETRUZELLI SAINT CLOUD, FL 17 - 14 (5) 17 - 14 (5)
28 VAN SOLES OSPREY, FL 17 - 12 (5) 17 - 12 (5)
29 JAMES MCLEES EUSTIS, FL 17 - 7 (5) 17 - 7 (5)
29 SANTOS SOLIS VERO BEACH, FL 17 - 7 (5) 17 - 7 (5)
31 THOMAS MCLINSKEY LAND O LAKES, FL 17 - 2 (5) 17 - 2 (5)
32 DAVID ANDERSON FORT MYERS, FL 16 - 14 (5) 16 - 14 (5)
33 DYLAN ETTINGER FLEMING ISLAND, FL 16 - 13 (5) 16 - 13 (5)
33 SETH PATTERSON SEBRING, FL 16 - 13 (5) 16 - 13 (5)
35 JAI HUNTER SR DELAND, FL 16 - 6 (5) 16 - 6 (5)
36 JASON BLAIR WEST PALM BEACH FL, FL 16 - 5 (5) 16 - 5 (5)
37 JOHN KEENE SR FENELTON, PA 16 - 2 (5) 16 - 2 (5)
38 CHUCK WEBB SARASOTA, FL 16 - 0 (5) 16 - 0 (5)
39 JAMES SOJKA NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 15 - 10 (5) 15 - 10 (5)
40 JAE EVANS BOCA RATON, FL 15 - 8 (5) 15 - 8 (5)
41 DENNIS CAMERON TRAVELERS REST, SC 15 - 5 (5) 15 - 5 (5)
42 TONY DAVIS WILLISTON, FL 15 - 1 (5) 15 - 1 (5)
43 RAYMOND GUERRA PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL 14 - 15 (5) 14 - 15 (5)
44 DAVID SHEFFIELD DAVIE, FL 14 - 6 (5) 14 - 6 (5)
44 BRADLEY MACQUEEN WEST PALM BEACH, FL 14 - 6 (5) 14 - 6 (5)
46 STANLEY HUNT JACKSONVILLE, FL 14 - 5 (5) 14 - 5 (5)
48 RODNEY SIMMONS ZOLFO SPRINGS, FL 14 - 3 (5) 14 - 3 (5)
49 GARY MILICEVIC LABELLE, FL 14 - 2 (5) 14 - 2 (5) $300
49 TREVOR HAMLIN CAPE CORAL, FL 14 - 2 (5) 14 - 2 (5)
49 LARRY BRANDENBURG RICHMOND, KY 14 - 2 (5) 14 - 2 (5)
52 CHRIS CROW LAKE PLACID, FL 14 - 1 (5) 14 - 1 (5)
53 MIKE VITITOE LAKEWORTH, FL 13 - 14 (5) 13 - 14 (5)
53 BRETT CANNON PARKLAND, FL 13 - 14 (5) 13 - 14 (5)
55 THOMAS LITTICH CAPE CORAL, FL 13 - 12 (5) 13 - 12 (5)
56 NICHOLAS HOINIG PORT ST LUCIE, FL 13 - 8 (5) 13 - 8 (5)
57 BILL TROYER SARASOTA, FL 13 - 7 (5) 13 - 7 (5)
58 YOAN ALVAREZ MIAMI, FL 13 - 6 (5) 13 - 6 (5)
59 LIONEL BOTHA MALABAR, FL 13 - 4 (5) 13 - 4 (5)
60 KENNETH HARRIS ZOLFO SPRINGS, FL 13 - 1 (5) 13 - 1 (5)
61 RICK MITCHELL NAPLES, FL 12 - 15 (5) 12 - 15 (5)
62 JIM HURLOCK JR. WEST PALM BEACH, FL 12 - 9 (5) 12 - 9 (5)
63 LLOYD MEYERS JR JACKSONVILLE, FL 12 - 7 (5) 12 - 7 (5)
63 CHRIS KEITH GAINESVILLE, FL 12 - 7 (5) 12 - 7 (5)
65 RONNIE BYERLY SARASOTA, FL 12 - 4 (5) 12 - 4 (5)
66 CLAY BATSON BRADENTON, FL 12 - 3 (5) 12 - 3 (5)
67 MIKE JACKSON SAN MATEO, FL 12 - 2 (5) 12 - 2 (5)
68 ERIC JOHNSON MILLIS, MA 12 - 0 (5) 12 - 0 (5)
69 ROBIN SHIVER MAYO, FL 11 - 10 (5) 11 - 10 (5)
70 ROBERT CROSNOE INVERNESS, FL 11 - 9 (5) 11 - 9 (5)
71 MASON BOYLAN MELBOURNE, FL 11 - 8 (4) 11 - 8 (4)
72 WILLIAM SCHMITT WEST PALM BEACH, FL 10 - 14 (4) 10 - 14 (4)
73 BRIAN MACDOUGALL LA BELLE, FL 10 - 10 (5) 10 - 10 (5)
74 DOUG BACK MONTICELLO, FL 10 - 6 (5) 10 - 6 (5)
74 MARK SOMMER CORAL SPRINGS, FL 10 - 6 (5) 10 - 6 (5)
76 MIKE DAVIS ALACHUA, FL 10 - 3 (5) 10 - 3 (5)
77 JONATHAN THOMPSON SAINT JOHNS, FL 9 - 12 (4) 9 - 12 (4)
78 DENNIS REDD OLD TOWN, FL 9 - 4 (5) 9 - 4 (5)
79 JONATHAN LECRONE ORLANDO, FL 9 - 2 (5) 9 - 2 (5)
80 JOHN VIOX HEBRON, KY 9 - 0 (5) 9 - 0 (5)
81 STEVEN LAKE LORIDA, FL 8 - 11 (5) 8 - 11 (5)
82 DAVID BEAR WINTER HAVEN, FL 8 - 10 (5) 8 - 10 (5)
83 GERRY BROUSSEAU NAPLES, FL 8 - 8 (5) 8 - 8 (5)
83 TONY BENNETT FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 8 - 8 (5) 8 - 8 (5)
85 JOHN TAVANO SEBRING, FL 8 - 3 (3) 8 - 3 (3)
85 DONALD DUNNAM OKEECHOBEE, FL 8 - 3 (3) 8 - 3 (3)
87 MATT KINNEY BUNNELL, FL 8 - 2 (5) 8 - 2 (5)
88 JIM JOSEPH OAKLAND PARK, FL 7 - 5 (4) 7 - 5 (4)
89 JOHN ADKINSON WINTER HAVEN, FL 6 - 8 (5) 6 - 8 (5)
91 CEDRIC PERRY CROSS CITY, FL 5 - 11 (2) 5 - 11 (2)
92 JOHN BITTER MAITLAND, FL 3 - 15 (2) 3 - 15 (2)
93 RICHARD MONGIOVI INDIAN LAKE ESTATES, FL 3 - 12 (3) 3 - 12 (3)
94 JOSHUA MORFIS CAPE CORAL, FL 2 - 8 (3) 2 - 8 (3)
95 MICHAEL JOHNS DAVENPORT, FL 1 - 1 (1) 1 - 1 (1)
RAYMOND RUPP THE VILLAGES, FL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
PAUL DUNN NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 0 - 0 (4) 0 - 0 (4)
TY FOX PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
VICKY BRACKIN OKEECHOBEE, FL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
DOUGLAS GRANT TITUSVILLE, FL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
DANIEL BROWN SATELLITE BEACH, FL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
RANDY TERRELL SAINT LOUIS, MO 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)

 


Tennessee’s Aaron Wins T-H Marine FLW BFL Opener on Lake Guntersville Presented by Navionics

Co-angler Title Goes to Indiana’s Lyons

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (Feb. 18, 2019) – Boater Chad Aaron of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, caught five bass Saturday weighing 25 pounds, 14 ounces, to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Choo Choo Division season opener on Lake Guntersville presented by Navionics. For his win, Aaron earned $4,363.

“I was hitting small underwater eddies. They were specific – I had to cast within a couple of feet to get bit,” said Aaron, who earned his second career victory in FLW competition. “It’s something I’ve been doing on the Tennessee River for years – just playing the current deal. When there’s heavy rain and the water is stained and muddy in the wintertime and early spring, it sets up the way I like to fish.”

Aaron said he worked through eight eddies, mid-lake, and caught 12 keepers in the process. He used a ½- and ¾-ounce black jig with a Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed craw and custom 4- to 6-inch shad-colored swimbaits, noting that a 5-inch swimbait did especially well throughout the day.

“I just rotated through the baits as the spots reloaded,” said Aaron. “If they missed the swimbait, I’d throw the jig in there and they’d eat it – I caught three or four like that. When I’d catch one fish out of an eddy, I’d leave for 30 minutes. They were one-fish spots – they weren’t schools by any means.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1st:          Chad Aaron, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., five bass, 25-14, $4,363

2nd:         Kent Keys, Anniston, Ala., five bass, 25-3, $2,082

3rd:          Aaron Stephens, Hayden, Ala., five bass, 24-14, $1,787

4th:          Derek Remitz, Grant, Ala., five bass, 23-5, $971

5th:          Scott Towry, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., five bass, 21-10, $833

6th:          Braden Marshall, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 20-9, $763

7th:          Dennis Barnes, Boaz, Ala., five bass, 20-7, $694

8th:          Trey Gamble, Helena, Ala., five bass, 19-4, $625

9th:          Ricky Parpolowicz, Decatur, Ala., five bass, 19-1, $555

10th:        Cory Mathis, Newnan, Ga., five bass, 18-13, $486

Complete results below

Daniel Trevino Jr. of Langston, Alabama, caught an 8-pound, 12-ounce bass – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $580.

Mark Lyons of Marion, Indiana, won the Co-angler Division and $2,082 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 17 pounds, 14 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1st:          Mark Lyons, Marion, Ind., five bass, 17-14, $2,082

2nd:         David Freeman, Hixson, Tenn., five bass, 15-14, $1,041

3rd:          Todd Harris, Athens, Tenn., five bass, 14-3, $692

4th:          Cody Davis, Hico, Texas, five bass, 14-1, $486

5th:          Marcus Corbett, Anniston, Ala., five bass, 13-8, $516

6th:          Ethan Wheeler, Mayfield, Ky., five bass, 12-14, $432

7th:          Steven Jacques, Addison, Ala., three bass, 12-11, $347

8th:          Charles Billingsley, Huntsville, Ala., four bass, 12-5, $312

9th:          Justin Stringer, Hartselle, Ala., three bass, 11-15, $278

10th:        Matt Hardy, Guntown, Miss., two bass, 11-10, $243

Tracey Gearlds of Tullahoma, Tennessee and Tyler Youngblood of Ooltewah, Tennessee, each caught a bass weighing 8 pounds even in the Co-angler Division – tying for the day’s largest. As a result, the duo split the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $290.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional Championship on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.

The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2019 BFL All-American will be held May 30-June 1 at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland, and is hosted by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Commissioners of Charles County. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube.

 

PLACE ANGLER CITY/STATE DAY 1
WT (Fish)
DAY 1&2
WT (Fish)
WINNINGS
1 CHAD AARON LAWRENCEBURG, TN 25 - 14 (5) 25 - 14 (5) $4,163
2 KENT KEYS ANNISTON, AL 25 - 3 (5) 25 - 3 (5) $2,082
3 AARON STEPHENS HAYDEN, AL 24 - 14 (5) 24 - 14 (5) $1,887
4 DEREK REMITZ GRANT, AL 23 - 5 (5) 23 - 5 (5) $971
5 SCOTT TOWRY LAWRENCEBURG, TN 21 - 10 (5) 21 - 10 (5) $933
6 BRADEN MARSHALL HIXSON, TN 20 - 9 (5) 20 - 9 (5) $763
7 DENNIS BARNES BOAZ, AL 20 - 7 (5) 20 - 7 (5) $694
8 TREY GAMBLE HELENA, AL 19 - 4 (5) 19 - 4 (5) $625
9 RICKY PARPOLOWICZ DECATUR, AL 19 - 1 (5) 19 - 1 (5) $555
10 CORY MATHIS NEWNAN, GA 18 - 13 (5) 18 - 13 (5) $486
11 MEL KENNEDY CUMMING, GA 18 - 6 (5) 18 - 6 (5) $437
12 DANIEL WHITAKER PHIL CAMPBELL, AL 18 - 5 (5) 18 - 5 (5) $402
13 LUKE PLUNKETT PINSON, AL 17 - 8 (5) 17 - 8 (5) $378
13 JACKIE FLACK CULLMAN, AL 17 - 8 (5) 17 - 8 (5) $378
15 JASON HENSON ROME, GA 17 - 0 (4) 17 - 0 (4) $347
16 WESLEY SMITH VINEMONT, AL 16 - 10 (5) 16 - 10 (5) $333
17 KADIN DICK ALBERTVILLE, AL 16 - 4 (5) 16 - 4 (5) $319
18 SCOTT CHEYNE NEW MARKET, AL 16 - 0 (5) 16 - 0 (5) $305
19 AUSTIN BANTHER HARRISON, TN 15 - 13 (4) 15 - 13 (4) $291
20 KENNY EVERETTE VILLA RICA, GA 15 - 5 (5) 15 - 5 (5) $274
20 GREG LAMB HARRISON, TN 15 - 5 (5) 15 - 5 (5) $274
22 KENNETH GROVER DECATUR, AL 15 - 3 (5) 15 - 3 (5) $264
23 WILL BEUTJER ATHENS, AL 15 - 0 (4) 15 - 0 (4) $257
24 GIL SUMMERLIN GUNTERSVILLE, AL 14 - 5 (5) 14 - 5 (5)
25 DALE ROWLAND SHELBYVILLE, TN 14 - 1 (5) 14 - 1 (5)
26 BRENT BARNES CHATTANOOGA, TN 13 - 14 (5) 13 - 14 (5)
27 KAISLE LAWSON KILLEN, AL 13 - 13 (3) 13 - 13 (3)
28 GAVIN AINSLIE HARRISON, TN 13 - 4 (5) 13 - 4 (5)
29 JAY FAGAN LEBANON, TN 13 - 1 (4) 13 - 1 (4)
30 ZACH BRITTON HAZEL GREEN, AL 12 - 9 (4) 12 - 9 (4)
30 WILLIAM WADDELL GUNTERSVILLE, AL 12 - 9 (4) 12 - 9 (4)
30 NICK CUPPS CHATTANOOGA, TN 12 - 9 (4) 12 - 9 (4)
30 JUSTIN WIMBERLEY TUSCUMBIA, AL 12 - 9 (4) 12 - 9 (4)
34 THOMAS HELTON CHARLESTON, TN 12 - 0 (5) 12 - 0 (5)
35 LEE BLACK DANVILLE, AL 11 - 14 (3) 11 - 14 (3)
36 LAKER HOWELL GUNTERSVILLE, AL 11 - 7 (5) 11 - 7 (5)
37 DANIEL TREVINO JR LANGSTON, AL 11 - 2 (2) 11 - 2 (2) $580
37 JEFF RISBECK GUNTERSVILLE, AL 11 - 2 (3) 11 - 2 (3)
39 DAX EWART HUMBOLDT, TN 11 - 1 (2) 11 - 1 (2)
39 STEVE BARNES HARRISON, TN 11 - 1 (5) 11 - 1 (5)
39 JETT LOACH CHICKAMAUGA, GA 11 - 1 (4) 11 - 1 (4)
42 SCOTTY ESTES HOLLY POND, AL 10 - 7 (2) 10 - 7 (2)
43 COLBY HARRISON BRILLIANT, AL 10 - 4 (4) 10 - 4 (4)
44 DANNY SHELL ALBERTVILLE, AL 10 - 3 (4) 10 - 3 (4)
45 MARSHALL DEAKINS DUNLAP, TN 10 - 2 (3) 10 - 2 (3)
46 JOHN POLLY NAUVOO, AL 10 - 1 (2) 10 - 1 (2)
47 ROY GALBRAITH GUIN, AL 9 - 7 (2) 9 - 7 (2)
48 JEFF CANNON DOUGLASVILLE, GA 8 - 13 (4) 8 - 13 (4)
49 TIM WILSON GAS CITY, IN 8 - 10 (3) 8 - 10 (3)
50 TAYLOR PARKER LAKE VIEW, AL 8 - 7 (4) 8 - 7 (4)
51 CODY SCHULTZ CLEVELAND, TN 7 - 13 (2) 7 - 13 (2)
52 MARK CONDRON WINCHESTER, TN 7 - 10 (3) 7 - 10 (3)
53 TYLER THOMPSON PHILADELPHIA, TN 7 - 8 (2) 7 - 8 (2)
54 COREY MCMULLEN HARVEST, AL 7 - 7 (3) 7 - 7 (3)
55 RANDALL ALLEN OWENS CROSS ROADS, AL 7 - 4 (2) 7 - 4 (2)
56 CASEY MARTIN NEW HOPE, AL 7 - 3 (3) 7 - 3 (3)
57 RICKY CHAPPELL WARRIOR, AL 6 - 14 (1) 6 - 14 (1)
58 Myles MURRAY GUNTERSVILLE, AL 6 - 0 (2) 6 - 0 (2)
59 KENNETH SMITH TULLAHOMA, TN 5 - 9 (2) 5 - 9 (2)
60 GENE BARNETTE TOWN CREEK, AL 5 - 3 (2) 5 - 3 (2)
61 BRIAN MERRIMAN FALKVILLE, AL 4 - 11 (2) 4 - 11 (2)
62 JOEL GREEN MOULTON, AL 4 - 10 (2) 4 - 10 (2)
63 JACK MORRIS NEW HOPE, AL 3 - 11 (1) 3 - 11 (1)
63 MASON SMITH DECATUR, AL 3 - 11 (1) 3 - 11 (1)
65 BRAD HARMON RINGGOLD, GA 3 - 8 (1) 3 - 8 (1)
66 DAVID CHAPMAN ALBERTVILLE, AL 3 - 7 (1) 3 - 7 (1)
67 CHRIS PETERS BIRCHWOOD, TN 3 - 2 (1) 3 - 2 (1)
68 JIMMY RAWLSTON OOLTEWAH, TN 3 - 1 (1) 3 - 1 (1)
68 MARK TROUSDALE ROGERSVILLE, AL 3 - 1 (1) 3 - 1 (1)
70 SHAWN DIEHL HARVEST, AL 2 - 7 (1) 2 - 7 (1)
71 GREG SALLEE GILBERTSVILLE, KY 2 - 6 (1) 2 - 6 (1)
72 DANIEL DAVIS ALBERTVILLE, AL 2 - 5 (1) 2 - 5 (1)
72 TERRY TUCKER GADSDEN, AL 2 - 5 (1) 2 - 5 (1)
72 SCOTT WRIGHT CARBON HILL, AL 2 - 5 (1) 2 - 5 (1)
75 JOHN PEMBERTON JR BLAIRSVILLE, GA 2 - 2 (1) 2 - 2 (1)
76 CASEY O'DONNELL GUNTERSVILLE, AL 1 - 13 (1) 1 - 13 (1)
KELVIN YOUNG GUNTERSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
TONY HARVEY ROGERSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
RYAN SALZMAN HUNTSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
BRIAN HOLCOMB MADISONVILLE, TN 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
CASEY TAYLOR SMITHVILLE, TN 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
DAVID BYARS BIRMINGHAM, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JEFF RAGSDALE GARDENDALE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JAMES SWINDLE PARRISH, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
BEN JOHNSON HUNTSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
BOBBY MCDILL PETAL, MS 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
GARRETT ROBERTS CULLMAN, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
SCOTT GIBBS ROME, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
GARY THACKER ATHENS, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
ZACH CRIDER TUNNEL HILL, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JIM PITTS HOLLYWOOD, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
MIKE ARY DALTON, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JAMES SWINDLE PARRISH, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
CHUCK MEDLEY OWENS CROSS ROADS, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JIM LEARY GUNTERSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
CHAD BIDDLE SHELBYVILLE, KY 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
GREG BUIE SCOTTSBORO, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
MIKE GIPSON NICEVILLE, FL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JUSTIN LYNCH ALABASTER, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
HAROLD WILSON CANTON, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
MICHAEL HOOD WINCHESTER, TN 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
BRYAN DOWDY FLORENCE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
HERMILO SALGADO ARTEMUS, KY 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
WILL YELVERTON HAZEL GREEN, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
MATTHEW PAIN SCOTTSBORO, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JOSH BENFORD RUSSELLVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
CHASE FLEEMAN SUMMERTOWN, TN 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
WAYNE CHRISTOPHER HUNTSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
CURTIS PERSINGER EDDYVILLE, KY 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
ANDREW WARBINGTON COKER, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JONATHAN VINSON MADISON, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
RYAN PHILLIPS TRUSSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JORDAN WIGGINS CULLMAN, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JOHNATHON NIXON ROGERSVILLE, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
JAKE GIPSON BIRMINGHAM, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
DOUGLAS WEBSTER PINSON, AL 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)
CHRISTOPHER GENTRY VILLA RICA, GA 0 - 0 (0) 0 - 0 (0)

LOWELL BENNETT & BILLY EATON BRING IN 25.70LBS WITH BIG BASS ON BUCHANAN AND TAKE HOME OVER $11K


Richards & Brewer Top a record field of over 600 anglers on Toledo Bend with 33.15 lbs for Bass Champs Win!

Richards & Brewer Top a record field of over 600 anglers on Toledo Bend with 33.15 lbs & take home over $30,000 in cash & prizes.

ce Boat Truck Angler 1 Angler 2 Fish Big Bass Wt. Prize Amt.
1 COLE BREWER
LEESVILLE , LA
ROB RICHARDS
SPRING , TX
5 9.29 33.15
$20000.00 + $5000 Skeeter Cash+$250 Lowrance+SportsmansAuto
2 CODY PITT
MANY , LA
JAMES BROOKS
FLORIEN , LA
5 8.73 30.23
$7500.00
3 RICKY MADOLE
MANY , LA
RONNIE MADOLE
SHREVEPORT , LA
5 0 22.52
$5500.00
4 ANDY GAIA
TOMBALL , TX
BRIAN TOLLEY
KATY , TX
5 8.27 20.29
$4300.00
5 JOHN MADDOX
LUFKIN , TX
JEFFERY WISE
LUFKIN , TX
5 0 20.15
$3200.00
6 JONATHAN SIMON
ORANGE , TX
COREY STANLEY
ORANGE , TX
5 7.60 19.55
$2500.00
7 JOSHUA SIKES
PINEVILLE , LA
SAMUEL CANOE
GEORGETOWN , LA
5 0 19.09
$2000.00
8 RICHY BALLARD
SULPHUR , LA
LEE BALLARD
OAKDALE , LA
5 0 19.06
$1800.00
9 PHILLIP CRELIA
CENTER , TX
TJ GOODWYN
CENTER , TX
5 0 19.05
$1700.00
10 BEAU LOUGHMAN
MANSUCCA , LA
DUSTY WOOD
STONEWALL , LA
5 0 18.79
$1600.00
11 DUANE PITTMAN
PRAIRIEVILLE , LA
ZACHARY GAGNARD
MANY , LA
5 0 18.71
$1500.00
12 JARRED WILLIAMS
BUNKIE , LA
MATHEW ARMAND
HESSNER , LA
5 0 18.63
$1400.00
13 BRENT BOQUET SETH BELANGER 5 0 18.29
$1300.00
14 ANDRE MARTIN
LENA , LA
GLEN FREEMAN
ZWOLLE , LA
5 0 18.26
$1200.00
15 COLE STEWART
HEMPHILL , TX
BRANDON BAKER
HEMPHILL , TX
5 0 18.14
$1100.00
16 MARTIN ELSHOUT
ABITA SPRINGS , LA
MARK PRICE
RUSTON , LA
5 0 18.01
$1090.00
17 JOHN BURTON
NEDERLAND , TX
MICHAEL DORSEY
ORANGE , TX
5 0 17.65
$1080.00
18 DOUG PERKINS
PORTER , TX
BRAD HENSLEY
CLEVELAND , TX
5 0 17.64
$1070.00
19 EASTON HEIGLEY
BROOKELAND , TX
BLAKE SCHROEDER
WHITEHOUSE , TX
5 0 17.51
$1060.00
20 AARON FREEMAN
THE WOODLANDS , TX
BEN MATSUBU
MILAM , TX
5 0 17.26
$1045.00
20 STEVEN HANNA
BEAUMONT , TX
ANTHONY BAKER
BEAUMONT , TX
5 0 17.26
$1045.00
22 BENJAMIN GULETT
CONVERSE , LA
DUSTIN RIVERS
NOBLE , LA
5 0 17.21
$1030.00
23 DOUG MCCAIN
LAKE CHARLES , LA
MASON MCCAIN
HUNTSVILLE , AL
5 0 17.10
$1020.00
24 JEFF HOLDER
BOSSIER CITY , LA
TERRY BURGHART
SHREVEPORT , LA
4 0 17.01
$1010.00
25 RONNIE GUNTER
LILLIE , LA
JERRY THOMPSON
MANY , LA
5 0 16.77
$1000.00
26 MATT MORRIS
STONEWALL , LA
BILLY GASTON
SHREVEPORT , TX
4 0 16.44
$1000.00
27 GEORGE GLASS
DERRIDER , LA
TRENT MANUEL
ORANGE , TX
4 0 16.42
$1000.00
28 CHANCE ARCENEAUX
LAKE CHARLES , LA
DWIGHT ABSHIRE
SANTA FE , TX
5 0 16.36
$1000.00
28 TRAVIS BURCH
GARDNER , KS
BRANDON ACKERSON
AFTON , OK
4 0 16.36
$1000.00
30 TODD NEWMAN
NACODOCHES , TX
SHANNON HALE
NACOGDOCHES , TX
5 0 16.35
$1000.00
31 KEVIN MASON
COLDSPRING , TX
BUD PRUITT
HOUSTON , TX
5 0 16.28
$1000.00
32 KEVIN WALKER JR
BUNA , TX
JEFF BRIDGES
LUMBERTON , TX
5 0 16.27
$1000.00
33 GREG MCDONALD
CENTER , TX
AARON GILCHRIST
SHELBYVILLE , TX
5 0 16.09
$1000.00
34 CHANTZ WILKINSON
PINEVILLE , LA
DOUGLAS WILKINSON
PINEVILLE , LA
5 0 16.08
$1000.00
35 LARRY BYRD
LAKE CHARLES , LA
TRAVIS BROUSSARD
LAKE CHARLES , LA
4 0 16.05
$1000.00
36 RUSTY CLARK
SAM RAYBURN , TX
CORY RAMBO
ORANGE , TX
4 0 16.01
$1000.00
37 LESLIE HARPER
HEMPHILL , TX
GARY FRICK
HEMPHILL , TX
5 0 15.86
$1000.00
38 SHELBY SHAW
HUNTSVILLE , TX
LANCE HUGHES
TIMPSON , TX
5 0 15.84
$1000.00
39 KURT LUKER
CLEVELAND , TX
RICHIE THORNTON
SPLENDORA , TX
5 0 15.81
$1000.00
40 TREY MORGAN
GOLDONNA , LA
JOHN CANERDAY
CALVIN , LA
5 0 15.74
$1000.00
40 GERALD MITCHELL
JENA , LA
JASON LEBRUN
CHOUDRANT , LA
5 0 15.74
$1000.00
42 BILL DAIGLE
LAFAYETTE , LA
ANDRE CHAPMAN
CHURCH POINT , LA
5 0 15.64
$1000.00
43 JUSTIN BUCHHOLZ
BEAUMONT , TX
TRENT BUCHHOLZ
BEAUMONT , TX
5 0 15.54
44 RANDY BROUSSARD
HACKBERRY , LA
RICHIE KOONCE
WESTLAKE , LA
5 0 15.22
45 BRANNON MIRE
YOUNGSVILLE , LA
ERIC ARNOLD
LAFAYETTE , LA
5 0 15.15
46 CHAD PRIMOS
SHREVEPORT , LA
BRIAN HEADRICK
DEBERRY , TX
3 7.93 15.13
47 JOHNNY WINFREE
MANSFIELD , LA
JOSHUA WINFREE
CONVERSE , LA
5 0 15.00
48 TY HUMPHRIES
STONEWALL , LA
COLBY HAND
SHREVEPORT , LA
4 0 14.99
49 JON HAND
SHREVEPORT , LA
KYLE HAND
SHREVEPORT , LA
5 0 14.89
50 NATHAN BYRD
MIDLOTHIAN , TX
JOE BYRD
SPRING , TX
5 0 14.82
51 WILL CARSTENS
ALEXANDRIA , LA
ROSS BRYANT
ALEXANDRIA , LA
4 0 14.53
52 JASON BONDS
LUFKIN , TX
JAMES NITSHKE
LUFKIN , TX
4 0 14.50
53 KELLY OWENS
CROWLEY , LA
JORDAN OWENS
CROWLEY , LA
5 0 14.46
54 JOHNNY VINES
GROVES , TX
SHANNON PRICE
PORT ARTHUR , TX
5 0 14.37
54 SAM HUCKABEE
SHREVEPORT , LA
ROBERT CHAMBERLAIN
SHREVEPORT , LA
5 0 14.37
56 BOBBY VICE
GROVES , TX
RICKY GUY
HUMBLE , TX
3 9.55 14.34
$1000.00 Big Bass
57 BUDDY BUMSTEAD
KOUNTZE , TX
DANNY CHERRY
KIRBYVILLE , TX
5 0 14.31
58 STUART VILLIEN
DUSON , LA
KIPP THERIOT
YOUNGSVILLE , LA
5 0 14.25
59 TODD JACKSON
SHREVEPORT , LA
GARY CREEL
BOSSIER CITY , LA
5 0 14.20
60 JUSTIN SOWELL
SILSBEE , TX
DAVID GORE
KOUNTZE , TX
5 0 14.12
61 CODY NORRED
GLOSTER , LA
ROBERT HENDERSON JR
STONEWALL , LA
5 0 13.98
62 CRAIG MECHE
CHURCH POINT , TX
RANDY CHAMPAGNE
PAYNE , LA
5 0 13.85
63 CLAY DARDEAU
RAGLEY , LA
CRAIG BEAN
LAKE CHARLES , LA
5 0 13.84
64 TYLER TATE
BEAUMONT , TX
BLAKE CAIN
BEAUMONT , TX
5 0 13.65
65 PERRY MOSS
SHREVEPORT , LA
PATRICK PARSONS
SHREVEPORT , LA
4 0 13.59
66 BRAD GRIFFIN
CARTHAGE , TX
TIM ATKERSON
LONGBRANCH , TX
5 0 13.37
67 ERIC WILSON
MARSHALL , TX
HOWARD WILSON
NACOGDOCHES , TX
5 0 13.20
68 ROBBIE JOHNSON
GOODRICH , TX
5 0 13.18
69 DAMON CHILDRESS
ORANGE , TX
ROBERT CRUSE
LUMBERTON , TX
5 0 13.03
70 CHAD KEMP
BRIDGE CITY , TX
BRENT KEMP
ORANGE , TX
4 0 12.99
71 BRANDON VAUGHAN
AZLE , TX
BOBBY BADARACK
FT WORTH , TX
5 0 12.97
72 ALEX STEWART
GOLDONNA , LA
BRAYDEN STEWART
GOLDONNA , LA
5 0 12.96
73 CALVIN JOHNSTON
KINGWOOD , TX
THOMAS BEENE
SHREVEPORT , LA
5 0 12.92
74 MATTHEW DELANEY
POLLOCK , LA
MATTHEW NUGENT
DRY PRONG , LA
5 0 12.84
75 LUKE OGDEN
DELHI , LA
JAKE OGDEN
DELHI , LA
5 0 12.77
76 DOUG MORROW
HOUSTON , TX
KENNY CORLEY 5 0 12.49
77 STEVE PHILLIPS
DIBOLL , TX
CHAD YORK
LUFKIN , TX
5 0 12.35
78 DOUGLAS SCHYSM
RAGLEY , LA
CHRIS GALLENDER
VILLAGE MILLS , TX
5 0 12.25
79 TIM WILCOXSON
ROCKWALL , TX
TIM WILCOXSON
EDGEWOOD , TX
5 0 12.22
80 JERRY BAILEY
LEESVILLE , LA
CODY CARLISLE
DERIDDER , LA
5 0 12.04
81 CASEY BURLEIGH
ORANGE , TX
JOSH RODGERS
BEAUMONT , TX
5 0 12.01
81 THOMAS DECLET JR
THIBODAUX , LA
THOMAS DECLET SR
HEMPHILL , TX
5 0 12.01
83 COLBY BRYANT
HOUSTON , TX
JEFF RANDOLPH
HUNTSVILLE , TX
5 0 11.90
84 JAMES BLYTHE JR
ELM GROVE , LA
EDDIE MORGAN
BOSSIER CITY , LA
5 0 11.87
85 COREY THERIOT
LAKE CHARLES , LA
CODY REBER
BELL CITY , LA
5 0 11.83
85 RICKEY ELLIOTT
SPRING , TX
RALPH MEISENHEIMER
EDMOND , OK
5 0 11.83
85 WARREN CONNER
MAGNOLIA , TX
MIKE HANKS
HEMPHILL , TX
5 0 11.83
88 CRAIG MASSEY
HOUSTON , TX
SCOTT HOLIFIELD
GRAND BAY , AL
5 0 11.78
89 FRANK LITTLE
MANY , LA
MARK RICHARD
BROOKELAND , TX
5 0 11.52
90 STEPHEN MITCHELL
JONESVILLE , LA
HEATHER ASHWORTH
JONESVILLE , LA
3 0 11.18
91 TIM BAKER
FLINT , TX
BRYAN CASE
KOUNTZE , TX
5 0 11.16
92 BRANDON THRASH
DOWNSVILLE , LA
MICHAEL WOLFF
MONROE , LA
2 0 10.97
93 STUART WELCH
ORANGE , TX
WESLEY MURDOCK
VIDOR , TX
5 0 10.92
94 CHARLIE BROWN III
FLINT , TX
MATTHEW MCCLELLAN
TYLER , TX
3 0 10.57
95 CHUCK NAOMI
BRANCH , LA
RICHIE OLIVIER
CHURCH POINT , LA
3 0 10.22
96 ARCHIE DORE II
NATCHITOCHES , LA
ANDY BARNES
NATCHITOCHES , LA
3 0 10.21
97 SHANE BARNES
MIDWAY , TX
MATTHEW BENEFIELD
HUFFMAN , TX
4 0 9.66
98 BEN SOUTH
JASPER , TX
BRYAN SOUTH
JASPER , TX
5 0 9.53
99 DON BRINSON
WACO , TX
DAVID BATTREALL
TEMPLE , TX
5 0 8.95
100 JOE MAZZURCO
HEMPHILL , TX
JASON GRIFFIN
CONROE , TX
4 0 8.40
101 GREG OSTERTAG
MT VERNON , TX
BRENT EDWARDS
MIDLOTHIAN , TX
2 0 8.07
102 ROBBY JONES
ORANGE , TX
PAUL WOODS
BUNA , TX
4 0 7.60
103 KERRY CAMPBELL
GOODRICH , TX
1 7.23 7.23
104 BRANDON PICOU
LAKE CHARLES , LA
ANDREW DELANO
BUNA , TX
2 0 6.69
105 CHRIS KING
BEAUMONT , TX
HOLLY KEEN
SHERRMAN , TX
3 0 6.43
106 ALLEN SHELTON
FARMERS BRANCH , TX
STRIDER BROWNING
GUN BARREL CITY , TX
2 0 5.87
107 KEVIN IZZI
SMITHVILLE , TX
CHRISTOPHER IZZI
SMITHVILLE , TX
2 0 4.89
108 TED PRIESING
DALLAS , TX
VIRGIL CHANEY
JASPER , TX
2 0 4.27
109 JERREL PRINGLE
HEMPHILL , TX
KEITH KEELE
TENAHA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RANDY DESPINO
COLFAX , LA
KEVIN LASYONE
DRY PRONG , LA
0 0 0.00
109 ROY GEESEY
CROWLEY , LA
CHARLES ANZALONE
CROWLEY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE TAYLOR
JASPER , TX
RANDY DEARMAN
ONALASKA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TEDDY CLOIDE
VIDOR , TX
WESLEY DAWSON
CHESTER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TERRY HELGESON
LEESVILLE , LA
CHRIS HELGESON
TEMPLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LARRY TODD
RINGGOLD , LA
BRYAN SMITH
CARTHAGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEN SMITH
RICHARDSON , TX
CHET SLAYDON
DE RIDDER , LA
0 0 0.00
109 PHILIP HANKS
BUNA , TX
RODNEY SAMMONS
BUNA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 NICHOLAS ANDRUS
BUSHLAND , TX
CHRIS COMEAUX
BASILE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 TED ODELL
BUNA , TX
TRACE ODELL
BUNA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOHNNY PETERSON
MONROE , LA
JEFF PEARSON
WEST MONROE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 PHIL MARKS
DALLAS , TX
BRET STAFFORD
TEMPLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DONNIE PICKARD
BRIDGE CITY , TX
ALAN ASHBY
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE RICHARDSON
THORNDALE , TX
CLIFF BROWN
HARKER HEIGHTS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LARRY BENEFIELD
HUFFMAN , TX
JIMMY ROZELL JR
PORTER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE GARRETT
HUMBLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 GEORGE HERR
MANY , LA
TODD DRISCOLL
JASPER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LANCE DUFF
LUMBERTON , TX
COLE COSTLOW
LIBERTY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LARRY WEPPLER
HOUSTON , TX
DENNIS FIKES
HOUSTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEITH HAWKINS
MISSOURI CITY , TX
J. DUCK HAWKINS
IRVING , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TODD HUGHES
GOODRICH , TX
SIMON HUGHES
LIVINGSTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 THOMAS GUILFORD
WIMBERLEY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SHAWN OQUINN
LAVERNIA , TX
KURT HANKS
CARLYSS , LA
0 0 0.00
109 LAMAR THIBODEAUX
CROWLEY , LA
LARRY HEBERT
CROWLEY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 RANDY QUALLS
STREETMAN , TX
MIKE METCALF
JASPER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 GARY MCDONALD
CENTER , TX
CLARENCE DENBY
ETOILE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOHN MCDIFFITT
GRANBURY , TX
BOBBY VINCENT
HUDSON OAKS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS CLEMENS
LUFKIN , TX
DALLAS COLE
LEESVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 RANDY PATIN
LAFAYETTE , LA
SHANNON THIBODEAUX
HEMPHILL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CLINT WEST
BEAUMONT , TX
NATHAN PRINE
BUNA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CJ NICHOLS
ALEXANDRIA , LA
RAY BECK
BROOKELANDL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ROBERT GLENDE
KIRBYVILLE , TX
CLINT FOUNTAIN
KIRBYVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE EDWARDS
EMORY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SHANE HILTON
ALEXANDRIA , LA
DUSTY ANDERS
DEVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 KRIS WILSON
MONTGOMERY , TX
BRYAN LOHR
LUMBERTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RANDY HANNA
ZAVALLA , TX
JASON DEW
PINELAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 GENE BAGLEY
BEAUMONT , TX
MITCH STEPHENSON
BEAUMONT , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEVIN BURKS
KOUNTZE , TX
JASON GATES
KOUNTZE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SAMMY CHRISTIAN
LUMBERTON , TX
ALLAN SHIVERS
JASPER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CLAYTON BOULWARE
ZAVALLA , TX
ALBERT COLLINS
NACOGDOCHES , TX
0 0 0.00
109 COLE MASSEY
JUSTIN , TX
COLE TEMPLE
ARGYLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BILL COOK
HOUSTON , TX
BOB VOTE
KINGWOOD , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOE DAW
MONTGOMERY , TX
SHANE ALLMAN
BROOKELAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BARTON BLAKELOCK
WOELDER , TX
JAMES BENEDICT
TOLBERT , LA
0 0 0.00
109 VIC COOPER
SHELBYVILLE , TX
JASON WELLS
CENTER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SCOOTER CLARK
CENTER , TX
RYAN PINKSTON
CENTER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JARRETT LATTA
CEDAR PARK , TX
BRIAN LOWRANCE
NACOGDOCHES , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ERIC HUNT
BUNA , TX
STEVEN MOORHEAD
JASPER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEITH IVY JR
PONDER , TX
TOMMY MURRAY
BEDFORD , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JASON MCRAE
HENDERSON , TX
TRAVIS MARTIN
HENDERSON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ROB FEAGIN
YANTIS , TX
ERIC WRIGHT
BALCH SPRINGS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CLIFFORD MCCARTY
LONGVIEW , TX
BOBBY GUY
TEXARKANA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LAMARCUS MCCRAY
HOUSTON , TX
JAMES ROZELL
HOUSTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DEREK MONG
MANY , LA
TAMMY MONG
MANY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 SHAWN VERINSKY
LUMBERTON , TX
BLAKE COLE
GROVES , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SEAN MECHE
LAKE CHARLES , LA
RODNEY OWENS
RAGLEY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MICHAEL LAFLEUR
ORANGEFIELD , TX
JOHN DICKERSON
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 NORMAN LAND
CLEVELAND , TX
TRAVIS MOORE
CLEVELAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TERRY LUEDTKE
BURTON , TX
DOYLE REEVES
BURTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 WAYNE TRIANA JR
NACOGDOCHES , TX
CARY WALKER
NACODOCHES , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ANDREW FATERKOWSKI
MONTGOMERY , TX
BILLY DRIGGERS
HUNTSVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 PURDELL SIGLER
CENTER , TX
MICHAEL GARDNER
CENTER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 AARON GUNN
TOMBALL , TX
JESSE LAMPKIN
SPRING , TX
0 0 0.00
109 HAROLD ALLEN
SHELBYVILLE , TX
MATT LOETSCHER
MANY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS BERRY
HOUSTON , TX
KYLE GUIDRY
OPELOUSAS , LA
0 0 0.00
109 OSCAR LANGELE JR
MANY , LA
JAMES CAMPISE
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RUSSELL GLENEWINKEL
CONROE , TX
JEFF WHARTON
TOMBALL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ED MELTON
HOUSTON , TX
ANTHONY JONES
IRVING , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RICHARD SURATT
LAKE CHARLES , LA
BRIAN EDWARDS
DRY PONG , LA
0 0 0.00
109 STEVE WOODIE
SOUR LAKE , TX
FOYCE WINN
VIDOR , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CHARLES HICKMAN
HUNTINGTON , TX
TERRY HICKMAN
KINGWOOD , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DANIEL HICKMAN
HUNTINGTON , TX
DUSTIN ALEXANDER
HOCKLEY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOHNNY FRANKS
HEMPHILL , TX
THOMAS TRIPP
MISSOURI CITY , TX
0 0 0.00
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BENTLEY , LA
DWAYNE ROBERIE
LAFAYETTE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 ERIC MCGAHA
MONTGOMERY , TX
KRIS WERNECKE
CYPRESS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 COLE GARRETT
WINNFIELD , LA
ALAN CARSON
CALVIN , LA
0 0 0.00
109 BRYAN CARETHERS
SILSBEE , TX
JUSTIN HOLMES
LUMBERTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RUSTY NEUGEBAUER
MONTGOMERY , TX
DEREK TAYLOR
MONTGOMERY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BUZ CRAFT
VADILIA , LA
ERNIE PAUL
LONGVIEW , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ERIC SMITH
ERATH , LA
NOLAN GASKIN
BROUSSARD , LA
0 0 0.00
109 BLAKE ISTRE
ORANGE , TX
CHRIS MCCLAIN
DEWEYVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LANE MCGAHA
DUBACH , LA
JUSTIN CROMWELL
CALHOUN , LA
0 0 0.00
109 RIVER LEE
NACOGDOCHES , TX
HUNTER MUNCRIEF
PINELAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BRETT HORTMAN
WEST MONROE , LA
STEVE GRAF
NATCHITOCHES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JOSH SOWELL
CENTER , TX
ZAC CLARK
CENTER , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BLAYNE PREJEAN
CARENCRO , LA
BART OLIVIER
SUNSET , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MICHAEL COTTER
ARLINGTON , TX
GREGORY DEGRANT
CROWLEY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KENNY COBB
HODGE , LA
BOBBY LOGAN
COUSHATTA , LA
0 0 0.00
109 ANTHONY GUIDRY
KAPLAN , LA
ZACHARY GUIDRY
KAPLAN , LA
0 0 0.00
109 DANNY BENNETT
HUNTSVILLE , TX
MICHAEL BENNETT
LUCAS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SCOTT BARNETT
MANSFIELD , TX
LOGAN SHERRER
KARNACK , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CHAD COLE
BENTON , LA
STEPHEN NEWELL
SHREVEPORT , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS HUEBEL
NEDERLAND , TX
DON GOULD
MAURICEVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOEY POHL
CARMINE , TX
JODY POHL
CYPRESS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 SCOTTY VILLINES
COMPTON , AR
RUSSELL LEWIS
PINEVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 DANNY LASHLEY
BOYCE , LA
MICHAEL IVEY
OTIS , LA
0 0 0.00
109 ALEC CASTONGUAY
ROYSE CITY , TX
WYATT FRANKENS
CORRIGAN , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TOMMY SHELTON
MONTGOMERY , TX
TRAVIS STEWART
COLMESNEIL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOHN BARRERA
MILAM , TX
AMANDA KING
BANGS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BRANDON DAVIDSON
LITTLE ELM , TX
JIM FURR
HEMPHILL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MATTHEW BOYT
CONVERSE , LA
DUSTIN BOYT
CONVERSE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 TOBY JONES
STONEWALL , LA
CARL JONES
DAYTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RICHARD MORRIS
TRINITY , TX
BRIAN KING
TIMPSON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JASON WILLIAMS
NEDERLAND , TX
RYAN ROSS
PORT NECHES , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JERALD PEACOCK JR
BUNA , TX
LESLIE WOODALL
BRIDGE CITY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE WINSLOW
NEWCANEY , TX
BILLY POWERS
MONTGOMERY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JIM CULP
TULSA , OK
THOMAS BOWDEN SR
LAFAYETTE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 DUSTY MOBLEY
CHATHAM , LA
JUSTIN WYATT
JONESBORO , LA
0 0 0.00
109 GIL LEGER
LAKE CHARLES , LA
SCOTT EASTMAN
LAKE CHARLES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JACOB JOHNSON
LAKE CHARLES , LA
SHANE CORMIER
RAGLEY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JOSEPH CHILDERS
SULPHUR , LA
DARREN YOUNGBLOOD
SULPHUR , LA
0 0 0.00
109 COREY HARMON
PORT NECHES , TX
TRENT JAMES
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOEL MAYFIELD
PERKINSTON , MS
JAY WILLIAMS
D IBERVILLE , MS
0 0 0.00
109 CHARLES HUMPHREY
NEW CANEY , TX
BEN SMITH
NEW CANEY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE ATCHLEY
MOSCOW , TX
PAUL SHIRLEY
LEGGETT , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOE WILKERSON
MANY , LA
JEREMY GENTRY
MANY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JOSEPH LAFLEUR
ORANGE , TX
ROWDY SLAUGHTER
BROOKELAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TROY WILLIAMSON
SHEPHERD , TX
CHARLES WOODDELL
NEED INFO
0 0 0.00
109 JESSE RAWLS
BROWNSBORO , TX
DANIEL COX
BROWNSBORO , TX
0 0 0.00
109 GARY DENTON
ORANGE , TX
JIMMY MOORE
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 TOMMY WOODARD
CONROE , TX
CHRIS JACOBUS
LONGVIEW , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KURTICE FLOYD
NEWTON , TX
GREG LEBLANC
NEDERLAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 HAYWOOD WALLACE
HUFFMAN , TX
STUART WALLACE
ADDIS , LA
0 0 0.00
109 SETH HAUSMAN
NACOGDOCHES , TX
TYLER HAM
ROCKWALL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEELAN MANUEL
SULPHUR , LA
JOSH DUNAWAY
SULPHUR , LA
0 0 0.00
109 GARY REPPOND
ZAVALLA , TX
CURTIS SMITH
LUFKIN , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MICHAEL RISINGER
WEST MONROE , LA
SONTUS MITCHELL
RUSTON , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JACK TINDEL III
ORANGE , TX
DALTON SOLIZ
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ANTHONY THOMPSON
SHREVEPORT , LA
JEFF PATE
TEXARKANA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JASON MANNERS
CLEVELAND , TX
JORDAN MANNERS
CLEVELAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 STEPHEN THOMAS
WOODVILLE , TX
TAYLOR WELDON
VIDOR , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS WILEY
POLLOCK , LA
JOHN BURNLEY
STONEWALL , LA
0 0 0.00
109 HARLAN DUBOIS
WINNFIELD , LA
RICKY ANTEE
SULPHUR , LA
0 0 0.00
109 RICKY BLANKINSHIP
HOMER , LA
DAVID CURTIS
BROOKLAND , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JEFF SIAU
BUNA , TX
WILLIAM LEWIS
KIRBYVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JACKSON COOPER
DRY PRONG , LA
JACKSON COOPER
DRY PRONG , LA
0 0 0.00
109 LUCAS RAGUSA
GONZALES , LA
BLAKE CANELLA
PLAQUEMINE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 STEPHEN SHANNON
ARLINGTON , TX
JACOB SHANNON
ARLINGTON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 STEPHAN BURGAY
TIMPSON , TX
WILL LLOYD
SHELBYVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEVIN SLAYDON
DERIDDER , LA
JAKEY LEWING
MANY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 GARY BOUDOIN
NEDERLAND , TX
JOHN HATTON
BUNA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JASON FONTENOT
LAKE CHARLES , LA
BRETT USIE
HOUMA , LA
0 0 0.00
109 CHRISTOPHER MOORE
STONEWALL , LA
PHILLIP THOMAS
BOSSIER CITY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JOSK FOLKS
KEITHVILLE , LA
DENNIS SEBREN
SHREVEPORT , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JAMES PRUITT
HOUSTON , TX
RICK JOHNSON
CONROE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RYAN MARTIN
WEST MONROE , LA
MICHAEL MUSGROVE
BASTROP , LA
0 0 0.00
109 BENJI DUMAS
MINDEN , LA
JIMMY DUCK III
CENTER , LA
0 0 0.00
109 THOMAS MCMILLAN
CHOUDRANT , LA
TERRY MORRIS
SPEARSVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 IVAN DAIGS
RUSTON , LA
RANDY BRANCH
RUSTON , LA
0 0 0.00
109 RICHARD ALLEN
ANACOCO , LA
TREVOR WEST
PITKIN , LA
0 0 0.00
109 CODY BEASLEY
ROBELINE , LA
JOHN HOARE
NATCHITOCHES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 COLTON BOLES
POLLOK , TX
BUD BOLES
POLLOK , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LEE SHEARIN
BRIDGE CITY , TX
MICHEAL ANDURS
LAKE CHARLES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MIKE SOLIZ
ORANGE , TX
EDDIE CHOATE
BEAUMONT , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DENNIS COURTNEY
LAKE CHARLES , LA
JERRY CHILDRESS
SULPHUR , LA
0 0 0.00
109 ROBERT NAQUIN JR
DEVILLE , LA
ROBERT NAQUIN SR
DEVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS SMITH
ORANGE , TX
JAMES SILVA
ORANGE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CODY JORDAN
HEMPHILL , TX
CODY CLARK
HERMPHILL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 BRADLEY HILLEBRANDT
RAGLEY , LA
JORDAN BREAUX
SULPHUR , LA
0 0 0.00
109 BRADLEY PAGE
FRIENDSWOOD , TX
JOHN NEMECEK
FRIENDSWOOD , TX
0 0 0.00
109 NEIL MATHEWS
PORTER , TX
COLE STOREY
HOCKLEY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 COLT DEAR
BUNA , TX
ASHLEY ADAMS
BUNA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JOHN ILES
LUFKIN , TX
BRIAN SHOOK
CHINA , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ROSS BREAUX
LAFAYETTE , LA
JAMES BREAUX
LAFAYETTE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JORDAN WOOD
NEDERLAND , TX
CAMERON ROANE
BEAUMONT , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ADAM DUNN
HOUSTON , TX
JOSHUA WARE
NEW CANEY , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DERRICK LABORDE
HESSMER , LA
RAYFORD LABORDE
HESSMER , LA
0 0 0.00
109 TYLER CRAIG
MONROE , LA
KENNETH CRAIG
FRIERSON , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MICHAEL SANDERS
MANY , LA
WILLIAM SANDERS
MANY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 SEAN KENNON
DEQUINCY , LA
JORDAN HOLLINGSWORTH
VINTON , LA
0 0 0.00
109 GERALD GUIN
CASTOR , LA
ANDY FEARRAND
JAMESTOWN , LA
0 0 0.00
109 WILLIAM WALKER
JENA , LA
BUBBA NUGENT
POLLOCK , LA
0 0 0.00
109 DAVID PICKETT
SHREVEPORT , LA
KRISTOPHER PICKETT
COUSHATTA , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MARSHALL HUGHES
HEMPHILL , TX
DANIEL METREYEON
BEAUMONT , TX
0 0 0.00
109 RANDY HICKS
LUMBERTON , TX
JOHN REED
ANACOCO , LA
0 0 0.00
109 MARK HAY
ATHENS , LA
EARL GLASS
HEFLIN , LA
0 0 0.00
109 TERRY MOFFETT
NATCHEZ , MS
WARREN WHITAKER
WOODVILLE , MS
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS HAZEL
LEESVILLE , LA
JOSH PEEK
LEESVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DAVID RABALAIS
LAKE CHARLES , LA
HUNTER DELANEY
SULPHER , LA
0 0 0.00
109 FRED MCGAHA
CALHOUN , LA
DION YOUNG
WEST MONROE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 STEVE BELLON
LAKE CHARLES , LA
TONY COBURN
LAKE CHARLES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 TED PATE
ALEXANDRIA , LA
VINCENT NEAL
CALDWELL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ROBERT WASHINGTON
WATERPROOF , LA
SHELIA WASHINGTON
WATERPROOF , LA
0 0 0.00
109 STEVEN SHAFER
CLEVELAND , TX
KENT WILLIAMS
LA PORTE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 KEITH JENSCHKE
NATCHITOCHES , LA
JOHN HRAPMANN
NATCHITOCHES , LA
0 0 0.00
$500 Conservation Bonus
109 CHRISTOPHER GORDON
CLARENCE , LA
DENNIS MORGAN II
NATCHITOCHES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 HORACE FRAZIER
MANY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 BOB LAUCK
FLOWER MOUND , TX
TED MARTIN
DALLAS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 VIRGINIA LOCKE
PINEVILLE , LA
JEREMY LOCKE
PINEVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JEREMY LEMMONS
TOMBALL , TX
CODY NICHOLSON
ANDERSON , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JEREMY HIPPLER
MANY , LA
JASON MOSS
LAKE CHARLES , LA
0 0 0.00
109 TRAVIS SIGNORIN
OAKHURST , TX
BOB SIGNORIN
OAKHURST , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CHRIS EAVES
WOODLANDS , TX
LORI EAVES
WOODLANDS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MALCOLM WILLIAMS
BRONSON , TX
STEVE WILSON
FREDERICKSBURG , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CADE DURIO
LAKE CHARLES , LA
JOHN DURIO
HEMPHILL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 WILLIAM MESSER
TIMPSON , TX
CHRISTOPHER BEVERLY
SHEPHERD , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ROGER JOHNSON JR
VIDOR , TX
KIRK LELEUX
KIRBYVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MICHAEL ROGER
SCOTT , IA
JOSH WILLIAMS
KINGSTON , OK
0 0 0.00
109 LARRY DEAN
HUMBLE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 EDWARD LACOSTE
HEMPHILL , TX
CHRIS NEWMAN
HEMPHILL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 LANCE SCOTT
BROOKELAND , TX
KEVIN BOLTON
WILLIS , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DON DICKERSON
PINEVILLE , LA
JASON FOUNTAIN
PINEVILLE , LA
0 0 0.00
109 DEAN SIKES
DEVILLE , LA
JACOB SIKES
BOSSIER CITY , LA
0 0 0.00
109 JOHN GRIFFITH
OMAHA , AR
KYLE BOHANNAN
BERRYVILLE , AR
0 0 0.00
109 RYAN HEISELBETZ
FRED , TX
TYLER DAVIS
KOUNTZE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 JASON BAKER
CROSBY , TX
ERIC SKILLERN
NACOGDOCHES , TX
0 0 0.00
109 DAMON BOREL
HEMPHILL , TX
0 0 0.00
109 CODY ERICKSON
HUNTSVILLE , TX
RICHARD SCHANBERT
CONROE , TX
0 0 0.00
109 ROBERT BARKER
SPRING , TX
JAMES BARKER
SPRING , TX
0 0 0.00
109 MASON GUIN
DECATUR , TX
CAMERON LAFLUER
BRIDGE CITY , TX
0 0 0.00

 


Evers wins MLF Bass Pro Tour event on Lake Conroe

Edwin Evers kept catching them today,, 24 scorable bass in all that totaled 51-12, to claim the
Championship Sunday title at Lake Conroe.
   
 
CONROE, Texas (Feb. 17, 2019) - In the immediate aftermath of the first Major League Fishing® (MLF) Bass Pro Tour event in Kissimmee, Florida two weeks ago, Edwin Evers' dissatisfaction with finishing second was palpable. Ever the professional, Evers complimented his fellow competitors and smiled for photos at the Berkley Postgame Show, but no talk of Cup points could bring the Oklahoma pro comfort.
Sunday afternoon on Lake Conroe, Evers made sure that the only postgame talk would be of how he earned his first-ever MLF Bass Pro Tour trophy.
Evers racked up 51 pounds, 12 ounces to outdistance Jeff Sprague, (40-8), Boyd Duckett (35-15), Brent Ehrler (34-13) and David Walker (34-7) and claim the win at the Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two presented by Favorite Fishing. The Oklahoma pro caught 24 scorable fish on the day, including an exclamation point with 9 minutes left in competition: an 8-1 that hit a drop-shot Berkley Havoc Bottom Hopper.
"You can't imagine how good it feels to catch a fish like that," Evers admitted. "I knew there were big fish in there, because I shook some big ones off the second day of the event. The big females just hadn't gotten there yet, but they're coming."
Evers' winning area
 
Edwin Evers flipped his way to victory on Lake Conroe.(Photo by Garrick Dixon)
Evers' pattern was to flip his way down the bank with a Black Blue Berkley Havoc Pit Boss,
picking out small indentations and grassy, undercut banks and flipping his bait as close to the bank as he could. He also caught some fish on a vibrating jig.
The area that Evers fished - a canal that he found during the Elimination Round - was shallow at the entrance, but fell off into slightly deeper water the further back he went.
"I feel like I know this lake as well as any lake I fish, but I'd never been in that canal before," Evers admitted. "It looked right when I looked at it on the map, and I had it all to myself - I assume because it was probably pretty muddy in practice. The water was just a little warmer and a little bit cleaner on a couple of those key stretches."
Holding off a midday charge
Evers looked like he might run away with the day almost from the opening gun, racking up over 26 pounds in the first period flipping a Berkley Havoc Pit Boss and winding a vibrating jig. Evers accounted for 13 of the 47 fish recorded during the period.
He eventually hit a lull midway through the second period, going nearly 90 minutes without a scorable fish. Sprague, meanwhile, went on a run, putting 8-9 on the scales to pull within 4 pounds of Evers just before the period break.
The Texas pro was haunted by a couple of near-misses on fish that he estimated to be in the 7-pound range.
"I had the chances, but I couldn't execute on a couple of pretty key bites," Sprague said. "I can't complain too much, I had a great week, but I'd like to have a couple of those bites back."
Evers stomped on the gas in the final period, adding seven fish for 21-5 in the final two-and-a-half hours after deciding to stay in his key area instead of moving.
Finishing out the Top 10
Jordan Lee finished sixth with 27-8, followed by Randall Tharp (17-3), Wesley Strader (9-11), Gary Klein (7-0) and Stephen Browning (6-2).
Next up for the MLF Bass Pro Tour
The 80-man Bass Pro Tour field will get a three-week break before heading to Raleigh, North Carolina March 26-31 for Stage Three on Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and Shearon Harris Reservoir.
For more information on the Major League Fishing schedule, anglers and rules, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com.

Connecticut’s Paul Mueller Wins Spotted Bass Slugfest At Lake Lanier, Georgia

Connecticut angler Paul Mueller celebrates with his family after winning the Toyota Bassmaster Elite At Lake Lanier with a four-day total of 69 pounds.

                                                                                                                                                      Photo by B.A.S.S. / Seigo Saito
Feb. 17, 2019

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Former B.A.S.S. Nation Champion Paul Mueller proved he belongs in the big leagues of professional fishing by winning a spotted bass shootout on Georgia’s Lake Lanier. Mueller earned $100,000 by winning the Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier today.

Desperate to fill out his five-bass limit with bigger spotted bass, Mueller returned to a deep ridge that had produced most of his big spotted bass on previous days. There, he managed to dredge up two big spotted bass that pushed him ahead of Texas angler Chris Zaldain by less than a pound.

“I struggled today,” Mueller said. “I had run out of options, so I went back to my primary spot and caught a 5 1/4 (pounder) and then a 4. Without those two fish, I don’t win.”

Mueller had 18 pounds, 8 ounces for the day, giving him a four-day total of 69-0. It could have been even more. “There were still fish on that spot when I left,” he added. “At the end of the day, I lost a couple of big ones. I could have had a 20-something bag today.”

He described the structure as a large, underwater ridge with two shallower areas on top and very deep water on each side. He caught most of his spotted bass the first day on a Reins Bubbling Shad on a Do It Molds Freestyle Jighead, but the big producer the rest of the time was a 3 1/4-ounce Reins Fat Rockvibe Shad Swimbait on a 1/2-ounce herring head underspin jighead with the spinner removed.

“Who would have thought you could win this tournament — a blueback herring tournament — off of one spot?” he said. In fisheries where the nomadic herring are a main staple of bass diet, spotted bass are notorious for leaving their holding areas unexpectedly and en masse.

That happened to Zaldain, who also had to contend with a wind shift today that moved his schools of bass. A sudden drop of temperatures into the low 40s didn’t help.

“I fished long, sloping points all week and had to switch to western banks today because of the east wind,” he said.

Zaldain was the leader with 51-9 going into Championship Sunday, when only the Top 10 finalists competed, but he fell short with a 16-9 limit today that included two smaller bass. He alternated between a 3-inch Megabass Spark Shad swimbait on a 3/8-ounce jighead and a 3/8-ounce drop shot with a 3-inch Megabass Hazedong Shad.

Unlike Mueller and Zaldain, the others in the Top 5, and most of those in the Top 10, fished crankbaits in shallow to medium depths, especially on shorelines and points in 38,000-acre Lake Lanier.

Keith Combs of Texas finished third with 66-1, earning a $20,000 payday that pushed him into the Millionaire’s Club of B.A.S.S. His career earnings now stand at $1,001,635. He alternated between Strike King crankbaits and a 6-inch shaky head worm and followed a “run-and-gun” pattern to try numerous spots during the day. “I didn’t stay anywhere long,” he said.

Second-round leader David Mullins of Tennessee dropped to fourth with 65-14 after his bigger fish in the backs of pockets deserted him, and Todd Auten of South Carolina moved up into fifth with 63-6.

The 75 pro anglers had high praise for the quality of fishing on Lake Lanier, which had never hosted an Elite Series event before. Several spotted bass heavier than 5 pounds were weighed in, but it was a 6-14 largemouth that earned Bill Lowen of Indiana the $1,500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award.

The 917 bass caught in the four-day tournament averaged more than 2 3/4 pounds, an amazing average for a spotted bass fishery. Also impressive, all 917 were released alive and returned to Lake Lanier.

Chris Johnston, a newcomer to the Elites from Canada, claimed the lead in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race after two events and earned $1,000. He finished 10th at Lanier and was second behind winner Rick Clunn in the Power-Pole Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River, Florida, last week.

Lee Livesay of Texas now leads the DICK’S Sporting Goods Rookie of the Year race, earning $500. The highest-scoring rookie at the end of the 10-event Elite season will collect the $10,000 ROY prize.

2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier 2/14-2/17
Lake Lanier, Gwinnett GA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

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

1.  Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT           20  69-00  100 $100,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 5   18-04     Day 3: 5   15-09     Day 4: 5   18-08
2.  Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          20  68-02   99  $25,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-15     Day 2: 5   16-06     Day 3: 5   18-04     Day 4: 5   16-09
3.  Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          20  66-01   98  $20,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-06     Day 2: 5   16-15     Day 3: 5   16-05     Day 4: 5   16-07
4.  David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN           20  65-14   97  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-12     Day 2: 5   19-06     Day 3: 5   14-02     Day 4: 5   14-10
5.  Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC          20  63-06   96  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   12-14     Day 3: 5   17-05     Day 4: 5   17-02
6.  Bill Weidler           Helena, AL              20  62-03   95  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-10     Day 2: 5   14-11     Day 3: 5   17-13     Day 4: 5   15-01
7.  Brandon Card           Knoxville, TN           20  60-04   94  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-15     Day 2: 5   13-12     Day 3: 5   16-06     Day 4: 5   14-03
8.  Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              20  59-13   93  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   13-12     Day 2: 5   18-11     Day 3: 5   14-03     Day 4: 5   13-03
9.  Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL          20  58-08   92  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   15-00     Day 3: 5   14-11     Day 4: 5   12-15
10. Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA 20  57-07   91  $16,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-01     Day 2: 5   16-09     Day 3: 5   14-01     Day 4: 5   11-12
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
     Bill Lowen               Brookville, IN      06-14      $1,500.00

Pollard & Weldon pick up where they left off, Win ABT Lake Martin event


by Dan O’Sullivan

February 16, 2019 – Alexander City, Ala. – The 2019 Alabama Bass Trail’s Southern Division schedule kicked off with a bang on Lake Martin in Alexander City, Ala.  There had been much consternation about the conditions, and how the fish were going to bite, but as can be expected in an Alabama bass Trail event, the field produced with a strong showing.

When the weigh-in concluded and Wind Creek State Park on Saturday afternoon, a pair of familiar names found themselves atop the leaderboard.  John Pollard and Dallas Weldon, the 2018 Southern Division Points winners and overall ABT Anglers of the Year, had plopped 17.63 pounds of Lake Martin bass on the scales to take home the win. Not only did they earn the $10,000 first prize, but they also collected a slew of contingency money from ABT; including the Mountain Dew Big Bass for their 5.49-pound lunker, Phoenix Boats, Wedowee Marine, and Garmin; which brought their total earning for the day to $20,000.

The pair was proud to say the least.  “We’ve fished these for a long time, and we’ve done really well here, but haven’t been able to close out a win,” they said.  “To be able to finally win one of these, against a field like this means so much, and now that we can say we’ve won an ABT event; it’s pretty special.”

The longtime tournament partners said that they fished in a relatively small, three mile area of the lake.  They reported targeting largemouth by fishing every piece of cover they came across with a “crawdad colored,” 3/8-ounce Phenix Lures Football Jig tipped with a matching Zoom Creepy Crawler for a trailer.  “We had one fish at 11:00 and were starting to think about making a change, when we both caught good ones,” they said.  “That gave us the confidence we needed to keep hunting the bites we needed.  We culled a few times, and managed to pull it out; now we can move forward and focus on trying to repeat as AOY; we won’t change how we do things now.”

The second place team of ABT sponsor, Eric Morris of Wedowee Marine, and Ben Williamson “junk fished” their way to a 16.67-pound limit that earned them the $5,000 runner up prize.  “We had 15 rods on the deck and used them all,” they said.  “We caught them shallow, and we caught them 40 feet deep; we kept adjusting and made it work.  We work hard to find quality fish, and to put this together is really exciting.”

For Morris, the whole day was special.  “This really is a good day for us at Wedowee Marine overall,” said Morris.  “Our friends and customers won, finished second, and third – I couldn’t be happier to see people who trust us with their purchase do well; it’s really fun.”

The Southern Division of the Alabama Bass Trail hits the water next at Lake Jordan on March 30.

The Top 10 Standings are below, for complete standings, visit: https://www.alabamabasstrail.org/tournament-series/lm-results/

Place Team Weight Big Fish Winnings
1 John Pollard / Dallas Weldon 17.63 5.49 $10,000.00
2 Eric Morris / Ben Williamson 16.67 $5,000.00
3 Brannon Hurst / Mike Freeman 16.18 $4,000.00
4 Ken Walters / Jason Beasley 15.34 $3,000.00
5 Rob Lee / Steve Winslett 15.11 3.83 $2,000.00
6 Seth Johnston / Donnie Johnston 14.79 $1,500.00
7 Joey Aderhold /  Jonathan Collins 14.43 $1,100.00
8 Tony Hogan / Vernon Ward 14.31 $1,100.00
9 Myles Palmer / B.J. Barnett 14.17 $1,100.00
10 Marty Giddens / Josh Stracner 13.88 $1,100.00

 


Duckett Leads Top 10 Anglers into Championship Round of Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two Conroe presented by Favorite Fishing

CONROE, Texas (Feb. 16, 2019) - For the better part of the past year, Boyd Duckett has been "Mr. MLF" as he worked endlessly to establish the Major League Fishing® (MLF) Bass Pro Tour. But for the seven hours of competition in the Knockout Round of MLF Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two Conroe presented by Favorite Fishing, Duckett was "Mr. Consistency".
Duckett caught his first scorable bass 22 minutes into the competition at Lake Conroe and then steadily added fish to SCORETRACKER® throughout the morning and early afternoon, swimming a small worm. By the time Period 3 got underway, Duckett had already weighed 31 pounds, 14 ounces, and owned a 9-plus-pound lead on the field.
The Alabama pro would eventually finish the day with 38-5 on 21 fish, followed by Gary Klein (30-1), Edwin Evers (29-2), Brent Ehrler (28-12) and Jordan Lee (28-12).
"I've always been decent at compartmentalizing my fishing and my work, but I just couldn't make fishing the most important thing at Toho," Duckett admitted, referring to the MLF Bass Pro Tour's inaugural event in Florida two weeks ago. "Coming into this one, I told everybody that I was going to concentrate on my fishing. It's been nice to just be an angler at this event."
And Duckett the angler has been consistently stout on Conroe from Day 1. He recorded 46 fish in his first three rounds, despite spending the majority of each competition day either looking for new water, or guarding what he considers his best area.
"I like that this fishery is tough," Duckett said. "I've traditionally done well in events that are difficult to fish. You really have to figure out how to catch these fish, you can dial something in that's just a little bit different than what the other guys are doing."
Surviving the battle for the Championship 10
Randall Tharp (27-13), David Walker (27-10), Wesley Strader (27-5), Jeff Sprague (26-6) and Stephen Browning (25-13) filled out the Top 10 and will compete in the Championship. And while all five anglers endured their moments of stress, Browning had to work especially hard for his spot in the finals.
Entering the last 10 minutes of competition, Browning, Shin Fukae, Keith Poche, Andy Montgomery and Jonathan VanDam all sat within 14 ounces of each other in the race to make the 10 cut.
Poche hooked a fish with under 2 minutes to go - at the time trailing Fukae by just 3 ounces - but the fish was unscorable at 14 ounces. As it turned out, Browning was the angler who would ultimately experience the thrill of victory.
The Arkansas pro hooked a 3-4 with 30 seconds left in the round, pushing him from 12th place to 10th. And that meant that Fukae suffered the agony of defeat as he fell to 11th, 2-9 behind Browning.
"I'm still shaking," Browning said at the Berkley Postgame Show. "You go through the most emotional highs and lows in this format, and that's what makes it all so exciting."
Championship Round reset
The Championship 10 will head back out onto Lake Conroe on Sunday with weights zeroed, turning the battle for the championship trophy into a one-day dogfight. Strader, Lee and Evers have been the most consistent this week, recording the highest combined weights in their three competition rounds.
How, where & when to watch
Official live scoring updates are available via SCORETRACKER from the start of competition at 7:30 a.m. CT. The MLF NOW! Championship Sunday live stream begins at 10 a.m. CT, with on-the-water coverage following the action until the end of competition at 3:30 p.m. The MLF Berkley Postgame Show begins at 5 p.m.

Day 5

Place Angler Total Weight Total # Fish Avg Weight Largest Fish
1st Boyd Duckett 38 - 05 21 1 - 13 3 - 10
2nd Gary Klein 30 - 01 15 2 - 00 2 - 15
3rd Edwin Evers 29 - 02 14 2 - 01 4 - 11
4th Brent Ehrler 28 - 12 16 1 - 13 2 - 06
5th Jordan Lee 28 - 12 13 2 - 03 6 - 09
6th Randall Tharp 27 - 13 16 1 - 12 2 - 07
7th David Walker 27 - 10 11 2 - 08 6 - 03
8th Wesley Strader 27 - 05 13 2 - 02 3 - 09
9th Jeff Sprague 26 - 06 16 1 - 10 2 - 14
10th Stephen Browning 25 - 13 9 2 - 14 4 - 06
Elimination Line
11th Shin Fukae 23 - 04 11 2 - 02 2 - 13
12th Keith Poche 23 - 01 11 2 - 02 3 - 00
13th Andy Montgomery 22 - 06 10 2 - 04 5 - 02
14th Jonathon VanDam 22 - 06 10 2 - 04 3 - 11
15th Adrian Avena 21 - 15 12 1 - 13 2 - 14
16th Gerald Spohrer 21 - 02 12 1 - 12 3 - 05
17th Dean Rojas 20 - 05 10 2 - 00 2 - 12
18th Matt Lee 20 - 04 7 2 - 14 7 - 05
19th Mark Rose 19 - 13 11 1 - 13 3 - 02
20th Bobby Lane 19 - 05 11 1 - 12 4 - 06
21st Greg Hackney 18 - 03 9 2 - 00 2 - 14
22nd Jason Christie 17 - 09 10 1 - 12 2 - 15
23rd Skeet Reese 17 - 07 10 1 - 12 3 - 02
24th Todd Faircloth 17 - 05 8 2 - 03 4 - 08
25th Mark Davis 16 - 05 8 2 - 01 3 - 06
26th Randy Howell 16 - 00 8 2 - 00 3 - 07
27th Alton Jones 15 - 05 9 1 - 11 2 - 09
28th Alton Jones Jr. 15 - 03 8 1 - 14 5 - 12
29th Bradley Roy 15 - 02 7 2 - 03 3 - 00
30th Dave Lefebre 14 - 02 9 1 - 09 2 - 08
31st Kevin VanDam 14 - 02 7 2 - 00 4 - 14
32nd Justin Atkins 13 - 05 7 1 - 14 3 - 10
33rd Andy Morgan 12 - 10 5 2 - 08 3 - 01
34th Fletcher Shryock 11 - 12 8 1 - 08 2 - 01
35th Jeff Kriet 10 - 02 4 2 - 08 4 - 11
36th Zack Birge 8 - 15 4 2 - 04 2 - 14
37th Jared Lintner 7 - 11 4 1 - 15 2 - 13
38th Brett Hite 6 - 13 4 1 - 11 3 - 02
39th Casey Ashley 3 - 04 1 3 - 04 3 - 04
40th Chris Lane 2 - 12 1 2 - 12 2 - 12

Zaldain Takes Lead Heading Into Final Day Of Toyota Bassmaster Elite At Lake Lanier

Texas angler Chris Zaldain leads going into Championship Sunday of the Toyota Bassmaster Elite At Lake Lanier with a three-day total of 51 pounds, 9 ounces.

                                                                                                                                                      Photo by B.A.S.S. / Seigo Saito

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — For Chris Zaldain, this week has been an exercise in extreme patience.

The California native, who is fishing his eighth season on the Bassmaster Elite Series, said many of his casts have been taking an excruciating five minutes from start to finish as he targets spotted bass suspended in 40 to 60 feet of water.

But his patience has paid off, as he’s built a three-day total of 51 pounds, 9 ounces, including a Saturday catch of 18-4 that lifted him into first place at the Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier.

Zaldain will lead the Top 10 remaining pros into Championship Sunday, with a $100,000 first-place paycheck on the line.

“From the time I cast my bait, let it sink and reel it all the way back to my rod tip, it’s literally taking me up to five minutes,” said Zaldain, who now lives in Fort Worth, Texas. “You have to do that simply because the fish are really picky. You can’t fish fast at all, or you won’t get a bite.”

Zaldain is fishing near Buford Dam on the lower end of Lake Lanier in water that he said is only 47 degrees. Having fished ultradeep, ultraclear water in California, he knew coming into the week that’s where the lake’s biggest spotted bass would be.

“I’m fishing deeper than most everybody else,” Zaldain said. “I truly believe that’s where the biggest spots live because it’s the deepest, bluest, clearest water on the lake.

“They suspend out in those deep trees — and when they begin feeding to get ready for the spawn, they pull up to the depth zone I’m targeting.”

Zaldain’s catch of 18-4 was his biggest of the week. But he doesn’t think duplicating that catch on Sunday will be enough to help him win.

He believes a 20-pound catch is “more than doable” on the lake — and he says the conditions could be shaping up perfectly for it to happen. The Sunday forecast calls for a high of 49 degrees with a 90-percent chance of rain.

“That’s exactly how it was when I had my best day in practice,” Zaldain said. “I keep checking those spots where I caught them really good in practice, and they haven’t been there.

“Maybe it ends up being one of those magical weeks where they start showing up on my best stuff on the last day.”

Zaldain can’t afford to stumble, with veteran pros like David Mullins of Tennessee (51-4), Paul Mueller of Connecticut (50-8) and Keith Combs of Texas (49-10) all within easy striking distance.

After catching 17-12 and 19-6 the first two days, Mullins slipped a bit Saturday. But even as his game plan cooled, he still managed to catch 14-2.

“I actually caught as many today as I did yesterday,” Mulllins said. “But every fish I ‘laid back on’ was a lot smaller.”

Like many other anglers in the field, Mullins admitted the Lake Lanier bass are nearly impossible to predict from one day to the next.

“The fish weren’t as bunched up today as they were yesterday,” Mullins said. “It’s one of those things where you wonder, ‘Is it a cloud deal? Is it a rain deal?’ If that’s case, tomorrow I’m going to bust them. If it’s because the fish are moving out and going somewhere else, then we’re going to have to relocate them somewhere.”

Mueller, who has a wealth of experience fishing in similar fisheries and weather conditions in northern climates, said the weather played a major role in what happened Saturday.

“When I felt that air temperature get colder today, I kind of knew something was different about the fishing,” Mueller said. “After that, they would peck at it. They would follow the bait. But it was really hard getting a hook in them.”

Combs is one of the few anglers who has relied heavily on a shallower bite this week, and it’s paid off with consistent catches of 16-6, 16-15 and 16-5.

“It’s definitely not easy,” Combs said. “When we had the wind and the clouds this morning, I thought my patterns would really work. But I tried everything I had, and I had only caught one fish before 11:30.

“I only had six keepers for the day.”

Indiana pro Bill Lowen caught 14-8 Saturday and failed to qualify for Championship Sunday. But he maintained his lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week with the 6-14 largemouth he caught Thursday.

The tournament will conclude Sunday, with the Top 10 remaining anglers taking off from Laurel Park at 6:45 a.m. ET. The final weigh-in will take place at Coolray Field at 4 p.m.

During the day Sunday at Coolray Field, the Elite Series Expo at Coolray Field offers fishing fans an opportunity to check out the latest tackle and visit family-friendly activities such as Get Hooked on Fishing presented by Toyota and Shakespeare, from noon to 2 p.m. Get Hooked on Fishing includes casting lessons, a kids’ fishing pond and chances to meet the Elite pros.

2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier 2/14-2/17
Lake Lanier, Gwinnett  GA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          15  51-09  100
  Day 1: 5   16-15     Day 2: 5   16-06     Day 3: 5   18-04
2.  David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN           15  51-04   99
  Day 1: 5   17-12     Day 2: 5   19-06     Day 3: 5   14-02
3.  Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT           15  50-08   98
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 5   18-04     Day 3: 5   15-09
4.  Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          15  49-10   97
  Day 1: 5   16-06     Day 2: 5   16-15     Day 3: 5   16-05
5.  Bill Weidler           Helena, AL              15  47-02   96
  Day 1: 5   14-10     Day 2: 5   14-11     Day 3: 5   17-13
6.  Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              15  46-10   95
  Day 1: 5   13-12     Day 2: 5   18-11     Day 3: 5   14-03
7.  Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC          15  46-04   94
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   12-14     Day 3: 5   17-05
8.  Brandon Card           Knoxville, TN           15  46-01   93
  Day 1: 5   15-15     Day 2: 5   13-12     Day 3: 5   16-06
9.  Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA 15  45-11   92
  Day 1: 5   15-01     Day 2: 5   16-09     Day 3: 5   14-01
10. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL          15  45-09   91
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   15-00     Day 3: 5   14-11
11. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL           15  45-07   90  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 5   12-13     Day 3: 5   15-15
12. Drew Cook              Midway, FL              15  45-04   89  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   14-00     Day 3: 5   15-06
13. Shane Lineberger       Lincolnton, NC          15  44-08   88  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 5   15-05     Day 3: 5   14-13
14. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC           15  44-05   87  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   11-00     Day 2: 5   16-08     Day 3: 5   16-13
15. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX            15  44-02   86  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   13-13     Day 2: 5   15-12     Day 3: 5   14-09
16. Randy Sullivan         Breckenridge, TX        15  43-13   85  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-11     Day 2: 5   12-13     Day 3: 5   15-05
17. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL            15  43-08   84  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 5   15-13     Day 3: 5   14-08
18. Jesse Tacoronte        Kissimmee, FL           15  43-03   83  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   12-05     Day 3: 5   15-00
19. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA              14  42-15   82  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 4   11-05     Day 3: 5   14-15
20. Brian Snowden          Reeds Spring, MO        15  42-11   81  $10,000.00
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   13-15     Day 3: 5   14-04
21. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX              15  42-07   80   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-07     Day 2: 5   13-04     Day 3: 5   13-12
22. Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC         15  42-06   79   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   11-13     Day 3: 5   13-13
23. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN          15  42-01   78   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-15     Day 2: 5   11-10     Day 3: 5   14-08
24. Chad Morgenthaler      Reeds Spring, MO        15  41-15   77   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-13     Day 2: 5   16-03     Day 3: 5   13-15
25. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX             15  41-10   76   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   11-00     Day 3: 5   13-14
26. Seth Feider            New Market, MN          15  41-10   75   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-02     Day 2: 5   14-04     Day 3: 5   14-04
27. Hunter Shryock         Newcomerstown, OH       15  41-04   74   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-15     Day 2: 5   12-13     Day 3: 5   13-08
28. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ              15  40-08   73   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   12-07     Day 3: 5   12-11
29. Rick Morris            Lake Gaston, VA         14  40-06   72   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   17-06     Day 2: 4   10-04     Day 3: 5   12-12
30. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA            15  39-06   71   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-05     Day 2: 5   14-10     Day 3: 5   11-07
31. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL              15  39-04   70   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   14-04     Day 3: 5   12-04
32. Mike Huff              Corbin, KY              15  37-01   69   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-11     Day 2: 5   14-01     Day 3: 5   09-05
33. Yusuke Miyazaki        Forney, TX              14  36-05   68   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-01     Day 2: 5   13-00     Day 3: 4   08-04
34. Garrett Paquette       Canton, MI              12  35-04   67   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-08     Day 2: 5   16-14     Day 3: 2   04-14
35. Randy Pierson          Oakdale, CA             15  34-10   66   $7,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   11-15     Day 3: 5   08-03

Knockout Round is Set as 20 More Anglers Advance out of Elimination on Lake Conroe

Edwin Evers piled 28 pounds, 12 ounces on SCORETRACKER to advance to the Knockout Round. Photo by Josh Gassmann

CONROE, Texas – Elimination Round 2 at the MLF Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two Conroe presented by Favorite Fishing ended with some familiar names on top of the SCORETRACKER leaderboard: Jordan Lee, Edwin Evers and Andy Montgomery.

Lee and Montgomery entered the day 1-2, and Evers made a move early in the day to put himself well inside the Elimination Line. But while the three enjoyed relatively stress-free days with totals of 47 pounds, 10 ounces, 39-15 and 39-9, respectively, roughly a dozen anglers fighting for their competitive lives around the Elimination Line had exactly the opposite experience:

-Brett Hite landed a 2-4 on his last cast of the day to leap from 21st to 19th and into his first MLF Knockout Round.

“I’m going to take a breather on that one,” Hite said as he flopped on his front deck immediately after the “lines out” call from his official. Hite covered his face with his hat and took a minute to catch his breath, and then went into celebration mode when it was confirmed that he was indeed in the Knockout Round.

“That was probably the most stressful last couple of hours of fishing in my life,” Hite said once he we upright again. “I kept my head down the whole time, and I knew I’d get a bite sooner or later. I cast up under a boat dock, cranked three times and that fish just KOd it.”

Randall Tharp connected with two 4-pounders to advance. Photo by Garrick Dixon

-Randall Tharp, who started the morning in fifth place, tapped a 4-1 just 20 minutes into the morning, and then didn’t add another fish to SCORETRACKER until there was 40 minutes left in the final period. That second bite, though, was the right one: a 4-4 that cemented Tharp at 17th.

“It was extremely tough today,” Tharp admitted. “I caught that 4-pounder first thing in the morning, and thought ‘Man, what a great start, let’s build on this’. But as far as I’m concerned, I’m in first place now with the weights zeroing. I know I’m catching the right ones, and I’m having fun fishing the way I love to fish.”

-Zack Birge started the day in 20th place, and spent the majority of the first two periods ping-ponging between 17th and 20th, battling Justin Lucas, Stephen Browning, Gary Klein, Mike McClelland and James Elam to stay above the Elimination Line. Birge put together a four-fish flurry over the first 20 minutes of the final period to add 12-8 to his total. Birge finished the day in seventh place.

“I fished that area first thing in the morning, and then left it for four or five hours,” Birge said. “I went back there hoping that some fish had moved in, and they had.”

-Justin Lucas jumped into the Top 20 with 13-9 in the first period, but then slowed down in the second period, and finally stalled over the last half of the day. The Alabama pro didn’t put a scorable fish on the scale over the final 3 ½ hours of competition and fell to the dreaded 21st spot with 26-11 (7 ounces behind Gary Klein, who earned the final spot in the Knockout Round).

“I was catching them good the first two periods, never caught a keeper in the third period, and have no idea why,” Lucas admitted. “It feels terrible. I hope everybody finishes 21st at some point. They need to know what that feels like. It’s not fun.”

Knockout Round need-to-know

Weights zero out tomorrow for the Knockout Round, which pits the Top 20 anglers from both A and B groups in a one-day battle for the Top 10 weights of the day. Those 10 anglers will compete in the Championship Round on Sunday.

How, where & when to watch

Official live scoring updates are available via SCORETRACKER from the start of competition at 7:30 a.m. CT. The MLF NOW! live stream begins at 10 a.m. CT, with on-the-water coverage following the action until the end of competition at 3:30 p.m. The MLF Berkley Postgame Show begins at 5 p.m.


Mullins Remains Consistent, Grabs Lead At Toyota Bassmaster Elite At Lake Lanier

Tennessee's David Mullins leads the semifinal round of the Toyota Bassmaster Elite At Lake Lanier with a two-day total of 37 pounds, 2 ounces.

                                                                                                                                                      Photo by B.A.S.S. / Seigo Saito
Feb. 15, 2019

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — With each day that passes, Tennessee angler David Mullins sounds more and more confident about his current situation.

He’s learning Lake Lanier’s spotted bass, and it shows in the standings.

After catching 17 pounds, 12 ounces during Thursday’s opening round, Mullins topped that mark Friday with 19-6 and now leads the Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier with a two-day
total of 37-2.

While some anglers have struggled to stay on top of the fishery’s nomadic spotted bass, Mullins has remained consistent — and he still believes he can do better.

“For a while today, I felt like I was ledge fishing,” said Mullins, who had numerous stretches Friday when he caught bass one after another for several minutes. “This is the first day that I’ve
caught multiple fish off a spot.

“It seemed like they grouped up better today.”

Blueback herring are one of the main forage species on Lake Lanier — and as they move around
the lake in large schools, the predatory spotted bass move with them. That means an angler can often catch bass on a spot one day and find they’ve disappeared the next.

But evidence emerged late Friday that Mullins may have developed a more distinct and reliable pattern than many of the other 74 anglers in the field. Around 2 p.m., he caught a 4-pound bass in the same place he caught a 4-pounder the previous day.

He was confident enough what he was doing that he only used one bait all day long.

“I’ve got a rotation now,” he said. “I think I’ve got a clue of what’s going on. The one bait that I’m using is something I have confidence in.

“It’s the one I’m gonna ride or die with.”

Mullins is one of many anglers who have compared Lanier’s hefty spotted bass to smallmouth bass. He’s accustomed to chasing smallmouth on Tennessee fisheries like Cherokee Lake, while
Connecticut’s Paul Mueller has spent his life catching them on northern fisheries — sometimes even through the ice.

After landing 16-11 Thursday, Mueller added 18-4 Friday and moved into second place with 34-15. He said the key right now is keeping an open mind.

“I had a game plan for what I was going to do today — similar to what I did yesterday — and that didn’t work out,” Mueller said. He reverted to techniques and patterns that had paid off for him in practice sessions earlier in the week,“ and it started happening.

“These fish are different. You’ll catch them one day, and they’ll just change. You can’t be set on what you’re going to do, or you’ll be disappointed.”

Mueller said his Garmin Panoptix (sonar) with Livescope allowed him to see how the bass are reacting to the baits he’s using. With Livescope, he said, he can “see” the fish in real time and even gauge their “mood.”

“I think these bass get a lot of pressure,” Mueller said. “So when I say the Livescope allows me to tell their ‘mood,’ I’m being 100 percent serious.

“These fish are boat-shy. It’s an incredible advantage to see how they react to certain baits, whether they come up to the bait or whether they spook.”

Texas angler Keith Combs — one of the most noted power-fishing largemouth specialists in the sport — is in third place with 33-5. He caught 16-15 Friday and came in lamenting what might
have been after losing a spotted bass he estimated was in the 5- to 6-pound range.

“It was like a 20-second fight,” Combs said. “I can see it in my head because it was swimming so slow at the top of the water, just whipped. It was a fish that never in a million years should have come off, but it did.

“That probably burned me for 2 1/2 pounds today. It was like losing a 10-pound largemouth.”

Chris Zaldain of Fort Worth, Texas is tied with Combs for third with 33-5.

Indiana angler Bill Lowen kept his lead in the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week with the 6-14 largemouth he caught Thursday. Friday’s biggest fish was a 5-6 spotted bass caught by Arkansas pro Stetson Blaylock.

The Top 35 remaining anglers will fish again Saturday, with takeoff scheduled for 6:45 a.m. ETfrom Laurel Park. The weigh-in, which was held at Laurel Park the previous two days, will move Saturday and Sunday to Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, Ga., at 4 p.m.

After Saturday’s round, only the Top 10 anglers will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance to compete for the $100,000 first-place prize.

2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier 2/14-2/17

Lake Lanier, Gwinnett  GA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

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

1.  David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN           10  37-02  100
  Day 1: 5   17-12     Day 2: 5   19-06
2.  Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT           10  34-15   99
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 5   18-04
3.  Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          10  33-05   98
  Day 1: 5   16-06     Day 2: 5   16-15
3.  Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX          10  33-05   98
  Day 1: 5   16-15     Day 2: 5   16-06
5.  Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              10  32-07   96
  Day 1: 5   13-12     Day 2: 5   18-11
6.  Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA 10  31-10   95
  Day 1: 5   15-01     Day 2: 5   16-09
7.  Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL          10  30-14   94
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   15-00
8.  Garrett Paquette       Canton, MI              10  30-06   93
  Day 1: 5   13-08     Day 2: 5   16-14
9.  Drew Cook              Midway, FL              10  29-14   92
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   14-00
10. Brandon Card           Knoxville, TN           10  29-11   91
  Day 1: 5   15-15     Day 2: 5   13-12
11. Shane Lineberger       Lincolnton, NC          10  29-11   90
  Day 1: 5   14-06     Day 2: 5   15-05
12. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX            10  29-09   89
  Day 1: 5   13-13     Day 2: 5   15-12
13. Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL           10  29-08   88
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 5   12-13
14. Bill Weidler           Helena, AL              10  29-05   87
  Day 1: 5   14-10     Day 2: 5   14-11
15. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL            10  29-00   86
  Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 5   15-13
16. Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC          10  28-15   85
  Day 1: 5   16-01     Day 2: 5   12-14
17. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX              10  28-11   84
  Day 1: 5   15-07     Day 2: 5   13-04
18. Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC         10  28-09   83
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   11-13
19. Randy Sullivan         Breckenridge, TX        10  28-08   82
  Day 1: 5   15-11     Day 2: 5   12-13
20. Brian Snowden          Reeds Spring, MO        10  28-07   81
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   13-15
21. Jesse Tacoronte        Kissimmee, FL           10  28-03   80
  Day 1: 5   15-14     Day 2: 5   12-05
22. Yusuke Miyazaki        Forney, TX              10  28-01   79
  Day 1: 5   15-01     Day 2: 5   13-00
23. Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA               9  28-00   78
  Day 1: 5   16-11     Day 2: 4   11-05
24. Chad Morgenthaler      Reeds Spring, MO        10  28-00   77
  Day 1: 5   11-13     Day 2: 5   16-03
25. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA            10  27-15   76
  Day 1: 5   13-05     Day 2: 5   14-10
26. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ              10  27-13   75
  Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   12-07
27. Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX             10  27-12   74
  Day 1: 5   16-12     Day 2: 5   11-00
28. Hunter Shryock         Newcomerstown, OH       10  27-12   73
  Day 1: 5   14-15     Day 2: 5   12-13
29. Mike Huff              Corbin, KY              10  27-12   72
  Day 1: 5   13-11     Day 2: 5   14-01
30. Rick Morris            Lake Gaston, VA          9  27-10   71
  Day 1: 5   17-06     Day 2: 4   10-04
31. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN          10  27-09   70
  Day 1: 5   15-15     Day 2: 5   11-10
32. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC           10  27-08   69
  Day 1: 5   11-00     Day 2: 5   16-08
33. Seth Feider            New Market, MN          10  27-06   68
  Day 1: 5   13-02     Day 2: 5   14-04
34. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL              10  27-00   67
  Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   14-04
35. Randy Pierson          Oakdale, CA             10  26-07   66
  Day 1: 5   14-08     Day 2: 5   11-15
36. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL         10  26-02   65   $5,000.00
  Day 1: 5   12-07     Day 2: 5   13-11
37. Shane LeHew            Catawba, NC             10  25-14   64   $5,000.00
  Day 1: 5   10-06     Day 2: 5   15-08
38. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC          10  25-14   63   $5,000.00
  Day 1: 5   12-08     Day 2: 5   13-06
39. Rob Digh               Denver, NC              10  25-12   62   $5,000.00
  Day 1: 5   10-13     Day 2: 5   14-15
40. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC              10  25-12   61   $5,000.00
  Day 1: 5   11-00     Day 2: 5   14-12
41. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX             10  25-10   60   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-03     Day 2: 5   14-07
42. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA          10  25-05   59   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-15     Day 2: 5   11-06
43. Skylar Hamilton        Dandridge, TN           10  25-05   58   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-15     Day 2: 5   13-06
44. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN        10  25-01   57   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-00     Day 2: 5   11-01
45. Derek Hudnall          Baton Rouge, LA         10  24-13   56   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 5   10-09
46. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland TX AUSTRALIA  9  24-08   55   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 4   11-08
47. Greg DiPalma           Millville, NJ           10  24-08   54   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-13     Day 2: 5   11-11
48. Jeff Gustafson         Keewatin Ontario CANADA  7  24-02   53   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   19-02     Day 2: 2   05-00
49. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA            10  23-05   52   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-04     Day 2: 5   12-01
50. Jason Williamson       Wagener, SC              9  23-05   51   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 4   11-04     Day 2: 5   12-01
51. Tyler Carriere         Youngsville, LA         10  23-01   50   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   09-05     Day 2: 5   13-12
52. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                 10  23-01   49   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-15     Day 2: 5   10-02
53. Kyle Monti             Okeechobee, FL           9  22-13   48   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-14     Day 2: 4   10-15
54. Chad Pipkens           Lansing, MI              8  22-11   47   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-12     Day 2: 3   07-15
55. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK            10  22-09   46   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-05     Day 2: 5   11-04
56. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         8  21-15   45   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 3   07-11
57. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              8  21-13   44   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-08     Day 2: 3   06-05
58. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA               10  21-10   43   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-14     Day 2: 5   09-12
59. Quentin Cappo          Prairieville, LA         8  20-12   42   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 3   06-03     Day 2: 5   14-09
60. Jay Yelas              Lincoln City, OR        10  20-08   41   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-01     Day 2: 5   09-07
61. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           7  20-07   40   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   15-02     Day 2: 2   05-05
62. Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             8  19-15   39   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-10     Day 2: 3   06-05
63. Harvey Horne           Bella Vista, AR          9  19-05   38   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   10-10     Day 2: 4   08-11
64. Jake Whitaker          Fairview, NC             9  19-03   37   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   10-02     Day 2: 4   09-01
65. Brett Preuett          Monroe, LA               8  19-02   36   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-07     Day 2: 3   07-11
66. Chris Groh             Spring Grove, IL         7  18-15   35   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 2   05-06     Day 2: 5   13-09
67. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL          9  18-15   34   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-11     Day 2: 4   06-04
68. David Fritts           Lexington, NC            8  18-12   33   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-09     Day 2: 3   07-03
69. Kelley Jaye            Dadeville, AL            8  18-01   32   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   09-10     Day 2: 3   08-07
70. Frank Talley           Temple, TX               7  17-07   31   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   12-04     Day 2: 2   05-03
71. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA             7  15-14   30   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 4   09-10     Day 2: 3   06-04
72. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              5  15-03   29   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 5   15-03
73. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                 7  15-03   28   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 4   10-13     Day 2: 3   04-06
74. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              7  14-14   27   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 4   08-07     Day 2: 3   06-07
75. Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK             6  12-13   26   $2,500.00
  Day 1: 5   11-03     Day 2: 1   01-10

Giant Bass Will Greet Anglers At Bassmaster Central Open On Toledo Bend Reservoir

Feb. 15, 2019

MANY, La. — Fireworks. That’s what anglers competing in the 2019 Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Toledo Bend can expect next week.

Less than 75 days into the year, the lake has already given up 22 largemouth over 10 pounds, with the biggest weighing 11.49 pounds. Plus, a 29.83-pound limit was weighed in during a recent couples tournament. And according to local anglers, it’s only going to get better.

“Fishing is so good right now, trucks are lined up a quarter-mile down the street from every launch ramp,” said Linda Curtis-Sparks, director of Sabine Parish Tourist Commission. “So, the timing really couldn’t be better for the event.”

The tournament is scheduled for Feb. 20-22, with daily takeoffs at 6:45 a.m. CT from Cypress Bend Boat Ramp, where daily weigh-ins will begin at 2:45 p.m. A bulging field of 218 boats will compete the first two days, with only the Top 12 pros and co-anglers advancing to Saturday’s final round.

Longtime Toledo Bend guide Jerry Thompson predicts the event will be epic.

“February is typically when the spawn kicks off for us, but we’ve had so many late-season cold fronts, the bass are a little slow to move shallow. That said, some fish will be on beds, but I think the monster limits will be caught from staging areas.”

There is no shortage of staging areas on the 185,000-acre reservoir. Thompson thinks the magic depth range will be between 8 and 15 feet, and that crankbaits and jigs will likely be responsible for the winning weight.

“If a guy wants to win this tournament, he will need to find a pile of prespawners, and they need to be big. It’s easy to catch a limit of 4-pounders right now, so I wouldn’t be content until there is 25 pounds swimming in the livewell,” Thompson said.

Some competitors may be intimidated by the muddy water flowing through Toledo Bend right now, but Thompson said that shouldn’t be an issue. “The lake has been so muddy for so long now, the fish are used to it. They are biting like they do when it’s just a little stained.”

Not only is the timing good for anglers looking to catch their personal best, but it is also perfect to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this storied fishery.

Construction of the Toledo Bend Dam, spillway and power plant began in 1964 and was completed in 1969. As the lake filled, the bass population exploded and caught the attention of Ray Scott. B.A.S.S. held a professional tournament competition on Toledo Bend for the first time in 1970 and has been back 15 times since.

The histories of the world’s largest tournament organization and this giant reservoir on the border of Louisiana and Texas have been interlocked for almost five decades.

“It’s like B.A.S.S. and Toledo Bend have been in a long-term marriage,” Curtis-Sparks explained. “With the guidance of B.A.S.S. to inspire more tournaments to be held here, we have cut hundreds of miles of boat roads and marked them with thousands of buoys for safe travel on the water. B.A.S.S. required event space for 400 anglers, as well as 200 rooms close together, so we renovated Cypress Bend Resort to meet these standards. B.A.S.S. even helped us design the boat launch area to better serve anglers. I’ll put it this way, we are building a Toledo Bend Museum, and B.A.S.S. will have its own section!”

Toledo Bend was the first fishery ever to be named No. 1 on Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes rankings two years in a row. Based on the predictions for this upcoming Basspro.comBassmaster Central Open, another historical milestone could be etched in the shared histories of B.A.S.S. and Toledo Bend.

This event will be hosted by the Louisiana Office of Tourism; Toledo Bend Lake County; Sabine River Authority; Cypress Bend Park Golf Resort, Spa, and Conference Center; and Discover DeSoto Parish Louisiana.


REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2019 COSTA FLW HIGH SCHOOL FISHING SUMMER CAMP

 

FLW and Costa Partner to Offer Students, Coaches and Parents a Summer Camp Experience of a Lifetime on shores of Kentucky Lake

BENTON, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2019) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) in partnership with Costa Sunglasses, announced today the second annual Costa FLW High School Fishing Summer Camp, scheduled for July 24-27 on the Murray State University campus, with daily activities on the shores of Kentucky Lake – the South’s Great Lake. The all-inclusive three-day camp is designed for serious high school anglers, parents and coaches who want to gain an edge on the competition by getting hands-on bass fishing experience alongside the biggest names in the industry.

For three action-packed days, attendees will be immersed in instruction from top professionals and industry executives. Students will learn the tools they need to take their fishing and fishing-career readiness to the next level, while parents and coaches learn what they can do to support them. FLW Tour headliners including former FLW Cup champion and Angler of the Year (AOY) Scott Martin, two-time AOY Bryan Thrift, FLW Tour leading money winner and three-time AOY David Dudley, fishing legends Jimmy Houston and Larry Nixon, Costa pros Russell Cecil and Todd Castledine, and many others will be on-site to provide personal instruction on a wide range array of topics for students and parents/coaches.

“The Costa FLW High School Fishing Summer Camp offers a lifetime of lessons for achieving excellence both on and off the water,” Martin said. “Kentucky Lake along with Murray State University provide the perfect backdrop for developing young, talented and hungry anglers. We believe great anglers are developed, not born, and this camp certainly helps to set young anglers up for success.”

Sessions offered at the camp include boating safety, seasonal techniques, electronics, lure and rod building, equipment basics, fish care and off-the-water necessities like building a social media following, career exploration and resume building for the outdoor industry. Courses offered for parents/coaches include best practices for sanctioned teams, optimizing individual and team performance, career readiness and fish care at weigh-ins.

“After the huge success of the inaugural Costa FLW High School Camp in 2018, we are even more excited about this upcoming year,” said Melinda Hays, Costa Bass Community Leader. “Costa knows that young anglers are the future of our sport, and we are committed to helping them become better stewards of our sport – both on and off the water. The camp is also extremely beneficial to parents and coaches of high school bass anglers. It provides ample networking opportunities and strategies to help teach and guide these young anglers.”

Following the week’s activities, campers are invited to put their skills to the test in the FLW Foundation benefit tournament. All proceeds from the tournament go toward High School Fishing scholarships to help less fortunate anglers and teams get out on the water. The tournament, held Saturday, July 27, on Kentucky Lake, features two divisions – a boat division and a kayak division – and one lucky camper will be selected to fish with an FLW Tour pro. Participants are eligible for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, with the winner taking home the Costa FLW High School Fishing Cup. The tournament entry fee is $200 per boat/kayak.

Registration for the Costa FLW High School Fishing Camp will close Saturday, June 30, or when the camp reaches capacity, whichever comes first. The inaugural camp filled within weeks of registration opening, so don’t delay. Cost for the camp is $300 per person, which includes all housing, meals and accommodations at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. To sign up for camp, visit https://bit.ly/2019CostaFLWCamp. Anglers that cannot attend camp but would like to fish the FLW Foundation tournament can register at https://bit.ly/2019FLWFoundationTourney.


Patrick Walters - Making a Name for Himself, Quickly

On this weeks AC Rookie Podcast Jason talks to Elite Series Rookie Patrick Walters prior to the Lake Lanier Elite Series event. Patrick is a former Carhartt College Angler and Opens Pro. Patrick talks about growing up in South Carolina and in the outdoors and how all that changed when he fished his first tournament at a young age. A great kid with a bright future in the sport! Check it out!


THREE WORLD CHAMPS, RENOWNED ILLUSTRATOR, NOTED TACKLE DESIGNER COMPRISE 2019 CLASS OF BASS FISHING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For Immediate Release – 2.14.19 – The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors announced this week that five individuals, each of whom has made a substantial mark on the sport of bass fishing, have been selected for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2019, with formal induction ceremonies taking place at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield on Thursday, September 19, 2019, includes three stars of professional bass fishing — Mark Davis of Mt. Ida, Ark., David Fritts of Lexington, N.C., and Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C. – along with noted artist/illustrator, the late Chris Armstrong, and the founder of Zoom Bait Company, the late Ed Chambers.

The inductees were nominated by supporters of the Hall of Fame and elected by a 30- member panel of sportfishing industry leaders, members of the outdoor media, professional anglers and current inductees of the Hall of Fame.

“All these men, in both what they have done and continue to do, reflect perfectly on the
Hall’s mission to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing,” said John Mazurkiewicz, vice president of the Hall of Fame Board and Nominations Committee chair. “We
are confident that the selection process first implemented last year helps ensure that we will continue to induct the most deserving bass fishing innovators and pioneers.”

The five will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame museum, which opened in November 2017 within the Wonders of Wildlife complex at the flagship Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield. On display in the museum are artifacts, photos and biographical information about 71 members of the Hall of Fame who have been inducted since 2001.

“Many have said the annual Bass Fishing Hall of Fame enshrinement dinner has become a must-attend event for anyone interested in bass fishing,” said Donald Howell, BFHOF Board president. “Last year’s event was sold out and we expect that this year’s class will draw an equally vibrant and star-studded crowd as we honor the newest members of the Hall of Fame.”

About the Class Of 2019

Mark Davis – Davis fished his first Bassmaster tournament at 23 years old, but by that point he’d been guiding on waters near his Arkansas home for a decade. He has continued to compete as a touring pro for more than three decades and has earned wins on multiple circuits. His three Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles put him in elite company, but he is best known for becoming the first pro to win the Bassmaster Classic and the AOY title in the same calendar year. That magical season earned him an invitation to the White House. His influence has been substantial on lure design and he has helped to popularize a number of products including the Bomber Fat Free Shad. He is also heavily involved in youth activities and most recently has led the Mt. Ida High School Fishing Club to numerous titles while contributing to the birth of the Arkansas Bassmaster High School Series.

David Fritts – Fritts is one of the handful of anglers who have won both the Bassmaster Classic and the FLW Championship (later renamed the Forrest Wood Cup), and he furthermore won the Angler of the Year title on both of those major circuits. While his five B.A.S.S. wins and six FLW Tour victories speak for themselves and provide an unimpeachable record, Fritts is perhaps better known as the leading deep cranking practitioner the sport has ever known. In an era when electronics were comparatively rudimentary, he dominated the offshore game. He contributed to the development of numerous products used in that pursuit and continues to be an innovator today.

Davy Hite – Davy Hite took a risk, giving up a rock-solid career in the SC National Guard to pursue his dream of becoming a professional angler. Over the course of twenty-four seasons he excelled, winning two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, the 1999 Bassmaster Classic and the 1998 FLW Forrest Wood Cup. His ledger includes eight Bassmaster victories along with the FLW Championship. After retiring from competition upon the conclusion of the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series season, Hite slid seamlessly into a new role as a co-host on Bassmaster LIVE and The Bassmasters TV show. Davy serves on the Board of Trustees for the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, a charitable organization whose mission is to provide the means for fathers to be great dads. He also donates his time to a number of other worthy organizations. Without a doubt, Davy considers his greatest accomplishment in life to be the two remarkable sons he and Natalie have been blessed to call their own.

Chris Armstrong – (1948 - 2014) During a career as a freelance artist that spanned over three decades, the incredibly prolific Chris Armstrong made bass fishing come to life for generations of anglers. He was raised in Florida and earned a degree at the Ringling School of Art before joining the staff of the Jacksonville Times- Union. He started contributing to B.A.S.S. publications in 1981 and went on to illustrate techniques, lures and the lifestyle of bass fishing for all of the sport’s leading publications. His work appeared in almost every issue of Bassmaster magazine for 30 years, and it has graced the pages of B.A.S.S. Times, In-Fisherman, Outdoor Life,Field & Stream, North American Fisherman, Western Outdoors and countless others. He illustrated numerous books on bass fishing and produced educational materials for both tackle retailers and manufacturers.

Ed Chambers – (1940 - 2018) While working full time selling and repairing jukeboxes and pinball machines, Ed Chambers turned his hobby of pouring plastic worms that he couldn’t find anywhere else into a business. That endeavor became the Zoom Bait Company, one of the most popular, respected and copied creators of soft plastics the sport has known. Chambers was integral in the development of numerous colors and lure styles that became industry staples, including “pumpkinseed,” the Brush Hog and the Super Fluke, and his products have contributed to literally millions of dollars in tournament winnings. He remained active in product development at Zoom well into his seventies. His other “hobby,” carving hand-made crankbaits, produced the “WEC” lineup of lures, which have become the most sought-after custom crankbaits in the fishing industry.


Strader Finishes on top of Elimination Round 1 at Conroe

Courtesy of Major League Fishing
CONROE, Texas (Feb. 14, 2019) - With the first Elimination Round of the Major League Fishing® (MLF) Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two presented by Favorite Fishing officially in the books, Wesley Strader can take a quick breath of relief and rest up for Saturday's Knockout Round.
Even more importantly, he can let his best water rest, too.
After adding 23 pounds to to his Shotgun Round total of 33-0 - bringing his two-day total to 56-0 - Strader heads into the semi-final round on top of the 40-man Group A, exactly 1 pound ahead of Bobby Lane (55-0). But Strader is quick to acknowledge that the competition has now become as much a game of strategy as of picking apart the water at Lake Conroe.
The East Tennessee pro summed it up best right after he put his last fish of Period 2 - a 4-4 - on SCORETRACKER®: "I don't care who passes me, I'm out of here," Strader said as he Power-Poled up and backed his way out of the narrow creek he had been fishing to go scout new water.
Strader would eventually add another three fish to his total in Period 3 to claim the top spot in the group, but used the entire period as a scouting exercise, hoping to find "the juice" for Saturday, when the weights zero.

"I looked around more than I fished today," Strader admitted. "I have a real specific (condition) I'm looking for - when I see it, I catch one about 75 percent of the time. But this thing I'm looking for is really hard to find, and I have to cover a lot of water on the trolling motor to find it. I feel like I can go behind guys and catch them, though, because I have a

Bobby Lane finished the Group A Elimination Round 1 in 
2nd place with 55-0, exactly 1 pound behind Strader's 56-0.

real specific bait that they really like. Hopefully I can make that work again on Saturday."

The majority of the Top 10 - most of whom were in good shape on SCORETRACKER when competition began, anyway - followed Strader's lead.
Brent Ehrler, Adrian Avena, Jason Christie and Bradley Roy all spent a good portion of their Elimination Round sniffing around Conroe in search of conditions and spots that they could exploit in the Knockout and Championship Rounds.
Surviving the Elimination Line
The handful of anglers battling for survival around the Elimination Line, though, had no such flexibility. Skeet Reese powered his way into the semi-final with a 25-pound day to finish 17th while Kevin VanDam clawed his way to 7-1 to stay just inside the Top 20 at 18th.
Greg Hackney and Dean Rojas claimed the final two spots in the Knockout Round, pushing Mike Iaconelli, Aaron Martens and Gerald Swindle out of the competition.
Elimination Round 2 set to be a brawl
The 40 anglers from Group B now get their second shot at Conroe for Elimination Round 2. This group - led by Jordan Lee, Andy Montgomery, David Walker, Jared Lintner and Randall Tharp - will see much milder weather conditions than Group A, with daytime highs hitting the 80-degree mark.
That means that bigger fish will likely be moving in. And with a tight grouping around the 20th spot - anglers 14 through 25 are separated by roughly 5 pounds - this race will likely see plenty of movement in the middle of the 40-man field.
"There are so many great anglers stacked up close together - with (the MLF) format and the ability to catch as many fish as you can, it's going to be a battle," said Randy Howell (18th with 11-4).
How/where to watch
Official live scoring updates are available via SCORETRACKER from the start of competition at 7:30 a.m. CT. The MLF NOW! live stream begins at 10 a.m. CT, with on-the-water coverage following the action until the end of competition at 3:30 p.m. The MLF Berkley Postgame Show begins at 5 p.m.

Group A

Place Angler Day 1 Day 2 Total Weight Day 1 Day 2 Total # Fish Avg Weight Largest Fish
1st Wesley Strader 33 - 00 23 - 00 56 - 00 18 11 29 1 - 15 4 - 04
2nd Bobby Lane 28 - 05 26 - 11 55 - 00 13 14 27 2 - 01 3 - 02
3rd Mark Rose 17 - 12 31 - 03 48 - 15 10 10 20 2 - 07 7 - 03
4th Fletcher Shryock 16 - 12 26 - 06 43 - 02 7 12 19 2 - 05 5 - 10
5th Brent Ehrler 33 - 12 8 - 01 41 - 13 15 5 20 1 - 15 2 - 02
6th Jason Christie 29 - 11 11 - 16 41 - 11 10 5 15 2 - 11 3 - 03
7th Adrian Avena 29 - 02 12 - 04 41 - 06 15 7 22 1 - 14 3 - 02
8th Alton Jones Jr. 15 - 06 26 - 00 41 - 06 8 10 18 2 - 04 5 - 12
9th Justin Atkins 16 - 01 24 - 02 40 - 03 8 8 16 2 - 08 5 - 00
10th Bradley Roy 29 - 04 10 - 03 39 - 07 12 5 17 2 - 04 2 - 14
11th Boyd Duckett 27 - 00 11 - 08 38 - 08 17 8 25 1 - 08 1 - 14
12th Alton Jones 18 - 06 19 - 09 37 - 15 7 9 16 2 - 06 4 - 00
13th Todd Faircloth 17 - 13 20 - 00 37 - 13 11 10 21 1 - 13 2 - 08
14th Jeff Kriet 26 - 03 9 - 13 36 - 00 13 6 19 1 - 13 2 - 06
15th Jonathon VanDam 18 - 03 16 - 16 35 - 03 7 6 13 2 - 12 4 - 00
16th Jeff Sprague 17 - 07 17 - 05 34 - 12 10 9 19 1 - 13 4 - 04
17th Skeet Reese 8 - 02 25 - 04 33 - 06 5 13 18 1 - 12 3 - 14
18th Kevin VanDam 25 - 12 7 - 01 32 - 13 14 5 19 1 - 10 1 - 13
19th Greg Hackney 17 - 02 14 - 09 31 - 11 8 7 15 2 - 02 2 - 10
20th Dean Rojas 12 - 14 18 - 08 31 - 06 6 8 14 2 - 04 3 - 06
Elimination Line
21st Mike Iaconelli 15 - 15 13 - 01 29 - 00 8 5 13 2 - 05 4 - 09
22nd Aaron Martens 11 - 02 16 - 03 27 - 05 5 6 11 2 - 07 6 - 05
23rd Gerald Swindle 21 - 03 5 - 10 26 - 13 7 2 9 2 - 15 3 - 03
24th Cliff Pace 14 - 10 11 - 14 26 - 08 9 5 14 2 - 00 3 - 14
25th Dustin Connell 5 - 08 20 - 07 25 - 15 3 7 10 2 - 06 4 - 10
26th Shaw Grigsby 12 - 14 12 - 07 25 - 05 7 7 14 1 - 13 3 - 04
27th Cliff Crochet 11 - 07 13 - 11 25 - 02 6 8 14 1 - 13 2 - 10
28th Anthony Gagliardi 13 - 02 11 - 01 24 - 03 5 6 11 2 - 04 2 - 07
29th Marty Robinson 8 - 14 13 - 16 22 - 14 5 7 12 1 - 14 2 - 13
30th Luke Clausen 8 - 14 10 - 15 19 - 13 4 5 9 2 - 03 2 - 11
31st Britt Myers 10 - 14 8 - 07 19 - 05 7 5 12 1 - 10 2 - 00
32nd Josh Bertrand 9 - 04 8 - 07 17 - 11 3 4 7 2 - 10 3 - 14
33rd Jacob Powroznik 11 - 10 5 - 07 17 - 01 6 3 9 1 - 14 2 - 08
34th Scott Suggs 5 - 15 10 - 04 16 - 03 3 6 9 1 - 13 2 - 09
35th Brent Chapman 8 - 11 6 - 05 15 - 00 5 4 9 1 - 11 2 - 06
36th Terry Scroggins 7 - 11 4 - 01 11 - 12 4 2 6 1 - 16 2 - 06
37th John Murray 4 - 12 5 - 10 10 - 06 1 3 4 3 - 05 2 - 02
38th Paul Elias 7 - 00 1 - 10 8 - 10 5 1 6 1 - 08 1 - 10
39th Brandon Palaniuk 7 - 03 0 - 00 7 - 03 3 0 3 2 - 06 2 - 13
40th Jesse Wiggins 0 - 00 2 - 11 2 - 11 0 2 2 0 - 11 1 - 06

Canadian Pro Gustafson Feels At Home In Georgia, Takes Lead At Bassmaster Elite

Courtesy of BASS

Photo by Seigo Saito

 

Feb. 14, 2019

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Jeff Gustafson said coming into this week that Lake Lanier on the
historic Chattahoochee River was probably his favorite fishery in the lower 48 United States.

Thursday didn’t do a thing to change his mind.

The 36-year-old first-year Elite Series pro from Keewatin, Canada, caught five bass that weighed
19 pounds, 2 ounces and took the lead in the Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier. He said
the lake reminds him of home — even though he is more than 2,000 miles away, fishing for
green spotted bass instead of brown smallmouth.

“Obviously, today was a lot more fun for me than last week when I had two fish to start out my
Elite Series career in Florida,” Gustafson said. “I’m not catching a lot of fish, but I got some good
ones today.”

Gustafson learned to love Lake Lanier last year when he finished seventh here in an FLW Tour
event. He said that prior knowledge told him what was swimming in the lake — but not how to
catch them this week.

“It’s completely different this year,” he said. “I didn’t catch fish off any of the places that I did
last year.

“But I like fishing for spots. These things act a lot like the smallmouths do up at Lake of the
Woods, where I live.”

Gustafson’s two biggest fish — both spotted bass in the 4-pound range — were the first two he
put in his livewell. His finesse tactics included a jerkbait, a swimbait and other lures he said
were “really no secret.”

His biggest obstacle of the day was the light line he’s using to target fish in the clear water. He
said he broke off two bass in brushpiles that could have helped him eclipse the 20-pound mark.

Gustafson’s bag topped a day that was dominated by healthy spotted bass that looked like they
had all swallowed footballs. David Mullins of Mount Carmel, Tenn., was second with 17-12,
followed by Virginia pro Rick Morris with 17-6 and Californian Chris Zaldain with 16-15.

Like Gustafson, Mullins said his experience with smallmouth — albeit on Tennessee’s Cherokee
Lake — played a role in his Day 1 success.

“This lake fishes a lot like home, where you have a window in the morning for about an hour
and half to two hours and then it kicks back up in the evening,” Mullins said. “It’s the same way
at home — and if you have wind, it seems like they’ll bite all day long.

“The wind just didn’t blow much today.”

Mullins wasn’t the only angler who said the flat, calm conditions made the fishing tougher
Thursday. Likewise, he wasn’t the only one excited about Friday’s forecast that calls for clouds,
increased winds and rain showers beginning around 1 p.m.

“If it stays cloudy with a low ceiling all day, I feel like I’m going to catch them,” Mullins said.
“When I don’t catch them is when it gets sunny and slick.”

Morris, a noted shallow-water expert, said he leaned on his background from Upstate New York
to find the Lake Lanier spots.

“I grew up with a spinning rod in my hand,” Morris said. “When I first went pro in the Opens, I
had all spinning rods on the deck — didn’t even know how to throw a baitcaster. I have
spinning-rod skills, and I had to apply them today.”

Though he said he’d rather be fishing fast, he used a slow finesse game Thursday around deep
structure.

“I caught probably a dozen fish,” Morris said, “so I feel pretty confident that I can go out and
probably catch 13 to 14 pounds tomorrow.”

One of the few big largemouth brought in Thursday belonged to Indiana pro Bill Lowen. It
weighed 6-14 and claimed the lead in the race for Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week.

Patrick Walters, who took the lead in the DICK’S Sporting Goods Rookie of the Year race last
week with a fourth-place finish on the St. Johns River, had another stellar day Thursday. The 24-
year-old South Carolina pro caught five bass that weighed 16-12 and finished tied for fifth place
with Ray Hanselman Jr.

“I came into the season thinking (Toyota Bassmaster) Angler of the Year,” Walters said. “If you
think like that — and fish like that — Rookie of the Year will take care of itself.” As the leader in
the DICK’S Sporting Goods Rookie of the Year race, Walters collected $500. He’ll get another
$500 if he retains the lead after this week’s Elite event, and $10,000 if he earns the crown at
season’s end.

Other bonus awards winners from the Power-Pole Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River last week
were Rick Clunn, who won $1,000 for being the Toyota AOY leader and John Crews Jr., who
collected the $1,500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for his 11-2 largemouth.

The tournament resumes Friday, with takeoff scheduled for 6:45 a.m. from Laurel Park in Hall
County and weigh-in back at the park at 3:10 p.m. Only the Top 35 anglers will advance to
Saturday’s semifinal round.

2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier 2/14-2/17
Lake Lanier, Gwinnett  GA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1.  Jeff Gustafson         Keewatin Ontario CANADA  5  19-02  100
  Day 1: 5   19-02   
2.  David Mullins          Mt Carmel, TN            5  17-12   99
  Day 1: 5   17-12   
3.  Rick Morris            Lake Gaston, VA          5  17-06   98
  Day 1: 5   17-06   
4.  Chris Zaldain          Fort Worth, TX           5  16-15   97
  Day 1: 5   16-15   
5.  Ray Hanselman Jr       Del Rio, TX              5  16-12   96
  Day 1: 5   16-12   
5.  Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC          5  16-12   96
  Day 1: 5   16-12   
7.  Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL            5  16-11   94
  Day 1: 5   16-11   
7.  Micah Frazier          Newnan, GA               5  16-11   94
  Day 1: 5   16-11   
7.  Paul Mueller           Naugatuck, CT            5  16-11   94
  Day 1: 5   16-11   
10. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  16-06   91
  Day 1: 5   16-06   
11. Todd Auten             Lake Wylie, SC           5  16-01   90
  Day 1: 5   16-01   
12. Brandon Card           Knoxville, TN            5  15-15   89
  Day 1: 5   15-15   
12. Bill Lowen             Brookville, IN           5  15-15   89
  Day 1: 5   15-15   
14. Drew Cook              Midway, FL               5  15-14   87
  Day 1: 5   15-14   
14. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           5  15-14   87
  Day 1: 5   15-14   
14. Jesse Tacoronte        Kissimmee, FL            5  15-14   87
  Day 1: 5   15-14   
17. Randy Sullivan         Breckenridge, TX         5  15-11   84
  Day 1: 5   15-11   
18. Jamie Hartman          Newport, NY              5  15-08   83
  Day 1: 5   15-08   
19. Brad Whatley           Bivins, TX               5  15-07   82
  Day 1: 5   15-07   
20. Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ               5  15-06   81
  Day 1: 5   15-06   
21. Gary Clouse            Winchester, TN           5  15-02   80
  Day 1: 5   15-02   
22. Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA  5  15-01   79
  Day 1: 5   15-01   
22. Yusuke Miyazaki        Forney, TX               5  15-01   79
  Day 1: 5   15-01   
24. Hunter Shryock         Newcomerstown, OH        5  14-15   77
  Day 1: 5   14-15   
25. Chad Pipkens           Lansing, MI              5  14-12   76
  Day 1: 5   14-12   
26. Bill Weidler           Helena, AL               5  14-10   75
  Day 1: 5   14-10   
27. Randy Pierson          Oakdale, CA              5  14-08   74
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
27. Brian Snowden          Reeds Spring, MO         5  14-08   74
  Day 1: 5   14-08   
29. Shane Lineberger       Lincolnton, NC           5  14-06   72
  Day 1: 5   14-06   
30. Derek Hudnall          Baton Rouge, LA          5  14-04   71
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
30. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  14-04   71
  Day 1: 5   14-04   
32. Brandon Lester         Fayetteville, TN         5  14-00   69
  Day 1: 5   14-00   
33. Caleb Sumrall          New Iberia, LA           5  13-15   68
  Day 1: 5   13-15   
34. Lee Livesay            Longview, TX             5  13-13   67
  Day 1: 5   13-13   
35. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  13-12   66
  Day 1: 5   13-12   
36. Mike Huff              Corbin, KY               5  13-11   65
  Day 1: 5   13-11   
37. Tyler Rivet            Raceland, LA             5  13-10   64
  Day 1: 5   13-10   
38. Garrett Paquette       Canton, MI               5  13-08   63
  Day 1: 5   13-08   
39. Ed Loughran III        Richmond, VA             5  13-05   62
  Day 1: 5   13-05   
40. Matt Herren            Ashville, AL             5  13-03   61
  Day 1: 5   13-03   
41. Seth Feider            New Market, MN           5  13-02   60
  Day 1: 5   13-02   
42. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland TX AUSTRALIA  5  13-00   59
  Day 1: 5   13-00   
43. Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                  5  12-15   58
  Day 1: 5   12-15   
44. Greg DiPalma           Millville, NJ            5  12-13   57
  Day 1: 5   12-13   
45. Steve Kennedy          Auburn, AL               5  12-12   56
  Day 1: 5   12-12   
46. Bernie Schultz         Gainesville, FL          5  12-11   55
  Day 1: 5   12-11   
47. Hank Cherry Jr         Lincolnton, NC           5  12-08   54
  Day 1: 5   12-08   
48. Drew Benton            Panama City, FL          5  12-07   53
  Day 1: 5   12-07   
49. Frank Talley           Temple, TX               5  12-04   52
  Day 1: 5   12-04   
50. Skylar Hamilton        Dandridge, TN            5  11-15   51
  Day 1: 5   11-15   
51. John Crews Jr          Salem, VA                5  11-14   50
  Day 1: 5   11-14   
51. Kyle Monti             Okeechobee, FL           5  11-14   50
  Day 1: 5   11-14   
53. Chad Morgenthaler      Reeds Spring, MO         5  11-13   48
  Day 1: 5   11-13   
54. David Fritts           Lexington, NC            5  11-09   47
  Day 1: 5   11-09   
55. Brett Preuett          Monroe, LA               5  11-07   46
  Day 1: 5   11-07   
56. Luke Palmer            Coalgate, OK             5  11-05   45
  Day 1: 5   11-05   
57. Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA             5  11-04   44
  Day 1: 5   11-04   
58. Jason Williamson       Wagener, SC              4  11-04   43
  Day 1: 4   11-04   
59. Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK             5  11-03   42
  Day 1: 5   11-03   
59. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX              5  11-03   42
  Day 1: 5   11-03   
61. Jay Yelas              Lincoln City, OR         5  11-01   40
  Day 1: 5   11-01   
62. Matt Arey              Shelby, NC               5  11-00   39
  Day 1: 5   11-00   
62. Brandon Cobb           Greenwood, SC            5  11-00   39
  Day 1: 5   11-00   
64. Rob Digh               Denver, NC               5  10-13   37
  Day 1: 5   10-13   
65. Koby Kreiger           Alva, FL                 4  10-13   36
  Day 1: 4   10-13   
66. Harvey Horne           Bella Vista, AR          5  10-10   35
  Day 1: 5   10-10   
67. Shane Lehew            Catawba, NC              5  10-06   34
  Day 1: 5   10-06   
68. Jake Whitaker          Fairview, NC             5  10-02   33
  Day 1: 5   10-02   
69. Kelley Jaye            Dadeville, AL            5  09-10   32
  Day 1: 5   09-10   
70. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA             4  09-10   31
  Day 1: 4   09-10   
71. Tyler Carriere         Youngsville, LA          5  09-05   30
  Day 1: 5   09-05   
72. Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY              4  08-07   29
  Day 1: 4   08-07   
73. Quentin Cappo          Prairieville, LA         3  06-03   28
  Day 1: 3   06-03   
74. Chris Groh             Spring Grove, IL         2  05-06   27
  Day 1: 2   05-06   
75. Cliff Prince           Palatka, FL              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00

What Wheeler Loves Most

Alan McGuckin from Dynamic Sponsorships

 

Saint Valentine was from Rome, and was known as a pro at courtly love. While Jacob Wheeler is from Indianapolis, and is known as one of the most accomplished pro anglers under the age of 30 to ever make a cast. Wheeler is also a brand new dad, and a guy who just generally loves life, and he was gracious enough to talk about all the things he loves most in life during a short Q & A interview on Valentine’s Day.

 

Q: Tell us how and where you met your wife Alicia.

JW:She’s originally from Erie, PA, but I met her through a buddy of mine named Mitch who is about to marry Alicia’s close friend. They were all in Columbus, OH, when we met. We’ve been married about 17 months.

 

Q: The two of you became brand new parents three weeks ago. What do you love most about being a father?

JW:I love the brand new perspective on life our baby Olivia gives me. I feel like she gives me a whole new purpose in life – because I know she is completely dependent on me. And I also love seeing the joy she brings my wife.

 

Q: What single fishing pattern and place do you love most in late February or early March?

JW:I’d probably choose Lake Hartwell, SC this time of year. I love fishing for bass that are grouped up in those underwater ditches that are 30 to 40-feet deep with an underhead spinner or small swimbait tied to 10-pound Sufix fluorocarbon.

 

Q: What TV show do you love most?

JW:I’ll give you two: Friends and Andy Griffith.

 

Q: What music do you love most?

JW:Mostly a mix of country, like Chase Rice, and hip hop, like Bazanji

 

Q: What meal do you love most?

JW:That’s easy! Sushi! I could eat sushi 6 days a week. Alicia and I had incredibly fresh sushi in Cabo, but we also love to hit a place called Naked Tchopstix in my hometown of Indy.

 

Q: What features of your Toyota Tundra do you love most?

JW:  I love the massive inside storage space the huge back seat on my CrewMax offers, plus the towing power of a Tundra is insane, and the dependability you get with a Toyota is second to none.

 

Q: How do you love to spend time at home in East Tennessee on a rare weekend off?

JW:It’s changed a lot recently with the birth of Olivia, but Alicia and I love to fish together on Chickamauga Lake, and grab some buffalo shrimp to eat at Arie’s restaurant.

 

Q: Last question, what two lures would you say you love to fish with the most?

JW:I’m a buzzbait fanatic, and it’s hard to beat a Rapala DT6 just about anywhere you go.


Whitaker, Walters, and Rivet – Carhartt College B.A.S.S. Degrees

Courtesy of Luke Stoner / Dynamic Sponsorships

 

Along with being Bassmaster Elite Series competitors Jake Whitaker, Patrick Walters, and Tyler Rivet have at least one other thing in common – they all competed against each other in Carhartt College B.A.S.S. tournaments, too. Whitaker (26) studied Civil Engineering at UNC Charlotte, Walters (24) was a double major at the University of South Carolina studying Business Management & Marketing, while Rivet (24) attended Nicholls State University in Louisiana and studied Petroleum Technology.

Not only did all three of these college-angling standouts graduate with a degree in their respective majors, they left their Alma Maters with a Master’s Degree in bass fishing. And none of them are afraid to credit Carhartt College B.A.S.S. competition in helping prepare them for fishing at the highest level. In fact, it’s now impossible to look at the Bassmaster Elite Series roster and ignore the college fishing experience for many of the young faces.

Professional anglers like Brandon Card, Andrew Upshaw, or Matt and Jordan Lee have proven that anglers coming from the college fishing ranks are for real. With each passing year, more and more former collegiate anglers are making a name for themselves, both in Bassmaster Opens and on the Elite Series. College fishing has begun to serve as feeder program for fishing at a professional level.

2019 marks Jake Whitaker’s sophomore season on the Bassmaster Elite Series where he hopes to build off his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2018. While both Tyler Rivet and Patrick Walters began their rookie seasons last week on the St. Johns River in Florida. We caught up with them at angler registration tonight to ask a few questions…

 

Q: What was the biggest lesson you learned from Carhartt College B.A.S.S. competition?

 Whitaker – “Learning to be diverse and learning to be confident in my abilities, even on lakes I had never been to.”

 

Walters – “ Learning to be versatile. In college I fished tournaments from Florida to Michigan and everywhere in between. If you wanted to excel at the college level you had to learn to be versatile.”

 

Rivet – “I’d have to say learning to fish my strengths as well as learning to be humble. We fished all over the country in college and it taught me you’re going to lose more than you win in bass fishing, but also to be confident in myself and to fish the way I like to.”

 

 

The 2019 Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier is the playing field for the anglers this week, so we quizzed these three with a couple questions to see how Lake Lanier was fishing.

 

Q: What are three lures you could see shining this week for the Toyota Bassmaster Elite on Lake Lanier?

Whitaker – “A crankbait, a finesse jig, and a small swimbait.”

 

Walters – “I would say a Rapala DT6 crankbait, a shakey head, and my darkhorse would be a spinnerbait.”

 

Rivet – “A shakey head, a drop shot, and a jerkbait.”

 

 

Q: Out of the 20 bass the winner weighs in, how many will be spotted bass and how many will be largemouth?

Whitaker – “I’m going to have to say 16 spotted bass and 4 largemouth. I think one big largemouth kicker a day will put you ahead here this week.”

 

Walters – “I’m thinking 18 spots and two kicker largemouth. If someone wins this thing with 20 largemouth bass – I’ll buy the whole Elite Series field dinner!”

 

Rivet – “All I’m catching is spotted bass, so I’d say it’ll be 20 spots.”


Sportsman’s Warehouse to Open Murfreesboro, Tennessee Store in Summer 2019

New location offers high quality, hunting, fishing and camping gear and apparel and top-level customer service to locals, www.sportsmans.com

MIDVALE, Utah, February 13, 2019 – Sportsman’s Warehouse (NASDAQ:SPWH), www.sportsmans.com, is planning to open a new store in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in the summer of 2019. The local community will have access to quality brand-name hunting, shooting sports, fishing, camping, apparel, and footwear merchandise along with the company’s well known, high-level of customer service. Sportsman’s takes pride in offering everyday low prices – backed by guaranteed, best prices. If a customer finds a lower price, they’ll beat it by 5%.

Known for its American Civil War history, the Stones River National Battlefield, Oaklands Mansion, and Connonsburby Village, Murfreesboro is just 34 miles from Nashville and one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. per census data posted at The University of Tennessee Knoxville. Throughout the year, locals enjoy archery, camping, hiking, shooting, off-road riding, fishing, and more, right in their own backyard.

“Since Murfreesboro’s population continues to rise quickly and is in 'the heart of Tennessee,' we can’t wait to provide residents in the area with the high-quality gear and expert insights they need to enjoy all of their favorite outdoor activities as quickly and easily as possible,” states Jon Barker, Sportsman’s Warehouse CEO.

The new Sportsman’s store will be over 30,000 square feet and located at The Oaks Shopping Center, 468 N. Thompson Lane. In a matter of months, local outdoor enthusiasts will be able to select from an incredible selection of over 60,000 items for region-specific activities and enjoy fun seminars, special events, instructional classes, discounts, and much more on a regular basis at the new location.

With the Murfreesboro opening, Sportsman’s Warehouse will soon have 93 stores in 23 states.

For more information about Sportsman’s Warehouse, visit www.sportsmans.com.

About Sportsman’s Warehouse
Founded in 1986, Sportsman’s Warehouse now operates 92 stores in 23 states as the largest, outdoor specialty store based in the Western United States and Alaska. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, we ensure you will always find quality, brand-name hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, apparel, and footwear merchandise within a local and convenient shopping environment. And with everyday low prices, passionate, friendly and knowledgeable associates, and educational in-store seminars and events, you’ll enjoy a memorable outdoor experience. For more information, visit www.sportsmans.com.


Lee Lays Claim to Shotgun Round Heavy Weight with 32-2 on Lake Conroe

Courtesy of Major League Fishing

CONROE, Texas – We’re starting to run out of superlatives to describe the competitive success of Jordan Lee.

Just two weeks after claiming the inaugural MLF Bass Pro Tour trophy at the Kissimmee Chain in Florida and two years removed from a Bassmaster Classic win on Lake Conroe, Lee arrived at this impoundment of the San Jacinto River with both momentum and history on his side.

Whether he relied on the former or the latter – or just simply fished the conditions in front of him – Lee finished the second Shotgun Round of the MLF Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two presented by Favorite Fishing with the heaviest weight of the day: 32 pounds, 3 ounces on 12 fish.

Lee wound a vibrating jig around the lower end of Conroe for most of the competition day, connecting with a consistent string of 2- and 3-pounders through the first period and then adding 14-12 to SCORETRACKER in Period 3 to overtake Andy Montgomery for the Phoenix Boats Daily Leader Award for the day.

“I’m still trying to ride the vibrating-jig wave from (the Kissimmee Chain),” Lee joked. “I’m addicted to it now. I threw a little Berkley squarebill and a spinnerbait too, but it was I was just feeling it with the vibrating jig today.”

Lee finished the day with a 4-5 and a 3-3, which leads him to believe that bigger fish might be moving in as waters warm.

“I feel like there’s better quality moving in,” Lee confirmed. “I’m encouraged by that. I’ll just keep doing what I did today and hope the bigger fish keep coming carries on for the rest of the week.”

Montgomery lands a monster

Montgomery, who finished with eight fish for 25-11, staked his claim to the lead as the final seconds ticked down on Period 1.

Montgomery hooked a giant fish as his boat official started the 10-count to the end of the round, and pulled the fish over the gunwale just as his official called “time’s up” for the period. It was deemed a legal catch: 9-6, easily the biggest fish caught in the two Shotgun Rounds and the Berkley Big Bass of the Day.

“It didn’t pull back that hard – it just loaded up and shook its head a couple of times,” Montgomery said. “I thought it was a 5-pounder when I saw him. It was pretty nerve-wracking though. I could hear my boat official counting, I could hear Matt Lee’s official counting because he was close to me and they were on different counts. I just did every darn thing I could to get my hands on that fish.”

Packed tight around the Elimination Line

The battle for Top 20 and a spot in Elimination Round 2 will be extra tight on Friday: less than 5 pounds separates Randy Howell in 18th (11-4) and James Elam in 30th (6-6).

Elimination Rounds begin Thursday

The 40 anglers from Group A are back on Lake Conroe Thursday morning for the first Elimination Round. Brent Ehrler, Wesley Strader, Jason Christie, Bradley Roy and Adrian Avena heads into the day at the top of the group. Places 14 through 25 – roughly the range of anglers flirting with the Elimination Line at 20th – are separated by roughly 5 pounds.

How/where to watch

Official live scoring updates are available via SCORETRACKER from the start of competition at 7:30 a.m. CT. The MLF NOW! live stream begins at 10 a.m. CT, with on-the-water coverage following the action until the end of competition at 3:30 p.m. The MLF Berkley Postgame Show begins at 5 p.m.

 

 

 

Shotgun Round – Group B

Rank Angler Total Weight Total # Fish Avg Weight Largest Fish
1st Jordan Lee 32 - 03 12 2 - 11 4 - 05
2nd Andy Montgomery 25 - 11 8 3 - 03 9 - 06
3rd David Walker 22 - 02 11 2 - 00 3 - 11
4th Jared Lintner 20 - 07 9 2 - 04 5 - 12
5th Randall Tharp 20 - 02 6 3 - 06 5 - 11
6th Dave Lefebre 19 - 07 12 1 - 10 2 - 09
7th Chris Lane 17 - 15 10 1 - 13 3 - 07
8th Mark Davis 17 - 13 9 1 - 16 3 - 04
9th Shin Fukae 17 - 10 6 2 - 15 5 - 10
10th James Watson 17 - 03 8 2 - 02 3 - 08
11th Andy Morgan 16 - 08 8 2 - 01 3 - 02
12th Takahiro Omori 16 - 04 9 1 - 13 2 - 15
13th Casey Ashley 15 - 03 8 1 - 14 3 - 04
14th Keith Poche 14 - 04 7 2 - 01 3 - 14
15th Gary Klein 14 - 02 7 2 - 00 2 - 13
16th Brett Hite 13 - 11 6 2 - 04 5 - 02
17th Gerald Spohrer 13 - 07 8 1 - 11 3 - 06
18th Randy Howell 11 - 04 5 2 - 04 3 - 13
19th Edwin Evers 11 - 03 5 2 - 04 2 - 15
20th Zack Birge 11 - 00 5 2 - 03 4 - 02
21st Ott DeFoe 10 - 15 6 1 - 13 3 - 01
22nd Mike McClelland 10 - 15 6 1 - 13 2 - 07
23rd Matt Lee 10 - 10 5 2 - 02 3 - 06
24th Stephen Browning 9 - 10 4 2 - 07 2 - 11
25th Ish Monroe 9 - 05 5 1 - 14 2 - 07
26th Michael Neal 8 - 11 5 1 - 12 1 - 15
27th Fred Roumbanis 8 - 04 4 2 - 01 2 - 06
28th Justin Lucas 7 - 06 4 1 - 13 2 - 04
29th Mark Daniels, Jr. 7 - 01 4 1 - 12 2 - 01
30th James Elam 6 - 06 3 2 - 02 2 - 15
31st Cody Meyer 6 - 03 3 2 - 01 3 - 15
32nd Russ Lane 6 - 02 3 2 - 01 3 - 01
33rd Roy Hawk 6 - 00 4 1 - 08 1 - 10
34th Greg Vinson 4 - 00 2 2 - 00 2 - 06
35th Brandon Coulter 3 - 11 2 1 - 13 2 - 03
36th Jacob Wheeler 3 - 09 2 1 - 12 1 - 15
37th Jason Lambert 1 - 15 1 1 - 15 1 - 15
38th Kelly Jordon 1 - 15 1 1 - 15 1 - 15
39th Tommy Biffle 1 - 03 1 1 - 03 1 - 03
40th Timmy Horton 1 - 02 1 1 - 02 1 - 02

AC Insider Podcast - "Made for TV or Made for the Fans?"

This week on the AnglersChannel Insider Podcast Chris & Jason get into discussions over Rick Clunn's Win on the St Johns, Who's Winning the "Live" game vs. the Fan Participation Game, Average fish catches, stats, stats & more stats. The boys talk with FLW Tour winner Buddy Gross on his win on Lake Toho and Chris prods Buddy on why Chickamauga is so freaking good and Buddy gives up a secret or two. Intern David joins the boys for the Costa Countdown to blastoff to talk Fantasy fishing & taking the boys money!


Tournament Team Blog - "Wheeler Dealer"

By Luke Estel

 

When it comes to any fishing tackle, we all want the latest and greatest. I myself am no different but there is just one small problem, money. I was looking at new graphs the other day and looked up the new Lowrance 16 inch and the Humminbird Solix 15 inch units. For the low price of $3500.00 to $4000.00, you can own one. I am sure they are both really awesome units and it would make me look even cooler having a flat screen TV mounted on my boat, but I am going to have to pass on that this year. It’s not just graphs but everything from rods and reels to lures and line. Every year there will be “ bigger and better”. So, how does the working class fisherman afford these things? You wheel and deal. There are several ways to go about it and here are some examples that I typically use.

Buy last years model. Trust me, just because they added 20 more pixels in the graph or they put 5 more bearings into a reel doesn’t mean that the old model is no good. Look for sales at Cabelas/Bass Pro or any big outdoor chain. They are just like car dealerships, they want to move out the old stock and replace it with the new at the end of the year.

Sell your stuff. Yes I am a fishing hoarder and my wife tries to break me of it all the time but I am getting better. When it’s time to replace something, I try to sell my old stuff. Ebay works great, and word of mouth can sell something fast. Now that you sold your old stuff you can save up to buy what you want.

The trading post. Many years ago our ancestors did this to survive. It’s obviously not to survive now but trading still goes on today. Trade some crankbaits for some soft plastics or a rod for a reel. Talk to your friends after a tournament and tell them what you are looking for and see if you can strike a deal. It can even be bigger than those small items. How about an old four wheeler your kids don’t use for a 10hp motor for your small boat. People do it every day and it works.

For the people that can afford all of the latest and greatest, good for you. For the rest of us, it takes a little work. Don’t go broke fishing tournaments just because you think you have to have the best. You still have to catch them. Try these few things and it just might help you get what you need for this season.


Ehrler Leads MLF Bass Pro Tour Shotgun Group A on Conroe

Courtesy of MLF

CONROE, Texas – To say that Brent Ehrler has a colorful career history in the state of Texas is an understatement. Ehrler has picked up a couple of landmark victories in the Lone Star State, including a Toyota Texas Bass Classic win, and the champion’s trophy of the first-even Major League Fishing Competition (held on Lake Amistad in 2011).

But in the days before the first round of the MLF Bass Pro Tour Huk Stage Two presented by Favorite Fishing, Ehrler admitted that he’s been disappointed in the outcome of some of the events he’s competed in on Lake Conroe.

The California pro took matters into his own hands early in the first Shotgun Round of the week, connecting with eight fish for 22-3 in the first period, primarily throwing a spinnerbait and vibrating jig. Ehrler would eventually finish the day with 33-12, tops among the 40-angler Group A field, putting himself in a strong position as he heads into the event’s first Elimination Round competition on Thursday.

“I caught them pretty good this morning, I just don’t know that there’s a lot of fish in that are,” Ehrler said. “I did catch some nice ones – I got a near-5, a 5-5, a couple of 3s – but it’s hard to say if I’ll be able to do that again (on Thursday).”

Even though Ehrler added only 10-9 to SCORETRACKER in Periods 2 and 3, he spent the majority of the afternoon running new water, scoutSing for more productive spots for his next competition round.

“I literally did a full lap around this lake in the second and third periods,” Ehrler said. “I can’t say that I love what I saw, but I think I have a big enough cushion that I can lay off some spots (in the Elimination Round).”

Strader goes from “cautious” to comfortable

Heading into the first day of competition, Wesley Strader was “cautious” about his expectations of Lake Conroe. But after an 18-fish day, the Tennessee pro finds himself in a much more positive frame of mind (and a strong position to claim a Top 20 spot with 33-0).

Strader spent his day winding a Stan Sloan Bango Blade spinnerbait and picking his way through small, shallow, hard-to-reach spots with a 3/8-ounce Stan Sloan Zorro Flipping Jig and Big Zoom Salty Chunk.

“I want to an area in the morning that I hadn’t even practiced in, so I was pretty happy to catch a few pretty early,” Strader said. “I didn’t get many bites in practice, but I got enough to know what to look for.”

Jason Christie (29-11), Bradley Roy (29-4) and Adrian Avena (29-2) rounded out the Top 5.

The battle around the 20 spot

As has quickly become the case in the Bass Pro Tour format, much of the day’s drama unfolded around the elimination line (No. 20). Heading into Thursday’s Elimination Round, there’s only a 3-3 spread between Todd Faircloth in 13th (17-13) and Cliff Pace in 21st (14-10). There are six anglers within 4 pounds of the 20 spot.

Shotgun Round 2 Wednesday

The 40 anglers fishing Group B start competition Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. That group – which includes Stage One winner Jordan Lee – should see slightly less wind than Group A dealt with on Tuesday, and a daytime high creeping back toward the upper 60s.

Action starts at 7:30 a.m. CT, with official live scoring available on SCORETRACKER. The MLF NOW! live stream starts at 10 a.m. CT.

Shotgun Round

Rank Angler Total Weight Total # Fish Avg Weight Largest Fish
1st Brent Ehrler 33 - 12 15 2 - 04 5 - 05
2nd Wesley Strader 33 - 00 18 1 - 13 2 - 09
3rd Jason Christie 29 - 11 10 2 - 16 4 - 13
4th Bradley Roy 29 - 04 12 2 - 07 4 - 04
5th Adrian Avena 29 - 02 15 1 - 15 4 - 12
6th Bobby Lane 28 - 05 13 2 - 03 4 - 08
7th Boyd Duckett 27 - 00 17 1 - 09 3 - 02
8th Jeff Kriet 26 - 03 13 2 - 00 4 - 09
9th Kevin VanDam 25 - 12 14 1 - 13 4 - 02
10th Gerald Swindle 21 - 03 7 3 - 00 6 - 08
11th Alton Jones 18 - 06 7 2 - 10 7 - 06
12th Jonathon VanDam 18 - 03 7 2 - 10 4 - 12
13th Todd Faircloth 17 - 13 11 1 - 10 2 - 03
14th Mark Rose 17 - 12 10 1 - 12 3 - 09
15th Jeff Sprague 17 - 07 10 1 - 12 2 - 07
16th Greg Hackney 17 - 02 8 2 - 02 3 - 14
17th Fletcher Shryock 16 - 12 7 2 - 06 3 - 11
18th Justin Atkins 16 - 01 8 2 - 00 3 - 03
19th Mike Iaconelli 15 - 15 8 1 - 16 2 - 09
20th Alton Jones Jr. 15 - 06 8 1 - 15 2 - 12
21st Cliff Pace 14 - 10 9 1 - 10 3 - 09
22nd Anthony Gagliardi 13 - 02 5 2 - 10 3 - 08
23rd Shaw Grigsby 12 - 14 7 1 - 13 2 - 14
24th Dean Rojas 12 - 14 6 2 - 02 3 - 10
25th Jacob Powroznik 11 - 10 6 1 - 15 2 - 08
26th Cliff Crochet 11 - 07 6 1 - 15 2 - 06
27th Aaron Martens 11 - 02 5 2 - 04 4 - 06
28th Britt Myers 10 - 14 7 1 - 09 2 - 05
29th Josh Bertrand 9 - 04 3 3 - 01 3 - 10
30th Marty Robinson 8 - 14 5 1 - 12 2 - 08
31st Luke Clausen 8 - 14 4 2 - 04 2 - 12
32nd Brent Chapman 8 - 11 5 1 - 12 2 - 13
33rd Skeet Reese 8 - 02 5 1 - 10 2 - 08
34th Terry Scroggins 7 - 11 4 1 - 15 2 - 08
35th Brandon Palaniuk 7 - 03 3 2 - 06 2 - 13
36th Paul Elias 7 - 00 5 1 - 06 1 - 10
37th Scott Suggs 5 - 15 3 1 - 16 2 - 05
38th Dustin Connell 5 - 08 3 1 - 13 2 - 01
39th John Murray 4 - 12 1 4 - 12 4 - 12
40th Jesse Wiggins 0 - 00 0 0 - 00 0 - 00

 


Succi & Smallwood Win Fishers of Men Lake Seminole Event with over 22 pounds!

Place Team Members # Fish Big Fish Gross Penalty Net Wt Points
1 23615 Mark Succi
Justin Smallwood
5 7.78 22.38 0 22.38 200

2 16994 Charlie Williams
Michael Smith Jr
5 4.77 20.56 0 20.56 199

3 1853 Steve Stewart
Johnny Creel
5 5.29 19.88 0 19.88 198

4 23771 Mason Brock
Chad Prough
5 6.62 19.2 0 19.2 197

5 635 John Adams
Robert Stewart
5 4.87 17.79 0 17.79 196

6 18384 Greg Kropat
Brian Willis
5 5.3 17.51 0 17.51 195

7 23619 Matthew Peeler
Andrew Wade
5 5.5 16.74 0 16.74 144

8 23779 Shane Martin 5 5.87 16.5 0 16.5 143

9 19830 Zach Ranew
Jacob Livingston
5 0 15.76 0 15.76 192

10 16993 Tyler Morgan
Adam Byrd
5 6.66 15.02 0 15.02 191

11 14404 Ken Jones
Jimmy Wood
5 4.83 14.64 0 14.64 190

12 22324 Donnie Waters
Shawn Clark
5 0 14.2 0 14.2 139

13 641 Jim Pass
Jim Buntin
5 4.17 12.01 0 12.01 188

14 18395 Jeremy Stevens
Rance Rex Mathis
5 0 11.53 0 11.53 187

15 16052 Randy Johnson
Michael Smith Sr.
5 4.83 10.74 0 10.74 186

16 10205 Buddy Whitley
Greg Noles
5 4.1 10.5 0 10.5 185

17 22313 Greg Hallford
Todd Schell
5 3.32 10.22 0 10.22 184

18 19834 Brandon Carraway
Bo Washam
3 6.8 9.84 0 9.84 183

19 22513 charles Boyd
David Boyd
4 3.9 9.8 0 9.8 182

20 22310 Paul Cooper
Michael Smith
5 0 9.53 0 9.53 181

21 6492 Hubert Stafford
Steve Holt
5 0 9.16 0 9.16 180

22 16980 Joel Hughes
Dean Robinson
5 0 8.69 0 8.69 179

23 23609 William Buttram
Kirby Rice
4 2.93 8.17 0 8.17 178

24 23611 john gray
willie jackson
5 0 7.97 0 7.97 177

25 3621 Larry Gardner
David Grace
4 2.34 7.33 0 7.33 126

26 22484 Charles Hutchinson
Mitchell Hutchinson
3 3.15 6.77 0 6.77 175

27 16997 Chad Wise
Kevin Watford
3 0 5.07 0 5.07 174

28 22309 John Cook
Bill Boyette
1 4.97 4.97 0 4.97 173

29 23780 Thomas Sink
Donna Robins
2 3.33 4.53 0 4.53 172

30 22322 Jamie Thomas
Ted Hamilton
2 0 3.93 0 3.93 171

31 15715 Pat McCrackin
Randy Watford
2 0 3.59 0 3.59 170

32 22317 Lew Richardson
Clint Joyner
3 0 3.42 0 3.42 169

33 11864 Richard Wilson
Debbie Wilson
1 3.31 3.31 0 3.31 168

34 23613 Kris Moore
Wes Stevenson
2 0 3.02 0 3.02 167

35 13156 Scott Sanders
Scott Oliver
2 0 2.72 0 2.72 166

36 23608 James Anderson
Joe McChesney
1 2.34 2.34 0 2.34 165

37 8162 Neil Stillwell
Don Duke
1 1.59 1.59 0 1.59 164

38 22311 Michael Delk
Ed Adams
0 0 0 0 0 163

39 23610 Gene Flournoy
Randy Harris
0 0 0 0 0 113

40 23612 Michael Howard
Jason Carpenter
0 0 0 0 0 163

41 23614 Tony O'Connell
Matt O'Connell
0 0 0 0 0 163

42 23778 Jesse Cardwell 0 0 0 0 0 113

43 13134 Alan Butch Jones
Shepherd Sawyer
0 0 0 0 0 163

Freeman Wins Media Bass Deep East Division Individual event with over 15 pounds on Rayburn

February 9 - Sam Rayburn

Angler Hometown # Bass Pounds Winnings Points
Aaron Freeman The Woodlands, TX 4 15.36 $900.00 165.36
James Edwards Many, LA 5 14.86 $450.00 163.86
Kyle Blanchard Youngsville, LA 5 14.17 $300.00 162.17
Clayton Boulware Zavalla, TX 5 13.99 $250.00 160.99
Marshall Hughes Hemphill, TX 4 13.38 $112.00 159.38
Troy Keele Center, TX 5 11.70 156.70
Ronald Risenhoover Lufkin, TX 5 11.66 155.66
Len Adcock Brookeland, TX 5 11.12 154.12
Randy Basye Hamshire, TX 5 10.85 152.85
Stephen English * Bremond, TX 4 9.96 150.96
Wesley Gore Evadale, TX 4 8.20 148.20
Cory Chustz Erwinville, LA 4 6.46 145.46
Daniel Blanton Huntington, Tx 2 5.01 143.01
Jesse Russell Prosper, TX 1 1.84 138.84
Glenn Dolezal Houston, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Don Rawls San Augustine, TX 0 0.00 68.00
David Wencil Buda, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Justin Parks Etoile, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Scott Skinner Kirbyville, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Justin Sowell Silsbee, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Michael Needham Montgomery, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Corey Kizer Hunstvill, TX 0 0.00 68.00
Josh Dunaway Sulphur, LA 0 0.00 68.00
Ryan Reynolds Lufkin, Tx 0 0.00 68.00
Steve Payne Dekalb, Tx 0 0.00 68.00

Hatton & Atkins weigh 17 even to win Media Bass ARK-LA Team Event on Providence

February 9 - Lake Providence - Photos

Place Angler 1 Angler 2 # Bass Pounds Winnings Points
1 William Hatton Ronnie Atkins 5 17.00 $2,000.00 167.00
2 Greg Musgrove Stanley Brantley 5 15.89 $700.00 164.89
3 JR Grubb * Frank Fulmer * 5 14.81 $414.00 162.81
4 Rusty Linares Patrick Chapman 5 14.41 $250.00 161.41
5 Chris Clement Greg Duke 4 14.20 $180.00 160.20
6 Jeff Marks Chris Watkins 4 12.72   157.72
7 Robert Rush Bruce Johnston 4 10.24   154.24
8 Zachary Oden Trevor Rodgers 5 9.86   152.86
9 Calvin Lusby Joe Rainwater 3 9.09   151.09
10 Josh Burroughs Derek Davis 3 8.44   149.44
11 Billy Burchfield Tony Harris 3 8.39   148.39
12 Timothy Powell Cole Cantrell 2 7.67   146.67
13 Jonathan Brockwell Steven Cash 2 7.01   145.01
14 Dakotah Pennington Ben Bryan 4 6.60   142.60
15 AJ Morgan Gary Roberts 2 5.60   141.60
16 Scott Pennington Ken McDonald 2 4.66   139.66
17 Jeff Gregory Matt Jones 1 3.84   137.84
18 Tyler Rhodes John Ross 2 3.40   136.40
18 Andy Graves   1 3.40   136.40
18 Justin Young Beaver Smith 1 3.40   136.40
21 Caleb Lane Brandon Lyon 2 2.93   132.93
22 John Tilbury Tanner Caldwell 1 2.72   131.72
23 Mike Pirtle Ernie Heckford 0 0.00   64.00
23 Robert Adkins David Cameron 0 0.00   64.00
23 Jon Craven Josh Tittle 0 0.00   64.00
23 Jimmy Farrar Grady Rinehart 0 0.00   64.00
23 Raymond Mosley Jesse Mosley 0 0.00   64.00
23 Brandon Wooten Brandon Johnston 0 0.00   64.00
23 Rob Bland Matt Shepherd 0 0.00   64.00
             
Place Big Bass     Pounds Winnings
1 Rusty Linares Patrick Chapman   5.80 $250.00
2 Chris Clement Greg Duke   5.19 $0.00
           
  Statistics        
  Entries - 29      
  Number Limits - 5      
  Number Zeros - 7      
  Bass Weighed - 66      
  Bass Released - 66      
  Total Pounds - 186.28      
  Avg. Bass In Boat - 2.3      
  Avg. Lbs. In Boat - 6.42      
  Avg. Bass Size - 2.82      
  Total Payout - $3,794.00  

Old School Prevails, New Elites Shine - Tournament Team Blog

Courtesy of Luke Estel - Tournament Team Blogger

Bass fishing fans around the country got a taste of one of the most historical fish catching tournaments in history. The Bassmaster Elite season opener will go down as one of the greatest fishing events in history.

Let’s take a step back for a moment. When the MLF debuted, fans got to witness history being made as the newly formed superstar circuit blew the doors off with their coverage. Fans were quick to say that BASS would never compete with them. They were wrong. Not only did BASS compete, but they too showed the world that they are not going away and they are bigger and better than ever before.

So what does this all mean to us? Fans will now have more options to watch their hero’s fish. This should not be a competition on who is the best, it should be about the exposure that these professional fishermen deserve. We have MLF, BASS, and FLW and all three are doing great things for our sport.

Now, let’s talk about the Bassmaster Elite on the St. Johns River. All I can say is, “WOW!” I have never seen more big fish catches in all my life. The coverage was great, the fish catches were phenomenal, and did the fishermen ever put on a show!

The veterans Rick Clunn and Mark Menendez put on an old school clinic on days three and four. Rick busted out and old school gator tail worm and a spinnerbait while Mark custom built his spinnerbait and methodically flipped. They brought the spinnerbait back and once again showed the world that the spinnerbait is still a deadly weapon. They also showed everyone that they can not only still catch them, but they will continue to be a threat in every event. Ricks impressive 34 pound catch sealed the deal with a total of 98 pounds. Mark was the most consistent in the top ten to weigh over 20 pounds each day to place 3rdwith 95 pounds.

The new faces in the Elites. I heard people saying, “Who are these guys and can they even catch a fish?” Yes they can and the two guys that stood out were the Johnston brothers from Canada. Did they ever put on a show every time they set the hook. For a while it looked as if they would finish one and two.  Chris took home second place and will be able to hold his head up high for such a feat. Both are going to become a household names in professional bass fishing. Others like Patrick Walters and Lee Livesay did a fantastic job showing off their skills as they caught fish after fish.

I wish all three circuits the best of luck and will continue to support them all. The sport of bass fishing is changing for the better and I am excited be able to watch it unfold.

 

Strike King Pro Luke Estel from Carbondale Illinois Fishes the BASS Opens, Is an AnglersChoice Classic Champion and an all around great guy and fisherman as well as accomplished writer.

"The Elite Series Should Heed Clunn's Words"

By Vance McCullough - Photo Courtesy of Andy Crawford/BASS

 

Historic.

That’s the word to describe the Bassmaster Elite Series event that just went down on Florida’s famed St Johns River.

Following the most disruptive offseason in the history of professional bass angling, the tournament organization with the deepest roots returned to a fishery where Rick Clunn made history in 2016 as the eldest angler to ever win a Tour-level tourney.

History repeated itself this weekend as Clunn broke his own record for longevity by reclaiming the St Johns River Elite Series title at age 72.

The river itself put on a performance for the ages. Not since the glory days of Falcon Lake have we seen so many 30-plus-pound bags.

Clunn neared the century mark with a total weight of 98 pounds, 14 ounces over 4 days. He had to do so if he wanted to win. Strong competition on one of the nation’s best big bass factories demanded it.

His two closest pursuers posted more than 95 pounds apiece – Chris Johnston at 95-2 and Mark Menendez at 95-1.

An average weight of 20 pounds per day landed Scott Canterbury in 9thplace.

Long time Tournament Director Tripp Weldon said Saturday’s Day 3 weigh in was perhaps “the most incredible weigh in I have ever seen.”

The new era with its slimmed-down Elite Series field featured a huge number of fat weigh bags.

The St Johns also wore a new look. Miles of eel grass that have always rolled out before the anglers like a boundless welcome mat are gone in the continued wake of a direct hit from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Bass have relocated to dock pilings and whatever emergent vegetation they find in the now-more-heavily-stained shallows of the wide, tidal waterway that oozes northward.

One constant that remains is Clunn, a pioneer who helped build the sport of professional bass fishing the first time around. With men such as him on the trail, joined by a host of journeymen pros and more than a few promising young rookies, the future of the Bassmaster Elite Series looks bright.

Thousands of screaming fans who attended the live weigh in shows each day would agree. While they warmed up to relative unknowns, including Patrick Walters and Lee Livesay, they voiced undying love for Clunn, one man yelling, “you’re my hero,” before a lady added, “we love you!”

Menendez was another crowd favorite. The veteran pro took 3rdplace, an ounce behind FLW Tour transplant Johnston of Canada.

Cliff Pirch added more star power to the field in Sunday’s final round. He also put a stout sack on the scale Saturday before busting a huge bass on a topwater lure for the live internet audience Sunday morning.

To say this tournament was entertaining would be an understatement. With insightful commentary on Live, it was also very educational.

And guys like Livesay and Walters are only strangers until they make an appearance such as they did this past week with hours of live coverage on Bassmaster.com and stage presence before thousands, along with the television coverage to come.

“They’re just guys you haven’t heard of - yet,” said Menendez, noting the strong talent level on this tour.

On the Elite Series a young guy can build his brand fast and Menendez is certain that will happen as we get to know more of these pros this coming week at Georgia’s Lake Lanier. Practice has already begun.

Keep an eye on Bassmaster.com’s leaderboard this week. It will be well worth watching.

The entire Bassmaster organization should heed Clunn’s reminder on stage after winning, yet another, blue trophy in Palatka, Florida – “Never accept that all your best moments are behind you.”

 

Vance McCullough is an avid Outdoorsman and Football Coach from Jacksonville, Florida. You can Follow Vance here on Facebook or here on Instagram.

Patterson & Douglas Win Guntersville Rat-L-Trap Open with over 29 pounds!

Rat-L-Trap Classic Results

Place Team # of Fish Big Fish Weight WInnings
1 Johnny Patterson & Bryan Douglas 5 29.76 $4,500
2 Danny Woodard & Don Sanders 5 7.83 27.85 $2300 + $1380 (BB)
3 Blake Hall & Triston Crowder 5 6.86 26.88 $1,600
4 Lonnie Oneal & Jeff Sparks 5 7.05 26.05 $1,400
5 Keith Chadwell & Kevin Roach 5 7.91 25.32 $1300 + $3000 (BB)
6 Alvin Torrey & Andy Torrey 5 25.19 $1,200
7 Zach Lemmond & Richard Hayes 5 7.36 25.13 $1100 + $1000 (BB)
8 Duane Wardlaw & Lanny Holland 5 6.96 24.90 $1,000
9 Brian Johnson & Ty Garrett 5 24.00 $900
10 Shane Otinger & Allen Copeland 5 23.38 $800
11 Mark Condron & Kelton Hickerson 5 6.28 22.95 $400
12 Mike Pritchett & Donovan Williams 5 22.94 $400
13 Mike Carter & John Williamson 5 6.37 22.93 $400
14 Bryan Gregory & Marshall Deakins 5 22.66 $400
15 Lonnie Jones & J D. Larue 5 6.45 22.12 $400
16 John Davenport & Jeff Grey 5 5.58 22.00 $340
17 Austin Brown & Roger Brown 5 21.80 $340
18 Tony Butts & Ricky Butts 5 21.75 $340
19 Chad Morris & Brian Morris 5 5.78 21.59 $340
20 Jett Loach & Mark Heatherly 5 6.66 21.36 $340
21 Lee Stephens & Starla Hodo 5 6.46 21.13 $320
22 Daniel Winiarski & Randy Brown 5 5.86 21.12 $320
23 Adam Lynn & Jon Cozze 5 20.93 $320
24 **Jeff Martin & Ian Martin 5 7.51 20.80 $320
25 Keith Thomas & Scott Crutcher 5 5.76 20.61 $320
26 Gregory Worsham & Katelin Rutter 5 20.60 $300
27 Richard Peek & Kadin Dick 5 20.39 $300
28 Colin McCullough & Marty Gentry 5 20.07 $300
29 Brad Vice & Dawson Lenz 5 19.77 $300
30 Steve Gannon & Kevin Shepherd 5 19.70 $300
31 Hank Hallmark & Michael Wilson 5 19.64 $240
32 Roger Chisenall & Jay Holcomb 5 19.58 $240
33 Delano Green & Jared Lakey 5 19.57 $240
34 Tony Schrader & Ryan Haney 5 6.53 18.87 $240
35 Patrick Gaddison & Renae Frazier 5 6.18 18.69 $240
36 Ronald Slawson & Mark Moore 5 5.60 18.62 $220
37 Evan Boutwell & Tony Tidwell 5 6.73 18.40 $220
38 Jerry Wells & Steve Patton 5 18.26 $220
39 Kelly Marchal & James Bean 5 18.25 $220
40 Sidney Smith & Lucian Smith 5 18.22 $220
41 Michael Stevens & John Hillis 5 5.44 17.87 $200
42 Michael Garlen & Rhonda Ford 5 17.75 $200
43 Shan Schoenrock & Bill Fikes 5 6.16 17.67 $200
44 Shawn Morgan & Barry Baker 5 17.65 $200
45 Chris Burgess & Johnny Harper 5 17.64 $200
46 Gil Summerlin & Willie Staten 5 17.53 $120
47 Tom Taylor & Russ Reynolds 5 17.52 $120
48 Jeremy Bethune & Austin Hull 5 17.45 $120
49 Jim Pritchett & Chris Ducket 5 17.44 $120
50 Cameron Trousdale & Chad Hollingsworth 5 17.39 $120
51 Kevin Walker & Leo Mcbride 5 17.38 $120
52 Lance Whitaker & Jeremy Briscoe 5 17.37 $120
53 Gary Nelson & Carolyn Nelson 5 6.09 17.29 $120
54 Ernest Wright & Jacob Wright 5 17.00 $120
55 Dwayne Self & Brad Self 5 5.81 16.99 $60 & 1 Terex Rod
55 Darrin Smith & Phillip Williams 5 16.99 $60 & 1 Terex Rod
57 Tim Pugh & Spencer Pugh 4 16.85 2 Terex Rods
58 Brian Rothrock & Kevin Russell 5 16.54 2 Terex Rods
59 Ricky Murphy & Chad Brackett 5 16.53 2 Terex Rods
60 Mark Trousdale & Walker Doss 5 16.39 2 Terex Rods
61 Will Jernigan & Robert Giarla 5 4.29 16.01 2 Duckett Reels
61 Mike Lusk & Ken Brady 5 16.01 2 Duckett Reels
63 Randall Burnham & Miles Burnham 5 15.98 2 Duckett Reels
64 Shawn Hornbuckle & Stephen Elliott 5 15.87 2 Duckett Reels
65 Jonathan Anderson & Michael Prince 5 4.52 15.78 2 Duckett Reels
66 Ryan Salzman & John Daly 5 15.77
67 Don Groves & Curtis Jordan 5 15.75
68 Jody Fitts & Michael George 4 5.02 15.70
68 Kevin Maddox & Tyler Ellis 5 15.70
70 Dustin White & Coale Gamble 5 15.66
71 Timothy Simmons & Mark Clifton 4 6.61 15.27
72 Brad Allen 5 15.23
73 Mitch Mccullough & Jeff Fansler 5 5.23 15.19
74 Russell Bryant & Billy Hughey 5 14.94
75 Heath Lewis & Wyatt Wilson 5 14.88
76 Casey Majni & Brandon Willis 5 14.86
76 Wesley Parton & Ashley Parton 5 14.86
78 Taylor Baker & Myles Murray 5 14.80
79 Layne King & Hayden Dye 3 14.41
80 Jeff Deerman & Austin Deerman 5 14.37
81 Tim Littleton & Lawrence Shepherd 5 14.35
82 Mark Harpenau & Frank Estes 5 14.29
83 Ryan Walters & Tyler Colvert 5 14.18
84 David Steadman, Jr. & David Steadman 5 14.15
85 Ed Oilar & Tom Barker 5 13.99
86 Owen Mcglasson & Grant Evans 4 13.70
87 Steve Borror & Steven Borror 5 13.68
88 Doug Webster & Jeff Ragsdale 5 13.66
89 Keith Miller & Penny Miller 5 13.62
90 Barry Morris & Clayton Morris 5 5.33 13.39
91 Stanley Miller & Brent Johnson 5 13.22
92 Matthew Bargo & Aaron George 5 13.18
93 Terry Mann & Josh Mann 5 13.14
93 Shane Combs & Kris Walker 5 13.14
95 Ian Hudson & Jerry Garcia 5 13.05
96 Mark Pappas & Tyler King 5 13.03
97 Toby Beach & Paul Arnold 5 12.77
98 Waylon Hancock & Phil Fontana 5 12.66
99 Mike Hood & Randy Wiggins 5 12.65
100 **David Gentry & Rex Lowe 5 12.39
101 Jeremy Mitchell & Quinton Reed 2 6.24 11.97
102 Scott Marshall & Jesse Rigsby 4 11.46
103 John Dickerson & Richard Holland 5 11.31
104 Justin Ballard & Bart Lewis 4 11.28
105 James Klingbeal & Jeff Edmonson 4 11.25
106 Shaun Sims & Zeb Roberson 5 11.05
107 Robert Lang & Trent Noojin 5 10.81
108 Moe Moyer & Tim Brown 3 10.76
109 Trawick Ellis & Tim Whitworth 3 6.16 10.75
110 Casey Taylor & Tyler Thompson 3 10.68
111 Cal Lane & Gray Dixson 5 9.19
112 Micheal Peden & Dekota Carter 2 8.23
113 Easton Bailey & Derek Templeton 2 8.17
114 Tim Leek & Alton Carter 3 7.65
115 Brian Goza & Bobby Shelton 2 7.62
116 Billy Booth & Crimson Booth 2 7.33
117 Kevin Rupe & Rob Terry 3 7.32
118 **Randy Waddell 2 6.98
119 Mark Ailor & Chris Marks 2 5.44
120 Danny Self & David Bailey 1 4.50
121 Clint Crew & Jake Crew 1 4.17 4.17
122 Diana Uebelhack & Cassie Hall 1 3.34 3.34
123 Bradley Hodges & Mike Hodges 1 2.40 2.40
124 Christian Baxter & Kelley Cameron 1 2.38 2.38
125 Carl Gould & Patrick Drain 0.00
125 **Brent Murray & Hayden Murray 0.00
125 Tim Dotson & Carl Richie 0.00
125 Billy Tallent & Matt Eaton 0.00
125 Cody Brooks & Bill Cordwell 0.00
125 Jim Inzeo & Rich Stauss 0.00
125 Tommy Moultrie & Mike Doolin 0.00
125 Michael Brown & Forrest Brown 0.00
125 Joseph Trupiano & Drew Cagle 0.00
125 Darrin Studdard & Gavin Ainslie 0.00
125 Eric Mullins & Kenneth Mullins 0.00
125 Freddy Palmer & Rodney Hill 0.00
125 Jason Atkins & Wayne Shrader 0.00
125 Brandon Taylor & Stephen Farley 0.00
125 David Hollingsworth & Jason Snell 0.00
125 Shane Mcallister & Jr Lewis 0.00
125 Todd Mcbride & Alan Burchell 0.00
125 Tommy Manning & Preston Orman 0.00
125 David Watson & Ty Watson 0.00
125 Scott King & Chris Gregory 0.00
125 Clifton Bates & Danny Heard 0.00
125 John Greene & Devan Nance 0.00
125 Brandon Lancaster & Clay Moss 0.00
125 Jeff Kirby & Carl Hudgens 0.00
125 Timothy Schoeder & Mark Wallace 0.00
125 Eric Milam & Ben White 0.00
125 Larry Ellis & Don Ellis 0.00
125 James Hughes & John Whitaker Jr 0.00
125 Jamie Toon & Bryan House 0.00
125 Terry Whitaker & Dewayne Daggett 0.00
125 Jason Cannon & Trent Suratt 0.00
125 John Hewgley & David Stutz 0.00
125 Todd Vance & Will Ferguson 0.00
125 Kobi Mears & Luke Mason 0.00
125 Cody Miller & Chris Law 0.00
125 Roy Galbraith & Brooke Galbraith 0.00
125 Kendale Roach & Koleman Roach 0.00
125 Kyle Holt & Shane Thompson 0.00
125 Adam Christen & Jordan Brooks 0.00
125 Stephen Ditto & John Keith 0.00
125 Garrett Roberts & Josh Hartley 0.00
125 Anthony Hedrick & Russle Robertson 0.00
125 Shane White & Don Webb 0.00
125 George Spurgeon & Brad Potts 0.00
125 Chase Curlee & Emanual Hunter 0.00
125 Zachary Defoe & Anthony Defoe 0.00
125 Teron Prince & Brandon Green 0.00
125 Steve Wilson & Donny Wilson 0.00
125 Matt Duke & Fanklin Beard 0.00
125 Lance Stargel & Ricky Ramey 0.00
125 Rodney Treadaway & Jackey Treadaway 0.00
125 John Cummins & Barry Vaughn 0.00
125 Timothy Trockenbrot IV & Brent White 0.00
125 Bryan Waldon & Clint Horton 0.00
125 Jeff Jewell & Bree Jewell 0.00
125 Mike Dinapoli & Tony Duncan 0.00
125 Sean Frost & Travis Butler 0.00
125 Mike Davis & Bj Balentine 0.00
125 Kevin Lankford & John Norden 0.00
125 Dewayne Gilbert & Misty Gilbert 0.00
125 John White & Chris Smith 0.00
125 Fred Reese & Adam Mitchell 0.00
125 Davy Lolley & Shawn Lolley 0.00
125 Ronnie Bell & Jonathan Bell 0.00
125 Mark Manosky & Colton Green 0.00
125 **Darrel Lynn & Justin Overall 0.00
125 Kevin Hollis & Charles LeParks 0.00
125 Mike Sanders & Mark Spurgin 0.00
125 Nathan Owen & Ty Traylor 0.00
125 Chad Weldon & Wyatt Weldon 0.00
125 Jason Abernathy & Butch Naugher 0.00
125 Van Dobbs & Rodney Allison 0.00
125 Roy Brown & Ryan Bradford 0.00
125 Jason Rampley & Patrick Dunn 0.00
125 Ken Lee & Mark Brewer 0.00
125 Jason Patterson 0.00
125 Tom Womack & Nathan Hutcheson 0.00
125 Brent Haney & Skyler Haney 0.00
125 Mike Jessee & Cruz Cope 0.00
125 Franklin Markley 0.00
125 Chat Jennings & Adan Jefferies 0.00
125 Chris Tucker & Jordan Sabisch 0.00
125 Kevin Jackson & Danny Williams 0.00
125 Paul Starling & Daniel Bryant 0.00
125 Nathan Brewer & Scott Towry 0.00
125 Rick Wallace & Debra Wallace 0.00
125 Eric Phillips & Tim Cornelius 0.00
125 Sam Long & Don Privette 0.00
125 Kyle Howard & Robert Keel 0.00
125 Jeff Woodall & Carter Woodall 0.00
125 Tracy Robinson & Dustin Robinson 0.00
125 Jason Dabbs & Shane Dick 0.00
125 Lance Owen & Jason Styles 0.00
125 Wes Ward & Grant Hopson 0.00
125 Trey Evans & Dale Bruce 0.00
125 Chris Toney & Don Toney 0.00
125 Joey Jennings & Shane Byars 0.00
125 Charles Gridr & Scott Reynolds 0.00
125 Darrin Cockerel & Josh Cockerel 0.00
125 Lamar Patterson & Chris Harrow 0.00
125 Sam Morgan & Eric Green 0.00
125 Zack Miller & Lawayne Miller 0.00
125 James Ward & Coy Jones 0.00
125 Luke Robinson & AJ Petty 0.00
125 Zach Manny & Jerry Watkins 0.00
125 Adam Hannah 0.00
125 Keith Blocker 0.00
125 Shawn Diehl & Rickie Diehl 0.00
125 Todd Watts & Balke Haynier 0.00
125 William Boyett & Craig Childers 0.00
125 Daniel Goad & Tim Oliver 0.00
125 Lee Collins & Corey Hayden 0.00
125 Bobby Collins & Collin Brown 0.00
125 Jason Forsgren & Sean Wilson 0.00
125 Eric Demastus & Tyler Haggenmaker 0.00
125 Kevin McMahan & Marty Likos 0.00
125 Donald Roy Paseur & Stephen Doran 0.00
125 Cole Logsdon & Chris Johnson 0.00
125 Michael Seeley & Kellie Seeley 0.00
125 Lavoyd Lemmond & Stephen Herbert 0.00
125 Michelle Norrod 0.00
125 Wesley Brown & Amber Brown 0.00
125 Tim Mitchell & Michael Wyatt 0.00
125 Rich Rice 0.00
125 Brent Bolden & Tyler Guin 0.00
125 Edward Ricklefs 0.00
125 Gene Brooks 0.00
125 Jody Blevins & Robbie Woodle 0.00
125 Tom Mclemore & Ray Cantston 0.00
125 Nathan Davis & Chris Kervin 0.00
125 Jonathan Verdon & Johnny Ferguson 0.00
125 Walt Roberts & Kyle Woodruff 0.00
125 Aaron Culledge & Jackson Hale 0.00
125 Zach West & William West 0.00
125 Barry Descaro & Hunter Hill 0.00
125 Jeff Knight & Wesley Headrick 0.00
125 Tim Wheeler & Nolen Spencer 0.00
125 Bob Pauer & Bud Biram 0.00
125 Cole Mao & Jamon Phillips 0.00
125 Jim Barnette & Jonathan Barnette 0.00
125 Chris Baumgardner & Robert Price 0.00
125 Andy Greene & Scott Browning 0.00
125 Dan Alvis & Marty Lynch 0.00
125 Darrell Adams & Brian Helderman 0.00
125 Nathan Hand & Michael Wilbourn 0.00
125 Justin Lynch & Blake Thomas 0.00
125 Robert Richardson & Danny Stephens 0.00
125 Lealand Johnson & Jarrod Stephens 0.00
125 Sloan Pressnell & Ricky Pressnell 0.00
125 John Weaver & Kirkland Hill 0.00
125 Tyler Mahaffey & Kevin Bezotle 0.00
125 Erroll Duckett & Jimmy Leshock 0.00
125 Matt Carter & Michael McLaurin 0.00
125 Adam Stanley & Sean Cox 0.00
125 Cain Busby & Chandler Brewer 0.00

MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WINS 2019 BASS PRO SHOPS FLW HIGH SCHOOL FISHING LAKE SEMINOLE OPEN

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 11, 2019) – The Mount Paran Christian School duo of Lee Rose Koza and Carter Koza, both of Marietta, Georgia, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 23 pounds, 2 ounces to win the 2019 Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Lake Seminole Open.

A field of 42 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which launched from the Bainbridge Earle May Boat Basin. The tournament was hosted by the Bainbridge Convention and Visitors Bureau In FLW and TBF High School Fishing competition, the top 10-percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

The top four teams on Lake Seminole that advanced to the 2019 High School Fishing National Championship were:

1st:       Mount Paran Christian School, Kennesaw, Ga. – Lee Rose Koza and Carter Koza, both of Marietta, Ga., five bass, 23-2

2nd:     Marianna High School, Marianna, Fla. – Bowynn Brown, Walnut Grove, Miss., and Trey Stevens, Marianna, Fla., five bass, 18-2

3rd:      CrossPointe Christian Academy, Williamson, Ga. – Addison Stahl, Griffin, Ga., and Levi Garrett, Brooks, Ga., five bass, 15-11

4th:      Double Trouble Bass Team – Jackson Conley, Bainbridge, Ga., and Brunson Fain, Donalsonville, Ga., five bass, 15-5

Rounding out the top 10 were:

5th:      Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge, Ga. – Hunter Davis and Gabe Dunaway, both of Bainbridge, Ga., five bass, 13-13

6th:      Shelby County High School, Columbiana, Ala. – Ethan King, Wilsonville, Ala., and Tyler Cain, Bessemer, Ala., four bass, 13-6

7th:      Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge, Ga. – Gunner Thomas and Brody Thomas, both of Bainbridge, Ga., five bass, 13-1

8th:      Lake Norman High School, Mooresville, N.C. – Alexander Coggins and Jake Monti, both of Mooresville, N.C., five bass, 13-0

9th:      Brookwood High School, Snellville, Ga. – Ben Sanders, Thomasville, Ga., and Levi Singletary, Cairo, Ga., five bass, 12-8

10th:    Lawton Chiles High School, Tallahassee, Fla. – Ben Kuhn and Cole Merritt, both of Tallahassee, Fla., five bass, 12-8

Complete results from the event can be found at FLWFishing.com.

The 2019 Bass Pro Shops FLW High School Fishing Lake Seminole Open was a two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12, open to any Student Angler Federation (SAF) affiliated high school club in the United States. The top 10 percent of each Challenge, Open, and state championship field will advance to the 2019 High School Fishing National Championship on a body of water that has yet to be revealed. 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 2019 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. At the 2018 World Finals more than $150,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded.

Full schedules and the latest announcements are available at HighSchoolFishing.org and FLWFishing.com.


UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO WINS YETI FLW COLLEGE FISHING SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE OPENER ON LAKE SEMINOLE

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 11, 2019) – The University of Montevallo duo of Justin Barnes of Monroeville, Alabama, and Adam Carroll of Carrollton, Georgia, won the YETI FLW College Fishing event on Lake Seminole Saturday with a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 1 ounce. The victory earned the Falcon’s bass club $2,000 and a slot in the 2020 FLW College Fishing National Championship.

“We put a lot of time in practicing for this tournament, and I truly believe that’s why we did so well,” said Carrollton, a sophomore majoring in marketing. “We spent two weekends here, plus the whole week before the tournament on the water checking the grass and we were able to find a couple of really good places. We spent our day rotating through three specific spots, just holes and cuts off the grass in Spring Creek.”

The duo estimated that they caught at least 30 fish throughout the day, all between 3 and 5 pounds. All of their fish came on vibrating jigs, with either a Big Bite Baits Cane Thumper (clear) or a Big Bite Baits Swimming Craw (black and blue) as a trailer.

“The fish were really grouped up in the hydrilla,” said Barnes, a junior also majoring in marketing. “We were both using 7’1” FX Xtreme Anglers Series medium-heavy rods, and that was crucial. It had the perfect amount of tip to feel the bite but was still able to rip them out of the grass. We caught 30 keepers – all good ones – and we never lost one fish, all day long.”

The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2020 College Fishing National Championship are:

1st:          University of Montevallo – Justin Barnes, Monroeville, Ala., and Adam Carroll, Carrollton, Ga., five bass, 23-1, $2,000

2nd:         Shelton State Community College – Will Delaney, Duncanville, Ala., and Hunter Porter, Tuscaloosa, Ala., five bass, 21-5, $1,000

3rd:         Florida State University – Garret Sanders, Woodstock, Ga., and Owen Kuhn, Tallahassee, Fla., five bass, 20-8, $500

4th:         Snead State Community College – John-Dalton Miller, Albertville, Ala., and Jackson Gillaspie, Boaz, Ala., four bass, 19-13, $500

5th:         Bethel University – Garrett Enders, Mifflinburg, Pa., and Cody Huff, Ava, Mo., five bass, 19-11, $900

6th:         Bryan College – Conner DiMauro, Longwood, Fla., and Cole Sands, Calhoun, Tenn., five bass, 19-2, $200

7th:         University of Montevallo – Kade Holcomb and Kopeland Rosser, Helena, Ala., five bass, 19-0

8th:         Mississippi State University – Boone Faulkner, New Albany, Miss., and Nikolas Beckstein, Vancleave, Miss., five bass, 18-13

9th:         University of North Alabama – Hunter McCarty, Dora, Ala., and Sloan Pennington, Childersburg, Ala., five bass, 18-8

10th:       Brewton-Parker College – Noah Ziadie, Covington, Ga., and Reese Kingston, Villa Rica, Ga., five bass, 18-6, $200

Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.

The YETI FLW College Fishing event on Lake Seminole was hosted by the Bainbridge Convention and Visitors Bureau. It was the first of three regular-season qualifying tournament for Southeastern Conference anglers and the first YETI FLW College Fishing event of 2019. The next event for FLW College Fishing anglers will be the Southern Conference opener, Feb. 22 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Zavalla, Texas.

YETI FLW College Fishing teams compete in three regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. All participants must be registered, full-time students at a college, university or community college and members of a college fishing club that is recognized by their school. The top 10 teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual FLW College Fishing Open will advance to the 2020 FLW College Fishing National Championship. Additional teams will qualify for the National Championship if the field size in regular-season events exceeds 100 boats. The Potomac River and Marbury, Maryland, will play host to the 2019 FLW College Fishing National Championship, June 4-6, 2019.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow YETI FLW College Fishing on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and Snapchat.


EASLEY’S ANDERS WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL SAVANNAH RIVER DIVISION OPENER ON LAKE KEOWEE PRESENTED BY NAVIONICS

 

Hiawassee’s McClure Wins Co-angler Division

SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 11, 2019) – Boater Joe Anders of Easley, South Carolina, caught a five-bass limit Saturday weighing 14 pounds, 11 ounces, to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Savannah River division event on Lake Keowee presented by Navionics. Anders earned $4,164 for his efforts.

“I caught the majority of my fish in the mid-lake area, feeding on shad,” said Anders, who also had a tournament win as a co-angler at the FLW Tour at Lake Lanier last season. ”I’ve fished Keowee as much as anybody, and this year the water never got as cold as it usually does. So the fish weren’t deep, they were already in more of a prespawn mode. Feeding on shad instead of the crawfish like normal.”

Anders said that most of his fish came on an EverGreen JT 95 topwater bait in his mid-lake areas, but he also caught a couple of key fish skipping docks in 40 feet-of-water with a bait fish-colored Zoom Swimmin’ Super Fluke Jr. along with a late-day keeper on a drop-shot rig.

“I only caught around 10 keepers, and I really struggled the last 3 to 4 hours of the tournament,” Ander said. “I caught my last one late in the day drop-shotting a 6-inch, straight-tail Roboworm, 35-feet-deep, and was able to cull up 4 ounces. I ended up winning by 3 ounces, so that fish was the difference maker.

“The key for me was not fishing history, and sticking to the pattern that I figured out in practice,” Anders went on to say. “They were not anywhere that I normally catch them on this time of year. I’m also fishing well and still rolling from the momentum of my co-angler win at the FLW Tour event last March at Lake Lanier. I’ve got a great support group around me and I’m in a really great place in my life. I can’t wait to get back out there.”

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1st:          Joe Anders, Easley, S.C., five bass, 14-11, $4,164

2nd:         Shane Peck, Gainesville, Ga., five bass, 14-8, $1,857

3rd:         Jerry Morgan, Inman, S.C., five bass, 14-2, $1,172

4th:         Ronnie Wald, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 14-1, $820

5th:         Vince Smith, Westminster, S.C., five bass, 13-6, $703

6th:         Edwin Pabon, Toccoa, Ga., five bass, 12-14, $644

7th:         Michael Mengeling, Cumming, Ga., five bass, 12-12, $586

8th:         Todd Goade, Suwanee, Ga., five bass, 12-9, $798

9th:         Marcus Church, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 12-9, $498

10th:       Mark Gibson, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 12-7, $410

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Anders’ big fish of the day was a 6-pound, 3-ounce largemouth bass, which also was the tournament’s biggest bass of the day and earned Anders the Boater Big Bass award of $450.

Nathan McClure of Hiawassee, Georgia, won the Co-angler Division and $1,957 Saturday after catching five bass weighing 12 pounds, 7 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1st:          Nathan McClure, Hiawassee, Ga., five bass, 12-7, $1,957

2nd:         Chris Wilson, Easley, S.C., five bass, 11-8, $879

3rd:         Charles Ellington, Cumming, Ga., five bass, 11-7, $585

4th:         James South, Gainesville, Ga., five bass, 11-5, $430

4th:         Donnie Davis, Greer, S.C., five bass, 11-5, $430

6th:         Vern Schmucker, Westminster, S.C., five bass, 9-14, $322

7th:         Darren Jeter, Marshall, N.C., five bass, 9-3, $293

8th:         Tucker Souther, Brevard, N.C., four bass, 9-0, $264

9th:         Joseph Thomasson, Columbia, S.C., five bass, 8-14, $234

10th:       Westley Denny, Westminster, S.C., five bass, 8-8, $205

Nathaniel Moore of Fairview, North Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 3 pounds, 9 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $225.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 10-12 BFL Regional Championship on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518L with a 200-horsepower outboard.

The 2019 BFL 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 BFL All-American. The 2019 BFL All-American will be held May 30-June 1 at the Potomac River in Marbury, Maryland, and is hosted by the Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Commissioners of Charles County. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube.


Mason and Walker Weigh over 33-pound Limit to Win new Triton boat in ABA Team Series on Guntersville

Saturday, February 9, 2019 the Bass Pro Shops Team Tour operated by American Bass Anglers held its first tournament of the regular season that launched from Goosepond Bait and Tackle on Guntersville Lake located in Scottsboro, Alabama. Ninety-three teams went to battle in cold weather conditions to try and win the 2019 Triton 17TX powered by a 60HP Mercury four-stroke with Garmin Echo-map plus 93SV valued at 20K. With a 5-pound lead over 2nd place Jimmy Mason and Lance Walker took the victory weighing in 5 fish for a total weight of 33.82-pounds. The team also earned a check for $900 for taking 1st place in the High Stakes Option Pot.

“We fished in shallow river bars and were using Lipless Crankbait, Booyah Wind Knocker, as well as, Bandit Racket to catch our bass. We also fished in shallow grass and weeds. We stayed within 8 miles of the launch dock and fished back to Goosepond and covered a lot of water and had a fun day,” said Mason.

Second place team Tony Harvey and Donny Beck brought 5-fish to the scales weighing 28.82-pounds.  They earned a check for $2875.00 for their catch. They also earned a check for $550.00 from the Big Stakes Optional Pot.

“Our day started with heading to some flats and us using crankbaits and jigs fishing in shallow water around 5 to 8 feet deep. We had a good day and it was a lot of fun,” said Harvey.

Coming in 3rd place was the team of Patrick Anderson and Randall Allen bringing 5-fish to the scales weighing 28.49-pounds.  They earned a check for $1900.00 for their efforts. They also caught a monster big fish weighing 9.71lbs and won the big fish pot of $810.00. They also placed third in the High Stakes Optional Pot and took home $350.00.

“We fished in 6-8 feet of water using a crankbait and spinnerbait. We stayed in grassy water and moved around a bit here and there,” said Anderson.

Finishing 4th was the team of Kent Keys and Davey Campbell weighing in 5-fish at 26.88-lbs. Earning a check for $1300.00 for their efforts.  Rounding out the top 5 was the team of Derek Remitz and Casey Martin weighing in 5-fish for 25.47-lbs. They earned a check for $1100.00 plus a $200.00 check for the High-Stakes Option Pot.

The next Alabama Bass Pro Shops Team Tour Tournament is on Neely Henry Lake going out of Coosa Landing on March 9th.
For more information on this event call/text Tournament Manager: Shelby McElyea- (256)230-5633 Email: [email protected]

About American Bass Anglers - American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression.  For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.


Matthew Wieteha Wins $5500 in ABA Open Win on Lake Okeechobee

ATHENS, Ala. – Matthew Wieteha of Miami, FL won the Bass Pro Shops Open Series Florida South tournament, held February 9th on the Lake Okeechobee. Running out of Scott Driver Park in Okeechobee, FL Matthew caught five bass weighing 29.40-pounds. For the Boater Division victory, Wieteha took home a check for $5500 for his win.

“I was fishing on the south end of the lake throwing a Gambler black/blue swim jig with a Gambler burner craw on the back. I lost five or six fish that would’ve pushed me over the 30-pound mark. The fish seemed to be staging to spawn and they were aggressive so I was burning the swim jig as fast as I could,” Wieteha said.

Finishing second for the boaters by a slim 0.12-pound margin, Brandon Medlock of Lake Placid, FL landed a five-bass tournament limit going 29.28-pounds including a big bass that weighed 9.48-pounds.

“I caught my fish flipping a jig today. I fished about twelve places. I was fishing the west side of the shoal and worked my way back up the lake. I lost my first bite this morning and it was an 8-pounder and I lost a couple 6-pounders late in the day. I caught that big bass around 12:30 pm,” Medlock said.

Dave Sheffield of Davie, FL took third for the boaters with five bass going 28.58-pounds.

“I caught my fish today on the south end of the lake also. I was pitching to the reeds with a lightweight setup. It was a phenomenal day of fishing,” Sheffield said.

Finishing fourth, Curtis Lewis of West Palm Beach, FL landed a five-bass limit for 27.80-pounds. William Troyer of Sarasota, FL rounded out the top five boaters with five bass at 25.29-pounds.

In the Co-Angler Division, Benjamin Layner of St. Petersburg, FL won with threebass going 20.38-pounds that included a 7.47-pound kicker. He pocketed a check for $1850 for his win.

“This was my first-time fishing Lake Okeechobee. I had a great boater, Chris Shirling, he put me on the fish today. I was throwing a black/blue swim jig with a Bitter’s bait Jitter-craw trailer. I was swimming it on top of the water burning it fast and they were nailing it. I had a great time and I look forward to future events,” Layner said.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Richard “Jamey” Nash of Chiefland, FL brought in a three-bass division limit weighing 16.79-pounds.

“I caught my fish early on a moving bait. I was culling by 8:00 am and had a 5-pounder in the boat. But as the sun got up, the bite seemed to shut off for me. After that, I began dead-sticking a Bitter’s senko style bait the rest of the day and that led to bigger and better fish,” Nash said.

Tomas Gomez of Kissimmee, FL placed third among the co-anglers with three bass going 15.52-pounds.

“I started off fishing a skinny dipper but that didn’t work for me so changed up to my go-to bait and caught fish slow rolling a watermelon-red Bitter’s speed worm over hydrilla. I had my limit by limit by 10:30 am and then I caught my bigger fish after 1:00 pm,” Gomez said.

The co-angler big bass award went to Semori Novembre of Belle Glade, FL brought to the scales a big bass that weighed 8.46-pounds.

“This is my first tournament ever. I caught that big bass on a Zoom 10” U-tail worm around 12:30 pm. It was my biggest bass ever,”  Novembre said

In fourth place among the co-anglers, Lonny Mead of Orlando, FL brought in three bass for 15.43-pounds. Brian Reeves of Sebring, FL finished in fifth place with three bass for 15.22-pounds.

Slated for March 23rd, the next tournament will be held on Lake Okeechobee out of Roland Martin Marina and Resort in Clewiston, FL. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2020 Ray Scott Championship to be held at Lake Hartwell in April 2020.

For more information on this tournament, call Billy Benedetti, tournament manager, at 256-230-5632 or ABA at 256-232-0406. On line, see www.americanbassanglers.com

About American Bass Anglers - American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression.  For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com.


Chapman & Cummins Battle Freezing Temps, Win Bass Champs Lake Travis Event with over 17 pounds for $20K Payday!

Place Boat Truck Angler 1 Angler 2 Fish Big Bass Wt. Prize Amt.
1 KENNETH CUMMINS
PAIGE , TX
JIMMY CHAPMAN
HUTTO , TX
5 0 17.89
$20000.00 + $250 Lowrance+$200 Sure Life
2 DANIEL BARNES
BELTON , TX
ADRIAN BARNES
BELTON , TX
5 0 17.71
$2500.00 + $2500 Skeeter Bonus Cash
3 TIM RENEAU
RICHLAND SPINGS , TX
JUDY RENEAU
RICHLAND SPRINGS , TX
5 0 16.52
$1750.00
4 BRANDON DAY
BROWNWOOD , TX
CADE WILSON
EARLY , TX
5 0 16.22
$1200.00 + Sportsmans Auto Network Bonus
5 MIKE RICHARDSON
THORNDALE , TX
ZACH BROWN
GEORGETOWN , TX
5 8.47 16.06
$1050.00 + $500.00 Big Bass + AbuGarcia Bonus+$250 Amphibia+$1000 SAN
6 RANDY HIBLER
MARBLE FALLS , TX
RANDALL CHRISTIAN
TOW , TX
5 0 15.96
$1040.00
7 TONY FERDINANDO
SPICEWOOD , TX
SHANE LOGAN
BUDA , TX
4 7.56 15.06
$1030.00
8 TERRY STEVENS
HUTTO , TX
JASON HARPER
MONTGOMERY , TX
5 7.50 14.31
$1020.00
9 MIKE CONES
DEL RIO , TX
RANDY DIXON
BORGER , TX
5 0 14.24
$1010.00
10 LANCE DILLARD
LLANO , TX
BLAKE DILLARD
LLANO , TX
5 0 13.75
$1000.00
11 DAMON ROSS
GEORGETOWN , TX
DYLAN ROSS
LEXINGTON , TX
5 0 13.71
$1000.00
12 MICHAEL WERSIG
LEANDER , TX
EMILY WERSIG
LEANDER , TX
5 0 13.29
$900.00
13 TERRY ADAIR
ALVIN , TX
CHAD ADAIR
ALVIN , TX
5 0 13.22
$800.00
14 CHRIS WOEHL
CEDAR PARK , TX
CHRIS CLEMENTS
ROUND ROCK , TX
5 0 13.08
$800.00
15 WILLIAM BLAINE
SAN ANGELO , TX
DUSTIN WALTON
SWEETWATER , TX
5 0 12.58
$750.00
16 BILLY FORD
BELTON , TX
WILLIAM LYNCH
BELTON , TX
5 0 11.98
$700.00
17 CRIS TATUM
BELTON , TX
JUSTIN TATUM
BELTON , TX
5 0 11.81
$700.00
18 CHARLES PURSELL
AUSTIN , TX
MATTHEW PURYEAR
AUSTIN , TX
4 0 11.80
$700.00
19 ANTHONY SKOUBY
CIBOLO , TX
JASON WILLIAMS
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX
5 0 11.51
20 DAVID SHUSTER
GEORGETOWN , TX
CHARLES GERHART
SALADO , TX
5 0 11.42
21 SHAWN MARKGRAF
BURNET , TX
TRENT BLAKE
BURNET , TX
5 0 11.29
22 ANDREW WHITEHEAD
PFLUGERVILLE , TX
MICKEY SANDERS
SPICEWOOD , TX
5 0 11.18
23 MICHAEL BRISENO
ELGIN , TX
LUCAS LARSON
HUTTO , TX
5 0 11.16
24 ADAM MIRANDA
BROWNWOOD , TX
ROGER SOTO
BROWNWOOD , TX
3 0 10.97
25 SCOTT SMITH
HORSESHOE BAY , TX
PRESTON DANNA
HORSESHOE BAY , TX
5 0 10.87
26 JOHN KAPALDO
KYLE , TX
JACOB KAPALDO
KYLE , TX
5 0 10.79
27 JUSTIN WOJCIK
BULVERDE , TX
ADAM AMICK
BOERNE , TX
5 0 10.66
28 TODD IVINS
BOERNE , TX
BILLY MCCRARY II
TEMPLE , TX
5 0 10.44
29 ROBERT BROWN
ROUND ROCK , TX
5 0 10.26
29 ANTHONY GARCIA
ROUND ROCK , TX
ERIC GARCIA
STANLEY , NM
4 0 10.26
31 MICHAEL ROBERTS
LEANDER , TX
DAVID BARNARD
LOMETA , TX
4 0 9.98
32 TULLY WILLIAMS
GATESVILLE , TX
PAT WASHBURN
GATESVILLE , TX
5 0 9.91
33 JOSH LASSETER
BUCHANAN DAM , TX
DON KING
BUCHANAN DAM , TX
5 0 9.62
34 DUSTIN GRICE
VALLEY MILLS , TX
JOHNNY GRICE
EARLY , TX
4 0 9.33
35 LEE BENTON
BURNET , TX
MIKE HASTINGS
MEADOWLAKES , TX
5 0 9.32
36 MATT HILL
JONESTOWN , TX
BARRY MOTT
LIBERTY HILL , TX
5 0 9.07
37 ROY STEGER
BELTON , TX
CHET SUTTON
SALADO , TX
5 0 8.99
38 CHRISTOPHER SABINA
SAN ANTONIO , TX
KYLE MUSSATO
HIGHLANDS RANCH , CO
5 0 8.91
39 MIKE STANFORD
MIDLAND , TX
BRADY STANFORD
MIDLAND , TX
4 0 8.87
40 RONNY MAYNARD
GEORGETOWN , TX
JOHN HALLEY
KILLEEN , TX
5 0 8.84
41 RONALD GOERDEL
HUNTSVILLE , TX
JOHN GILBERT JR
LEANDER , TX
3 6.05 8.78
42 TOM GUIDRY
NEW BRAUNFELS , TX
JR BRIANT
KINGSLAND , TX
5 0 8.76
43 LEONARD PHILIPP
BASTROP , TX
HUNTER ARTHUR
BASTROP , TX
5 0 8.62
44 CHARLES WHITED
SAN MARCOS , TX
TREY GROCE
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX
5 0 8.60
45 JEFFERY HUNTER
SALADO , TX
KENNETH WITEK
STOCKDALE , TX
4 0 8.52
46 TRAVIS GOLMON
GEORGETOWN , TX
JAYSON KISSELBURG
JARRELL , TX
5 0 8.30
47 TRAVIS DAUGHERTY
BURNET , TX
TRAVIS COCKERHAM
BARTLETT , TX
5 0 8.20
47 JUSTYN PARRISH
AUSTIN , TX
GARRIT AFMAN
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX
5 0 8.20
49 GLEN DERKS II
LIBERTY HILL , TX
BRYAN SIMPSON
LIBERTY HILL , TX
4 0 8.16
50 BILL GUZMAN
AUSTIN , TX
TIM STEWART
AUSTIN , TX
3 0 8.14
51 TYLER TORWICK
AUSTIN , TX
BRYAN SCOTT
LIBERTY HILL , TX
5 0 7.99
52 JAMES SCOGIN
AUSTIN , TX
ROLAND LOERA
AUSTIN , TX
4 0 7.92
53 RAY TOMASITS
LEANDER , TX
CARY LAUDADIO
AUSTIN , TX
5 0 7.85
54 RANDY GROUNDS
HORSESHOE BAY , TX
LEE BEUERSHAUSEN
MARBLE FALLS , TX
5 0 7.75
55 SCOTT MEADS
KILLEEN , TX
TOM GRIDLEY
WIMBERLEY , TX
5 0 7.73
56 MICHAEL WALDROP
AUSTIN , TX
JARROD SANDERS
AUSTIN , TX
5 0 7.70
57 ALLEN SHELTON
FARMERS BRANCH , TX
BRAD DRAKE
IRVING , TX
5 0 7.52
58 DEAN ALEXANDER
JONESTOWN , TX
THOMAS MARTENS
JONESTOWN , TX
5 0 7.48
59 WILL DAVENPORT
ROUND ROCK , TX
JACOB LAMBERT
ROUND ROCK , TX
4 0 7.34
60 GARY WEIMER
LEANDER , TX
JEREMIAH WAFFORD
CEDAR PARK , TX
5 0 7.07
60 WESTON BROWN
HOUSTON , TX
DAVID DOONAN
CALDWELL , TX
5 0 7.07
62 GERARD RUMSEY
AUSTIN , TX
EDWARD RUMSEY
BURNET , TX
2 0 6.82
63 ROGER SARAIBA
LEANDER , TX
LOUIE BRUNO
PFLUGERVILLE , TX
5 0 6.77
64 BLAKE ARAPIS
BURNET , TX
CHARLES WILSON JR
BRIGGS , TX
3 0 6.71
65 RONNY ANTHONY
SALADO , TX
JARAD GOHLKE
GATESVILLE , TX
4 0 6.64
65 TIMOTHY SMEAL
FORT WORTH , TX
DAVID NELSON
SALADO , TX
5 0 6.64
67 GARRETT KOSLAN
AUSTIN , TX
ERIC CRUMLEY
LEANDER , TX
3 0 6.42
68 WILLIAM BRUNSON
LIBERTY HILL , TX
DANIEL EMBLEM
KILLEEN , TX
4 0 6.37
69 STERLING MARTIN
BEEVILLE , TX
COURTNEY BEHREND
COMFORT , TX
2 0 6.29
70 CODY GREANEY
MANCHACA , TX
ROBERT ROARK
THE WOODLANDS , TX
4 0 6.06
71 CHANS MARTIN
FAIR OAKS RANCH , TX
CHASE MEIER
COMFORT , TX
4 0 5.76
72 JAMES BEAUCHAMP
SUNRISE BEACH , TX
BRENNAN FERTIG
BAY CITY , TX
2 0 5.57
73 MICHAEL HETTICK
CORPUS CHRISTI , TX
KAPPY ALLEN
ROBSTOWN , TX
2 0 5.52
74 JAMES CANTWELL
KINGSLAND , TX
TOM CANTWELL
LAGRANGE , TX
3 0 4.64
75 MIKE PICKWELL
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX
JOE COLE
AUSTIN , TX
3 0 4.55
76 ROBERT MIKES
SHINER , TX
MARKUS ELDER
NEW WAVERLY , TX
2 0 4.43
77 GARY WAFFORD
CEDAR PARK , TX
GREG WAFFORD
CEDAR PARK , TX
3 0 4.26
78 THOMAS WEIMER
ROUND ROCK , TX
BRANDON JONES
ROUND ROCK , TX
3 0 4.16
79 JUSTIN MADDING
ROUND ROCK , TX
ANIBAL GUZMAN
HARKER HEIGHTS , TX
2 0 3.04
80 JEREMY ANZVALDA
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX
JASON RANFT
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX
2 0 2.93
81 KYLE WIEDENFELD
BOERNE , TX
KADEN WIEDENFELD
BOERNE , TX
2 0 2.91
82 JOEY KIRKLAND
SAN ANTONIO , TX
LUPE CONTRERAS JR
SAN ANTONIO , TX
1 0 2.82
83 FRANK CHANDLER
ROUND ROCK , TX
ISAIAH CHANDLER
ROUND ROCK , TX
2 0 2.76
84 TROY LOWERY
BROWNWOOD , TX
TOMMY MORENO
SAN SABA , TX
1 0 1.85
85 PATRICK ANDERSON
BUDA , TX
DOUG HAMILTON
LAKEWAY , TX
1 0 1.50
86 ANTHONY GOODSON
DRIFTWOOD , TX
MICAH KIRKHART
MARTINDALE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 PHILLIP MASSOLETTI
BURNET , TX
CHARLES MEREDITH
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DARRELL WUENSCHE
THRALL , TX
SAM MORROW
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JAKE KENNAMER
AUSTIN , TX
CARSON CONKLIN
BUDA , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JOE BILL HALE
SPICEWOOD , TX
DUSTY HALE
SPICEWOOD , TX
0 0 0.00
86 MIKE GROUNDS
MARBLE FALLS , TX
BRAD DOBBS
GRAHAM , TX
0 0 0.00
86 MIKE HARMAN
BASTROP , TX
BRIAN HUGHES
TAYLOR , TX
0 0 0.00
86 MARK RIBERA JESSE RIVERA
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DONNIE ROSS
GEORGETOWN , TX
KENNY CLIFTON
BASTROP , TX
0 0 0.00
86 SEAN EVANS
KILLEEN , TX
RODNEY THOMPSON
HARKER HEIGHTS , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JASON BUCHANAN
BURNET , TX
TERRY KIRCUS
BURNET , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JAMES DISLER
LEANDER , TX
DAVID DISLER
CONROE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DAVID OVERCASH
WEST , TX
ROGER FRIELDS
WACO , TX
0 0 0.00
86 STEVE WILSON
FREDERICKSBURG , TX
DONNIE HOHMANN
HARPER , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DERICK KUYRKENDALL
BERGHEIM , TX
FORREST WILSON
SPRING BRANCH , TX
0 0 0.00
86 ADAM CLARK
DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX
RICK CLARK
TERRELL , TX
0 0 0.00
86 TRAVIS GERGELY
SEGUIN , TX
BLAINE MURNAHAN
NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX
0 0 0.00
86 STEVEN KIRKWOOD
HUTTO , TX
0 0 0.00
86 CLAYTON HELDT
VICTORIA , TX
CHAD KALLINA
LAGO VISTA , TX
0 0 0.00
86 BUDDY BOONE
SAN ANTONIO , TX
RALPH CELEDON
ALAMO , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JOHNNY HOMANN
KYLE , TX
JAY HESS
LOCKHART , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JOHN WALSH
LEANDER , TX
JEFF JENKINS
LEANDER , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DAVID RUTHERFORD
ARTESIA , NM
CURTIS PENNINGTON
ARTESIA , NM
0 0 0.00
86 SHAWN TAYLOR
ABILENE , TX
JEREMY EASTERWOOD
ABILENE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DAVID WILSON
AUSTIN , TX
JAMES WILSON
SAN ANTONIO , TX
0 0 0.00
86 ROBERT PRESCOTT
SEQUIN , TX
DEVIN GIBSON
GONZALES , TX
0 0 0.00
86 KYLE MAREK
LAKE HILLS , TX
DERRICK CORSO
MCKINNEY , TX
0 0 0.00
86 RYAN FAIN
SPRING BRANCH , TX
GEORGE DELOACH
BOERNE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 GARRETT SHEPPERD
GEORGETOWN , TX
GREGORY SHEPPERD
GEORGETOWN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 RANDY ROE
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JACK MEREDITH
BELTON , TX
STEVEN BREAZEALE
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 CHARLES HICE
BURNET , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JOHN DAVILA
CEDAR PARK , TX
CAMERON OATES
LEANDER , TX
0 0 0.00
86 HEATH HARDAWAY
KINGSLAND , TX
WILLIAM HAMMES
KINGSLAND , TX
0 0 0.00
86 CODY BARCHENGER
TAYLOR , TX
WYATT FRANKENS
CORRIGAN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 ROBERT BUTLER
AUSTIN , TX
HANK GRAVES
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 STEVEN MAPLES JR
SEGUIN , TX
RUSTY REEDY
SPRING BRANCH , TX
0 0 0.00
86 RUSSELL WHITE
BASTROP , TX
BRIAN CRAWFORD
BRIARCLIFF , TX
0 0 0.00
86 RONALD SISK
RIO VISTA , TX
KENNETH FULLER JR
RIO VISTA , TX
0 0 0.00
86 JAMES HESTER
SALADO , TX
NEAL CHILDERS
CYPRESS , TX
0 0 0.00
86 HERMAN GEORGE
BELTON , TX
TIM HERNING
TEMPLE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 STEVE MAGNELIA
AUSTIN , TX
MICHAEL TENNANT
PFLUGERVILLE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 BRANDON BRAY
MARBLE FALLS , TX
JOE BRAY
HORSESHOE BAY , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DEAN BUJNOCH
HUTTO , TX
BROCK BUJNOCH
HUTTO , TX
0 0 0.00
86 BRIAN HARMS
ROUND ROCK , TX
TRAVIS GARNER
ROUND ROCK , TX
0 0 0.00
86 GERALD MUELLER JR
PFLUGERVILLE , TX
GENE FUESSEL
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 WILLIAM DANKERT
SALADO , TX
TYLER DANKERT
SALADO , TX
0 0 0.00
86 BLAYNE THOMPSON
CEDAR PARK , TX
CHARLES BROOKE
JONESTOWN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 MICHAEL GLYNN
BOERNE , TX
MATTHEW HATHAWAY
SAN MARCOS , TX
0 0 0.00
86 BRIAN MATER
AUSTIN , TX
PHILLIP WARREN
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 RICKY PIERCE
THORNDALE , TX
RHETT PIERCE
THORNDALE , TX
0 0 0.00
86 WILLIAM FESLER
LAMPASAS , TX
DAVID LAINE
HORSESHOE BAY , TX
0 0 0.00
86 GARRETT GOETTEE
TOMBALL , TX
HUGH KELLER
HOUSTON , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DONNIE ONEAL
PFLUGERVILLE , TX
MAELSTROM KIEWIET
AUSTIN , TX
0 0 0.00
86 DEREK CONE
CEDAR PARK , TX
TOM WILKINSON
LEANDER , TX
0 0 0.00

Pirch picks up Toyota Bonus Bucks at St. Johns Elite

Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships

 

Arizona’s Clifford Pirch got tired of seeing his pro angling buddies Josh Bertrand and Roy Hawk cashing Bonus Bucks checks from Toyota while he was towing with another brand.

“I was running a diesel, while Josh and Roy were cashing-in on the Toyota Bonus Bucks Program. So I went and bought a Tundra, and now I’m getting paid too,” says Pirch. “And I’ve never once regretted getting rid of the diesel because the towing power of this Tundra is awesome, and it’s a super comfortable ride too.”

Pirch earned the bonus by showcasing his angling talents at the famed St. Johns River Bassmaster Elite Series event, especially on Day 3, when he brought a monster limit to the scales that weighed 34 pounds.

“About half the fish I weighed-in this week were spawners that fell for a Big Bite Baits finesse wacky worm, and the other half chased a vibrating blade jig,” says Pirch, who is nearly as passionate about hunting elk antler sheds in Arizona each spring as he is bass fishing.

Hunting elk antler sheds will keep Pirch busy during what little time he’s home in March and April, but for now he’s happy to be picking up a bonus from Toyota as he rolls out of Florida.

You don’t have to be a full time pro like Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Clifford Pirch or John Crews to be eligible to win Toyota Bonus Bucks, you just have to drive a 2015 or newer Toyota Truck, sign up Free for Bonus Bucks, and be the highest finishing registered participant in one of the dozens of tournaments supported by the program.

To learn more, please visit www.toyotafishing.com, or call (918) 742-6424 and ask for Kendell or Jarrett and they will help you get signed-up.


GEORGIA’S GROSS WINS FLW TOUR AT LAKE TOHO PRESENTED BY RANGER BOATS

Chickamauga’s Buddy Gross Milks Key Area on Lake Toho to Earn Second Career FLW Tour Victory, $100,000

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2019) – Pro Buddy Gross of Chickamauga, Georgia, brought a five-bass limit weighing 23 pounds, 12 ounces, to the scale Sunday to win the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats. Gross’ four-day total of 20 bass weighing 85-12 earned him the victory by a 4-pound, 10-ounce margin over second-place pro John Cox of DeBary, Florida, and the $100,000 first-place prize.

“I’m ecstatic. It has been an awesome, awesome journey. To beat the competition that we have – it’s unbelievable,” said Gross, who earned his second career FLW Tour victory. “I came into this event just wanting to cash a check. When I made the top 30, I just wanted stay in the top 10. All I wanted to do was finish strong.

“I got the majority of my weight early today – I’m guessing I had 18 or 19 pounds by 9 (a.m.) and after that it was a grind,” continued Gross. “I worked a long time between bites, but I upgraded two more times – maybe three – at my spot. I can’t believe this place that I caught these fish at held up – I really believe the Lord just blessed me.”

The spot Gross is referring to was on the main span of Lake Toho, just north of the lock at the lake’s southern end. It was his most productive area throughout the event, producing 19 of his 20 fish. He described it as a “pocket” in the grass line that was 30 feet wide and 50 feet in, but that didn’t break through to the other side.

“It was special because it had two ditches with clumps in the middle, and the fish were sitting in the clumps,” said Gross. “There were 20-foot gaps between each clump, and they’d set up in them [the clumps]. The first day I caught them, it was in the ditch, but after that, everything was on the clumps.”

Though Gross described the area as having two ditches, he said the “ditches” weren’t any deeper than the surrounding area. They were just open lanes with no grass. The entire spot was about 7 feet deep.

Gross primarily used a 5- or 6-inch, natural-light-colored Scottsboro Tackle Co. Swimbait on an 8/0-sized Owner Beast Flashy Swimmer and a ½-ounce white custom swimjig with a 4-inch Scottsboro Tackle swimbait trailer of the same color. The same swimjig with a black-and-blue skirt and a green-pumpkin Zoom Z-Craw trailer also came into play. For line, he used 50-pound-test braid on a Daiwa Tatula SV reel. He fished the swimbait on a 7-foot, 3-inch Fitzgerald Rods All Purpose Series extra-heavy rod, but switched to a heavy-action rod of the same length and series for the swim jig.

The top 10 pros on Lake Toho finished:

 

1st:          Buddy Gross, Chickamauga, Ga., 20 bass, 85-12, $102,700

2nd:         John Cox, DeBary, Fla., 20 bass, 81-2, $30,600

3rd:          Darrell Davis, Dover, Fla., 20 bass, 78-7, $25,000

4th:          Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas, 20 bass, 76-14, $20,000

5th:          Josh Douglas, Isle, Minn., 20 bass, 72-8, $19,000

6th:          Wade Strelic, Alpine, Calif., 20 bass, 71-4, $18,000

7th:          Joseph Webster, Winfield, Ala., 20 bass, 66-0, $17,000

8th:          Scott Martin, Clewiston, Fla., 20 bass, 65-10, $16,000

9th:          Aaron Britt, Yuba City, Calif., 19 bass, 64-7, $15,000

10th:        Nitro pro Tyler Woolcott, Port Orange, Fla., 20 bass, 64-3, $14,000

 

Full results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Overall there were 49 bass weighing 157 pounds, 9 ounces caught by pros Sunday. Of the final 10 pros, nine caught five-bass limits.

Television coverage of the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats will premiere in 2019. The exact air-date will be announced soon. The Emmy-nominated "FLW" television show airs each Saturday night at 7 p.m. EST and is broadcast to more than 63 million cable, satellite and telecommunications households in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean on the World Fishing Network (WFN), the leading entertainment destination and digital resource for anglers throughout North America. FLW television is also distributed internationally to FLW partner countries, including Canada, China, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and South Africa.

The total purse for the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats was more than $860,000, including $9,000 through 65th place in the Pro Division. The tournament was hosted by Experience Kissimmee and the Kissimmee Sports Commission. The next event for FLW Tour anglers will be the FLW Tour at Lake Seminole presented by Costa, in Bainbridge, Georgia, March 7-10. The tournament will be hosted by the Bainbridge Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In FLW Tour competition, the full field of 170 pro anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 30 pros based on their two-day accumulated weight advanced to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continued competition Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the sport’s top anglers on the FLW Tour on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and Snapchat.


Clunn Repeats His Magic Winning Power-Pole Bassmaster Elite At St. Johns River

PALATKA, Fla — After becoming the oldest angler ever to win a Bassmaster Elite Series event in 2016 on the St. Johns River, Rick Clunn provided what has become one of the most famous quotes in professional bass fishing history when he said, “Never accept that all of your best moments are in your past.”

On Sunday, he walked it like he talks it.

Clunn, who turned 72 in July, broke his own record for agelessness, winning the Power-Pole Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River with a four-day total of 98 pounds, 14 ounces. His amazing week was punctuated on Championship Sunday with a tournament-best limit of five bass that weighed 34-14.

It was the 16th career victory for Clunn, whose $100,000 first-place paycheck put him over $2.5 million in career earnings with B.A.S.S.

“I think this just reinforces what I said after I won here in 2016,” Clunn said. “A long time ago, I stopped paying attention to timelines. The terrible twos, the ugly teens, the midlife crisis, retirement time — I don’t pay any attention to any of that.

“If you listen to everybody else, you’ll get premature notions about who you really are.”

This week, there was no doubt about it. He was “Rick Clunn: Legend.”

The Ava, Mo., angler started modestly with a limit of 17-5 on Day 1. But he inched his way up the standings with 23-11 on Day 2 and then caught 23-0 on Day 3 to make Sunday’s Top 10 cut in eighth place with a three-day total of 64-0.

He joked after Saturday’s semifinal weigh-in that he might need a 10-pounder and a 12-pounder on Sunday to have any chance of winning. While he didn’t quite make those marks, he came close by weighing in two fish over 9 pounds, including a 9-14 that ranked as the biggest bass of the day.

His three key baits all week were a big lipless crankbait from Luck-E-Strike called a Hail Mary, a 3/4-ounce Luck-E-Strike Trickster Spinnerbait with a shellcracker-colored skirt and a Texas-rigged gatortail worm.

“I thought the bream pattern was important for the spinnerbait this week,” Clunn said. “The bass are bedding here, and I know how much the bass really don’t like the bream around their beds.”

The spinnerbait bite improved steadily throughout the week, thanks to a cold front that brought wind and cloud cover to the region. After catching bass on the deeper ends of boat docks in practice, Clunn said the fish had moved so shallow they were under the walkways of the docks by the weekend — and that made for a perfect spinnerbait situation.

In the event that he missed a strike on the spinnerbait, he would follow up quickly with the worm. That was the key to landing his biggest bass Sunday.

“That’s what won it for me today,” he said. “Early in the day, they were eating that spinnerbait really well. I caught a 6 1/2 on it and another one about 4. But then in the middle of the day, I missed three fish on it — and I could tell the third one was a really nice fish.

“I went back with the worm, and it was the 9-14.”

Even with all that he’s accomplished, Clunn admitted the two giant bass on Sunday got his blood pumping.

“I swung every fish into the boat today except those two 9s,” he said. “When you have to sit there and think about all of the possibilities and it takes forever to get them in the boat…it gets your heart moving.”

The two anglers closest in the standings to Clunn were first-year Canadian pro Chris Johnston with 95-2 and veteran Kentucky pro Mark Menendez with 95-1. Johnston said it was an honor to share the stage with Clunn.

“To lose to somebody that you watched fishing for the past 20 years — just to be on the same stage with him — it’s a privilege,” Johnston said. “If I was gonna see anyone else win, I would want it would be Rick. He earned it. He deserves it. He put his time in.

“I can’t complain about second place at my first event.”

Clunn said the question of when he’ll finally give up fishing is “a dirty question.” He’s looking forward to next week’s Toyota Bassmaster Elite at Lake Lanier in Georgia and has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

“A lot of stuff off the water is old to me,” Clunn said. “But when I go on the water, it’s brand new, just like it was when I started. I love it just as much as I ever have.

“It’s an incredible thing to go out every single day and know that you’ve gotta figure them out. This amazing study of natural rhythms and how all things are connected — I can’t see myself ever getting tired of that.”

During a tournament when giant fish were weighed in all four days, the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week was caught during Thursday’s opening round. The honor went to Virginia pro John Crews for the 11-2 largemouth he caught on Day 1.

Rookie pro and former college fishing champion Patrick Walters of South Carolina was fourth with 91-14, and Crews was fifth with  89-11.

The Elite anglers hit the St. Johns River fishery at its peak. The 75 anglers caught 158 five-bass limits and weighed in 893 bass totaling 2,927 pounds, 8 ounces of bass. With an average weight of 3 1/4 pounds and the largest weigh-in crowds in the history of St. Johns Bassmaster tournaments, the event more than lived up to the theme of the 2019 Elite Series: “Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.

2019 2019 Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/7-2/10
St. Johns River, Palatka  FL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4

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

1.  Rick Clunn             Ava, MO                 20  98-14  100 $101,000.00
  Day 1: 5   17-05     Day 2: 5   23-11     Day 3: 5   23-00     Day 4: 5   34-14
2.  Chris Johnston         Peterborough Ontario CA 20  95-02   99  $25,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-05     Day 2: 5   25-11     Day 3: 5   28-13     Day 4: 5   19-05
3.  Mark Menendez          Paducah, KY             20  95-01   98  $20,000.00
  Day 1: 5   24-08     Day 2: 5   21-06     Day 3: 5   23-07     Day 4: 5   25-12
4.  Patrick Walters        Summerville, SC         20  91-14   97  $15,500.00
  Day 1: 5   13-15     Day 2: 5   23-07     Day 3: 5   32-15     Day 4: 5   21-09
5.  John Crews Jr          Salem, VA               20  89-11   96  $16,500.00
  Day 1: 5   24-13     Day 2: 5   15-15     Day 3: 5   17-14     Day 4: 5   31-01
6.  Lee Livesay            Longview, TX            20  88-10   95  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   19-12     Day 2: 5   26-06     Day 3: 5   21-15     Day 4: 5   20-09
7.  Clifford Pirch         Payson, AZ              20  88-01   94  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   13-11     Day 2: 5   20-05     Day 3: 5   34-09     Day 4: 5   19-08
8.  Cory Johnston          Cavan CANADA            20  85-06   93  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   21-01     Day 2: 5   19-15     Day 3: 5   27-13     Day 4: 5   16-09
9.  Scott Canterbury       Odenville, AL           20  80-12   92  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   10-03     Day 2: 5   25-12     Day 3: 5   30-04     Day 4: 5   14-09
10. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA            17  69-00   91  $15,000.00
  Day 1: 5   25-02     Day 2: 5   13-15     Day 3: 5   24-10     Day 4: 2   05-05
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
     John Crews Jr            Salem, VA           11-02      $1,500.00

CHICKAMAUGA’S GROSS OUT FRONT AT FLW TOUR AT LAKE TOHO PRESENTED BY RANGER BOATS

 

Georgia Pro Drops 19-Pound Limit on the Scale to Grab Lead Heading into Championship Sunday

 

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2019) – After an exciting day of movement atop the leaderboard, FLW Tour pro Buddy Gross of Chickamauga, Georgia, took the lead Saturday after the final bass had been weighed at the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 12 ounces. Gross’ three-day cumulative catch of 15 bass weighing 62 pounds even paces the final 10 pros as they head into Championship Sunday at the competition that features the world’s finest bass anglers casting for a top award of up to $125,000.

Right behind Gross (15 bass, 62-0) is hard-charging local angler Darrell Davis of Dover, Florida. Davis started the day in 13thplace but moved into second after weighing a huge 25-pound, 12-ounce limit this afternoon – the largest of the day – bringing his three-day total to 15 bass weighing 60-15. Josh Douglas of Isle, Minnesota, (15 bass, 60-3) rounds out the top three, and was the only other pro to top the 60-pound mark after three days.

“I’ve got a good little spot – I think I’ve weighed in 14 of my 15 fish from it – but I’m really pushing it to its limits,” said Gross, who is seeking his second career FLW Tour win. “I keep looking for another spot, and I might have found one this afternoon. I caught one that culled – almost a 4-pounder – at the very last place I stopped on the way to weigh-in.”

Gross’ main area is an offshore stretch of hydrilla on Lake Toho. He said he’s been able to put a limit in the boat by 10 a.m.each day on the first two days of competition, but today it took until noon.

“The spot has both pre and postspawn bass. When the prespawners show up, they’re feeding, and when they feed I can see it and I can catch them – that’s my little flurry,” said Gross. “Tomorrow I’m going to catch what I can catch there and then start looking. I had some giant fish, but I still haven’t gotten a kicker. I haven’t had anything over 5½ [pounds] in three days and there’s a lot of stretches where I’ve caught some 7s, 8s and 9s in practice, so I’m going to have to move around a little more.”

Gross said he’s mostly relied on a swimbait and a pair of swimjigs, citing a natural light-colored Scottsboro Tackle swimbait, black and blue-colored swimjig with a green-pumpkin Zoom Z-Craw trailer and a white swimjig with the Scottsboro swimbait as a trailer. He’s also utilized a Nichols spinnerbait this week.

“The swimjig probably caught more weight than the swimbait today, but every other day it’s been the swimbait. I’m using a little underspin-type blade on the hook – an Owner Flashy Swimmer. It’s got a little extra flash and I think that’s what’s triggering the fish.”

The top 10 pros advancing to the final day of competition on Lake Toho are:

1st:          Buddy Gross, Chickamauga, Ga., 15 bass, 62-0

2nd:         Darrell Davis, Dover, Fla., 15 bass, 60-15

3rd:          Josh Douglas, Isle, Minn., 15 bass, 60-3

4th:          John Cox, DeBary, Fla., 15 bass, 57-8

5th:          Aaron Britt, Yuba City, Calif., 15 bass, 57-7

6th:          Wade Strelic, Alpine, Calif., 15 bass, 57-3

7th:          Scott Martin, Clewiston, Fla., 15 bass, 54-12

8th:          Tommy Dickerson, Orange, Texas, 15 bass, 54-3

9th:          Nitro pro Tyler Woolcott, Port Orange, Fla., 15 bass, 53-1

10th:        Joseph Webster, Winfield, Ala., 15 bass, 51-6

 

Finishing 11th through 30th are:

 

11th:        Lowrance pro Austin Felix, Eden Prairie, Minn., 15 bass, 50-5, $12,000

12th:        Nitro pro Casey Scanlon, Lake Ozark, Mo., 15 bass, 49-12, $12,000

13th:        Bryan Schmitt, Deale, Md., 15 bass, 48-14, $12,000

14th:        J. Todd Tucker, Moultrie, Ga., 15 bass, 47-11, $12,000

15th:        John Voyles, Petersburg, Ind., 15 bass, 47-10, $12,000

16th:        Mike Surman, Boca Raton, Fla., 15 bass, 47-10, $11,500

17th:        Braxton Setzer, Montgomery, Ala., 14 bass, 46-15, $11,500

18th:        Nitro pro David Williams, Maiden, N.C., 15 bass, 46-15, $11,500

19th:        Rapala pro Terry Bolton, Benton, Ky., 15 bass, 45-9, $11,500

20th:        Brian Latimer, Belton, S.C., 15 bass, 45-9, $11,500

21st:        Polaris pro David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va., 15 bass, 44-5, $10,500

22nd:       Jamie Horton, Centerville, Ala., 15 bass, 43-14, $11,000

23rd:        Ron Nelson, Berrien Springs, Mich., 15 bass, 43-3, $10,500

24th:        Austin Wilson, Citrus Heights, Calif., 15 bass, 43-1, $10,500

25th:        Billy McCaghren, Mayflower, Ark., 15 bass, 42-9, $10,500

26th:        Bryan Thrift, Shelby, N.C., 15 bass, 42-1, $10,500

27th:        Brandon McMillan, Clewiston, Fla., 14 bass, 41-9, $10,500

28th:        Chad Warren, Sand Springs, Okla., 15 bass, 41-0, $10,500

29th:        Strike King pro Andrew Upshaw, Tulsa, Okla., 15 bass, 40-6, $10,500

30th:        Bass Pro Shops pro Jeremy Lawyer, Sarcoxie, Mo., 13 bass, 39-12, $10,500

 

Full results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Overall there were 146 bass weighing 401 pounds, 8 ounces caught by the 30 pros Saturday. The catch included 27 five-bass limits.

In FLW Tour competition, the full field of 170 pro anglers competed in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 30 pros based on their two-day accumulated weight advanced to Saturday. Now, only the top 10 pros continue competition Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.

The total purse for the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats is more than $860,000, including $9,000 through 65th place in the Pro Division. The tournament is hosted by Experience Kissimmee and the Kissimmee Sports Commission.

Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2019 FLW Cup, the world championship of professional bass fishing. The 2019 FLW Cup will be on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Aug. 9-11and is hosted by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and Visit Hot Springs.

Anglers will take off for the final day of competition at 7 a.m. EST Sunday from Big Toho Marina, located at 69 Lakeview Drive, in Kissimmee. Sunday’s championship weigh-in will also be held at the marina, beginning at 4 p.m.

Prior to the weigh-in Sunday FLW will host a free Family Fishing Expo at Big Toho Marina from 2 to 6 p.m. The Expo is a chance for fishing fans to meet their favorite anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by FLW sponsors, and learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities.

Television coverage of the FLW Tour at Lake Toho presented by Ranger Boats will premiere in 2019. The exact air-date will be announced soon. The Emmy-nominated "FLW" television show airs each Saturday night at 7 p.m. EST and is broadcast to more than 63 million cable, satellite and telecommunications households in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean on the World Fishing Network (WFN), the leading entertainment destination and digital resource for anglers throughout North America. FLW television is also distributed internationally to FLW partner countries, including Canada, China, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and South Africa.

The popular FLW Live on-the-water program will air Sunday, featuring live action from the boats of the tournament’s top pros each day. Host Travis Moran will be joined by veteran FLW Tour pro Peter Thliveros to break down the extended action each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On-the-water broadcasts will be live streamed on FLWFishing.com, the FLW YouTube channel and the FLW Facebook page.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the sport’s top anglers on the FLW Tour on FLW’s social media outlets at FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube and Snapchat.