ANTICIPATION RUNNING HIGH FOR 2020 HOBIE B.O.S. ON LAKE FORK, TX
Might the B.O.S. All-Time Single-Day Record Be Broken Yet Again?
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (February 14, 2020) - Anticipation! That’s the buzzword among those planning to participate in the second installment of the 2020 Hobie Bass Open Series(B.O.S.), scheduled for February 22-23 on Lake Fork Reservoir, TX. Listen carefully and you can almost hear it dripping from the end of every sentence as the kayak faithful gather to discuss their plans of attack for the 27,264-acre impoundment, and the heavy-shouldered bass that call these waters home.
“We visited Lake Fork last year in June and it produced some really great fishing,” said Hobie BOS tournament director, A.J. McWhorter. “It’s a true trophy bass fishery with high-end potential and we’re hitting it at a great time of year for anglers to catch big limits and some potentially huge fish.”
Indeed, many consider Lake Fork to be the premiere trophy largemouth lake in the Lone Star State. It has three distinct tributaries (Lake Fork, Big Caney and Little Caney creeks), plenty of channel swings, abundant grass flats, hydrilla, Eurasian milfoil and water hyacinth, plus tons of stumps, standing timber, old roadbeds and foundations that were present before the lake was impounded back in 1980. With a maximum depth of 70’ and miles of shallow flats, coves, nooks and crannies to explore, the bassin’ possibilities are limitless. Numerous hawgs topping the 15-pound mark have been recorded here, including the Texas state record of 18.18 pounds. In fact, more than half of the fish listed on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Top 50 Largemouth Bass list have come from these waters, which offer over two-dozen public launch ramps plus several parklands to provide ample access.
“I absolutely love Lake Fork,” says Brian Howell, 27, of Rowlett, TX, who finished second in last year’s BOS on the big lake. “This is actually my favorite bass spot and it has amazing big fish potential. There’s so many 4- to 6-pound fish that the leader board can change several times in a matter of minutes if a few anglers get hot. Depending on the weather, it might take 100 inches of bass or more on both days to win this tourney. A cold front could tamper expectations, of course, but if we have fair weather leading into day one, watch out because it could be a slugfest.”
Last year’s Lake Fork BOS winner was Matt Ramey, 26, of Carlsbad, NM, with 194.25 total inches of bass caught, photographed and released. Like Howell, he’s ready to launch his ‘yak and get the competition underway.
“I like Lake Fork because it offers a super mix of structure and weeds, abundant fish and plenty of lunkers,” said Ramey. “I’ve pulled two personal best bass here in previous Hobie Tournament of Champions competitions, so the opportunity for a trophy definitely excites me. I also enjoy that it’s a completely different type of ecosystem from what I fish back home. I’m used to working hard, rocky bottom, clear, deep waters, and maybe a few mesquite trees if I’m lucky. Here, there’s tons of timber, extensive grass lines, creeks and coves. I can’t wait to get started.”
Both Howell and Ramey expect the Lake Fork event will pan out somewhat differently than last year since it’s being held earlier in the season. They agree that the bass are likely to be in a late winter or pre-spawn patterns for this tourney, calling for different approaches than they used last June.
“Last year I was throwing a 1.5 and 1-ounce Strike King punch jig on day one, working it mostly around water hyacinth,” revealed Ramey. “Day two was cloudy, cooler and brought some short bites so I switched to a 2-ounce Tungsten jig tipped with a Strike King Rodent to better punch through the matts. This year, with the fish probably in a pre-spawn pattern, I’ll be searching for clean water that’s a degree or two warmer than the surrounding area. I’ll push all the way back into the creeks and look for shell beds. They can be one of the first areas to hold bait in the spring. Mussels feed on algae and detritus, just like small baitfish, so I use them as a tip-off to possible productive feeding zones. Find some shellfish with a spawning flat nearby and you can be in pretty good shape this time of year.”
A member of the New Mexico Hobie Pro Team out of Zia Kayak Outfitters in Elephant Butte, NM, Ramey also notes that his Hobie 360 can provide an edge, especially on the grassy flats of Lake Fork. “With that 360 maneuverability I can get in and out of the weeds without ever dipping a paddle, even if there’s some wind,” he stated. “That makes it easier to work edges or even move in and out of thick matts without spooking my quarry. It really helps when the water is clean and the fish are shy, as is often the case in late winter and early spring.”
Howell plans to fish shallow so long as a cold front doesn’t squeeze through immediately before the tourney. “If I find the fish are in a pre-spawn pattern as expected, I’ll run at least half-way up some creeks to look for staging areas with a lot of timber,” he explained. “I’ll hit those areas with Chatterbaits, crankbaits and maybe some Texas-rigged soft plastics.”
Ramey and Howell are both big fans of the Hobie BOS format, noting that in addition to substantial cash prizes, there are plenty of giveaways for participants, a clear set for rules for all to follow, a highly competitive field and plenty of camaraderie to go with numerous events held across the country. That means anglers can compete hard and still have fun, meet up with friends, rub elbows with top competitors, and learn from some of the best kayak bass anglers in the country.
Not only did the Hobie BOS Lake Seminole tournament provide plenty of drama, it paid out some nice prize money as well, with Harshman taking home $7,000, Counce, $3,700 and Smitts, $2,000. Total payouts tallied $23,125 and covered up to 13th place. In addition to their cash prizes, the top three anglers also qualified for Hobie’s 50-angler end-of-year Tournament of Champions.
“The Hobie BOS really is a great tournament series,” noted Nakada. “It’s open to anyone with a kayak, offers great competition, surprisingly large cash prizes, a chance to test your skills against top level competition, plus opportunities to learn and network with others in the kayak fishing community.”
The next Hobie BOS event is scheduled for legendary Lake Fork in Wood County, Texas, February 22-23. Visit www.HobieBOS.com for the full schedule and registration details.
The 2020 Hobie Bass Open Series is open to anglers fishing in any brand of kayak and consists of nine individual tournaments. Cost for the two-day, weekend, open tournaments is $235, with a maximum of 200 boats per event. The top 10% of the field in each event receive cash payouts while the top three non-qualified anglers from each open qualify for the Hobie Tournament of Champions (T.O.C).
January’s opening 2020 Hobie BOS event, held on Lake Seminole, GA, witnessed Jake Harshman of Harrisburg, PA literally inch out Josh Counce, of Sopchoppy, FL, 179.75” to 178.75” after Counce broke the BOS single day record in the first hour of competition with an amazing 101 inches for his five-fish catch and release limit. Ironically, the record had belonged to Ramey.
Can the Lake Fork, TX Hobie BOS event match or even surpass those marks? An entire fleet of kayak bass fishing fans - especially Ramey - can’t wait to test the waters and find out.
Special thanks to host site Lake Fork Marina & Hotel for supporting the Hobie B.O.S.’s second stop in 2020.
Meet Nebo: The Zaldain’s highly entertaining good luck pup
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
About the only thing Chris and Trait Zaldain’s dog Nebo won’t eat is fruit, but he will lick a largemouth bass if one gets within range of his tiny tongue, and for the past seven seasons there aren’t many tournament fisheries he hasn’t visited.
In fact, the Zaldain’s acquired Nebo in unplanned fashion during a Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Dardanelle in 2014.
“I was sitting in my boat working on tackle at that Dardanelle Elite, the door on my truck was open, and the next thing I know, a little dog comes out of a patch of woods and jumps into the cab of my truck,” recalls Chris.
Turns out, that little dog was in pretty rough shape. He had worms, ticks, and someone had obviously abandoned him. So Trait and Chris followed their animal loving hearts, consulted with locals to make sure he didn’t have an owner, and began making plans to show the undernourished pup a better life.
“We were pretty broke back then, so I was worried about how much the veterinarian might charge us,” says Trait. “But the clinic there in Russellville was sweet enough to only charge me $5 to treat him for ticks and worms if I promised to take great care of him.”
“For the first few days, I think we fed him the same ramen noodles and lasagna we were living on,” grins Trait, who competes in Bassmaster Open events. “But the generous treatment the vet clinic gave him really got him pointed toward being way healthier than when we found him.”
Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say Nebo found the Zaldains, and you could argue he’s been a pretty darn good 4-legged token of good luck ever since that fateful day in Russellville six years ago.
Chris actually finished 8th in that Elite Series event a few days after the abandoned pup found them, and the Zaldains left Lake Dardanelle with a prize check of $12,500. They decided it was only fitting their new dog should be named “Nebo” after well-known Mount Nebo State Park located near the cabin they stayed in that week.
The veterinarian guessed him to be roughly two years old the day Trait first took him for a visit, so the Zaldains think “Nebo” is about 8-years-old.
One thing’s for certain, Nebo is now a highly confident, cattle chasing, very entertaining, 18-pound, treasured traveling companion to two of the most recognized anglers at every Bassmaster Open and Elite Series event he attends.
Dawson & Cloide drop over 25 pound limit on scales to Win Bass Champs on Toledo Bend
Place | Boat | Truck | Angler 1 | Angler 2 | Fish | Big Bass | Wt. | Prize Amt. | |
1 | WESLEY DAWSON CHESTER , TX |
TEDDY CLOIDE VIDOR , TX |
5 | 0 | 25.61 |
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2 | RICHARD STEPHENS HINESTON , LA |
RUSSELL MILLER ELMER , LA |
5 | 0 | 20.77 |
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3 | KIRK LELEUX KIRBYVILLE , TX |
ROGER JOHNSON JR VIDOR , TX |
5 | 10.10 | 20.04 |
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4 | ![]() |
IKE STEPHENS SIMPSON , LA |
LEE BROWN LEESVILLE , LA |
5 | 0 | 19.84 |
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5 | ![]() |
CORY RAMBO ORANGE , TX |
RUSTY CLARK SAM RAYBURN , TX |
5 | 0 | 19.21 |
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6 | ![]() |
CHRIS LEWIS LONGVIEW , TX |
KEITH JONES WHITE OAK , TX |
5 | 0 | 19.16 |
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7 | SHANNON HALE NACOGDOCHES , TX |
TODD NEWMAN NACOGDOCHES , TX |
5 | 0 | 18.20 |
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8 | MICHAEL MITCHELL LAKE CHARLES , LA |
NATHAN MITCHELL LAKE CHARLES , LA |
5 | 7.18 | 17.94 |
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9 | JAMES BOUDREAUX IOWA , LA |
GREGORY GUIDRY SULPHUR , LA |
5 | 0 | 17.91 |
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10 | JACOB JOHNSON LAKE CHARLES , LA |
SHANE CORMIER RAGLEY , LA |
5 | 0 | 17.45 |
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11 | ![]() |
ANDREW FATERKOWSKI MONTGOMERY , TX |
BILLY DRIGGERS HUNTSVILLE , TX |
5 | 0 | 17.44 |
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12 | WARREN WHITAKER WOODVILLE , MS |
TERRY MOFFETT NATCHEZ , MS |
5 | 0 | 17.20 |
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13 | MALCOLM WILLIAMS BRONSON , TX |
STEVE SMART BRONSON , TX |
3 | 8.55 | 16.83 |
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14 | JOSPEH NORRIS BOSSIER CITY , LA |
BARTON BLAKELOCK WAELDER , TX |
5 | 0 | 16.81 |
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15 | ![]() |
MIKE EDWARDS ETOILE , TX |
MIKE GREER DERIDDER , LA |
5 | 0 | 16.55 |
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16 | ANDREW GOLDEN CENTER , TX |
JOHN BARRERA MILAM , TX |
5 | 0 | 16.54 |
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16 | ![]() |
KEITH DELANEY POLLOCK , LA |
TED PATE ALEXANDRIA , LA |
5 | 0 | 16.54 |
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18 | BENJAMIN GULETT CONVERSE , LA |
DUSTIN RIVERS NOBLE , LA |
5 | 0 | 16.53 |
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19 | SAM HUCKABEE SHREVEPORT , LA |
TOBY JOHNSON BOSSIER , LA |
5 | 0 | 16.26 |
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20 | BRANNON MIRE BLOUSSARD , LA |
DENNIS NARCISSE ST MARTINVILLE , LA |
5 | 0 | 16.06 |
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21 | ![]() |
PHILIP HANKS BUNA , TX |
RODNEY SAMMONS BUNA , TX |
5 | 0 | 16.04 |
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22 | ![]() |
RICKY MADOLE MANY , LA |
RONNIE MADOLE SHREVEPORT , LA |
5 | 0 | 15.89 |
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23 | ![]() |
ARCHIE DORE II NATCHITOCHES , LA |
SYLVAN BARNES NATCHITOCHES , LA |
5 | 0 | 15.78 |
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24 | BOB SIGNORIN OAKHURST , TX |
TRAVIS SIGNORIN WILLIS , TX |
5 | 0 | 15.77 |
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25 | JASON BAKER CROSBY , TX |
CADE CORMIER HUFFMAN , TX |
5 | 0 | 15.40 |
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26 | ![]() |
ERIC BRIGMAN BRYAN , TX |
HAROLD MOORE CALDWELL , TX |
5 | 0 | 15.34 |
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27 | ![]() |
GARRY JEFFERSON CENTER , TX |
ANDREW DELANO BUNA , TX |
5 | 0 | 15.12 |
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28 | ![]() |
CHRIS HUEBEL NEDERLAND , TX |
DON GOULD MAURICEVILLE , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.92 |
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29 | CLINT WEST BEAUMONT , TX |
NATHAN PRINE BUNA , TX |
4 | 0 | 14.83 |
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30 | ![]() |
DANIEL BARNES BELTON , TX |
BILLY FORD BELTON , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.33 |
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31 | CHRIS HARVEY JASPER , TX |
RUSTY HARVEY LUMBERTON , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.32 |
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32 | BRADLEY HILLEBRANDT RAGLEY , LA |
JORDAN BREAUX SULPHUR , LA |
5 | 0 | 14.22 |
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33 | ![]() |
JERE BICE LAKE CHARLES , LA |
MICHAEL MCDONALD IOWA , LA |
4 | 0 | 14.21 |
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34 | BYRON BIONDI KENNEDALE , TX |
MARK BIONDI SR BURLESON , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.19 |
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35 | KRIS WILSON MONTGOMERY , TX |
BRYAN LOHR LUMBERTON , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.16 |
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36 | JOSHUA SMITH SULPHUR , LA |
RUDY VAUSSINE LAKE CHARLES , LA |
5 | 0 | 14.13 |
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37 | MARTIN ELSHOUT ABITA SPRINGS , LA |
MARK PRICE RUSTON , LA |
5 | 0 | 14.11 |
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38 | ![]() |
CHAD KEMP BRIDGE CITY , TX |
BRENT KEMP ORANGE , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.06 |
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39 | ![]() |
DONNIE MARTIN JOAQUIN , TX |
MATTHEW JONES HUMBLE , TX |
5 | 0 | 13.91 |
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40 | ![]() |
LANCE DUFF LUMBERTON , TX |
COLE COSTLOW LIBERTY , TX |
5 | 0 | 13.66 |
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41 | ![]() |
CHET SLAYDON DE RIDDER , LA |
JOHNNIE FRANKS HEMPHILL , TX |
4 | 0 | 13.49 |
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42 | ANDRE MARTIN LENA , LA |
GLEN FREEMAN ZWOLLE , LA |
5 | 0 | 13.47 |
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43 | RICHARD CUNNINGHAM RAGLEY , LA |
MICHAEL WINGATE DERIDDER , LA |
5 | 0 | 13.34 |
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44 | GERALD MITCHELL JENA , LA |
JASON LEBRUN CHOUDRANT , LA |
5 | 0 | 13.23 |
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45 | ![]() |
BILL DAIGLE LAFAYETTE , LA |
ANDRE CHAPMAN CHURCH POINT , LA |
5 | 0 | 13.22 |
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45 | ![]() |
DON DICKERSON PINEVILLE , LA |
JASON FOUNTAIN PINEVILLE , LA |
5 | 0 | 13.22 |
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47 | ![]() |
JEREMY BERGERON RAYNE , LA |
FRANK BERGERON RAYNE , LA |
5 | 0 | 13.13 |
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48 | JOHN WALKER BROOKELAND , TX |
KIRK MCCARTY BROOKELAND , TX |
5 | 0 | 12.96 |
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49 | ![]() |
JONATHON ZELL DRY PRONG , LA |
JACKSON COOPER DRY PRONG , LA |
5 | 0 | 12.87 |
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50 | ![]() |
JIM PROTHRO GILMER , TX |
TOMMY MORRISON GRANBURY , TX |
5 | 0 | 12.81 |
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51 | BRIAN SHOOK CHINA , TX |
JOHN ILES LUFKIN , TX |
5 | 0 | 12.80 |
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52 | JOHNNY WINFREE MANSFIELD , LA |
JOSHUA WINFREE CONVERSE , LA |
5 | 0 | 12.74 |
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53 | SEAN MECHE LAKE CHARLES , LA |
RODNEY OWENS RAGLEY , LA |
5 | 0 | 12.66 |
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54 | ![]() |
RICARDO GUZMAN SUNRISE BEACH , MO |
DENNIS CAMPBELL COLUMBIA , MO |
5 | 0 | 12.61 |
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55 | MICHAEL RISINGER WEST MONROE , LA |
SONTUS MITCHELL RUSTON , LA |
5 | 0 | 12.60 |
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56 | ![]() |
DOUG MCCAIN LAKE CHARLES , LA |
MASON MCCAIN LAKE CHARLES , LA |
5 | 0 | 12.40 |
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57 | RICKEY ELLIOTT SPRING , TX |
JOHNNY GRICE ARP , TX |
4 | 0 | 12.13 |
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58 | ![]() |
JADEN PARRISH LIBERTY , TX |
CODY PARRISH LIBERTY , TX |
4 | 0 | 12.07 |
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59 | SEAN KENNON DEQUINCY , LA |
JORDAN HOLLINGSWORTH VINTON , LA |
5 | 0 | 11.89 |
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60 | SHELBY SHAW HUNTSVILLE , TX |
WESLEY LEWIS KIRBYVILLE , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.87 |
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61 | DAVE REDINGTON WINNSBORO , TX |
LEE SANDERS HILLSBORO , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.75 |
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62 | JASON RILEY MONTGOMERY , TX |
BRIAN RISH MONTGOMERY , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.67 |
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63 | SCOOTER CLARK CENTER , TX |
RYAN PINKSTON CENTER , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.61 |
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64 | NATHAN STROUP WILLIS , TX |
WELSEY JOHNSON WILLIS , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.56 |
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65 | YARRI SCHREIBVOGEL BROOKLAND , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.54 |
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66 | LEE SHEARIN BRIDGE CITY , TX |
TYLER SHEARIN BRIDGE CITY , TX |
4 | 0 | 11.45 |
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67 | NORMAN LAND CLEVELAND , TX |
TRAVIS MOORE CLEVELAND , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.08 |
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68 | MIKE LOTT MONTGOMERY , TX |
JIMMY ROZELLE JR PORTER , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.94 |
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69 | ![]() |
THOMAS DECLET JR THIBODAUX , LA |
THOMAS DECLET SR HEMPHILL , TX |
4 | 0 | 10.91 |
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70 | ![]() |
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COLE BREWER LEESVILLE , LA |
ROB RICHARDS SPRING , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.64 |
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71 | ![]() |
ERIC PLEDGER TIMPSON , TX |
WILLIAM LLOYD SHELBYVILLE , TX |
4 | 0 | 10.62 |
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72 | ![]() |
DEAN LEWIS BOSSIER , LA |
JOHNNY COSTELLO BOSSIER CITY , LA |
5 | 0 | 10.56 |
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73 | ![]() |
MIKE SOLIZ ORANGE , TX |
EDDIE CHOATE BEAUMONT , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.52 |
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74 | ![]() |
DAVID PICKETT SHREVEPORT , LA |
KRISTOPHER PICKETT COUSHATTA , LA |
5 | 0 | 10.22 |
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75 | ![]() |
ROBERT MORE LEESVILLE , LA |
JERRY COUTEE MONTGOMERY , LA |
4 | 0 | 10.02 |
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76 | ![]() |
JIMMY DUCK III CENTER , LA |
BENJI DUMAS MINDEN , LA |
3 | 0 | 9.87 |
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77 | ![]() |
RAY BECK BROOKELAND , TX |
CJ NICHOLS ALEXANDRIA , LA |
1 | 8.99 | 8.99 |
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78 | DUANE PITTMAN PRAIRIEVILLE , LA |
DWIGHT MINOGUE KEITHVILLE , LA |
3 | 0 | 8.81 |
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79 | ![]() |
TOMMY WOODARD CONROE , TX |
DUNDE HARRIS MAGNOLIA , TX |
2 | 0 | 7.74 |
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80 | ![]() |
DALE BOREN FORT WORTH , TX |
RICK SCOTT HUMBLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.48 |
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80 | ![]() |
KALEB LASYONE DRY PRONG , LA |
JOHN BENOIT POLLOCK , LA |
3 | 0 | 7.48 |
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82 | CHRIS GABLE BILOXI , MS |
STEVEN RAMSEY DIBERVILLE , MS |
4 | 0 | 6.81 |
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83 | ![]() |
KEVIN HOFFPAUIR CROWLEY , LA |
BRIAN MARTIN CROWLEY , LA |
2 | 0 | 5.72 |
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84 | CODY NAQUIN THIBODAUX , LA |
BLAKE NAQUIN THIBODAUX , LA |
2 | 0 | 4.01 |
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85 | ![]() |
KEN SMITH DALLAS , TX |
KEVIN LASYONE DRY PRONG , LA |
1 | 0 | 3.05 |
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86 | PERRY CLARK POINT BLANK , TX |
KASEN CLARK POINTBLANK , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.90 |
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87 | JOSH RODGERS BEAUMONT , TX |
CASEY BURLEIGH ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
JACK TINDEL III ORANGE , TX |
DALTON SOLIZ ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | MATTHEW WRIGHT ORANGE , TX |
CAMERON MALLETT BUNA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
HEATH CROCKER CALHOUN , LA |
JUSTIN WEBB CALHOUN , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | LUKE OGDEN DELHI , LA |
JAKE OGDEN DELHI , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
ALLEN SHELTON FARMERS BRANCH , TX |
STRIDER BROWNING TIMPSON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
NATHAN BYRD MIDLOTHIAN , TX |
JOE BYRD SPRING , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
CHANCE ARCENEAUX LAKE CHARLES , LA |
DWIGHT ABSHIRE SANTA FE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | CHAD SENSAT LAKE CHARLES , LA |
KYLE REED SCOTT , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | WILLIAM WALKER JENA , LA |
SAMUEL CANOE GEORGETOWN , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
MATHEW ARMAND HESSMER , LA |
JARRED WILLIAMS BUNKIE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
CHRISTOPHER GORDON CLARENCE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
BRYAN CARETHERS SILSBEE , TX |
JUSTIN HOLMES LUMBERTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | JOHN MADDOX LUFKIN , TX |
JEFFERY WISE LUFKIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | CHRIS MCCLAIN NEED INFO |
PERRY NELMS ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | BUBBA NUGENT POLLOCK , LA |
DANA NUGENT GEORGETOWN , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | CODY PITT MANY , LA |
LANE MASTERS FISHER , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | DUSTIN GUNSTREAM VIDOR , TX |
PRUITT PERKINS ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | CHRIS CLEMENS LUFKIN , TX |
DALLAS COLE LEESVILLE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ADAM DUNN HOUSTON , TX |
JOSHUA WARE NEW CANEY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | CHRIS GALLENDER VILLAGE MILLS , TX |
DOUGLAS SCHYSM RAGLEY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
HAROLD ALLEN SHELBYVILLE , TX |
MATT LOETSCHER MANY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | PHILLIP CRELIA CENTER , TX |
TJ GOODWYN CENTER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
CHAD PRIMOS SHREVEPORT , LA |
BRIAN HEADRICK DEBERRY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ![]() |
JUSTIN CHILDRESS MANSFIELD , LA |
ROY LOVE JR STONEWALL , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | LARRY BYRD LAKE CHARLES , LA |
TRAVIS BROUSSARD LAKE CHARLES , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | BRIAN BAYLESS PORTER , TX |
CHRIS CAVITT PORTER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | MATT MORRIS SHREVEPORT , LA |
BILLY GASTON SHREVEPORT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | JODY GOODRUM DAYTON , TX |
JAKE GOODRUM CLEVELAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | LAMARCUS MCCRAY HOUSTON , TX |
JAMES ROZELL HOUSTON , TX |
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87 | CRAIG MASSEY HOUSTON , TX |
SCOTT HOLIFIELD GRAND BAY , AL |
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87 | JOHNNY VINES GROVES , TX |
SHANNON PRICE PORT ARTHUR , TX |
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MARKUS ELDER NEW WAVERLY , TX |
ROBERT MIKES SHINER , TX |
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87 | BRANDON DAVIDSON LITTLE ELM , TX |
JIM FURR HEMPHILL , TX |
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87 | MATTHEW BENEFIELD HUFFMAN , TX |
LARRY BENEFIELD HUFFMAN , TX |
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87 | JAMES BLYTHE JR ELM GROVE , LA |
RICKY SIMS CENTER , TX |
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87 | DANIEL HICKMAN HUNTINGTON , TX |
PATRICK GAMMILL LUFKIN , TX |
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CHARLES HICKMAN HUNTINGTON , TX |
TERRY HICKMAN KINGWOOD , TX |
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87 | RICKY BLANKINSHIP MANY , LA |
DAVID CURTIS BROOKLAND , TX |
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87 | CLAY DARDEAU RAGLEY , LA |
CRAIG BEAN LAKE CHARLES , LA |
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87 | DENNIS COURTNEY LAKE CHARLES , LA |
GRADY MAYEAUX RAGLEY , LA |
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ERIC WILSON MARSHALL , TX |
HOWARD WILSON NACOGDOCHES , TX |
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87 | TYLER WALKER BURTON , TX |
STEVEN WALKER BURTON , TX |
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KEITH HAWKINS LAKE PROVIDENCE , LA |
J. DUCK HAWKINS IRVING , TX |
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87 | MICHAEL OATES BUNA , TX |
ROBERT MCKINLEY KIRBYVILLE , TX |
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87 | BILL STARK EVADALE , TX |
DAVID MORGAN SILSBEE , TX |
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87 | JOEL MAYFIELD PERKINSTON , MS |
RYAN PATTERSON PASCAGOULA , MS |
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87 | SCOTT DEAN TERRELL , TX |
TERRY PEACOCK ROYSE CITY , TX |
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87 | WILL CARSTENS ALEXANDRIA , LA |
ROSS BRYANT ALEXANDRIA , LA |
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ROBERT VANZANDT MONTGOMERY , TX |
JOE DAW MONTGOMERY , TX |
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GENE BAGLEY BEAUMONT , TX |
MITCH STEPHENSON BEAUMONT , TX |
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DOUG PERKINS PORTER , TX |
BRAD HENSLEY CLEVELAND , TX |
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87 | JASON MOORE BUNA , TX |
JOHN SINGLETARY FRED , TX |
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87 | RONNIE BLAND BURKEVILLE , TX |
MALCOLM FRANKS FLORIEN , LA |
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87 | JOE MAZZURCO LUFKIN , TX |
TERRI MAZZURCO LUFKIN , TX |
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87 | CODY CLARK HERMPHILL , TX |
CODY JORDAN HEMPHILL , TX |
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87 | EDWARD LACOSTE HEMPHILL , TX |
CHRIS NEWMAN HEMPHILL , TX |
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87 | ERIC PHILLIPS KERENS , TX |
KYLE MIERS MALAKOFF , TX |
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87 | MATTHEW DELANEY POLLOCK , LA |
MATTHEW NUGENT DRY PRONG , LA |
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COLBY BASCO CHENEYVILLE , LA |
DEREK BASCO CHENEYVILLE , LA |
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TREY BURFORD GLOSTER , LA |
CHARLES YOUNG GRAND CANE , LA |
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ROY GEESEY CROWLEY , LA |
JEFFRY NICKEL CROWLEY , LA |
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DANNY LASHLEY BOYCE , LA |
MICHAEL IVEY OTIS , LA |
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DERRICK LABORDE HESSMER , LA |
RAYFORD LABORDE HESSMER , LA |
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TOBY JONES STONEWALL , LA |
CARL JONES DAYTON , TX |
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87 | JODY HOLT SIEPER , LA |
RAYMOND BALCEROWICZ CROSBY , TX |
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MARK MARTIN VIDOR , TX |
JIMMY MOORE ORANGE , TX |
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87 | CLAYTON BOULWARE ZAVALLA , TX |
ALBERT COLLINS NACOGDOCHES , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | MIKE TAYLOR JASPER , TX |
RANDY DEARMAN ONALASKA , TX |
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DEREK MONG MANY , LA |
CD MONG MANY , LA |
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87 | COLLIN BODE CONROE , TX |
JACKSON CARRELL BEDIOS , TX |
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87 | DONALD HARMESON HAUGHTON , LA |
STEVEN KENNON HAUGHTON , LA |
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LARRY WEPPLER HOUSTON , TX |
DENNIS FIKES HOUSTON , TX |
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BOBBY VICE GROVES , TX |
RICKY GUY HUMBLE , TX |
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87 | SHAWN VERINSKY LUMBERTON , TX |
BLAKE COLE ORANGE , TX |
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87 | MICHAEL BREWTON NACOGDOCHES , TX |
LARRY PEACHER BENTLEY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | LESLIE HARPER HEMPHILL , TX |
GARY FRICK HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | ROBERT NAQUIN JR DEVILLE , LA |
STEPHEN TRAIL RECTOR , AR |
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87 | KENNY COBB HODGE , LA |
BOBBY LOGAN COUSHATTA , LA |
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TYLER TATE BEAUMONT , TX |
BLAKE CAIN BEAUMONT , TX |
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87 | OSCAR LANGELE JR MANY , LA |
JAMES CAMPISE ORANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | CADE DURIO LAKE CHARLES , LA |
JOHN DURIO HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | BRAD MIERS KOUNTZE , TX |
MIKE ATCHLEY LIVINGSTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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JONATHAN SIMON ORANGE , TX |
COREY STANLEY ORANGE , TX |
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87 | LARRY DEAN HUMBLE , TX |
DENNIS GAU MAGNOLIA , TX |
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COLE GARRETT WINNFIELD , LA |
SETH CARSON CALVIN , LA |
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87 | RICHARD ALLEN ANACOLO , LA |
JEFF WEST PITKIN , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | TRENT JAMES ORANGE , TX |
COREY HARMON ORANGE , TX |
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STEVEN HANNA BEAUMONT , TX |
VICKIE HANNA ARTHUR , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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DONNIE PICKARD BRIDGE CITY , TX |
ALAN ASHBY ORANGE , TX |
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87 | BEN MATSUBU MILAM , TX |
JOHNNY GRYDER EROS , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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MICHAEL CURRY JOAQUIN , TX |
MICHAEL MOORE CARTHAGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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ROBBIE JOHNSON GOODRICH , TX |
JARROD CLARK SANTA FE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | NEAL HOOPER | DOUGLAS WILKINSON PINEVILLE , LA |
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87 | CHRIS HAZEL LEESVILLE , LA |
JOSH PEEK LEESVILLE , TX |
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CRAIG MECHE CHURCH POINT , LA |
RANDY CHAMPAGNE PAYNE , LA |
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DANNY BENNETT HUNTSVILLE , TX |
BRIAN ROMAN SPRING , TX |
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DARRELL LYONS HEMPHILL , TX |
DYLAN LYONS HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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ALEX STEWART HEMPHILL , TX |
DENNIS EDGAR HEMPHILL , TX |
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87 | ROBERT LAFITTE MANY , LA |
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THOMAS STEVENS GROVES , TX |
JASON STEVENS NEW ORLEANS , TX |
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87 | RYAN HERNANDEZ MAURICE , LA |
TRAVIS BERTRAND RAYNE , LA |
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87 | PHILLIP LEE LEESVILLE , LA |
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87 | STEVE DELIA DERIDDER , LA |
DAVID JONES HOUSTON , TX |
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CHARLIE BROWN III FLINT , TX |
TIM BAKER FLINT , TX |
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87 | KEITH KERSHAW GREENWOOD , LA |
AL SMITH BOSSIER CITY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | SCOTT PETERSON CONROE , TX |
RICHARD YATES PLANTERSVILLE , TX |
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MIKE WINSLOW NEWCANEY , TX |
JAMES MINEAR MANY , LA |
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ROSS BREAUX LAFAYETTE , LA |
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87 | WESLEY THOMAS CONVERSE , LA |
BRANDON CRAIG CONVERSE , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | JEDIDAH HOLT LIVINGSTON , TX |
CODY MILLER LIVINGSTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | JOE WILKERSON MANY , LA |
COLE STEWART HEMPHILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
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87 | SIDNEY AUCOIN PATTERSON , LA |
ROBERT GANN FLORIEN , LA |
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87 | KEVIN COTLONG BOERNE , TX |
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GARY GLENDE HEMPHILL , TX |
JASON GLENDE CYPRESS , TX |
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87 | WAYNE EBARB MANY , LA |
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87 | TODD SCOTT NEW LLANO , LA |
THURMAN DAVIS LEESVILLE , LA |
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KAYDEN TANNER MILLSAP , TX |
MARTY TANNER MILLSAP , TX |
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87 | PHIL MARKS DALLAS , TX |
BRET STAFFORD TEMPLE , TX |
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DUSTY WOOD STONEWALL , LA |
BEAU LOUGHMAN MANSURA , LA |
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87 | ROBERT HAASE SAN ANTONIO , TX |
MELISSA HAASE LIVINGSTON , TX |
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87 | TED PRIESING DALLAS , TX |
VIRGIL CHANEY JASPER , TX |
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87 | DAVID THIBODEAUX GONZALES , LA |
PRESTON VINCENT CARENCO , LA |
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87 | FRANK BAZZICALUPO LEESVILLE , LA |
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87 | HORACE FRAZIER MANY , LA |
JAMES CARHEE MANY , LA |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Guyot Earns Win at Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament on Lake Murray
Elgin’s Locklear Wins Co-angler Division
PROSPERITY, S.C. (Feb. 17, 2020) – Boater Scott Guyot of Fayetteville, North Carolina, brought five bass to the scale Saturday totaling 23 pounds, 8 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Lake Murray in Prosperity, South Carolina. For his victory, Guyot earned a total of $4,359.
“The key was that I was in the right place at the right time,” said Guyot, who earned his first career victory as a boater in Bass Fishing League competition. “I was fishing stained water in Bear Creek – from the mouth all the way to the back of the creek.”
Guyot said that his most effective bait for the majority of the day was crawdad-colored shallow crankbaits, but his biggest fish came on a chartreuse and white-colored ½-ounce spinnerbait with double willow blades.
“The wind was tough in a few spots, but it really worked to our advantage later in the day,” Guyot went on to say. “We had to adapt to it, but I made some good decisions and every spot that we went to, it worked out.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Scott Guyot, Fayetteville, N.C., five bass, 23-8, $4,359
2nd: Greg Rikard of Leesville, S.C., five bass, 21-9, $2,379
3rd: Cody Hoyle of Rutherfordton, N.C., five bass, 21-2, $1,452
4th: Wesley Story of Clarks Hill, S.C., five bass, 20-9, $1,517
5th: Michael Fuller of Pacolet, S.C., five bass, 20-6, $872
6th: Gary Michaud of Chesnee, S.C., five bass, 18-15, $799
7th: Chris Epting of Chapin, S.C., five bass, 18-12, $726
8th: Mark Collins of Inman, S.C., five bass, 18-9, $654
9th: Charles Clark of Camden, S.C., five bass, 18-6, $681
10th: Patrick Cook of Hemingway, S.C., five bass, 18-5, $1,134
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Cook brought an 8-pound, 15-ounce bass to the scale to win the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $625.
Story was the highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Dylan Locklear of Elgin, South Carolina, won the Co-angler Division and $2,157 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds, 1 ounce.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Dylan Locklear of Elgin, S.C., five bass, 18-1, $2,157
2nd: Ronald Harris of Jefferson, Ga., four bass, 12-12, $1,079
3rd: Matthew Dangerfield of Summerville, S.C., four bass, 11-12, $717
4th: Brandon Jeffcoat of Columbia, S.C., five bass, 11-4, $503
5th: Ken Hodges of Hodges, S.C., two bass, 10-13, $736
6th: Jared Wallace of Leesville, S.C., three bass, 10-5, $396
7th: Lonnie Drusch of Sumter, S.C., five bass, 10-1, $510
8th: Paul Dunn of Prosperity, S.C., three bass, 9-9, $324
9th: Josh Kirby of Gaffney, S.C., four bass, 9-6, $288
9th: Trey Brafford of Kings Mountain, N.C., three bass, 8-13, $252
Hodges caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 6 pounds, 6 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $305.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Lake Murray was the first of five qualifying events in the South Carolina Division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the South Carolina Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 16-18 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Cherokee in Jefferson City, Tennessee, hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held April 30 through May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie Wes Logan Joins Fishlife Pro Staff Springville, Alabama Angler to rely on Fishlife Products to Care for Catch
Maplesville, Ala. – February 6, 2020 – Having made a splash when they announced the signing of 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year Scott Canterbury, Fishlife Fish Care Products adds Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie pro Wes Logan to the team as well.
Logan, who competed on the FLW Tour for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, decided to pursue qualifying for the Elite Series through the Bassmaster Opens in 2019 as well. The young pro from Springville, Alabama managed to not only qualify for the Elite Series, but he won the Bassmaster Central Opens Angler of the Year title along the way. In his FLW career, Logan managed to put together career earnings of $157,000, two BFL wins, and a total of eight top 10 finishes.
Logan said that taking care of his catch is vital, and having Fishlife Fish Care Products will be a huge asset. “We spend a lot of time and effort trying to locate and catch fish, and not taking care of them is irresponsible, he said. “I believe fish care is a huge deal when it comes to tournament fishing, and all of the great Fishlife Fish Care products working as first aid, I am confident that every fish I catch will be returned to the water healthy to thrive and live to be caught another day. I believe in the products and am proud to be representing them in my rookie year on the Elite Series.”
Randall Carter, owner of Fishlife Fish Care Products has followed Logan’s career, and said the company loves having him on the team. “We are extremely proud to have Wes join the FishLife Fish Care team,” said Carter. “He knows the importance of fish care and we couldn't be more proud to have him representing our products; we wish Wes the very best on his Elite Series debut, and look forward to helping him make the most of every opportunity.”
Fishlife Fish Care products can be found at Tackle Warehouse and many independent dealers throughout the country – dealer inquiries are welcome.
Flack Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Lewis Smith Lake
Mississippi’s Underwood Wins Co-angler Division
CULLMAN, Ala. (Feb. 17, 2020) – Local boater Jackie Flack of Cullman, Alabama, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 17 pounds, 3 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Lewis Smith Lake in Cullman. For his victory, Flack earned a total of $6,011.
“It feels great to get the win here – this is my home lake, and the field of anglers in this tournament was so tough,” said Flack, who earned his second career victory in Bass Fishing League competition. “There were a lot of really good fisherman out there so to get this win really means a lot. I am tickled to death.”
Flack said he caught his fish running a typical Smith Lake pattern for this time of the year.
“I was fishing ditches with shaky-head rigs and Ned rigs,” he said. “I was setting up in 40 to 45 feet of water and throwing into 25 to 30 feet. I found a few areas where the fish were stacked up and I got lucky with a couple of 4-pound bites that really helped me.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Jackie Flack of Cullman, Ala., five bass, 17-3, $6,011
2nd: Josh Butler of Hayden, Ala., five bass, 16-11, $3,506
3rd: Kyle Glasgow of Guin, Ala., five bass, 15-0, $2,001
4th: Dale Pelfrey of Rockwood, Tenn., five bass, 14-12, $1,403
5th: Greg Lamb of Birchwood, Tenn., five bass, 14-8, $1,152
5th: Billy Brindle of Calhoun, Ga., five bass, 14-8, $1,152
7th: Tim Arnold of Cullman, Ala., five bass, 14-7, $1,002
8th: Jody Brooks of Birmingham, Ala., five bass, 14-2, $902
9th: Jason Sloan of Warrior, Ala., five bass, 14-1, $802
10th: Colton Chambers of Elizabethton, Tenn., five bass, 13-12, $701
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Butler took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Jason Berrong of Crossville, Alabama, brought a 5-pound, 4-ounce bass to the scale to win the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $995.
Kenneth Underwood of Columbus, Mississippi, won the Co-angler Division and $3,486 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 12 pounds, 13 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Kenneth Underwood of Columbus, Miss., five bass, 12-13, $3,486
2nd: Michael Matlock of Olivehill, Tenn., five bass, 12-9, $1,495
3rd: Don Bible of Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 12-0, $998
4th: Hayden O’Barr of Gurley, Ala., five bass, 11-13, $698
5th: Justin Stephenson of Jasper, Ala., five bass, 11-11, $598
6th: Jason Smith of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., five bass, 11-7, $548
7th: Richard Pugh of Knoxville, Tenn., five bass, 10-11, $498
8th: Jacob Pospy of Morris, Ala., five bass, 10-9, $449
9th: Nathan Brewer of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., five bass, 10-8, $374
9th: Cameron Gatlin of Chattanooga, Tenn., five bass, 10-8, $524
Underwood also earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $495 after bringing a bass weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces to the scale.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Lewis Smith Lake was hosted by Cullman County Parks and Recreation. The tournament was the second of five events in the Choo Choo Division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Choo Choo Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 16-18 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Cherokee in Jefferson City, Tennessee, hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held April 30 through May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Sharp Catches Record-Breaking 40-Pound Limit, Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Sam Rayburn
Third-Largest Limit Ever and Largest Margin of Victory in Bass Fishing League History, Largest Limit Ever at Sam Rayburn in FLW Competition
BROOKELAND, Texas (Feb. 17, 2020) – Boater Anthony Sharp of Village Mills, Texas, had a day Saturday that most bass fishing tournament anglers only dream about. Sharp brought a five-bass limit to the scale weighing 40 pounds, 6 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas. For his victory, Sharp earned a total of $7,000.
The tournament was the second of five events in the Cowboy Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.
Sharp’s massive five-bass limit broke multiple Phoenix Bass Fishing League records. His 21-pound, 5-ounce margin of victory was the largest in Bass Fishing League history. His limit was the third-largest limit ever weighed in Bass Fishing League competition – topped only by Rogne Brown in 2011 (Lake Chickamauga, 40 pounds, 14 ounces) and Casey Martin in 2015 (Lake Guntersville, 40 pounds, 11 ounces). His five bass were also the heaviest limit ever weighed in FLW history – across all circuits – at Sam Rayburn.
"I’ll be honest, when he [the tournament director] sat the sack up there I was praying that I had maybe mid-30s,” said Sharp. “I’ve caught a couple 30-pound limits up here, but never in a tournament. When he said 40 pounds, I couldn’t hardly answer his questions. I kind of got flushed.”
The spot Sharp found was a pretty classic offshore area – a flat section topping out in about 20 feet, with a drop that went down to about 40 feet. It turned out that was all he’d need to find to have the tournament day of a lifetime.
“Friday, when we started practice, I ran right there and idled over the spot, and there was a lot of fish,” said Sharp. “I idled over them four or five different times, just to make sure I was seeing fish, because they were stuck to the bottom. So, I backed off them and started easing up to them on the trolling motor, and I was still 100 yards from my waypoint and on my very first cast I caught an 8-pounder.”
On tournament morning, Sharp ran right to his honey hole.
“We blasted off at about 7:15, and I made a 15-minute run up the lake,” said Sharp. “At 8:35, I called Mr. Callahan [the tournament director] and asked if I could use my co-angler’s livewell because I couldn’t fit all my fish in one livewell. So, in about an hour I was done.”
" src="blob:https://anglerschannel.com/be3dd2c6-1b78-408f-ac23-dfb71de6dcd8" alt="A person holding a fish Description automatically generated" width="247.5" align="left" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_3" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton" style="width: 3.4375in; height: 1.9375in; opacity: 1;">Deciding not to idle over his fish to check on them, Sharp simply eased up to where he thought they would be and tossed a Carolina rig with a 1-ounce weight and a Zoom Baby Brush Hog in green pumpkin magic with the tails dyed chartreuse.
“On my second cast I caught one that I told my co-angler was about 6 pounds,” said Sharp. “Then I fished a little while, and my next fish was about 5 pounds. I got a bite about every 10 or 12 minutes for the first three fish, and I was fan-casting around the bow of my boat, kind of in the middle of the flat spot.”
After catching a short and then another 6-pounder, Sharp picked up a Strike King 8XD in chartreuse and blue.
“I probably threw it 15 or 20 minutes, and I caught one that was probably 8 pounds, and I caught one over 9. I put my rod down and told my co-angler, ‘That’s it. I think I’ve got high 20s right there.’
“I don’t know what I was even thinking,” continued Sharp. “After I sat about 10 minutes in the boat, letting him fish the area, I thought it would really be cool if I could cull that 5-pounder. I made three more casts with that crankbait and caught my biggest fish, and that was all before 8:45.”
And that was it. Though Sharp hung around the spot to try to give his co-angler a shot at some, neither caught anything else. Throughout the rest of the day, when Sharp ran around for his co-angler, he said he only made about 50 casts. He knew he’d done something special already, even if it’d take the scale to tell him exactly how special it was.
“It’s incredibly special. I can’t even describe it,” Sharp went on to say. “I was just praying I could catch one or two fish like that. I really had no idea that was going to happen.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Anthony Sharp of Village Mills, Texas, five bass, 40-6, $7,000
2nd: Randy Deaver of Blanchard, La., five bass, 19-1, $3,200
3rd: Kyle Dragulski of Lufkin, Texas, five bass, 17-8, $2,000
4th: Kevin Lasyone of Dry Prong, La., five bass, 17-4, $1,400
5th: Shaine Campbell of Brookeland, Texas, five bass, 16-9, $1,200
6th: Mathew Dorcz of Huffman, Texas, five bass, 16-1, $1,100
7th: Cole Moore of Anacoco, La., five bass, 15-15, $1,500
8th: Aaron Johnson of Shreveport, La., five bass, 15-11, $900
9th: Todd Castledine of Nacogdoches, Texas, five bass, 15-5, $800
10th: Bart Doty of Kilgore, Texas, five bass, 15-4, $700
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Sharp also earned the day’s $1,000 Boater Big Bass award with his largest fish, a 9-pound, 14-ounce kicker bass.
Moore took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Wyatt Stout of Altura, Minnesota, and Doug Rush of Midlothian, Texas, tied for the win in the Co-angler Division Saturday after both catching a five-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 7 ounces. Each angler brought home $2,250 for their wins.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Wyatt Stout of Altura, Minn., five bass, 15-7, $2,250
1st: Doug Rush of Midlothian, Texas, five bass, 15-7, $2,250
3rd: Sieg Kilby of Kilgore, Texas, five bass, 14-15, $1,150
4th: Michael McCollum of Wimberley, Texas, four bass, 14-4, $700
5th: Logan Slaughter of Dallas, Texas, five bass, 13-4, $600
6th: Mitchel Martin of Washington, La., four bass, 13-2, $1,050
7th: Cade Nelson of Long Branch, Texas, five bass, 12-9, $500
8th: Cody Brown of Saratoga, Texas, five bass, 12-6, $450
9th: Nick Morris of Princeton, Mo., five bass, 12-5, $400
10th: Justin Shelton of Kemp, Texas, five bass, 12-4, $350
Martin caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 7 pounds, 10 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $500.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Sam Rayburn Reservoir was hosted by the Jasper County Development District.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Cowboy Division presented by A.R.E. based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, hosted by Explore Branson. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held April 30 through May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Soft plastic tubes still charting year round hits
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
The Garland brothers introduced the first tube to bass fishing in 1982, and for about the next 15 years it was used mostly as a finesse lure tied to spinning tackle in clear water, and around spawning beds. Then, Arkansas’ Doug Garrett kinda let the cat out of the bag about the scary good effectiveness of pitching tubes to shallow habitat following his 1997 MegaBucks win with a 3.5” smoke red tube on stingy White Rock Lake in Dallas.
The next summer, legendary shallow water pitcher/flipper Denny Brauer won the 1998 Bassmaster Classic using a very similar 3.5” tube, and pitchin’ tubes launched skyward to a level of popularity on par with the last seven singles country singer Luke Combs has released.
Brauer actually found his Classic winning fish on a jig the month before the Classic. He caught them around slick logs on a shallow flat. But when he returned on a practice day during Classic week, he couldn’t buy a bite. As fate would dictate, desperate to find out if the highly promising school of fish were still living there, he put down the bulkier jig and reached for a tube.
“I thought to myself, “I’m gonna see if they’ll eat this goofy thing” -- and the first tree I pitched the tube to I got the kinda of good bite I had when I found those fish a month earlier,” reflects Brauer.
Brauer says he’s not sure if it was because shad had moved into that area, and the tube better emulated the shad than a jig, or exactly what the reason was, but using 25-pound monofilament, he even ‘boat flipped’ a 7 pound 12 ounce fish on a tube that ended up being the anchor fish of his 1998 Bassmaster Classic victory.
Unlimited Seasonal Use
Much like a Senko, along with a tube’s magical way of getting bites when nothing else will, a tube also seems to have no seasonal limitations. Brauer’s win came in early August in the hottest shallow waters High Rock Lake, NC had to offer. Yet, I’ve caught bass recently on a super soft Big Bite Bait Tour Flipping Tube from the frigid winter waters of Northeastern Oklahoma.
“I think it’s definitely a year round bait,” says Brauer. “As anglers, we initially got conditioned to think tubes were a spawning season bait. But shoot, it’s very productive year round. As much as anything, it’s simply a finesse tool to pitch anytime the conditions call for it.”
Hook size and rigging are critical
More often than not, for 20 years now, I’ve always gravitated toward the 3.5” tube rigged with a 3/0 Mustad hook. Interestingly, and very intentionally, following his Classic win on the 3.5” tube, Brauer had Strike King design a larger 4.5” tube so he could match it with a larger 4/0 Mustad hook he felt would put more fish in the boat than the smaller 3/0 hook.
The bottom line is, pitch the size you’re most comfortable with. But one thing is absolutely certain, it’s imperative you match the tube size to the hook size. In my experience a 3.5” tube demands a 3/0 hook, and a 4” or 4.5” tube marries best to a 4/0 hook.
Lastly, do not, I repeat, do not bury the hook point into the tube, or you’ll say bad words over the number of fish you lose after setting the hook. Instead, simply lay the hook point level on the back of the tube when Texas rigged – it will still perform plenty snag-free, and lead to far better landing ratios.
You can choose to rattle, but let the bass choose the weight
Lure rattles are kind of like Las Vegas or sushi. Some people love it, some people hate it. Personally, I believe there’s goodness to adding sound to these little finesse style morsels. So I stuff a glass rattle inside the body of my tubes about 80-percent of the time.
Like rattles, line size and worm weight size are also a personal preferences that ultimately come down to water clarity and whatever preferred fall rate the bass seem to favor. A lot of anglers use 20-pound test with a ¼ ounce weight as a pretty standard set-up. Brauer goes much meatier with 3/8 or ½ ounce weight and 25 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon, while yours truly has caught ‘em for years with a 1/8 ounce weight and 15 pound old skool Big Game mono that’s as tough as the titanium in Brauer’s recent shoulder replacement.
Be a “line watcher”
No matter what size tube, line size, or worm weight you choose – learn to be a “line watcher.” You need to make a vigilant habit of watching the behavior of your line where it meets the water after every single pitch or flip. Tube bites are often a bit unique. Very seldom do bass just thump a tube. My theory is a tube gently glides into their space, and it’s kind of like they’re eating a potato chip rather than chomping on a bite of rib eye steak. Often times your line will just kinda stop falling like it’s been razor-bladed or attached to a feather – if so, set the hook!
Still charting hits
Lures are like country music artists. Some bust on to the scene, score a couple hits, and soon fade from popularity. Others score hits early, and may fade from glory for just a bit, but make a solid rebound to prove true talent never goes away.
That said, it’s fair to say pitchin tubes have proven to be a whole lot like George Strait, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn – all were mega stars about the same time Brauer won the ’98 Classic, and they’re still playing to sell out crowds 20 years later.
John Murray Joins Sixgill Fishing Products Pro Staff
Spring City. Tenn. – February 5, 2020 – John Murray, MLF Bass Pro Tour pro from Spring City, Tenn. announces his inclusion to the Sixgill Fishing Products pro staff. Murray, one of the most accomplished anglers to ever come from the Western United States will be using Sixgill rods and reels as he competes in 2020.
Murray joins a Sixgill Fishing Products pro staff that counts fellow Major League Fishing Pro Fred Roumbanis and Bassmaster Elite Series pros Tyler Carriere, Tyler Rivet, Randy Sullivan and Dale Hightower among its members.
Murray said that the gear itself has been a joy to use, and that he is looking forward to working with the company. “The best thing about a company like Sixgill, is that they make great products for every level of angler,” said Murray. “They have series that will help beginning anglers who hire my guide service and high-end, advanced gear that fills my needs on the Bass Pro Tour; and they are so great to work with, that I look forward to every communication.”
Murray is currently utilizing the Sixgill Siren Rods matched with the Wraith baitcasting reels and Banshee spinning reels. He said that while he has found products to rely on, he looks forward to being more involved in development in the future. “The products are very light, very sensitive, but strong enough to handle anything I’ve thrown at them,” he said. “There are products that I use for everything that I do, and I look forward to working to help them develop new products along the way.”
Aaron Hansen, Professional Angler Manager for Sixgill Fishing Products likes what Murray brings to the table. “John brings a vast range of knowledge to the fishing community and is known around the world to be one of the best anglers in the business,” said Hansen. “With all of his career accomplishments, he adds a lot to the brand. We are more than excited to have him join our Professional Staff for the 2020 season and we look forward to a great year with John on and off the water.”
About Sixgill Fishing Products - Sixgill Fishing Products is an extension of our brand family of outdoor and fishing products. Our brands include Allen Fly Fishing, Exterus Outdoor Development, and Sixgill Fishing Products.
After establishing our loyal customer base with Allen Fly Fishing, we wanted to expand our product lines to include all of the outdoor passions shared within our company. Using the same unique business model that made Allen Fly Fishing quickly grow in to a favorite in the fly fishing industry, we are bringing our outstanding customer service, product quality, and simple direct to consumer business model to the conventional fishing tackle world. Visit Sixgill on the web at: https://sixgillfishing.com/
About John Murray – Murray has been a full time professional angler since 1985 fishing local, regional and national tournament circuits like Won Bass, FLW and the Bassmaster Elite Series; he is currently a competitor on the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour. At one time, Murray was being called the ironman since he was fishing both FLW and the Bassmaster Elite Series the same year. John is the only professional angler to win a fully rigged bass boat on every major western waterway from New Mexico to Washington totaling 31. He has qualified for the Bassmaster Classic 7 times and is a 2 time US Open Champion and has earned $2.5 Million during his career. Follow Murray on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JohnMurrayProfessionalAngler/.
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Set for Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes Presented by Bad Boy Mowers
LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2020) – The second event of the 2020 season for the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, professional bass fishing’s premier five-fish limit tournament series, kicks off next week, Feb. 20-23 with the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit at the Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Bad Boy Mowers. Hosted by Lake County, the tournament will feature 154 bass-fishing professionals from around the world competing for a top award of up to $135,000 and valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2020 FLW TITLE, the Pro Circuit Championship.
" src="blob:https://anglerschannel.com/eccad8b5-a12a-4b91-bea4-2991b6652879" alt="A view of a body of water Description automatically generated" width="288" align="right" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2" class="Apple-web-attachment Singleton" style="width: 4in; height: 2.25in; opacity: 1;">“This is going to be a really fun tournament,” said Pro Circuit pro Tim Frederick of Leesburg, who has four career top-10 finishes in FLW competition. “We’re going to see fish in all three phases – prespawn, spawn and postspawn – and guys are going to be able to fish in a multitude of ways and have success.”
Beside Lake Harris, tournament waters include Lake Apopka, Lake Griffin, Lake Eustis, Lake Dora, Lake Carlton, Horseshoe Lake, Little Lake Harris, Lake Denham and Lake Beauclair. In addition to providing plenty of water to fish, there are miles of canals around each lake that competitors can access.
“I think we’ll see the field really split up, and I expect that there will be tournament boats in every lake,” Frederick continued. “The key will be finding an area that has fish steady coming to you – moving in to spawn or back out after they spawn. A staging area where the fish are migrating in and out of will be the winning spot.”
With all three stages of the spawn expected to be in play, Frederick expects shallow-water cranking – squarebill and lipless crankbaits – to be strong, along with flipping and casting soft-plastics. He said if the weather cooperates a topwater bite could come into play.
“The bedding fish will be important,” Frederick said. “I think the canals will be extremely popular. Guys are going to see 7-, 8- and 10-pounders on beds and that will draw them in like a magnet. But, it’s really tough to win on bed fish alone.
“I’m going to be a little conservative and predict that the winner is going to end with a four-day total right around 80 pounds,” Frederick went on to say. “The exciting thing about the Harris Chain is that you can catch a 10-pounder on any cast. I think we’ll see at least a half a dozen limits over 25 pounds.”
Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. EST each day from the Venetian Gardens, located at 201 E. Lake Harris Drive, in Leesburg. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins, Feb. 20-21, will be held at the Gardens beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s weigh-ins, Feb. 22-23, will also be held at the Gardens, but will begin at 4 p.m.
“Lake County is excited to welcome back the Tackle Warehouse FLW Pro Circuit to the Harris Chain of Lakes for the third time in four years,” said Brandon Matulka, Executive Director, Lake County Agency for Economic Prosperity. “The economic impact of this event is significant to our community and we are proud to have been selected to host the Circuit again alongside our great partners with the City of Leesburg. We wish all of the anglers a safe and memorable time throughout the event on the Harris Chain and we hope to show them, and the rest of the country, why we are called ‘Lake Big Bass!’”
Television coverage of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit at the Harris Chain of Lakes will premiere in 2020. The 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit will have 156 two-hour airings on network television, including 26 consecutive weeks of Friday night primetime airing on Outdoor Channel and 130 airings on Sportsman Channel for a total of 312 hours of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit programming.
The popular FLW Live on-the-water broadcast will air on Days Three and Four of the event, featuring live action from the boats of the tournament’s top pros each day. Host Travis Moran is joined by Toyota Series pro Todd Hollowell 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 youth, the FLW Foundation’s Youth Fishing Derby will be held at the Venetian Gardens on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The event is hosted by Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers and is free and open to any youth 14 and under. Rods and reels are available for use, but youth are encouraged to bring their own if they own one. The 1st and 2nd place anglers that catch the biggest fish will be recognized Saturday on the FLW Pro Circuit stage, just prior to the pros weighing in. The first 50 youth registered will receive a free goodie bag. Youth can register on-site or pre-register by emailing scott.ellison@flwfishing.com.
As part of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit’s community outreach initiative, Pro Circuit anglers will visit teenage anglers at the Lake County Teen Sportfishing Association. The appearance will take place at the Lake Harris Shores Club House, located at 13102 Country Club Drive in Tavares, Florida. Anglers will visit with the youth anglers, give tips and tactics for local fisheries, snap photos, sign autographs and share fishing stories.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, the full field of 155 pro anglers compete in the two-day opening round on Thursday and Friday. The top 30 pros based on their two-day accumulated weight advance to Saturday. Only the top 10 pros continue competition Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from the four days of competition.
Throughout the season, anglers are also vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the 2020 FLW TITLE, the Pro Circuit Championship. The 2020 FLW TITLE will be on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York, Aug. 8-13 and is hosted by the Town of Massena.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Fitzgerald Wins Toyota Series Tournament on St. Johns River
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PALATKA, Fla.(Feb. 16, 2020) – Pro Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Florida, brought a 19-pound, 8-ounce limit to the weigh-in scale Saturday to reclaim the top spot on the leaderboard and win the three-day Toyota Series at the St. Johns River. Fitzgerald’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 57-12 gave him the win by a 6-pound margin and earned him a payout of $38,048 in the Toyota Series Southern Division 2020 opener.
“I’ve been wanting this one for a while,” said Fitzgerald, who earned his first career Toyota Series victory after five previous top-10 finishes. “I seem to do okay in one-day tournaments, but I excel in these multi-day tournaments because I don’t typically go out and catch a giant bag. I usually find stuff that is more consistent.”
The first day, Fitzgerald caught multiple sight fish on aReaction Innovations Sweet Beaver, fished on a Fitzgerald Stunner 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy and Stunner reel.
“On day two I didn’t have any spawners left, so I went to running the bank and found a little depression that I’d known about, but I came to realize there was a lot more fish sitting in it than I realized.”
What Fitzgerald was fishing was basically a long sand bar at the far south end of Lake George, which served as a staging area for fish coming to the bank to spawn. No one else seemed to find it, potentially due to how shallow it was.
“It’s just a depression surrounded by super-shallow water. I used to put in at that boat ramp right there when I was a kid, so I was kind of familiar with the way the bottom lays out.”
Fitzgerald caught his fish on a shaky-head rig tipped with a Reaction Innovations Pocket Rocket in black and blue, which he threw on a Fitzgerald Stunner spinning rod and spinning reel and 12-pound-test Fitzgerald Vursa fluorocarbon. Prior to that, he was mostly dragging a black and blue Reaction Innovations Machete on a 7-foot, 3-inch, medium-heavy Fitzgerald Stunner casting rod paired with a Fitzgerald Stunner casting reel (7:1) and 17-pound-test Fitzgerald Vursa fluorocarbon.
“I grew up about 20 minutes from the south end of Lake George, and I’ve been fishing here my whole life,” Fitzgerald went on to say. “I love fishing the St. Johns River and it is awesome to win here.”
The top 10 pros on the St. Johns River finished:
1st: Trevor Fitzgerald of Belleview, Fla., 15 bass, 57-12, $38,048
2nd: Jason Blair of West Palm Beach, Fla., 15 bass, 51-12, $14,550
3rd: Steven Hatala of Harrison Township, Mich., 13 bass, 50-6, $11,265
4th: Rodney Marks of Apopka, Fla., 15 bass, 45-0, $9,387
5th: Keith Carson of DeBary, Fla., 15 bass, 43-6, $8,833
6th: Jacopo Gallelli, Florence, Italy, 12 bass, 38-8, $8,510
7th: Jonathan Kelley of Old Forge, Pa., 12 bass, 37-12, $6,571
8th: Frank Kitchens III of Oxford, Ga., 11 bass, 37-8, $5,632
9th: Jason Meninger of St. Augustine, Fla., 12 bass, 36-3, $4,694
10th: Chris Hensley of Marbury, Ala., 10 bass, 33-11, $3,755
A complete list of results can be found atFLWFishing.com.
Carson brought a 9-pound largemouth bass to the scale Friday – the largest fish weighed by a boater in the event – to earn the day’s Big Bass award of $135.
Gallelli took home an extra $1,000 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $35,000 per event in each Toyota Series tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Edwin Bartlett of Casco, Maine, won the Co-angler Division Saturday with a three-day total of 12 bass weighing 29 pounds, 12 ounces. For his win, Bartlett took home the top prize package of a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard motor, worth $33,500.
The top 10 co-anglers on the St. Johns River finished:
1st: Edwin Bartlett of Casco, Maine, 12 bass, 29-12, $33,500
2nd: Cole Hewett of Orlando, Fla., 14 bass, 28-8, $4,929
3rd: Blaine Bucy of Weirton, W. Va., eight bass, 25-13, $3,783
4th: Roger Hughes of Bartlesville, Okla., eight bass, 25-12, $3,400
5th: David Wareham of Port St. Lucie, Fla., 12 bass, 25-11, $2,837
6th: Chris Holland of Vero Beach, Fla., 11 bass, 22-1, $2,364
7th: Andy Niles of Ocean Springs, Miss., 11 bass, 20-9, $1,891
8th: Kevin Thomas of Miramar, Fla., eight bass, 19-11, $1,655
9th: Early Whitaker of Iron City, Ga., 11 bass, 18-13, $1,419
10th: Michael Harrelson of Conway, S.C., nine bass, 18-5, $1,182
Alan Carver of East Point, Georgia caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Co-angler Division Thursday, a fish weighing 9 pounds, 8 ounces. He earned the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $90.
The Toyota Series at the St. Johns River was hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council. It was the first of three regular-season tournaments in 2020 for Southern Division anglers. The next tournament for Toyota Series anglers will be the Central Division opener – the Toyota Series at Lake Chickamauga, held Feb. 27-29 in Dayton, Tennessee. For a complete schedule, visit FLWFishing.com.
The Toyota Series consists of eight divisions – Central, Eastern, Northern, Plains, Southeastern, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning $200,000 cash, plus lucrative contingency bonuses. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2020 Toyota Series Championship is being held Nov. 5-7 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky, and is hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission.
For complete details and updated information visitFLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, FLW and its partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Zimbabwe.
FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show while Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. Acquired by Major League Fishing in late 2019, FLW is expanding its programming in 2020 to the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel as well as on-demand at MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Back to Basics with Bassmaster Elite Rookies Austin Felix and Caleb Kuphall
Professor Duran welcomes in Bassmaster Elite Series Rookies Austin Felix and Caleb Kuphall to this weeks show to talk about life as an Elite Rookie with one derby down and the Classic in the truck windshield.
Fitzgerald Leads Day 1 of Toyota FLW Series Event on St Johns
February 13, 2020
Courtesy of FLWfishing.com
Trevor Fitzgerald has a lot of history on the St. Johns River. He’s from Belleview, Fla., just an hour or so away, and one of his 11 career top 10s in FLW competition was a win on the sprawling river system in 2008. He’s also a hammer in local derbies, though his experience only goes so far, considering the conditions this week in the Toyota Series Southern Division opener, which Fitzgerald leads after day one.
“The thing is, a lot of my areas got changed with this wind,” says the 37-year-old pro. “Parts of the river are really muddy right now, so I’m just trying to find clean water.”
So much so, in fact, that Fitzgerald thinks he might only have a couple spots left for the rest of the tournament, and he’ll potentially be in scramble mode come tomorrow.
“If I start catching them, I’ll just hunker down and stay, because I don’t know if I have that many spots left to run like I did today,” he adds.
While scrambling isn’t exactly ideal for Fitzgerald, he was already on a junk-fishing deal on day one, mostly in response to dirty, low water. Even so, he managed to sack up 21 pounds, 2 ounces, which says a lot about his feel for the St. Johns and his experience on the fishery.
“I was pretty much just doing a lot of different things,” Fitzgerald explains. “I caught a couple off the bed, a couple on bars, and caught a couple just fishing shallow dragging a worm and stuff.”
For the task, Fitzgerald employed a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver in green pumpkin and a Reaction Innovations Pocket Rocket in black and blue, Texas-rigged, which he dragged on a 3/8-ounce weight.
Being the founder of Fitzgerald Rods, Fitzgerald of course utilized all Fitzgerald Stunner 7-foot, 3-inch medium-heavy rods with Fitzgerald Stunner reels on Fitzgerald Vursa line.
“Almost everything I was using was made by us except the soft plastic and the hook,” he says.
With water levels lower than usual, finding fish that have moved up on beds has been a tall task for much of the field this week during practice and the tournament. Anglers with secondary stuff, like Fitzgerald, are in good position to adapt to those conditions. But with a minor cold front moving in tonight – paired with shifting winds – Fitzgerald is more likely than not to find himself junk-fishing again on Friday.
The conditions might be bad news for the rest of the field, too, but Fitzgerald knows the St. Johns well enough to be uniquely positioned to carry his momentum into a potential top-10 showing.
“I just know it,” he says of the fishery. “I live not far from here, and I have a lot of spots; a lot of history.”
Whether conditions bring Fitzgerald’s tournament to a screaming halt tomorrow or he’s able to power through to fish on Saturday, he still gets to sleep in his own bed this week – and fish a river he’s done so well on in the past.
Top 10 pros
1. Trevor Fitzgerald – Belleview, Fla. – 21-2 (5)
2. Michael Conley – Bainbridge, Ga. – 20-11 (5)
3. Kyle Welcher – Opelika, Ala. – 19-14 (5)
4. Eddie Carper – Valliant, Okla. – 19-6 (5)
5. Tim Frederick – Leesburg, Fla. – 19-1 (5)
6. Andrew Warbington – Coker, Ala. – 17-14 (5)
7. Jason Blair – West Palm Beach, Fla. – 17-12 (5)
8. Keith Carson – DeBary, Fla. – 16-11 (5)
9. Zak Fadden – Plymouth, Mich. – 16-9 (5)
10. Jacopo Gallelli – Florence, Italy – 16-8 (5)
BUCY GRABS CO-ANGLER LEAD WITH BIG BAG
Blaine Bucy traveled a long way to sack up 17 pounds, 10 ounces of St. Johns River fish, and while the Weirton, W.Va., co-angler makes regular trips to fish Florida’s famed fisheries, his experience this week might top them all.
“I’ve been fishing FLW for about 15 years, and I wanted to fish the Southern Division because I love coming to Florida,” he says. “We had 4 inches of snow last Thursday [back home].
“I fished the St. Johns eight or nine years ago; I fished a Bassmaster Open down here. That was the only time I’ve ever fished it.”
You wouldn’t know it by the big stringer he weighed in on Thursday, anchored by an 8-pounder his boater, Joey Thigpen, put him around. With that big limit, Bucy finds himself nearly 5 pounds ahead of Edwin Bartlett heading into day two.
Despite his successful first day, Bucy is more than happy to give credit to three other major factors: his faith, his day one boater and his bait of choice.
“He’s an awesome, awesome, awesome boater and awesome man; really, really a good man,” he says of Thigpen. “I hope I draw someone tomorrow that’s as nice as he is, whether we’re on fish or not.
“I’m thrilled. If it wasn’t for Jesus Christ, I wouldn’t have anything. He smiled on me today. He may not smile on me tomorrow, but I’m awful thankful for today.”
As for the bait, Bucy had to really work hard to make sure he had some on hand this week. His favorite Florida staple is a Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Worm in junebug, which he couldn’t find in the store before he left. After checking around, he found seven packs and bought them all.
“Down here, that’s my favorite bait,” he says. “I throw that junebug Speed Worm and the Gambler Fat Ace, 6-inch, in black blue flake. That’s pretty much it down here for me.”
The Speed Worm is what he did all his damage with on day one, and Bucy says he’s so confident in it he might only take two rods with him tomorrow.
That is, of course, provided his day two boater presents him with an opportunity to use the same soft plastic offering. On day one, Thigpen spent his time fishing around dock pilings and a “hole” in a creek that was holding some quality fish.
If Bucy is around similar stuff on day two, there’s no question what he’ll be throwing.
Top 10 co-anglers
1. Blaine Bucy – Weirton, W.Va. – 17-10 (5)
2. Edwin Bartlett – Casco, Maine – 12-13 (5)
3. Paul Gelles – Pingree, Idaho – 12-9 (4)
4. Ron Wiggins – Palatka, Fla. – 11-6 (5)
5. Michael Robel – Bradenton, Fla. – 10-15 (3)
5. Charles Dubroc – Hessmer, La. – 10-15 (4)
7. Andy Niles – Ocean Springs, Miss. – 10-14 (5)
8. Moses Wilson – Clewiston, Fla. – 10-13 (3)
9. Kenneth Hunnicutt – Jacksonville, Fla. – 10-10 (5)
10. David Wareham – Port Saint Lucie, Fla. – 10-5 (5)
VanDam picks SweeTARTS and a Thunder Cricket
Courtesy of Alan McGuckin - Dynamic Sponsorships
Editors note: This is the first installment of a new series themed “Two from the Tundra” – in which the author asks a Toyota Tundra driving pro angler to pick one special possession, and one special piece of tackle to share with fans.
While driving alone in his Toyota Tundra to tournaments and sponsor events, the tall slender man many consider to be the greatest bass angler of all time admits he’s often had a habit of keeping sweet or sour packs of candy within arm’s reach.
Hence, when asked to share one item from his Tundra that’s close to his heart, he chose a pack of SweeTARTS that his best friend and bride of 27 years, Sherry gave him before he made the first big drive of the year to the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour event at Lake Eufaula, AL.
Not only did the sweet and sour candies that hit the market in 1962 satisfy a craving and remind VanDam of home along the 14 hour drive, but they also served as a bit of a Valentine’s Day gift from Sherry.
Now, when it comes to a piece of fishing tackle he’s treasuring these days – VanDam chose a Strike King Thunder Cricket.
“Over the next few months, most anglers across America will face cold, off colored water in the their spring fishing. Bass are forced to rely on their lateral lines to sense vibrations from prey in those conditions – so the huge vibration produced by a 3/8 or ½ ounce Thunder Cricket is a great choice,” says VanDam.
He says the presence of submerged vegetation is optimal, but certainly not critical, and the Thunder Cricket is also awesome around boat docks.
VanDam ties the high-vibration lure to 20 pound line spooled on a 7.5:1 Lew’s HyperMag reel, and uses a 7-foot medium heavy rod with enough flex in the tip to make accurate casts.
Of course, never to be outdone, VanDam made sure he volleyed back a Valentine’s gift of his own to Sherry. “I got her favorite Junior Mints and some chocolate covered marshmallow hearts, along with a card, but I told her she couldn’t open it until Friday,” he winked.
Wheeler Wins Big on Lake Eufaula: B&W Hitches Stage One presented by Power-Pole Champion Led the Field by 27 Pounds
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AC Insider Podcast - All the feels with Paul Mueller and Brayden Rakes!
With it being Valentines week, the boys welcome in 2-time Elite Series Champ Paul Mueller to talk about his recent win on a crazy St. Johns River. They also welcome in long-time Big Bass Tour Angler Brayden Rakes who secured his first BBT Win on the Harris Chain this past weekend! Check it out!
Eclectic’s Robinson Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Lake Martin
Bonaire’s Denney Wins Co-angler Division
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (Feb. 10, 2020) – Boater Dusty Robinson of Eclectic, Alabama, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 13 pounds, 4 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Lake Martin in Alexander City, Alabama. For his victory, Robinson earned a total of $5,686, including a $1,000 Mercury contingency award.
“I started my day out with a spinnerbait in my hand, and I didn’t put it down throughout the entire day,” said Robinson, who earned his first career Phoenix Bass Fishing League victory. “I caught around 20 keepers all day long, fishing in the Hog Pen Slough area – around the D.A.R.E. Power Park.”
Robinson’s key lure was a 3/8-ounce purple shad-coloredWar Eagle Spinnerbait with a white Zoom Split Tail Trailer.
“I caught them anywhere from 6 inches to 8 feet deep,” Robinson said. “The Hog Pen Slough is a main feeder creek, about mid-river. I was targeting the blowdowns and rocky secondary points. If I didn’t get bit on the bank, I’d slow roll it all the way back to the boat.
“The bite was really hot from 9:30 to 10:30 (a.m.), then there was a lull until about 1:15 (p.m.). Then it really picked up again,” Robinson continued. “The key was definitely slowing down and being patient.
“I’ve been battling against these hammers in the Bama Division for three years now, and I’ve been one bite away from the win a couple of times. It was shocking that the weights were this low – I didn’t expect to win – but it was an awesome day and I’m glad I did.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Dusty Robinson of Eclectic, Ala., five bass, 13-4, $5,686
2nd: Thomas Frink of Cedartown, Ga., five bass, 12-12, $2,843
3rd: Kip Balkcom of Auburn, Ala., five bass, 12-2, $1,562
4th: Brad Jones of Sylacauga, Ala., five bass, 12-0, $1,093
5th: Mason Franklin of Mulga, Ala., five bass, 11-12, $898
6th: Steven Ingram of Tallassee, Ala., five bass, 11-12, $898
7th: Anthony Goggins of Clanton, Ala., five bass, 11-6, $742
8th: Ken Morris of Childersburg, Ala., five bass, 11-6, $942
9th: Robert Werner of Spanish Fort, Ala., five bass, 11-5, $625
10th: Greg Bearden of Oxford, Ala., five bass, 11-3, $547
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Chris Rutland of Wetumpka, Alabama, brought a 4-pound, 3-ounce bass to the scale to win the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $690.
Frink took home an extra $500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Mark Denney of Bonaire, Georgia, won the Co-angler Division and $2,493 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 2 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Mark Denney of Bonaire, Ga., five bass, 11-2, $2,493
2nd: Lew Moore of Roanoke, Ala., five bass, 11-1, $1,517
3rd: Andrew Fisher of Anniston, Ala., five bass, 10-8, $781
4th: Jacob Hays of Marbury, Ala., five bass, 10-6, $547
5th: Justin Foster of Zebulon, Ga., five bass, 10-0, $469
6th: Jim Laster of Newnan, Ga., five bass, 9-13, $410
7th: Scott Carpenter of Childersburg, Ala., five bass, 9-13, $410
8th: Bill Gaston of Sylacauga, Ala., five bass, 9-10, $351
9th: Gary Marlowe of Montgomery, Ala., five bass, 9-9, $312
10th: Chance Hebert of Woodstock, Ga., five bass, 9-5, $273
Moore caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 4 pounds even. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $345.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Lake Martin was hosted by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. It was the opening event of five qualifying tournaments in the Bama division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Bama division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 8-10 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Chickamauga in Dayton, Tennessee, hosted by the Rhea Economic and Tourism Council. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held April 30 through May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
HUK Adds Pro's for 2020 Roster
Fishing Apparel Manufacturer Expands Presence in MLF, BASS, High School and Regional Tournaments
Charleston, SC (February 11, 2020) – Huk, a leading manufacturer of performance fishing apparel, is expanding its presence in competitive freshwater fishing. In concert with Huk’s values of making the best gear for all anglers, the brand has invested in adding team members from various professional and amateur tournament trails to supplement its current roster of bass fishing pros.
This year’s lineup of Huk pros include previous team members Ott DeFoe, Greg Hackney, Jacob Powrzonik, Clif Crochet, Brock Mosley, and Brad Knight. Along with these veteran anglers, this year’s lineup of Huk pros includes top performers as well as up and comers from the Bassmaster Elite, MLF, and FLW Pro Circuits. Huk is extremely excited to add Bassmaster Elite anglers Drew Benton, Brandon Lester, Lee Livesay, Tyler Rivet, and Shane Lineberger in addition to FLW Pro Circuit anglers Tyler Stewart, Kyle Hall, and Jake Morris. Bryan Thrift will be competing for Huk on the MLF circuit, and he is sure to be a huge threat there as he has been on the FLW Tour in the past. Numerous other regional amateurs and high school anglers will be competing under the Huk name this year. A few key regional additions include Jason Bonds, Chris Jones and Joe Uribe Jr, who compete regionally in FLW Series events as well as numerous team and individual events in their home states of Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona.
“This season’s team will be the most diversified group we’ve ever had, representing Huk across all the major tours as well as regional trails,” states Melinda Hays, Freshwater Community Manager for Huk. “We’re really proud of all the support and encouragement we’ve received from recreational and amateur anglers over the years. We’re fired up to be able to help them achieve their competitive goals on all levels.”
In addition to the expansion of the team, Huk is also sponsoring numerous additional tournament trails in 2020. Much like the new team anglers, these new trails represent Huk’s commitment to being a part of all anglers’ journeys. At this time, the brand is the title sponsor of the Huk TTO Team Trail and the Huk Bassmaster Kayak Series. Additional sponsorships include numerous regional high school series, youth trails and regional amateur events such as Sealy’s Big Bass Splash, the Southeast Texas High School Fishing Association tournaments and the Wild West Bass Trail.
“The amateur trails represent the vast majority of competitive anglers in this country, so it only makes sense to expand our 2020 team,” said Pete Angle, Chief Marketing Officer for Marolina, parent company of Huk and Nomad Hunting. “Our next great bass fishing icons will likely come from the current generation of high school competitors, so supporting these relationships now and in the future aligns perfectly with Huk’s values of making the best gear for all anglers.”
Huk has plans to support additional tournament trails and add even more anglers to the team in 2020. With an evolved product line for the spring/summer and fall collections, and an increased presence in the competitive world, there should be no shortage of exciting news coming from Huk this year.
For more information about Huk Gear, please visit www.hukgear.com.
South Forsyth High School Wins 2020 FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Seminole Open
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 10, 2020) – The South Forsyth High School duo of Brett Morlanne and Michael Landernaeu, both of Cumming, Georgia, brought four bass to the scale Saturday weighing 12 pounds, 5 ounces to win the 2020 FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Seminole Open.
A field of 29 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 two teams on Lake Seminole that advanced to the 2020 High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing National Championship were:
1st: South Forsyth High School, Cumming, Ga. – Brett Morlanne and Michael Landernaeu, four bass, 12-5
2nd: Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge, Ga. – Brock Lewis and Gage Sellars, five bass, 12-2
Rounding out the top 10 were:
3rd: Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge, Ga. – Caleb Reynolds and Lex Thompson, four bass, 11-8
4th: Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge, Ga. – Shane Dill and Bowynn Brown, five bass, 9-11
5th: Double Trouble Bass Team – Brunson Fain, Donalsonville, Ga., and Jackson Conley, Bainbridge, Ga., four bass, 7-13
6th: Brookwood High School, Snellville, Ga. – Ben Sanders and Levi Singletary, five bass, 7-5
7th: Brevard High School, Brevard, N.C. – Matthew Case and Andrew Howell, three bass, 7-5
8th: Bainbridge High School, Bainbridge, Ga. – Gunner Thomas and Brody Thomas, three bass, 6-11
9th: North South Anglers – Brandon Martin, Lula, Ga., and Parker Guy, Ocilla, Ga., three bass, 5-10
10th: Harris County High School, Hamilton, Ga. – Cole Reynolds and Colby Koon, two bass, 5-6
Complete results from the event can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The 2020 FLW High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing Lake Seminole Open was a free, two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12 and open to any FLW and Student Angler Federation-affiliated high school club. The top 10 percent of teams at each Open event along with the TBF High School Fishing state championships will advance to the 2020 High School Fishing National Championship on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 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 2020 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship. At the 2019 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.
Buford, Georgia’s Dover Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Tournament on Lake Keowee
Gainesville’s Grizzle Wins Co-angler Division
WALHALLA, S.C. (Feb. 10, 2020) – Boater Randy Dover of Buford, Georgia, brought five to the scale Saturday totaling 15 pounds, 10 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Lake Keowee in Seneca, South Carolina. For his victory, Dover earned a total of $5,627.
Weather was a factor for the Savannah River division anglers, as cold, snowy conditions hampered a lot of plans and strategies for competitors. Dover said that he did the majority of his damage close to Seneca, only a mile to a mile and a half from takeoff.
“The places that I caught them in practice really got stained, so I had to move out to clearer water,” said Dover, who earned his first career victory in just his third career Phoenix Bass Fishing League event. “I ended up catching them on roadbeds and ditches.”
Dover said his two key baits throughout the day were a Ned rig and a shaky-head rig.
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Randy Dover of Buford, Ga., five bass, 15-10, $5,627
2nd: Tim Watson of Martin, Ga., five bass, 13-4, $2,345
3rd: Jimmy Gooch of Jefferson, Ga., five bass, 13-4, $2,345
4th: Jason Johnson of Dawsonville, Ga., five bass, 13-1, $1,813
5th: Jeremy Strong of Elberton, Ga., five bass, 12-11, $1,125
6th: Jayme Rampey of Liberty, S.C., five bass, 12-9, $1,942
7th: Jody Holland of Clermont, Ga., five bass, 12-0, $938
8th: Bo Price of Seneca, S.C., five bass, 11-14, $797
9th: Russell Clark of Abbeville, S.C., five bass, 11-14, $797
10th: Tyler Thompson of Easley, S.C., five bass, 11-11, $623
10th: Brad Benfield of Demorest, Ga., five bass, 11-11, $623
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Rampey brought a 5-pound, 7-ounce bass to the scale to win the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $910.
For the second week in a row, boater Jason Johnson was highest-finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member and took home an extra $500. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Harold Grizzle of Gainesville, Georgia, won the Co-angler Division and $3,268 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 6 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Harold Grizzle of Gainesville, Ga., five bass, 17-6, $3,268
2nd: Fisher Rodgers of Camden, S.C., five bass, 12-6, $1,407
3rd: Sawyer Redmond of Easley, S.C., five bass, 11-5, $938
4th: Wendell Grantham of Athens, Ga., five bass, 10-14, $656
5th: Bruce Faulkner of Seneca, S.C., five bass, 10-10, $563
6th: Will White of Wake Forest, N.C., five bass, 10-9, $516
7th: Stephen McCoy of Walhalla, S.C., five bass, 10-4, $469
8th: Chris Wilson of Easley, S.C., five bass, 10-2, $572
9th: John Wilson of Six Mile, S.C., five bass, 9-11, $351
9th: Wesley Wilson of Cornelia, Ga., three bass, 9-11, $351
Grizzle also caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, weighing in at 7 pounds, 10 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $455.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Lake Keowee was hosted by Visit Oconee. It was the first of five qualifying events in the Savannah River Division.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Savannah River Division based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia, hosted by the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held April 30 through May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Bethel University Finishes Top Three Teams at Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI Season Opener on Lake Seminole
BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 10, 2020) – The Bethel University duo of Brad Ableman of Latham, New York, and Wilson Smith of Southaven, Mississippi, won the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI at Lake Seminole Friday with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 1 ounce. The victory earned the Wildcats’ bass club $2,000 and qualified them to compete in the 2021 FLW College Fishing National Championship.
It was an impressive event for the Bethel University fishing club, as the school placed three teams in the top three spots – and were the only three teams to catch a limit weighing more than 15 pounds. The tournament launched from the Earle May Boat Bain in Bainbridge, Georgia.
The top 10 teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments advance to the 2021 Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI College Championship presented by Lowrance. Per FLW rules, additional teams qualify for the National Championship if the field size in regular-season events exceeds 100 boats. A field of 140 teams competed at Lake Seminole, so 14 teams now advance to the Championship.
The top 14 teams that advanced to the 2021 College Fishing National Championship are:
1st: Bethel University – Brad Ableman, Latham, N.Y., and Wilson Smith, Southaven, Miss., five bass, 19-1, $2,000
2nd: Bethel University – Dax Ewart, Humboldt, Tenn., and Kyle Palmer, Estill Springs, Tenn., five bass, 16-13, $1,000
3rd: Bethel University – Dakota Pierce and Cody Huff, both of Ava, Mo., five bass, 15-1, $500
4th: Pearl River Community College – Dylan Herrington and Tanner Gregory, both of Picayune, Miss., five bass, 13-15, $500
5th: Troy University – Evan Rice and Dillon Butcher, both of Troy, Ala., five bass, 12-15, $500
6th: Georgetown College – Blake Quinn, Danville, Ky., and Dillon Sizemore, Georgetown, Ky., five bass, 12-12
7th: University of Montevallo – Hunter Ward, Rockford, Ala., and Solomon Glenn, Lakeville, Minn., five bass, 12-9
8th: Bryan College – Thaddeus Simerly, Talbot, Tenn., and Ethan Shaw, Carmel, Ind., three bass, 12-9
9th: Florida State University – Loc Cassida and Nick Whibbs, both of Pensacola, Fla., five bass, 12-8
10th: University of Montevallo – Weston Hollar, Dadeville, Ala., and Wesley Gore, Clanton, Ala., five bass, 11-4
11th: Kennesaw State University – Garrett Guinan, Marietta, Ga., and Jake Haggerty, Woodstock, Ga., five bass, 11-3
12th: University of Montevallo – Bradley Martin, Chelsea, Ala., and Jack Baron, Montevallo, Ala., five bass, 11-3
13th: Bryan College – Conner DiMauro, Dayton, Tenn., and Cole Sands, Calhoun, Tenn., four bass, 11-1
14th: Polk State College – Justin Bun, Lake Alfred, Fla., and Kyle Brewer, Dundee, Fla., five bass, 10-14
Complete results for the entire field can be found at FLWFishing.com.
The Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI 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 College Fishing event of 2020. The next event for College Fishing anglers will be the 2020 Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship on the Harris Chain of Lakes presented by Lowrance in Leesburg, Florida, Feb. 26-28, which will showcase college teams that qualified from the 2019 regular season.
Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI teams compete in regular-season qualifying tournaments in one of five conferences – Central, Northern, Southern, Southeastern and Western. The top ten teams from each division’s three regular-season tournaments and the top 20 teams from the annual Abu Garcia College Fishing Open advance to the following year’s Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI National Championship.
Both members of the winning team at the 2020 Abu Garcia College Fishing National Championship will advance to the 2020 Toyota Series Championship where they will compete for a top prize of $200,000. Both members of the second, third and fourth-place teams will advance to the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American to compete as boaters where they are guaranteed $1,500 plus a shot at winning the top prize of $100,000. Both members of the fifth and sixth-place teams advance to the 2020 All-American to compete as co-anglers where they are guaranteed $750 plus a shot at winning $50,000.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Cape Coral’s Littich Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event on Lake Okeechobee
Bradenton’s Hibbs Wins Co-angler Division
CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2020) – Boater Thomas Littich of Cape Coral, Florida, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 23 pounds, 14 ounces to win the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine event at Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, Florida. For his victory, Littich earned a total of $7,220, including a $2,500 FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency award.
The tournament was the second of five events in the Gator Division presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.
“I’ve fished these tournaments for six years, and this is the first time that I’ve gotten to hold one of these fancy winner trophies up,” said Littich, who was fishing in his 36th career Bass Fishing League event. “The feeling that I got when I knew I had the win was absolutely awesome.
“I started my day up north, near the Monkey Box area, then I ended up around Observation Shoal,” Littich continued. “Those were the two main areas that I fished. I bounced to one spot about halfway down the shoal, then came back in at the end of the day.”
Littich said that he caught his fish on a variety of baits. His first bass – a 7-pounder – came on a Z-Man ChatterBait. An hour and a half later, Littich boated a 6-pounder on a black and blue-colored Yamamoto Senko. Another key bite came late in the day flipping a Gambler Burner Craw with a 3/8-ounce weight.
“The key was not getting out of my own head,” Littich went on to say. “It was a very slow bite this morning, so I had to take my time and not get worried.”
The top 10 boaters finished the tournament as follows:
1st: Thomas Littich of Cape Coral, Fla., five bass, 23-14, $7,220
2nd: Jerry Stalvey Jr. of Palatka, Fla., five bass, 22-15, $3,055
3rd: Jared McMillan of Belle Glade, Fla., five bass, 19-7, $1,574
4th: Mike Vititoe of Lakeworth, Fla., five bass, 17-3, $1,101
5th: Mike Davis of Alachua, Fla., five bass, 17-0, $944
6th: Alex Terescenko of West Palm Beach, Fla., five bass, 15-14, $865
7th: Christopher Hunter of Hilliard, Fla., five bass, 15-11, $787
8th: Garrett Thomas of Mulberry, Fla., five bass, 15-0, $708
9th: Jared Howell of Hilliard, Fla., five bass, 14-13, $629
10th: Cedric Perry of Cross City, Fla., five bass, 14-12, $551
Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.
Stalvey Jr. brought an 8-pound, 13-ounce bass to the scale to win the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $695.
Littich took home an extra $2,500 as the highest finishing FLW PHOENIX BONUS member. Boaters are eligible to win up to an extra $7,000 per event in each Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine tournament if all requirements are met. More information on the FLW PHOENIX BONUS contingency program can be found at PhoenixBassBoats.com.
Timothy Hibbs of Bradenton, Florida, won the Co-angler Division and $2,510 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 15 pounds, 7 ounces.
The top 10 co-anglers finished as follows:
1st: Timothy Hibbs of Bradenton, Fla., five bass, 15-7, $2,510
2nd: Moses Wilson of Clewiston, Fla., five bass, 13-13, $1,180
3rd: Brandon Prophitt of Orlando, Fla., five bass, 12-13, $787
4th: Bryan Ray of Lake Leelanau, Mich., five bass, 12-12, $551
5th: Scott Farnham of Port St. Lucie, Fla., five bass, 10-5, $472
6th: Jay McNamara of Issaquah, Wash., five bass, 9-14, $433
7th: David Wickham of Fruitland Park, Fla., five bass, 9-13, $373
7th: Jason Gonzalez of Loxahatchee, Fla., five bass, 9-13, $473
9th: Joshua Tackett of Orange City, Fla., five bass, 9-9, $295
9th: Sean Wiggins of Pinellas Park, Fla., five bass, 9-9, $295
Vidal Melendrez of Miami, Florida caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division, a fish weighing in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $347.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on Lake Okeechobee was hosted by the Hendry County Tourism Development Council.
The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the Gator Division presented by A.R.E. based on point standings, along with the five winners of each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 22-24 Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia, hosted by the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. Boaters will compete for a $60,000 prize package, including a new Phoenix 819 Pro bass boat with a 200-horsepower Mercury outboard and $10,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new 18-foot Phoenix bass boat with a 200-horsepower outboard.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American.
The 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American will be held April 30 through May 2 at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina and is hosted by Visit Anderson. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers plus tournament winners from each Phoenix Bass Fishing League division earn priority entry into the FLW Series, the pathway to the FLW Pro Circuit and ultimately the MLF Bass Pro Tour, where top pros compete with no entry fees.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
World Champion Wheeler Retains Lead, Advances Directly to the Championship: 38-Angler Knockout Round Set for Tuesday
“I’m going to have to change up a couple things going into the Championship Round,” said Wheeler. “Today was a tough day; I just could not get those fish to bite; I could literally see them and not get them to bite.”
The drama of B&W Hitches Stage One presented by Power-Pole unfolded live on MLFNOW! as the field changed with each catch. Mike Iaconelli kicked off the day with a six-pound-13-ounce largemouth only six minutes after lines in. He went on to catch two more over five pounds (23-03 total), rising from 40th place and zero pounds on Saturday to 18th place today, thus securing a spot in the Knockout Round on Tuesday.
“Just goes to show you, never give up,” reflected Iaconelli during his interview on the General Tire Takeout as he returned to the ramp. “To be able to salvage the points to fish another day, that is a good thing.”
Randall Tharp contributed to today’s storyline as he narrowed the gap to within eight ounces. In the final minutes, Tharp caught what turned out to be an un-scorable bass just shy of the two-pound minimum required per MLF rules preventing him from taking the lead.
“I wasn’t planning on exerting myself much today but ended up fishing pretty hard in Period 3,” Tharp said. “For about an hour, I was one bite away from winning the round.”
Instead of getting a day off and an automatic berth to the Championship Round, Tharp will head back to Lake Eufaula for Tuesday’s Knockout Round.
“I have enough history here that I would rather have the day off, but that day of fishing tomorrow could be an asset to stay on top of what the fish are doing,” Tharp believes. “I’m just thankful I put a little heat on Wheeler, that last hour had to be nerve-wracking for him.”
2019 Bass Pro Tour Points Champion Edwin Evers snuck over the elimination line toward the end of Period 3 into 19th place after catching a six-pound-10-ounce largemouth with less than 20 minutes to go. He finished the Qualifying Round in 18th place with 22 pounds, 12 ounces after ending Saturday (day one) with only one, two-pound catch.
The Top Ten of the Qualifying Round, Group B finished day two as follows:
Place | Angler | Total 2-Day Weight | Day Two Weight Total | Largest Fish of Day Two |
1 | Jacob Wheeler | 51-06 | 9-01 | 3-08 |
2 | Randall Tharp | 50-14 | 23-01 | 5-08 |
3 | Mike McClelland | 42-01 | 24-11 | 6-10 |
4 | Ott DeFoe | 39-01 | 25-07 | 6-06 |
5 | Bobby Lane | 38-13 | 13-02 | 4-02 |
6 | Wesley Strader | 38-09 | 6-03 | 3-13 |
7 | James Watson | 31-09 | 9-13 | 3-14 |
8 | David Dudley | 31-08 | 8-09 | 3-01 |
9 | Michael Neal | 31-07 | 13-07 | 4-11 |
10 | Adrian Avena | 20-02 | 16-10 | 4-07 |
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
Daiwa Pro Ish Monroe landed today’s Berkley Big Bass weighing in at seven pounds, two ounces. Monroe finished 34th overall and will not advance into the Knockout Round but will favor well this Stage toward his Heavy Hitters qualifying weight. MLF Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo brings together the 30 anglers with the heaviest “virtual bags” after five Stages of the Bass Pro Tour. Anglers will compete for over $750,000 in prizes including a Berkley Big Bass payout ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 per day. Heavy Hitters takes place on the Kissimmee Chain (Fla.) May 16-20, 2020.
Today’s event concluded the Qualifying Round of the B&W Hitches Stage One presented by Power-Pole. Two anglers advanced directly into the Championship Round on Wednesday: Bryan Thrift, winner of Group A and Jacob Wheeler, winner of Group B. The remaining eight spots in the Championship Round will be determined in Tuesday’s Knockout Round, in which the anglers who finished in places 2-20 will compete in a field of 38 for the top eight spots.
The 38 anglers competing in the Knockout Round include:
Andy Morgan
Todd Faircloth
Chris Lane
Brent Ehrler
Mark Rose
Josh Bertrand
Jacob Powroznik
Jeff Sprague
Brent Chapman
Greg Hackney
Alton Jones, Jr.
Anthony Gagliardi
Scott Suggs
Brandon Coulter
Britt Myers
Andy Montgomery
Jordan Lee
Aaron Martens
Randall Tharp
Mike McClelland
Ott DeFoe
Bobby Lane
Wesley Strader
James Watson
David Dudley
Michael Neal
Adrian Avena
Dustin Connell
Fletcher Shyrock
Luke Claussen
Kevin VanDam
Justin Atkins
Takahiro Omori
Brett Hite
Mike Iaconelli
Edwin Evers
Jesse Wiggins
Tuesday’s Knockout Round begins with launch 7-7:30 a.m. before lines-in at 8:00 a.m. Period 1 ends at 10:30 a.m. Period 2 spans 10:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Period 3 begins at 1:30 p.m. and lasts until day’s end at 4:00 p.m. The General Tire Takeout show airs approximately 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. as anglers return to the ramp.
Fans can catch all the action every day of competition on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
BOWMAN OVERCOMES CONDITIONS TO TOP GUNTERSVILLE FIELD
Courtesy of Alabama BASS Nation - Greg McCain
Difficult weather and water conditions greeted Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation anglers on Lake Guntersville Saturday (Feb. 8) in the year’s first qualifying tournament for the state grassroots circuit.
As usual, select ABN fishermen didn’t let a little adversity detract from their opportunities to catch fish. Talladega angler Chester “Jabo” Bowman, in fact, said he consistently caught keepers all day long, including a couple of late culls that allowed him to overtake the early leaders in the tournament.
When he finished the brutal day of fishing, Bowman (Shotgun Sports Supply) weighed 20.46 lbs. of Guntersville bass, including a 6.34 largemouth, and bested a field of 63 boaters in the event staged out of Goose Pond near Scottsboro. He finished almost exactly a pound ahead of second-place boater Ryan Walters (Lake Guntersville Bassmasters), who brought in a 19.45 limit.
Keith Glasgow (Winfield Bassmasters) and Francis Beard (Neely Henry Bassmasters) tied for third with 18.53.
Among co-anglers, Mark Edmonds (Carbon Hill Bass Club) caught easily the best three-fish limit. It weighed 10.10 lbs. and topped second-place finisher Randy Sparks (Belgreen Bass Club), who had 8.69.
Beard boated the Academy Sports + Outdoors Big Fish with a 7.18 largemouth. He caught the fish on a bladed jig.
Cold temperatures and pre-dawn snow made conditions miserable before launch, and a snow/rain mix lingered into the mid-morning hours. Although the skies cleared later in the day, winds built and contributed to the difficult fishing conditions. Despite the extreme weather, combined with high, muddy water from rain and snow from the days leading up to the tournament, the bass bit well for some anglers in the opening stages of the tournament. That bite fizzled for some when the precipitation quit while others said that a hint of sun about mid-morning triggered a short feeding period.
Bowman, however, said he caught at least a dozen keepers during the course of the day. He boxed a good limit early, including a four-pounder on the second cast, on a Bill Lewis squarebill near the mouth of Seibold Creek. He continued to pound his main area in Seibold, located in the mid-lake area west of Scottsboro, and made several key culls late.
“I didn’t really know what I had,”
Bowman said.
“I thought maybe 17 or 18 pounds. But they weighed a little heavy. They were in really good shape.”
The game-changer came at about 1:30, when he enticed his big fish to hit a homemade vibrating jig. The bass struck on a short line near the boat, but Bowman managed to keep it hooked up. The catch culled a keeper from his earlier limit, and Bowman upgraded with another key bass on the same lure not long before making the run back to Scottsboro.
“That vibrating jig doesn’t run like a regular one like a Jackhammer,”
Bowman said.
“It’s got a little wider wobble that the fish seem to like.”
Walters, the second-place finisher, said he did most of his damage before noon, particularly in the mid-morning feeding period.
“It was a tough day, especially in the snow earlier,”
said Walters, a Huntsville resident who was fishing his first ABN event.
“When it started sprinkling rain about 8:30, it seemed to turn the fish on. That’s when I did most of my damage.”
Walters caught his first fish on an outer grass line in the mid-lake area. He said the bass seemed to move shallower through the morning but then disappeared on him for the rest of the day. He caught all of his limit on a bladed jig.
Edmonds, fishing with fellow Carbon Hill Bass Club member Jim Nelder, said he caught his three-fish limit “on a moving bait” in a “mid-lake area about three miles down the river.” He later told ABN president Eddie Plemons during the awards ceremony that he caught the fish on a Rat-L-Trap lipless crankbait. His biggest largemouth weighed 4.66.
Rounding out the top 10 in the boater division were Josh Bragg (Wiregrass Bassmasters, 18.40); Keith Hester (Shoals Fishers of Men, 15.04); Roy Galbraith (Winfield Bassmasters, 13.48); Jeff Warren (Belgreen Bass Club, 13.21); Josh Dees (Birmingham Bass Club, 13.06); and Dennis Hatton (Belgreen Bass Club, 12.10).
Among the co-anglers, Kyron Jones (Birmingham Bass Club, 7.26) followed Edmonds and Sparks in the standings. Remaining top 10 finishers were Donny Davis (Belgreen Bass Club, 6.71); Logan Ryan (Coosa Valley Bassmasters, 6.60); Colby Bendall (Belgreen Bass Club, 6.56); Dale Norred (Lake Tuscaloosa Bassmasters, 6.51); Lee Hanvey (Lee County Bass Club, 6.26); Wade Mitchell (Coosa River Anglers, 5.75); and William Elston Jr. (Blue-Eye Bassmasters, 5.23).
Other winners at the Guntersville event included Dees and Jones, who took the team title. Their combined weight of 20.32 lbs. topped the field of registered team competitors.
In addition to individual boater and co-angler competition, the ABN allows anglers to pair up with the top teams earning spots at the year-end state championship. The top five team finishers from each qualifying tournament will be eligible for the state championship, scheduled for Nov. 6-7 on Lake Eufaula. Last year, the top four teams out of the state championship on Lake Guntersville advanced to the Toyota Bonus Bucks Team Championship held on Lake Hartwell, S.C.
The teams of Glasgow and McCain Merchant (Winfield Bassmasters) and Beard and Chris Curvin (Neely Henry Bassmasters) tied for second with 18.53 with that total all coming from the boaters. Other team qualifiers were Bragg and Burt Lancaster (Wiregrass Bassmasters) and Nelder and Edmonds.
A final winner came from the Fishin’ 4 A Cure (F4AC) participants. Davis finished as the top finisher among those signed up for F4AC. Competitors pay an optional $25 per tournament to F4AC, and the money goes to help combat childhood diseases at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham. Airport Marine and Office Partners are the F4AC sponsors.
At the pre-tournament meeting held Friday night at the Comfort Inn in Scottsboro, Plemons thanked all the organization’s sponsors, including several new ones this year. Among the new sponsors are Halo Rods and Radicull Culling Devices.
Other sponsors who support various ABN circuits include Davis Bait Co., George Paint and Body, Academy, Airport Marine, Office Partners, Motivated Movers, Triton Boats, Mercury, Motor Guide, Lowrance, NetBait, Shell, Hammer Rods, Daiwa, Shelby County, StrikeZone Lure Co., Charlie’s BBQ, the Rod Glove, T-H Marine, Power-Pole, and Alabama Hosting.
The ABN heads to Lake Eufaula for its March qualifier with others to follow at Lake Martin in April and Lake Neely Henry in May. Top individuals and teams compete to earn a spot in November’s state championship. Qualifiers are open to any member of a B.A.S.S. affiliated club. The full schedule and registration information is found on the ABN website.
More Tournament Photos can be found at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLhYxgt
Greg McCain is a freelance writer with hundreds of credits in various print and digital publications. In addition to producing photos and content for this website, he is a regular contributor to Alabama Outdoor News (AON) magazine and CrappieNow digital magazine. He is a member of the Belgreen Bass Club, an ABN chapter near Russellville.
Mueller’s Final-Day Audible Leads To Bassmaster Elite Series Win On St. Johns
PALATKA, Fla. — Paul Mueller’s crucial decision delivered a key fish on Championship Monday that propelled the Connecticut angler to a three-day total of 47 pounds, 6 ounces and what he described as a most unlikely victory at the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Florida’s St. Johns River.
After grinding most of the day in Trout Creek, about 25 miles downriver from Palatka, Mueller called an audible and relocated to nearby 6-Mile Creek where he had found a key stretch of pads with 25 feet of water.
Punching this thick vegetation with a craw bait rigged on a 4/0 Strike King Hack Attack hook with a 1-ounce weight yielded a 6-11 bass — the day’s largest — that dramatically changed his outcome.
“That was the horse that brought me here, no doubt about it,” said Mueller, who earned $101,000 for his second career Elite Series victory. “A big bite is the best thing you can have on the final day. I knew I was leading, but I got off to such a bad start, throughout the entire day, I didn’t think I had enough.
“All day long, I never felt like I had a shot. It wasn’t easy today, but when it’s God’s will, everything works out.”
Mueller kept himself in contention throughout the event by remaining consistent. He placed second on Day 1 with 20-8 and took over the lead a day later by adding 16-2.
During Monday’s final round, Mueller fell short of a limit by one fish, but four bass that weighed 10-12 were enough to deliver the win by a 3-2 margin.
All three days, Mueller punched pads when he found sufficient water for prespawn staging fish to move into the cover. His punching bite consistently improved later in the day, as the week’s tide schedule brought higher water to the relatively shallow pads in the afternoon.
With wind advisories from the National Weather Service postponing the tournament’s official start by two days, B.A.S.S. officials shortened the event to three days total instead of four. The final day’s shorter schedule afforded Mueller a smaller window of the rising tide, so moving to the deep spot in 6-Mile Creek allowed him his shot at a big bass suspending beneath the cover.
He also caught fish on a 1/2-ounce green pumpkin Strike King Hack Attack swim jig with a junebug color Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw trailer.
Mueller, who finished 62nd at last year’s St. Johns Elite tournament, said he was pleased to fare better this time — particularly considering the significant difference between the mostly shallow Florida fishery and the deep, clear waters he considers his specialty.
“I don’t feel like this is a place that sets up to fish my strength,” Mueller said. “When I looked at this year’s schedule, there were tournaments where I said ‘I may have a chance to win that,’ and then there were tournaments where I thought: ‘Man, I just hope I have a good finish.’ This was one of them.
“This is not my style of fishing, so it’s amazing that I caught enough weight to win here.”
John Crews of Salem, Va., rose four spots to finish second with 44-4. Crews caught 16-13 on Day 1, 15-5 on Day 2 and finished with 12-2 on Monday. He earned $25,000.
Crews, who placed fifth at last year’s St. Johns event, caught his fish on a 1/2-ounce Z-Man Jackhammer ChatterBait trailed with a 3.5-inch Missile Baits Shockwave swimbait and a new Missile Baits Quiver worm, which he used on a drop-shot rig and wacky style. He anchored his day with a 4-13.
“Today, I could hardly get bit on anything slow; everything was on the reaction bait,” Crews said. “I used a bluegill-colored ChatterBait when it was cloudy, and then I switched over to a black and blue. I used a shrapnel-colored trailer — it’s kind of a bluegill color — with both.”
Day 1 leader Kelley Jaye of Dadeville, Ala., slipped a couple of spots to finish third with 41-10. With daily weights of 21-7, 14-3 and 6-0, Jaye earned $21,000.
The jerkbait guru mostly stuck with his signature technique, catching the majority of his fish on a Berkley Skinny Cutter. He also caught a Day 3 keeper on a Texas-rigged Berkley MaxScent General stickworm.
“Where I was fishing was like 6 to 7 feet when the water was up during practice, but it dropped down to 4 feet during the tournament,” Jaye said. “That Skinny Cutter doesn’t go very deep so it allowed me to keep off the bottom."
Kyle Welcher of Opelika, Ala., earned $1,000 for Phoenix Big Bass of the week with his 10-1 largemouth.
Mueller also took home $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and John Crews took home $2.000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
2020 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite At St. Johns River Title Sponsor: AFTCO 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Triton Boats, Yamaha 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Carhartt, Garmin, HUK Performance Fishing, Mossy Oak Fishing, Rapala 2020 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite At St. Johns River Local Hosts: Putnam County Tourist Development Council and Putnam County Chamber of Commerce About B.A.S.S. The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, new Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. -30- Media Contact: Emily Harley, B.A.S.S. Communications Manager, 205-313-0945, eharley@bassmaster.com |
2020 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/8-2/11 St. Johns River, Palatka FL. (PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3 Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 14 47-06 100 $101,000.00 11. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 12 36-10 90 $12,000.00 Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 2 05-07 12. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 14 36-00 89 $12,000.00 Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 5 17-08 Day 3: 5 10-01 13. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 15 35-11 88 $12,000.00 Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 08-08 Day 3: 5 09-14 14. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 15 34-14 87 $12,000.00 Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 08-11 15. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 34-13 86 $12,000.00 Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 5 09-02 16. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 11 33-10 85 $10,000.00 Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 4 08-03 Day 3: 2 05-07 17. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 13 32-12 84 $10,000.00 Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 09-09 Day 3: 3 05-08 18. Drew Cook Midway, FL 13 32-06 83 $10,000.00 Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 3 04-14 19. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 13 32-02 82 $10,000.00 Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 14-01 Day 3: 3 04-02 20. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 8 27-14 81 $10,000.00 Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 3 08-14 Day 3: 0 00-00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Academy Sports + Outdoors to offer free freshwater fishing licenses with purchase ahead of 2020 Bassmaster Classic
Academy Sports + Outdoors, a sports, outdoors and recreation lifestyle retailer, dedicated to making it easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and outdoor fun, has announced a special, limited-time offer to promote the sport of freshwater fishing in Alabama ahead of the 2020 Bassmaster Classic. From February 10th-16th, customers can receive a free Alabama Resident Freshwater Recreational Fishing License with any purchase of $25 or more at any Academy Sports + Outdoors store in Alabama. Customers will need to request their free license during check out to redeem the offer.
“Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to make it easier to get on the water by offering this special deal to Alabama anglers,” said Larry Roberts, Academy Sports + Outdoors senior vice president and general merchandising manager of outdoor. “Whether you’re competing in the upcoming 2020 Bassmaster Classic or trying out the sport for the first time, Academy has the products and expertise for anglers of every level to help reel in a big catch and make their time on the water a fun experience.”
Academy is the title sponsor of the upcoming Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, where 53 of the world’s best freshwater anglers will compete on the storied waters of Alabama’s Lake Guntersville.
Academy Sports + Outdoors has 15 locations across the state of Alabama, where customers can find a strong assortment of fishing products including rods and reels, baits, lures, fish finders, tackle, storage, waders, kayaks, sunglasses, fishing apparel, footwear and more. For store locations and to shop Academy’s selection of fishing products, customers can visit academy.com.
Offer Terms
Offer valid 2/10/2020-2/16/2020 for Alabama residents for a free state of Alabama freshwater fishing license only with minimum in-store purchase at any Alabama Academy Sports + Outdoors retail store. Minimum purchase is pre-tax. Cannot be combined with a price match. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or coupons. Not valid for saltwater, hunting or combo licenses; not valid on Hot Deals, clearance, gift cards, sales tax, shipping & handling, exchanges, store credit or previous purchases. If you return a portion of your purchase, a portion of the discount will be lost. No cash value, no cash back. Void if altered, reproduced, transferred, auctioned or sold, and where prohibited. Additional exclusions and restrictions may apply. Selection, prices, offers, and exclusions may vary online and by store. No rain checks. Academy Sports + Outdoors reserves the right to limit quantities. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Academy Sports + Outdoors at its sole discretion. To obtain a freshwater fishing license, you must be able to present a valid ID and meet all requirements as set forth by applicable state and local statutes, rules and regulations.
Brayden Rakes Wins Big Bass Tour Harris Chain of Lakes event with a 10.60 Stud!
Top Weights
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | BRAYDEN RAKES | 10.60 |
2 | DARRYL BEATRICE | 10.55 |
3 | TIMOTHY ROSS | 10.53 |
4 | RICH KONOPKA | 10.37 |
5 | JASON BERRYMAN | 9.93 |
6 | JOSEPH SCHULTE | 9.59 |
7 | ROY JONES JR | 8.99 |
8 | DILLAN KILGORE | 8.98 |
9 | BRAYDEN RAKES | 8.88 |
10 | FRED RIGDON | 8.67 |
Friday 8-9
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | KEITH CARSON | 8.03 |
2 | LARKIN NOBLES | 8.00 |
3 | DUSTY MCDEVITT | 7.94 |
4 | KEVIN WATKINS | 5.67 |
5 | MATT MEOHLMANN | 4.54 |
6 | RONNIE DAVIDSON | 4.38 |
7 | BERNIE INNELLA | 4.23 |
8 | CHRIS COVILLE | 4.20 |
9 | REID CARTER | 4.05 |
10 | KEITH DRAWDY | 3.95 |
11 | JOSEPH ROBERSON | 3.68 |
12 | JAYSON HOOVEN | 3.33 |
13 | MAX BRITTON | 3.00 |
14 | LONNY SINGER | 2.52 |
15 | BRIAN JOHNSON | 2.39 |
16 | THOMAS MARKS | 2.32 |
17 | JOHN STAHL | 1.91 |
Friday 9-10
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | GABE FOX | 8.07 |
2 | JAMES RUSS | 7.52 |
3 | CLAYTON MULLINS | 6.13 |
4 | BRANDON BLACKMON | 5.90 |
5 | JASON STANFORD | 5.88 |
6 | MARK STRONG | 5.53 |
7 | MIKE CULLOP | 5.24 |
8 | THOMAS HARDEN | 4.93 |
9 | JOSH MCCANN | 4.16 |
10 | LEONARDO RUEDA | 3.78 |
11 | TONY GRANTHAM | 3.74 |
12 | DAVE ALLEN | 3.72 |
13 | WARREN LOUDERMILK | 3.35 |
14 | JAYSON HOOVEN | 3.30 |
15 | RICHARD BARNHARDT | 3.15 |
16 | LOGAN STONE | 2.82 |
17 | JESSE MARTIN | 2.39 |
Friday 10-11
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | BRAYDEN RAKES | 8.88 |
2 | GARRETT GREEN | 8.18 |
3 | RICK DANNER | 8.08 |
4 | TERRY BUCHNER | 5.97 |
5 | JOSH CLARK | 5.51 |
6 | JOSH ZEMLO | 5.48 |
7 | NICK KIRKLAND | 4.75 |
8 | GARY DUKE | 4.49 |
9 | TOM STRONG | 4.38 |
10 | EDDIE KNIGHT | 4.22 |
11 | BREANDON ABSTON | 4.06 |
12 | JAMES FORD | 3.94 |
13 | ROBBIE MILLS | 3.74 |
14 | BRANDON BLACKMON | 2.95 |
15 | RICHARD BARNHARDT | 2.83 |
16 | RYAN BAKER | 2.04 |
Friday 11-12
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | DILLAN KILGORE | 8.98 |
2 | CHAD PELFREY | 8.06 |
3 | CHAD HAMM | 7.33 |
4 | CHRIS COVILLE | 6.66 |
5 | KEITH CARSON | 5.48 |
6 | RON FELTNER | 5.43 |
7 | DEAN MORRIS | 5.35 |
8 | JEREMY HOBSON | 5.33 |
9 | DAN RICHARDSON | 5.14 |
10 | RICK DANNER | 5.04 |
11 | MATT WYBIRAL | 4.82 |
12 | MICHAEL BARRETT JR | 4.30 |
13 | NICK KIRKLAND | 3.83 |
14 | ROBBIE MILLS | 3.67 |
15 | CLAYTON WIGGINS | 3.00 |
16 | JASON BERRYMAN | 2.63 |
Friday 12-1
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | MATT MITCHELL | 7.87 |
2 | JOHN STAHL | 6.94 |
3 | GARY ARMSTRONG | 6.33 |
4 | COLE BLYTHE | 5.97 |
5 | THOMAS RUTKOWSKI | 5.89 |
6 | FRANK MACKIN | 5.58 |
7 | BRAD HOUCHINS | 5.17 |
8 | BRIAN BEIGHEY | 5.13 |
9 | FRED RIGDON | 5.11 |
10 | MIKE CERMAK | 4.87 |
11 | ERIC MESSER | 4.61 |
12 | ERIC LEWIS | 4.59 |
13 | JON HOLSENBACK | 4.39 |
14 | CALEB MCDONALD | 4.19 |
15 | BRIAN BARTH | 4.02 |
16 | DAVID MAHON | 3.93 |
17 | MIKE AKEL | 3.52 |
18 | BRAD HAMMERICH | 3.51 |
19 | DEREK BROCK | 3.33 |
20 | JASON OSTEEN | 3.14 |
21 | ANTHONY HARRIS | 3.06 |
Friday 1-2
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | DARRYL BEATRICE | 10.55 |
2 | NICK MAYNARD | 8.54 |
3 | TRAVIS KREMER | 7.77 |
4 | GREG CUMING | 7.69 |
5 | MIKE CUSICK JR | 7.04 |
6 | CHUCK BURGESS | 5.59 |
7 | DANNY WILLIAMS | 5.58 |
8 | TERRY DALE | 5.55 |
9 | DAVID MOFFETT | 4.96 |
10 | LARRY PETTY | 4.85 |
11 | STEPHEN NATALE | 4.73 |
12 | RON FELTNER | 4.70 |
13 | JOE AMMONS | 4.49 |
14 | MICHAEL CLAYTON | 4.28 |
15 | RICK BAK | 4.20 |
16 | PAUL POTFORA | 4.00 |
17 | KRIS LOCKARD | 3.95 |
18 | GARY ARMSTRONG | 3.86 |
19 | DEVON GRISHAM | 3.85 |
20 | JAIME APONTE | 3.39 |
21 | JARED KRAUSE | 2.86 |
22 | DAVID MAHON | 2.17 |
23 | EDWIN RIVERA | 2.04 |
Friday 2-3
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | JUSTIN WILSON | 7.26 |
2 | RANDY MONTONEY | 7.24 |
3 | NICK BOWDEN | 6.91 |
4 | TRAVIS KREMER | 6.34 |
5 | RANDALL MCGUIRE | 6.05 |
6 | BRAYDEN RAKES | 5.87 |
7 | DAVE ALLEN | 5.42 |
8 | BRANDON BRINKMN | 5.26 |
9 | CHAD PELFREY | 5.12 |
10 | ERIC LEWIS | 5.10 |
11 | DYLAN JOHNSON | 4.56 |
12 | CODY DILLARD | 4.45 |
13 | JASON FISHER | 4.35 |
14 | JON WILLIAMS | 4.27 |
15 | CHUCK BURGESS | 4.25 |
16 | ROBERT CHANCE | 4.19 |
17 | DAVID NEWCOMB | 4.07 |
18 | MICHAEL CLAYTON | 3.97 |
19 | AJ HERRERA | 3.95 |
20 | THOMAS MARKS | 3.68 |
20 | DENNIS LEE | 3.68 |
22 | JARED KRAUSE | 3.57 |
23 | DALTON RAY | 3.36 |
24 | JONATHAN MICKLER | 3.15 |
25 | WILLIAM BARRETT | 2.90 |
26 | RON MOORE | 2.89 |
27 | STEVE STREITZ | 2.48 |
28 | CURTIS HENSCHEL | 2.33 |
Saturday 8-9
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | TIMOTHY ROSS | 10.53 |
2 | BLAINE PARTEE | 7.07 |
3 | ROB ANDERSON | 6.93 |
4 | CARL RUSK | 6.48 |
5 | RICHARD KONOPKA | 6.13 |
6 | SCOTT WATERHOUSE | 5.59 |
7 | MARK ORRANGE | 5.18 |
8 | LARRY PETTY | 5.09 |
9 | MICHAEL TOW | 4.95 |
10 | JOE AMMONS | 4.87 |
11 | JUAN RODRIQUEZ | 4.59 |
12 | JUDD DECKER | 4.56 |
13 | MIKE CERMAK | 4.21 |
14 | JAMES PURVIS | 4.07 |
15 | TERRY ADAMS | 3.64 |
16 | CHRIS WHEELER | 2.94 |
17 | MICHAEL PURVIS | 2.54 |
18 | EDDIE HOOK | 2.26 |
Saturday 9-10
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | RICH KONOPKA | 10.37 |
2 | TROY RAY | 7.70 |
3 | LARRY INMAN | 7.08 |
4 | CHAD PELFREY | 6.70 |
5 | KEITH DRAWDY | 5.37 |
5 | CHRIS WHEELER | 5.37 |
7 | DUSTIN SNELSON | 4.85 |
8 | LAKE ATKINS | 4.75 |
9 | RICK WEST | 4.54 |
10 | RICK DANNER | 4.31 |
11 | BRANDON FRANKS | 4.23 |
12 | JASON SMITH | 3.78 |
13 | JUDD DECKER | 3.67 |
14 | RICK SCRUGGS | 3.59 |
15 | GREG HAWTHORNE | 3.39 |
16 | ERIC LEWIS | 3.12 |
17 | JARED AMROSE | 2.63 |
Saturday 10-11
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | JASON BERRYMAN | 9.93 |
2 | WALKER BURGESS | 7.25 |
3 | KIRT DUNIHUE JR | 6.91 |
4 | STEVE BURROUGHS | 6.79 |
5 | MATT GEE | 6.51 |
6 | RYAN STREITZ | 6.21 |
7 | JEFF DUNCAN | 4.81 |
8 | DAVID ELLIS | 4.65 |
9 | DANNY MANLEY | 4.43 |
10 | CLAYTON MULLINS | 4.18 |
11 | RICK DANNER | 4.15 |
12 | DEVIN YORK | 3.89 |
13 | EARL SMITH | 3.64 |
14 | PAUL LEGAN | 1.28 |
Saturday 11-12
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | JON BAKER | 8.24 |
2 | MARVA SANDERS | 7.15 |
3 | RICK BAK | 6.33 |
4 | ROBERT HEBB | 5.82 |
5 | MARK WOLLUM | 5.21 |
6 | BILLY CHARLAND | 5.08 |
7 | MIKE THOMAS | 5.01 |
8 | FRANK MACKIN | 4.90 |
9 | NICK BOWDEN | 4.65 |
10 | STEVE GOREE | 4.52 |
11 | TREVOR DAVIS | 4.37 |
12 | CLIFFORD HOLLAND | 4.06 |
13 | ED BRITTON | 3.96 |
14 | RYAN KINGRY | 3.87 |
15 | RICK DANNER | 3.84 |
16 | JOE LAFLEUR | 3.58 |
17 | VIC KNIGHT | 2.76 |
18 | KRIS MCRAE | 2.74 |
Saturday 12-1
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | BRAYDEN RAKES | 10.60 |
2 | NICK BOWDEN | 7.75 |
3 | LENNY CRISPINO | 7.67 |
4 | FRANK MACKIN SR | 7.32 |
5 | ROY JONES JR | 6.05 |
6 | DON JOHNSON | 5.85 |
7 | BILLY CHARLAND | 5.75 |
8 | BEN FITZGERALD | 5.43 |
9 | MICHAEL CLAYTON | 5.30 |
10 | MIKE THOMAS | 5.27 |
10 | NOEL FETTERS | 5.27 |
12 | RYON HICKS | 5.17 |
13 | MICHAEL BRASHEAR | 4.98 |
14 | PHILLIP LEE | 4.85 |
15 | JEFF FOSDYCK | 4.69 |
16 | KEITH DRAWDY | 3.59 |
17 | HUNTER MALLORY | 3.54 |
18 | HARLEY DUNKLE | 3.23 |
19 | TOM WALSH | 3.22 |
20 | JIM BURT | 3.19 |
21 | JAMES BADER | 3.17 |
22 | ROGER WOODRUFF | 2.63 |
23 | GARY BATCHELOR | 2.15 |
Saturday 1-2
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | ROY JONES JR | 8.99 |
2 | BILLY CHARLAND | 8.27 |
3 | RANDALL HUTCHERSON | 8.08 |
4 | CHRIS PAUGH | 7.85 |
5 | STEPHEN RUST | 7.54 |
6 | CHARLES JOHNSON JR | 6.91 |
7 | RANDALL COBOL | 6.46 |
8 | PHILIP KUHN | 5.88 |
9 | BEN MCCANN | 5.72 |
10 | HOSS CULLOP | 5.32 |
11 | TERRY DALE | 5.28 |
12 | RICHARD PURVIS | 4.67 |
13 | JOSH FUTRELL | 4.55 |
14 | STEVE TAYLOR | 4.52 |
15 | CHASE WILBANKS | 4.26 |
16 | JAMES WOODRING | 4.25 |
17 | GARRETT MEEKS | 4.00 |
18 | HUNTER KAISER | 3.93 |
19 | BRAYDEN RAKES | 3.92 |
20 | KENNETH CAVUCCI | 3.89 |
21 | ALBERT WILLIS | 3.77 |
22 | JOE STRONG | 3.55 |
23 | JUSTIN MCINTOSH | 2.83 |
Saturday 2-3
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | TIM MANN | 8.19 |
2 | DUSTIN SNELSON | 7.66 |
3 | TRAVIS KREMER | 7.14 |
4 | BRANDON BRINKMAN | 7.02 |
5 | JARED KRAUSE | 6.63 |
5 | DANNY GLISSON | 6.63 |
7 | MATT KLECKNER | 6.54 |
8 | SKYLER ALMAND | 5.96 |
9 | CHAD HAMM | 5.86 |
10 | STEVE HUNT | 5.64 |
11 | ALLEN WHITE | 5.36 |
12 | CHASE WILBANKS | 5.34 |
13 | ROY JONES JR | 5.31 |
14 | KENNIE STEVERSON | 5.09 |
15 | JUSTIN ROOD | 4.89 |
16 | TONY ROMAN | 4.81 |
17 | ALEX MOORE | 4.67 |
18 | KATLIN BRIEFMAN | 4.60 |
19 | ROBERT HEBB | 4.55 |
20 | COLE BLYTHE | 4.54 |
21 | ROGER WOODRUFF | 4.43 |
22 | EDDIE KNIGHT | 4.34 |
23 | BRAD HAMMERICH | 4.20 |
24 | BRANDON COLYER | 4.19 |
25 | JOE AMMONS | 4.18 |
26 | ERIC KNIGHT | 4.07 |
27 | CHRIS FOX | 3.81 |
28 | LARRY GREEN | 3.77 |
29 | BRYAN SMITH | 3.74 |
30 | CALEB MCRAE | 3.68 |
31 | JOSH DECKER | 3.53 |
32 | KRIS MCRAE | 3.22 |
33 | BRANDON BOYETT | 2.82 |
34 | TOM HAZER | 2.46 |
35 | JEFF DUNCAN | 2.25 |
36 | ELLIS COOPER | 2.07 |
Sunday 8-9
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | JOSEPH SCHULTE | 9.59 |
2 | KEITH DRAWDY | 7.35 |
3 | DEREK BROCK | 6.97 |
4 | MIKE GEE | 6.74 |
5 | MARK STRONG | 6.09 |
6 | BILLY MESSER | 5.79 |
7 | DILLAN KILGORE | 5.72 |
8 | NATHAN HARLESS | 5.69 |
9 | BEN FITZGERALD | 5.25 |
10 | SCOTT MAY | 5.11 |
11 | JOE COCKCROFT SR | 4.95 |
12 | CHRIS COVILLE | 4.89 |
13 | HERMAN YOUNG | 4.54 |
14 | ADAM KING | 4.42 |
15 | ROBERT THURMAN | 4.25 |
16 | TOBY YOUNG | 3.68 |
17 | JACOB DICKINSON | 3.13 |
18 | JIM STANLEY | 2.70 |
Sunday 9-10
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | BRENDEN DUNCAN | 8.65 |
2 | DON WOLFE | 8.10 |
3 | JASON DUFFINA | 7.96 |
4 | RICHARD DOLLAR | 6.38 |
5 | RANDALL MCGUIRE | 5.48 |
6 | VINCE BLANTON | 5.30 |
7 | ROBERT THURMAN | 4.76 |
8 | THOMAS NIEDERHELMAN | 4.64 |
9 | MICHAEL PURVIS | 4.45 |
10 | TRAVIS KILBY | 4.25 |
11 | KENNY SIMMONS | 3.37 |
Sunday 10-11
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | BRIDGET ELLIS | 7.90 |
2 | RANDALL MCGUIRE | 7.50 |
3 | MARK ORRANGE | 5.42 |
4 | MIKE CERMAK | 5.21 |
5 | RON FELTNER | 4.70 |
6 | TERRY ADAMS | 4.64 |
7 | MICHAEL KATZELNIK | 4.49 |
8 | JARROD STROUD | 4.43 |
9 | DAVID ELLIS | 4.16 |
10 | STEVE STREITZ | 4.10 |
11 | DON ALLEN | 3.96 |
12 | CHUCK BURGESS | 3.66 |
13 | RYAN STREITZ | 2.01 |
Sunday 11-12
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | FRED RIGDON | 8.67 |
2 | BRANDON BRINKMAN | 7.31 |
3 | KENNETH KING | 7.10 |
4 | BILL ELWOOD | 6.89 |
5 | WILLIAM MACKIN | 6.19 |
6 | FRANK MACKIN SR | 5.87 |
7 | BILLY MESSER | 5.80 |
8 | MARK MAYLS | 4.94 |
9 | DON WOLFE | 4.59 |
10 | CLAYTON MULLINS | 4.21 |
11 | TERRY ADAMS | 3.92 |
11 | TOMMY MCCLOSKEY | 3.92 |
13 | PAUL LEGAN | 3.68 |
Sunday 12-1
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | JOE STRONG | 8.67 |
2 | AJ HERRERA | 6.87 |
3 | DEVIN VAN DALEN | 6.65 |
4 | STEVEN BLACKMON | 6.30 |
5 | JASON BERRYMAN | 5.83 |
6 | ROBERT CHANCE | 4.84 |
7 | DUSTY MCDEVITT | 4.83 |
8 | JAMES WEGMANN | 4.67 |
9 | STEVEN MORRIS | 4.47 |
10 | TERRY FREE | 4.33 |
11 | DEAN MORRIS | 4.21 |
12 | ED BRITTON | 4.03 |
13 | TERRY ADAMS | 3.97 |
14 | DAVID SMITH | 3.72 |
15 | TY CHAPEL | 3.68 |
16 | JON WHITCOMB | 3.46 |
17 | TOMMY MCCLOSKEY | 3.18 |
18 | MARK MAYLS | 3.13 |
Sunday 1-2
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | ERIC LEWIS | 8.57 |
2 | KIRT DUNIHUE JR | 7.07 |
3 | DEREK BROCK | 6.74 |
4 | TIMOTHY SHARP | 6.51 |
5 | WILLIAM MATHEWS | 6.16 |
6 | TERRY FREE | 5.84 |
7 | JEREMY HAYES | 5.35 |
8 | DAVID TEEL | 5.21 |
9 | DILLAN KILGORE | 4.73 |
10 | CHUCK BURGESS | 4.70 |
11 | TAYLOR WIGGINS | 4.61 |
12 | GEORGE EICHELBERGER | 4.51 |
13 | KEN LANE | 4.47 |
14 | KYLE MONTGOMERY | 4.40 |
15 | MICHAEL LAWS | 4.32 |
16 | CORBY WIMMER | 4.29 |
17 | ROY JONES JR | 3.78 |
18 | DAVE JOHNSON | 3.41 |
19 | COLE ROUNTREE | 3.04 |
20 | MELISSA YOUNG | 2.98 |
21 | PAUL ROUNTREE | 2.96 |
Sunday 2-3
Rank | Name | Weight |
---|---|---|
1 | BRIAN BARTH | 6.02 |
2 | JAMES RICHARDSON | 5.35 |
3 | JUSTIN MOODY | 5.24 |
4 | STEVE NELSON | 5.19 |
5 | JEFF PRISZA | 5.15 |
6 | GARY SPIRES | 5.06 |
7 | BOB MCMILLAN | 5.00 |
8 | CHRISTOPHER JOHNS | 4.76 |
9 | TAYLOR WIGGINS | 4.58 |
10 | TOM WALSH | 4.56 |
10 | DANIEL GUTHRIE | 4.56 |
12 | RANDALL MCGUIRE | 4.43 |
13 | HERMAN YOUNG | 4.40 |
13 | TRENTON BATCHELOR | 4.40 |
15 | LARRY PETTY | 4.38 |
15 | CHRIS COVILLE | 4.38 |
17 | TOBY YOUNG | 4.30 |
18 | MIKE AKEL | 4.28 |
19 | KENNIE STEVERSON | 3.99 |
20 | CHERYL NEWCOMB | 3.77 |
21 | ROY JONES JR | 3.76 |
22 | JAMES RUSS | 3.66 |
23 | TERRY FREE | 3.50 |
24 | RALPH RUSS | 2.77 |
Donnie O'Neal & Maelstrom Kiewiet Win over $20,000 in BassChamps Lake Belton event with 14.36 lbs
Place | Boat | Truck | Angler 1 | Angler 2 | Fish | Big Bass | Wt. | Prize Amt. | |
1 | ![]() |
DONNIE ONEAL PFLUGERVILLE , TX |
MAELSTROM KIEWIET PFLUGERVILLE , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.36 |
|
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2 | ![]() |
KY MARTIN GRANDVIEW , TX |
DAVID CARLOCK JOSHUA , TX |
5 | 0 | 14.07 |
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3 | KEITH HONEYCUTT TEMPLE , TX |
SAM JONES ROGERS , TX |
5 | 5.95 | 13.61 |
|
|||
4 | ANTHONY SKOUBY CIBOLO , TX |
TYLER STANLEY SAN ANTONIO , TX |
5 | 4.31 | 13.58 |
|
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5 | RANDY HIBLER MARBLE FALLS , TX |
RANDALL CHRISTIAN TOW , TX |
5 | 0 | 12.55 |
|
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6 | ![]() |
CRIS TATUM BELTON , TX |
JUSTIN TATUM BELTON , TX |
4 | 0 | 12.01 |
|
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7 | TERRY STEVENS HUTTO , TX |
JASON HARPER MONTGOMERY , TX |
5 | 0 | 11.57 |
|
|||
8 | ![]() |
RAY TOMASITS LEANDER , TX |
CARY LAUDADIO AUSTIN , TX |
4 | 5.74 | 11.26 |
|
||
9 | ![]() |
KEVIN STUART BELTON , TX |
LOGAN DRAKE BELTON , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.92 |
|
||
10 | JASON METZGAR CHINA SPRING , TX |
JUSTIN RADCLIFF CHINA SPRING , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.66 |
|
|||
11 | LOWELL BENNETT HEWITT , TX |
LANDEN BENNETT HEWITT , TX |
4 | 5.88 | 10.58 |
|
|||
12 | ![]() |
JERAD POOL KINGSLAND , TX |
TRAVIS COCKERHAM BARTLETT , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.57 |
|
||
13 | ![]() |
MARK BIONDI SR BURLESON , TX |
MARK BIONDI JR BURLESON , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.50 |
|
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14 | ![]() |
BRYAN FINCH BELTON , TX |
ZACHARY FITZHUGH PENELOPE , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.43 |
|
||
15 | ![]() |
BRIAN MATER AUSTIN , TX |
PHILLIP WARREN AUSTIN , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.42 |
|
||
16 | ![]() |
TOM GRIDLEY WIMBERLEY , TX |
BRAD DENTON ROUND ROCK , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.17 |
|
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17 | WILLIAM BLAINE SAN ANGELO , TX |
DUSTIN WALTON ABILENE , TX |
5 | 0 | 10.00 |
|
|||
18 | RYAN WARREN GATESVILLE , TX |
JASON DERRICK VALLEY MILLS , TX |
5 | 0 | 9.97 |
|
|||
19 | ![]() |
![]() |
WESTON BROWN HOUSTON , TX |
DAVID DOONAN CALDWELL , TX |
5 | 0 | 9.85 |
|
|
20 | ![]() |
PATRICK ANDERSON BUDA , TX |
DOUG HAMILTON LAKEWAY , TX |
5 | 0 | 9.59 |
|
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21 | ![]() |
MARK DOREMUS EARLY , TX |
TIM MANLEY BROWNWOOD , TX |
5 | 0 | 9.46 |
|
||
22 | JOHN RILEY KILLEEN , TX |
ANDY FOULKROD HARKER HEIGHTS , TX |
5 | 0 | 9.16 |
|
|||
23 | GRAYSON HONEYCUTT TEMPLE , TX |
DAKOTA COOK KATY , TX |
5 | 0 | 9.15 |
|
|||
24 | ![]() |
![]() |
BRANDON DAY BROWNWOOD , TX |
CADE WILSON EARLY , TX |
5 | 0 | 8.78 |
|
|
25 | ![]() |
MIKE LUNA NOLANVILLE , TX |
SHAWN JAMES KILLEEN , TX |
5 | 0 | 8.36 |
|
||
26 | ![]() |
DALE READ LEANDER , TX |
JAKE READ LEANDER , TX |
5 | 0 | 8.31 |
|
||
27 | JUSTIN BULLARD CRAWFORD , TX |
CASEY BENNETT GATESVILLE , TX |
5 | 0 | 7.86 |
|
|||
28 | ![]() |
CODY GREANEY MANCHACA , TX |
MATT MOCCIA MANCHACA , TX |
4 | 0 | 7.76 |
|
||
29 | ![]() |
CHARLIE GANTENBEIN SALADO , TX |
JIMMY WILLOUGHBY TEMPLE , TX |
3 | 4.44 | 7.73 |
|
||
30 | ![]() |
MICHAEL WALDROP AUSTIN , TX |
5 | 0 | 7.69 |
|
|||
31 | ![]() |
![]() |
TODD IVINS BOERNE , TX |
BILLY MCCRARY II TEMPLE , TX |
4 | 0 | 7.47 |
|
|
32 | ![]() |
BRANDON BRAY MARBLE FALLS , TX |
JOE BRAY MARBLE FALLS , TX |
2 | 0 | 7.35 |
|
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33 | ![]() |
JASON WILLIAMS NEW BRAUNFELS , TX |
JEREMY WRIGHT SAN ANTONIO , TX |
4 | 0 | 7.30 |
|
||
34 | ![]() |
BJ CAROTHERS GATESVILLE , TX |
THOMAS WELLS JR TEMPLE , TX |
4 | 0 | 7.10 |
|
||
35 | KENNETH MCDONNEL GRANGER , TX |
GREGORY BURRIS FRIENDSWOOD , TX |
3 | 0 | 7.04 |
|
|||
36 | DEVIN GIBSON GONZALES , TX |
ROBERT PRESCOTT SEGUIN , TX |
4 | 0 | 6.90 |
|
|||
37 | JUSTIN BROUGHTON GRANBURY , TX |
STEVE PETERSON DEVINE , TX |
3 | 0 | 6.82 |
|
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38 | DAVID UNDERWOOD WACO , TX |
DENNY COPELAND MCGREGOR , TX |
3 | 0 | 6.44 |
|
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39 | JOHN BROWN LIBERTY HILL , TX |
BUCK TAYLOR GEORGETOWN , TX |
3 | 0 | 6.16 |
|
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40 | ![]() |
DAVID RUTHERFORD ARTESIA , NM |
LISA RUTHERFORD ARTESIA , NM |
4 | 0 | 6.04 |
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41 | ![]() |
DANIEL BARNES BELTON , TX |
ADRIAN BARNES BELTON , TX |
4 | 0 | 6.03 |
|
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42 | JAMES HESTER SALADO , TX |
RYAN LOHR JASPER , TX |
4 | 0 | 5.93 |
|
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43 | ![]() |
TULLY WILLIAMS GATESVILLE , TX |
JOE ANDERSON GATESVILLE , TX |
4 | 0 | 5.78 |
|
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44 | ![]() |
RONNY MAYNARD GEORGETOWN , TX |
CHRIS BAKER LIBERTY HILL , TX |
4 | 0 | 5.73 |
|
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45 | ![]() |
JOHN STOKES BIG SPRING , TX |
WESLEY REDDEN COAHOMA , TX |
3 | 0 | 5.36 |
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45 | DUSTY FRANK WEST POINT , TX |
JOHN PRICE LA GRANGE , TX |
3 | 0 | 5.36 |
|
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47 | ![]() |
BRIAN BUSTILLOZ BELTON , TX |
CODY RANDOLPH TEMPLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 5.18 |
|
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48 | ![]() |
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ALLEN SHELTON FARMERS BRANCH , TX |
BRAD DRAKE IRVING , TX |
1 | 5.07 | 5.07 |
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49 | ![]() |
RICHARD GILL EDMOND , OK |
2 | 0 | 5.01 |
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50 | ![]() |
NICK LEFEBVRE ROUND ROCK , TX |
DAVE MANGELSDORF GEORGETOWN , TX |
3 | 0 | 4.98 |
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51 | ![]() |
GARY WEIMER LEANDER , TX |
JEREMIAH WAFFORD CEDAR PARK , TX |
2 | 0 | 4.96 |
|
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52 | CHASE MEIER COMFORT , TX |
TYLER ROY FAIR OAKS , TX |
3 | 0 | 4.95 |
|
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53 | ERIC CRUMLEY LEANDER , TX |
GARRETT KOSLAN AUSTIN , TX |
3 | 0 | 4.66 |
|
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54 | BLAKE ARAPIS BURNET , TX |
CHARLES WILSON JR BRIGGS , TX |
2 | 0 | 4.48 |
|
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55 | ![]() |
CHARLES MEREDITH JR DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX |
BLAIR COBBLE LAGO VISTA , TX |
3 | 0 | 4.40 |
|
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56 | WILLIAM KIMBERLY GEORGETOWN , TX |
DEREK ANDERSEN GEORGETOWN , TX |
3 | 0 | 4.39 |
|
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57 | NICK BROWN LINDALE , TX |
CHAD THEDFORD TYLER , TX |
3 | 0 | 4.36 |
|
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58 | LINO GUTTIRREZ COTTONWOOD WOOD SHORES , TX |
RUBEN RIBERA MARBLE FALLS , TX |
2 | 0 | 4.14 |
|
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59 | ![]() |
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ADAM MIRANDA BROWNWOOD , TX |
BRANDON BLAYLOCK BROWNWOOD , TX |
2 | 0 | 4.10 |
|
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60 | ![]() |
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AJ HALL BROWNWOOD , TX |
AUDWIN HALL BROWNWOOD , TX |
1 | 4.01 | 4.01 |
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61 | ![]() |
JAMES BEAUCHAMP SUNRISE BEACH , TX |
BRENNAN FERTIG BAY CITY , TX |
1 | 0 | 3.97 |
|
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62 | ![]() |
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CHANS MARTIN FAIR OAKS RANCH , TX |
JUSTIN MADDING ROUND ROCK , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.93 |
|
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63 | ![]() |
TIM MABRAY BELTON , TX |
1 | 3.83 | 3.83 |
|
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64 | ![]() |
DAVID LINDLEY SUNRISE , TX |
AUSTIN DUNAVANT KINGSLAND , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.77 |
|
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65 | COLT DIETZ AUSTIN , TX |
SAM MORROW AUSTIN , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.73 |
|
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66 | ![]() |
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LEE BEUERSHAUSEN MARBLE FALLS , TX |
RANDY GROUNDS HORSESHOE BAY , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.69 |
|
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67 | LANCE BROWN MOODY , TX |
KYLE GOAD BRUCEVILLE , TX |
3 | 0 | 3.67 |
|
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68 | SCOTT BLAKELY KILLEEN , TX |
PAOLO PIKE KILLEEN , TX |
1 | 0 | 3.54 |
|
|||
69 | BEN BLAINE ABILENE , TX |
JONATHAN CLICK CHRISTOVAL , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.47 |
|
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70 | ROBERT WILBURN KINGSLAND , TX |
LILY WILBURN KINGSLAND , TX |
1 | 0 | 3.38 |
|
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71 | ![]() |
DON PEARSON CEDAR PARK , TX |
JUSTIN KING BRYAN , TX |
1 | 0 | 3.26 |
|
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72 | ![]() |
HEATH HARDAWAY KINGSLAND , TX |
WILLIAM HAMMES KINGSLAND , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.21 |
|
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73 | CHARLES WHITED SAN MARCOS , TX |
TREY GROCE DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.04 |
|
|||
74 | JASON OLIVO KYLE , TX |
BOBBY ACOSTA NEW BRAUNFELS , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.02 |
|
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75 | ![]() |
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MIKE RICHARDSON THORNDALE , TX |
ZACH BROWN GEORGETOWN , TX |
2 | 0 | 3.01 |
|
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76 | KENNETH LEINBERGER CLOVIS , NM |
TABETHA LEINBERGER CLOVIS , NM |
2 | 0 | 2.99 |
|
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77 | MATT SCRIBNER ROSWELL , NM |
CURTIS PENNINGTON ARTESIA , NM |
2 | 0 | 2.97 |
|
|||
78 | ![]() |
JASON BUCHANAN BURNET , TX |
TERRY KIRCUS BURNET , TX |
1 | 0 | 2.86 |
|
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79 | ![]() |
DAVID CHILES WACO , TX |
KYLE ROWE WACO , TX |
2 | 0 | 2.72 |
|
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80 | KARL GOEHRING ROUND TOP , TX |
ROBERT BECK CARMINE , TX |
1 | 0 | 2.09 |
|
|||
81 | JOEY KIRKLAND SAN ANTONIO , TX |
LUPE CONTRERAS JR SAN ANTONIO , TX |
1 | 0 | 2.05 |
|
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82 | ![]() |
TONY FERDINANDO SPICEWOOD , TX |
SHANE LOGAN BUDA , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.97 |
|
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82 | MICHAEL VASQUEZ TEMPLE , TX |
MATTHEW VASQUEZ SPRING , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.97 |
|
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84 | ROBERT ROWLAND BELTON , TX |
HARRY PAYNE KEMPNER , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.93 |
|
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85 | ![]() |
ANDREW MILLER LOS LUMAS , NM |
GARY MILLS RIO RANCHO , NM |
1 | 0 | 1.92 |
|
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86 | ERIC WASHBURN GATESVILLE , TX |
ZANE WASHBURN GATESVILLE , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.65 |
|
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87 | KEVIN COTLONG BOERNE , TX |
CORVIS LITTLETON SAN ANTONIO , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.63 |
|
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88 | ![]() |
TIM DOEGE NEW BRAUNFELS , TX |
KENNY HENZE BULVERDE , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.60 |
|
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89 | ![]() |
ROLAND LOERA AUSTIN , TX |
JAMES SCOGIN AUSTIN , TX |
1 | 0 | 1.45 |
|
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90 | ![]() |
HENRY GRAVES LAGO VISTA , TX |
ROBERT BAKER CEDAR PARK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | IRA LYNN ADKINS , TX |
TREVOR ROGGE SAN ANTONIO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | MICHAEL ZIBERT GARDEN RIDGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||||
90 | CHRISTOPHER WASHINGTON CEDAR PARK , TX |
JARRID HOLENSEE HUTTO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | BUBBA WAMPLER BERTRAM , TX |
MIKE BECK KINGSLAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
JASON RANFT NEW BRAUNSFELS , TX |
DARRYL RANFT SEQUIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | ![]() |
JOHN GILBERT JR LEANDER , TX |
RONALD GOERDEL HUNTSVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | KYLE TATUM BELTON , TX |
DAMON PEREZ NOLANVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | MIKE MONTANEZ LORENA , TX |
KENNY ROBERSON BRUCEVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
JACK MEREDITH BELTON , TX |
STEVEN BREAZEALE AUSTIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | TOMMY MORENO SAN SABA , TX |
TROY LOWERY BROWNWOOD , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
DALE HUGHES GRANBURY , TX |
RANDY HAVARD SAN ANGELO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
CHRIS STUDINGER SAN ANTONIO , TX |
JOSHUA RHODES SAN ANTONIO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
CHARLES SIMMONS WACO , TX |
L J CASTILLO WACO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
LANCE ROBELIA WACO , TX |
DENIS SCHMEDTHORST WACO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | GUS DUNCAN PURMELA , TX |
MICHAEL WERSIG LEANDER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
GERALD MUELLER JR HUTTO , TX |
GENE FUESSEL AUSTIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
RANDALL KIRKES KILLEEN , TX |
CAL SOMERVILLE KILLEEN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | BROOKS SHUTT ROUND ROCK , TX |
MICHAEL DAMRON AUSTIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
DUSTIN BARFIELD BELTON , TX |
NATHAN MATTHEWS TROY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | DUSTIN GRICE VALLEY MILLS , TX |
JOHNNY GRICE EARLY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | STEPHEN SHEPHERD BELTON , TX |
TYLER SHEPHERD BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | TERRY ADAIR ALVIN , TX |
JIM KANETZKY BURNET , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | JOHN KAPALDO BUDA , TX |
JACOB KAPALDO KYLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
GREG GILLUM PLANO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
ROBERT KESSLER SPRING , TX |
RUSSELL KESSLER LA VERNIA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | JACK MORSE OGLESBY , TX |
JEFFREY MORSE GATESVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | JASON STAFFORD BURNET , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||||
90 | RICKY PIERCE THORNDALE , TX |
RHETT PIERCE THORNDALE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | BRIAN HUGHES TAYLOR , TX |
MIKE HARMAN BASTROP , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | WILL JONES PIPE CREEK , TX |
CASTULO ESCALANTE PIPE CREEK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | CASS ESCALANTE PIPE CREEK , TX |
DONNA ESCALANTE PIPE CREEK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
KENNETH WITEK STOCKDALE , TX |
JEFFERY HUNTER UNIVERSAL CITY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | ![]() |
MATT HILL JONESTOWN , TX |
BARRY MOTT LIBERTY HILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
FRED CATES SR ROCKDALE , TX |
KC CARLTON LIBERTY HILL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
JASON GARZA KILLEEN , TX |
PETE GARZA KILLEEN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
DARRELL MIKULEC BELTON , TX |
JUSTIN ROGERS KILLEEN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | GERALD POBORIL TEMPLE , TX |
JACK POWE KEMPNER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | MATT CANNON TROY , TX |
JARED SIEGELER BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
JAY STIDHAM CHINA SPRINGS , TX |
STEVEN SCHONEWOLF BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
DARRELL WUENSCHE THRALL , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
ANTHONY GOODSON DRIFTWOOD , TX |
NOAH GOODSON DRIFTWOOD , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | RICHARD KELSEY BELTON , TX |
ANTHONY KELSEY BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
SKYLER CAROTHERS GATESVILLE , TX |
CANYON CAROTHERS GATESVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | REX WHEELER BELTON , TX |
BRUCE DAVIS KEMPNER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
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RONNY ANTHONY SALADO , TX |
WAYNE ANTHONY KILLEEN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | LANDON DENTON ALMOGORDO , NM |
JERRY DENTON ALMOGORDO , NM |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
DAVID SHUSTER GEORGETOWN , TX |
CHARLES GERHART SALADO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
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90 | CHRIS LEANARD | MICHAEL PROVENZANO BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | CHRIS WOEHL CEDAR PARK , TX |
CHRIS CLEMENTS ROUND ROCK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | TOM GUIDRY NEW BRAUNFELS , TX |
DUSTIN ISBELL KINGSLAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | JASON KILLION MIDLAND , TX |
KIRBY KILLION BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | MIKE PICKWELL DRIPPING SPRINGS , TX |
CHRISTIAN RAY LAGO VISTA , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
JAMES DISLER LEANDER , TX |
DAVID DISLER CONROE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ADAM HOLLENBACH SHINER , TX |
JOSHUA COX EARLY , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | CALEB RAMM SALADO , TX |
COLTON ZAHN TEMPLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | DANNY LANGLEY BELTON , TX |
BRET STAFFORD TEMPLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | CALVIN BALCH PORTER , TX |
FLOYD BALCH WACO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | DONNIE ROSS GEORGETOWN , TX |
SCOTT ROSS GEORGETOWN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
DYLAN ROSS LEXINGTON , TX |
DAMON ROSS GEORGETOWN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
ALLEN GASS LLANO , TX |
JOHN RATLIFF KINGSLAND , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | TIMOTHY STACK AUSTIN , TX |
BRETT ORLICH LEANDER , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
WAYLON REYNOLDS JARALES , NM |
JOSEPH WISNESKI PORTOLES , NM |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | KENNETH CUMMINS PAIGE , TX |
JIMMY CHAPMAN HUTTO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | JOHNNY HOMANN KYLE , TX |
JAY HESS LOCKHART , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
RONALD SISK RIO VISTA , TX |
JOHNNY MATTHEWS LAGUNA PARK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
LANCE DILLARD LLANO , TX |
BLAKE DILLARD LLANO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
RODNEY THOMPSON HARKER HEIGHTS , TX |
HERMAN GEORGE BELTON , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
THOMAS WEIMER ROUND ROCK , TX |
BRANDON JONES SAN ANTONIO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | BRYAN COTTER CEDAR PARK , TX |
BILL GUZMAN AUSTIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
ROY STEGER BELTON , TX |
CHET SUTTON SALADO , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
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JOHN BYLER SOUTHLAKE , TX |
JOHN BYLER SOUTHLAKE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|
90 | ![]() |
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STERLING MARTIN BEEVILLE , TX |
COURTNEY BEHREND COMFORT , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|
90 | BYRON BIONDI KENNEDALE , TX |
JASON GREENFIELD KENNEDALE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
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RONNIE CHARANZA BROWNWOOD , TX |
WESLEY FLETCHER BROWNWOOD , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|
90 | ![]() |
JAMES CANTWELL KINGSLAND , TX |
TOM CANTWELL LAGRANGE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | ![]() |
DWAYNE KINLEY AUSTIN , TX |
LEVAR JENKINS AUSTIN , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | WILL RAMIREZ GEORGE WEST , TX |
MARTY SORRELLS HEBBRONVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
CHARLES HICE BURNET , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | ![]() |
DEAN ALEXANDER GEORGETOWN , TX |
THOMAS MARTENS CEDAR PARK , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
||
90 | STEVE MAGNELIA AUSTIN , TX |
MICHAEL TENNANT PFLUGERVILLE , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
|
|||
90 | COLE TEMPLE KELLER , TX |
TYLER BRADFIELD COLLEGE STATION , TX |
0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Bassmaster Elite Series Chickamauga Event Rescheduled for Late March
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Event At Chickamauga Lake Moved To March BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Due to high waters, flooding conditions and a forecast calling for continued heavy rain in the region, B.A.S.S. officials announced today they will postpone the Bassmaster Elite at Chickamauga Lake originally scheduled for later this week.
The second stop of the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series season is now scheduled to be held on the Dayton, Tenn., fishery March 19-22.
“We have been in close communication with local authorities and our hosts in Tennessee about the current flooding as well as the forecast,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “After careful discussions, it was apparent that the best decision was to postpone the tournament and festivities.”
The National Weather Service is predicting widespread severe thunderstorms across Tennessee and much of the Southeast on Wednesday with additional moderate to major river flooding over the next seven days.
“Extreme heavy rainfall and runoff is causing elevated river conditions all across the Tennessee Valley,” said James Everett from TVA River Management. “These are much higher than normal flows and flow rates coming from the dams, which can increase boating hazards.”
According to local law enforcement, much of the venue where the tournament was to be held is currently flooded and road closures are expected.
“It was smart for B.A.S.S. to postpone the tournament until conditions are better,” said Rhea Sheriff Mike Neal. “The combination of parking issues and road closures would make it unsafe for fans and everyone involved, especially if we get the additional rain forecasted.”
When the event kicks off in March, the field will launch from Dayton Boat Dock with weigh-ins and the Bassmaster Outdoors Expo being held at Point Park. |
Bass Pro Tour Rookie Bryan Thrift Wins Group A and Advances Directly to the Championship
Photo credit - Garrick Dixon - MLF
February 9, 2020 (Eufaula, Ala.) Bass Pro Tour Rookie Bryan Thrift won Qualifying Round Group A of the B&W Hitches Stage One presented by Power-Pole to become the first automatic Championship Berth in MLF history. Alabama resident Greg Vinson rose 18 places to finish in second. Chris Lane, who held the lead in Group A for nearly five periods, fell to fifth overall with a two-day total of 38 pounds, two ounces. Overall the third day kept everyone guessing despite the sunny skies and warmer temperatures.
On a slightly tougher fishing day on Lake Eufaula, Bryan Thrift showed he could compete well in this new-to-him format with an impressive two-day total and commanding march into first over Chris Lane. Thrift took control of the top spot with the Berkley Big Bass of the Day, which weighed in at six pounds, three ounces, shortly after Period 3 began. In the last 80 minutes of the day, he added five more bass to his total including one at five pounds, five ounces. Thrift said his late-day success was a surprise.
“I did a lot better than I expected at the end,” Thrift admitted. “It started so slow, and I only had four fish between the first two periods.
“I’m not getting enough bites to have a pattern,” he added. “I’m running different stuff and throwing different baits; there’s no way I can know what is going to work.”
Thrift earned the Phoenix Boats Daily Leader award for his ten bass weighing in at 34 pounds, six ounces. Perhaps most exciting, Thrift receives the benefit of a “Championship Berth,” which guarantees him a $12,000 minimum payday. New for 2020, the winners of each Group (A and B) automatically advance to the final, Championship Round, and do not need to fish the Knockout Round. The remaining 19 anglers from each Group (A and B) will fish Tuesday for one of the remaining eight spots in the Championship Round.
Alabama resident Greg Vinson rose steadily up the SCORETRACKER® from 20th place to second. His success stemmed from the fact that he caught more scoreable bass on the day with 12, including one just shy of five pounds at four pounds, 15 ounces. Vinson eluded to how stressful it can be for an angler to find himself mid-round on the “elimination line.” The elimination line refers to the top 20 places on SCORETRACKER® who advance and the bottom 20 who are eliminated from a Stage of the Bass Pro Tour.
“I came in as the ‘bubble boy,’ and I was sweating it,” Vinson said. “With the tough fishing conditions, you never know. I locked into something a little different today, and it was fun.”
Chris Lane finished day one of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour B&W Hitches Stage One presented by Power-Pole at the top of the SCORETRACKER® with 35-pounds, 12-ounces representing nine bass. However, day two proved to be a completely different ballgame. Lane caught one scorable bass in Period 1 and then remained scoreless the rest of the day. His lead coming into day two provided him a secure position in fifth place for the Qualifying Round, Group A.
The Top Ten of the Qualifying Round, Group A finished day two as follows:
Place | Angler | Total 2-Day Weight | Total Day Two Weight | Largest Fish of Day Two |
1 | Bryan Thrift | 54-01 | 34-06 | 6-03 |
2 | Greg Vinson | 42-11 | 32-08 | 4-15 |
3 | Andy Morgan | 41-10 | 30-15 | 5-13 |
4 | Todd Faircloth | 40-02 | 14-05 | 3-10 |
5 | Chris Lane | 38-02 | 2-06 | 2-06 |
6 | Brent Ehrler | 37-06 | 19-08 | 6-02 |
7 | Mark Rose | 31-11 | 17-03 | 4-08 |
8 | Josh Bertrand | 31-04 | 4-14 | 4-14 |
9 | Jacob Powroznik | 30-09 | 18-13 | 5-06 |
10 | Jeff Sprague | 27-09 | 10-01 | 4-10 |
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
Lane was not the only angler to experience a tough day on the water. Stephen Browning started the day in 11th but fell to 23rd, while Boyd Duckett slipped from 13th to 25th. Mark Daniels, Jr. began on the bubble with Vinson at 19th and fell to 24th. While Andy Montgomery moved from 22nd to 18th. While in the other direction, Alton Jones, Jr. rose from 26th to 13th and Brent Chapman leapt from 28th to 11th place.
The Qualifying Round continues Monday with Group B, currently led by 2019 Major League Fishing (MLF) World Champion Jacob Wheeler. Wesley Strader stands in second place with Randall Tharp, Bobby Lane, and MLF Rookie David Dudley rounding out the top five. Defending 2019 Points Champion and REDCREST presented by Venmo Champion, Edwin Evers sits in 36thplace and Kevin VanDam hopes to hold onto his 13th place to advance to the Knockout Round. The SCORETRACKER® resets to zero for the Knockout Round making it a new game going into Tuesday’s Knockout Round and Wednesday’s Championship Final.
Tuesday’s Qualifying Round, Group B, day two begins with launch 7-7:30 a.m. before lines-in at 8:00 a.m. Period 1 ends at 10:30 a.m. Period 2 spans 10:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Period 3 begins at 1:30 p.m. and lasts until day’s end at 4:00 p.m. The General Tire Takeout show airs approximately 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. as anglers return to the ramp.
Fans can catch all the action every day of competition on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Lester Saves Season on Day Two of St. Johns
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
Day one of the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series season was one Brandon Lester would rather forget. The even-keeled Tennessee pro failed to catch a keeper bass for only the second time in his professional career yesterday. While ending the day with a dreaded “goose egg” stung, Lester was able to put the day behind him when he weighed an impressive 19-lb 14-ounce limit on a fickle St. Johns River today.
Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester has been a model of consistency throughout his career and has typically performed extremely well on the St. Johns, but Lester explained the difference between a good day and a terrible day is razor thin on this body of water.
“Poor decision making was what bit me yesterday,“ Lester explained. “On a tidal fishery like the St. Johns River, every single decision is magnified. I got in a bad rotation (in reference to the tide) yesterday and it is already a grind out there. I literally only had one bite all day, and I lost it.”
Lester was understandably upset after such an uncharacteristically tough day, but instead of dwelling on the negative he hopped in his Tundra with his family and put the day behind him.
Finishing the first Elite Series event at the bottom of the leaderboard would have handicapped Lester’s 2020 season in a way he didn’t even want to consider. Fortunately, Lester knew Florida’s St. Johns River is the kind of fishery that could produce a big comeback.
“I had a sneaky suspicion the failing water and cold front pulled the bass out of the shallows in the canals I was fishing,” Lester grinned. “I rigged up a X-Zone Lures Muscle Back Craw on a 4/0 Mustad Flippin Hook with a ¼-ounce weight and went to work. The fish had pulled out to any hard targets (like wood, laydowns, etc.) towards the mouth of the canals.”
Lester’s big bag on day two not only helped erase a lackluster first day from his mind, but also salvaged a $10,000 check, a bunch of AOY points, and potentially his entire year.
“Today was so incredibly important for my season,” said a relieved Lester. “Two of my biggest goals are to qualify for the 2021 Bassmaster Classic, and have a shot at the Angler of the Year title at the end of this season. If I struggled again today I could have all but kissed both of those goals goodbye. I am extremely grateful.”
Mueller Takes Narrow Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On St. Johns River
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2020 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River 2/8-2/11 St. Johns River, Palatka FL. (PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2 Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 36-10 100 |
Wheeler Leads Group B after a Chilly Day on Lake Eufaula
February 8, 2020 (Eufaula, Ala.) Jacob Wheeler, 2019 General Tire World Champion, assumed the lead from Bobby Lane early in day two of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour and never looked back, finishing in first place with 15 scorable bass totaling 42 pounds, five ounces. The B&W Hitches Stage Two presented by Power-Pole opened for the anglers in Group B on Lake Eufaula with chilly temperatures in the mid-30s and rain throughout the day. Wesley Strader finished second with nine fish totaling 36 pounds, six ounces. Justin Atkins earned the Berkley Big Bass of the Day award with a six-pound, 13-ounce largemouth bass, while MLF Rookie David Dudley rose to fifth by the end of the day.
Indiana native (Tennessee resident) Jacob Wheeler caught Floridian Bobby Lane, brother to Group A leader Chris Lane, at 9:30 a.m. Fishing a mainly offshore pattern with a variety of tactics, the Academy Sports Pro went against the grain in a tournament where most of the other anglers were beating the bank and targeting shallow cover.
“Today was a great day, and I was fortunate to catch them on a rotation of baits, but I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on the lake,” Wheeler said. “You have to keep an open mind because each day is unique this time of year, and you have to start over every morning.”
Fellow Tennessean Wesley Strader finished second by a spread of six pounds, one ounce and the only angler within striking distance of Wheeler. The 48-year-old angler with a rich history of FLW wins before joining the Bass Pro Tour in 2018 found that the high water impacted his ability to advance further.
“It was a really good day, but it could have been even better,” Strader admitted. “I wish the water would drop a little bit because that will pull some more fish out of the thick cover, and I think I can get more bites doing what I’m doing.”
MLF Rookie David Dudley showed that he can compete well in all fishing formats by finishing in fifth place with six bass totaling 22 pounds, 15 ounces. Today was the first day Dudley competed using the catch-weigh-immediately release format and rules.
“It was a fun day,” recapped Dudley. “I loved the SCORETRACKER® and kept telling my official all day to give me another update. I like hearing that people are catching or not catching fish, because it helps me process my day.”
Despite remaining scoreless until Period 3, Kevin VanDam rallied to finish 13th overall with four fish weighing in at 13 pounds, 11 ounces.
The Top Ten of Day One, Qualifying Group B finished as follows:
Place | Angler | Total Weight | Total Fish | Largest Fish |
1 | Jacob Wheeler | 42-05 | 15 | 4-04 |
2 | Wesley Strader | 36-06 | 9 | 5-14 |
3 | Randall Tharp | 27-13 | 6 | 5-01 |
4 | Bobby Lane | 25-11 | 9 | 5-01 |
5 | David Dudley | 22-15 | 6 | 5-14 |
6 | James Watson | 21-12 | 6 | 5-05 |
7 | Fletcher Shryock | 21-04 | 7 | 4-09 |
8 | Dustin Connell | 19-03 | 6 | 6-02 |
9 | Michael Neal | 18-00 | 5 | 4-10 |
10 | Mike McClelland | 17-06 | 6 | 3-10 |
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
The competition continues Sunday as Group A returns to finish the Qualifying Round. Chris Lane hopes to retain his lead and earn the automatic Championship Berth. New for 2020, the winner of each Group in the Qualifying Round advances directly to Wednesday’s Championship Round. The weather forecast calls for a slightly warmer day calling for a high of 65-degrees-Farenheit with no rain in the forecast.
The day begins with launch 7:15 a.m.before lines-in at 8:00 a.m. Period 1 ends at 10:30 a.m. Period 2 spans 10:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Period 3 begins at 1:30 p.m.and lasts until day’s end at 4:00 p.m. The General Tire Takeout show airs approximately 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. as anglers return to the ramp.
Fans can catch all the action every day of competition on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
Jaye Relies On Experience To Claim Day 1 Lead In Bassmaster Elite At St. Johns River
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Alabama Resident Chris Lane Leaps Ahead in Day One
February 7, 2020 (Tulsa, Okla.) Alabama resident Chris Lane finished day one of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour B&W Hitches Stage One presented by Power-Pole at the top of the SCORETRACKER® with 35-pounds, 12-ounces representing nine bass. Weather over recent days on Lake Eufuala played a factor in today’s competition as the excessive rain, wind, and lightning led to rising lake levels and muddy water conditions. Josh Bertrand finished in second with seven total bass weighing in at 26-pounds, six ounces. Brandon Coulter caught the Berkley Big Bass of the day, which weighed in at seven pounds, 14 ounces.
Chris Lane took an early lead in Period 1 by catching the first bass of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour at 8:09 a.m. local time. The Power-Pole pro had eight fish for 33 pounds, nine ounces – a more than four-pound average – at the conclusion of that first period. Despite a drought in Period 2 and only one fish in Period 3, Lane held his lead throughout the day. Included in his total were fish that weighed five pounds, 11 ounces and five pounds, 7 ounces, respectively.
“That was a great first period,” exclaimed Lane. “(In Period 3), I found an area late in the day with some clear water, and I made the mistake of not going there soon enough in the day. I look forward to getting back there (Sunday).”
32-year-old Josh Bertrand of moved from fifth place to end the day at second despite a slower start in Period 1 than others. His largest bass of the day weighed in at six pounds, 10 ounces and landed two others over four pounds. The Berkley pro who lives in Arizona didn’t know what to expect today and indicated that he hopes better weather in coming days may help hasten the pace of the game.
“We have some better weather coming so it might bust wide open,” said Bertrand, when asked about returning on Sunday to Lake Eufaula for his second Qualifying Day.
The Top Ten of Day One, Qualifying Group A finished as follows:
Place | Angler | Total Weight | Total Fish | Largest Fish |
1 | Chris Lane | 35-12 | 9 | 5-11 |
2 | Josh Bertrand | 26-06 | 7 | 6-10 |
3 | Todd Faircloth | 25-13 | 6 | 5-08 |
4 | Bryan Thrift | 19-11 | 7 | 3-13 |
5 | Greg Hackney | 19-08 | 5 | 5-07 |
6 | Anthony Gagliardi | 19-08 | 4 | 6-04 |
7 | Brent Ehrler | 17-14 | 5 | 5-15 |
8 | Jeff Sprague | 17-08 | 6 | 3-13 |
9 | Brandon Coulter | 16-04 | 3 | 7-14 |
10 | Mark Rose | 14-08 | 5 | 3-14 |
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
The Qualifying Round continues Saturday with Group B, which includes Edwin Evers, 2019 Points Champion and REDCREST presented by Venmo Champion, fishing greats Kevin VanDam and Mike Iaconelli, as well as 2019 Major League Fishing (MLF) World Champion Jacob Wheeler and MLF Rookie David Dudley. The weather forecast calls for a slightly warmer day calling for a high of 57-degrees-Farenheit and scattered showers midday.
The day begins with launch 6-6:30 a.m. before lines-in at 7:00 a.m. Period 1 ends at 10:30 a.m. Period 2 spans 10:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Period 3 begins at 1:30 p.m. and lasts until day’s end at 4:00 p.m. The General Tire Takeout show airs approximately 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. as anglers return to the ramp.
Fans can catch all the action every day of competition on MLFNOW! livestream on MajorLeagueFishing.com or download the MLF App for your Apple or GooglePlay device or on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
About the Bass Pro Tour:
The Bass Pro Tour began in 2019 and features 80 of the best professional anglers in the world, including Kevin VanDam, Edwin Evers, Aaron Martens, Mike Iaconelli, Jordan Lee, and Skeet Reese. Each stage includes six days of competition using the Major League Fishing, catch-weigh-and-immediately-release format, where every bass over a variable minimum weight, which is two pounds on Lake Eufaula for Stage One, toward a cumulative weight total for the day. Variable minimum weights are determined by fishery akin to a golf course handicap. The field of 80 anglers is divided into two groups of 40 to compete on days one and two respectively for the Shotgun Round. On days three and four, the Elimination Round culls the field based on a combined 2-day total weight from each angler’s Shotgun and Elimination Round. The top 20 anglers from each group in the Elimination Round (40 total) advance to the Knockout Round on day five, which determines who will compete on that final day, the Championship Round, for the Stage title and $100,000.
Each of Eight Stages of the Bass Pro Tour have the following payout schedule: 1st $100,000; 2nd $42,000; 3rd $30,000; 4th$24,000; 5th $18,000; 6th $16,800; 7th $15,600; 8th $14,400; 9th $13,200; 10th $12,000; 11th – 40th $6,000; Big Bass Daily $1,000; Big Bass Overall $1,000.
In addition to the economic impact on a host community, Major League Fishing showcases the region through their award-winning, live and linear programming. Each Stage of the Bass Pro Tour is broadcast live on the Major League Fishing app, MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), and majorleaguefishing.com, totaling more than 325 hours of original programming. Fans can follow the fast-paced nature of the MLF format as it unfolds on the live leaderboard through “SCORETRACKER® updates.” Highlights from each Stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour will air on Discovery Network beginning in July 2020 and Sportsman Channel in early 2021.
“MLF offers the strongest broadcast presence in the industry to fans and sponsors,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “And with these lakes planned for this coming Bass Pro Tour, we know 2020 will be our best year yet as we continue to capture a broad audience of both longtime fishing fans and those new to the sport, thanks to our fast-paced, fan-friendly format,”
About Major League Fishing
Founded in 2011, Major League Fishing (MLF) brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America’s living rooms on Outdoor Channel, Discovery, CBS, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel, and on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). The Bass Pro Tour consists of eight events and a championship streamed live on www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and MOTV.
In late 2019 MLF acquired FLW, which expands their portfolio to include the world’s largest grassroots fishing organization, including the strongest five-fish format professional bass fishing tour, the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, as well as the Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, and Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI, and High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing.
For more information on the league and anglers, visit www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and follow MLF on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Off Days - The good and Bad with Brandon Lester
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
The start of the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series season has been delayed this week here on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida due to two a couple dreaded cancelled competition days. While “off days” aren’t exactly celebrated in this line of work, that doesn’t mean the glass isn’t half full.
Make no mistake; there are approximately zero Elite Series pros that want to have tournament days cancelled throughout their season. These guys are fishermen and they make their living on the water. But, pros like Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester know there is a good and a bad side to everything.
The Good – quality time with family and friends.
Lester, his wife Kimberly, and their daughters Shiloh & Leann have taken full advantage of the two “off days” this week. Spending precious time together and seeing what the area has to offer.
“We’ve been having a great time,” Lester said with a smile. “Yesterday I loaded them up in the Tundra and we drove to St. Augustine to see the Fountain of Youth and learn some history about that area. Then today we headed to Blue Springs State Park and the girls saw their first manatee up close! They had a ball.”
Lester stays impressively controlled whether he just landed a giant bass, is on camera for an interview, or is hanging out with fans. But he couldn’t hide his happiness when talking about the down time spent with his family the past two days. And that right there will always be far more important than any fishing tournament.
The Bad – the concern of losing touch with the fish and it’s mentally taxing.
While Lester’s girls have helped him find the good in a somewhat negative situation, the humble Tennessee native isn’t naïve enough to completely ignore the bad in having competition delayed.
“This is the first event of the year and we (the anglers) want to have a strong first event, for ourselves and for the fans,” Lester said. “There are a lot of emotions coming into the tournament season after a long time off and the very last thing I wanted was to not be fishing these first two days. With that being said, I definitely think B.A.S.S. made the right call.”
With a wind advisory being declared for the area and 40+ mph wind gusts being the norm over the past two days, there is no doubt the B.A.S.S. tournament staff made the right decision. Safety of the anglers, their marshals, and the B.A.S.S. camera crews on the water is paramount. Still,Lester would be lying if he said he wasn’t thinking about how the bass are changing.
“Man, this time of year bass are moving every single day,” Lester said as he looked over the St. Johns River. “Down here in Florida, they want to get up shallow and spawn. Things could literally be changing by the hour. We haven’t been on the water since Tuesday, so I absolutely worry about losing touch with the fish I found in practice.”
The good news for everyone is the wind is finally calming. The Elite Series competitors will have to deal with a major cold-front on the heels of this weather system, but with any luck they’ll be kicking off the 2020 season with a bang at the Palatka City Dock and Ramp tomorrow afternoon.
Zaldain Working Towards a Win
Courtesy of Luke Stoner - Dynamic Sponsorships
When day one of Bassmaster Elite Series competition on the St Johns River was called off this morning due to high and dangerous winds, most pro anglers took advantage of the “off-day” by resting. Some went fishing on non-tournament waters, others caught up on social media content, and plenty spent the day taking it easy. Not Chris Zaldain.
Around lunchtime I found last year’s Angler of the Year runner-up rocking a Carhartt t-shirt and a power drill in the boat yard. Fine-tuning his Humminbird electronics with service crewmembers before heading home to meticulously work on tackle.
“After nine years as a professional angler, I know my way around a toolbox,” Zaldain said with a laugh. “Equipment malfunctions are a reality of being a professional angler when you travel and push your equipment as much as we do. I’ve learned the best way to diagnose problems and give myself every possible minute of fishing time is to know my boat in and out; bow to stern.”
After watching Zaldain tinker for a few minutes, it was obvious he wasn’t embellishing. It turns out Zaldain has taken to rigging his own Skeeter Boat the past several years in order to be as knowledgeable as possible about his equipment. From his Yamaha Outboard to his Minn Kota trolling motor and every accessory in between, Zaldain is able to troubleshoot common issues so he can maximize his fishing time.
Paying attention to detail in all facets of fishing is partially what has helped Zaldain become the angler he is today. The California born pro who now resides in Texas had an absolutely red hot 2019 season. With three 2nd place Elite Series finishes, along with two more top 10s bookended by narrowly missing the Toyota Angler of the Year title.
But don’t expect Zaldain to revel in his past accomplishments, the freshly signed Carhartt sponsored pro has his sights set looking forward.
“What happened in 2019 is old news,” Zaldain explained. “Don’t get me wrong, it was an awesome year and I am extremely grateful for it, but it is in the history books. Now I feel like I’ve got to work twice as hard to put myself in a similar position at the end of this season. I need to come out hungrier.”
A harder working and hungrier Zaldain is a scary thought for his fellow Elite Series competitors. The trajectory of Zaldain’s career the past few years has been nothing short of impressive and he shows no signs of slowing down.
“This year the goal is some hardware,” Zaldain said. “I won’t lie, coming in 2nd four different times last year stung. This year I want to collect some trophies! An Elite Series championship or the Angler of the Year title would be incredible, but the Classic trophy outweighs them all for me. I already can’t wait for this year’s 50th Bassmaster Classic in Alabama. It’s going to be an awesome tournament.”
Whether or not Zaldain hoists a trophy overhead throughout the season won’t be due to a lack of effort. He works as hard as anyone both on and off the water, and maintains the right attitude while doing so. Tomorrow marks Zaldain’s first day back on the job for the 2020 season and the first step toward his yearlong goal.
Strong Winds Force Another Delay in Elite Series Opener
For the second day, strong winds have forced B.A.S.S. Officials to cancel a day of competition and the start of the 2020 Elite Series season. According to BASS the National Weather Service has called for a Wind advisory until 2:00pm today.
UPDATE: 8:46am - Courtesy of BASS
The Bassmaster Elite Series Outdoors Expo will be open at 2 p.m. ET on Friday at Palatka Riverfront Park. Fans will be able to meet their favorite Elite Series pros for autographs, photos and to share stories.
Competition in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is expected to resume Saturday morning, when the field of 88 anglers launches at 7:15 a.m. ET from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp. Weigh-ins will be held at 3:30 p.m. ET at Palatka Riverfront Park. The full field will compete Saturday and Sunday.
The current plan is to complete the tournament on Monday, when anglers will fish a shortened competition day. Launch on Monday will be at 6:45 a.m. ET and the weigh-in will be held at 2:00 p.m. ET.
UPDATE 9:47am
Top 20 To Fish Monday At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On St. Johns River
PALATKA, Fla. — After high-wind advisories forced the cancellation of the first two days of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, B.A.S.S. officials have adjusted plans and announced the Top 20 will fish a shortened competition day on Monday, Feb. 10.
Takeoff on Monday will be at 6:45 a.m. ET from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp, and the weigh-in will be held at Palatka Riverfront Park at 2 p.m.
The full field of 88 anglers will fish Saturday and Sunday. On those two days, anglers will launch from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp at 7:15 a.m. ET. Weigh-ins will be held at 3:15 p.m. ET at Palatka Riverfront Park.
From Florida, the Elites head to Dayton, Tenn., for the Bassmaster Elite Series at Chickamauga Lake. Competition on Chickamauga will continue as scheduled Feb. 14-17.
AC Insider Rookie Podcast - Two Elite Rookie with a Rare Day Off
With a rare day off prior to their first Elite series tournament, Rookies Wes Logan and Cody Hollen chat with Professor Duran about how it feels to be an Elite Series Rookie. Check it out!
B.A.S.S. Cancels Day 1 of St. Johns Elite Event - Top 10 to Fish MONDAY! - Updated
February 6, 2020
PALATKA, Fla. — B.A.S.S. officials made a decision to cancel the first day of competition on the St. Johns River today after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a wind advisory making the fishery unsafe for boaters. The wind advisory is calling for winds 15-25 m.p.h. with guests over 40.
“Safety for our anglers and marshals is our primary concern,” said Trip Weldon, Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament Director. “We have been monitoring the weather closely, and had discussions with NWS last night and this morning to see if the weather situation would change.
“Beginning this morning and into the afternoon, the wind was just going to be too high to safely be on the water.”
Competition in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is expected to resume Friday morning, when the field of 88 anglers launches at 7:15 a.m. from Palatka Riverfront Park.
February 6, 2020
St. Johns Top 10 To Fish Monday At Bassmaster Elite Event
PALATKA, Fla. — After a high-wind advisory forced postponement of the first day of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, B.A.S.S. officials announced that the Top 10 would fish a shortened competition day on Monday, Feb. 10. Launch on Monday will be at 6:45 a.m. ET from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp, and the weigh-in will be held at the Palatka Riverfront Park at 2:00 p.m. ET.
The full field of 88 anglers will fish Friday and Saturday. The field will be cut to the Top 40 on Sunday. On those three days, anglers will takeoff from Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp at 7:15 a.m. ET. Weigh-ins will be held at 3:15 p.m. ET at Palatka Riverfront Park.
From Florida, the Elites head to Dayton, Tenn., for the Bassmaster Elite Series at Chickamauga Lake. Competition on Chickamauga Lake will continue as scheduled Feb. 14-17.
Weights and Weather Predictions with Arey, Sumrall, and Lester
The 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series season officially kicks off tomorrow morning here on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida. Last year’s season opening tournament on this very same fishery proved to be a big bass bonanza, but the Elite Series anglers were singing a different tune for this weeks derby. Reports of the St. Johns being “tough” and “a grinder” were widely discussed.
While Bassmaster Elite Series pros are famous for sandbagging about their practice days, one thing they all have on their minds for this week’s tournament is weather. The forecast for Thursday through Sunday has a little bit of everything. With high winds and sunshine on Thursday, followed by rain and a substantial cold front moving in Friday.
It’s no secret Florida bass behavior is extremely susceptible to changes in the weather, so we asked Team Toyota pros Brandon Lester and Matt Arey along with Carhartt pro Caleb Sumrall what to expect.
Q: How will the erratic and inconsistent weather affect this four-day event?
Caleb Sumrall: “Weather is everything this week. These Florida fish are trying to get shallow and spawn, but the weather dictates when they’ll do it. The guy who wins this event will likely have to change what they are doing every single day. You’re going to have to play the conditions and make fast, confident decisions.”
Matt Arey: “Florida fish are constantly on the move this time of year. I think the changing weather will put a lot more fish in transition areas than usual, which makes staying on them tough. The weather each day will dictate where guys need to focus their efforts, and I’m guessing it’ll change day by day.”
Brandon Lester: “Thursdays forecast (high winds) will make boat positioning and sight fishing extremely difficult, which is usually what dominates the tournament after day 1 on this fishery. After that, we’ve got a cold front which will make the fishing all around tougher in my opinion. The weather is going to have a big affect for sure.”
Q: How much weight per day will it take to make the top 12 this week?
Caleb Sumrall: “I’m going to say 16-lbs. a day will be good this week.”
Matt Arey: “17-lbs. per day… realistically probably more.”
Brandon Lester: “15-lbs a day.”
Swindles Starting Fresh
Courtesy of Luke Stoner with Dynamic Sponsorships
Team Toyota pro Gerald Swindle was one of the final boats to pull up to the Palatka City Dock and Boat Ramp as the last light faded Tuesday night, marking the end of the Elite Series official practice for the Aftco Bassmaster Elite onthe St. Johns River. As always, his faithful wife LeAnn (aka “LuLu”) was waiting in the Tundra to help expedite the boat loading process.
The two time Bassmaster Angler of the Year is starting out his 2020 fishing seasons with plenty of change, and both Swindles agree they are starting this year fresh.
“Man I am coming at this season with a whole new perspective,” Swindle said with blatant honesty. “I’ll be straight up with you – 2019 was a tough year on me, tough year on both of us (referring to LuLu). With that being said, I think last year has allowed me to appreciate my career more.”
Its often said that good times are made better after experiencing some not-so-good times; and it’s true. For better or for worse it seems to take a few nasty days of rain, wind, or cold for us to truly appreciate the warm sunny days. You can dwell on or complain about those not-so-good days and let that negativity find rent in your head, or you can use the adversity as a lesson.
Swindle returned to the Bassmaster Elite Series this year and is entering into his 23rd year of fishing professionallywith optimism and focus. His passion for fishing and competing still burns as bright today as it did twenty-three years ago, and Swindle believes he is more driven this year than ever.
“I can focus better now than I could at the start of my career,” Swindle explained. “I embrace the grinder’s mentality nowadays in tournaments when that may have spun me out 20 years ago. Now I can keep my head down, fish my strengths, and stay on target for the full day. Sounds simple but that right there is important.”
The “G-Man” is coming into this season with a few performance-related goals as always, but different this year are a couple well-defined ambitions he and LuLu have that are bigger than “just fishing”. Swindle may be bass fishing’s funniest man, but those who know and follow himhave seen his genuine, reflective, and serious side, too.
“My number one goal for the year… Be Happy,” Swindle said sincerely. “LeAnn and I talked a lot about it this off-season and had time to think about it in a deer stand. Being happy is most important for both of us.
“Goal number two is to build relationships and try to be a positive role model for some of the younger Elite Series guys this year. I feel like I have a responsibility to help guys coming up on the off-the-water side of fishing. No one taught me the business side of this gig when I started. No one told me where to stay or the best places to eat when we roll into a new town. I want to lend a helping hand with those kinds of things.”
Swindle’s personality and on-the-water accomplishmentsput him in rarified air in the bass fishing history books, but he’s not done yet. With a renewed appreciation and focus on things like being happy, staying confident, and elevating his peers --his 23rd year of chasing bass may just be his best one yet.
Longtime Florida Pro Peter T previews this weeks Bassmaster Elite Series on the St. Johns River
Vance McCullough
Peter Thliveros is among the most successful tournament pros to ever come from North Florida. A native of the St Johns River, ‘Peter T’ has left the tournament business to his son, Nick and now spends time guiding on the big river that will host this weeks Bassmaster Elite Series tournament.
While he would be a great guide for anybody wanting to catch big Florida bass or our nearby saltwater species, today Thliveros is helping to guide my expectations for this week’s event. “I could be wrong, but my gut says 18 pounds a day will win it.
“Tough bite. The water temp is hovering around 60 degrees because the nights have still been cool. And that front that’s coming will not only cool the water, but the wind from it will eliminate a lot of the places these guys may want to fish.”
Specifically, Thliveros is thinking of a nice stand of eel grass on the east side of Lake George near the area where Cliff Pirch made the final cut last year. “A southwest wind is going to trash that area. You won’t even be able to fish it. It ain’t too calm out there today,” he says on the eve of competition. With an average depth of only 10 feet across its 72-square miles, Lake George blows up big waves in a hurry.
So, just find grass on the west side of the lake, right? “There is no vegetation,” except for the aforementioned patch. On the whole lake.
The veteran pro thinks we may see some nice stringers from the Astor area tucked away south of the big lake and hidden from harsh winds. Locals have reported seeing beautiful pads fields down there this winter amid the no-wake zones and manatee speed zones that slow travel through the area. Adding to the adventuresome run, anglers will have to negotiate any rough water that may arise on the 13-mile length of Lake George, whitecapped waves eating away at the tournament clock as they pound boat, rider and gear, the occasional blast of cold water spraying across the bow.
Famed springs along the west shore of Lake George will not be lonely places. “They’ll have all the boats they can hold. After the bedding fish get picked off it might slow down in there, but they’ll give up whatever they have to offer,” notes Thliveros. The spring-fed runs hold a constant water temperature near 70 degrees regardless of weather and water temperatures on the main lake.
Will the weather stack fish along productive main river shell bars that give up so many bass throughout the seasons? “This can be a tough time of year for that,” notes Thliveros. “You can’t count on those fish being there for four days. I remember a tournament where I caught them for two days offshore and then, after that bite died, I went to a canal and I was like ‘where did all these fish come from?’. They can leave those shell bars in hours. Every fish out there, just gone.
“But with this weather, they may not go right to the bank either. They may just be in limbo – not really deep anymore, but not yet shallow either. Hard to find. They’re going to be close to where they want to go, but maybe not on the beds yet.”
Look for spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, crankbaits – lipless or otherwise – to play a role this week. Worms always work well when things get slow in Florida.
As the expected cold front makes it way through the region, winds will blow form all directions on the compass rose. The highest, as brisk as 20 mph, will come late Thursday and throughout competition hours Friday, mainly from the southwest and west. A friendly blow from the east should greet anglers who make the cut and fish this weekend. The 40 pros who launch Saturday morning will likely do so in near-freezing temperatures. The final 10 contestants should enjoy a mild warm up of about 10 degrees on Sunday, setting up what may be the 2nd-most productive day of the tournament, tomorrow’s sight-fish-fueled opening round likely being the heaviest.
Thliveros made a couple of interesting picks with respect to guys we should watch this week.
“Cliff Prince might be able to put it together for 3 or 4 days because he knows those shell bars so well.” Prince is a local favorite which makes him a measuring stick of sorts. His experience on the river, coupled with how he does in this event, will give onlookers a good idea as to how well the St Johns itself is performing lately.
Then there’s the wildcard.
“Seth Feider. He was dropshoting in 20 feet last year. Nobody fishes that way down here. It’s not typical shell bar fishing. He targeted suspended fish, and some on bottom, in water deeper than we, locals, ever fish for them here – in 18-to-20 feet of water. Those are some of those ‘limbo’ fish that aren’t where they’re supposed to be.”
Last year the Elite Series hit the river just right and Rick Clunn took another St Johns Elite Series title with 98 pounds, 14 ounces – 34-14 of it coming on the final day. This year doesn’t promise quite such a show, but hoards of big bass live here and the fish could make massive moves, as could our anglers, any given hour of the event.
Stay tuned!
St. Johns River Readies for Toyota FLW Series Tournament
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PALATKA, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2020) – The 2020 Toyota Series will continue their season next week at the St. Johns River, Feb. 13-15, with the Toyota Series at the St. Johns River. Hosted by the Putnam County Tourist Development Council, the three-day tournament will feature the best regional bass-fishing pros and co-anglers casting for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus a $35,000 bonus if the winner is a qualified Phoenix Boat owner.
“I think that with the way the weather is setting up, we’re going to hit this one just right,” said legendary pro angler Peter Thliveros of Saint Augustine, Florida, who has 13 top-10 finishes in FLW competition and more than $620,000 in career earnings. “It’s going to be optimum conditions for the spawn – 80-degree temperatures being forecast, a moon phase earlier that week – I think the water temperatures will really jump up and we’re going to see a mass movement of fish to the bank.
“That being said, we’re probably going to see some really impressive limits over the first few days of the event,” Thliveros continued. “The key is going to be sight fish and it’s one of those deals where it won’t be predictable. It’ll be happening as the tournament progresses and a guy that is on nothing can all of a sudden be in the right place at the right time and just stumble on to them.”
With a spawn tournament primarily on the radar, Thliveros expects anglers preferred soft-plastic of choice to be the key bait – craws, creature baits, tubes and worms. He also predicted that some fish would be caught on swimbaits and topwater baits throughout the week.
“Not all of the fish will spawn at one time, so I could see spinnerbaits and ChatterBaits playing a role as well,” he said.
“I predict that the winner will likely have between 60 to 65 pounds,” the Florida pro went on to say. “I expect a couple of guys will bust big limits – 20 to 25 pounds, maybe even 28 one day – and they’ll have a couple of solid limits to go with it. There are so many factors that go into a three-day tournament, and going into the last day the final outcome will likely not be obvious.”
Anglers will take off from Palatka Riverfront Park, located at 100 Memorial Parkway in Palatka at 7 a.m. EDT each day of competition. The weigh-ins will be held each day at Palatka Riverfront Park beginning at 3 p.m. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.
In Toyota Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event, scaling up for every 20 boats over 160 and scaling down for every boat below 160. With a full field, pros will fish for a top prize of up to $65,000, plus an extra $35,000 if FLW PHOENIX BONUS qualified. Co-anglers will cast for the top prize of a brand new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard (valued at more than $30,000).
The Toyota Series consists of eight divisions – Central, Eastern, Northern, Plains, Southeastern, Southern, Southwestern and Western – each holding three regular-season events, along with the International division. Anglers who fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship for a shot at winning $200,000 cash, plus lucrative contingency bonuses. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The 2020 Toyota Series Championship is being held Nov. 5-7 on Lake Cumberland in Burnside, Kentucky, and is hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission.
For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
SPORTSMAN'S WAREHOUSE ANNOUNCES 3 NEW STORE LOCATIONS
WEST JORDAN, Utah, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. ("Sportsman's" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SPWH), www.sportsmans.com, today announced plans to open new stores in Parker, Colorado, Brentwood, California and Corona, California this year. Local residents in these locations will soon be able to experience the Company's well-known, high level of customer service and quality, brand-name hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, apparel, and footwear merchandise in person at each store.
"As we continue to grow our brand and business, we are excited to expand our presence in Colorado and California. We look forward to offering our huge selection of high-quality merchandise, backed by our guaranteed, everyday low prices and local expertise to three new communities in these states," stated Jon Barker, Sportsman's CEO. "While we continue to expand in northern California with our Brentwood location, our new store in Corona will be our first store in Southern California. After the grand opening celebrations, we will have a total of 13 stores in California and 7 in Colorado."
These new stores are planned to open in 2020: Parker in February, Brentwood in August and Corona in October. Soon, local residents in these markets will be able to:
- Access an assortment of over 60,000 region-specific items accompanied by unsurpassed levels of customer service;
- Have fun and learn new skills with unique workshops, demonstrations and seminars for the entire family; and
- Enjoy grand opening celebrations with giveaways, doorbuster sales and more!
"While other competitors de-emphasize or exit the space, Sportsman's continues to opportunistically open new stores and grow our business through both ecommerce and store locations. We look forward to serving these communities through providing outstanding gear and exceptional service to inspire outdoor memories," continued Barker.
The three new locations in Parker, Brentwood and Corona are Sportsman's first announced store openings in 2020 with additional openings likely to be announced in the near future. Including the three new locations, Sportsman's will have a total of 107 stores in 27 states.
For more information about Sportsman's Warehouse, visit www.sportsmans.com.
ABT Podcast Featuring Cody Huff and Bassmasters Ronnie Moore!
This week the boys welcome in two time Toledo Bend Champ Cody Huff to the show to talk about his College Win two weeks ago and his Toyota FLW Series Win last week on Toledo Bend! Chris sits down with Bassmaster's Ronnie Moore at Grosse Savanne and of course we have plenty of mischief left in the show!
Humminbird® and Minn Kota® Expand Pro Roster for 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series
RACINE, Wis., February 4, 2020 – As the Bassmaster Elite Series kicks off the 2020 season this Thursday with the first event on the St. John’s River, Humminbird® and Minn Kota® announce a significant expansion to the team, adding 14 new pros to their list of sponsored Elite Series anglers.
New to the pro team are Patrick Walters, Greg DiPalma, Garrett Paquette, Buddy Gross, Ray Hanselman, Lee Livesay, Luke Palmer, Mike Huff, Bob Downey, Brad Whatley, Bill Weidler, Ed Loughran, Wes Logan and Chris Groh.
The new pro team members join Chris Zaldain, Matt Herren, Gerald Swindle, Brandon Palaniuk, Keith Combs, Seth Feider, Bill Lowen, Chad Pipkens, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, Carl Jocumsen, Koby Kreiger, Harvey Horne and Dale Hightower as anglers who will be tapping into the power of the One-Boat Network™ this season. Utilizing best in class technologies including Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging™, the industry-leading Minn Kota Ultrex™, Lakemaster® mapping and Talon shallow water anchors and unmatched connectivity across these products will put these competitors at the top of their game as they tackle nine diverse fisheries over the course of the season.
“This group of anglers represents some of the best of the best, including proven Angler of the Year champions and young guns alike,” said Tim Price, Humminbird and Minn Kota Field Promotions Manager. “Combining their talents with best technology in the game is a recipe for success and we can’t wait to see how the season shapes up.”
Similar to last year, these anglers will be running Humminbird electronics, a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor and Talon shallow water anchors. Continuing its legacy of innovation, Minn Kota debuted the Built-In MEGA Side Imaging® in its Ultrex trolling motors last fall which allows anglers to run their boats confidently, while seeing the clearest, most precise images of structure and fish in real-time directly below and to either side of their boat.
The Minn Kota Ultrex changed the way anglers approach boat control by combining Spot-Lock™ – a GPS anchoring system with unparalleled accuracy – with power steering in an intuitive and responsive heel-toe foot pedal.
New for the 2020 season, anglers can spend more time fishing the most productive water and see fish more clearly with Humminbird’s MEGA 360 Imaging. MEGA 360 Imaging provides sonar clarity more than three-times traditional 455 kHz frequencies and is the only sonar option that gives a high-resolution 360-degree view around the boat and is integrated to allow full use of the trolling motor. MEGA 360 Imaging delivers a unique tool to see around the boat while fishing, which can be used simultaneously with Spot-Lock and other Minn Kota boat control features without interfering with sonar returns.
For more information visit www.humminbird.com or www.minnkotamotors.com.
COX, HOWELL JOIN T-H MARINE IN 2020 PRO STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT
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