American Bass Anglers TN/KY Triton 100% Plus Team Tour 02/18/2018 Event Rescheduled

Athens, Ala. – In the interest of the safety of our anglers, the Triton 100% Plus Team Tour 02/18/2018 event at Paris Landing had been rescheduled to 03/11/2018 at the Kentucky Dam Village.

The water level on Kentucky Lake is currently within two feet of flood stage, and the Corp of Engineers is expected to continue pulling water. The water level is anticipated to increase as the forecast calls for up to an additional three inches of rain fall this week. The water temperatures are in the low 40’s and coupled with the extreme danger of maneuvering in high speed current, we would rather error on the side of safety and not launch our anglers in these conditions.

For more information call Director Kelli Woods at 256-230-5633 or the ABA home office at 256-232-0406.

About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers, the ABA Open Series, the American Fishing Tour, the American Couples Serie and the Military Team Tournament visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

by AnglersChannel

SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR SET FOR COSTA FLW SERIES SOUTHWESTERN OPENER PRESENTED BY YETI

JASPER, Texas (Feb. 6, 2018) – More than 440 pros and co-anglers are set to open the Southwestern Division next week, Feb. 15-17, at the Costa FLW Series at Sam Rayburn Reservoir – the largest FLW Series event ever held on the fishery. The tournament, presented by YETI, is the first regular-season event scheduled in the FLW Series Southwestern Division. Hosted by the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature anglers competing for a top award of up to $99,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.

“The water is warming up, the weather has been mild and I’ve seen this before – the lake is setting up,” said FLW Tour pro Todd Castledine of Nacogdoches, Texas, who has 10 previous top-10 finishes – four wins – on Sam Rayburn in FLW competition. “We’re starting to see some big weights in the local events, and I think we could be hitting this tournament at just the right time. This is going to be a really fun event.

“I normally would never say this, but I don’t think that 20 pounds a day is going to cut it in this one,” Castledine continued. “There are so many big fish in Sam Rayburn that no lead is safe. A 33- or 34-pound limit is absolutely possible, especially the way the lake is setting up right now.”

Castledine predicted that this tournament would strictly be a prespawn event – no sight fishing or springtime patterns.

“You’re going to be able to catch them a lot of different ways,” he said. “The fish are staging all over the lake – in the grass and offshore. I don’t think you can win this tournament fishing just one way. I think you’re going to have to mix it up.

“The lake is getting better and better every year, and this year is no different,” Castledine went on to say. “The key will be finding an area or fish that you have to yourself, and then managing those fish over the three days of competition. We’re going to have to figure out how to catch some big ones – I think it will take 70 pounds to win this event.”

Anglers will take off and weigh-in at the Umphrey Family Pavilion, located at 5438 RR 255, in Brookeland. Takeoff will be held at 7 a.m. CST each day of competition and weigh-ins will start at 3 p.m. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free to attend and open to the public.

In Costa FLW Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event. At Sam Rayburn pros will fish for a top prize of $99,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard if Ranger Cup qualified. Co-anglers will cast for a brand new Ranger Z175 boat with a 90-horsepower Evinrude outboard, and $5,000 if Ranger Cup qualified.

The Costa FLW Series consists of five U.S. divisions – Central, Northern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western – along with the International division. Each U.S. division consists of three regular-season tournaments with competitors vying for valuable points that could earn them the opportunity to compete in the season-ending Costa FLW Series Championship. The 2018 Costa FLW Series Championship is being held Nov. 1-3 on Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, and is hosted by the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Costa FLW Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.

by AnglersChannel

B.A.S.S. Announces College, High School National Championship Locations

Feb. 13, 2018

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The national championship locations and dates for the 2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods have been released, B.A.S.S. announced today.

The Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops will be held on Lake Tenkiller out of Tahlequah, Okla., July 19-21. Tour Tahlequah, Cherokee Nation and Northeastern State University (NSU) will host the event.

“What an honor it is to have the city of Tahlequah chosen for the 2018 Bassmaster Collegiate Fishing Tournament,” said Aubrey Valdez, Tour Tahlequah assistant director. “We are gearing up for this event and are excited to show our Oklahoma hospitality to fishermen and spectators. We already have an enormous amount of support from Northeastern State University, Cherokee Nation, city officials and many others and know July will be here in a flash. We hope to make this a memorable occasion for everyone involved.”

In 2018, the College Series took on a new format, which enables college bass fishing teams to compete in a national tour comprising four tournaments (Eastern, Central, Western and Southern), providing higher payout incentives and more opportunities to qualify for the national championship.

In addition to the four events, the Bassmaster College Series partnered with the B.A.S.S. Nation to hold state-qualifying tournaments. Anglers are now able to compete for a berth in the national championship through their respective state’s event, as well. From the national championship, the Top 4 teams will compete in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket presented by Bass Pro Shops at a location to be later determined.

B.A.S.S. also signed a three-year contract with the Henry County Tourism Authority, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Bethel University for the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series National Championship presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods to be held on Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tenn., the company announced today.

The prestigious national championship for 2018 will take place Aug. 2-4.

Four regional High School Opens — Central, Midwestern, Western and Southern — qualify student anglers for the national championship. Top competitors from state high school championships and from sanctioned team trails also earn invitations to compete in the high school championship.

The high school championship’s full field will compete on the first two days, after which the field will be cut to the Top 10 on the final day.

The daily takeoffs and first two days’ weigh-ins will take place at Paris Landing State Park, with the final day weigh-in being held in downtown Paris.

“Henry County is excited to once again host the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series National Championship presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods out of Paris Landing on beautiful Kentucky Lake, ” said Henry County Tourism Authority CEO David Hamilton.

In addition, the Junior Bassmaster Championship will be held July 31-Aug. 1, on Carroll County’s 1,000 Acre Recreational Lake in nearby Huntingdon, Tenn.

“We are excited to once again host the Junior Bassmaster National Championship at the Carroll County Thousand Acre Recreational Lake,” said Brad Hurley, President, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. “This event keeps growing and we are looking forward to the 2018 Bassmaster Junior National Championship Tournament being the best ever.“

That event will host students aged 7 to 13 representing state organizations within the B.A.S.S. Nation. The Junior Bassmasters qualify to fish the national championship through one of three regional fish-offs of the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors.

Both the High School and Junior National Championships will kick off with an official welcome party for all contenders hosted by Bethel University on July 30.

“As the Executive Director of Northwest Tennessee Tourism, and head coach of the Bethel University bass fishing team, it is my honor to welcome each and every one of the anglers and their families to the great waters of Northwest Tennessee,” said Garry Mason. “We hope that you enjoy our wonderful hospitality, and we look forward to seeing you one and all.”

For more information on the national championship events, visit Bassmaster.com.

2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Carhartt

2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Presenting Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops

2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Premier Sponsors: Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, ABU Garcia, Berkley

2018 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Supporting Sponsors: Mossy Oak Fishing, Phoenix Boats, Livingston Lures, Lowrance

2018 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Title Sponsor: Mossy Oak Fishing

2018 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Presenting Sponsor: DICK’S Sporting Goods

2018 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2018 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Premier Sponsors: ABU Garcia, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2018 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series Supporting Sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats

by AnglersChannel

Keller & Spencer Dominate Bass Champs South Region event on Falcon with nearly 32 pounds

By: Patty Lenderman

164 teams hit it hard on Lake Falcon for Bass Champs’ South Regions second event of the 2018 season. Hitting it hard after a weather delay, many teams found hungry big bass, resulting in phenomenal catches paired up with astounding paydays. Not only did the top five teams exceed the twenty pound mark for their total catch – winners Joshua Spencer and Kyle Keller brought in nearly 32 pounds to dominate the field.

The fog had rolled in like a heavy blanket the morning of the tournament. For safety reasons, the contenders were held at the starting line for three hours, waiting for the visibility to improve. Once released, these anglers raced to their targeted areas to grab the bites they needed for this 104% payback opportunity. There was only a short window of overcast skies once the fog lifted. The remainder of the day gave way to beautiful sunny conditions, making the afternoon hunt for biting bass that much more challenging.

Kyle Keller had done the homework for he and his partner Joshua Spencer prior to the tournament. “Kyle discovered a tree, out by itself, in 16’ of water,” Joshua explained. “During practice, he had caught a 12# and an 8-1/2# bass off of it. This tree was definitely holding the kind of bass we were looking for!” The morning of the tournament was delayed to begin the competition until 10am. “We were worried. The bass we were targeting had been feeding in the morning.” When they finally reached their destination, the bass were no longer at the tree. “We had to switch gears. We were banking on those bass.” Using their Helix 10 Mega Imaging Side Scanner, they located the group of bass on a nearby flat. “We changed the way we were planning on fishing. We had to slow down our presentation using Texas and Carolina rigged brush hogs.” Three hours it took to put a limit together, which included a ‘dink’ weighing about two pounds. “We moved to another area for a while, but didn’t catch anything, so we went back to our first spot.” Time was ticking, but they finally caught their sixth and final fish. “It was a six pounder, so we were able to make a four pound cull!” In the final rankings, that last fish made all the difference for them. They won 1st place with a total of 31.98 lbs, cashing in on the guaranteed $20,000 winning purse. Sure Life added another $200 to their winnings for using the product in their live well. “We run a Skeeter boat, so we are in good shape. Boerne Marine made us a great deal on our 2014 21-I powered by a Yamaha 250 SHO. It just missed qualifying for the Skeeter bonus, but we love our boat!” This was the teams first time to fish a tournament together, but definitely plan to compete again!

2nd place winners Rick Scheen and Mike Harman also reported having a good day. “The fog delay hurt, but when we got to our spot the bite was full on!” Hitting the mouth of a creek in 12’-15’ of water with Texas rigs and crank baits, they caught most of their fish in the first 45 minutes of fishing. “Mike caught our biggest, about 8-1/2 pounds. We managed to cull twice, but still had a three pounder we needed to cull.” Around 2:30, they moved to another spot and started flipping. “When the sun came out, it hurt the bite. We kept at it, but never could cull that last smallest fish. Other than that, everything went smooth and basically as planned. It was a lot of fun!” Bass Champs presented them a $3,500 check for 2nd place, then they won another $250 for qualifying for the Lowrance bonus. “We would both like to thank our wives first and foremost for allowing us to do this. We also appreciate Samaniego Custom Rods and Lews Reels for their support.”

3rd place was achieved by the father and son team of Ben and John Bossom. “We caught fish all day, in a place we found in practice,” John began. “The area was less than ten feet deep with lots of brush and mixed hardwoods.” Using a Texas rig, their first bite yielded them a six pounder. “The bite was really slow. After a while, there was a short flurry where they bit well, and after the first three hours we had a limit in the boat. We caught fish and culled all day, and we broke off several fish too.” As the day wore on, they got down to mere minutes left to fish. “We were watching the time pretty close. With 3 minutes left, we made our last cull, exchanging a four pounder for a two. Dad broke off on one right after that.” Their best five fish totaled 20.54 lbs for a 3rd place finish and a $2,000 check. “This is our third year fishing Bass Champs together, and this is our best finish yet!”

Rounding out the top five includes (4th) 20.36 lbs, Logan and Jerry McDonald taking home $1,700 and (5th) 20.07 lbs, Mitch Goodall and Foy Osborn winning $1,600.

Jacob Beck caught the biggest bass of the day, fishing with Brian Hall. “It was a tough day. We flipped trees all day looking for bass.” The morning bite eluded them, and they didn’t have a single fish in their live well until noon. “There was an area with a drain, and an old road bed running through it. We went up and down it flipping the trees in 6’ to 12’, over and over.” That’s where he got his big bite on a lizard. “She just hit it, and I set the hook. She got hung up in a tree while I was trying to reel her in, but thankfully the limb broke off and we netted her with part of the limb! That was their fifth keeper, and by then it was 3pm. Their big bass weighed in at 9.10 pounds, winning a $500 check. All total they netted 17.44 lbs for an 11th place finish and another $1,010. Abu Garcia awarded them two new reels for catching the biggest bass of the tournament on an Abu Garcia reel.

Skeeter boats awarded the 12th place winners William Fesler and William McGuffey $1,000, doubling their winnings, for being the highest finishing team in a qualified Skeeter boat. They also won the Sportsmans Auto bonus for an additional $5,000 value!

It took 13.81 lbs to win a check, and the 22nd place team winning the final $600 was Mike Cones and Ron Wade.

With two of four tournaments now in the books for the South Region, the Anglers of the Year race is underway. The team with the most accumulated points after all of the events in their region have been fished will achieve this prestigious status and have their entry fees waived in that region for the 2019 season. Top five rankings after two events are:
318 pts – Rick Scheen & Mike Harman
301 pts – Mike Cones & Ron Wade
298 pts – Kenneth Fairly & Tommy Law
298 pts – Logan McDonald and Jerry McDonald
296 pts – Mitch Goodall & Foy Osborn

The next South Region tournament will be held March 24th at Lake Amistad. Good luck teams!

Complete Results:

by AnglersChannel

James McCoy Wins Pro Division of Kayak Anglers Tournament Series on Lake LBJ, James Curlee Wins Social Division!

by AnglersChannel

Doug Easton Wins ABA Open Series Lake Norman Event with over 15 pounds!

ATHENS, Ala. – The chance for the highest payout available for the weekend angler at a $200 entry fee drew 114 anglers to lake Norman for the ABA Open Series North Carolina season opener. 59 Anglers fished for the Boater Division guaranteed $5,000 minimum. While, 56 Co-anglers competed for top prize of $1,600. 10.29 pounds and better took home a check for the boaters, and 5.17 pounds and better took a check for the co-anglers. Paying out 11 places in both divisions it was a great day of fishing for 22 anglers.

Doug Easton of Concord, North Carolina won the American Bass Anglers Open Series North Carolina tournament held February 10, 2018 on Lake Norman. Running out of Pinnacle Landing in Mooresville North Carolina, Doug weighed in a five-bass limit that locked in the scales at 15.04 pounds. For the win Doug took home a check for $5000.00. Easton also Collected an additional $530.00 for weighing in the largest bassfor the boaters. His winning bass weighed 3.97 pounds. Also, for being a member of the Triton Gold program Easton qualified for an additional $500.00. For having his Triton equipped with a 2016 or newer Mercury Outboard Engine he qualified for an additional $500.00 from Mercury Bonus Bucks

“I think the fog that moved in helped me a lot. I sat down and fished in one creek all day instead of moving around a lot. I had 8 keepers that were caught shallow,” said Easton.

In second for the boaters Eric Moser of Concord, North Carolina landed a five-bass limit weighing 14.68 pounds. Eric took home $1000.00 for the effort.

“I caught 14 keepers today. All my fish were caught in 10 feet or less of water,” said Moser.

Derek Cummings of Denver, North Carolina took third for the boaters with a five-bass limit weighing 13.51 pounds. He earned $650.00

“I caught 10 fish today all in deep water on a crankbait.” said Cummings.

In fourth place for the boaters Brian Morgan of Newton, North Carolina weighed in a five-bass limit for 13.40 pounds. Rounding out the top five Jody Wright of Ellenboro, North Carolina weighed in a five-bass limit for 12.21 pounds.

In the Co-Angler Division Scott Plattenberger of Concord, North Carolina weighed in a three-bass limit weighing 7.98 pounds. He took home a check for $1600.00 for the win.

Plattenberger also collected an additional $255.00 for the largest bass caught by a co-angler. His bass weighed in at 3.95 pounds.

“I caught 5 bass today mid depth on a shaky head,” said Plattenberger.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Jesse Jodon of Windber, Pennsylvania brought in a three-bass co-angler limit weighing 7.23 pounds. He collected $600.00 for the effort.

“I Caught 4 keepers and lost one that may have given me the win. I caught my fish cranking shallow,” said Jodon.

Scott Flowe of Lexington, North Carolina placed third among the co-anglers with three bass weighing 6.81 pounds. He earned $450.00 for the effort.

“I Caught four keepers today. My fish were caught deep on a jerk bait,” said Flowe.

In fourth among the co-anglers William Hearn of Stanley, North Carolina weighed in 3 bass that weighed 6.14 pounds and rounding out the top five was John Orchard of Winston Salem, North Carolina with three bass weighing 6.10 pounds.

Slated for March 24, 2018 the next North Carolina tournament will be held on Lake Hickory out of the Wittenburg Wildlife access.

To register for this event please visit American Bass Anglers online or call 256-232-0406.
For more information on this tournament, call Rodney Michael tournament manager, at 256-497-0967 or ABA at 256-232-0406. Online at americanbassanglers.com

About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour. the American Couples Series, or the Military Team Tournament visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

by AnglersChannel

GILMER HIGH SCHOOL WINS TBF/FLW HIGH SCHOOL FISHING GEORGIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ON WEST POINT LAKE

LAGRANGE, Ga. (Feb. 12, 2018) – The Gilmer High School fishing club duo of Thomas Chastain and Carter Ott, both of Ellijay, Ga, brought a five-bass limit to the scale Saturday weighing 15 pounds, 5 ounces to win the 2018 TBF/FLW High School Fishing Georgia State Championship on West Point Lake.

A field of 62 teams competed in the no-entry fee tournament, which launched from Highland Marina in LaGrange. In FLW/TBF High School Fishing competition, the top 10-percent of teams competing advance to the High School Fishing National Championship.

The top six teams on Lake Mitchell that advanced to the 2018 High School Fishing National Championship were:

1st: Gilmer High School, Ellijay, Ga. – Thomas Chastain and Carter Ott, both of Ellijay, Ga., five bass, 15-5

2nd: Troup County High School, LaGrange, Ga. – Drake Reeves and Trayton Gay, both of LaGrange, Ga., five bass, 14-15

3rd: Jackson County Comprehensive High School, Jefferson, Ga. – Sam Holley and Jake Holley, both of Hoschton, Ga., five bass, 14-9

4th: Harris County High School, Hamilton, Ga. – Cal Culpepper, Hamilton, Ga., and Mason Waddell, Waverly Hill, Ga., five bass, 14-0

5th: Greenbrier High School, Evans, Ga. – Tanner Hadden and Cy Casey, both of Evans, Ga., five bass, 12-11

6^th: Mount Paran Christian School, Kennesaw, Ga. – Lee Rose Koza and Carter Koza, both of Marietta, Ga., five bass, 11-15

Rounding out the top 10 teams were:

7th: Georgia High School Student Angler Federation – Karston Hopson and Cole Hopson, both of Cumming, Ga., five bass, 10-14

8th: Greenbrier High School, Evans, Ga. – Jacob Blumling and Coleman Johnson, both of Evans, Ga., five bass, 10-7

9th: North Forsyth High School, Cumming, Ga. – Maddux Walters, Canton, Ga., and Ryan Jackson, Cumming, Ga., five bass, 10-3

10th: Heard County High School, Franklin, Ga. – Chris Carroll and Payton Caldwell, both of Franklin, Ga., five bass, 9-6

Complete results from the event can be found at HighSchoolFishing.org.

The 2018 TBF/FLW High School Fishing Georgia State Championship was a two-person (team) event for students in grades 7-12, open to any Student Angler Federation (SAF) affiliated high school club in the United States. The top 10 percent of each Challenge, Open, and state championship field will advance to the High School Fishing National Championship on Pickwick Lake, in Florence, Alabama, June 26-29. 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 high school bass tournament, the 2018 High School Fishing World Finals, held in conjunction with the National Championship on Pickwick Lake. At the 2017 World Finals more than $60,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded.

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

Thomas Chastain & Carter Ott, of the Gilmer Fishing Club, made the best of the early spring conditions at West Point Lake this weekend in LaGrange, Georgia. As outside temps climbed into the upper 60’s, water temps were still in the mid-winter numbers. With recent rains in the area, water conditions were quite muddy and finding clear water to fish was a challenge. However, Chastain & Ott managed to catch a limit of fish that weighed 15.05 pounds to win the SAF Georgia High School State Championship.

Second place and Big Bass honors went to Drake Reeves & Trayton Gay, from Troup High School. Their limit weighed in at 14.15 pounds and their limit was anchored by the biggest bass of the tournament, a nice 6.03 lunker largemouth. Rounding out the top three was the Holley Team of Sam & Jake from JCCHS Fishing Club. Their bag of fish weighed 14.09 pounds.

Fourth thru sixth place honors went to the following. Cal Culpepper and Mason Waddell, of Harris County High School with 14 pounds. Fifth place was Tanner Hadden & Cy Casey, from Greenbrier High School, with 12.11 pounds and sixth was the team of Lee Rose Koza & Carter Koza of Mount Paran Christian High School with 11.15 pounds.

Several anglers reported catching their fish on crawfish colored crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits and Rattletraps. Most teams were fishing shallow along chunky rock banks, just chunking and winding. With a total of 62 teams in the field, the top 6 teams advanced and qualified for the upcoming SAF National Championship to be held June 27-30 at Pickwick Lake at McFarland Park in Florence, AL. Congratulations to the Top 6 teams and Good Luck at Nationals.

by AnglersChannel

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY WINS YETI FLW COLLEGE FISHING TOURNAMENT AT LAKE HAVASU

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2018) – The Oregon State University team of Eric Kennedy, of Woodland, California, and William Eschliman, of Eugene, Oregon, won the YETI FLW College Fishing event on Lake Havasu presented by Bass Pro Shops Saturday with four bass weighing 9 pounds, 9 ounces. The victory earned the Oregon State Bass Fishing Club $2,000 and a slot in the 2019 FLW College Fishing National Championship.

“This is the first time either of us had ever been to the lake – the first time I’d ever been to Arizona,” said Kennedy, a senior majoring in Agriculture Management. “We only caught three fish in the two days of practice, but we stuck to what we knew and it worked out for us on Saturday.”

The duo said that they ran up the river, past Castle Rock, and caught fish on reactions baits and finesse worms on drop-shot rigs. They targeted fish that were holding on natural structure such as rock and submerged wood.

Kennedy said one of the reaction baits they used was a chartreuse-colored Strike King KVD HC Shallow Squarebill 1.5 Crankbait. When the bait bounced off the submerged logs they would get bit.

According to Eschliman, a senior majoring in Fishery and Wildlife Science, the finesse worms they used were from their sponsor Western Fishing Operations. Because of the water clarity, the team focused on bright colors like neon shad and morning dawn, tipped with a chartreuse tail.

“We didn’t think we were going to win. We thought we only had around 7 pounds,” said Eschliman. “Our fish ended up weighing more than we anticipated.”

The top 10 teams from Lake Havasu that advanced to the 2019 College Fishing National Championship are:

1^st: Oregon State University – Eric Kennedy, Woodland, Calif., and William Eschliman, Eugene, Ore., four bass, 9-9, $2,000

2^nd: California Polytechnic State University – Sam Morita and Aren Abrahamian, both of Sebastopol, Calif., three bass, 8-12, $1,000

3^rd: California State University-Chico – Chad Sweitzer, Chico, Calif., and Tyler Firebaugh, Danville, Calif., three bass, 7-0, $900

4^th: New Mexico State University – Ty Faulconer, Las Cruces, N.M., and Daylon Smith, Frazier Park, Calif., two bass, 6-3, $500

5^th: Northern Arizona University – Levi Wittrock and Gunnar Stanton, both of Boulder City, Nev., three bass, 6-1, $700

6^th: Grand Canyon University – Joseph Dwyer, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Tommy Sendek, Tucson, Ariz., two bass, 5-11

7^th: Northern Arizona University – Jake Hartzler, Flagstaff, Ariz., and Jonah Simminger, Tempe, Ariz., one bass, 4-14

8^th: California Polytechnic State University – Clayton Lauchland, Lodi, Calif., and Christopher Leclair, Saugas, Calif., one bass, 3-10

9^th: Arizona State University – Adam White, Paradise Valley, Ariz., and Logan Mueller, Gilbert, Ariz., two bass, 3-3

10^th: California Polytechnic State University – Alec Pitts, Santa Rosa, Calif., and Hugh Cosculluela, The Woodlands, Texas, one bass, 2-15

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

This YETI FLW College Fishing Western Conference event on Lake Havasu was hosted by the Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau, and was the first of three regular-season qualifying tournaments for Western Conference anglers in 2018. The next YETI FLW College Fishing event takes place Mar. 6, when the FLW College Fishing Open anglers take on Kentucky-Barkley Lakes in Gilbertsville, Kentucky.

The 2018 FLW College Fishing National Championship will take place May 30-June 1 on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission & Red River Waterway Commission.

YETI FLW College Fishing is free to enter. All participants must be registered, full-time students at a college, university or community college and members of a college fishing club that is recognized by their school.

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

by AnglersChannel

BETHEL UNIVERSITY WINS YETI FLW COLLEGE FISHING EVENT ON LAKE SEMINOLE

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Feb. 12, 2017) – The Bethel University team of Cole Floyd of Leesburg, Ohio, and Carter McNeil of Abbeville, South Carolina, won the YETI FLW College Fishing event on Lake Seminole presented by Bass Pro Shops tournament Saturday with a five-bass limit weighing 28 pounds, 1 ounce – the third-largest five-bass limit ever weighed in the 10-year history of FLW College Fishing. The victory earned the Wildcats bass club $3,250 and a spot in the 2019 FLW College Fishing National Championship.

“Carter and I have fished quite a few events together, and we’ve had a couple of second place finishes, but it feels great to finally earn a win,” said Floyd, a junior majoring in business management. “We were targeting hydrilla in the deep ditches and we had a milk run of six different areas that we fished throughout the day.

“Our worst spot in practice actually turned out to be the best spot during the tournament,” Floyd continued. “It was a long ditch, with two lanes that the fish were using as a highway as they were coming in to spawn. We caught around 30 fish, and all of our limit that we weighed in on stage came out of there. We probably caught three 20-pound limits throughout the day, and we were throwing back 4½-pounders.”

“We were throwing Strike King Red Eye Shads – I was throwing a craw-colored and Cole was throwing a bone white-colored,” said McNeil, also a junior majoring in business management. “The area had a high population of fish and we’d make long casts and reel it back, then stop and let it sink. Most of the bites came on the fall.”

The top 10 teams that advanced to the 2019 College Fishing National Championship are:

1^st: Bethel University – Cole Floyd of Leesburg, Ohio, and Carter McNeil, Abbeville, S.C., five bass, 28-1, $3,250

2^nd: Bethel University – Kyler Chelminiak, McKenzie, Tenn., and Ricky Harris, Berea, Ky., five bass, 21-6, $1,410

3^rd: Kennesaw State University – Payton Morgan and Dexter Gordy, both of Woodstock, Ga., five bass, 19-11, $500

4^th: Daytona State College – Tyler Woolcott, and Devin Dellacava, both of Port Orange, Fla., four bass, 19-11, $700

5^th: University of North Alabama – Triston Crowder, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and Lake Blasingame, Killen, Ala., five bass, 19-1, $500

6^th: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – Benjamin Chandler, Fort Gaines, Ga., and Richard Jordan, Concord, Ga., five bass, 18-2

7^th: University of Alabama – Caiden Sinclair and Hunter Gibson, both of Hoover, Ala., five bass, 18-1

8^th: Mississippi State University – Tucker Adams, Smithdale, Miss., and Cody Peak, Centreville, Miss., five bass, 17-11

9^th: Bethel University – Brad Ableman, McKenzie, Tenn., and Kristopher Queen, Catawba, N.C., five bass, 17-3

10^th: Calhoun Community College – Christopher Lupo, Huntsville, Ala., and Bradley Lynn, Athens, Ala., five bass, 17-1

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

This YETI FLW College Fishing Southeastern Conference opener on Lake Seminole was hosted by the Bainbridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, and was the first of three regular-season qualifying tournaments for Southeastern Conference anglers in 2018. The next YETI FLW College Fishing event takes place March 10, when Southeastern Conference anglers compete at the FLW College Fishing at Lake Guntersville presented by Berkley, in Guntersville, Alabama.

by AnglersChannel

JAMEY RAMPEY WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL SOUTH CAROLINA DIVISION OPENER ON LAKE HARTWELL

Edgefield’s Carroll Earns Co-angler Title

ANDERSON, S.C. (Feb. 12, 2018) – Boater Jayme Rampey of Liberty, South Carolina, caught five bass weighing 18 pounds, 14 ounces, Saturday to win the 2018 T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) South Carolina Division opener on Lake Hartwell. Rampey pocketed $5,886 for his win.

Rampey said he utilized much of the lake, from the boat ramp down to the dam, to catch his fish. He said his goal was to stay mobile throwing his super-light 6-pound-test Hi-Seas 100% Fluorocarbon line.

“I pretty much fished ditches all day. We’ve had a lot of rain and new freshwater coming in, and the herring were in the ditches,” said Rampey, who earned his eighth career win in BFL competition – his fourth in the past year. “A lot of the lake was blown out so I looked for water that was just a little off-color. I stayed mobile - I didn’t get want to get hung up on anything.”

Rampey said his he employed a one-two punch of baits in the morning – a Buckeye Lures Su-Spin Blade with a white Zoom Super Fluke Jr. and a Buckeye Lures G-Man Finesse Swimbait Jighead with the same Zoom fluke as a trailer. He said he also worked in a jerkbait after the wind picked up later in the day.

“I caught about 10 keepers throughout the event, with two of my biggest coming on the finesse jighead,” said Rampey.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1^st: Jayme Rampey, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 18-14, $5,886

2^nd: Scott Allgood, Westminster, S.C., four bass, 16-10, $2,343

3^rd: Derek Lehtonen, Woodruff, S.C., five bass, 15-11, $1,562

4^th: Adam Beckum, Martinez, Ga., five bass, 15-2, $1,193

5^th: Joey Sabbagha, Prosperity, S.C., five bass, 14-0, $1,237

6^th: Ron Farrow, Rock Hill, S.C., five bass, 13-14, $859

7^th: Randy Childers, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 13-7, $781

8^th: Dustin Henson, Landrum, S.C., five bass, 12-10, $703

9^th: Bryce Matthews, Olanta, S.C., five bass, 12-8, $625

10^th: Greg Glouse, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 12-6, $547

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Coy Watts of Conway, South Carolina, caught a bass weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $690.

Keith Carroll of Edgefield, South Carolina, won the Co-angler Division and $2,343 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 1 ounce.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1^st: Keith Carroll, Edgefield, S.C., five bass, 11-1, $2,343

2^nd: Wesley Lewis, Mooresville, N.C., five bass, 10-11, $1,172

3^rd: Michael Miller, Greenville, S.C., five bass, 10-4, $981

4^th: Neal Shade, Greenville, S.C., four bass, 10-3, $597

5^th: Sam Spencer, Hudson, N.C., four bass, 9-14, $469

6^th: Tracy Harrington, Bonnie, Ill., five bass, 9-6, $430

7^th: Joel Cerv, North Wilkesboro, N.C., four bass, 8-11, $391

8^th: Michael Smith, Piedmont, S.C., five bass, 8-8, $351

9^th: Sandon Wilson, Laurens, S.C., three bass, 8-7, $312

10^th: Bobby Henderson, Charlotte, N.C., five bass, 7-11, $259

10^th: Najee McClinton, Columbia, S.C., five bass, 7-11, $259

Jeremy Winn of Seneca, South Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a 4-pound, 1-ounce fish. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $345.

The T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) South Carolina Division opener on Lake Hartwell was hosted by the Anderson Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 18-20 BFL Regional Championship on Lake Norman in Huntersville, North Carolina. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.

The 2018 BFL is a 24-division circuit devoted to weekend anglers, with 128 tournaments throughout the season, five qualifying events in each division. The top 45 boaters and co-anglers from each division, along with the five winners of the qualifying events, will advance to one of six regional tournaments where they are competing to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-American. The 2018 BFL All-American will be held May 31-June 2 at Cross Lake in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. Top performers in the BFL can move up to the Costa FLW Series or even the FLW Tour.

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

Complete Boater Results:

PLACE	ANGLER	CITY/STATE	DAY 1 WT (Fish)	DAY 1&2 WT (Fish)	WINNINGS
1	JAYME RAMPEY	LIBERTY, SC	18 - 14 (5)	18 - 14 (5)	$5,886
2	SCOTT ALLGOOD	WESTMINSTER, SC	16 - 10 (4)	16 - 10 (4)	$2,343
3	DEREK LEHTONEN	WOODRUFF, SC	15 - 11 (5)	15 - 11 (5)	$1,562
4	ADAM BECKUM	MARTINEZ, GA	15 - 2 (5)	15 - 2 (5)	$1,193
5	JOEY SABBAGHA	PROSPERITY, SC	14 - 0 (5)	14 - 0 (5)	$1,237
6	RON FARROW	ROCK HILL, SC	13 - 14 (5)	13 - 14 (5)	$859
7	RANDY CHILDERS	ANDERSON, SC	13 - 7 (5)	13 - 7 (5)	$781
8	DUSTIN HENSON	LANDRUM, SC	12 - 10 (5)	12 - 10 (5)	$703
9	BRYCE MATTHEWS	OLANTA, SC	12 - 8 (5)	12 - 8 (5)	$625
10	GREG GLOUSE	LIBERTY, SC	12 - 6 (5)	12 - 6 (5)	$547
11	JOE ANDERS	EASLEY, SC	12 - 5 (5)	12 - 5 (5)	$492
12	GREG RIKARD	LEESVILLE, SC	12 - 4 (5)	12 - 4 (5)	$453
13	BRANDT TUMBERG	MOORE, SC	12 - 3 (5)	12 - 3 (5)	$437
14	JONATHAN FOSTER	MAIDEN, NC	12 - 0 (5)	12 - 0 (5)	$414
15	TRA DUMIT	GREENVILLE, SC	11 - 13 (5)	11 - 13 (5)	$391
16	TRAVIS GARRETT	TOCCOA, GA	11 - 8 (5)	11 - 8 (5)	$375
17	BUDDY BLACK	LAWNDALE, NC	11 - 6 (4)	11 - 6 (4)	$359
18	ROB DIGH	DENVER, NC	11 - 5 (5)	11 - 5 (5)	$344
19	JASON WILSON	LINCOLNTON, NC	11 - 3 (5)	11 - 3 (5)	$328
20	DAVID WILLIAMS	MAIDEN, NC	11 - 0 (5)	11 - 0 (5)	$312
21	MATTHEW JUSTICE	FAIR PLAY, SC	10 - 14 (5)	10 - 14 (5)	$305
22	NATHAN WEBBER	LAKE WYLIE, SC	10 - 8 (5)	10 - 8 (5)	$297
23	CARSON ORELLANA	MOORESVILLE, NC	10 - 7 (5)	10 - 7 (5)	$285
23	JOHN PARKER	GAFFNEY, SC	10 - 7 (5)	10 - 7 (5)	$285
25	COY WATTS	CONWAY, SC	10 - 5 (3)	10 - 5 (3)	$963
26	JOHN DUVALL	MADISON, GA	10 - 4 (5)	10 - 4 (5)	$262
26	SHANE LINEBERGER	LINCOLNTON, NC	10 - 4 (5)	10 - 4 (5)	$262
28	STEVE HARWOOD	WEAVERVILLE, NC	10 - 3 (5)	10 - 3 (5)
29	ERIC JETER	ASHEVILLE, NC	10 - 1 (5)	10 - 1 (5)
30	BRIAN KEY	AIKEN, SC	9 - 15 (5)	9 - 15 (5)
31	JEREMIAH JENSEN	COLUMBIA, SC	9 - 13 (5)	9 - 13 (5)
32	ROSS BURNS	COLUMBIA, SC	9 - 12 (3)	9 - 12 (3)
33	ROB NOWLIN	COLUMBIA, SC	9 - 8 (5)	9 - 8 (5)
33	STEVE WICKER	POMARIA, SC	9 - 8 (5)	9 - 8 (5)
35	THOMAS GUTHKE	ANDERSON, SC	9 - 6 (5)	9 - 6 (5)
36	JAMIE PIERCE	HALLSBORO, NC	9 - 1 (5)	9 - 1 (5)
36	BRIAN JAMISON	GREENSBORO, GA	9 - 1 (4)	9 - 1 (4)
38	WINSTON HUSBAND	GILBERT, SC	9 - 0 (4)	9 - 0 (4)
38	MEL LONG	HAMPTON, SC	9 - 0 (5)	9 - 0 (5)
40	JUSTIN GRIGG	CLOVER, SC	8 - 14 (5)	8 - 14 (5)
40	MITCH AVANT	JOHNSONVILLE, SC	8 - 14 (5)	8 - 14 (5)
42	DEREK SCHLOTTERBACK	SIMPSONVILLE, SC	8 - 13 (4)	8 - 13 (4)
43	DYLAN FULK	CONCORD, NC	8 - 12 (4)	8 - 12 (4)
44	HERMAN VINING	GILBERT, SC	8 - 11 (5)	8 - 11 (5)
44	CHRISTOPHER CHAVIS	RINCON, GA	8 - 11 (3)	8 - 11 (3)
46	CODY HOYLE	RUTHERFORDTON, NC	8 - 8 (5)	8 - 8 (5)
47	JERRY PELFREY	LAURENS, SC	8 - 5 (5)	8 - 5 (5)
47	BRYAN NEW	BELMONT, NC	8 - 5 (5)	8 - 5 (5)
49	WES LEWIS	SHERRILLS FORD, NC	8 - 4 (5)	8 - 4 (5)
50	JEFF BAILEY	INMAN, SC	8 - 2 (5)	8 - 2 (5)
51	KYLE AUSTIN	RIDGEVILLE, SC	8 - 1 (2)	8 - 1 (2)
51	CLINT PROUDFOOT	BLOOMINGDALE, GA	8 - 1 (5)	8 - 1 (5)
51	SCOTT BROWNING	FRANKLIN, NC	8 - 1 (4)	8 - 1 (4)
51	JAKE FRYE	CHARLOTTE, NC	8 - 1 (3)	8 - 1 (3)
55	LARRY FLEEMAN	SHELBY, NC	8 - 0 (4)	8 - 0 (4)
55	ARTIE PHILLIPS	MONROE, NC	8 - 0 (5)	8 - 0 (5)
57	WILLIE MCMULLEN	OXFORD, GA	7 - 15 (5)	7 - 15 (5)
57	KAMERON HARBIN	ABBEVILLE, SC	7 - 15 (5)	7 - 15 (5)
59	AUSTIN JOHNSON	CHESNEE , SC	7 - 14 (3)	7 - 14 (3)
60	JOHN HAAS	MT PLEASANT, SC	7 - 13 (3)	7 - 13 (3)
61	BARRY THAMES	BARNWELL, SC	7 - 11 (3)	7 - 11 (3)
62	ADAM WATERS	DENVER, NC	7 - 9 (4)	7 - 9 (4)
63	PAUL SELLE	LEXINGTON, SC	7 - 8 (4)	7 - 8 (4)
64	TROY MORROW	EASTANOLLEE, GA	7 - 4 (5)	7 - 4 (5)
65	CHRIS DOVER	BLACKSBURG, SC	7 - 2 (4)	7 - 2 (4)
66	SCOTT BEATTIE	LINCOLNTON, NC	6 - 12 (5)	6 - 12 (5)
67	ROBBY RUSH	GASTONIA, NC	6 - 10 (2)	6 - 10 (2)
68	FRED KAUFFMAN	DENVER, NC	6 - 9 (5)	6 - 9 (5)
68	MICHAEL WEBSTER	GASTONIA, NC	6 - 9 (3)	6 - 9 (3)
70	MICHAEL MURPHY	LEXINGTON, SC	6 - 4 (3)	6 - 4 (3)
71	TOM RUBBO	LEXINGTON, SC	6 - 3 (4)	6 - 3 (4)
72	RANDALL SPEARMAN	ANDERSON, SC	5 - 15 (5)	5 - 15 (5)
73	STEVE THORNHILL	PINEVILLE, SC	5 - 13 (4)	5 - 13 (4)
74	NORM ATTAWAY	CLEARWATER, SC	5 - 11 (3)	5 - 11 (3)
74	KENNY SEAGLE	SALISBURY, NC	5 - 11 (4)	5 - 11 (4)
76	MICHAEL MAXFIELD	HANAHAN, SC	5 - 9 (3)	5 - 9 (3)
77	MATTHEW MOLLOHAN	PROSPERITY, SC	5 - 7 (3)	5 - 7 (3)
78	JOSHUA SANCHEZ	SUMMERVILLE, SC	5 - 5 (2)	5 - 5 (2)
78	STEVE GODFREY	CANDLER, NC	5 - 5 (4)	5 - 5 (4)
80	MICHAEL FOX	STATESVILLE, NC	5 - 4 (3)	5 - 4 (3)
80	TRAVIS YOUNG	CHARLOTTE, NC	5 - 4 (2)	5 - 4 (2)
82	DREW MONTGOMERY	MAIDEN, NC	5 - 2 (3)	5 - 2 (3)
83	CHARLES CURRY	KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC	4 - 14 (2)	4 - 14 (2)
83	AARON JORDAN	CHARLOTTE, NC	4 - 14 (3)	4 - 14 (3)
83	RONNIE MCCOY	LAMAR, SC	4 - 14 (2)	4 - 14 (2)
86	JIMMY SMITH	BLYTHEWOOD, SC	4 - 13 (3)	4 - 13 (3)
87	JEFF FLETCHER	MOUNT AIRY, GA	4 - 9 (2)	4 - 9 (2)
88	SCOTT FAILE	HARLEM, GA	4 - 4 (2)	4 - 4 (2)
88	WENDELL CAUSEY JR	IRMO, SC	4 - 4 (2)	4 - 4 (2)
90	JAMES BUCHANAN	MONROE, NC	4 - 1 (2)	4 - 1 (2)
91	JOHNATHAN CROSSLAND	CHAPIN, SC	3 - 13 (4)	3 - 13 (4)
91	MICHAEL RECTOR	PACOLET, SC	3 - 13 (2)	3 - 13 (2)
93	MICHAEL CAMPBELL	PINEVILLE, SC	3 - 12 (3)	3 - 12 (3)
93	CARL WHITFIELD	ANDERSON, SC	3 - 12 (2)	3 - 12 (2)
95	LARRY WHITTINGTON	PURLEAR, NC	3 - 11 (2)	3 - 11 (2)
96	ROBERT HOLLAND	COLUMBIA, SC	3 - 10 (2)	3 - 10 (2)
96	ROGER MEDLOCK	MOUNT PLEASANT, SC	3 - 10 (2)	3 - 10 (2)
96	ZACK LAMB	MARTINEZ, GA	3 - 10 (3)	3 - 10 (3)
96	TRAVIS WEATHERS	SENECA, SC	3 - 10 (2)	3 - 10 (2)
100	WESLEY SANDIFER	CHAPIN, SC	3 - 7 (2)	3 - 7 (2)
100	CHRIS CARNES	YORK, SC	3 - 7 (1)	3 - 7 (1)
100	TONY EVERHART	GAFFNEY, SC	3 - 7 (2)	3 - 7 (2)
103	JOSH PEAKE	WEST COLUMBIA, SC	3 - 1 (2)	3 - 1 (2)
104	TODD SOSEBEE	BESSEMER CITY, NC	2 - 14 (2)	2 - 14 (2)
104	CHRISTIAN SHODA	FORT MILL, SC	2 - 14 (2)	2 - 14 (2)
106	EDDIE WHITEN JR	PICKENS, SC	2 - 11 (1)	2 - 11 (1)
107	JOHN MCKENZIE	HAMPTON, SC	2 - 10 (1)	2 - 10 (1)
108	ED MATTHEWS	COLUMBIA, SC	2 - 7 (2)	2 - 7 (2)
109	WESLEY STORY	CLARKS HILL, SC	2 - 6 (1)	2 - 6 (1)
110	MARK HETKOWSKI	OXFORD, GA	2 - 0 (2)	2 - 0 (2)
111	RYAN WALLING	GOOSE CREEK, SC	1 - 14 (1)	1 - 14 (1)
111	CALVIN JONES	RAEFORD, NC	1 - 14 (1)	1 - 14 (1)
111	JEREMY BOULDIN	KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC	1 - 14 (1)	1 - 14 (1)
114	BEN COX	ANDREWS, SC	1 - 13 (1)	1 - 13 (1)
114	MICHAEL ECKARD	KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC	1 - 13 (1)	1 - 13 (1)
116	JUSTIN RAINES	EASLEY, SC	1 - 10 (1)	1 - 10 (1)
117	TIM KELLEY	LUGOFF, SC	1 - 9 (1)	1 - 9 (1)
118	JAMES BOZIN	CLOVER, SC	1 - 7 (1)	1 - 7 (1)
119	RYAN BELK	LEXINGTON, SC	1 - 6 (1)	1 - 6 (1)
120	RICHARD PHILLIPS	ASHEVILLE, NC	1 - 4 (1)	1 - 4 (1)
	TRENT MCLAUGHLIN	CASSATT, SC
	LINDWOOD THORNHILL	PINEVILLE, SC
	ANDREW YOUNG	CLARENDON, NC
	DONALD BLACK	FORT MILL, SC
	JIMMY WILSON	WAGENER, SC
	JODY HUGHES	BALDWIN, GA
	DANIEL GRASSI	POOLER, GA
	KYLE RICKER	GREENVILLE, SC
	SHAYNE MCFARLIN	MARTIN, GA
	LANCEN HALBERT	CHARLESTON, SC
	JASON MCCOY	HARTSVILLE, SC
	WILLIAM FORDREE	SIX MILE, SC
	TONY HOLLIDAY	PIEDMONT, SC
	CHRIS MARSHALL	FOREST CITY, NC
	JOSH ALSBROOKS	WILLISTON, SC
	RANDY WOOD	SPRINGFIELD, GA
	CHAD SIMS	LANCASTER, SC
	TIM TEAGUE	BELMONT, NC

by AnglersChannel

RONNIE BUCK WINS T-H MARINE FLW BFL GATOR DIVISION TOURNAMENT ON LAKE OKEECHOBEE PRESENTED BY NAVIONICS

Bartow’s Malys Takes Co-angler Title

CLEWISTON, Fla. (Feb. 12, 2018) – Boater Ronnie Buck of Miami, Florida, caught five bass weighing 26 pounds, 1 ounce, Saturday to win the T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Gator Division event on Lake Okeechobee presented by Navionics. For his efforts, Buck took home $5,504.

Buck said he spent the tournament fishing a 200-yard stretch of water in the Dyess Ditch area of the lake. He said he followed a similar pattern to what FLW Tour pro Tim Frederick did to win the FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee in January.

“I was basically in the same area (as Frederick). I found the fish in practice on Friday and I was able to go back and execute,” said Buck, who earned his first career win in FLW competition. “There were isolated heads of grass with little stickups nearby, and the bigger ones were around the stickups.”

Buck said he used a Junebug-colored Gambler Fat Ace to catch four of five bass that he weighed, and a black and blue-colored Gambler Heavy Cover Southern Swim Jig with a Gambler Burner Craw trailer in the same color for his fifth. He said the first two hours of the day were spent with the swim jig, and the rest were spent using the Fat Ace.

“I’m not sure if they were bedding, or moving in and out. I was casting and pitching to them, and fishing as slow as I could,” said Buck.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1^st: Ronnie Buck, Miami, Fla., five bass, 26-1, $5,504

2^nd: Robert Crosnoe, Inverness, Fla., five bass, 23-11, $2,752

3^rd: Jared McMillan, Belle Glade, Fla., five bass, 23-0, $1,768

4^th: Chad Van Slyke, Cicero, N.Y., five bass, 22-4, $1,238

5^th: Jessie Mizell, Sarasota, Fla., five bass, 21-4, $1,061

6^th: Richard Teschendorf, Palm Harbor, Fla., five bass, 20-2, $972

7^th: Brianne McMillan, Belle Glade, Fla., five bass, 19-13, $840

7^th: Fred George, Okeechobee, Fla., five bass, 19-13, $840

9^th: Mike Jackson, San Mateo, Fla., five bass, 19-4, $707

10^th: Jeffery Swearingen, Albany, Ga., five bass, 18-13, $619

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Roger Crafton of Boca Grande, Florida, caught a giant largemouth weighing 9 pounds, 13 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $835.

Brian Malys of Bartow, Florida, won the Co-angler Division and $3,084 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 25 pounds, 3 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1^st: Brian Malys, Bartow, Fla., five bass, 25-3, $3,084

2^nd: Robert Lauffer, Clermont, Fla., five bass, 20-5, $1,341

3^rd: James Tyler, Deltona, Fla., five bass, 18-14, $863

4^th: Andrew Pulliam, Spring Hill, Fla., five bass, 17-3, $603

5^th: Shaun Ireland, Lake Worth, Fla., five bass, 15-7, $516

6^th: Christian Greico, Tampa, Fla., five bass, 14-3, $473

7^th: John Cervenka, Windermere, Fla., four bass, 13-12, $430

8^th: Anthony Cilladi, Orlando, Fla., five bass, 13-9, $387

9^th: Cody Farnham, Port St. Lucie, Fla., five bass, 13-6, $344

10^th: Hunter Taylor, Ocoee, Fla., five bass, 13-5, $301

Malys also caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a 10-pound, 5-ounce lunker. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $402.

The T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Gator Division event on Lake Okeechobee presented by Navionics was hosted by Roland & Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort.

The top 45 boaters and co-anglers in the region based on point standings, along with the five winners in each qualifying event, will be entered in the Oct. 11-13 BFL Regional Championship on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida. Boaters will compete for a top award of a Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard and $20,000, while co-anglers will fish for a new Ranger Z518C with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.

Complete Boater Results:

PLACE	ANGLER	CITY/STATE	DAY 1 WT (Fish)	DAY 1&2 WT (Fish)	WINNINGS
1	RONNIE BUCK	MIAMI, FL	26 - 1 (5)	26 - 1 (5)	$5,504
2	ROBERT CROSNOE	INVERNESS, FL	23 - 11 (5)	23 - 11 (5)	$2,752
3	JARED MCMILLAN	BELLE GLADE, FL	23 - 0 (5)	23 - 0 (5)	$1,768
4	CHAD VAN SLYKE	CICERO, NY	22 - 4 (5)	22 - 4 (5)	$1,238
5	JESSIE MIZELL	SARASOTA, FL	21 - 4 (5)	21 - 4 (5)	$1,061
6	RICHARD TESCHENDORF	PALM HARBOR, FL	20 - 2 (5)	20 - 2 (5)	$972
7	BRIANNE MCMILLAN	BELLE GLADE, FL	19 - 13 (5)	19 - 13 (5)	$840
7	FRED GEORGE	OKEECHOBEE, FL	19 - 13 (5)	19 - 13 (5)	$840
9	MIKE JACKSON	SAN MATEO, FL	19 - 4 (5)	19 - 4 (5)	$707
10	JEFFERY SWEARINGEN	ALBANY, GA	18 - 13 (5)	18 - 13 (5)	$619
11	LOUIS CHIEFFO	PORT CHARLOTTE, FL	18 - 4 (5)	18 - 4 (5)	$557
12	DONALD LOCKE	LOXAHATCHEE, FL	17 - 9 (5)	17 - 9 (5)	$513
13	BRYAN HONNERLAW	MOORE HAVEN, FL	17 - 7 (5)	17 - 7 (5)	$495
14	MATTHEW JERDAN	CAPE CORAL, FL	16 - 0 (5)	16 - 0 (5)	$455
14	GREG SCHULTZ	NAPLES, FL	16 - 0 (5)	16 - 0 (5)	$455
16	DONNY BASS	NAPLES, FL	15 - 15 (5)	15 - 15 (5)	$424
17	RODNEY MARKS	TAVARES, FL	15 - 14 (5)	15 - 14 (5)	$398
17	RICHARD MONGIOVI	INDIAN LAKE ESTATES, FL	15 - 14 (5)	15 - 14 (5)	$398
19	GREG HUGHES	INVERNESS, FL	15 - 12 (4)	15 - 12 (4)	$371
20	LEE FRYE	BROOKSVILLE, FL	15 - 3 (5)	15 - 3 (5)	$354
21	JAI HUNTER SR	DELAND, FL	15 - 1 (5)	15 - 1 (5)	$340
21	ROGER CRAFTON	BOCA GRANDE, FL	15 - 1 (4)	15 - 1 (4)	$1,175
23	JIM HURLOCK JR.	WEST PALM BEACH, FL	14 - 14 (5)	14 - 14 (5)	$327
24	MIKE LOTT	WINTER GARDEN, FL	14 - 12 (5)	14 - 12 (5)	$318
25	MATT KINNEY	BUNNELL, FL	14 - 10 (5)	14 - 10 (5)	$309
26	MIKE SURMAN	BOCA RATON, FL	13 - 15 (5)	13 - 15 (5)	$296
26	LARRY CAHAN	EAST PALATKA, FL	13 - 15 (5)	13 - 15 (5)	$296
28	JESUS VILLEGAS	VIRGINIA GARDENS, FL	13 - 12 (5)	13 - 12 (5)	$283
29	WILLIAM SCHMITT	WEST PALM BEACH, FL	13 - 11 (5)	13 - 11 (5)	$274
30	RONALD YENTZ	FORT LAUDERDALE, FL	13 - 10 (5)	13 - 10 (5)	$260
30	YOAN ALVAREZ	MIAMI, FL	13 - 10 (5)	13 - 10 (5)	$260
32	JOSHUA WELKES	LAKE WORTH, FL	13 - 8 (5)	13 - 8 (5)	$243
32	JESSEY RUDOLPH	DELTONA, FL	13 - 8 (5)	13 - 8 (5)	$243
34	REINALDO JR ROJAS	CLEWISTON, FL	13 - 3 (4)	13 - 3 (4)
35	THOMAS OLTORIK	DELAND, FL	13 - 1 (5)	13 - 1 (5)
35	FRED CHIVINGTON JR	WELAKA, FL	13 - 1 (5)	13 - 1 (5)
35	CHARLIE EVANS	BEREA, KY	13 - 1 (5)	13 - 1 (5)
35	STEVE BROUGHTON	PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL	13 - 1 (4)	13 - 1 (4)
39	THADEUS RAGAN	WEST PARK, FL	12 - 13 (5)	12 - 13 (5)
40	CHRIS CROW	FORT LAUDERDALE, FL	12 - 12 (5)	12 - 12 (5)
40	FRANK JENKINS	FORT MYERS, FL	12 - 12 (5)	12 - 12 (5)
42	JOHN BITTER	MAITLAND, FL	12 - 10 (5)	12 - 10 (5)
43	ROBERT BEATTY	CLERMONT, FL	12 - 8 (5)	12 - 8 (5)
43	GEORGE KAPITON	INVERNESS, FL	12 - 8 (5)	12 - 8 (5)
45	JOHN KEENE SR	FENELTON, PA	12 - 5 (5)	12 - 5 (5)
46	TONY BENNETT	FORT LAUDERDALE, FL	12 - 3 (5)	12 - 3 (5)
47	JEFF MCMILLAN	BELLE GLADE, FL	12 - 1 (5)	12 - 1 (5)
48	MARK LUNDGREN	SAINT CLOUD, FL	11 - 14 (5)	11 - 14 (5)
49	ANTHONY FORD	NEW SMYRNA, FL	11 - 11 (5)	11 - 11 (5)
50	RYLAN KOZINSKI	CLEWISTON, FL	11 - 10 (5)	11 - 10 (5)
51	CHRIS KEITH	GAINESVILLE, FL	11 - 9 (5)	11 - 9 (5)
52	MERLE WELLS JR	HAMMOND, NY	11 - 7 (5)	11 - 7 (5)
52	JIM ANDERSON	DAVIE, FL	11 - 7 (5)	11 - 7 (5)
54	KARLIS DIPAUL	STURAT, FL	11 - 6 (5)	11 - 6 (5)
54	MARK BLEVINS	PALATKA, FL	11 - 6 (5)	11 - 6 (5)
54	RANDY FORBES	PLEASANT PLAIN, OH	11 - 6 (4)	11 - 6 (4)
57	JIM GESTWICKI	MIAMI, FL	11 - 2 (5)	11 - 2 (5)
57	NEIL NIX	OKEECHOBEE, FL	11 - 2 (5)	11 - 2 (5)
59	MATTHEW WIETEHA	MIAMI, FL	10 - 13 (5)	10 - 13 (5)
60	DYLAN ETTINGER	FLEMING ISLAND, FL	10 - 9 (5)	10 - 9 (5)
61	CARLOS SUCHE	BOCA RATON, FL	10 - 7 (5)	10 - 7 (5)
62	BRANDON MEDLOCK	LAKE PLACID, FL	10 - 6 (5)	10 - 6 (5)
63	BOB BOSTDORF	APOPKA, FL	10 - 5 (5)	10 - 5 (5)
64	NICHOLAS HOINIG	DELRAY BEACH, FL	10 - 4 (5)	10 - 4 (5)
65	KYLE GIELLA	PARRISH, FL	10 - 2 (5)	10 - 2 (5)
66	JIMMY KOWALSKI	LAKE PLACID, FL	10 - 1 (5)	10 - 1 (5)
66	GREG SMITH	NAPLES, FL	10 - 1 (5)	10 - 1 (5)
68	ERIC JOHNSON	MILLIS, MA	10 - 0 (5)	10 - 0 (5)
68	WILLIE MANNING	WEST PALM BEACH, FL	10 - 0 (5)	10 - 0 (5)
68	NATHAN THOMAS	WEIRSDALE, FL	10 - 0 (5)	10 - 0 (5)
71	BILLY CHARLAND	CHULUOTA, FL	9 - 13 (5)	9 - 13 (5)
72	ROBERT DICE	PERRY, FL	9 - 11 (5)	9 - 11 (5)
73	JAMES R. DAVIS	MONTEREY, TN	9 - 8 (4)	9 - 8 (4)
73	JASON REED	HOLLISTER, FL	9 - 8 (5)	9 - 8 (5)
73	RAYMOND GUERRA	PORT SAINT LUCIE, FL	9 - 8 (5)	9 - 8 (5)
73	GREG HARP	VERO BEACH, FL	9 - 8 (5)	9 - 8 (5)
77	DOUG WALKER	LAKE WORTH, FL	9 - 7 (5)	9 - 7 (5)
77	BRIAN DIVITO	SEMINOLE, FL	9 - 7 (5)	9 - 7 (5)
79	CHRIS MCBEATH	BRADENTON, FL	9 - 6 (5)	9 - 6 (5)
79	DERERK SAVAGE	PORT ST. LUCIE, FL	9 - 6 (5)	9 - 6 (5)
81	DOUG GARNER	PORT ST. LUCIE, FL	9 - 5 (5)	9 - 5 (5)
81	JAMES BARNICK	DAVIE, FL	9 - 5 (5)	9 - 5 (5)
83	JAMES LOTT JR	CLERMONT, FL	8 - 15 (5)	8 - 15 (5)
84	BOBBY ADAMS	OKEECHOBEE, FL	8 - 14 (5)	8 - 14 (5)
84	TY FOX	PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL	8 - 14 (5)	8 - 14 (5)
86	DEREK PETRUZELLI	SAINT CLOUD, FL	8 - 8 (5)	8 - 8 (5)
86	KYLE WALTERS	GRANT VALKARIA, FL	8 - 8 (5)	8 - 8 (5)
88	EDWIN BARTLETT	CASCO, ME	8 - 7 (5)	8 - 7 (5)
88	VAL OSINSKI	FORT LAUDERDALE, FL	8 - 7 (4)	8 - 7 (4)
90	TRENT PARDUE	TROY, NC	8 - 5 (5)	8 - 5 (5)
90	WAYNE BLACK	SAN MATEO, FL	8 - 5 (5)	8 - 5 (5)
90	MIKEY KEYSO JR	NORTH PORT, FL	8 - 5 (5)	8 - 5 (5)
93	BRADLEY MACQUEEN	WEST PALM BEACH, FL	8 - 4 (5)	8 - 4 (5)
94	CURTIS LEWIS	WEST PALM BEACH, FL	8 - 3 (5)	8 - 3 (5)
95	JIM JOSEPH	OAKLAND PARK, FL	8 - 2 (5)	8 - 2 (5)
96	SCOTT PATTON	PARIS, TN	8 - 0 (5)	8 - 0 (5)
96	JULIO RODRIGUEZ	MIAMI, FL	8 - 0 (5)	8 - 0 (5)
98	CHUCK WEBB	SARASOTA, FL	7 - 14 (5)	7 - 14 (5)
99	RUSTY LACY	PLANTATION, FL	7 - 12 (5)	7 - 12 (5)
100	TERRY D. METZGER	NAPLES, FL	7 - 11 (5)	7 - 11 (5)
101	BEN HARRIS	HAINES CITY, FL	7 - 10 (5)	7 - 10 (5)
101	DUSTIN ROYER	DAVIE, FL	7 - 10 (5)	7 - 10 (5)
103	PRESTON CLARK	EAGLE LAKE, FL	7 - 6 (4)	7 - 6 (4)
103	DWIGHT WILLIS	BELLE GLADE, FL	7 - 6 (3)	7 - 6 (3)
103	JASON JASTRZEMSKI	WELLINGTON, FL	7 - 6 (5)	7 - 6 (5)
106	JONATHAN SEMENTO	OKAHUMPKA, FL	7 - 5 (5)	7 - 5 (5)
106	DAVID BEAR	WINTER HAVEN, FL	7 - 5 (5)	7 - 5 (5)
108	AUSTIN MURRAY	DELAND, FL	7 - 3 (5)	7 - 3 (5)
108	ALEX TERESCENKO	BOYNTON BEACH, FL	7 - 3 (2)	7 - 3 (2)
110	STANLEY HUNT	JACKSONVILLE, FL	7 - 2 (5)	7 - 2 (5)
111	RUSTY FOX	HOLLISTER, FL	7 - 1 (5)	7 - 1 (5)
112	THOMAS LITTICH	CAPE CORAL, FL	7 - 0 (5)	7 - 0 (5)
113	BENNY TOWNEND	BOYNTON BEACH, FL	6 - 15 (5)	6 - 15 (5)
113	LLOYD MEYERS JR	JACKSONVILLE, FL	6 - 15 (5)	6 - 15 (5)
115	JOHN TAVANO	SEBRING, FL	6 - 13 (4)	6 - 13 (4)
116	CARL BOUSQUET	BOCA RATON, FL	6 - 11 (3)	6 - 11 (3)
116	ROLAND SMITH	LAND O''LAKES, FL	6 - 11 (5)	6 - 11 (5)
118	BRIAN MOWATT	PARRISH, FL	6 - 10 (5)	6 - 10 (5)
118	ED STIEFEL JR	LAKE WORTH, FL	6 - 10 (5)	6 - 10 (5)
120	VAN SOLES	HAINES CITY, FL	6 - 9 (5)	6 - 9 (5)
120	RUSS REYNOLDS	BOCA RATON, FL	6 - 9 (5)	6 - 9 (5)
122	RICK MITCHELL	NAPLES, FL	6 - 8 (4)	6 - 8 (4)
123	TIM CELESTI	MARGATE, FL	6 - 6 (5)	6 - 6 (5)
123	SYLVESTER SMALLS	CAPE CORAL, FL	6 - 6 (5)	6 - 6 (5)
125	JOSHUA MORFIS	CAPE CORAL, FL	6 - 5 (3)	6 - 5 (3)
126	NEAL MEADORS	VERO BEACH, FL	6 - 4 (4)	6 - 4 (4)
127	FRED HERRON	PLANTATION, FL	6 - 2 (5)	6 - 2 (5)
127	TIM SWANGO	LAKE WALES, FL	6 - 2 (5)	6 - 2 (5)
129	STEVEN THAMES	HIGH SPRINGS, FL	5 - 14 (2)	5 - 14 (2)
130	MARK STATON	PLANT CITY, FL	5 - 10 (3)	5 - 10 (3)
131	NORMAN PELLEGRINI	WINDERMERE, FL	5 - 6 (5)	5 - 6 (5)
131	JERRY PHILYAW	DELRAY BEACH, FL	5 - 6 (5)	5 - 6 (5)
133	PATRICK LAYHEW	BRADENTON, FL	5 - 4 (4)	5 - 4 (4)
134	LARRY BROUGHTON	OKEECHOBEE, FL	4 - 11 (3)	4 - 11 (3)
135	CLAY BATSON	FERNANDINA BEACH, FL	4 - 10 (3)	4 - 10 (3)
136	JOSH GRUBER	CLEWISTON , FL	4 - 2 (3)	4 - 2 (3)
136	WILLY HICKS	CHESTER, VA	4 - 2 (3)	4 - 2 (3)
138	EDWIN RIVERA	ORLANDO, FL	3 - 15 (3)	3 - 15 (3)
139	CHRIS HESTER	FORT PAYNE, AL	3 - 8 (1)	3 - 8 (1)
140	BARRY BASS	BRADENTON , FL	3 - 3 (1)	3 - 3 (1)
141	JIM CHIARENZA	LAKE WORTH, FL	2 - 13 (2)	2 - 13 (2)
142	RAYMOND RUPP	THE VILLAGES, FL	2 - 10 (2)	2 - 10 (2)
142	KENNETH HARRIS	ZOLFO SPRINGS, FL	2 - 10 (2)	2 - 10 (2)
144	DAVE PATCHELL	GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL	2 - 0 (1)	2 - 0 (1)
	LIONEL BOTHA	MALABAR, FL
	MIKE OTTMAN	CORAL SPRINGS, FL
	JUSTIN MORGAN	OKEECHOBEE, FL
	GARY SAPP	NEW MARTINSVILLE, WV
	JOEY ROBERTS	JENSEN BEACH, FL
	JUAN RUIZ	LOXAHATCHEE, FL
	WADE LIGHTSEY	OKEECHOBEE , FL
	ANDREW MARKHAM	LAKE PLACID, FL
	BRANDON ST PIERRE	LEHIGH ACRES, FL
	CHARLIE SANCHEZ	SEBRING, FL
	CHAD SCHROEDER	ZEPHYRHILLS, FL
	STEVEN HATALA	ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI
	DILLON MCMILLAN	BELLE GLADE, FL
	ALAN RETTER	MARGATE, FL
	JAMES WIESE	BOYNTON BEACH, FL
	TIM ZDRAZIL	CRAWFORDVILLE, FL
	KEN SHARPLESS	LAKE WALES, FL
	PAUL DUNN	NEW PORT RICHEY, FL
	RICHARD HELD	LAKE WORTH, FL
	BRODY CAMPBELL	OXFORD, OH
	DON DEMOTT	BOCA RATON, FL
	RANDY TERRELL	SAINT LOUIS, MO
	MIKE LAYHEW	PALMETTO, FL

by AnglersChannel

Shane Powell Wins ABA Georgia Opener on Eufaula with over 23 pounds - Pockets $12K for the W!

ATHENS, Ala. – This past weekend 143 anglers made their way to lake Eufaula for a chance at the highest payout available for the weekend angler. 97 of the anglers battled it out in the Boater Division, and 46 duked it out from the back deck in the Co-Angler Division. Over $19,000 was paid out, and it took 14.53 pounds to get into the money on the Boater side and 6.96 pounds for the Co-Anglers.

Shane Powell of Dothan, AL topped the field with 23.77 pounds. He anchored his catch and sealed his victory with 6.30-pound kicker. For his victory in the American Bass Open Series Georgia Division tournament, held February 10^TH on Lake Eufaula, Shane took home a check for $5000. Shane also qualified for an additional $7000 from Triton Gold.

“I started fishing the south end of the lake throwing a chatter-bait and caught two fish right away. Then I started fishing deeper and caught two more on back-to-back casts. It was over for me by 8:30am because I couldn’t cull up with better fish from what I already had. I probably caught around fifteen fish today.” Powell said.

In second for the boaters, David Lowery of Phenix City, AL landed a five-bass tournament limit going 23.24 pounds. He collected $1760 for his catch.

“I caught my fish on the south end of the lake fishing a Big Bite Bait Swimming Craw. It’s a new bait and I was swimming it through the grass. I also put it on the back of a jig and flipped it too.” Lowery said.

John Holder of Brunswick, GA finished third for the boaters with five bass going 22.15 pounds. He earned $1170 for his catch.

“I stayed in Cowikee creek all day and I was fishing with a lizard and a white swimbait. “Holder said.

The largest bass of the tournament for the boaters was caught by Patrick Brown of Swainsboro, GA that weighed 8.18 pounds. Brown pocketed a check for $950 for his catch.

“I caught that fish on a on a big California style swimbait waking it over the grass around 11:30am. I lost another one just as big also on that swimbait. I was fishing the lower end of the lake. “Brown said.

Finishing fourth, Jason “Buddha” Smith of Dawson, GA landed a five-bass limit for 21.85 pounds. Rounding out the top five was Ryan Ingram of Phenix City, AL with a five-bass limit for 21.58 pounds.

In the Co-Angler Division, Keith Minnihan of Stockbridge, GA won with three bass going 9.54 pounds with a 4.96-pound kicker. He pocketed a check for $1400 for his win.

“I caught my fish on a Strike King Game Hawg and some Missile Baits Warlock heads. If it wasn’t for my boater, I wouldn’t have caught those fish. He pointed to them and I made the cast and caught them. I want to thank my boater, Keith Bardolf, for putting me on the fish.” Minnihan said.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Patrick Watson of Newnan, GA brought in a three-bass division limit weighing 9.43 pounds. He collected $500 for the effort.

“I was fishing the south end of the lake and I caught my fish on a square bill crankbait between docks and then on a jig. I only caught three fish today and that is what I weighed-in. “Watson said.

Donnie Dawson of Brunswick, GA placed third among the co-anglers with three bass going 8.42 pounds. He earned $350 for his catch.

“I caught my fish on a spinnerbait and a crankbait fishing the lower end of the lake.” Dawson said.

The largest bass of the tournament for the co-anglers was caught by Joseph Chilcott of Crestview, FL that weighed 6.79 pounds. Chilcott pocketed a check for $225 for his catch.

“I caught that big bass on a square bill crankbait on the lower end if the lake near cypress trees in a ditch.” Chilcott said.

In fourth place among the co-anglers, Phillip Johnson of Griffin, GA brought in three bass for 8.14 pounds. Robert Enke of Phenix City, AL finished in fifth place with three bass at 8.05 pounds.

Slated for March 10^TH , the next tournament will be held on Lake Seminole out of Reynolds Landing in Donalsonville, GA. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2019 Ray Scott Championship to be held on Lake Eufaula in April 2019.

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

by AnglersChannel

Takahiro Wins Elite Series Opener on Lake Martin

Takahiro Omori of Emory, Texas, won the 2018 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge out of Alexander City, Ala., with a four-day total weight of 59 pounds, 8 ounces.

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

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Before this week, it had been more than 15 years since Takahiro Omori fished a major professional bass tournament on Lake Martin.

But history — both recent and distant — says he should find ways to come back as often as he can.

Omori went into Sunday’s final round of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge with a 4-pound, 2-ounce lead. He managed a final-day catch of 14 pounds to claim the victory with a four-day total of 59-8.

It was Omori’s seventh career victory with B.A.S.S. and his second B.A.S.S. win in three years in the state of Alabama after a triumph on Wheeler Lake in 2016. He also won a FLW Tour event on Lake Martin in 2001.

“This time of year, I like to fish shallow — especially during the prespawn,” said Omori, who surpassed $2 million in B.A.S.S. career earnings with the $100,000 win. “Usually when we schedule a tournament for early February, it’s in Florida and the fish have already spawned. But schedule-wise, coming to this lake this time of year is very good for me.”

Omori didn’t exactly have a wealth of options for putting together good limits during the four-day event. During a mostly subpar practice, he identified one small area up the lake on Tuesday where current was flowing behind a small island.

“I caught two keepers and maybe one nonkeeper in back-to-back casts there in practice,” Omori said. “I never had anything big, so I didn’t really know what I had there.

“I was taking a chance because if I had gone up that far and then not caught anything, I would have been in trouble.”

The water on the outside of the island was so shallow that Omori had to trim up his outboard and churn mud off the bottom just to reach the right spot. Once he was in place, he dropped his Power-Pole shallow-water anchors and made repeated casts into the current with a 1.5 TO Craw Lucky Craft squarebill crankbait.

“I think not many people go up that far,” he said. “So, the fish are less pressured. There was also some current coming through there, which really helped.”

There were times the first three days when he seemed to be catching fish literally every other cast. But things got a little slower on the final day.

“The more current there was, the more the fish were ganged up,” he said. “Every day, there was less and less current. That made it tougher and tougher because the fish were more scattered out.

“Today, there was less current than any of the four days.”

Omori estimates he caught 50 keepers off the spot during the course of the tournament. But on Sunday, he only managed four and was forced to go looking elsewhere to fill out his limit.

Fortunately, one of his four fish from the area Sunday weighed over 4 pounds — his second biggest bass of the week — and his cushion over the rest of the field was enough to lift him to victory, even without a stellar final day.

Rookie angler Roy Hawk from Arizona caught 11-2 Sunday, his smallest limit of the week and finished with 52-8 — a full 7 pounds behind Omori. New Jersey angler Adrian Avena placed third with 50-13, California veteran Jared Lintner was fourth with 50-10 and Washington pro Luke Clausen was fifth with 50-7.

The tackle Omori used to fish the squarebills included a 7-foot Daiwa Tatula Takahiro Omori Signature Series rod and a Daiwa baitcasting reel spooled with 20-pound Sunline Shooter.

When asked if he’d like to come back to Lake Martin more often, Omori was coy.

“Every time is different,” he said. “So, you never know.”

Omori was awarded $1,000 for the leading the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points race at the end of the event.

Hawk earned the Power-Pole Captain’s Cash Award of $1,000 for being the highest-placing angler who is registered and eligible and uses a client-approved product on his boat.

Cliff Prince was awarded $1,500 dollars as the winner of the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award. He had the largest bass of the tournament with a 6-11 on Day 1.

Hawk also won the Toyota Bonus Bucks Award of $3,000 for being the highest-placing eligible entrant in the program. The second-highest-placing eligible entrant, Avena, received $2,000.

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

2018 Elite Series Lake Martin 2/8-2/11
Lake Martin, Alexander City AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$1. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 20 59-08 110 $101,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 12-13 Day 4: 5 14-00
2. Roy Hawk Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 20 52-08 109 $26,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 12-10 Day 4: 5 11-02
3. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 20 50-13 108 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 16-05 Day 3: 5 12-14 Day 4: 5 11-10
4. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 20 50-10 107 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 11-04 Day 4: 5 12-09
5. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 20 50-07 106 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 13-03 Day 4: 5 09-04
6. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 20 50-05 105 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 12-11 Day 4: 5 12-06
7. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 20 50-02 104 $13,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 13-11 Day 4: 5 10-02
8. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 20 49-01 103 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 07-01 Day 3: 5 13-04 Day 4: 5 11-03
9. Jonathon VanDam Gobles, MI 20 47-09 102 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 11-12 Day 4: 5 11-11
10. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 20 47-04 101 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 11-15 Day 3: 5 10-04 Day 4: 5 11-07
11. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 20 44-15 100 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 11-14 Day 4: 5 09-05
12. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 20 44-14 99 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 5 11-15 Day 4: 5 09-06
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 06-11 $1,500.00

by AnglersChannel

Marks & Reneau Drop 37 Pounds on the Scales to Dominate Texas Team Trail Event on Rayburn

By David A. Brown / Texas Team Trail Communications

BROOKELAND, Texas (Feb. 10, 2018) - Nearly surgical precision and disciplined patience proved to be the winning formula for Phil Marks and Tim Reneau, who won the second event of the 2018 Texas Team Trail, presented by Cabela's, at a Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Sacking up a massive 5-fish limit of 37.04 pounds, the Texas duo won by nearly a 7-pound margin.

Working the lake's upper end, near the Highway 147 Bridge, the winners caught fish on two spots, which Reneau described as corners at the ends of ridges in 18-10 feet. Both anglers have decades of experience on Rayburn, but these particular areas were the ones Marks fished during a recent BFL win.

"They're hard bottom with isolated stumps on them," Marks said. "They have old spider stumps; you can see them on your down scan. I don't know that we caught any that weren't around stumps. I known the first 8-pounder I caught, my bait deflected off the stump and it locked up."

Marks said his experience has taught him that the spots that produced are especially productive on the low, stable water conditions that Rayburn is currently experiencing. Classic prespawn staging areas, these waypoints were inexplicably unique.

"Over the course of the last six weeks, I've checked hundreds of spots just like them, but I could only count on these two places," he said. "I don't really know why. I've gotten a bite here and a bite there, but there have been schools of big ones in these two places.

"I fished stuff that was identical; same bottom topography, same depth, wind orientation, the whole nine yards and, I don't know - they're just little glory holes, I guess."

With the day's cloudy, foggy, rainy conditions, Marks said he knew they could expect a solid crankbait bite. True to form, a Strike King 8xd in chartreuse/blue and Tennessee shad tempted the giants; but the winners also caught a couple of fish - including one of the ones they weighed on a 1-ounce Strike King Denny Brauer Structure Jig (blue craw peanut butter) with a Junebug Strike King Rage Bug trailer.

"If we went around a corner and actually saw a couple of fish on the graph that didn't eat the crankbait, we'd throw on top of them with a jig," Reneau said. "We caught four on the crankbait and three on the jig.

"Someday, they want you hopping the jig; somedays they want you dragging it; this was just dragging it."

Noting presentation specifics, Marks said that the angle at which he and Reneau approached the targets was critical. Random casts wouldn't cut it with these picky prespawners and success required exacting performance.

"They wanted the bait going kinda quarter from shallow to deep," Marks said. "If you went deep to shallow, you couldn't get bit. When you'd get the angle right, you could duplicate it.

"On one spot, I caught three big ones on five casts. I'd already fished through it in a different direction and I spun around and fished it from a different. Those fish, no doubt, had already seen my bait, but it was the right angle. I got one to bite and that kinda triggered the school."

Marks said he knew he and his partner weren't fishing for a lot of bites. In fact, they knew that targeting the big prespawners meant they had to make the perfect casts and capitalize on every opportunity.

"I'd circle these fish and I went 360 around the tip of this little point and fish four or five different angles and finally got one to bite," Marks said of a day-making flurry. "I caught three of our seven bites in five casts; one of those was a 6-pounder and one was an eight."

Marks said he and his partner fished their crankbaits on 14-pound Gamma fluorocarbon and used 20-pound fluoro for the jigs. The fish, he said, were not feeding aggressively. Most were barely hooked.

"We were fortunate that we didn't lose any because they were not hooked good," Marks said. "When you see the fish and he's hooked outside the mouth, you have to slow down and really take your time with him

For their efforts Marks and Reneau earned a Ranger Z518C with a 200-hp

Evinrude outboard. In addition, they claimed $3,180 of Anglers Advantage cash. Their total payday was $50,075.

Shook and Iles second

Rayburn holds a bunch of brush piles and the second-place team of Brian Shook and John Iles tried to hit as many as they could. Doing so led them to a hefty limit that weighed 30.07 pounds.

Starting uplake and working their way down to the midlake area, Shook and Iles targeted deep drop-offs with brush in 20-28 feet. They threw 6th Sense Cloud 9 C-20 and C-25 deep diving crankbaits in citrus shad, along with a Divine Structure Jig with a Strike King Rage Craw.

"We've been practicing and fishing some other trails recently and that's just a pattern where we've been getting bit," Shook said. "I think it's about water temperature. We've had colder weather, so we were thinking the fish would be deeper this time of year.

"There was some bait in these areas, but we were mainly just running as many brush piles as we could. We were trying to hit the brush pile with the crankbait."

Shook and Iles earned $9,957, which included $2,332 of Anglers Advantage cash.

Mansfield and Jones third

Targeting spots near the Highway 147 Bridge where they have significant history, Grover Mansfield and Dale Jones caught a limit that went 29.62 and earned them the third-place spot.

Mostly targeting open hard spots within the grass, the anglers caught their fish in 3-8 feet of water. Rat-L-traps in crawfish patterns produced all of their bites.

"Every day is different; you just have to figure out how they want to eat it," Mansfield said. "Today, it was just slow rolling it like a spinnerbait. They were just set up on this spot and feeding heavy.

"About 9 o'clock, the fish shut down. We had all out weight before 9."

Mansfield and Jones earned $7,045, which included $2,120 in Anglers Advantage cash.

McGaha-Wernecke fourth, Martin-Stevens fifth

Eric McGaha and Kris Wernecke weighed five bass worth 27.98 pounds, taking fourth place and earning $5,002. Behind them was James Martin and Terry Stevens with 26.11. For fifth place, they earned $4,052.50.

Rest of the best

Rounding out the top 10 teams at the 2018 Texas Team Trail event on Sam Rayburn:


	Shaw and Hughes took home 1475 for Big Bass -10.23 lbs

6th: SHELBY SHAW AND LANCE HUGHES, 24.61

7th: MATTHEW MCARDLE AND JOSH BENSEMA, 23.54

8th: BJ CAROTHERS AND THOMAS WELLS, 23.13

9th: ANDRE ADAMS AND CHUCK NAOMI, 23.10

10th: TJ GOODWYN AND PHILIP CRELIA, 23.01

by AnglersChannel

BAILEY WINS COSTA FLW SERIES WESTERN DIVISION OPENER ON LAKE HAVASU PRESENTED BY RANGER BOATS

Local Pro Tops Field at Costa FLW Series Event, Takes Home $40,200

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Feb. 10, 2018) – Local angler Shaun Bailey of Lake Havasu City weighed five bass totaling 15 pounds, 6 ounces, Saturday to win the Costa FLW Series Western Division opener on Lake Havasu presented by Ranger Boats. Bailey’s three-day total of 15 bass weighing 49 pounds, 5 ounces, was enough to earn him top honors and $40,200.

“It feels great to finally win one of these. It’s been a long time coming,” said Bailey, who earned his first career win after three prior top-10 finishes in FLW competition. “It was definitely a strange tournament for me, though. Today I caught all of my fish in the morning, which was the complete opposite of what happened the first two days.”

Bailey primarily targeted prespawn largemouth in brush piles on the north end of the lake. He said his areas were 18 to 22 feet deep and were near the mouths of coves.

“On Day One (Thursday) I caught a fish on my very first cast and never got another bite until almost noon,” said Bailey. “There’s that old saying, ‘If you catch one on your first cast, its bad luck’. Well, it was true for me. Luckily, I pulled up on a spot and caught a couple fish to fill out my limit, so I was happy with that.”

Bailey said he used a few different baits this week, including Roboworm Straight Tail and Curly Tail Worms Carolina rigged. He said he also caught key fish on Olive Crawdad- and Fire Craw-colored Evergreen medium- and deep-diving crankbaits.

“On Friday I actually lost my first five fish,” said Bailey. “Finally, I pulled up to an area and my co-angler and I each caught one. After that, we went to another spot and both caught 17 pounds in about three hours.”

Bailey said his sweet spot had a lot of natural trees and scattered brush piles, and that the trees were large enough to hold a lot of fish.

“Today (Saturday) I used a deep-diving crankbait in the morning instead of a worm and caught a few that I ended up weighing in,” said Bailey. “I switched to the worm and caught two more before returning to my key spot from Day Two, but I never got another bite. I’m thankful I made the decision to start with the crankbait this morning.”

The top 10 pros on Lake Havasu finished:

1^st: Shaun Bailey, Lake Havasu, City, Ariz., 15 bass, 49-5, $40,200

2^nd: David Valdivia, Norwalk, Calif., 15 bass, 48-4 , $15,600

3^rd: Justin Kerr, Simi Valley, Calif., 15 bass, 48-0, $12,000

4^th: Chris Kinley, Lake Havasu, City, Ariz., 15 bass, 46-0, $10,000

5^th: Michael Caruso, Peoria, Ariz., 15 bass, 45-1, $9,000

6^th: Tom Leedom, Escondido, Calif., 15 bass, 44-2, $8,000

7^th: Sean Minderman, Greenacres, Wash., 15 bass, 43-13, $7,300

8^th: Joe Uribe Jr. Surprise, Ariz., 14 bass, 42-4, $6,000

9^th: Jason Milligan, Cottonwood, Calif., 14 bass, 40-15, $5,000

10^th: Jay Wright, Seal Beach, Calif., 11 bass, 34-7, $4,000

A complete list of results will be posted at FLWFishing.com.

Minderman caught a 6-pound, 14-ounce bass Friday– the biggest of the tournament in the Pro Division. For his catch, Minderman earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $300.

Jason Akins of Apple Valley, California, won the Co-angler Division and a Ranger Z175 with a 90-horsepower outboard motor. Akins earned his win with a three-day total catch of nine bass weighing 32 pounds, 14 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers on Lake Havasu finished:

1^st: Jason Akins, Apple Valley, Calif., nine bass, 32-14, Ranger Z175 with a 90-horsepower outboard motor

2^nd: Tony Zanotelli, Redding, Calif., 11 bass, 29-12, $5,250

3^rd: Joseph Cunningham, El Dorado Hills, Calif., seven bass, 24-9, $4,000

4^th: Dustin Remy, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., 11 bass, 24-9, $3,500

5^th: Levi Samz, Green River, Wyo., 12 bass, 24-5, $3,000

6^th: Matt Roach, Scottsdale, Ariz., seven bass, 20-6, $2,500

7^th: Jacob Traba, Pacifica, Calif., seven bass, 19-8, $2,000

8^th: Tom White, Costa Mesa, Calif., nine bass, 18-10, $1,750

9^th: Ralph Wells, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., eight bass, 15-11, $1,500

10^th: David Zavvar, West Hollywood, Calif., six bass, 14-13, $1,250

Zanotelli caught the biggest bass of the tournament in the Co-angler Division Thursday, a fish weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces that earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $200.

The Costa FLW Series on Lake Havasu presented by Ranger Boats was hosted by the Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau. It was the first FLW Series Western Division tournament of the 2018 season. The next Costa FLW Series tournament will be a Southwestern Division tournament, held Feb. 15-17 on Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Jasper, Texas. For a complete schedule, visit FLWFishing.com.

by AnglersChannel

Omori Uses Magic Spot To Hold Onto Lead At Lake Martin Elite Series Event

Takahiro Omori of Emory, Texas, maintains the lead on the third day of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge out of Alexander City, Ala., with a three-day total weight of 45 pounds, 8 ounces.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 10, 2018

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — While fishing Saturday’s semifinal round of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge, Takahiro Omori caught a bass that had two crankbaits in its mouth.

One was a chartreuse colored bait that Omori had lost on an underwater tree branch Friday, and the other was the red bait he fished with most of the day Saturday.

In 287 events with B.A.S.S., Omori said he’s never had anything like that happen before. But it’s been a charmed tournament for the Japanese-born angler turned Texas resident.

Omori utilized one tiny spot on Lake Martin for the third straight day Saturday, landing a five-bass limit that weighed 12 pounds, 13 ounces. He’ll now lead the field into Championship Sunday with a three-day weight of 45-8 and a chance to claim his seventh career victory.

“That crankbait is just a once-in-a-lifetime story,” Omori said. “I think maybe what happened is that it got hung up and the fish ate it before. Then it ate the other bait today.

“Maybe that’s a sign that everything is going right.”

Omori has been traveling up the lake each day to a small nondescript spot that can’t be easily accessed. He has to trim his outboard up to get through some extremely shallow water and then use his Power-Pole shallow-water anchors to hold his boat in place while making continuous casts to an area about twice as wide as a bass boat.

So far, it’s been worth the trouble.

Omori landed 18-2 during Thursday’s first round and followed that with 14-9 Friday. He’s left with the fish still biting each day, and he’s hoping the spot has one more good day left in it.

“We won’t know until tomorrow,” he said. “I just plan to work on my tackle tonight, get a good night’s sleep and go right back there in the morning.”

His lead is anything but rock solid, with four anglers within about 6 pounds of the lead.

Rookie Roy Hawk caught five bass that weighed 12-10 Saturday and pushed his second-place total to 41-6. He said he might be even closer to the leader if it hadn’t been for one missed opportunity.

“I lost a really nice fish, one that was probably over 3 pounds,” Hawk said. “That one really hurt because I had two little, tiny 12 1/2-inchers that I really needed to get rid of.”

He said the big fish caught him off guard.

“I just flipped a jig in a bush and it was hung,” he said. “I was shaking it, and the fish either grabbed it off the bush or I pulled it off the bush and he ate it. I just didn’t get a good hook in it.”

Though Lake Martin is known for its massive population of spotted bass, Hawk has been targeting largemouth most of the week. All five of the fish he weighed Saturday — and 12 of the 15 he’s weighed this week — have been largemouth.

He admitted he had to work harder for them Saturday.

“It was a tougher day overall,” he said. “I had to fish a little bit differently to get them to bite. I may expand on what I’m doing a little bit tomorrow to try and make up some ground, but I’m basically going to keep doing my deal.”

Behind Omori and Hawk, Washington pro Luke Clausen caught 13-3 and pushed his three-day total to 41-3. Like Hawk, he said fishing was much tougher Saturday — thanks mostly to the heavily overcast conditions.

“I’m fishing deep, clear water, and I just didn’t see that many fish,” Clausen said. “When I did see them, it was hard to get them to bite. I probably caught 20 keepers or more Friday, but I only caught 10 today because the fish were so spread out.”

If it hadn’t been for a 3-6 spotted bass near the end of the day, Clausen said his total would have been much lower.

“I just didn’t have any five- to seven-fish spurts like I had Friday,” he said. “There were times when I would catch one and I would see more down there. But by the time I’d get a bait back in the water, they were gone.”

The Top 12 remaining anglers will now advance to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize. Takeoff will be at 6:15 a.m. CT from Wind Creek State Park, with the weigh-in scheduled for 2:40 p.m. back at the park.

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

2018 Elite Series Lake Martin 2/8-2/11
Lake Martin, Alexander City AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

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

1. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 15 45-08 110
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 12-13
2. Roy Hawk Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 15 41-06 109
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 17-01 Day 3: 5 12-10
3. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 15 41-03 108
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 13-03
4. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 15 40-00 107
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 13-11
5. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 15 39-03 106
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 16-05 Day 3: 5 12-14
6. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 15 38-01 105
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 11-04
7. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 15 37-15 104
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 12-11
8. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 15 37-14 103
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 07-01 Day 3: 5 13-04
9. Jonathon VanDam Gobles, MI 15 35-14 102
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 11-12
10. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 15 35-13 101
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 11-15 Day 3: 5 10-04
11. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 15 35-10 100
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 11-14
12. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 15 35-08 99
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 5 11-15
13. Ott DeFoe Blaine, TN 15 35-07 98 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 5 11-13
14. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 15 35-03 97 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 09-12 Day 3: 5 13-00
15. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 15 35-00 96 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 11-06 Day 3: 5 12-04
16. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 15 34-13 95 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 11-08 Day 3: 5 13-01
17. James Elam Tulsa, OK 15 34-13 94 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 11-14 Day 3: 5 10-09
18. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 15 34-09 93 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 07-09
19. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 15 34-07 92 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 10-05 Day 3: 5 11-03
20. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 15 34-06 91 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 5 12-06
21. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 15 34-05 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 13-05 Day 3: 5 10-10
22. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 15 34-04 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 12-08 Day 3: 5 11-07
23. Alton Jones Jr. Waco, TX 15 34-04 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 12-06 Day 3: 5 09-13
24. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 15 34-03 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 5 10-12
25. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 15 34-01 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 5 11-03
26. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 15 33-08 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 5 11-09
27. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 33-05 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 5 10-07
28. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 15 33-02 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 10-08 Day 3: 5 08-01
29. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 15 33-01 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 13-02 Day 3: 5 08-15
30. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 15 33-00 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 08-15 Day 3: 5 09-09
31. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 15 32-14 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 12-06 Day 3: 5 09-12
32. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 15 32-14 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 10-04
33. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 15 32-13 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 10-04 Day 3: 5 10-06
34. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 15 32-12 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 10-01
35. Shin Fukae Palestine TX JAPAN 15 32-10 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 5 10-04
36. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 15 32-10 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 10-00
37. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 15 32-08 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 06-13 Day 3: 5 10-14
38. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 15 32-08 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-08 Day 3: 5 11-04
39. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 15 32-06 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 06-11 Day 3: 5 11-10
40. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 15 32-04 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 09-13 Day 3: 5 10-10
41. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 15 32-03 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 12-08 Day 3: 5 10-08
42. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 15 32-02 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 09-03
43. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 15 31-15 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 09-02 Day 3: 5 09-07
44. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 15 31-13 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 11-05 Day 3: 5 09-13
45. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 15 31-12 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 10-09 Day 3: 5 10-02
46. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 15 31-08 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 12-06 Day 3: 5 10-01
47. David Walker Sevierville, TN 15 31-00 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 07-05 Day 3: 5 09-06
48. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 13 30-09 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 3 04-05 Day 3: 5 06-07
49. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 13 29-05 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 3 07-04
50. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 28-13 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 10-09 Day 3: 5 06-08
51. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 12 27-10 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 2 04-07

by AnglersChannel

Havasu Local Makes a Move Heading into Championship Saturday!

February 10, 2018 by Jody White

The fishing was tougher across the board on day two of the Costa FLW Series presented by Ranger on Lake Havasu, but the head of the pack has stayed pretty consistent. Moving from second to first, Chris Kinley of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., weighed 17 pounds, 6 ounces on day two to improve by 3 ounces on his day one weight and take the lead with a 34-9 total. In second, Shaun Bailey weighed 17-1 and is just 10 ounces back with 33-15.

Kinley started his day in the lower reaches of the Colorado River and boxed up three quality fish pretty quickly.

“About 11 o’clock I decided to completely change gears,” says Kinley. “I went to some areas in the lake that had been holding quite a bit of fish, but the fishing pressure has really had an impact. The fish have repositioned, they’re definitely holding on a different type of structure than they were on yesterday and they moved a little bit deeper today.”

In the end, Kinley scrapped together a limit with three river fish and two from the lake. Though the places he’s fishing look quite different, he says he’s taking a similar approach.

“The fish that I’m fishing for are in prespawn staging areas,” says Kinley. “Predominantly the areas I’m fishing hold smallies, but occasionally a largemouth will slide in there.”

Moving up from second to the lead, Kinley has some close competition and a good shot at his first win with FLW.

“I feel pretty confident about tomorrow,” says Kinley. “I lead this event in 2012 on day one and day two and Troy Lindner beat me by 2 ounces on the final day. I had this one slip through my fingers in 2012 and I really do not want that to happen again.”

Top 10 pros

1. Chris Kinley – Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – 34-9 (10)

2. Shaun Bailey – Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – 33-15 (10)

3. Sean Minderman – Greenacres, Wash. – 33-14 (10)

4. David Valdivia – Norwalk, Calif. – 31-13 (10)

5. Jason Milligan – Cottonwood, Calif. – 30-11 (10)

6. Jay Wright – Seal Beach, Calif. – 30-10 (10)

7. Michael Caruso – Peoria, Ariz. – 29-15 (10)

8. Joe Uribe Jr. – Surprise, Ariz. – 29-14 (10)

9. Tom Leedom – Escondido, Calif. – 28-15(10)

10. Justin Kerr – Simi Valley, Calf. – 28-14 (10)

Complete results

Cunningham holds fast on the co-angler side

Joseph Cunningham started the day with a commanding lead thanks to his 18-2 bag on day one, and though he only weighed one 4-pounder on day two he’s still fairly in command. With a 22-3 total, Cunningham leads by more than 3 pounds over second place co-angler Dustin Remy.

Fishing finesse, Cunningham got three bites all day and converted on one big one.

“It seems like when I do get a bite it’s a good one, the problem is getting bites,” says Cunningham. “I knew it was slow out there, but my goal was to get 10 pounds. Going out tomorrow I’m going to try and get 10 pounds again, but man it’s tough. You just have to keep your head down and keep fishing.”

Complete results

by AnglersChannel

Tak Takes the Lead on Martin in Elite Series Opener

Takahiro Omori of Emory, Texas, takes the lead on the second day of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge out of Alexander City, Ala., with a two-day total weight of 32 pounds, 11 ounces.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 9, 2018

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Since the Bassmaster Tournament Trail hasn’t visited Lake Martin for a major event in more than 15 years, the belief coming into this week’s Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge was that veteran local anglers with recent experience on the fishery had a chance to dominate.

But after two days, the top of the leaderboard includes a guy from Japan, a rookie from Arizona and a longtime pro from Washington State.

So much for local domination.

Takahiro Omori, a Japanese angler who now lives Texas, caught 14 pounds, 9 ounces and jumped from second place into the lead with a two-day weight of 32-11. He’s followed by newcomer Roy Hawk of Arizona (28-12), who is fishing his first-ever Elite Series event, and Washington angler Luke Clausen, who joined the Elite Series last year after a long and successful career on the FLW Tour.

Omori said most of his fish came early — and from one magical spot.

“I don’t want to tell anybody about that spot because I’ve got to go back tomorrow,” Omori said. “It’s a really good spot, but it’s about all I have.”

In the interest of saving fish for the final two days of the tournament, Omori left his best area well before lunchtime and went looking for something else similar.

“After I left that spot, I started practicing,” Omori said. “I tried to find another place to fish, and I couldn’t find it.

“I still have to be open-minded because this time of the year, anything can happen.”

Despite heavy rains in the forecast for the next two days, Omori said he believes the spot will still be good.

“We had a pretty good rain Sunday night and then another one Wednesday night,” he said. “So, the spot should be okay.”

Omori’s lead over Hawk is nearly 4 pounds, but Hawk came on strong during Friday’s second round with a catch of 17-1. Unlike many anglers who weighed in mostly spotted bass, Hawk weighed in four largemouth and only one spot.

“I don’t know if what I did today is repeatable,” Hawk said. “But I think I can catch some fish, and I’m having a lot of fun doing it.

“I’m moving around a lot, and as I’m going along the bank, I’m kind of targeting different things. A lot of the key largemouth are coming on specific things, but I’m catching spots in between.”

Hawk’s catch was anchored by a largemouth that weighed 5-2, and he already had a 3 1/2-pounder in his livewell when that fish bit.

Clausen caught the bulk of his fish during the afternoon hours and jumped from 16th place on Day 1 into third with a Day 2 catch of 15-4.

“It’s been kind of slow for me in the mornings,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve had a limit before 10 o’clock either day. Then in the afternoons, it gets right. I’ve had some flurries in the afternoons when you catch them every cast for five to seven casts.”

Clausen has weighed all spotted bass the first two days — and since spots can be unpredictable in overcast conditions, the weather forecast has him wondering how things will go the rest of the way.

“That’s the scary thing about spots,” he said. “I have to say I would much rather have sun than I would overcast because spots have a tendency to roam a lot more in that. So, I don’t know if I’ll be able to target them as well.”

Second-year Elite Series pro Jesse Wiggins (fourth, 27-0) was the only Alabama angler in the Top 6. He was followed by veteran California pro Jared Lintner (fifth, 26-13) and New Jersey pro Adrian Avena (sixth, 26-5).

Only the Top 51 remaining anglers will take part in Saturday’s semifinal round, and only the Top 12 after Saturday will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize.

Daily takeoffs will be held at 6:15 a.m. CT from Wind Creek State Park with weigh-ins scheduled back at the park for 2:40 p.m.

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

2018 Bassmaster Elite At Lake Martin Presenting Sponsor: Econo Lodge

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia, Berkley

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

-30-

Media Contact: JamieDay Matthews, 205-313-0945, jmatthews@bassmaster.com or Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, dprecht@bassmaster.com

Note: The 2018 B.A.S.S. Media Guide is now available on Bassmastermedia.com.
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge 2/8-2/11
Lake Martin, Alexander City AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2

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

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

Byrne & Freeman Talk CBC, Costa, & What the Fish Like in the Low Country.

AnglersChannel's John Byrne and Sportsmans Warehouse Fishing Manager CJ Freeman talk about whats happening in and around the Low Country in today's Sportsmans Warehouse Special Report. Check it out!

by AnglersChannel

New Technology Is Changing The Way Fans Follow The Bassmaster Classic

B.A.S.S. fans will be able to follow the action of the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods by watching Classic LIVE on Bassmaster.com. The show will feature six hours of in-depth coverage in real time.

Photo by Darren Jacobson/B.A.S.S.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 9, 2018

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In the three years since Classic LIVE debuted at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic in Greenville and Anderson, S.C., in February 2015, the innovative live-stream, on-the-water programming has changed the way fans follow competitive bass fishing.

No longer do they have to wait until a Classic or Bassmaster Elite Series event is aired on ESPN2 to see the anglers in action. Now, they can view every cast, catch and celebration as it happens, in real time.

“It seems like we’ve been doing Bassmaster LIVE for many years, but in fact, we’re just coming up on our third anniversary,” said Mike McKinnis, vice president of media content for JM Associates and producer of The Bassmasters TV show on ESPN2. “That’s a short amount of time to have truly changed the way B.A.S.S. fans enjoy the sport. With the technology continuing to get stronger every year, the coverage we’re bringing to ESPN3, Bassmaster.com and B.A.S.S. social media in 2018 is going to be the best we’ve ever seen.”

In the 2017 season, LIVE had 2.2 million video views, a 181 percent increase over the previous year, generating 65.5 million minutes of viewing, a growth of 156 percent over the prior year.

LIVE employs relatively new technology that enables streaming from the same high-definition cameras used to record video for The Bassmasters. Viewers can tune in through Bassmaster.com and the WatchESPN app for six hours per day all three competition days of the Classic.

They’ll see much more than fishing action on LIVE. Hosts Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and recently retired Elite Series angler Davy Hite provide insightful commentary and analysis of the competition as well. The program will also include LIVE cut-ins with Dave Mercer, Classic and Elite Series emcee, along with guest anglers from the Classic Expo.

B.A.S.S. has long been streaming daily weigh-ins from the Classic, Elite Series events and other Bassmaster tournaments, and that program, too, has enjoyed substantial growth, increasing 31 percent in 2017 over 2016 with more than 800,000 video views.

“In addition to LIVE, this year we'll continue to enhance our digital coverage with more up-to-the-minute coverage, including more video from the water, bringing visitors straight to the action on Lake Hartwell,” said Jim Sexton, vice president/digital for B.A.S.S. “And we're digging deeper in the statistics for every angler, using their career statistics to give insights on the tournament. In BASSTrakk for instance, visitors will now be able to see more data on each angler's day.”

The extremely popular BASSTrakk uses cellphone apps in each competitor’s boat to relay the estimated weight of each bass caught, including those released and the fish placed in livewells. As B.A.S.S. has done since instituting catch and release in 1972, all bass are returned alive to the fishery from which they were caught.

Fans participating in Bassmaster’s Fantasy Fishing game especially keep up with the competition. In addition to prizes for the players picking the highest-scoring teams of anglers in each event, the overall winner will receive a Triton/Yamaha boat and motor package valued at $35,000.

Marshals assigned to each Classic competitor record and transmit the fish catch data for BASSTrakk in real time, and many also send in photos and comments on the action. Those are included in the live blog, which also are written by teams of reporters tracking the leaders on Lake Hartwell.

Beginning with the first programs on March 31 on ESPN2, B.A.S.S. will air 10 hours of coverage of the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing.”

Of course, there’s no better way to enjoy the $1 million GEICO Bassmaster Classic than being there in person. Attendance at the 2015 championship in Greenville exceeded 103,000 and should go even higher this year.

In addition to daily weigh-ins in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, fans will be able to check out the latest boats, motors, fishing tackle and lures at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods in the TD Convention Center Friday through Sunday, March 16-18. Increasingly every year, manufacturers are choosing the Expo to introduce their newest products to the most avid of bass anglers.

Even the early morning takeoffs have become draws for spectators. On the first day of the 2015 Classic on Lake Hartwell, more than 2,000 spectators crowded the Green Pond Landing and Event Center at Anderson — on a morning when the temperature was 10 degrees. With the Classic being held a month later and with warmer weather expected, the crowds should be even larger.

“Our goal has long been to provide cutting-edge content about our Classic and other tournaments however, whenever and wherever fans want to consume it,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “The increasing popularity of all these programs prove that our fans are getting what they desire.”

To learn more about attending and following the 2018 Classic, visit Bassmaster.com now and throughout the event.

2018 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: GEICO

2018 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsor: DICK’S Sporting Goods

2018 Bassmaster Classic Platinum Sponsor: Toyota

2018 Bassmaster Classic Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia

2018 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: DICK’S Sporting Goods

About the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods
The 48th world championship of bass fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will host 52 of the world’s best bass anglers competing for more than $1 million, March 16-18 on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina. Competition and takeoff will begin each day at 7:30 a.m. ET at the Green Pond Landing in Anderson (470 Green Pond Road). Weigh-ins will be held daily March 16-18 at 3:15 p.m. in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville (650 N. Academy Street).

In conjunction, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will be open daily in Greenville at the TD Convention Center (1 Exposition Drive). Expo hours are Friday, March 16, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, March 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

by AnglersChannel

Slim Margin Puts Carl Limbrick Jr. in Costa Western lead on Havasu!

February 9, 2018 by Jody White

Day one of the Costa FLW Series presented by Ranger on Lake Havasu featured great weather and very tight weights. Though no 20-pound bags hit the scale, 10 pros bested the 16-pound mark and Carl Limbrick Jr. of Bonita, Calif., weighed 17 pounds, 7 ounces to take the lead.

With weights as tight as they are and so many boats on the water most of the pros were pretty cagey about their patterns. For Limbrick, getting off to a hot start early was key.

“It started off good in the morning, I didn’t catch many fish, but I caught decent ones – 3- and 4-pounders,” says the California angler. “I’m not sure I can replicate it, I only got six fish today and that sixth one came later. I went a long time without a bite.”

Limbrick did divulge his methods and location to a degree – finesse fishing in the main basin. Weighing three smallmouths and two largemouths on the day, Limbrick says he isn’t particularly targeting either species, he’s just focusing on areas where both are present.

Prior to 2018, Limbrick has fished almost entirely as a co-angler, but he did end the 2017 season with an 18th-place finish from the front of the boat at Clear Lake. He’s got a great shot to follow that up with an even better finish if he can keep it rolling at Havasu.

Top 10 pros

1. Carl Limbrick Jr. – Bonita, Calif. – 17-7 (5)

2. Ted Stewner – Winnipeg, Manitoba – 17-3 (5)

2. Chris Kinley – Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – 17-3 (5)

4. Cody Murray – Nampa, Idaho – 17-2 (5)

5. Shaun Bailey – Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – 16-14 (5)

6. Jason Borofka – Salinas, Calif. – 16-12 (5)

7. Michael Caruso – Peoria, Ariz. – 16-7 (5)

8. Joe Uribe Jr. – Surprise, Ariz. – 16-6 (5)

9. Mitch Southern – Yucaipa, Calif. – 16-4 (5)

10. Jason Milligan – Cottonwood, Calif. – 16-0 (5)

Cunningham blows past the co-angler field

Had he been fishing on the pro side, Joseph Cunningham would still be in the lead. The co-angler from El Dorado Hills, Calif., smashed 18-2 on day one and leads over Tony Zanotelli by nearly 4 pounds.

Fishing behind Gregg Brown, Cunningham says he simply got a little lucky.

“Believe it or not it was actually a really slow day,” says Cunningham. “We came in on a spot and I caught three good ones back-to-back and then we had a lull until the end of the day when I caught my last two keepers. It feels good, I just hope I can go out there and get five tomorrow and then do it again on Saturday. It’s an adrenaline rush every time you get a bite.”

Complete results

PLACE	ANGLER	CITY/STATE	DAY 1 WT (Fish)	DAY 1&2 WT (Fish)	WINNINGS
1	CARL LIMBRICK JR	BONITA, CA	17 - 7 (5)	17 - 7 (5)
2	TED STEWNER	WINNIPEG, MB	17 - 3 (5)	17 - 3 (5)
2	CHRIS KINLEY	LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ	17 - 3 (5)	17 - 3 (5)
4	CODY MURRAY	NAMPA, ID	17 - 2 (5)	17 - 2 (5)
5	SHAUN BAILEY	LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ	16 - 14 (5)	16 - 14 (5)
6	JASON BOROFKA	SALINAS, CA	16 - 12 (5)	16 - 12 (5)
7	MICHAEL CARUSO	PEORIA, AZ	16 - 7 (5)	16 - 7 (5)
8	JOE URIBE JR.	SURPRISE, AZ	16 - 6 (5)	16 - 6 (5)
9	MITCH SOUTHERN	YUCAIPA, CA	16 - 4 (5)	16 - 4 (5)
10	JASON MILLIGAN	COTTONWOOD, CA	16 - 0 (5)	16 - 0 (5)
11	BRETT LEBER	DIXON, CA	15 - 10 (5)	15 - 10 (5)
12	JACOB WALL	JACKSONVILLE, OR	15 - 9 (5)	15 - 9 (5)
13	MARTY LAWRENCE	MESA, AZ	15 - 8 (5)	15 - 8 (5)
14	PETE MARINO	MORENO VALLEY, CA	15 - 4 (5)	15 - 4 (5)
15	TODD KLINE	SAN CLEMENTE, CA	15 - 3 (5)	15 - 3 (5)
16	SHANE SPINNING	CANYON LAKE, CA	15 - 1 (5)	15 - 1 (5)
17	DAVID VALDIVIA	NORWALK, CA	14 - 12 (5)	14 - 12 (5)
18	JUSTIN KERR	SIMI VALLEY, CA	14 - 6 (5)	14 - 6 (5)
18	JIMMY REESE	WITTER SPRINGS, CA	14 - 6 (5)	14 - 6 (5)
20	KEVIN FINLEY	PHOENIX, AZ	14 - 3 (5)	14 - 3 (5)
21	JON GRIFFITH	MESA, AZ	14 - 0 (5)	14 - 0 (5)
22	TOM LEEDOM	ESCONDIDO, CA	13 - 15 (5)	13 - 15 (5)
23	TED HOLVERSON	EL CAJON, CA	13 - 14 (5)	13 - 14 (5)
24	JORDAN COLLOM	TEMECULA, CA	13 - 12 (5)	13 - 12 (5)
25	NICK NOUROT	BENICIA, CA	13 - 7 (5)	13 - 7 (5)
25	RONALD BRUGGEMAN	POTTER VALLEY, CA	13 - 7 (5)	13 - 7 (5)
27	JASON CORDIALE	ORINDA, CA	13 - 5 (5)	13 - 5 (5)
28	JASON SIDEBOTTOM	SAN JACINTO, CA	13 - 3 (5)	13 - 3 (5)
29	JAY WRIGHT	SEAL BEACH, CA	13 - 1 (5)	13 - 1 (5)
29	RAYMOND TAK	LOS ANGELES, CA	13 - 1 (4)	13 - 1 (4)
31	JASON HICKEY	WEISER, ID	13 - 0 (5)	13 - 0 (5)
32	PATRICK SPENCER	MARANA, AZ	12 - 7 (5)	12 - 7 (5)
33	BLAKE DYER	MORAGA, CA	12 - 3 (3)	12 - 3 (3)	$300
34	MARK LASSAGNE	SAN RAMON, CA	12 - 1 (5)	12 - 1 (5)
34	CORY SCHLEIDEN	YUCAIPA, CA	12 - 1 (5)	12 - 1 (5)
36	JIM HAWKES	APACHE JUNCTION, AZ	12 - 0 (5)	12 - 0 (5)
37	GREGG LEONARD	ELK GROVE, CA	11 - 14 (5)	11 - 14 (5)
37	ANDY SCHOLZ	RENO, NV	11 - 14 (4)	11 - 14 (4)
37	TAI AU	GLENDALE, AZ	11 - 14 (5)	11 - 14 (5)
40	JIM VRETZOS	FOLSOM, CA	11 - 13 (5)	11 - 13 (5)
40	RYAN LAMPRECHT	PEORIA, AZ	11 - 13 (4)	11 - 13 (4)
40	MARK WILLIAMS	LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ	11 - 13 (4)	11 - 13 (4)
43	PATRICK WHITAKER	GILBERT, AZ	11 - 12 (5)	11 - 12 (5)
44	INDER LOPEZ	SPRING VALLEY, CA	11 - 11 (5)	11 - 11 (5)
45	TIM RATH	LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ	11 - 7 (4)	11 - 7 (4)
46	ROBERT LEE	ANGELS CAMP, CA	11 - 3 (5)	11 - 3 (5)
47	KYLE GROVER	TRABUCO CANYON, CA	11 - 2 (3)	11 - 2 (3)
47	JIM WAITS	YUMA, AZ	11 - 2 (5)	11 - 2 (5)
49	TRAVIS HUCKABY	MODESTO, CA	11 - 1 (5)	11 - 1 (5)
50	CHRIS COSTELLO	GILROY, CA	10 - 13 (5)	10 - 13 (5)
51	SEAN MINDERMAN	GREENACRES, WA	10 - 10 (5)	10 - 10 (5)
52	JEFF MICHELS	LAKEHEAD, CA	10 - 9 (5)	10 - 9 (5)
53	ANDREW LOBERG	ROCKLIN, CA	10 - 8 (5)	10 - 8 (5)
54	MANAS MALIKIAN	HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA	10 - 6 (4)	10 - 6 (4)
54	MIKE PHUA	CHINO, CA	10 - 6 (5)	10 - 6 (5)
56	TONY LAIN	MENIFEE, CA	10 - 3 (4)	10 - 3 (4)
57	RUSTY SALEWSKE	ALPINE, CA	10 - 2 (5)	10 - 2 (5)
58	TERRENCE RATH	LAKEWOOD, CA	10 - 0 (5)	10 - 0 (5)
59	GARRETT HOWARD	RIVERSIDE, CA	9 - 9 (4)	9 - 9 (4)
59	MATT DAL PORTO	SUTTER, CA	9 - 9 (3)	9 - 9 (3)
61	TOSHITADA SUZUKI	TOKYO JAPAN 125-0061,	9 - 5 (5)	9 - 5 (5)
62	DANIEL LEUE	COLUSA, CA	9 - 3 (4)	9 - 3 (4)
63	JIGGS BENN	MYRTLE CREEK, OR	9 - 2 (5)	9 - 2 (5)
64	MIKE STAHLMAN	BUCKLEY, WA	9 - 1 (3)	9 - 1 (3)
65	JON STRELIC	EL CAJON, CA	8 - 12 (5)	8 - 12 (5)
66	LANE OLSON	FOREST GROVE, OR	8 - 7 (3)	8 - 7 (3)
67	COLT ROBERTS	BAYFIELD, CO	8 - 4 (4)	8 - 4 (4)
68	RICK FOERSTER	VAIL, AZ	8 - 1 (3)	8 - 1 (3)
69	CLIFF KING	HERALD, CA	8 - 0 (4)	8 - 0 (4)
70	VINCENT BERNAL	LOS BANOS, CA	7 - 14 (5)	7 - 14 (5)
71	JEFF ALLEN	FLAGSTAFF, AZ	7 - 12 (3)	7 - 12 (3)
72	BRIAN NOLLAR	HOMER, AK	7 - 8 (2)	7 - 8 (2)
73	SCOTT HELLESEN	BENICIA, CA	7 - 2 (2)	7 - 2 (2)
74	NATHAN BROMLEY	ALBANY, OR	6 - 15 (3)	6 - 15 (3)
75	RUSS BARGER	BOISE, ID	6 - 14 (2)	6 - 14 (2)
76	GREG HUEY	MCMINNVILLE, OR	6 - 11 (3)	6 - 11 (3)
77	SHAWN O'CONNELL	BREWSTER, WA	6 - 10 (3)	6 - 10 (3)
78	TRAVIS BOUNDS	CHICO, CA	6 - 9 (2)	6 - 9 (2)
79	NICK YOUNG	NYSSA, OR	6 - 8 (3)	6 - 8 (3)
80	JIM GIANCOLA	SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA	6 - 5 (2)	6 - 5 (2)
80	TODD WOODS	LOS ANGELES, CA	6 - 5 (2)	6 - 5 (2)
82	DAVID MAES	SPARKS, NV	6 - 4 (3)	6 - 4 (3)
82	SHANE MEISEL	RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA	6 - 4 (3)	6 - 4 (3)
84	MIKE NICHELINI	NAPA, CA	6 - 2 (3)	6 - 2 (3)
85	SUNNY HAWK	SALT LAKE CITY, UT	6 - 1 (2)	6 - 1 (2)
86	YUAN LIU	HAYWARD, CA	5 - 15 (3)	5 - 15 (3)
87	VU AU	TUCSON, AZ	5 - 12 (3)	5 - 12 (3)
87	TYLER ELLIS	SPRINGFIELD, MO	5 - 12 (3)	5 - 12 (3)
89	CY FLOYD	HENDERSON, NV	5 - 11 (3)	5 - 11 (3)
89	STEPHEN PRICE	GLENDALE, AZ	5 - 11 (2)	5 - 11 (2)
89	RYAN GERMAN	FAIRFIELD, CA	5 - 11 (2)	5 - 11 (2)
92	JOHNNY NGUYEN	TUCSON, AZ	5 - 10 (3)	5 - 10 (3)
93	MATT SHURA	GILBERT, AZ	5 - 9 (1)	5 - 9 (1)
94	JERRED JENNINGS	STOCKTON, CA	5 - 5 (3)	5 - 5 (3)
95	JAMES SHAW	COOLIDGE, AZ	5 - 4 (2)	5 - 4 (2)
95	LOGAN ERAUTT	YUCAIPA, CA	5 - 4 (2)	5 - 4 (2)
97	HUNTER SCHLANDER	MODESTO, CA	5 - 3 (2)	5 - 3 (2)
98	CLAYTON ESLICK	GILROY, CA	5 - 2 (2)	5 - 2 (2)
99	ROBERT NAKATOMI	SACRAMENTO, CA	5 - 1 (3)	5 - 1 (3)
100	WES WEZENBERG	LACEY, WA	4 - 15 (2)	4 - 15 (2)
101	SERGIO ARGUELLO	N. HOLLYWOOD, CA	4 - 13 (1)	4 - 13 (1)
101	JUSTIN PATTI	PHOENIX, AZ	4 - 13 (3)	4 - 13 (3)
103	CAMERON KARBER	SCOTTSDALE, AZ	4 - 9 (1)	4 - 9 (1)
103	KEVIN HUGO	CANYON LAKE, CA	4 - 9 (3)	4 - 9 (3)
105	KEVIN JOHNSON	WADDELL, AZ	4 - 8 (2)	4 - 8 (2)
106	ED ARLEDGE	VALLEY CENTER, CA	4 - 7 (2)	4 - 7 (2)
107	MICHAEL TAFOYA	LAPLATA, NM	4 - 6 (2)	4 - 6 (2)
108	MIKE POWELL	MIDWAY, UT	4 - 5 (2)	4 - 5 (2)
109	PHILIP ROESENER	LOGANDALE, NV	4 - 2 (2)	4 - 2 (2)
110	MIKE BRILLHART	WADDELL, AZ	4 - 0 (3)	4 - 0 (3)
111	BENJAMIN BYRD	MOAB, UT	3 - 15 (2)	3 - 15 (2)
112	HOBBY NELSON	PEORIA, AZ	3 - 14 (1)	3 - 14 (1)
113	ROBERT GRITSKI	PENDLETON, OR	3 - 9 (1)	3 - 9 (1)
114	JUSTIN CAMPBELL	PASCO, WA	3 - 8 (1)	3 - 8 (1)
114	CHARLEY ALMASSEY	OAKLEY, CA	3 - 8 (1)	3 - 8 (1)
116	LESTER HAWKINS	PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO	3 - 3 (1)	3 - 3 (1)
116	ANDREW JANKE	SCAPPOOSE, OR	3 - 3 (1)	3 - 3 (1)
118	JAKE BOOMER	SPOKANE VALLEY, WA	3 - 2 (1)	3 - 2 (1)
119	DAVE PHILLIPS	NAMPA, ID	3 - 0 (2)	3 - 0 (2)
120	ALLEN BRATTON	CEDAR CITY, UT	2 - 14 (1)	2 - 14 (1)
121	GREGG BROWN	HENDERSON, NV	2 - 11 (1)	2 - 11 (1)
121	JOSHUA IRELAND	ST.CLOUD, FL	2 - 11 (1)	2 - 11 (1)
123	BRET GOUVEA	REDDING, CA	2 - 9 (2)	2 - 9 (2)
124	KEITH DIFFEY	ELK GROVE, CA	2 - 8 (1)	2 - 8 (1)
125	CHARLIE WEYER	WEST HILLS, CA	2 - 7 (1)	2 - 7 (1)
125	BOBBY LANHAM	CAVE CREEK, AZ	2 - 7 (1)	2 - 7 (1)
127	CHAD HULBERT	GILROY, CA	2 - 6 (1)	2 - 6 (1)
128	TRAVIS JEWELL	SANDY, UT	2 - 2 (1)	2 - 2 (1)
129	LAYTHE MOORE	BANNING, CA	1 - 14 (1)	1 - 14 (1)
130	JIM HALLAUER	ALPINE, CA	1 - 12 (1)	1 - 12 (1)
131	CARLOS GARCIA	MURRIETA, CA	1 - 11 (1)	1 - 11 (1)
132	DAVID DAVIS	BIG PINEY, WY	1 - 7 (1)	1 - 7 (1)
133	JIM LYON	RENO, NV	1 - 5 (1)	1 - 5 (1)
	NATHAN HARBISON	CLOVIS, CA
	NEIL FLORES	SUN CITY, CA
	MELVIN WILLIAMS	CHULA VISTA, CA
	GARY COLLINS	UPPER LAKE, CA
	DAVID KROMM	KENNEWICK, WA
	MAYNARD HEBERT	EDMONTON, AB
	VINCE HURTADO	TURLOCK, CA
	KIM PFAFF	DEER LODGE, MT
	KAZUKI KODAMA	TORRANCE, CA
	JOHNNY JOHNSON	LAKESIDE, AZ
	JUSTIN RALEIGH	PASADENA, CA
	KEVIN CARUSO	GLENDALE, AZ
	ROBERT RATZLAFF	COLUMBIA, CA
	GUY SAVIDAN	NORCO, CA
	JONAS PETTIT	AUBURN, WA
	JASON CAINE	LAS VEGAS, NV
	CLAYTON MEYER	HENDERSON, NV
	JEFF REID	VANCOUVER, WA
	JASON CHRISTY	SCOTTSDALE, AZ
	BRYANT SMITH	CASTRO VALLEY, CA
	CARL NELSON	HANFORD, CA

by AnglersChannel

Two Big Bass Lift Prince Into Lead At Bassmaster Elite Series Event On Lake Martin

Cliff Prince of Palatka, Fla., took the lead on the first day of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge, bringing 19 pounds, 13 ounces to the scales on Thursday.

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

Feb. 8, 2018

ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Conventional wisdom says one big bass per day will give you a good shot at winning a tournament on Lake Martin.

So, when Florida angler Cliff Prince caught a pair of giants on back-to-back casts Thursday, he needed a quick breather to collect himself.

One weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, the other weighed 6-3, and they propelled Prince to a leading first-day weight of 19-13 in the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge.

“Back-to-back casts — it was unbelievable,” Prince said. “I had to sit down for a minute because I definitely wasn’t expecting it.”

Like many of the competitors in this week’s 110-angler field, Prince has very little experience on Lake Martin — and the three official practice days prior to the tournament weren’t exactly kind to him.

But before 9 a.m. Thursday, he idled past a spot that he recognized as a potential big-fish haven.

“I didn’t fish that spot in practice,” said Prince, who was tightlipped about exactly where and how he caught his fish. “But I knew I had gotten bit on another stretch like that. I figured if I caught a big one, it would be down that stretch — and I caught two.”

Unlike Prince, who has fished just 85 tournaments with B.A.S.S. — and none on Lake Martin — the two anglers just behind him in the standings have extensive experience on the fishery.

Takahiro Omori, a Japanese angler who now resides in Texas, earned checks in Bassmaster Invitationals held on Martin in 2001 and 2002. He also won an FLW Tour event on Martin in 2001, earning a $100,000 first-place prize.

Omori caught 18-2 Thursday to land in second place.

“I never even pre-fished this time, so it’s been at least 15 years since I was here,” Omori said. “I didn’t fish any of the same stuff from back then.”

His Day 1 performance, Omori said, far outpaced his practice results.

“I just had a great day,” he said. “My practice was only like 7 or 8 pounds a day. But today, I had a 5 1/2-pounder and a 4-pounder and caught maybe 10 more keepers. I had bites all day long.”

Kentucky angler Mark Menendez, who is in third with 17-9, has three checks in four previous B.A.S.S. events — and unlike Omori, he said he benefited Thursday from knowledge gained more than 15 years ago.

“I’ve spent my fair share of time here, and nothing’s changed,” Menendez said. “It’s the same old, same old.

“If there’s an area that you think you’re going to catch one in, you’ll go over there and catch one. Now, whether it’ll be a big one or not, that’s a roll of the dice.”

Menendez struck paydirt on the big-fish front twice Thursday.

“I had a 6-pounder and another one that was almost 5 — and on this pond, that really helps,” he said. “Anytime you get those bites here on Lake Martin, you’ve got to get them in the boat. They’re critical.”

Second-year Alabama pro Jesse Wiggins was fourth with 15-5, and California veteran Skeet Reese was fifth with 14-13. But the weights could change drastically throughout the leaderboard with a weather change in the forecast.

While Thursday was cool and mostly clear, warmer weather is scheduled to move into central Alabama with rain and thunderstorms the next three days.

Prince said he has a backup plan — just in case.

“It probably will change things,” he said. “But I’m catching them two different ways.

“I don’t know if I can duplicate what I did today, but I can at least catch some fish.”

The tournament will continue Friday, with the field being trimmed to the Top 51 for Saturday’s semifinal round. Only the Top 12 will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize.

Daily takeoffs will be held at 6:15 a.m. CT from Wind Creek State Park with weigh-ins scheduled back at the park for 2:40 p.m.

The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

2018 Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge 2/8-2/11
Lake Martin, Alexander City AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

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

by AnglersChannel

Costa Countdown to Blast Off SE Report with AnglersChannel's John Byrne & Pro staffer Robbie Digh

AnglersChannel's John Byrne and Pro Staffer Robbie Digh recap some of the past weekends events and look ahead to whats coming up this weekend in the Costa Countdown to Blastoff for February 10 & 11.

by AnglersChannel

Palaniuk Joins Molix Pro Staff

Pittsgrove, NJ-February 5, 2018. Professional Edge Fishing Inc., a brand and angler marketing and representation company, announces the addition of the 2017 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Brandon Palaniuk to the Molix USA Pro Staff Team. Palaniuk joins other talents, Mike Iaconelli, Carl Jocumsen, Justin Lucas and James Elam on the team.

“I first heard about Molix back in 2009 from the Italian BASS Nation National Championship qualifier.” recalls Palaniuk. “I was immediately impressed by their quality products and attention to detail. Those qualities hold true today and I’m looking forward to helping expand their line of jigs and wire baits for years to come.”

Throughout the course of the 2018 Elite Series, the Molix USA Pro Staff anglers will be incorporating Molix brand tackle into their fishing repertoire. While competing, they will be testing, retooling and developing new products to add to the already extensive line of Italian brand baits.

“Brandon is an extraordinary angler, a real game changer, and we’ll do everything possible to help him stay on top”, says Molix CEO Stefano Sammarchi. “We are really happy to have the 2017 Angler of the Year on board with us and welcome him to the team. We can’t wait to start working with him on new and exciting projects. Brandon is the man!”

ABOUT BRANDON PALANIUK:

The 30-year-old Idaho resident has had seven Bassmaster Classic appearances since 2011 and is a three-time Bassmaster Elite Champion. Most impressive may be the Toyota Bassmaster Anger of the Year title that he won in 2017. Palaniuk is sponsored by Huk, Skeeter Boats, RIGID, Yamaha Pro Fishing, Rapala, Alpha Angler, GoPro, Crossed Industries in addition to several others. www.bmpfishing.com

Follow Brandon on Facebook @brandonpalaniuk on Twitter @BrandonPalaniuk and on Instagram @brandonpalaniuk

ABOUT MOLIX BRAND BAITS:

Molix is an Italian brand of professional fishing products and accessories. Their high-quality products are thanks to the continuous research and innovative design, created to suit the changing needs of modern fishermen. With input from anglers around the world, Molix develops products with their innovative, characteristic Italian style of products. www.molix.com

Follow Molix on Facebook @Molix-Think.Feel.Fish, on Twitter @Molixfishing and on Instagram @molix_fishing

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL EDGE FISHING:

Professional Edge Fishing, Inc. is a New Jersey based, full-service angler management, representation, and marketing company specializing in the outdoor sportfishing market. Professional Edge Fishing represents several of the top professional anglers in the fishing world, which include Michael Iaconelli, John Crews, Ish Monroe, and Cliff Crochet. Professional Edge Fishing also works with many product manufacturers by developing custom marketing campaigns designed to connect these companies directly with millions of grass roots fishing enthusiasts around the globe. For more information, visit http://ProfessionalEdgeFishing.com, contact Becky Iaconelli at (571) 215-4366, or info@professionaledgefishing.com

by AnglersChannel

Swindle and VanDam Preview First Bassmaster Elite Tournament of 2018 at Lake Martin

Story & Photo Courtesy of Alan Mcguckin / Dynamic Sponsorships

Gerald Swindle and Kevin VanDam share longtime sponsors Toyota and Quantum, as well as an amazing 9 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles between the two of them, and on the eve of the first Bassmaster Elite Series tournament of 2018, they were gracious enough to share their thoughts on Lake Martin, Alabama.

1.) It’s a brand new season, but what was your favorite part of the off-season this winter?

Swindle: Being in the tree with my wife LeAnn when she arrowed a great 130” whitetail buck in Illinois that I called in for her with a ‘snort wheeze’ and video taped the whole thing too.

VanDam: Christmas with all my family, and it was especially good because my nephew Steve got married immediately after Christmas, and that caused all the family to hang out even more together.

2.) Will all the rain that fell today, and is forecasted to fall throughout the weekend, make fishing better or worse on Lake Martin?

Swindle: I don’t think it will have much of an affect one way or the other, because I think the dirt and mud will settle faster than people might think.

VanDam: I think the rainy weather will make it better, because anytime you have a low pressure system fishing tends to improve, and besides that, it’s not a cold rain, it’s a fairly warm rain, dumping water into a lake that’s about 48 to 52 degrees.

3.) Name 3 lures fans can expect to see the pros use a bunch this week.

Swindle: Shad Rap, Rapala DT6 and a Damiki Rig.

VanDam: Medium diving crankbaits, finesse jig, and a Damiki Rig

4.) When Mike Terry won the B.A.S.S. event here in the early winter of 1994, he won by 14 pounds. Can anybody separate himself that far from the second place guy in this tournament?

Swindle: I don’t see that happening. In fact, I think you’re gonna see the tightest weights since the 2005 Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh.

VanDam: It’s possible – if a local like Matt Herren, Russ Lane, Greg Vinson, or Kelley Jaye gets on the motherload. Hey, it happened before here 24 years ago – so why couldn’t it happen again?

5.) How much weight will you need to average each day to make the Top 12 cut here on the final day?

Swindle: 12.5 for the Top 12, and 13 pounds a day could win.

VanDam: 12 pounds a day should do great this week.

by AnglersChannel

The Econo Lodge Brand Returns as Presenting Sponsor of First Two Bassmaster Elite Tournaments for a Third Consecutive Year

Feb. 5, 2018

Sponsorship includes offering fans the chance to win a day of fishing with pro Justin Lucas

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Econo Lodge brand, part of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE:CHH) is the presenting sponsor of two Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments in 2018, and is offering fans the chance to win a day of fishing with professional angler Justin Lucas, a two-time Bassmaster Elite Champion.

“The Econo Lodge guests are outdoor enthusiasts who love to hunt, hike and fish, and are willing to travel long distances to do so,” said Craig Mustard, head of domestic brand management for economy brands for Choice Hotels. “With more than 800 locations, Econo Lodge hotels provide great value and convenience across the United States, with many nearby lakes, rivers, mountains and streams.”

The Econo Lodge brand is the presenting sponsor of the first two 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments, including the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin, February 8 - 11, in Alexander City, Alabama, and the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River, April 6 - 9 in Orange, Texas.

Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO, applauded the return of Econo Lodge as a presenting sponsor, stating, “Our research tells us that many of the 500,000 B.A.S.S. members across the country enjoy traveling to hot fishing destinations out of town and out of state. Whether competing in tournaments, attending tournaments or just fishing for fun, these avid bass anglers appreciate having a comfortable, reliable and affordable place to stay near their destination lakes.”

The two tournaments are part of the 11-event Bassmaster Elite Series, including nine regular-season tournaments and two postseason events: the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on Lake Chatuge, Georgia, and the Bassmaster Classic Bracket at Carters Lake, Georgia.

A total of 110 professional anglers have qualified for the Elite Series, which begins its 13th season at Lake Martin. In 2017, the Econo Lodge brand sponsored Elite tournaments on Toledo Bend at Many, Louisiana, and Lake Dardanelle out of Russellville, Arkansas. In 2016, the brand sponsored the Elite tournament on the Potomac River in Charles County, Maryland.

Econo Lodge: Easy Stop on the Road
With the amenities you need, the price you want and a brand you trust, Econo Lodge hotels make traveling easy. The Econo Lodge brand is one of the most trusted and recognized in the economy segment with more than 800 hotels located around the United States. Every property provides the amenities guests need to feel refreshed, including free Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfast, in-room refrigerators, convenient device recharge throughout guest rooms and premium movie channels. For more information, visit EconoLodge.com.

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world's largest hotel companies. With over 6,500 hotels franchised in more than 40 countries and territories, Choice Hotels International represents more than 500,000 rooms around the globe. As of September 30, 2017, over 800 hotels were in our development pipeline. Our company's Ascend Hotel Collection®, Cambria® Hotels, Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Sleep Inn®, Quality®, Clarion®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, and Vacation Rentals by Choice Hotels® brands provide a spectrum of lodging choices to meet guests' needs. With more than 33 million members, our Choice Privileges® rewards program enhances every trip a guest takes, with benefits ranging from instant, every day rewards to exceptional experiences, starting right when they join. All hotels and vacation rentals are independently owned and operated. Visit us at www.choicehotels.com for more information.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting

by AnglersChannel

NAVICO AND GARMIN® RESOLVE PATENT DISPUTES

Egersund, Norway and Olathe, Kan. – Navico, parent company to the Lowrance®, Simrad® and B&G® brands and Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), announced today that they have ended a three-year-long legal dispute relating to sonar and auto guidance patents. The agreement includes a broad cross licensing of patents and other intellectual property, which will allow both companies to bring new innovations to the market faster and benefit all marine customers.

“Research and development of game-changing technologies like our DownScan Imaging is the lifeblood of our business and the marine electronics industry,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico. “We are very pleased with this resolution, which includes guidelines for the future cross licensing of technologies for the benefit of both of our customers.”

”This is an exciting time as new technology is bringing positive change to the marine market,” said Cliff Pemble, President and CEO, Garmin. “This resolution allows us to focus all of our energy to bring even more innovation to our marine customers.”

For more information on the Navico brands, please visit www.lowrance.com, www.simrad-yachting.com, pro.simrad-yachting.com and www.bandg.com, and to find out more about the Navico Group of companies, visit www.navico.com. For more information on Garmin, please visit www.garmin.com.

About Navico

A privately held, international corporation, Navico is a leading marine electronics company, and is the parent company to leading marine electronics brands: Lowrance, Simrad and B&G. Navico has approximately 1,500 employees globally and distribution in more than 100 countries worldwide. www.navico.com.

About Garmin International Inc.

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available

at http://www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

by AnglersChannel

Elite Update - Jordan Lee Still Looking for a 3-pounder at Lake Martin

Story & Photo Courtesy of Alan McGuckin / Dynamic Sponsorships

The only thing thicker than the humidity of the 61-degree air temps surrounding Lake Martin in the darkness of the final morning of practice for the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge, was the anxiousness of the world’s best bass pros to figure out how to catch a sizeable largemouth.

“Counting the time I spent here practicing last month before the lake went ‘off limits’ – this will be my 9^th day on Lake Martin in the past couple months – and I still haven’t caught a 3-pounder,” says reigning Bassmaster Classic Champion Jordan Lee.

Despite not yet catching a fat largemouth, and fast approaching monsoon-like, lightening-laced rainstorms on his cell phone’s weather radar, the always easy-going and good-natured Lee was weather-ready in his Carhartt raingear, and taking it all in stride in the darkness of 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.

“The cool thing is, it’s kind of anybody’s ball game here on Martin, because it’s so tough to smash ‘em consistently for three or four days here,” says Lee. “You may see a guy jump out to the lead with a 16 or 17 pound limit on Day 1, but doing that consistently here is super tough. In fact, if you can average 13-pounds a day, you’ll be real tough.”

Consistent with his ‘it’s anybody’s ballgame’ theory, is the fact Lee says nobody in the 2018 Elite Series has a huge home lake advantage on this gorgeous 44,000 surface acre reservoir, even though several Alabama pros, including himself, are on the roster.

Lee graduated from Auburn, just a short 45 minute drive from Lake Martin, following his hugely successful time in the Carhartt Bassmaster College fishing ranks, but says he spent very little time fishing here during his time on the Tiger’s campus, choosing to instead hone his skills on fisheries where weightier limits awaited.

“I don’t mean this as a negative, but Martin is probably one of the lowest winning weight lakes in our state. There just aren’t a ton of largemouth here, and the spotted bass are typically 2-pounders,” explains Lee, whose new Ranger’s front deck was covered in 10 Quantum rod and reel combos.

Five of those reels were spinning, rigged with dropshots primarily for the plentiful spotted bass population, and five were Smoke baitcasters featuring a variety of orange/red crawfish colored crankbaits -- and a skirted pitching jig – just in case he encounters a piece of habitat where that 3-pounder or better that’s eluded him through nine days practice might be hiding.

Author Alan McGuckin, Head PR Guru for Dynamic Sponsorships working with brands such as Quantum Fishing, Toyota USA, Carhartt and many more.

by AnglersChannel

Costa® Sunrise Silver Mirror Lens Now Available in 580G® Lightwave Glass

For Heightened Optical Performance in Low-Light Conditions, Costa’s 580G Sunrise Silver Mirror Lenses Have Arrived

Daytona Beach, Fla. – February 7, 2018 – Serious anglers know that dusk and dawn are dynamite times to be on the water. To help them find and catch more fish during these low-light conditions, Costa Sunglasses developed a revolutionary Sunrise Silver Mirror 580P polycarbonate lens to boost optical contrast in dim light. The breakthrough lens earned Costa the “Best Eyewear” award in the 2017 ICAST New Product Showcase. Costa, the leader in world-class performance sunglasses, has now extended the polarized Sunrise Silver Mirror color into its scratch-resistant 580G glass lenses.

John Sanchez, Vice President of Product Development at Costa, explains “Whether you’re poling the flats at sunrise or sight fishing shallow bass in low light, overcast conditions, Sunrise Silver Mirror is your go-to lens – with 30 percent light transmission to deliver optimal contrast when the sun is either low or obscured by cloud cover. It’s so effective that anglers asked for it in our patented glass technology. And we listened.”

Costa’s 580G Lightwave Glass lenses provide the finest in visual clarity and scratch resistance. They feature encapsulated mirrors and a polarized film that are contained between crystal-clear glass layers that easily handle the rigors of fresh- and salt-water fishing. “With its innovative construction, 580G lenses are 20 percent thinner and 22 percent lighter than average polarized glass for all-day comfort,” Sanchez says.

Anglers who choose 580G Sunrise Silver Mirror lenses will appreciate Costa's patented color-enhancing technology that selectively filters out harsh yellow light for superior contrast and definition. In addition to reducing glare and eye fatigue, the technology also absorbs high-energy blue light to cut haze and enhance sharpness. Naturally, Costa's 580G lenses provide 100 percent UV ray protection while absorbing the HEV light known to cause macular degeneration, pterygium, cataracts and other eye diseases.

The new Sunrise Silver Mirror 580G lens is available in several popular frame styles, including: Blackfin, Bloke, Brine, Corbina, Fantail, Fisch, Jose, Montauk, Motu, Reefton, Slack Tide, Tuna Alley and Whitetip. For more information on the new lens and Costa’s full line of performance sunglasses, visit www.costadelmar.com.

by AnglersChannel

Huntington High School Team Weighs in over 21 pounds to best 542 HS Teams in SETX High School Event on Rayburn! Weighs 8.25 lb Kicker!

by AnglersChannel

Louisiana State University-Shreveport Takes the Lead in the Collegiate College Bass Fishing Rankings

Northwestern State University moves to 2^nd and University of Louisiana-Monroe in 3^rd

When school starts back up for the spring semester every year that means college bass fishing is about to hit its peak season. During almost any given weekend there is a major college fishing event scheduled, so it’s not uncommon for the Cabela’s School of Year presented by Abu Garcia race to see ranking change frequently. In recent weeks, there have been two major collegiate events in the state of Texas, so it is not unexpected to see many teams from that area of the nation ranked inside the top 20.

As it stands now, Louisiana State University-Shreveport has taken its place as the highest-ranking bass fishing team in the nation going into this weekend. The bass team from Northwestern State University jumps up into second place, followed by University of Louisiana-Monroe in third place. All top three teams are expected to compete at this weekend’s Texas Lunker Challenge presented by Mossy Oak Elements on Sam Rayburn Reservoir – as well as almost all of the top 20 teams in the nation – so a rankings shake up very well could be happening soon. And that will help shape the next few months of the School of Year race as teams attempt to get into position to claim this prestigious title.

The LSU-Shreveport bass team has been steadily gaining points throughout the season and finally took the top position with two solid performances at the FLW Southern event on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and the B.A.S.S. Central event on Toledo Bend recently. Moving from third place to first has been on the minds of the LSU-Shreveport bass team, and their focus has been consistency.

“It’s feels awesome to have taken the lead. We stumbled a little bit last weekend at the B.A.S.S event on Toledo Bend and were worried it would hurt us in a big way, and with the upcoming event on Sam Rayburn, we are going to have to work harder to make sure we don’t stumble again,” said JP Kimbrough, LSU-Shreveport Bass Team.

LSU-Shreveport had a great start to the season winning the FLW Southern event back in September and solid finishes at the B.A.S.S. Wildcard and Championship, which gave them the jump they needed to stay firmly in the top 5. LSU-Shreveport isn’t just about to give the top spot up that easily and have their sights set on the next event on the 2018 schedule – Texas Lunker Challenge presented by Mossy Oak Elements on Sam Rayburn, February 11^th.

Kimbrough continued saying, “For the next couple of weeks, our strategy is going to remain the same – try to win every event we can.”

LSU-Shreveport wasn’t the only bass team from Louisiana to make moves in January. Northwestern State University moved up the standings from fifth to second place. The team of John Ledet and Logan Laprarie finished third overall at the FLW Southern to pick up 180 points, and then adding another 109 points with their 11^thplace finish at the B.A.S.S. Central.

Rounding out the top three is yet another Louisiana school – University of Louisiana-Monroe. ULM moved three spots up from sixth place to third place with the team of Tyler Craig and Spencer Lambert finishing second at the B.A.S.S. Central event on Toledo Bend, earning 190 points to go along with their 104 points from the FLW Southern event.

The Texas Lunker Challenge presented by Mossy Oak Elements will be the first event of the 2018 Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Series schedule and will count towards Cabela’s School of the Year standings. The event is worth 500 points, as well as bass teams being able to earn points by their top two competing anglers, which will no doubt cause a shakeup in the Cabela’s School of the Year standings come next Monday. In addition to that event, there are several other major college events on the horizon that will surely change the rankings as college bass fishing season heads into the home stretch.

Here is a look at the current Top 20 in the Cabela’s School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia:

Louisiana State University – Shreveport (Shreveport, LA)
Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, LA)
University of Louisiana – Monroe (Monroe, LA)
Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)
Tarleton State (Stephenville, TX)
Dallas Baptist University (Dallas, TX)
Bethel University (McKenzie, TN)
Arkansas Tech University (Russellville, AR)
Sam Houston State (Huntsville, TX)
East Texas Baptist University (Marshall, TX)
Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)
Adrian College (Adrian, MI)
McKendree University (Lebanon, IL)
West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
University of North Alabama (Florence, AL)
Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS)
Bemidji State University (Bemidji, MN)
Murray State University (Murray, KY)
University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
Rogers State University (Claremore, OK)

Complete Rankings

For more information about the Cabela’s Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, please visit www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com.

by AnglersChannel

LAKE HAVASU SET TO HOST YETI FLW COLLEGE FISHING EVENT

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2018) – YETI FLW College Fishing will continue the season with an event Feb. 10 on Lake Havasu. The tournament, hosted by the Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau, is the first of three regular-season events for anglers in the Western Conference, and will feature a top prize of a $2,000 club scholarship and an invitation to compete in the 2019 College Fishing National Championship.

“Moving baits will be key in this tournament,” said 2014 FLW Series Western Division Angler of the Year Kyle Grover, of Trabuco Canyon, California, who has two top-20 finishes on Lake Havasu in FLW competition. “Look to see guys winding umbrella rigs, crankbaits, and Rat-L-Traps.

“The water level is down, so some guys will pull good fish from the river but most fish will be caught in the lake,” Grover continued. “I think an 18-pound limit should be enough to get the win.”

Competitors will take off from Lake Havasu State Park, located at 699 London Bridge Road, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, at 8 a.m. MST Saturday. Weigh-in will be held at the park beginning at 2:30 p.m. Takeoff and weigh-in are free and open to the public.

Schools are allowed to register up until the morning of the tournament. Entries may be made either by phone or at CollegeFishing.com.

Schools expected to compete in the Lake Havasu tournament include:

Arizona State University – Michael Jones, Tempe, Ariz., and Steven Latino, Chandler, Ariz.

California Polytechnic State University – Alec Pitts, Santa Rosa, Calif., and Hugh Cosculluela, The Woodlands, Texas

California State University-Chico – Chad Sweitzer, Chico, Calif., and Tyler Firebaugh, Danville, Calif.

Grand Canyon University – Joseph Dwyer, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Tommy Sendek, Tucson, Ariz.

Utah Valley University – Ben Levie, Salem, Utah, and Will Brown, Provo, Utah

YETI FLW College Fishing teams compete in three 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 FLW College Fishing Open will advance to the 2019 FLW College Fishing National Championship. Additional teams will qualify for the National Championship if the field size in regular-season events exceeds 100 boats. The 2019 FLW College Fishing National Championship will take place May 30-June 1 on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is hosted by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission & Red River Waterway Commission.

by AnglersChannel

COSTA FLW SERIES HEADS TO LAKE HAVASU FOR WESTERN DIVISION OPENER PRESENTED BY RANGER BOATS

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2018) – As many as 300 pros and co-anglers are set to compete Feb. 8-10 at the Costa FLW Series Wester Division opener at Lake Havasu presented by Ranger Boats. Hosted by the Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau, the event will feature anglers competing for a top award of up to $85,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard.

“The fish are staging right now and getting ready to move into prespawn mode,” said Joe Uribe Jr., of Surprise, Arizona, who has won the last two consecutive Costa FLW Series events held on Lake Havasu in 2015 and 2017. “We’ve had a full moon this week and warm air temperatures during the day – in the low 80s. As the water temperatures continue to rise fish will really be triggered to make a move.”

Uribe said anglers will utilize the entire lake for this event, specifically the Colorado River and areas down south. He cited quick-moving smallmouth in river current and warmer water on the southern end as especially tempting for competitors.

“Most guys are going to be finesse fishing, which is fairly typical this time of year,” said Uribe. “Finesse tactics will be more of a player for smallmouth than for the largemouth, and will involve small hair jigs, drop-shot rigs and little swimbaits. Largemouth will be orientated out deep near man-made structure including cages and brush piles. Look for crankbaits, jigs and umbrella rigs to do well in those areas.”

Uribe went on to say that catching both smallmouth and largemouth bass will be crucial for success in the tournament.

“Guys are going to have trouble catching a limit solely made up of largemouth, so they’re going to have to mix it up a little bit. They may have to target largemouth in the morning, and then switch to those big smallmouth up shallow as the water warms up,” said Uribe. “I think 17 pounds a day over three days will be needed to win.”

Anglers will take off and weigh-in at Lake Havasu State Park, located at 699 London Bridge Road, in Lake Havasu City. Takeoff will be held at 7:30 a.m. MST each day of competition and weigh-ins will start at 3:30 p.m. All takeoffs and weigh-ins are free to attend and open to the public.

In Costa FLW Series regular-season competition, payouts are based on the number of participants competing in the event. At Lake Havasu, pros will fish for a top prize of $85,000, including a brand new Ranger Z518C boat with a 200-horsepower Evinrude outboard if Ranger Cup qualified. Co-anglers will cast for a brand new Ranger Z175 boat with a 90-horsepower Evinrude outboard, and $5,000 if Ranger Cup qualified.

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 in 2018 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW and their partners conduct 286 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW" television show, broadcast to more than 564 million households worldwide, while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.

by AnglersChannel

Bradford & Dwight Beaver Drop 27 pound Limit on the Scales in CBC Season Opener on Murray!

Courtesy of Carolina's Bass Challenge

Bradford & Dwight Beaver weighed in 5 fat Lake Murray bass at 27.27 lbs to beat out the other 162 teams entered! They also took home the 1st Skeeter BONUS worth another $4,000.00 pushing their total winning to $14,000.00!

2nd went to Thomas Hardwick & Tommy Williams with another great bag of bass weighing 26.82 lbs and they also were fishing out of SKEETER which was good for a $3,000.00 BONUS! They took home a total of $7,950.00!

Travis Parrish & Rodney Tapp weighed in a limit at 24.98 lbs good enough for 3rd and they earned $3,400.00!

Barry Holloman & Joey Bramlett claimed 4th with 24.71lbs and theu collected the 3rd SKEETER BONUS which was $2,000.00! Joey and Barry received $4,300.00!

Mike Stephens & Bryan New weighed in 23.09 lbs and the BF of the day at 7.63 lbs for a total of $2,700.00!!

4th SKEETER BONUS went to Phillip Randolf & Ronald Moss with 21.40 lbs. They took home a total of $1,850.00!

by AnglersChannel

LAKE SEMINOLE SET TO HOST YETI FLW COLLEGE FISHING EVENT

BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (Jan. 30, 2018) – YETI FLW College Fishing will continue the season with an event Feb. 10 on Lake Seminole presented by Bass Pro Shops. The tournament, hosted by the Bainbridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the first of three regular-season events for anglers in the Southeastern Conference, and will feature a top prize of a $2,000 club scholarship and an invitation to compete in the 2019 College Fishing National Championship.

“This is going to be a great tournament,” said FLW Tour pro Buddy Gross of Chickamauga, Georgia, who won the Costa FLW Series event on Lake Seminole in 2017. “The bass are prespawn right now and there are a lot of fish fattened up. The lake is on fire – last weekend it took 32 pounds to win a local tournament – and they’re hitting it at just the right time. They’re going to be able to fish how they’d like and catch them in a lot of different ways.

“I think it’ll likely be a grass deal and the fish will be set up in a lot of pre-spawn areas,” Gross continued. “The bass on Seminole use sand to bed, so I’d be looking for grassy flats and humps near sandy bottoms. I think there will be a big Rat-L-Trap bite, and a flipping bite in the hydrilla. Senkos and swimbaits will produce as well. Teams are going to be able to spread out.”

Gross offered words of advice for college anglers who may be visiting the lake for the first time – be careful.

“Lake Seminole has a lot of standing timber, so it is important that the college anglers take their time and make sure that they are being cautious when driving around the lake,” Gross said. “Look for areas near Spring Creek – there are a lot of little arms and pockets where you can get back to little ponds that offer a lot of opportunity. I think we’ll likely see a winning limit in the mid-20s.”

Competitors will take off from the Bainbridge Earle May Boat Basin, located at 100 Boat Basin Circle in Bainbridge, Georgia, at 7:30 a.m. EST Saturday. Weigh-in will be held at the boat basin beginning at 3 p.m. Takeoff and weigh-in are free and open to the public.

Schools are allowed to register up until the morning of the tournament. Entries may be made either by phone or at CollegeFishing.com.

Schools expected to compete in the Lake Seminole tournament include:

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – Gavin Hiers, Quitman, Ga., and Brennan Bledsoe, Cordele, Ga.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – David Froehlich III, Loxahatchee, Fla., and Hagen Masciale, Melrose, Fla.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – Quinn Brown, Willacoochee, Ga., and Morgan Anderson, Fitzgerald, Ga.

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – Nicholas Hughes, Locust Grove, Ga., and Sam Brewton, McRae, Ga.

Auburn University – Anthony Vintson, Fort Gordon, Ga., and Julian Suero, Winter Springs, Ala.

Auburn University – Mitchell Jennings and Lauren Remolde, both of Auburn, Ala.

Augusta University – Joshua Rockefeller, Harlem, Ga., and Zachary Ramsey, Canton, Ga.

Bryan College – Preston Kendrick, Mount Olive, Ala., and Bennett Kudder, Dix Hills, N.Y.

Bryan College – Briana Tucker, Trinity, Ala., and Hollie Reagan, Seymour, Tenn.

Bryan College – Jake Mims, Douglasville, Ga., and Conner DiMauro, Longwood, Fla.

Bryan College – Dalton Price, Seymour, Tenn., and D.J. Barber, Gardendale, Ala.

Bryan College – Jacob Foutz, Charleston, Tenn., and Jake Lee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Bryan College – Tyler Price, Dayton, Tenn., and Mac Raughton, Tunnel Hill, Ga.

Clemson University – Liam West, Greenville, S.C., and Brady Waits, Clemson, S.C.

Clemson University – Joshua Hart, Simpsonville, S.C., and Ben Domingue, Central, S.C.

Clemson University – Levi Neave, Seneca, S.C., and Jacob Robbins, Edgemoor, S.C.

Clemson University – Matthew Bostic, Gilbert, S.C., and Allan Stack, Summerville, S.C.

Clemson University – Derek Freeman, Anderson, S.C., and Robert White, Greenville, S.C.

Clemson University – Zach Kronewitter, Clemson, S.C., and Caleb Allgood, Fair Play, S.C.

Coastal Carolina University – Jonathan Kelley, Middle River, Pa., and David Houchens, Bowie, Md.

Coastal Carolina University – Jeff Gary, Magnolia, Del., and Joseph Castelluccio, Andover, N.J.

Coastal Carolina University – John Duarte, Middle River, Md., and Taylor Jones, Johnsonville, S.C.

East Carolina University – Colton Harrell, Matthews, N.C., and Troy Moore, Kitty Hawk, N.C.

East Carolina University – Eric Olah, Greenville, N.C., and Michael Manning, La Grange, N.C.

Faulkner University – Breanna Wyatt and Joseph Lacy, both of Pell City, Ala.

Faulkner University – Tyler Pennington, Chicota, Ala., and Brady Bowden, Hope Hull, Ala.

Florida State University – Owen Kuhn and David Korson, both of Tallahassee, Fla.

Georgia College & State University – Robert Keene, Athens, Ga., and Phillip Green, Hoschton, Ga.

Itawamba Community College – Ross Sprouse, Blue Springs, Miss., and Fisher Young, Smithville, Miss.

Kennesaw State University – Spencer Guthrie, Acworth, Ga., and Ryan Kennedy, Woodstock, Ga.

Kennesaw State University – Garrett Guinan, Marietta, Ga., and Will Leonard, Kennesaw, Ga.

LaGrange College – Tanner Johnson and Jacob Wood, both of LaGrange, Ga.

Lipscomb University – Scout Monteith, Nashville, Tenn., and Hunter Hanks, Hermitage, Tenn.

Mercer University – Bryce Grogan, Jackson, Ga., and Collin Vandemark, Sparks, Ga.

Mercer University – Eric Allen, Powder Springs, Ga., and Zachary Woods, Lizella, Ga.

Mississippi State University – Jack Stegall, Carriere, Miss., and Caleb Hebert, Poplarville, Miss.

North Carolina State University – Will Monti, Charlotte, N.C., and Mitchell Lance, Raleigh, N.C.

Newberry College – Daniel Cook, Pomaria, S.C., and Tucker Johnson, Irmo, S.C.

Polk State College – Trever Stephens, Auburndale, Fla., and Jerod Gadd, Bartow, Fla.

Polk State College – Kyle Stafford, Lakeland, Fla., and Austin Bell, Winter Haven, Fla.

Polk State College – Samuel Whitmire, Babson Park, Fla., and Trenton Rogers, Bartow, Fla.

Tennessee Technological University – Josh Bean and Caden Watson, both of Cleveland, Tenn.

University of Alabama – Andrew Deloney, Newton, Ala., and Jacob Daily, Mattoon, Ill.

University of Central Florida – Caleb Bundy, Lake City, Fla., and Christian Waters, Winter Haven, Fla.

University of Florida – Colby Eldridge and William Gibbs, both of Panama City, Fla.

University of Florida – Conner Young, Sorrenton, Fla., and Ryan Richardson, Gainesville, Fla.

University of Florida – Dylan Bucci, Ocala, Fla., and Abigail Askew, Gainesville, Fla.

University of Georgia – Garrett Stone, Sandy Springs, Ga., and Collin Chandler, Donalsonville, Ga.

University of Mississippi – Austin Savell, Brandon, Miss., and Luke Yaekel, Freeburg, Ill.

University of North Georgia – Tristan Thomas and Braxton Martin, both of Lula, Ga.

University of North Georgia – Drew Coker, Murrayville, Ga., and Clayton Childs, Bishop, Ga.

University of North Georgia – Patrick Harrington, Marietta, Ga., and Ethan Seitz, Hixson, Ga.

University of South Carolina – Trevor Topken, Warwick, N.Y., and Brandon Biby, New City, N.Y.

University of South Carolina – Hunter Buice, Pacolet, S.C., William Bond, Moncks Corner, S.C.

University of South Carolina – Zack Catoe, Lancaster, S.C., and Nick Schwarzenberg, Frederick, Md.

University of South Carolina-Beaufort – Tyler Black, Moncks Corner, S.C., and Alex Altman, Bluffton, S.C.

University of South Carolina-Beaufort – Charley Kuhn, Fort Mill, S.C., and Parker Wingard, Lexington, S.C.

Valdosta State University – Max Gresham, Milner, Ga., and Zachary Blake, Guyton, Ga.

Valdosta State University – Austin Rowell, Nicholls, Ga., and Zachary Loftus, Palm Coast, Ga.

Wake Forest University – Connor Walsh, Thompsonville, N.C., Noah Ezickson, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Winthrop University – Brett Blackwood, York, S.C., and Caleb Blackwood, Rock Hill, S.C.

Young Harris College – Andrew Himmelreich, Powder Springs, Ga., and Ben Giles, Colbert, Ga.

by AnglersChannel

UPDATE ON ANGLERS INVOLVED IN BOATING ACCIDENT AT FLW TOUR ON LAKE OKEECHOBEE

MINNEAPOLIS (Feb. 1, 2018) – Pro competitors Andy Young of Mound, Minnesota, and William Campbell of Middlesboro, Kentucky, were involved in a boat collision on opening day of the FLW Tour at Lake Okeechobee last week. The collision happened while both anglers were running the lake and met at the end of a boat lane near Moonshine Bay. Co-angler James Bianchi of Rush, New York, was in Young’s boat, while Lee Frye of Brooksville, Florida, was the co-angler in Campbell’s boat.

Young and Bianchi were ejected, but were able to return to their boat after Young’s mandatory ignition shutoff device disengaged the engine. While damaged, both boats returned under their own power to the launch site at the Clewiston Boat Basin.

Young sought medical attention upon his return to the ramp and was admitted to a local medical facility. He has since been released. Bianchi, Campbell and Frye declined medical attention.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the accident.

Young’s catch was weighed and he finished the day with five bass weighing 10 pounds even. He was unable to compete on Day Two and finished the tournament in 179^th place. Campbell and Frye were late in their return to check-in and they both withdrew from the tournament. Bianchi continued competition and finished in 22^ndplace, weighing in 10 bass for 20 pounds, 15 ounces and earning $1,000.

Both Young and Campbell plan to return to the FLW Tour this season.

“It was an accident, plain and simple,” said Campbell, who was fishing in just his second career FLW Tour event. “I’ve been on the water and driving boats for more than 30 years, and I’d never had an accident like this. It’s very unfortunate that it occurred, but I’m extremely thankful that it wasn’t worse.

“This isn’t going to stop me from competing,” Campbell continued. “Becoming a pro bass angler has been a dream of mine since I was 15 years old. For this to happen, on the first day of my first full season, is very disappointing. I will not let this stop me.”

“I’m sore, but I’ll heal and I’m thankful that the accident wasn’t worse,” Young said. “The doctor said that I have a compression fracture in my L2 vertebra – no surgery, but I’ll be in a brace for a few weeks. I’m extremely upset that I’m going to have to miss the Harris Chain tournament and maybe even Lanier, but I’m recovering and you can bet that I will be back out competing on the Tour as soon as I am able.”

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

by AnglersChannel

Michael Smith Wins ABA Alabama South Open Event on Lake Eufaula with over 21 pounds!

ATHENS, Ala. – ABA Pro-Staffer Michael M Smith of Andalusia, AL won the American Bass Open Series Alabama South tournament, held February 3rd on Lake Eufaula. Running out of Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula, AL Michael caught five bass weighing 21.63 pounds anchored by a 5.76 -pound kicker. For the Boater Division victory, Michael took home a check for $5000 for his win and qualified for an additional $5000 for Triton Gold.

“I was fishing the lower end of the lake from the bridges down fishing a crankbait and flipping mid-depth channel swing banks, then later in the day I was fishing ditches and brush-piles,” said Smith.

In second for the boaters, Raymond “Bubba” Barlow of Albany, GA landed a five-bass tournament limit going 21.53 pounds. He collected $1575 for his catch.

“I caught all my fish on crankbaits and jigs. Those were my two main baits today. I was fishing mid-lake,” said Barlow.

Ken Greene of Lumpkin, GA finished third for the boaters with five bass going 20.29 pounds. He earned $1050 for his catch.

“I was fishing deep and slow, “ said Greene.

The largest bass of the tournament for the boaters was caught by Jason “Buddha” Smith of Dawson, GA it weighed 7.98 pounds. Smith pocketed a check for $760 for his catch.

“I caught that fish on a Swagger Swim Worm by Buddha Bait Company,” said Smith.

Finishing fourth, Terry Tucker of Gadsden, AL landed a five-bass limit for 18.47 pounds. Rounding out the top five was Frank Sine of Alabaster, AL with a five-bass limit for 17.93 pounds.

In the Co-Angler Division, William Thomas of Phenix City, AL won with three bass going 10.77 pounds with a 4.64-pound kicker. He pocketed a check for $1000 for his win.

“I caught my fish on a jig, trying to fish deeper than my boater. This is my first tournament win out of three tournaments I have ever fished and my first tournament with ABA. I’m just glad it warmed up today,” said Thomas.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Terry Taylor of Seale, AL brought in a three-bass division limit weighing 9.86 pounds. He collected $400 for the effort.

“I caught my fish on a crankbait early and then caught a few flipping grasses later in the day,” said Taylor.

David McMurphy of Wilsonville, AL placed third among the co-anglers with two bass going 8.54-pounds including a 5.60-pound kicker. He earned $300 for his catch and $165 for the big bass.

“I caught that big bass on a big worm, I lost the first fish on the day that would’ve pushed me over the top.” Said McMurphy.

In fourth place among the co-anglers, Sam Fish of Alexander City, AL brought in three bass for 7.89 pounds. Joseph Chilcott of Crestview, FL finished in fifth place with three bass at 7.49 pounds.

Slated for April 21st, the next tournament will be held on Lake Martin out of Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City, AL. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance the 2019 Ray Scott Championship to be held on Lake Eufaula in April 2019.

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

by AnglersChannel

Judd Fuhrman Takes the Win and New Mercury Powered Nitro in the BIG BASS TOUR event on the Harris Chain!

2018 Harris Chain, FL

Leaders

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	JUDD FUHRMANN	10.80
2	BRANDON FRANKS	10.60
3	ANTONIO FERREIRA	10.36
4	MATT GEE	9.30
5	MIKE DAVIS	9.26
6	MICHAEL CATT	9.02
7	BRAD HAMMERICH	9.01
8	TONY WISNIEWSKI	8.91
9	JOHN BATCHELOR	8.74
9	TONY ROMAN	8.74

Saturday 8-9

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	TONY WISNIEWSKI	8.91
2	JAMIE LANIER	7.11
3	SEAN MILLER	6.64
4	KRISTOPHER CARVER	6.63
5	CHAD PELFREY	6.29
6	CARSON POWELL	6.28
7	JEFF FELLOWS	6.18
8	JEFF DAVIS	5.48
9	TIM ROSS	4.33
10	PAUL GEISEN	4.14

Saturday 9-10

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	ERIC LEWIS	7.83
2	KRISTOPHER CARVER	7.56
3	DAVID MAHON	6.55
4	JAMIE LANIER	5.94
5	JAKE HART	5.54
6	JAMES KELLEY	5.49
7	BERNARD INNELLA	5.18
8	ADAM CONIGLIO	4.72
9	DEAN MORRIS	4.62
10	RICHARD ANTHONY	4.33

Saturday 10-11

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	BRAD HAMMERICH	9.01
2	CHET FORD	7.14
3	JASON SMITH	7.05
4	ED WOLF	6.83
5	TERRY DIXON	6.38
6	ERIC DAVIS	6.07
7	EDDIE KNIGHT	5.77
8	CHRIS CASTEEL	5.64
9	MATT ALTER	5.40
10	DANIEL SMITH	4.58

Saturday 11-12

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	MICHAEL CATT	9.02
2	LARKIN NOBLES	8.42
3	RICHARD WEST	8.37
4	MICHAEL LAKE	7.82
5	TERRY BLOOM	7.42
6	RANDY MONTONEY	7.27
7	MICHAEL BRASHEAR	6.88
8	JEFF FELLOWS	6.31
9	CHUCK FOSTER	6.11
10	ANTHONY QUINTANA	5.26

Saturday 12-1

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	JUDD FUHRMANN	10.80
2	ANTONIO FERREIRA	10.36
3	TERRY BLOOM	6.60
4	RONALD ROKISKY	6.11
5	KALEB HERRING	5.81
6	KYLE SCHOVILLE	5.41
7	TRAVIS WOLF	5.32
8	TIMMY FINLEY	4.96
9	BRANDON PROPHITT	4.95
10	JULIAN QUINTANA	4.26

Saturday 1-2

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	JEFF CHASTAIN	8.44
2	CLAYTON WIGGINS	8.01
3	JERRY VANLUE	7.47
4	SHELBY CONCON	7.41
5	WALLY JOHNS	7.24
6	RICK DANNER	6.61
7	TIM DEEN	6.21
8	GEORGE COMPTON	5.94
9	BRIAN KILGORE	5.66
10	DONNIE CROUSE	5.64

Saturday 2-3

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	JOHN BATCHELOR	8.74
1	TONY ROMAN	8.74
3	TODD EVANS	7.77
4	JASON HAYNES	7.73
5	LARRY PETTY	7.49
6	HARLIN BASS	7.03
7	KENNETH CAVUCCI	6.41
8	TYLER SUESS	6.20
9	LENNY CRISPINO	6.13
10	CLAYTON WIGGINS	5.84

Sunday 8-9

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	BRANDON FRANKS	10.60
2	DEAN MORRIS	7.29
3	SHELBY CONCON	7.24
4	KENNETH LANE	6.57
5	ADAM KING	6.38
6	ED SCHLEIN	6.33
7	JOSH ALSBROOKS	5.73
8	GARRETT DUFFINA	5.35
9	JOHN KATZELNIK	4.90
10	DARRYL GONZALEZ	4.88
10	AUSTIN BASKETTE	4.88

Sunday 9-10

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	BILLY CHARLAND	8.46
2	TERRY FREE	8.45
3	RON DOW	8.38
4	RICKY WEST	7.85
5	SHELBY CONCON	7.83
6	RYAN MABRY	7.34
7	MATT GEE	6.12
8	BILLY CARROLL	5.78
9	KENT SMART	5.72
10	RICK DANNER	5.17

Sunday 10-11

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	JEFF CHASTAIN	8.28
2	RICKIE REMMINGTON	7.69
3	CHAD PELFREY	7.08
4	JAY FLOSITZ	6.92
5	RICK DANNER	6.20
6	EDWARD HAMRICK	5.89
7	ROBERT JACOBS	5.70
8	JASON BERRYMAN	5.56
9	RICK MILLER	5.07
10	JEFF FELLOWS	4.97

Sunday 11-12

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	MATT GEE	9.30
2	MIKE DAVIS	9.26
3	AARON FRATTIN	6.97
4	STEVE MCENTYRE	6.18
5	JOHN BAKER	6.05
6	RALPH JACKSON	5.63
7	JERRY HASELDEN	5.27
8	STAN EARY	5.10
9	TIMMY FINLEY	5.01
10	PAUL VANZANT	4.71

Sunday 12-1

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	RICHARD WEST	8.49
2	JASON FISHER	8.43
3	MATT SPENCER	7.20
4	RICK OSTERHOLT	6.46
5	TERRY BLOOM	6.43
6	ERIC MESSER	5.91
7	GARY MUCHLER	5.62
8	TAYLOR WIGGINS	5.53
9	RANDY MONTONEY	5.35
10	JOE DALTON	4.83

Sunday 1-2

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	JESSE WINDSOR	8.12
2	BRETT THOMAS	7.84
3	STAN EARY	7.63
4	HARLAN BASS	7.46
5	CHAD PELFREY	7.38
6	GRANT TRUAX	6.65
7	BILL BELL	6.61
8	MIKE DAVIS	6.41
9	RICK ALBRITTON	5.94
10	RICK WEST	5.71
10	JOE AGNOLI	5.71

Sunday 2-3

Rank	Angler	Weight
1	BRANDON BLACKMON	7.13
2	STEVEN GILBERT	7.00
3	RONALD ROKISKY	6.67
4	KURT MICHAUX	6.57
5	KALEB HERRING	6.51
6	JOE BAK	6.16
7	WALLY JOHNS	6.12
8	MARK TRUAX	6.08
9	TERRY FREE	6.05
10	BILLY HOGAN	5.80

by AnglersChannel

Randy Brewer Wins ABA Open Series Texas East Tournament on Cedar Creek with over 21 pounds!

ATHENS, Ala. – Randy Brewer of South Lake, TX won the American Bass Anglers Open Series Texas East Division, held February 3rd at Cedar Creek. Running out of Log Cabin, TX, the 67-boat field left at 0644 AM for the boaters, 13 places were paid out and it took 10.38 pounds to make the cut.

Brewer caught a five-fish limit weighing 21.57 lbs with a healthy 6.21-pound kicker. For the boater division victory, he took home a check for $5000.

“I was throwing a chatterbait and a brush hog. I spent a couple hours practicing yesterday and hit the same spots today, then tried to duplicate those areas with some time left. It started early for me, but I struggled throughout the day. I only had 5 keepers today so I was glad to get the bites I did.” Said Brewer.

In second for the boaters, Garrett Whitley of Quintan, TX landed a five-bass limit weighing 20.92 lbs held up by a 5.69 lb. kicker. He collected a check for $1250.

“It was a rough day for me. I started at the dam and nothing happened for us. I put a bit of a pattern together just running around and trying to figure them out. Later in the afternoon it came together with some better bites and I was able to get them in the boat to come in with what I had. It was a grind, but it worked out. I was just a little shy today.” Said Whitley

Russell Lee of Sachse, TX, last year’s defending champion on Cedar Creek took third for the boaters with a limit of five bass weighing 20.12 lbs and took home a check for $900.00

“I stayed shallow most of the day and caught most of them throwing a crankbait and on a chatterbait. I did catch a couple deep. I was able to cull quite a bit. I had 12 or 13 keepers today and the bite was pretty steady.” Said Lee.

In fourth, Trent Menees of Saginaw, TX had a solid bag for 15.57 lbs, and Terry peacock of Royse City, TX came in with a solid bag of 15.01 lbs to take the fifth-place honors.

In the Co-Angler Division, JoeFrank Thomas of Forney, TX blew past the field with a monster 3 fish limit at 13.05 lbs, anchored by his 5.44 lb. big bass. His performance filled his pocket with a check for $1500 for the win with an additional $250 for big bass.

“I caught some fish! It was all day for us. I culled throughout the day, but I have to give the credit to my boater. We caught them deep and shallow but mostly on a frog. What a day to be able to come in with 13 lbs. I had a blast. The weather turned a little sour on us this afternoon but that’s fishing. You just have to roll with what Mother Nature throws at you.” Said Thomas.

Taking second for the co-anglers, Aaron Uncapher of Tyler, TX came in weighing a 3-fish limit for 6.11 lbs. His placement earned him a check for $500. The gap from first to second place goes to show how tough the conditions were on Saturday.

“Dwain (Burns) and I had an interesting day. we were without use of the outboard after our initial run in the morning. It started working again as we were being towed in around 1:45. Dwain chose a good area as we were able to boat 7 keepers between the two of us. I feel that Dwain would have earned a check with the use of his motor. We wasted some time fishing unproductive water in between the better spots in addition to a 45 minute idle trying to make repairs. I think of the 7-bass boated, six different baits were used. Dwain had us in the right area. I missed one on a wacky senko. As soon as Dwain turned the boat around for another pass, I changed colors and was able to catch that bass 15 minutes later. My two better fish came off a Blk/Blu War Eagle football jig with a zoom craw trailer and a tex-rigged Yamamoto Kreature in green pumpkin. All my bass came shallow.” Stated Aaron.

David Hester of Frankston, TX placed third among the co-anglers. He had three fish weighing in at 5.91 lbs to earn a check for $400.

“My boater started off pretty good, but I didn’t catch any fish until the last 2 hours of the day. We stayed with the same pattern all day but found the right spot in the afternoon and slugged it out. We were up shallow, and they finally started biting.” Stated David.

In fourth place among the co-anglers, Jeremy Montgomery of Mansfield, TX brought in three bass for 5.80 lbs. Lat Nichols of Deport, TX finished in fifth place with three bass at 4.85 lbs even.

The biggest bass for the boaters was caught by Ryan Autry Richardson, TX weighing in at 7.19 lbs for $670. With only 3 fish, Ryan placed in the event taking home two checks from the weight of his big fish. Well done to all!

Slated for March 24th, the next divisional tournament will be held on Lake Palestine launching from the Villages Marina. At the end of the season, the best anglers from across the nation advance to the 2018 Ray Scott Championship, slated for the first week of April 2019 on Lake Eufaula, AL.

For more information on this tournament, call Chris Wayand, tournament manager, at 256-230-5627 or ABA at 256-232-0406. On line, see http://www.abaopenseries.com/ .

About American Bass Anglers: American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each competitor an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers, the Open Series, the American Fishing Tour or the American Couples Series, visit

by AnglersChannel

Weimer and Wafford win Bass Champs Central Region Season Opener on Travis and $20,000

By: Patty Lenderman

Bass Champs Central Region kicked off their 2018 season February 3rd on Lake Travis. Chilly and windy weather conditions set the scene for 193 teams to compete for a portion of this 106% payback event. Gary Weimer and Jeremiah Wafford reeled in the winnings taking 1st place and the guaranteed $20,000 purse.While the morning started out on the chilly side with some light drizzle, the temperatures continued to rise as the moist conditions dried by mid morning. These teams were prepared with their spots picked out, and several teams brought in sacks weighing over twenty pounds.

For the winners Gary Weimer and Jeremiah Wafford, their day could not have gone better. “We had about fifteen spots targeted after practicing for four days before the tournament,” Gary explained. “During practice, we averaged about 18 pounds per day. The Saturday before the tournament we even landed an 11.77# bass!” They targeted boat docks near deep water with jigs, and their first cast needed an 8.41 pounder – what a way to start the day. Two casts later, they caught another chunk about 7 ½ lbs. After that they moved to their next spot and put their third fish in the boat. “We weren’t catching a lot of fish, but the ones we did catch were good quality.” They wrapped up a limit in their third spot. “We had all of the fish we weighed by 10am. We broke off one big one, but never culled all day.” Their limit weighed in at 27.56 lbs, the top weight of the tournament. In their 18 years of fishing Bass Champs tournaments, they have cashed many checks. This was their first 1st place win, receiving the $20,000 purse. “We would like to thank the Good Lord for watching out for us and blessing us. We would also like to thank our wives, kids, family and friends for their encouragement.”

Not too far behind in weight were the 2nd place winners Tony Ferdinando and Shane Logan, having 26.02 lbs. Tony explained “We ran to the lower end of the lake where we had probably twenty different spots picked out.” Using jigs, jigging spoons and Carolina rigs they targeted deep ledges. “The first five fish we had in the live well probably weighed about 16 pounds. We hit a few points with Alabama rigs and caught some, but ended up culling all of those. We just hit all of our spots, then started over and hit them again.” Tony landed their kicker, weighing in at 8.52 lbs and winning Big Bass of the day. They were awarded $4,500 for their 2nd place finish, $500 for Big Bass, then Amphibia added another $250 to their day for earning their bonus.

3rd place was taken by Lee Beuershausen and Randy Grounds. “We had a good morning bite,” Randy reported. They started out on a point with a ledge in 15’-25’ using a Carolina rigged Zoom lizard. They put a limit together, including their kicker weighing in at 7.46 lbs. “After that we went to another ten spots by docks, and culled a few times. We only caught about eight keepers throughout the day. Our last cull was at 2:30, gaining another half pound. They were awarded $3,500 for their 3rd place finish, then Skeeter Boats doubled those winnings for being the highest finishing team in a qualified Skeeter Boat. They also won the Sportsman’s Auto Bonus, plus they took home the Lowrance bonus money. Their day on the water paid off more than $10,000!

Rounding out the top five includes (4th) 19.71 lbs, Weston Brown & David Doonan, winning $2,400 plus another $1,000 from the Sportsman’s Auto Bonus. (5th) 19.25 lbs, Byron Albrecht & Michael Johnson for $2,000.

All total 26 teams earned checks, the final $600 went to Daniel & Adrian Barnes with 13.63 lbs.

There’s never a dull moment at Bass Champs – next stop will be Lake Falcon as the South Region starts their season February 10. Remember – all regular season events are open to anyone who would like a chance to fish for BIG winnings! Whether you can fish one or fish them all, come join the fun!

Remaining regular season team schedule:
2/17 – Toledo Bend
2/24 – Lake Fork
3/3 – Lake LBJ
3/10 – Sam Rayburn
3/24 – Amistad
4/7 – Ray Roberts
4/14 – Belton
3/21 – Amistad
5/5 – Lake LBJ
5/12 – Toledo Bend
5/19 – Lake Tawakoni
6/16 – Cedar Creek

by AnglersChannel

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

Williamston’s Lesley Earns Co-angler Title

SENECA, S.C. (Feb. 5, 2018) – Boater J.R. McCay of Helen, Georgia, caught five bass weighing 15 pounds, 7 ounces, Saturday to win the 2018 T-H Marine FLW Bass Fishing League (BFL) Savannah River Division opener on Lake Keowee presented by Navionics. For his efforts, McCay took home $4,004.

“I had a couple places where I was catching 10 or 11 pounds consistently during practice, but by 9 a.m. Saturday morning I didn’t have a bite from either,” said McCay, who earned his first career win in FLW competition. “I decided to head into the back of a creek on the north end that had stained water, laydowns, docks and stump flats. I threw a swimbait and only had one fish swirl on it, which told me they weren’t very active.”

McCay said he began flipping a ½-ounce brown Spot Sticker Casting Jig with a green-pumpkin-colored Strike King Rage Tail Craw trailer, and was able to put two 4-pounders and a 3-pounder in the boat. Around 2 p.m., he said that he left the area for a long flat with scattered rock on the main lake.

“I used the Spot Sticker and nabbed another 3-pounder,” said McCay. “I caught my last fish on the south end, in 70 feet of water, from a rock pile where fish typically school up. I guess I pulled up to the right place at the right time.”

McCay said he used a blueback-colored Tim Farley Custom Baits Pro X Swimbait to catch his last keeper.

The top 10 boaters finished the tournament in:

1^st: J.R. McCay, Helen, Ga., five bass, 15-7, $4,004

2^nd: Jayme Rampey, Liberty, S.C., five bass, 13-11, $2,002

3^rd: Brian Tidwell, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 13-8, $1,267

4^th: Edward Humphreys, Alum Creek, W. Va., five bass, 12-8, $888

5^th: Matthew Justice, Fair Play, S.C., five bass, 11-10, $761

6^th: Daniel Atkins, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 11-9, $697

7^th: Marcus Church, Seneca, S.C., five bass, 11-3, $634

8^th: Chris Nelson, Social Circle, Ga., five bass, 11-1, $571

9^th: Brian Callahan, Gainesville, Ga., five bass, 11-0, $507

10^th: Jerry Morgan, Inman, S.C., five bass, 10-12, $444

Complete results can be found at FLWFishing.com.

Joshua Popham of Central, South Carolina, nabbed a bass weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces – the heaviest of the event in the Boater Division – and earned the day’s Boater Big Bass award of $505.

Ryan Lesley of Williamston, South Carolina, won the Co-angler Division and $2,097 Saturday after catching a five-bass limit weighing 11 pounds, 4 ounces.

The top 10 co-anglers were:

1^st: Ryan Lesley, Williamston, S.C., five bass, 11-4, $2,097

2^nd: Tim Watson, Martin, Ga., five bass, 11-2, $999

3^rd: Westley Denny, Westminster, S.C., five bass, 9-5, $633

4^th: Keith Lewis, Franklin, N.C., five bass, 8-12, $443

5^th: Kevin Landreth, Seneca, S.C., four bass, 8-8, $379

6^th: Chris Nunziato, Elberton, Ga., five bass, 8-7, $348

7^th: Vern Schmucker, Westminster, S.C., four bass, 8-4, $316

8^th: Michael Senn, Anderson, S.C., five bass, 7-9, $285

9^th: Gary Murphy, Homer, Ga., five bass, 7-8, $253

10^th: Brandon Graham, Greer, S.C., three bass, 6-10, $221

Thomas Morris of Walhalla, South Carolina, caught the largest bass in the Co-angler Division – a 4-pound, 4-ounce fish. The catch earned him the day’s Co-angler Big Bass award of $247.

by AnglersChannel

Fife & Davis Win Arkansas Bass Trail Opener with over 24 Pounds!!

1st place Cody Davis & Flannigan Fife

2nd place Dustin Huggins & Cody Kemp

3rd place Mark McWha & Derek Toland

by AnglersChannel

Eufaula, Alabama to Host the 2019 Ray Scott Championship

Athens, AL – January 31, 2018 – American Bass Anglers announced today that the Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2019 Ray Scott Championship at the Walter F. George Lake (Lake Eufaula) on April 1st-7th, 2019. Launch and weigh in for the 2019 Ray Scott Championship will take place at Lake Point Resort State Park.

This event is the culmination of anglers qualifying through the American Bass Anglers Open Series for one of the largest events for the weekend angler in the country. The winning boater will receive $50,000 cash plus a new 21TRX Triton boat equipped with a 250hp Mercury Pro XS motor. The winning co-angler will receive $25,000 in cash plus a new 19TRX Triton boat equipped with a 225hp Mercury Pro XS motor. If requirements are met, additional bonus incentives of $50,000 from Triton Boats, $1000 from Mercury Motors, $1000 from Garmin and $1250 from TH Marine are available.

“We are very excited to be hosting the 2019 Ray Scott Championship. The fishing on Lake Eufaula during April will be phenomenal, and the anglers will enjoy their time on the lake. The Eufaula Alabama community has a lot to offer anglers during their visit such as local shopping, great eateries, and multiple lodging options all with a great small-town feel.” said Jack Tibbs Mayor of Eufaula.

Lake Eufaula is a 45,000-acre lake located on the Chattahoochee River that extends across Alabama and Georgia. This beautiful lake is nationally known for being a great bass fishery and its beautiful scenery. Eufaula/Barbour County Chamber of Commerce has hosted numerous events for American Bass Anglers in which the anglers receive a warm welcome from the local community with its small home town charm.

“Lake Eufaula is the perfect location for this event, I know anglers look forward to coming to one of Alabama’s most talked about lakes and experiencing the hospitality of Eufaula.” said Morris Sheehan, President of American Bass Anglers. “Mayor Tibbs and all of Eufaula/Barbour County always rolls out the red carpet for our anglers, weigh-in will be at 3pm daily and the public is invited”

What is the ABA Open Series and how do you qualify for the Ray Scott Championship?

It is a Boater/Co-Angler series. This format pairs boaters and co-anglers together to fish from the same boat however, boaters are not competing with their co-angler partners. Boaters compete against boaters and co-anglers compete against the other co-anglers in the tournament. Boaters and Co-Anglers pay different entry fees and the boaters are competing for the prize money created for the boaters and co-anglers for the prize money created for the co-anglers.

Entry Fees remain the lowest in the industry for the weekend angler:

Qualifying Events: Boater $200, Co-Angler $100
Area Championships: Boater $300, Co-Angler $150
Ray Scott Championship - No Entry Fee

The Open Series offers the best payout ever in a series of this format. Payouts are the largest in weekend angler tournament history!

$5,000 1st place Boater guaranteed regardless of the number of entries

Divisions: Open Series will have 18 divisions of the Open Series. Each of these divisions will hold 4 one-day qualifying events. Each with a $5,000 first place guaranteed payout for boaters. At the end of each divisional season the anglers from each division will be invited to compete in a local Area Championship.

Area Championships: Each of the 9 Area Championships will have a first-place guaranteed purse of $10,000 for boaters and $5000 for co-anglers. Two divisions will make up an Area. An example of an Area would be Kentucky Division and Central Tennessee Division. (See Schedule). All anglers from each division who fish 3 events within their home division or 4 events in combination of divisions within their area will be invited to the Area Championship.

Each division will advance anglers to the Ray Scott Championship.

The top ten (10) Boaters and top ten (10) Co-Anglers from each division by points after the Area Championship will advance.
The top five (5) Boaters and top five (5) Co-Anglers at the Area Championship by place of finish, who do not advance by divisional points, will also advance.

Area	Division 1	Division 2	Area Championship
1	Alabama North	Mississippi	Pickwick
2	Kentucky	Tennessee Central	Kentucky Lake
3	Georgia	South Alabama	Lake Eufaula
4	North Carolina	South Carolina	Lake Norman
5	Florida Central	Florida South	Kissimmee Chain
6	Texas Southeast	Texas South	Toledo Bend
7	Texas Central	Oklahoma	Texoma
8	Maryland	Virginia	Kerr Lake
9	New York	Ohio	Chautauqua

The American Bass Anglers is sponsored by Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, TH Marine, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Garmin, SiriusXM Marine Radio, Power Pole, Maui Jim, Geico Insurance and Livingston Lures. For more information about ABA call 256-232-0406. On line, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

by AnglersChannel

Lane Clinches BASS Open Win on Kissimmee Chain

Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., won the 2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open No. 1 held on Kissimmee Chain of Lakes out of Kissimmee, Fla., with a three-day total of 60 pounds.

Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.

Feb. 3, 2018

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Mobility and versatility were the keys ingredients for Lakeland, Fla., pro Bobby Lane who completed the wire-to-wire win at the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open at Big Lake Toho Marina with a three-day total weight of 60 pounds.

After buoying his performance with a massive Thursday limit of 31 pounds, 7 ounces, Lane entered Friday with a 10 1/2-pound lead. Adding 10-9 pushed him to 42 even, with a 12-pound lead going into the final round. Saturday saw Lane slam the door shut by nabbing his third limit catch, this one totaling 18 pounds and leaving him with a 12-pound, 5-ounce winning margin.

“From start to finish, this has been amazing,” said Lane, who notched his first win since winning a 2009 Elite Series event on Kentucky Lake. “It was my time to catch a big sack. I’ve been so close before.

“To have grown up on Lake Kissimmee and Cypress, Hatchineha and Toho and to have my family here, it means the world to me. Man, this has been a long time coming.”

Thursday and Friday saw Lane locking down to Lake Kissimmee, where his first-round catch included a 9-pounder and an 8-7. Both of these fish qualified for Florida’s TrophyCatch program, which recognizes photo release largemouth bass of 8 pounds or more.

Lane said he would have preferred another shot at this chain’s southernmost lake, but the shorter Day 3 schedule, plus windier conditions, made him adjust his game plan.

“I couldn’t get down to Kissimmee because you run out of time on Day 3,” he said. “I didn’t want to take any chances, especially with the weather.

“I fished Lake Hatchineha, caught a few decent ones early and then the bite just quit on me. I ran into Toho at noon and ended up catching three quality fish.”

With the Kissimmee Chain unsettled by fluctuating temperatures before the tournament, plus a cold front arriving the afternoon on Friday, Lane mostly targeted hydrilla in 2 to 4 feet. The dense habitat allowed fish to move in and out with changing weather, while remaining in the same general area.

Lane caught his Day 3 fish on a 3/4-ounce Duel Hardcore lipless crankbait, a Texas-rigged Berkley Powerbait Max Scent The General stickworm and a Berkley Powerbait Max Scent Creature Hawk. With all of his presentations, Lane said his SpiderWire braid played a critical role in getting his fish out of the thick vegetation.

“I got nine keeper bites today, as opposed to 20 yesterday and 30 the day before,” he said. “I fished clean today and that’s what it takes to win one of these.”

Lane also won the Power-Pole Captain’s Cash Award of $500 for being the highest-placing angler who is registered and eligible and uses a client-approved product on his boat.

Brandon Lester or Fayetteville, Tenn., finished second with 47-11. The Elite Series pro said the key to his success was making a key adjustment from fishing a popper around lily pads, to punching into the cover.

“What I’ve learned is that when you’re catching them around the edges of those pads and they stop biting, a lot of times, they’ve moved up under those pads,” Lester said. “That’s when you can punch in there and catch them.”

Drew Cook of Midway, Fla., finished third with 43-3.

Garrett Rocamora of Lithia, Fla., won the $750 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for the 9-pound, 3-ounce fish he caught on Thursday.

In the co-angler division, Steve Robbins of Piketon, Ohio, made the most of his first Florida fishing experience by claiming his own wire-to-wire win with a three-day total of 26-8.

“I came down here with a buddy of mine who talked me into fishing this with him, and it’s been a great experience,” Robbins said. “I caught an 8-pound, 1-ounce bass — the biggest bass I’ve caught in my life — on Thursday and that was awesome.”

Robbins caught his fish on Senkos, a Keitech Mag Wag swimming worm and a bladed swim jig.

Tony Sears of Dahlonega, Ga., earned the $250 Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for his 9-pound, 4-ounce bass.

The Kissimmee Sports Commission hosted the event.

2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 2/1-2/3
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 15 60-00 200 $52,815.00
Day 1: 5 31-07 Day 2: 5 10-09 Day 3: 5 18-00
2. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 47-11 199 $18,288.00
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 19-05
3. Drew Cook Midway, FL 15 43-03 198 $13,585.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 14-00
4. Jon Canada Pelham, AL 15 42-08 197 $12,540.00
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 14-09
5. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 15 37-09 196 $10,973.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 12-15 Day 3: 5 09-08
6. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 15 37-06 195 $9,405.00
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 09-14 Day 3: 5 08-10
7. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 15 36-07 194 $7,837.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 16-01 Day 3: 5 08-04
8. John McBride Mount Airy, NC 15 36-00 193 $5,748.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 5 07-08
9. Don Eady Orlando, FL 15 35-09 192 $4,703.00
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 08-01 Day 3: 5 07-11
10. Michael Murphy Lexington, SC 15 34-15 191 $4,180.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 5 06-03
11. Michael Purvis Canton, GA 13 34-04 190 $3,658.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 3 04-10
12. Walt Bowen Walnut Cove, NC 12 32-15 189 $3,449.00
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 19-02 Day 3: 2 02-15
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 09-03 $750.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 120 812 1689-01
2 127 816 1584-08
3 10 55 121-03
----------------------------------
257 1683 3394-12

2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 2/1-2/3
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee FL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1. Steve Robbins Piketon, OH 9 26-08 200 $30,000.00
Day 1: 3 15-07 Day 2: 3 06-14 Day 3: 3 04-03
2. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 9 23-13 199 $5,852.00
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 3 08-02 Day 3: 3 07-14
3. Tony Sears Dahlonega, GA 7 22-15 198 $4,691.00
Day 1: 2 02-01 Day 2: 3 15-11 Day 3: 2 05-03
4. Daren McDermott Saint Cloud, FL 9 22-12 197 $2,926.00
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 12-10 Day 3: 3 05-02
5. Don Ramsey Orlando, FL 8 22-09 196 $2,717.00
Day 1: 3 13-00 Day 2: 2 03-14 Day 3: 3 05-11
6. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 9 22-00 195 $2,612.00
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 3 07-12 Day 3: 3 06-03
7. Eulon Lee Jr. Eclectic, AL 9 21-11 194 $2,508.00
Day 1: 3 11-15 Day 2: 3 04-11 Day 3: 3 05-01
8. Matt Price Manhattan, IL 8 21-06 193 $2,404.00
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 3 12-00 Day 3: 3 05-06
9. David Pechacek Hastings, MN 9 19-14 192 $2,299.00
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 3 06-07 Day 3: 3 04-03
10. John Quackenbush Mattawan, MI 7 17-05 191 $2,090.00
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 3 09-12 Day 3: 1 01-10
11. Billy Wright Winter Park, FL 7 16-12 190 $1,829.00
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 10-03 Day 3: 1 00-15
12. Clint Sterling Clearwater, FL 6 16-07 189 $1,672.00
Day 1: 3 11-04 Day 2: 2 04-05 Day 3: 1 00-14
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Tony Sears Dahlonega, GA 09-04 $250.00

by AnglersChannel

Lane Extends Lead On Kissimmee Chain At Bassmaster Eastern Open

Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., maintains the lead on the second day of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open No. 1 held on Kissimmee Chain of Lakes out of Kissimmee, Fla., with a two-day total of 42 pounds.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.

Feb. 2, 2018

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Bobby Lane has seen both ends of the weigh-in order, but after Friday’s second round of competition on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, he remains atop the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open with a two-day total of 42 pounds.

The Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Lakeland, Fla., launched in the first flight on Thursday, but today's later departure greatly delayed his access to the area he’s targeting on Lake Kissimmee. Lane added 10-9 to his first day’s weight of 31-7 — the tournament’s largest catch.

“Yesterday, I caught a few pretty early and today I didn’t even get down there until 10 o’clock,” Lane said. “I’m not sure if that hurt me; but it didn’t help me, by any means. I enjoyed my time in Toho this morning (before locking down to Lake Kissimmee) and caught quite a few fish.

“I thought they were going to bite today. I thought ‘Late flight, I’m gonna see ‘em.’ But they just never showed up.”

Despite weighing a third of his first round effort, Lane still holds a lead of 12 pounds — a pound and a half more than yesterday. This, he said, exemplifies the need to capitalize on opportunities like those of Day 1.

“This is Florida, and it’s all about a big bite. If you have an opportunity to catch those big ones, you want to put them in the boat,” he said. “Yesterday was flawless for me and today, I fished okay. I missed a couple of decent fish. My goal was to catch five and maintain the lead, and that’s what I did.

“But to have a big day like yesterday; you have to have that. It’s hard to be consistent on these lakes, especially with the fronts coming in and out this time of year.”

Targeting a diverse array of shallow vegetation, Lane mixed up his presentations with a variety of baits. He caught bass on a swimjig, a topwater plug and the new Berkley Powerbait Max Scent stickworm called The General. Rigging this junebug colored bait on a 5/0 Trokar hook with two different size weights, Lane fished with inspiration from his 13-year-old daughter, Alexis.

“About a month ago, my daughter whooped me with that bait, so I said ‘Enough of this,’ and I put about 10 bags in the boat,” Lane said. “I’m down to three.”

Friday brought more warmth and partly sunny skies, but the Kissimmee Chain felt more wind, as another cold front moved into the area late in the afternoon. Lane said this might have had an impact on his day, but he’s pleased that his huge Thursday catch positioned him to absorb the downturn.

“Ten pounds is just an average bag, but yesterday was the dream of a lifetime,” Lane said. “I just wanted to come in and see how bad it was, but to have the lead when I looked at (the leaderboard) on my phone, I was like ‘Golly, this is better than I thought.’

“To add to it a little bit doesn’t hurt, and I’m excited about tomorrow. There are some big ones out there to be caught.”

Walt Bowen of Walnut Cove, N.C., is in second place with 30-0. Making a big move from 47th place on Thursday, Bowen caught his limit by dragging a worm around shallow vegetation.

“I did the same thing today that I did yesterday, and I’m not going to make any changes,” he said.

Michael Purvis of Canton, Ga., is in third place with 29-10. Targeting prespawn bass with reaction baits, Purvis said he caught his fish in spurts with the active periods spaced about 45 minutes apart.

Garrett Rocamora of Lithia, Fla., remains in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 9-3 caught on Thursday.

Ohio’s Steve Robbins maintains the lead in the co-angler division with 22-5. Robbins is catching his bass by flipping and dragging plastics. Tony Sears of Dahlonega, Ga., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with the 9-4 he caught Friday.

Saturday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Big Lake Toho Marina. The weigh-in will be held at the Bass Pro Shops at 5156 International Drive in Orlando at 4 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission.

2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 2/1-2/3
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 42-00 200
Day 1: 5 31-07 Day 2: 5 10-09
2. Walt Bowen Walnut Cove, NC 10 30-00 199
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 19-02
3. Michael Purvis Canton, GA 10 29-10 198
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 14-00
4. Drew Cook Midway, FL 10 29-03 197
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 11-03
5. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 10 28-12 196
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 09-14
6. Michael Murphy Lexington, SC 10 28-12 195
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 10-15
7. John McBride Mount Airy, NC 10 28-08 194
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 10-14
8. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 28-06 193
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 11-07
9. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 10 28-03 192
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 16-01
10. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 28-01 191
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 12-15
11. Jon Canada Pelham, AL 10 27-15 190
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 17-11
12. Don Eady Orlando, FL 10 27-14 189
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 08-01
13. Lucas Bogosian Harrington Park, NJ 10 27-11 188 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 19-09
14. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 10 27-02 187 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 20-05
15. John Cox Debary, FL 10 26-07 186 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 16-07
16. Clabion Johns Jr Covington, GA 10 26-04 185 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 11-00
17. Darrell Davis Dover, FL 10 25-10 184 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 10-06
18. Raymond Trudeau Saint Cloud, FL 10 25-01 183 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 11-06
19. Preston Harris State Road, NC 10 24-15 182 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 15-15
20. Will Evans Winter Haven, FL 10 24-15 181 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 12-05
21. Brad Knight Lancing, TN 10 24-11 180 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 11-00
22. Ed Loughran III Mechanicsville, VA 10 24-10 179 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 12-01
23. Nick Hatfield Jonesborough, TN 10 24-08 178 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 13-08
24. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 7 24-00 177 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 2 03-01
25. John Kremer Sanford, FL 10 23-15 176 $3,031.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 13-08
26. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 23-15 175 $2,613.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 10-15
27. Cameron Smith Mashpee, MA 10 23-15 174 $2,613.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
28. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 10 23-14 173 $2,613.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 11-07
29. Jerrod Albright Kissimmee, FL 10 23-05 172 $2,613.00
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 09-05
30. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 10 22-14 171 $2,613.00
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 14-02
31. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 22-11 170 $2,195.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 10-12
32. Ronnie Green St. Petersburg, FL 10 22-10 169 $2,195.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 11-15
33. Eric Panzironi Longwood, FL 10 22-08 168 $2,195.00
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 09-04
34. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 10 22-07 167 $2,195.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 11-07
35. Jeff Lugar Cross Junction, VA 9 22-05 166 $2,195.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 4 07-01
36. Matt Mattingly Gravel Switch, KY 10 22-03 165 $1,881.00
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 12-00
37. Gary Isgrigg Mt Washington, KY 10 22-01 164 $1,881.00
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 13-08
38. Jon Englund Farwell, MN 10 21-15 163 $1,881.00
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-01
39. Mason Brown Crawfordville, FL 10 21-14 162 $1,881.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 12-01
40. Kyle Fox Lakeland, FL 10 21-10 161 $1,881.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 11-03
41. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 10 21-10 160
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-00
42. Michael Neal Dayton, TN 10 21-09 159
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 10-15
43. Ken Iyobe Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 10 21-02 158
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 11-07
44. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 10 21-01 157
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 08-09
45. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 10 20-12 156
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 11-05
46. John Zeolla Oak Park, CA 9 20-11 155
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 4 07-06
47. Tyler Berger Delaware, OH 10 20-10 154
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 11-07
48. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 20-09 153
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 07-07
49. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 20-08 152
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 13-03
50. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 9 20-07 151
Day 1: 4 05-06 Day 2: 5 15-01
51. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 10 20-07 150
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 09-05
52. Chuck Pippin Jr Gotha, FL 10 20-04 149
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 13-11
53. Jimmy Kennedy Plainfield, VT 8 20-02 148
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 3 06-14
54. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 10 20-00 147
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 07-06
55. Mike Lavallee Sandy, UT 10 20-00 146
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 11-11
56. JT Kenney Palm Bay, FL 10 19-10 145
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 11-05
57. Steve York Bronson, MI 10 19-09 144
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 12-10
58. Greg Dipalma Millville, NJ 10 19-09 143
Day 1: 5 09-08 Day 2: 5 10-01
59. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 9 19-08 142
Day 1: 4 07-06 Day 2: 5 12-02
60. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 19-07 141
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 10-06
61. Brad Staley Pleasant Garden, NC 10 19-06 140
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 5 11-10
62. Patrick Walters Ladson, SC 10 19-05 139
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 09-06
63. Jade Keeton Killen, AL 10 19-01 138
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 07-09
64. Joey Spradley Gloverville, SC 8 19-00 137
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 3 04-03
65. Kazuki Kitajima Orlando, FL 8 19-00 136
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 3 05-04
66. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 9 18-14 135
Day 1: 4 07-01 Day 2: 5 11-13
67. Nick Denham Louisville, KY 7 18-14 134
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 2 08-08
68. Jared Dial Winter Haven, FL 10 18-13 133
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 09-10
69. Al Farace Jr Hunt Valley, MD 10 18-12 132
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 11-03
70. John Dial Winter Haven, FL 9 18-09 131
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 4 06-11
71. John Parker Gaffney, SC 10 18-08 130
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 05-12
72. Brad Burkhart Speedwell, TN 10 18-08 129
Day 1: 5 08-12 Day 2: 5 09-12
73. Tim Wilson Gas City, IN 10 18-08 128
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 5 09-01
74. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, FL 7 18-06 127
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 2 03-07
75. Scott Suggs Alexander, AR 10 18-06 126
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 08-11
76. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 9 18-05 125
Day 1: 4 06-08 Day 2: 5 11-13
77. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 18-05 124
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 08-01
78. Sam George Athens, AL 10 18-05 123
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 08-07
79. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 10 18-05 122
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 5 09-02
80. David Williams Newton, NC 9 18-04 121
Day 1: 4 06-08 Day 2: 5 11-12
81. Ronald Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 10 18-04 120
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 07-10
82. Craig Chambers Harrisburg, NC 9 17-15 119
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 4 03-04
83. Arnie Lane Lakeland, FL 9 17-14 118
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 4 08-00
84. William Pioch Beckley, WV 10 17-14 117
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 08-14
85. Dave Frost Mount Dora, FL 9 17-13 116
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 4 06-14
86. David Hudson Jasper, AL 10 17-13 115
Day 1: 5 09-02 Day 2: 5 08-11
87. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 7 17-12 114
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 5 13-09
88. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 8 17-07 113
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 3 05-03
89. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 8 17-06 112
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 5 09-07
90. Ryan Davidson Branchland, WV 9 17-04 111
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 4 06-04
91. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 10 17-03 110
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 09-04
92. Gary Clouse LaVergne, TN 7 17-01 109
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 5 14-11
93. Roland Martin Naples, FL 9 16-10 108
Day 1: 4 05-02 Day 2: 5 11-08
94. Toshinari Namiki Tokyo JAPAN 9 16-10 107
Day 1: 4 09-10 Day 2: 5 07-00
95. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 7 16-09 106
Day 1: 2 02-02 Day 2: 5 14-07
96. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 7 16-09 105
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 5 13-14
97. Jonathan Carter Glenburn, ME 10 16-08 104
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 06-00
98. Daniel Martin Elmhurst, IL 10 16-08 103
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 09-13
99. Michael McCoy Mentor On The Lake, OH 10 16-08 102
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 08-00
100. David May Odessa, FL 6 16-04 101
Day 1: 3 10-12 Day 2: 3 05-08
101. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 10 16-04 100
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 09-07
102. Brandon Mcintosh St Augustine, FL 10 16-03 99
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 07-08
103. Darryl Halbert Enoree, SC 7 15-15 98
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 5 11-08
104. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 10 15-15 97
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 05-07
105. John Bitter Maitland, FL 10 15-15 96
Day 1: 5 05-13 Day 2: 5 10-02
106. Kyle Hall Rio Vista, TX 7 15-15 95
Day 1: 4 09-01 Day 2: 3 06-14
107. Wayne Murray Baton Rouge, LA 10 15-15 94
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 07-06
108. Mike Hoese Crown Point, IN 10 15-13 93
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 5 07-12
109. Tracy Adams Wilkesboro, NC 10 15-09 92
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 06-15
110. Ernie Freeman Broad Run, VA 8 15-05 91
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 3 06-00
111. Miles Burghoff Hixson, TN 10 15-04 90
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 5 08-02
112. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 7 15-01 89
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 5 12-05
113. James Moynagh Carver, MN 10 15-00 88
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 06-14
114. Wil Hardy Harlem, GA 7 14-12 87
Day 1: 2 05-10 Day 2: 5 09-02
115. Buddy Cipoletti Wading River, NY 7 14-12 86
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 4 07-12
116. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 8 14-10 85
Day 1: 3 04-01 Day 2: 5 10-09
117. Hunter Eubanks Inman, SC 8 14-10 84
Day 1: 3 06-00 Day 2: 5 08-10
118. Rich Howes Oviedo, FL 7 14-06 83
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 2 02-10
119. Carl Svebek III Siloam Springs, AR 10 14-06 82
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 07-07
120. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 9 14-05 81
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 4 06-08
121. Nick Tate Knoxville, TN 9 14-05 80
Day 1: 4 06-13 Day 2: 5 07-08
122. Qiurun Chen Beijing FL CHINA 6 14-04 79
Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 2 03-14
123. Tony Hogan Mc David, FL 8 14-02 78
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 5 09-03
124. Dana Hilderbrant Leroy, NY 9 14-01 77
Day 1: 4 07-04 Day 2: 5 06-13
125. Cody Pike Powhatan, VA 8 13-15 76
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 5 10-00
126. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 10 13-14 75
Day 1: 5 06-10 Day 2: 5 07-04
127. David Walker Sevierville, TN 9 13-14 74
Day 1: 4 06-14 Day 2: 5 07-00
128. Chad Murray Vidalia, LA 8 13-13 73
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 5 09-07
129. Jim Smith Georgetown, KY 9 13-13 72
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 4 07-08
130. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 7 13-09 71
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 4 05-14
131. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 6 13-08 70
Day 1: 4 07-03 Day 2: 2 06-05
132. Christian Thompson Lake City, FL 5 13-01 69
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
133. Hunter Bland Ocala, FL 7 13-00 68
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 5 09-02
134. Ron Johnson Chandler, AZ 9 12-15 67
Day 1: 4 05-12 Day 2: 5 07-03
135. Chris Ferguson Wittensville, KY 6 12-13 66
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 1 03-06
136. Ricky Congero Windermere, FL 8 12-13 65
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 5 08-15
137. Scott Patton Paris, TN 7 12-13 64
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 4 05-08
138. Scott Hamrick Denver, NC 8 12-11 63
Day 1: 3 02-12 Day 2: 5 09-15
139. Darrell Pons Gainesville, FL 8 12-11 62
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 3 03-01
140. Charlie Evans Berea, KY 6 12-11 61
Day 1: 2 06-08 Day 2: 4 06-03
141. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 7 12-10 60
Day 1: 2 05-02 Day 2: 5 07-08
142. Tadd Johnson Lakeview, MN 9 12-09 59
Day 1: 4 05-01 Day 2: 5 07-08
143. Pete Cherkas Des Moines, IA 6 12-07 58
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 5 10-03
144. Jody White Gilbertsville, KY 6 12-07 57
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 5 09-02
145. Patrick Touey Santa Maria, CA 9 12-05 56
Day 1: 4 06-01 Day 2: 5 06-04
146. Mitch Liss Saint Cloud, FL 9 12-04 55
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 4 04-13
147. Kurt Mitchell Milford, DE 6 12-00 54
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 1 01-01
148. Cole T. Harris Essex Junction, VT 7 11-09 53
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 2 02-12
149. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 8 11-06 52
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 3 04-13
150. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 7 11-05 51
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 5 07-14
151. Eric Conant Lakeland, FL 10 11-04 50
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 00-07
152. Brian Tyler Johnsonville, SC 7 11-04 49
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 5 08-02
153. David Boelkins Hubertus, WI 8 11-02 48
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 5 06-11
154. Jeremy Bogard Wilkesboro, NC 6 11-00 47
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 4 07-08
155. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 6 10-13 46
Day 1: 4 08-04 Day 2: 2 02-09
156. Shayne Mcfarlin Martin, GA 7 10-09 45
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 5 07-02
157. Christian Mazzola Walnutport, PA 9 10-08 44
Day 1: 5 05-09 Day 2: 4 04-15
158. Charlie Ingram Centerville, TN 9 10-08 43
Day 1: 5 05-05 Day 2: 4 05-03
159. Denny Fiedler Minnetonka, MN 6 10-06 42
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 3 05-04
160. Vernon Kemp Umatilla, FL 5 10-05 41
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 10-05
161. Cole Blythe Charlotte, NC 8 10-04 40
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 3 00-13
162. Joel Willert Lakeville, MN 7 10-02 39
Day 1: 5 08-00 Day 2: 2 02-02
163. Alvin Shaw Roaring Gap, NC 7 10-02 38
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 5 07-08
164. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 5 10-02 37
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 2 02-11
165. Robert Clowers Sweetwater, TN 7 10-02 36
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 2 02-13
166. Bailey Boutries Daphne, AL 6 09-13 35
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 1 00-15
167. Stephen Morella Whitehall , PA 5 09-12 34
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 05-00
168. Cody Dawson Mount Vernon, OH 6 09-11 33
Day 1: 4 06-10 Day 2: 2 03-01
169. Troy Roder Brookeland, TX 6 09-11 32
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 3 04-09
170. James Cassaday Wirtz, VA 6 09-06 31
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 5 06-12
171. Trait Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 6 09-05 30
Day 1: 4 05-13 Day 2: 2 03-08
172. Teddie Scalf Gray, KY 6 09-02 29
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 3 03-14
173. Phillip Cury Jacksonville, FL 5 09-00 28
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
174. Brian Rufty Berea, KY 7 09-00 27
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 4 04-09
175. Luke Gritter Otsego, MI 5 08-12 26
Day 1: 2 04-03 Day 2: 3 04-09
176. Kyle Kempkers Hamilton, MI 7 08-07 25
Day 1: 2 01-14 Day 2: 5 06-09
177. Coleton Jennings New Concord, KY 7 08-07 24
Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 5 06-03
178. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 6 08-05 23
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 1 01-02
179. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 08-04 22
Day 1: 4 05-08 Day 2: 1 02-12
180. Chris Flint Potsdam, NY 5 08-04 21
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 2 03-07
181. Fred Rigdon Belleview, FL 5 08-03 20
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
182. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 2 07-13 19
Day 1: 1 06-14 Day 2: 1 00-15
183. Craig Cullen Port St Lucie, FL 5 07-09 18
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
184. Michael Delvisco Dandridge, TN 4 07-09 17
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 06-00
185. Wayne Hauser Jr Mooresville, NC 7 07-08 16
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 5 02-07
186. Derek Cummings Denver, NC 4 07-06 15
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 2 03-12
187. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 4 06-13 14
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 2 02-06
188. Derek Hudnall Baton Rouge, LA 3 06-08 13
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. Matt Mollohan Prosperity, SC 3 06-08 12
Day 1: 2 04-15 Day 2: 1 01-09
190. Kendall Newson Decatur, GA 4 06-03 11
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 3 04-15
191. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 3 06-01 10
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 2 03-14
192. Brandon Johnson Owingsville, KY 4 06-00 9
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 1 01-11
193. James Plessinger Carrollton, VA 2 05-10 8
Day 1: 1 03-05 Day 2: 1 02-05
194. Brad Houchins Thomasville, NC 4 05-01 7
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 1 00-13
195. Bruce Whitmire Channelview, TX 2 04-15 6
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 1 03-00
196. Ed Stiefel Mahwah, NJ 2 04-13 5
Day 1: 1 02-09 Day 2: 1 02-04
197. Jeff Mathews Maitland, FL 3 04-12 4
Day 1: 2 03-08 Day 2: 1 01-04
198. Jack Morgan Lake Placid, FL 3 04-08 3
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 04-08
199. David Cornelius Apison, TN 3 04-07 2
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
200. Scott Bonvillain Lake Charles, LA 1 04-00 1
Day 1: 1 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
201. Rick Shannon Woodlawn, TN 2 02-12 0
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
202. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 2 02-11 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-11
203. Chris Hart Franklin, TN 2 02-03 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-03
204. Fredrick Requarth Dayton, OH 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
205. James Castillo W. Richland, WA 1 01-06 0
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
206. Steven Priest New Lexington, OH 4 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 4 00-00
207. Craig Cavanna Spring Hill, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
207. Jason Lieblong Conway, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
207. Billy Matthews Valdosta, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 120 812 1689-01
2 127 816 1584-08
----------------------------------
247 1628 3273-09

2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 2/1-2/3
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee FL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1. Steve Robbins Piketon, OH 6 22-05 200
Day 1: 3 15-07 Day 2: 3 06-14
2. Tony Sears Dahlonega, GA 5 17-12 199
Day 1: 2 02-01 Day 2: 3 15-11
3. Daren McDermott Saint Cloud, FL 6 17-10 198
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 3 12-10
4. Don Ramsey Orlando, FL 5 16-14 197
Day 1: 3 13-00 Day 2: 2 03-14
5. Eulon Lee Jr. Eclectic, AL 6 16-10 196
Day 1: 3 11-15 Day 2: 3 04-11
6. Matt Price Manhattan, IL 5 16-00 195
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 3 12-00
7. Bobby Bakewell Orlando, FL 6 15-15 194
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 3 08-02
8. Billy Wright Winter Park, FL 6 15-13 193
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 3 10-03
9. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 6 15-13 192
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 3 07-12
10. John Quackenbush Mattawan, MI 6 15-11 191
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 3 09-12
11. David Pechacek Hastings, MN 6 15-11 190
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 3 06-07
12. Clint Sterling Clearwater, FL 5 15-09 189
Day 1: 3 11-04 Day 2: 2 04-05
13. Barry Hughes Plant City, FL 4 15-08 188 $1,463.00
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 3 13-10
14. Cole Thompson Saint Cloud, FL 6 15-06 187 $1,306.00
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 3 11-01
15. Wayne Foriest Nashville, TN 6 15-05 186 $1,150.00
Day 1: 3 07-13 Day 2: 3 07-08
16. Kent Biggs Morristown, TN 6 15-02 185 $1,045.00
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 3 07-12
17. Mark Bartosch Clarksville, TN 6 14-11 184 $836.00
Day 1: 3 10-04 Day 2: 3 04-07
18. Michael Comeau Jericho, VT 6 14-07 183 $732.00
Day 1: 3 08-15 Day 2: 3 05-08
19. Jarvis Ellis Albany, GA 6 14-03 182 $732.00
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 3 08-00
20. Scap Cicero Wetumpka, AL 6 14-00 181 $627.00
Day 1: 3 04-13 Day 2: 3 09-03
21. Russell Phillips Guilford, VT 6 12-05 180 $522.00
Day 1: 3 08-06 Day 2: 3 03-15
22. Sam Leary Canaan, CT 6 12-03 179 $522.00
Day 1: 3 04-06 Day 2: 3 07-13
23. Drew Osborn Maryville, TN 6 11-13 178 $522.00
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 3 05-06
24. David Booth Erin, TN 4 11-11 177 $522.00
Day 1: 1 06-02 Day 2: 3 05-09
25. Jack Pollio Chatham, VA 6 11-10 176 $522.00
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 3 04-09
26. David Dimauro Longwood, FL 5 11-06 175 $522.00
Day 1: 2 06-00 Day 2: 3 05-06
27. Michael Vice Rossville, IL 6 11-02 174 $522.00
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 3 04-09
28. Robert Taylor Jr Saint Cloud, FL 6 11-00 173 $522.00
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 3 05-09
29. Mandel Pettus Miller Place, NY 6 10-15 172 $522.00
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 3 06-11
30. Todd Lee Jasper, AL 5 10-13 171 $522.00
Day 1: 3 07-03 Day 2: 2 03-10
31. William Gaston Sylacauga, AL 6 10-11 170 $522.00
Day 1: 3 05-08 Day 2: 3 05-03
32. Todd Walters Ladson, SC 6 10-10 169 $522.00
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 3 04-14
33. Shawn Thomas Mulberry, FL 6 10-09 168 $522.00
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 3 06-06
34. Shaun Avery Windham, ME 6 10-08 167 $522.00
Day 1: 3 06-07 Day 2: 3 04-01
35. Eric Andrews Davenport, FL 6 10-07 166 $522.00
Day 1: 3 03-10 Day 2: 3 06-13
36. Mike Spears Jasper, AL 6 10-06 165 $522.00
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 3 03-13
37. Scott Wise Clermont, FL 6 10-05 164 $522.00
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 3 05-13
38. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Dunnellon, FL 5 10-04 163 $522.00
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 3 07-12
39. Kevin Heard Saint Cloud, FL 5 10-03 162 $522.00
Day 1: 2 03-09 Day 2: 3 06-10
40. Robert Jeffrey Prospect, CT 6 10-02 161 $522.00
Day 1: 3 04-15 Day 2: 3 05-03
41. Lance Owen Greer, SC 5 09-15 160
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 2 03-14
42. Akira Okuyama Forest Hills, NY 5 09-14 159
Day 1: 2 03-07 Day 2: 3 06-07
43. Phillip Lovett Florence, AL 5 09-13 158
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 2 04-10
44. Keith Iddins Knoxville, TN 5 09-11 157
Day 1: 2 04-02 Day 2: 3 05-09
45. Timothy Hibbs Bradenton, FL 5 09-09 156
Day 1: 2 02-08 Day 2: 3 07-01
46. John Goebel Lumberton, TX 5 09-09 155
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 3 05-11
47. Frank Mitchum Orlando, FL 6 09-07 154
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 3 05-00
48. Kenneth Bivins Orlando, FL 6 09-06 153
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 3 04-10
49. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 4 09-05 152
Day 1: 3 08-02 Day 2: 1 01-03
50. Sawyer Mcmurphy Long Beach, MS 5 09-05 151
Day 1: 2 01-06 Day 2: 3 07-15
51. Bryan Trahan Orange, TX 6 09-04 150
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 3 05-05
52. Jeff Lederman Powhatan, VA 6 09-02 149
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 3 05-02
53. Mark Heron Clarks Summit, PA 5 09-01 148
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 05-14
54. William Egan Bloomington, IN 5 09-01 147
Day 1: 3 05-05 Day 2: 2 03-12
55. Alonzo Evans Jr Sebring, FL 5 09-00 146
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 05-13
56. Gary Haraguchi San Jose, CA 5 08-14 145
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 2 02-08
57. Tyler Quackenbush Mattawan, MI 4 08-14 144
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 2 04-07
58. Kenneth Underwood Columbus, MS 4 08-13 143
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 1 02-00
59. Ron Ritter Bedford, IN 6 08-11 142
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 3 04-00
60. Jonathan Hankins North Tazewell, VA 4 08-10 141
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 1 01-04
61. Casey Griffith Statesboro, GA 5 08-10 140
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 2 02-04
62. Corey Lindsey Sunbury, OH 4 08-09 139
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 1 01-15
63. Todd Sosebee Bessemer City, NC 5 08-09 138
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 3 05-10
64. Jamie Ferdarko Dubois, PA 6 08-08 137
Day 1: 3 04-03 Day 2: 3 04-05
65. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 5 08-07 136
Day 1: 3 05-00 Day 2: 2 03-07
66. Bill Rutkowski Odessa, FL 4 08-06 135
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 1 01-08
67. Johnny Dease Orlando, FL 6 08-06 134
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 3 03-10
68. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 4 08-04 133
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 2 05-01
69. Larry Maring Minneola, FL 4 08-02 132
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 1 01-13
70. Les Ore Jr Chesapeake, VA 5 08-01 131
Day 1: 3 04-11 Day 2: 2 03-06
71. Joel Engelmeyer Marriottsville, MD 4 07-15 130
Day 1: 3 05-11 Day 2: 1 02-04
72. Terry Proctor Pensacola, FL 5 07-15 129
Day 1: 2 04-10 Day 2: 3 03-05
73. Walter Tucker Osceola, MO 5 07-14 128
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 3 05-01
74. Brian Pemberton Homer Glen, IL 5 07-14 127
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 04-11
75. Chuck Thurlow Auburn, AL 5 07-12 126
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 3 05-05
76. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 4 07-12 125
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 2 03-04
77. Dale Wolfskill Orlando, FL 4 07-11 124
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 3 05-03
78. Austin Bonjour Templeton, CA 5 07-11 123
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 3 03-15
79. Steve Jarrett Valrico, FL 4 07-10 122
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 1 00-13
80. David Chamberlain Keasbey, NJ 4 07-10 121
Day 1: 2 05-03 Day 2: 2 02-07
81. John Wiese Charlotte, NC 5 07-08 120
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 3 04-08
82. Marvin Stith Jr. Piscataway, NJ 4 07-07 119
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 3 06-07
83. Jacques Lheureux Tampa, FL 4 07-07 118
Day 1: 3 06-04 Day 2: 1 01-03
84. Charles Fochtman Moneta, VA 5 07-06 117
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 2 01-13
85. Matt Armstrong Altamonte Springs, FL 3 07-06 116
Day 1: 2 02-14 Day 2: 1 04-08
86. Philip Miller Saint Cloud, FL 2 07-04 115
Day 1: 2 07-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
87. Linda Higginbotham Palm Coast, FL 4 07-04 114
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 1 01-01
88. Paul Tabisz Virginia Bch, VA 5 07-03 113
Day 1: 3 03-15 Day 2: 2 03-04
89. Andrew Bates Jacksonville, FL 3 07-02 112
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 2 05-05
90. Justin Weber Wesley Chapel, FL 4 07-02 111
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 2 04-07
91. Benjie Seaborn Guin, AL 5 07-01 110
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 2 02-15
92. Angelo Padilla Deland, FL 3 07-00 109
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
92. Cary Wien Groveland, FL 3 07-00 109
Day 1: 3 07-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
94. Rodrigo Cruz Clermont, FL 4 07-00 107
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 3 05-14
95. Douglas Lubs Indianapolis, IN 4 07-00 106
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 3 04-11
96. Cal Teneyck Shakopee, MN 4 07-00 105
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 1 02-06
97. Mark Frickman Reidsville, NC 5 07-00 104
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 3 03-12
98. Drake Prichard Knoxville, TN 4 06-15 103
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 3 05-01
99. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 4 06-14 102
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 3 04-09
100. Taylor Genz Indian Mound, TN 4 06-14 101
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 2 03-14
101. Rick Perez Naples, FL 3 06-13 100
Day 1: 2 05-09 Day 2: 1 01-04
102. Jared Rudd Salyersville, KY 5 06-13 99
Day 1: 3 03-11 Day 2: 2 03-02
103. Curtis Hall II Battle Creek, MI 4 06-11 98
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 3 05-08
104. Justin Salisbury Binghamton, NY 5 06-11 97
Day 1: 2 02-07 Day 2: 3 04-04
105. Jc Thrash Saint Clairsville, OH 3 06-11 96
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 2 03-14
106. Daniel Butler Orlando, FL 4 06-08 95
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 2 02-14
107. Thomas Abraham Winchester, TN 3 06-06 94
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
108. Rick Williams Jr Sandston, VA 4 06-05 93
Day 1: 3 04-10 Day 2: 1 01-11
109. Liam Oneill Beverly Hills, FL 3 06-03 92
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
110. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 1 06-03 91
Day 1: 1 06-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
111. Randy Futch Dunnellon, FL 4 06-03 90
Day 1: 3 04-12 Day 2: 1 01-07
111. Jayson Hooven Hudson, FL 4 06-03 90
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 3 04-12
113. Roger Holtsclaw Johnson City, TN 3 06-03 88
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 2 04-09
114. Roland Van Norden Lake Alfred, FL 4 06-02 87
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 3 04-03
115. Jenny Sander Byron, GA 3 06-01 86
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 06-01
116. Taylor Parker Lake View, AL 5 06-01 85
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 2 01-15
117. Brian Setlock Lancaster, PA 4 06-00 84
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 3 04-04
118. Scott Fairchild New Windsor, NY 3 05-15 83
Day 1: 3 05-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
119. Aaron Navarro Loxahatchee, FL 3 05-15 82
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 1 01-04
120. Casey Richter Blaine, MN 3 05-12 81
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-12
121. Scott Waters Saint Cloud, FL 4 05-12 80
Day 1: 1 01-00 Day 2: 3 04-12
122. Mike Schnupp Apopka, FL 4 05-11 79
Day 1: 1 01-05 Day 2: 3 04-06
123. Gary Hall Delbarton, WV 3 05-11 78
Day 1: 1 02-15 Day 2: 2 02-12
124. Brett Hobson Clermont, FL 3 05-09 77
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
125. Michael Shay Cheshire, CT 4 05-09 76
Day 1: 2 02-04 Day 2: 2 03-05
126. Leslie Swann III Lake Placid, FL 3 05-08 75
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 05-08
127. Ernest Mcintyre Jr Fayetteville, NC 4 05-08 74
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 3 04-06
128. Brian Hopton Mason, OH 3 05-08 73
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 1 02-02
129. Jacob Johnson Saint Clairsville, OH 4 05-08 72
Day 1: 1 02-04 Day 2: 3 03-04
130. Joel Greene Enoree, SC 4 05-07 71
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 2 02-11
131. Tommy Hamilton Disputanta, VA 4 05-06 70
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 3 03-13
132. Brian Benedit Canton, GA 6 05-05 69
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 3 01-01
133. Roland Beaulieu Swanton, VT 4 05-04 68
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 3 04-03
134. Ida Heard Saint Cloud, FL 3 05-04 67
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 1 01-04
135. Patrick Herrera Rockaway, NJ 2 05-04 66
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 03-09
136. Billy Watson III Murfreesboro, TN 3 05-03 65
Day 1: 1 01-01 Day 2: 2 04-02
137. Jay West Canton, GA 3 05-03 64
Day 1: 2 03-13 Day 2: 1 01-06
138. Rodney Vaow Troutman, NC 2 05-01 63
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 05-01
139. Mike Leary Naples, FL 4 05-00 62
Day 1: 2 02-12 Day 2: 2 02-04
140. Barry Burford Charlotte, NC 3 04-14 61
Day 1: 2 03-10 Day 2: 1 01-04
141. Mike Barker II Haslett, MI 2 04-14 60
Day 1: 1 03-00 Day 2: 1 01-14
142. Ralph Wells Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 4 04-09 59
Day 1: 3 03-06 Day 2: 1 01-03
143. James Southeard Scottsboro, AL 2 04-09 58
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 1 02-14
144. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 3 04-08 57
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 2 03-01
145. Logan Trapp Greenbrier, TN 2 04-07 56
Day 1: 2 04-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
146. Jesse Windsor Orlando, FL 3 04-04 55
Day 1: 3 04-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
147. Justin Estay Larose, LA 3 04-02 54
Day 1: 3 04-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
148. Ronnie Shephard Oak Hill, OH 3 04-00 53
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
149. Buck Hilliard Jr. Peachtree City, GA 3 04-00 52
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 1 01-05
150. Kenji Yamada Hamamatsu-Shi-city Shiz 3 04-00 51
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 1 01-10
151. Chuck Atwood Orlando, FL 3 03-14 50
Day 1: 3 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
152. Chris Leitch Los Gatos, CA 2 03-14 49
Day 1: 2 03-14 Day 2: 0 00-00
153. John Watts Jr Flushing, MI 2 03-14 48
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 1 02-10
154. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 2 03-13 47
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-13
155. Henry Reynolds Callands, VA 3 03-13 46
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 1 01-02
156. Donnie Bowman Quinton, VA 3 03-13 45
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 2 02-04
157. Steve Schoffstall Newnan, GA 3 03-10 44
Day 1: 3 03-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
158. Dennis Akers South Portsmouth, KY 2 03-10 43
Day 1: 1 02-11 Day 2: 1 00-15
159. Zach Lyles Mooresville, NC 2 03-09 42
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-09
160. Austin Nelson Eustis, FL 3 03-07 41
Day 1: 1 01-07 Day 2: 2 02-00
161. Paul Coburn Pewaukee, WI 2 03-06 40
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
161. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 2 03-06 40
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-06
163. Taylor Stumbo Prestonsburg, KY 2 03-06 38
Day 1: 1 01-15 Day 2: 1 01-07
164. Paul Scharf Sr Tampa, FL 3 03-05 37
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 3 03-05
164. Chris Weber Milton, VT 3 03-05 37
Day 1: 3 03-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
166. William Beekman Diamond Point, NY 3 03-04 35
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 1 00-00
167. Mike White St Augustine, FL 2 03-03 34
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
168. James Topmiller III Orlando, FL 2 03-02 33
Day 1: 2 03-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
169. Todd Hargrave Guyton, GA 2 03-02 32
Day 1: 1 02-02 Day 2: 1 01-00
170. Gary McClain Chesapeake, VA 3 03-02 31
Day 1: 2 02-01 Day 2: 1 01-01
171. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 2 03-00 30
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 03-00
171. Blaine Partee Oviedo, FL 2 03-00 30
Day 1: 2 03-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
173. Myron Bruffett Branson, MO 2 03-00 28
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 1 01-04
174. Talmadge Matthews Bushnell, FL 2 02-15 27
Day 1: 2 02-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
174. Kent Mittelstaedt New Hope, MN 2 02-15 27
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-15
176. Scott King Crescent City, FL 2 02-13 25
Day 1: 2 02-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
177. Andy Simm Piney Flats, TN 2 02-12 24
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 1 01-04
178. Gary Schild Mundelein, IL 2 02-09 23
Day 1: 2 02-09 Day 2: 0 00-00
179. Bill Mandikas Tampa, FL 2 02-08 22
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-08
180. Ron Coogle Louisville, KY 1 02-07 21
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
181. Alan Blondino Rustburg, VA 2 02-06 20
Day 1: 2 02-06 Day 2: 0 00-00
182. Steven Roosen Charlotte, NC 2 02-06 19
Day 1: 1 01-03 Day 2: 1 01-03
183. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 1 02-05 18
Day 1: 1 02-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
184. Jeff Keever Decatur, GA 2 02-03 17
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-03
185. Don Harvey Franklin, TN 1 02-03 16
Day 1: 1 02-03 Day 2: 0 00-00
186. Steve Bjorklund Bozeman, MT 2 02-02 15
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 2 02-02
187. Jim Oconnell Jr Castle Rock, CO 2 02-01 14
Day 1: 2 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
188. Brian Leitch Knoxville, TN 1 02-01 13
Day 1: 1 02-01 Day 2: 0 00-00
189. John Spruill Odessa, FL 1 02-00 12
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
190. Ernest Fletcher Rogers, AR 1 01-13 11
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 0 00-00
191. Garrett Cullen Port St Lucie, FL 1 01-11 10
Day 1: 1 01-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
192. Rod Longnecker Tampa, FL 1 01-10 9
Day 1: 1 01-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
193. Jimmy Hayes Fayetteville, NC 1 01-09 8
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-09
194. Kevin Steele Kissimmee, FL 1 01-08 7
Day 1: 1 01-08 Day 2: 0 00-00
195. Jp Lopez Jr Brooklyn, NY 1 01-04 6
Day 1: 1 01-04 Day 2: 0 00-00
196. Kenneth Hoffman Cambridge, NY 1 01-02 5
Day 1: 1 01-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
197. Steven Culler Butler, IN 1 01-00 4
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 01-00
198. Carlos Rivera Sr Kissimmee, FL 1 00-15 3
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Jason Abrain Seffner, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Adam Alvarez Haines City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. John Barnes Richmond, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Johnny Brown Bean Station, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. David Ellis Bushnell, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Scott Gregory West Richland, WA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Darren Leggett Palm Coast, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Logan Murphy Saint Cloud, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Pete Patterson Kingsport, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Gerald Williams Maiden, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00
199. Todd Young Perryville, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 0 00-00

by AnglersChannel

Lane Grabs First-Day Lead With Huge 31-pound Limit In Bassmaster Open On Kissimmee

Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., took the lead on the first day of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open No. 1 held on Kissimmee Chain of Lakes out of Kissimmee, Fla. Lane brought 31 pounds, 7 ounces to the scales at Thursday's weigh-in.

Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.

Feb. 1, 2018

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Bobby Lane is no astrologist, but he threw some serious props to the heavenly bodies in the wake of his massive Day 1 limit that weighed 31 pounds, 7 ounces, and took the lead at the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

The first angler to cross the stage at Big Lake Toho Marina, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Lakeland, Fla., said he started the day with a solid game plan, but the morning unfolded with big-time encouragement that would put him 10 pounds, 8 ounces ahead of his nearest competitor.

“When you start the day with a full moon in the west and the sun’s coming up in the east, you have to know there’s going to be some big ones caught,” Lane said. “I had a perfect little milk run, and it went to plan.”

Fishing a variety of habitat features from junk mats to buggy whips to Kissimmee grass to hydrilla to vine mat, Lane said he had about 15 to 20 bites today, the largest of which was a 9-pounder.

Lane said he caught fish on a variety of baits: “I caught one on a swim jig, two good ones flipping. I caught a big one on a swim jig, and I caught another one casting a worm. I think they’re trying to spawn, some aren’t, some are; some are staging.

“I made a lot of adjustments today. It was having the right things on the deck at the right time and picking up the right rod when something looked a little different. Everything was on 50- to 65-pound SiderWire Ultracast braid. When I hooked them, they were ‘buried.’”

Lane began his day by making the long run down to Lake Kissimmee, where he caught four of his limit fish. He boated the fifth late in the day after running up-chain to finish his day in Lake Toho.

Obviously pleased with his big bag, Lane said he was equally gratified by a high-percentage performance.

“It was quite a phenomenal day; I fished clean and caught every fish that bit, except for maybe one small fish,” he said. “Today was about execution, and when you have a bag like that, you made the right decisions.

“I ran that Phoenix/Yamaha from Lake Toho all the way to the Highway 60 Bridge. I covered a lot of water and when I got there, I made the right connection.”

Lane’s competence could very well prove to be the linchpin of long-term success, as the first round of the three-day contest found the fertile Kissimmee Chain a little on the stingy side. Understandable, as Florida-strain largemouth bass do not handle weather changes gracefully.

While Day 1 delivered a pleasant pallet of conditions, with light winds, temperatures rising into the low 70s and mostly sunny skies turning overcast by the afternoon; the lakes simply have not settled from Tuesday’s cold front. Suffice it to say, many anglers lamented head-scratching inconsistency.

Lane said he’s confident he can turn in another solid effort on Friday. He has multiple spots that he protected in practice and never fully taxed during Day 1.

“My goal in practice was to catch a big one and then leave the area and don’t go back — that’s what I did,” Lane said. “The biggest fish I caught in practice was 6 pounds. I just told myself that if you catch one good one, there should be some more good ones moving up in the same areas and that’s what happened.

“I couldn’t be more excited about tomorrow; I think I have a fairly decent area, and I didn’t hit it really hard today.”

Garrett Rocamora of Lithia, Fla., placed second with 20-15. Spending most of his day in Lake Kissimmee, the Florida pro anchored his catch with a 9-pound, 3-ounce largemouth that bit late in the day and took over the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors.

“This time of the year, the later the better; if you’re on ’em, you need to be there late,” he said. “It was a slow day; we probably caught 16 to 17 fish total, but I knew where I’ve had fish so I just had to slow down and get enough for today.”

Rocamora said he was mostly targeting prespawn bass with a mix of flipping/pitching baits and reaction baits. Positioning proved essential for thoroughly working his area.

“Being able to Power-Pole down and pick apart an area was key,” said Rocamora, referring to his Power-Pole shallow-water anchor.

Don Eady of Orlando, Fla., is in third place with 19-13.

In the co-angler division, Ohio’s Steve Robbins took the lead with 15-7. Fishing shallow, he buoyed his effort with an 8-pound, 1-ounce fish. Clint Sterling’s 8-7 leads in the Phoenix Boats Big Bass competition on the co-angler side.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 7 a.m. ET at Big Lake Toho Marina. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 3 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Kissimmee Sports Commission.

2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 2/1-2/3
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee FL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 31-07 200
Day 1: 5 31-07
2. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 5 20-15 199
Day 1: 5 20-15
3. Don Eady Orlando, FL 5 19-13 198
Day 1: 5 19-13
4. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 18-14 197
Day 1: 5 18-14
5. Drew Cook Midway, FL 5 18-00 196
Day 1: 5 18-00
6. Michael Murphy Lexington, SC 5 17-13 195
Day 1: 5 17-13
7. John McBride Mount Airy, NC 5 17-10 194
Day 1: 5 17-10
8. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 16-15 193
Day 1: 5 16-15
9. Michael Purvis Canton, GA 5 15-10 192
Day 1: 5 15-10
10. Darrell Davis Dover, FL 5 15-04 191
Day 1: 5 15-04
10. Clabion Johns Jr Covington, GA 5 15-04 191
Day 1: 5 15-04
10. Jeff Lugar Cross Junction, VA 5 15-04 191
Day 1: 5 15-04
13. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 5 15-02 188
Day 1: 5 15-02
14. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, FL 5 14-15 187
Day 1: 5 14-15
15. Joey Spradley Gloverville, SC 5 14-13 186
Day 1: 5 14-13
16. Craig Chambers Harrisburg, NC 5 14-11 185
Day 1: 5 14-11
17. Jerrod Albright Kissimmee, FL 5 14-00 184
Day 1: 5 14-00
18. Kazuki Kitajima Orlando, FL 5 13-12 183
Day 1: 5 13-12
19. Brad Knight Lancing, TN 5 13-11 182
Day 1: 5 13-11
19. Raymond Trudeau Saint Cloud, FL 5 13-11 182
Day 1: 5 13-11
21. John Zeolla Oak Park, CA 5 13-05 180
Day 1: 5 13-05
22. Jimmy Kennedy Plainfield, VT 5 13-04 179
Day 1: 5 13-04
22. Eric Panzironi Longwood, FL 5 13-04 179
Day 1: 5 13-04
24. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 13-02 177
Day 1: 5 13-02
25. Christian Thompson Lake City, FL 5 13-01 176
Day 1: 5 13-01
26. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 13-00 175
Day 1: 5 13-00
27. John Parker Gaffney, SC 5 12-12 174
Day 1: 5 12-12
28. Cameron Smith Mashpee, MA 5 12-11 173
Day 1: 5 12-11
29. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 12-10 172
Day 1: 5 12-10
29. Will Evans Winter Haven, FL 5 12-10 172
Day 1: 5 12-10
31. Ed Loughran III Mechanicsville, VA 5 12-09 170
Day 1: 5 12-09
32. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 5 12-08 169
Day 1: 5 12-08
33. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 5 12-07 168
Day 1: 5 12-07
34. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 5 12-04 167
Day 1: 5 12-04
35. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 12-02 166
Day 1: 5 12-02
36. Rob Digh Denver, NC 5 11-15 165
Day 1: 5 11-15
37. John Dial Winter Haven, FL 5 11-14 164
Day 1: 5 11-14
37. Jon Englund Farwell, MN 5 11-14 164
Day 1: 5 11-14
39. Rich Howes Oviedo, FL 5 11-12 162
Day 1: 5 11-12
40. Jade Keeton Killen, AL 5 11-08 161
Day 1: 5 11-08
41. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 5 11-02 160
Day 1: 5 11-02
42. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 11-00 159
Day 1: 5 11-00
42. Ryan Davidson Branchland, WV 5 11-00 159
Day 1: 5 11-00
42. Nick Hatfield Jonesborough, TN 5 11-00 159
Day 1: 5 11-00
45. Dave Frost Mount Dora, FL 5 10-15 156
Day 1: 5 10-15
45. Kurt Mitchell Milford, DE 5 10-15 156
Day 1: 5 10-15
47. Walt Bowen Walnut Cove, NC 5 10-14 154
Day 1: 5 10-14
48. Eric Conant Lakeland, FL 5 10-13 153
Day 1: 5 10-13
49. David May Odessa, FL 3 10-12 152
Day 1: 3 10-12
50. Ronnie Green St. Petersburg, FL 5 10-11 151
Day 1: 5 10-11
51. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 10-10 150
Day 1: 5 10-10
51. Michael Neal Dayton, TN 5 10-10 150
Day 1: 5 10-10
51. Ronald Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 5 10-10 150
Day 1: 5 10-10
54. Jonathan Carter Glenburn, ME 5 10-08 147
Day 1: 5 10-08
54. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 10-08 147
Day 1: 5 10-08
56. Kyle Fox Lakeland, FL 5 10-07 145
Day 1: 5 10-07
56. John Kremer Sanford, FL 5 10-07 145
Day 1: 5 10-07
58. Nick Denham Louisville, KY 5 10-06 143
Day 1: 5 10-06
59. Qiurun Chen Beijing FL CHINA 4 10-06 142
Day 1: 4 10-06
60. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 10-04 141
Day 1: 5 10-04
60. Jon Canada Pelham, AL 5 10-04 141
Day 1: 5 10-04
62. Matt Mattingly Gravel Switch, KY 5 10-03 139
Day 1: 5 10-03
63. John Cox Debary, FL 5 10-00 138
Day 1: 5 10-00
64. Patrick Walters Ladson, SC 5 09-15 137
Day 1: 5 09-15
65. Sam George Athens, AL 5 09-14 136
Day 1: 5 09-14
65. Arnie Lane Lakeland, FL 5 09-14 136
Day 1: 5 09-14
67. Mason Brown Crawfordville, FL 5 09-13 134
Day 1: 5 09-13
68. Ken Iyobe Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 5 09-11 133
Day 1: 5 09-11
68. Scott Suggs Alexander, AR 5 09-11 133
Day 1: 5 09-11
70. Darrell Pons Gainesville, FL 5 09-10 131
Day 1: 5 09-10
71. Toshinari Namiki Tokyo JAPAN 4 09-10 130
Day 1: 4 09-10
72. Greg Dipalma Millville, NJ 5 09-08 129
Day 1: 5 09-08
73. Cole Blythe Charlotte, NC 5 09-07 128
Day 1: 5 09-07
73. Chris Ferguson Wittensville, KY 5 09-07 128
Day 1: 5 09-07
73. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 5 09-07 128
Day 1: 5 09-07
73. Tim Wilson Gas City, IN 5 09-07 128
Day 1: 5 09-07
77. Ernie Freeman Broad Run, VA 5 09-05 124
Day 1: 5 09-05
78. Tyler Berger Delaware, OH 5 09-03 123
Day 1: 5 09-03
78. Jared Dial Winter Haven, FL 5 09-03 123
Day 1: 5 09-03
78. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 5 09-03 123
Day 1: 5 09-03
81. David Hudson Jasper, AL 5 09-02 120
Day 1: 5 09-02
82. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 09-01 119
Day 1: 5 09-01
83. Kyle Hall Rio Vista, TX 4 09-01 118
Day 1: 4 09-01
84. Phillip Cury Jacksonville, FL 5 09-00 117
Day 1: 5 09-00
84. Preston Harris State Road, NC 5 09-00 117
Day 1: 5 09-00
84. William Pioch Beckley, WV 5 09-00 117
Day 1: 5 09-00
87. Bailey Boutries Daphne, AL 5 08-14 114
Day 1: 5 08-14
88. Cole T. Harris Essex Junction, VT 5 08-13 113
Day 1: 5 08-13
89. Brad Burkhart Speedwell, TN 5 08-12 112
Day 1: 5 08-12
89. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 5 08-12 112
Day 1: 5 08-12
91. Brandon Mcintosh St Augustine, FL 5 08-11 110
Day 1: 5 08-11
92. Tracy Adams Wilkesboro, NC 5 08-10 109
Day 1: 5 08-10
93. Gary Isgrigg Mt Washington, KY 5 08-09 108
Day 1: 5 08-09
93. Wayne Murray Baton Rouge, LA 5 08-09 108
Day 1: 5 08-09
95. Michael McCoy Mentor On The Lake, OH 5 08-08 106
Day 1: 5 08-08
96. JT Kenney Palm Bay, FL 5 08-05 105
Day 1: 5 08-05
96. Mike Lavallee Sandy, UT 5 08-05 105
Day 1: 5 08-05
98. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 4 08-04 103
Day 1: 4 08-04
99. Fred Rigdon Belleview, FL 5 08-03 102
Day 1: 5 08-03
100. Lucas Bogosian Harrington Park, NJ 5 08-02 101
Day 1: 5 08-02
100. James Moynagh Carver, MN 5 08-02 101
Day 1: 5 08-02
102. Mike Hoese Crown Point, IN 5 08-01 99
Day 1: 5 08-01
103. Joel Willert Lakeville, MN 5 08-00 98
Day 1: 5 08-00
104. Jamey Caldwell Carthage, NC 5 07-15 97
Day 1: 5 07-15
105. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 3 07-15 96
Day 1: 3 07-15
106. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 5 07-13 95
Day 1: 5 07-13
107. Brad Staley Pleasant Garden, NC 5 07-12 94
Day 1: 5 07-12
108. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 3 07-11 93
Day 1: 3 07-11
109. Craig Cullen Port St Lucie, FL 5 07-09 92
Day 1: 5 07-09
109. Al Farace Jr Hunt Valley, MD 5 07-09 92
Day 1: 5 07-09
111. Mitch Liss Saint Cloud, FL 5 07-07 90
Day 1: 5 07-07
112. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 3 07-07 89
Day 1: 3 07-07
113. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 4 07-06 88
Day 1: 4 07-06
114. Robert Clowers Sweetwater, TN 5 07-05 87
Day 1: 5 07-05
114. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 07-05 87
Day 1: 5 07-05
116. Scott Patton Paris, TN 3 07-05 85
Day 1: 3 07-05
117. Dana Hilderbrant Leroy, NY 4 07-04 84
Day 1: 4 07-04
118. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 5 07-03 83
Day 1: 5 07-03
119. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 4 07-03 82
Day 1: 4 07-03
120. Miles Burghoff Hixson, TN 5 07-02 81
Day 1: 5 07-02
121. Rick Hawkins Roanoke, VA 4 07-01 80
Day 1: 4 07-01
122. Buddy Cipoletti Wading River, NY 3 07-00 79
Day 1: 3 07-00
123. Carl Svebek III Siloam Springs, AR 5 06-15 78
Day 1: 5 06-15
123. Steve York Bronson, MI 5 06-15 78
Day 1: 5 06-15
125. David Walker Sevierville, TN 4 06-14 76
Day 1: 4 06-14
126. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 1 06-14 75
Day 1: 1 06-14
127. Woo Daves Spring Grove, VA 5 06-13 74
Day 1: 5 06-13
127. Tim Frederick Leesburg, FL 5 06-13 74
Day 1: 5 06-13
129. Nick Tate Knoxville, TN 4 06-13 72
Day 1: 4 06-13
130. Daniel Martin Elmhurst, IL 5 06-11 71
Day 1: 5 06-11
131. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 5 06-10 70
Day 1: 5 06-10
132. Cody Dawson Mount Vernon, OH 4 06-10 69
Day 1: 4 06-10
133. David Perdue Wirtz, VA 5 06-09 68
Day 1: 5 06-09
133. Chuck Pippin Jr Gotha, FL 5 06-09 68
Day 1: 5 06-09
135. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 4 06-08 66
Day 1: 4 06-08
135. David Williams Newton, NC 4 06-08 66
Day 1: 4 06-08
137. Derek Hudnall Baton Rouge, LA 3 06-08 64
Day 1: 3 06-08
138. Charlie Evans Berea, KY 2 06-08 63
Day 1: 2 06-08
139. Jim Smith Georgetown, KY 5 06-05 62
Day 1: 5 06-05
140. Patrick Touey Santa Maria, CA 4 06-01 61
Day 1: 4 06-01
141. Hunter Eubanks Inman, SC 3 06-00 60
Day 1: 3 06-00
142. John Bitter Maitland, FL 5 05-13 59
Day 1: 5 05-13
143. Trait Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 4 05-13 58
Day 1: 4 05-13
144. Ron Johnson Chandler, AZ 4 05-12 57
Day 1: 4 05-12
145. Wil Hardy Harlem, GA 2 05-10 56
Day 1: 2 05-10
146. Christian Mazzola Walnutport, PA 5 05-09 55
Day 1: 5 05-09
147. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 4 05-08 54
Day 1: 4 05-08
148. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 4 05-06 53
Day 1: 4 05-06
149. Charlie Ingram Centerville, TN 5 05-05 52
Day 1: 5 05-05
150. Teddie Scalf Gray, KY 3 05-04 51
Day 1: 3 05-04
151. Roland Martin Naples, FL 4 05-02 50
Day 1: 4 05-02
152. Denny Fiedler Minnetonka, MN 3 05-02 49
Day 1: 3 05-02
152. Troy Roder Brookeland, TX 3 05-02 49
Day 1: 3 05-02
154. Shayne Berlo Mclean, VA 2 05-02 47
Day 1: 2 05-02
155. Tadd Johnson Lakeview, MN 4 05-01 46
Day 1: 4 05-01
156. Wayne Hauser Jr Mooresville, NC 2 05-01 45
Day 1: 2 05-01
157. Tony Hogan Mc David, FL 3 04-15 44
Day 1: 3 04-15
158. Matt Mollohan Prosperity, SC 2 04-15 43
Day 1: 2 04-15
159. Chris Flint Potsdam, NY 3 04-13 42
Day 1: 3 04-13
160. Stephen Morella Whitehall , PA 2 04-12 41
Day 1: 2 04-12
161. David Boelkins Hubertus, WI 3 04-07 40
Day 1: 3 04-07
161. David Cornelius Apison, TN 3 04-07 40
Day 1: 3 04-07
161. Brian Rufty Berea, KY 3 04-07 40
Day 1: 3 04-07
164. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 2 04-07 37
Day 1: 2 04-07
164. Darryl Halbert Enoree, SC 2 04-07 37
Day 1: 2 04-07
166. Chad Murray Vidalia, LA 3 04-06 35
Day 1: 3 04-06
167. Brandon Johnson Owingsville, KY 3 04-05 34
Day 1: 3 04-05
168. Brad Houchins Thomasville, NC 3 04-04 33
Day 1: 3 04-04
169. Luke Gritter Otsego, MI 2 04-03 32
Day 1: 2 04-03
169. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 2 04-03 32
Day 1: 2 04-03
171. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 3 04-01 30
Day 1: 3 04-01
172. Scott Bonvillain Lake Charles, LA 1 04-00 29
Day 1: 1 04-00
173. Cody Pike Powhatan, VA 3 03-15 28
Day 1: 3 03-15
174. Ricky Congero Windermere, FL 3 03-14 27
Day 1: 3 03-14
175. Hunter Bland Ocala, FL 2 03-14 26
Day 1: 2 03-14
176. Derek Cummings Denver, NC 2 03-10 25
Day 1: 2 03-10
177. Jeremy Bogard Wilkesboro, NC 2 03-08 24
Day 1: 2 03-08
177. Jeff Mathews Maitland, FL 2 03-08 24
Day 1: 2 03-08
179. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 2 03-07 22
Day 1: 2 03-07
179. Shayne Mcfarlin Martin, GA 2 03-07 22
Day 1: 2 03-07
181. James Plessinger Carrollton, VA 1 03-05 20
Day 1: 1 03-05
181. Jody White Gilbertsville, KY 1 03-05 20
Day 1: 1 03-05
183. Brian Tyler Johnsonville, SC 2 03-02 18
Day 1: 2 03-02
184. Scott Hamrick Denver, NC 3 02-12 17
Day 1: 3 02-12
185. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 2 02-12 16
Day 1: 2 02-12
185. Rick Shannon Woodlawn, TN 2 02-12 16
Day 1: 2 02-12
187. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 2 02-11 14
Day 1: 2 02-11
188. Alvin Shaw Roaring Gap, NC 2 02-10 13
Day 1: 2 02-10
189. James Cassaday Wirtz, VA 1 02-10 12
Day 1: 1 02-10
190. Ed Stiefel Mahwah, NJ 1 02-09 11
Day 1: 1 02-09
191. Gary Clouse LaVergne, TN 2 02-06 10
Day 1: 2 02-06
192. Coleton Jennings New Concord, KY 2 02-04 9
Day 1: 2 02-04
193. Pete Cherkas Des Moines, IA 1 02-04 8
Day 1: 1 02-04
194. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 1 02-03 7
Day 1: 1 02-03
195. Seiji Kato Outsu Shiga JAPAN 2 02-02 6
Day 1: 2 02-02
196. Bruce Whitmire Channelview, TX 1 01-15 5
Day 1: 1 01-15
197. Kyle Kempkers Hamilton, MI 2 01-14 4
Day 1: 2 01-14
198. Michael Delvisco Dandridge, TN 1 01-09 3
Day 1: 1 01-09
199. Fredrick Requarth Dayton, OH 1 01-08 2
Day 1: 1 01-08
200. James Castillo W. Richland, WA 1 01-06 1
Day 1: 1 01-06
201. Kendall Newson Decatur, GA 1 01-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-04
202. Craig Cavanna Spring Hill, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Chris Hart Franklin, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Vernon Kemp Umatilla, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Jason Lieblong Conway, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Billy Matthews Valdosta, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Jack Morgan Lake Placid, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Rick Pierce Mountain Home, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
202. Steven Priest New Lexington, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 120 812 1689-01
----------------------------------
120 812 1689-01

2018 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Eastern Open Kissimmee Chain of Lakes 2/1-2/3
Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee FL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1

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

1. Steve Robbins Piketon, OH 3 15-07 200
Day 1: 3 15-07
2. Don Ramsey Orlando, FL 3 13-00 199
Day 1: 3 13-00
3. Eulon Lee Jr. Eclectic, AL 3 11-15 198
Day 1: 3 11-15
4. Clint Sterling Clearwater, FL 3 11-04 197
Day 1: 3 11-04
5. Mark Bartosch Clarksville, TN 3 10-04 196
Day 1: 3 10-04
6. David Pechacek Hastings, MN 3 09-04 195
Day 1: 3 09-04
7. Michael Comeau Jericho, VT 3 08-15 194
Day 1: 3 08-15
8. Russell Phillips Guilford, VT 3 08-06 193
Day 1: 3 08-06
9. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 3 08-02 192
Day 1: 3 08-02
10. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 3 08-01 191
Day 1: 3 08-01
11. Bobby Bakewel Orlando, FL 3 07-13 190
Day 1: 3 07-13
11. Wayne Foriest Nashville, TN 3 07-13 190
Day 1: 3 07-13
13. Kent Biggs Morristown, TN 3 07-06 188
Day 1: 3 07-06
13. Jonathan Hankins North Tazewell, VA 3 07-06 188
Day 1: 3 07-06
15. Philip Miller Saint Cloud, FL 2 07-04 186
Day 1: 2 07-04
16. Todd Lee Jasper, AL 3 07-03 185
Day 1: 3 07-03
17. Jack Pollio Chatham, VA 3 07-01 184
Day 1: 3 07-01
18. Angelo Padilla Deland, FL 3 07-00 183
Day 1: 3 07-00
18. Cary Wien Groveland, FL 3 07-00 183
Day 1: 3 07-00
20. Bill Rutkowski Odessa, FL 3 06-14 181
Day 1: 3 06-14
21. Steve Jarrett Valrico, FL 3 06-13 180
Day 1: 3 06-13
21. Kenneth Underwood Columbus, MS 3 06-13 180
Day 1: 3 06-13
23. Corey Lindsey Sunbury, OH 3 06-10 178
Day 1: 3 06-10
24. Mike Spears Jasper, AL 3 06-09 177
Day 1: 3 06-09
24. Michael Vice Rossville, IL 3 06-09 177
Day 1: 3 06-09
26. Shaun Avery Windham, ME 3 06-07 175
Day 1: 3 06-07
26. Drew Osborn Maryville, TN 3 06-07 175
Day 1: 3 06-07
28. Thomas Abraham Winchester, TN 3 06-06 173
Day 1: 3 06-06
28. Casey Griffith Statesboro, GA 3 06-06 173
Day 1: 3 06-06
28. Gary Haraguchi San Jose, CA 3 06-06 173
Day 1: 3 06-06
31. Larry Maring Minneola, FL 3 06-05 170
Day 1: 3 06-05
32. Jacques Lheureux Tampa, FL 3 06-04 169
Day 1: 3 06-04
33. Jarvis Ellis Albany, GA 3 06-03 168
Day 1: 3 06-03
33. Linda Higginbotham Palm Coast, FL 3 06-03 168
Day 1: 3 06-03
33. Liam Oneill Beverly Hills, FL 3 06-03 168
Day 1: 3 06-03
36. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 1 06-03 165
Day 1: 1 06-03
37. David Booth Erin, TN 1 06-02 164
Day 1: 1 06-02
38. Lance Owen Greer, SC 3 06-01 163
Day 1: 3 06-01
39. David Dimauro Longwood, FL 2 06-00 162
Day 1: 2 06-00
40. Scott Fairchild New Windsor, NY 3 05-15 161
Day 1: 3 05-15
40. John Quackenbush Mattawan, MI 3 05-15 161
Day 1: 3 05-15
42. Todd Walters Ladson, SC 3 05-12 159
Day 1: 3 05-12
43. Joel Engelmeyer Marriottsville, MD 3 05-11 158
Day 1: 3 05-11
44. Billy Wright Winter Park, FL 3 05-10 157
Day 1: 3 05-10
45. Charles Fochtman Moneta, VA 3 05-09 156
Day 1: 3 05-09
45. Brett Hobson Clermont, FL 3 05-09 156
Day 1: 3 05-09
47. Rick Perez Naples, FL 2 05-09 154
Day 1: 2 05-09
48. William Gaston Sylacauga, AL 3 05-08 153
Day 1: 3 05-08
49. Robert Taylor Jr Saint Cloud, FL 3 05-07 152
Day 1: 3 05-07
50. William Egan Bloomington, IN 3 05-05 151
Day 1: 3 05-05
51. Phillip Lovett Florence, AL 3 05-03 150
Day 1: 3 05-03
52. David Chamberlain Keasbey, NJ 2 05-03 149
Day 1: 2 05-03
53. Daren McDermott Saint Cloud, FL 3 05-00 148
Day 1: 3 05-00
53. Bradley Sterner Manchester, PA 3 05-00 148
Day 1: 3 05-00
55. Robert Jeffrey Prospect, CT 3 04-15 146
Day 1: 3 04-15
56. Scap Cicero Wetumpka, AL 3 04-13 145
Day 1: 3 04-13
57. Kenneth Bivins Orlando, FL 3 04-12 144
Day 1: 3 04-12
57. Johnny Dease Orlando, FL 3 04-12 144
Day 1: 3 04-12
57. Randy Futch Dunnellon, FL 3 04-12 144
Day 1: 3 04-12
60. Les Ore Jr Chesapeake, VA 3 04-11 141
Day 1: 3 04-11
60. Ron Ritter Bedford, IN 3 04-11 141
Day 1: 3 04-11
62. Aaron Navarro Loxahatchee, FL 2 04-11 139
Day 1: 2 04-11
63. Cal Teneyck Shakopee, MN 3 04-10 138
Day 1: 3 04-10
63. Rick Williams Jr Sandston, VA 3 04-10 138
Day 1: 3 04-10
65. Terry Proctor Pensacola, FL 2 04-10 136
Day 1: 2 04-10
66. Scott Wise Clermont, FL 3 04-08 135
Day 1: 3 04-08
67. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 2 04-08 134
Day 1: 2 04-08
68. Frank Mitchum Orlando, FL 3 04-07 133
Day 1: 3 04-07
69. Tyler Quackenbush Mattawan, MI 2 04-07 132
Day 1: 2 04-07
69. Logan Trapp Greenbrier, TN 2 04-07 132
Day 1: 2 04-07
71. Sam Leary Canaan, CT 3 04-06 130
Day 1: 3 04-06
72. Cole Thompson Saint Cloud, FL 3 04-05 129
Day 1: 3 04-05
73. Brian Benedit Canton, GA 3 04-04 128
Day 1: 3 04-04
73. Mandel Pettus Miller Place, NY 3 04-04 128
Day 1: 3 04-04
73. Jesse Windsor Orlando, FL 3 04-04 128
Day 1: 3 04-04
76. Jamie Ferdarko Dubois, PA 3 04-03 125
Day 1: 3 04-03
76. Shawn Thomas Mulberry, FL 3 04-03 125
Day 1: 3 04-03
78. Justin Estay Larose, LA 3 04-02 123
Day 1: 3 04-02
78. Taylor Parker Lake View, AL 3 04-02 123
Day 1: 3 04-02
78. Benjie Seaborn Guin, AL 3 04-02 123
Day 1: 3 04-02
81. Keith Iddins Knoxville, TN 2 04-02 120
Day 1: 2 04-02
82. Jeff Lederman Powhatan, VA 3 04-00 119
Day 1: 3 04-00
82. Ronnie Shephard Oak Hill, OH 3 04-00 119
Day 1: 3 04-00
84. Ida Heard Saint Cloud, FL 2 04-00 117
Day 1: 2 04-00
84. Matt Price Manhattan, IL 2 04-00 117
Day 1: 2 04-00
86. Paul Tabisz Virginia Bch, VA 3 03-15 115
Day 1: 3 03-15
86. Bryan Trahan Orange, TX 3 03-15 115
Day 1: 3 03-15
88. Chuck Atwood Orlando, FL 3 03-14 113
Day 1: 3 03-14
89. John Goebel Lumberton, TX 2 03-14 112
Day 1: 2 03-14
89. Chris Leitch Los Gatos, CA 2 03-14 112
Day 1: 2 03-14
91. Jay West Canton, GA 2 03-13 110
Day 1: 2 03-13
92. Austin Bonjour Templeton, CA 2 03-12 109
Day 1: 2 03-12
93. Jared Rudd Salyersville, KY 3 03-11 108
Day 1: 3 03-11
94. Eric Andrews Davenport, FL 3 03-10 107
Day 1: 3 03-10
94. Steve Schoffstall Newnan, GA 3 03-10 107
Day 1: 3 03-10
96. Barry Burford Charlotte, NC 2 03-10 105
Day 1: 2 03-10
96. Daniel Butler Orlando, FL 2 03-10 105
Day 1: 2 03-10
98. Kevin Heard Saint Cloud, FL 2 03-09 103
Day 1: 2 03-09
99. Akira Okuyama Forest Hills, NY 2 03-07 102
Day 1: 2 03-07
100. Ralph Wells Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 3 03-06 101
Day 1: 3 03-06
101. Paul Coburn Pewaukee, WI 2 03-06 100
Day 1: 2 03-06
101. Brian Hopton Mason, OH 2 03-06 100
Day 1: 2 03-06
103. Chris Weber Milton, VT 3 03-05 98
Day 1: 3 03-05
104. William Beekman Diamond Point, NY 2 03-04 97
Day 1: 2 03-04
104. Mark Frickman Reidsville, NC 2 03-04 97
Day 1: 2 03-04
106. Alonzo Evans Jr Sebring, FL 2 03-03 95
Day 1: 2 03-03
106. Mark Heron Clarks Summit, PA 2 03-03 95
Day 1: 2 03-03
106. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 2 03-03 95
Day 1: 2 03-03
106. Brian Pemberton Homer Glen, IL 2 03-03 95
Day 1: 2 03-03
106. Mike White St Augustine, FL 2 03-03 95
Day 1: 2 03-03
111. James Topmiller III Orlando, FL 2 03-02 90
Day 1: 2 03-02
112. Taylor Genz Indian Mound, TN 2 03-00 89
Day 1: 2 03-00
112. Blaine Partee Oviedo, FL 2 03-00 89
Day 1: 2 03-00
112. John Wiese Charlotte, NC 2 03-00 89
Day 1: 2 03-00
115. Mike Barker II Haslett, MI 1 03-00 86
Day 1: 1 03-00
116. Talmadge Matthews Bushnell, FL 2 02-15 85
Day 1: 2 02-15
116. Todd Sosebee Bessemer City, NC 2 02-15 85
Day 1: 2 02-15
118. Gary Hall Delbarton, WV 1 02-15 83
Day 1: 1 02-15
119. Matt Armstrong Altamonte Springs, FL 2 02-14 82
Day 1: 2 02-14
120. Scott King Crescent City, FL 2 02-13 81
Day 1: 2 02-13
120. Walter Tucker Osceola, MO 2 02-13 81
Day 1: 2 02-13
122. Jc Thrash Saint Clairsville, OH 1 02-13 79
Day 1: 1 02-13
123. Joel Greene Enoree, SC 2 02-12 78
Day 1: 2 02-12
123. Mike Leary Naples, FL 2 02-12 78
Day 1: 2 02-12
125. Buck Hilliard Jr. Peachtree City, GA 2 02-11 76
Day 1: 2 02-11
125. Henry Reynolds Callands, VA 2 02-11 76
Day 1: 2 02-11
125. Justin Weber Wesley Chapel, FL 2 02-11 76
Day 1: 2 02-11
128. Dennis Akers South Portsmouth, KY 1 02-11 73
Day 1: 1 02-11
129. Gary Schild Mundelein, IL 2 02-09 72
Day 1: 2 02-09
130. Timothy Hibbs Bradenton, FL 2 02-08 71
Day 1: 2 02-08
130. Jim Opetaia-Williamson Dunnellon, FL 2 02-08 71
Day 1: 2 02-08
132. Dale Wolfskill Orlando, FL 1 02-08 69
Day 1: 1 02-08
133. Justin Salisbury Binghamton, NY 2 02-07 68
Day 1: 2 02-07
133. Chuck Thurlow Auburn, AL 2 02-07 68
Day 1: 2 02-07
135. Ron Coogle Louisville, KY 1 02-07 66
Day 1: 1 02-07
136. Alan Blondino Rustburg, VA 2 02-06 65
Day 1: 2 02-06
136. Kenji Yamada Hamamatsu-Shi-city Shiz 2 02-06 65
Day 1: 2 02-06
138. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 1 02-05 63
Day 1: 1 02-05
138. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 1 02-05 63
Day 1: 1 02-05
138. Douglas Lubs Indianapolis, IN 1 02-05 63
Day 1: 1 02-05
141. Michael Shay Cheshire, CT 2 02-04 60
Day 1: 2 02-04
142. Jacob Johnson Saint Clairsville, OH 1 02-04 59
Day 1: 1 02-04
143. Don Harvey Franklin, TN 1 02-03 58
Day 1: 1 02-03
144. Todd Hargrave Guyton, GA 1 02-02 57
Day 1: 1 02-02
145. Gary McClain Chesapeake, VA 2 02-01 56
Day 1: 2 02-01
145. Jim Oconnell Jr Castle Rock, CO 2 02-01 56
Day 1: 2 02-01
145. Tony Sears Dahlonega, GA 2 02-01 56
Day 1: 2 02-01
148. Brian Leitch Knoxville, TN 1 02-01 53
Day 1: 1 02-01
149. John Spruill Odessa, FL 1 02-00 52
Day 1: 1 02-00
150. Taylor Stumbo Prestonsburg, KY 1 01-15 51
Day 1: 1 01-15
150. Roland Van Norden Lake Alfred, FL 1 01-15 51
Day 1: 1 01-15
152. Barry Hughes Plant City, FL 1 01-14 49
Day 1: 1 01-14
152. Drake Prichard Knoxville, TN 1 01-14 49
Day 1: 1 01-14
154. Andrew Bates Jacksonville, FL 1 01-13 47
Day 1: 1 01-13
154. Ernest Fletcher Rogers, AR 1 01-13 47
Day 1: 1 01-13
156. Myron Bruffett Branson, MO 1 01-12 45
Day 1: 1 01-12
156. Brian Setlock Lancaster, PA 1 01-12 45
Day 1: 1 01-12
158. Garrett Cullen Port St Lucie, FL 1 01-11 43
Day 1: 1 01-11
158. Patrick Herrera Rockaway, NJ 1 01-11 43
Day 1: 1 01-11
158. James Southeard Scottsboro, AL 1 01-11 43
Day 1: 1 01-11
161. Roger Holtsclaw Johnson City, TN 1 01-10 40
Day 1: 1 01-10
161. Rod Longnecker Tampa, FL 1 01-10 40
Day 1: 1 01-10
163. Donnie Bowman Quinton, VA 1 01-09 38
Day 1: 1 01-09
163. Tommy Hamilton Disputanta, VA 1 01-09 38
Day 1: 1 01-09
165. Andy Simm Piney Flats, TN 1 01-08 36
Day 1: 1 01-08
165. Kevin Steele Kissimmee, FL 1 01-08 36
Day 1: 1 01-08
167. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 1 01-07 34
Day 1: 1 01-07
167. Jayson Hooven Hudson, FL 1 01-07 34
Day 1: 1 01-07
167. Austin Nelson Eustis, FL 1 01-07 34
Day 1: 1 01-07
170. Sawyer Mcmurphy Long Beach, MS 2 01-06 31
Day 1: 2 01-06
171. Mike Schnupp Apopka, FL 1 01-05 30
Day 1: 1 01-05
172. Jp Lopez Jr Brooklyn, NY 1 01-04 29
Day 1: 1 01-04
172. John Watts Jr Flushing, MI 1 01-04 29
Day 1: 1 01-04
174. Curtis Hall II Battle Creek, MI 1 01-03 27
Day 1: 1 01-03
174. Steven Roosen Charlotte, NC 1 01-03 27
Day 1: 1 01-03
176. Rodrigo Cruz Clermont, FL 1 01-02 25
Day 1: 1 01-02
176. Kenneth Hoffman Cambridge, NY 1 01-02 25
Day 1: 1 01-02
176. Ernest Mcintyre Jr Fayetteville, NC 1 01-02 25
Day 1: 1 01-02
179. Roland Beaulieu Swanton, VT 1 01-01 22
Day 1: 1 01-01
179. Billy Watson III Murfreesboro, TN 1 01-01 22
Day 1: 1 01-01
181. Marvin Stith Jr. Piscataway, NJ 1 01-00 20
Day 1: 1 01-00
181. Scott Waters Saint Cloud, FL 1 01-00 20
Day 1: 1 01-00
183. Carlos Rivera Sr Kissimmee, FL 1 00-15 18
Day 1: 1 00-15
184. Jason Abrain Seffner, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Adam Alvarez Haines City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. John Barnes Richmond, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Steve Bjorklund Bozeman, MT 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Johnny Brown Bean Station, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Steven Culler Butler, IN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. David Ellis Bushnell, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Scott Gregory West Richland, WA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Jimmy Hayes Fayetteville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Jeff Keever Decatur, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Darren Leggett Palm Coast, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Zach Lyles Mooresville, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Bill Mandikas Tampa, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Kent Mittelstaedt New Hope, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Logan Murphy Saint Cloud, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Pete Patterson Kingsport, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Casey Richter Blaine, MN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Jenny Sander Byron, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Paul Scharf Sr Tampa, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Leslie Swann III Lake Placid, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Rodney Vaow Troutman, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Gerald Williams Maiden, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
184. Todd Young Perryville, KY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00

by AnglersChannel

Fishing Community Celebrates 50th Anniversary With 2018 Bassmaster Classic in March

Feb. 1, 2018

Courtesy BASS Communications

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — It’s been called the “Test of the Best” bass anglers, the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” and the “World Championship of Fishing.” By any name, the Bassmaster Classic became the salvation of Ray Scott’s Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) when the tournament was launched 47 years ago.

Now known as the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, the annual bass tournament began modestly with just 24 competitors in October 1971. Arkansas angler Bobby Murray won the inaugural Classic, held on Lake Mead, Nevada.

Scott recalls that the lakeside weigh-ins attracted only a handful of spectators. More important than crowds, however, were the two-dozen outdoor writers who attended at Scott’s invitation. Their articles in major publications across the United States lent legitimacy to the fledgling, mainly southern, sport of tournament bass fishing.

Founded 50 years ago, B.A.S.S. struggled for attention in the beginning. The B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail — the first national fishing circuit — was popular among bass anglers but lacked broader exposure until Scott and then-Bassmaster Magazine editor Bob Cobb concocted the season-ending championship.

“It was the turning point,” said former tournament director Harold Sharp, now deceased. “It’s become the thing everybody points to. It’s as high as an angler can go.” B.A.S.S. membership grew rapidly after that first Classic, and the event itself quickly became the most important event in sportfishing. Many industry insiders consider the birth of B.A.S.S. and its tournament circuits to mark the beginning of the modern era of bass fishing and the spark that ignited an economic boom in sportfishing.

When the 48th Classic takes place March 16-18 on Lake Hartwell at Anderson, S.C., it will be unrecognizable compared to its meager beginnings. From 24 outdoor writers who were paired with the pros in 1971, the Classic press corps has grown to more than 200 credentialed media representatives from throughout the United States, as well as Canada, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.

The prize for claiming the first Classic crown was $10,000, winner take all. The event today pays out $1 million to the 52 qualifiers, including $300,000 to the champion.

Weigh-ins for the first 10 Bassmaster Classics were held at lakeside, but as crowds grew, Scott decided to move weigh-ins indoors, beginning in his hometown of Montgomery, Ala., in 1981. A boat and tackle show was added that year.

“The Classic Outdoors Expo presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods has become a highlight of Classic Week for thousands of fans,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin, who noted that the combined attendance at Classic venues has averaged more than 100,000 for the past six years.

“It has become the biggest and most important consumer tackle show in the nation,” Akin added, “and numerous manufacturers have chosen the Outdoors Expo to debut new lures, rods, reels, boats and motors for the coming season.”

The Expo will be held March 16-18 and cover 250,000 square feet of floor space in the TD Convention Center in Greenville, S.C. Weigh-ins will be in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in downtown Greenville those days. Attendance at weigh-ins in 2015, the last time the Classic was held in Greenville and Anderson, exceeded 10,000 on weekend afternoons.

Early morning takeoffs, when the pro anglers head out for a day of fishing, have become popular activities for fans, as well. More than 2,000 braved the 10-degree temperature to witness the opening takeoff at Green Pond Landing at Anderson on Hartwell in February 2015.

One of the biggest developments in the evolution of the Classic has been its impact on local economies. Las Vegas barely noticed that 60 or so people were in town for a three-day tournament in 1971. In Greenville next month, more than 4,000 room nights have already been booked just for anglers, expo exhibitors, B.A.S.S. staff and others associated with the event.

Fans traveling from throughout the nation will bring that total to 11,000 room nights, according to Michael Mulone, director of Event and Tourism Partnerships for B.A.S.S. Altogether, Mulone said, economic impact for the Greenville/Anderson area is expected to exceed $24 million.

Clearly, Ray Scott’s Las Vegas Classic gamble, almost 50 years ago, has paid off.

For more information visit Bassmaster.com.

by AnglersChannel

General Tire To Sponsor Winning Ways On ESPN2 For 2018

Jan. 31, 2018

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — General Tire will sponsor Winning Ways, a popular spinoff of The Bassmasters TV show on ESPN2, B.A.S.S. announced today.

Beginning its 12th season, the hour-long show focuses on the techniques and lures used by winners of Bassmaster Elite Series events and reveals how Elite anglers picked apart a fishery and figure out how to find and catch the biggest limits of bass.

General Tire will be the featured sponsor in four airings on ESPN2 this year.

“We’re happy to announce this partnership with Winning Ways,” said Travis Roffler, director of marketing for General Tire. “We’ve approached fishing with the goal of providing fans behind-the-scenes access to the anglers and tournaments as we’ve found that it really resonates. Partnering with Winning Ways is a great way to continue that initiative.”

In 2017, former Elite Series pro Davy Hite joined the show alongside long-time hosts Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona.

“In a perfect world, we would know every component of every victory on the Bassmaster Elite Series in real time. But that simply doesn’t happen in the heat of competition, for obvious reasons,” said Sanders. “With the Winning Ways show, we are able to explore those strategies in detail and gain a whole new insight on winning at the highest level.

“The shows are some of our most popular, year in and year out. We are so proud to have the partnership of General Tire as we look forward to a very exciting season in 2018.”

The program has won fans who appreciate the action graphics, in-depth interviews with pros and how-to information that anglers can apply to their own fishing.

For more information on the show and airing dates and times, visit Bassmaster.com.

About General Tire
For over 100 years General Tire has offered a complete quality line of ultra-high performance, passenger, light truck, off-road and commercial tires to meet all your needs. General Tire is a proud supporter of ARCA; Best in the Desert Racing Series; Major League Fishing; King of the Cage; Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Late Model Dirt Series, Pro Pulling League, Modified Series, Drag Boat Racing Series and ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series; Expedition Overland; FreestyleMx.com Tour; Zero One Odyssey; and Spec Tire of JeepSpeed. Team GT supports athletes: CJ Hutchins, Jim Beaver, Jeff Proctor, Chase Motorsports, Camburg Racing, Stan Shelton, Ryan Beat, Skeet Reese, Edwin Evers, Mark Rose, Ott DeFoe, John Crews, Britt Myers, Bill McDonald, and Greg Biffle.

by AnglersChannel

Mossy Oak Takes Presenting Sponsorship Of Bassmaster Elite At Chesapeake Bay

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In the latest of a series of agreements with B.A.S.S., the world’s largest fishing organization, Mossy Oak has become the presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the upper Chesapeake Bay, B.A.S.S. announced today.

Mossy Oak, the official pattern of B.A.S.S., recently became the title sponsor of the Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, and it’s a new supporting sponsor of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops.

“Competing in the Bassmaster Elite Series represents the pinnacle of competitive bass fishing,” said Ben Maki, Sr. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We’re excited to get our Elements Agua pattern exposure at the Chesapeake Bay tournament and continue our growth in the fishing world at all levels.”

Mossy Oak’s new Elements Agua fishing lifestyle pattern was launched during the annual ICAST fishing tackle trade show in Orlando last summer, when it also became the Official Pattern of B.A.S.S. The Mossy Oak Elements Agua B.A.S.S. Edition Pattern features the B.A.S.S. logo embedded in the camo design.

“We are grateful that Mossy Oak has invested in the future of our sport by sponsoring our High School and College Series programs,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “In addition, becoming a presenting sponsor of the Huk Bassmaster Elite at Chesapeake Bay presented by Mossy Oak will expose the Elements Agua camo pattern to many thousands of fishing fans who follow our Elite events in person and through our magazines, television show and online coverage. We are proud to be associated with this great lifestyle brand.”

In addition to the B.A.S.S. sponsorships, Mossy Oak has assembled a pro staff comprising some of the brightest stars in professional bass fishing, including Elite anglers Kevin VanDam, Gerald Swindle, Ott DeFoe, Jordan Lee and Brandon Palaniuk.

The Chesapeake Bay Elite event is the eighth of nine regular-season Bassmaster Elite tournaments. It will be held July 26-29 and will be a make-or-break event as competition heats up for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Following the Chesapeake tournament, the 111 Elite Series anglers will move to the St. Lawrence River at Waddington, N.Y., Aug. 23-26, for the regular-season finale.

In September, the Top 50 Elite anglers based on AOY performance points during the season will compete in the $1 million Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on Chatuge Lake at Young Harris, Ga.

To learn more about Mossy Oak Elements, visit www.mossyoak.com.

by AnglersChannel

Edwin Evers Partners with TrueTimber Camo

INMAN, S.C. –– TrueTimber is pleased to partner with professional bass angler Edwin Evers as the company prepares to launch a new fishing product line in spring 2018. The TrueTimber fishing line will include a new camouflage pattern, clothing and accessories, and Evers will be a key part of the TrueTimber family moving forward.

“I’m thrilled to partner with TrueTimber,” said Evers. “They have shown incredible growth over the last several years, and to help them launch a fishing line is a great opportunity. TrueTimber is different than many other companies out there because they are a fully capable manufacturer. This allows them to ensure unbelievable quality and create the advanced apparel that we need whether on the water or in the woods.”

Evers is a 11-time Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, 2-time Major League Fishing winner and the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion. During his professional career, he has placed in the top ten in 63 Bassmaster tournaments. Now entering his 21st season as a professional angler, Evers is on track to compete in 11 B.A.S.S. tournaments and three Major League Fishing tournaments this year. He is also an avid outdoorsman and hunter, primarily hunting deer, turkey and duck.

“We’re extremely proud to welcome Edwin to the TrueTimber family as we get ready to introduce our new fishing line to customers,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “Not only is he a talented angler, but he shares our passion for the outdoors and the hunting tradition. As we prepare to launch a new pattern and products into a new market, we can’t think of anyone better suited than Edwin to help tell our brand’s story and propel us forward in the fishing category.”

The new fishing products will debut later this spring and will be available across the nation. More information about groundbreaking TrueTimber camouflage offerings, performance hunting apparel and lifestyle clothing, accessories and a full suite of additional services is available atwww.TrueTimber.com.

About TrueTimber

Founded in 2005, TrueTimber is based in Inman, South Carolina and is the most realistic, performance-driven camouflage brand in the industry. TrueTimber offers a wide variety of clothing items and accessories, featuring more than a dozen distinct camo patterns that perfectly blend with their surroundings. The company spends countless hours researching, testing and seeking new technology to produce the most effective and lifelike camouflage patterns possible. TrueTimber products can be found in retailers across the United States and Canada, and it continues to be one of the fastest growing camouflage companies in the world. For more information about TrueTimber, visit www.TrueTimber.com.

by AnglersChannel

Harris Chain Primed to Pump Out Big Fish in BBT Opener

By Pete Robbins

The 9^th season of the wildly popular Big Bass Tour will kick off this weekend on Central Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes. This is always a well-attended event, and with good reason – it tends to produce multiple big bass, usually at least one over 10 pounds, and it’s rare that anything under 4 pounds garners an hourly check. This year competitors will see it at its peak as they vie for a grand prize of a 2018 Nitro Z19 with a Mercury 150HP ProXS outboard valued at $36,000 and $42,350 in hourly checks.

To get a sense of how fertile and prolific the Harris Chain is right now, you only need to know that former Tour pro Mike Kernan of Texas drove past many of the Lone Star State’s fabled big fish factories to vacation here for three days last week. He caught up to 100 fish a day, including one pushing 9 pounds, despite the fact that he felt that things weren’t exactly right just yet.

“The first group of spawners moved up, but they got kicked off of the beds by a series of cold fronts,” he said. “Some of them – maybe 20 percent – stayed on the beds in the warmer creeks and canals, the ones with springs, but most of them are waiting for this week’s warmer weather to move back up. The day I caught the big one, I saw two other big ones on a bed, but neither was committed enough to mess with. I saw one other big one cruising and four bucks on beds. The next day there were 15 bucks on beds in those same areas. The beds are already made and they’re wanting to go back, so after two or three days of a warming trend they’ll be right back on them. It should be unbelievable.”

He said that sight fishing will be the best way to catch an hourly winner, but that a reliable second pattern is to throw a jerkbait in offshore grass beds in Harris and Little Griffin. Early in the day he said that a two-hook firetiger model produced fish up to 5 pounds, but when the water warmed up in the early afternoon a three-hook jerkbait with a purple back and gold sides was much more effective. Normally, he might not fish the grass jerkbait at all if he was just looking for a single big fish, but he noted that many of the bedding fish move up hourly, and that searching for a spawner in the morning might not be a wise use of the time.

On the day that he caught the big fish, he’d already made two passes down that same canal without seeing the big girl, and only on the third pass did she appear. That should give comfort to competitors who are worried that prime canals will be overpressured late in the day, forcing a derby-style race to camp on key beds. “Only 1 percent of the fish will be there first thing in the morning,” Kernan said. “They’re not gone. They’re just not going to show up until about 10 o’clock. Go fish a grass bed early for about two hours and then start running canals.”

Once he finds a committed bedding bass, he’ll rotate through three or four soft plastics to agitate them to bite. Because the water is so clear, gaudy colors aren’t necessary for visibility. He’ll start with natural-colored craws, lizards, creature baits and tubes until he finds which one provokes the territorial big bass most quickly.

For anglers who do not want to sight fish or throw a jerkbait, Kernan said that there also could be a decent bite flipping in the Kissimmee grass, although he expects that to develop more fully next month.

As always, this tournament will require contestants to exercise caution and judgment in choosing when to weigh in their fish. There are substantial no-wake zones between many of the lakes, so making a long “run” with a subpar fish can be costly. Last year there were two 10 pounders caught, so you don’t want to spend a lot of time without a line in the water if you don’t have a chance of claiming a check. In 2015, Robby Peralta caught a 10.15 pound beast on Sunday, so no matter where you are, or how late in the game it might be, you’re just one cast away from the fish of a lifetime.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget to pay close attention to the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Tour Live Leaderboard, which automatically refreshes every 15 seconds. The Big Bass Tour is first and foremost about catching big fish, but elements of timing and strategy play a key role in maximizing your chances of claiming a top prize, particularly on waterways where it takes a fair amount of time to get between two places. Study past events, too, to see which hours tend to have the highest winning weights and lowest qualifying weights for hourly prizes. Past results are no guarantees of future outcomes, but they may be instructive.

by AnglersChannel

AnglersChannel

2018 Harris Chain, FL

Leaders

Saturday 8-9

Saturday 9-10

Saturday 10-11

Saturday 11-12

Saturday 12-1

Saturday 1-2

Saturday 2-3

Sunday 8-9

Sunday 9-10

Sunday 10-11

Sunday 11-12

Sunday 12-1

Sunday 1-2

Sunday 2-3

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