Les Westberry and Dean Chapman win the Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open-Full Results Here!

Here are the full results from this past Saturdays Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open.........congrats again to the Champs who drove home with $5000 CASH!! Below the results are some pics of the winnners:

 

Place                                    Team Fish Weight Winnings
1 Les Westberry - Dean Chapman 4.68 18.22 $5,000.00
2 Russell Anderson 4.35 16.23 $500.00
3 Ronnie McCoy 3.33 13.13 $300.00
4 Josh Rennebaum - Ross Burns 4.31 12.70 $200.00
5 Dusty Turner - Chip Grice 3.73 11.73
6 Kevin Rake - Terry Morris  BF 5.29 11.63 $330.00
7 Sean Anderson - George Berry 2.72 11.25
8 Hunter Hicks 3.88 10.58
9 Patrick Walters - Todd Walters 3.65 9.89
10 Beau Dixon - Andy Sease 3.41 9.16
11 Matt Bickley - Delaine Woodward 2.80 7.98
12 Roy Altman - Julious Lively 3.84 5.66
13 Brett Colins - Brad Petway 2.73 5.61
14 Eric Mora - Donald Miller 4.10 5.61
15 Harold Hite - Darin Hite 1.91 1.91
16 Howard Stephens - Mark McCormick 0.00 0.00
17 Bart Blackburn - Glen Gentry 0.00 0.00
18 Donald Garner - Brent Sutton 0.00 0.00
19 Chris Heath - Steve Debord 0.00 0.00
20 Johnny Player - Robert Hall 0.00 0.00
21 Jay Adams - Glenn Sparrow 0.00 0.00
22 Ronnie Mueller - Vernie Haltiwanger 0.00 0.00
23 Josh McGregor - Randall Driggers 0.00 0.00
24 Gettys Brannon - Brandon Chandler 0.00 0.00
25 Jason Moyer - Artie Worthington 0.00 0.00
26 Hans Cansler - Shannon Jordan 0.00 0.00
27 Ben Lee - Neil Huffstetler 0.00 0.00
28 Chris Calvert - Andrew Allen 0.00 0.00
29 Jerry Barnes - Dan Barnes 0.00 0.00
30 Joey Sabbagha - Anthony Gagilardi 0.00 0.00
31 Chad Hastings 0.00 0.00
32 Daniel Cook - Charlie Sanbury 0.00 0.00
33 Art Lance - Mike Stewart 0.00 0.00

 

 

 

 

 


Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open Wrap Up With Director Brett Collins

After seeing a solid 18+ Lb bag come in and win the 1st Annual Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open, Brett comments on some very key points as to why the Lake is so difficult right now as well as what you will need to do next week at the CBC Championship-this is a MUST VIEW for all participating anglers!!


2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open Champions

Tournament Director Brett Collins goes one on one with the 2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Champions Dean Champman and Les Wes Bury after they hauled in 18+ Lbs and took home a check for $5000!!! If you watch closely you will find out whats not working on Lake Murray right now...............


Tharp Closes Out Victory In Bassmaster Open On Ross Barnett

Randall Tharp of Florida, above, goes wire-to-wire to win the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir. Below: Will Major wins the co-angler side of the competition. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster
RiIDGELAND, Miss — Touring pro Randall Tharp was the epitome of consistency at Ross Barnett Reservoir during the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open.

After catching 13-pound-plus limits the first two days of the tournament and holding the lead each day, Tharp followed up on the final day with a 12-pound, 11-ounce limit to win the Open and the top prize of a Triton 19XS/Mercury 200 Pro XS package worth $40,000 and $6,315 in cash. His three-day catch of 41-15 also earned him a berth in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic and the Central Opens points standings title.

“Ninety percent of my fish this week came on a 1/2-ounce Randall Tharp Signature Series 4 x 4 jig, and almost all of my big fish came from around isolated docks,” Tharp said. “I weighed in two fish on an Alabama rig off the riprap, and I weighed in one fish on a ChatterBait.”

The Port St. Joe, Fla., angler noticed the timing of his bites changed each day. On the first morning, his best action was in the morning, but the second day he caught most of his fish in the afternoon.

“(Today) it was slow in the morning, and I just put my trolling motor down and didn’t pick it up until I got five fish. There was a small window (of action) from about 11 to 12 o’clock.”

When he caught two small keepers during that time frame he thought the fish were going to turn on.

“So I started running to the isolated docks that I had saved, and the first one I went to had two boys fishing on it,” Tharp said. “I told them that I was going to catch a fish right underneath them, so I pitched under there and caught a 3-pounder. The next dock I went to, (a 5-pounder) bit, and that is the kind of bite you dream about getting on the final day.”

Hot Springs, Ark., pro Stephen Browning turned in the heaviest bag of the tournament (16 pounds, 14 ounces) to jump from 10th place into the runner-up spot on the pro side. During the first two days, he flipped a black/blue Z-Man Zinkerz stickworm around the lily pads, but the fishing pressure in the pads prompted him to change strategy today. Browning switched to pitching a black/blue 7/16-ounce Jewel Bait Stephen Browning Casting Jig with a blue sapphire Z-Man chunk to catch his big limit from brush piles and stumps in the sloughs.

Port Allen, La., angler Will Major caught only a 1-pound, 4-ounce keeper today, but it was enough weight to win the non-boater division and the top prize of a Skeeter T2X 170 with Yamaha F115LA valued at $25,000. The 66-year-old retired BASF plant operator relied on a white Zoom Horny Toad to catch most of his seven keepers during the tournament, weighing 17-1.

The Carhartt Big Bass award of $500 for the largest bass caught at the tournament was awarded to Roland Martin of Florida on the pro side. Jim McCaskill of Mississippi won the award on the co-angler side.

The Luck-E-Strike Heavyweight honor was awarded to Browning on the pro side, and to co-angler Bob Walton of Texas with 8-14. Each received $250.

The Livingston Lures Leader award of $250 was presented to Tharp, the pro angler in the lead on Day 2, The leader on the Day 2 co-angler side, Major, received a Livingston Lures gift pack valued at $250.

The Ridgeland Tourism Commission hosted the Central Open, which was the last 2013 event in the three-region, three event Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series.

A moment of silence was observed during each tournament day this week to honor the memory of James “Jimmy” Johnson of Ganado, Texas, who was fatally shot on Oct. 13 while staying at a motel near the lake. Johnson, 56, was scheduled to compete in the tournament and was ranked No. 11 in points in the Bassmaster Central Opens division before this week’s competition.

For additional details, visit Bassmaster.com.

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Ross Barnett Reservoir 10/17-10/19
Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland, Miss.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Randall Tharp          Port Saint Joe, FL      15  41-15  148  $46,565.00
Day 1: 5   16-00     Day 2: 5   13-04     Day 3: 5   12-11
2.  Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR         14  38-00  147  $15,247.00
Day 1: 5   10-07     Day 2: 4   10-11     Day 3: 5   16-14
3.  Gene Eisenmann         Frisco, TX              15  35-13  146  $11,248.00
Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   06-15     Day 3: 5   13-08
4.  Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA    15  32-07  145  $10,064.00
Day 1: 5   09-09     Day 2: 5   11-10     Day 3: 5   11-04
5.  Kenta Kimura           Livingston TX JAPAN     12  30-01  144   $8,781.00
Day 1: 5   14-02     Day 2: 5   13-03     Day 3: 2   02-12
6.  Gerald Spohrer         Gonzales, LA            14  29-12  143   $7,499.00
Day 1: 5   14-07     Day 2: 5   09-03     Day 3: 4   06-02
7.  Justin Lucas           Guntersville, AL        13  29-04  142   $6,315.00
Day 1: 5   13-02     Day 2: 4   08-10     Day 3: 4   07-08
8.  Jeff Avery             El Dorado, AR           15  29-00  141   $5,032.00
Day 1: 5   09-14     Day 2: 5   11-11     Day 3: 5   07-07
9.  Brian Potter           Claremore, OK           12  28-12  140   $3,749.00
Day 1: 5   15-12     Day 2: 5   10-06     Day 3: 2   02-10
10. Cliff Crochet          Pierre Part, LA         11  27-08  139   $3,453.00
Day 1: 4   13-02     Day 2: 5   10-01     Day 3: 2   04-05
11. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          15  27-04  138   $3,157.00
Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 5   07-10     Day 3: 5   06-10
12. Philip Crelia          Center, TX              13  25-03  137   $2,960.00
Day 1: 5   09-13     Day 2: 4   10-05     Day 3: 4   05-01

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        55       460       862-12
2        40       360       631-13
3         6        48        96-12
----------------------------------
101       868      1591-05

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Ross Barnett Reservoir 10/17-10/19
Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland, Miss.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Will Major             Port Allen, LA           7  17-01  148  $25,000.00
Day 1: 3   08-04     Day 2: 3   07-09     Day 3: 1   01-04
2.  Kevin Deshane          Midlothian, TX           9  16-13  147   $4,835.00
Day 1: 3   08-03     Day 2: 3   04-03     Day 3: 3   04-07
3.  Noel Allen             Brandon, MS              9  14-10  146   $3,651.00
Day 1: 3   03-10     Day 2: 3   05-05     Day 3: 3   05-11
4.  Michael Perry          Brownsville, TN          7  12-12  145   $2,467.00
Day 1: 3   07-03     Day 2: 2   02-12     Day 3: 2   02-13
5.  Rick Parker            Kaufman, TX              7  12-06  144   $2,269.00
Day 1: 3   06-08     Day 2: 3   05-01     Day 3: 1   00-13
6.  Herbie Way             Alexandria, LA           7  12-06  143   $2,171.00
Day 1: 2   03-15     Day 2: 3   05-12     Day 3: 2   02-11
7.  Craig Duvall           Denham Springs, LA       5  10-14  142   $2,072.00
Day 1: 2   02-11     Day 2: 3   08-03     Day 3: 0   00-00
8.  Mike Whitty            Jackson, MS              7  10-13  141   $1,973.00
Day 1: 3   04-14     Day 2: 3   05-02     Day 3: 1   00-13
9.  Dustin Wrona           Tulsa, OK                6  10-12  140   $1,875.00
Day 1: 3   05-01     Day 2: 3   05-11     Day 3: 0   00-00
10. Carlton J Tipp         Grand Bay, AL            7  10-03  139   $1,677.00
Day 1: 3   05-06     Day 2: 3   03-11     Day 3: 1   01-02
11. Dannie Barlow          Natchez, MS              6  10-00  138   $1,480.00
Day 1: 3   04-05     Day 2: 2   04-10     Day 3: 1   01-01
12. TK Frederick Jr        Walker, LA               5  09-07  137   $1,381.00
Day 1: 3   07-05     Day 2: 2   02-02     Day 3: 0   00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        34       202       342-10
2        24       146       245-14
3         2        15        20-11
----------------------------------
60       363       609-03

 


Tharp Still Leads Heading Into Final Day Of Bassmaster Central Open On Ross Barnett

Randall Tharp of Port St. Joe, Fla., retains the lead on Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster
RIDGELAND, Miss.—Randall Tharp moved one step closer to achieving his goals for the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open at Ross Barnett Reservoir on the second day of competition.

Catching a 13-pound, 4-ounce limit kept the St. Joe Beach, Fla., angler in the lead of the pro division with 29-4 and enhanced his chances of earning an Opens triple crown by winning this tournament, qualifying for the 2014 Bassmaster Classic and finishing atop the Central Open points standings.

“My main goal is to win the points title and qualify for the Elites again,” Tharp said. “I have caught a few fish before on Guntersville (site of the 2014 Bassmaster Classic), and I sure would like to fish that Classic.”

Tharp estimated that he caught about 10 keepers and about half of the fish bit after noon. “It was a little slower for me this morning,” said Tharp, who didn’t think the 45-minute fog delay this morning hurt him. “Where I fished today was really foggy. I didn’t start where I wanted to because I didn’t think I could get there safely.”

The touring pro thought the fishing throughout the day was more consistent than yesterday. “I did go some periods for an hour or an hour and a half without getting a bite, but when I got a bite, it seemed like it really counted. As the day progressed, my bites gradually got bigger, which was the opposite of yesterday. It really shut down for me yesterday at about 11 o’clock, but today I caught two good ones late.”

As the angler in the lead on Day 2, Tharp wins the Livingston Lures Leader award of $250.

Texan Kente Kimura caught a 13-3 limit today to move up from sixth place into the runner-up spot with 27-5. “I had to make a lot of adjustments. but I caught pretty much everything on the same pattern,” he said. “I had only one fish until noon today, so that kind of made me nervous. I tried some different things that didn’t work, so I went back to what I was doing.”

He believes the key to his pattern is timing and being in the right place in the afternoon when the bite is best for him.

Rounding out the Top 5 in the pro division are Brian Potter, Claremore, Okla., third, 26-2; Gerald Spohrer, Gonzalez, La., fourth, 23-10; and Cliff Crochet, Pierre Part, La., fifth, 23-3.

A three-fish limit weighing 7-9 boosted Will Major into the top spot of the non-boater division with 15-13 and earned him the Livingston Lures Leader award of a $250 gift pack for being at the top of the standings on Day 2. The Port Allen, La., angler had to fish some different water with his new partner, Timothy Fox, and he did just fine.

“We went to a different area and a different type of fishing, but I stuck with my same baits,” said Major. “My partner said he was on big fish. He asked me what I wanted to do all day, and I said let’s go fish the big fish.”

Leading the Carhartt Big Bass award on the pro angler side on Day 2 is Roland Martin of Naples, Fla., with a 6-7 he caught Friday. The co-angler Carhartt Big Bass leader is Jim McCaskill of Brandon, Miss., who brought a 6-2 bass to the scales.

Host of the event is the Ridgeland Tourism Commission. Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT on Saturday from Madison Marina, 115 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland, MS 39157. The weigh-in will be held at 3:45 p.m. CT at Bass Pro Shops, 100 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl, MS 39208.

A moment of silence is being observed during each tournament day this week to honor the memory of James “Jimmy” Johnson of Ganado, Texas, who was fatally shot on Oct. 13 while staying at a motel near the lake. Johnson, 56, was scheduled to compete in the tournament and was ranked No. 11 in points in the Bassmaster Central Opens division before this week’s competition.

For additional details, visit Bassmaster.com.

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Ross Barnett Reservoir 10/17-10/19
Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland, Miss.
(BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1.  Randall Tharp          Port Saint Joe, FL      10  29-04  148     $250.00
Day 1: 5   16-00     Day 2: 5   13-04
2.  Kenta Kimura           Livingston TX JAPAN     10  27-05  147
Day 1: 5   14-02     Day 2: 5   13-03
3.  Brian Potter           Claremore, OK           10  26-02  146
Day 1: 5   15-12     Day 2: 5   10-06
4.  Gerald Spohrer         Gonzales, LA            10  23-10  145
Day 1: 5   14-07     Day 2: 5   09-03
5.  Cliff Crochet          Pierre Part, LA          9  23-03  144
Day 1: 4   13-02     Day 2: 5   10-01
6.  Gene Eisenmann         Frisco, TX              10  22-05  143
Day 1: 5   15-06     Day 2: 5   06-15
7.  Justin Lucas           Guntersville, AL         9  21-12  142
Day 1: 5   13-02     Day 2: 4   08-10
8.  Jeff Avery             El Dorado, AR           10  21-09  141
Day 1: 5   09-14     Day 2: 5   11-11
9.  Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA    10  21-03  140
Day 1: 5   09-09     Day 2: 5   11-10
10. Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR          9  21-02  139
Day 1: 5   10-07     Day 2: 4   10-11
11. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX          10  20-10  138
Day 1: 5   13-00     Day 2: 5   07-10
12. Philip Crelia          Center, TX               9  20-02  137
Day 1: 5   09-13     Day 2: 4   10-05
13. Gene Bishop            Ridgeland, MS           10  20-01  136   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   07-12     Day 2: 5   12-05
14. Billy McCaghren        Mayflower, AR            8  18-12  135   $2,467.00
Day 1: 3   08-04     Day 2: 5   10-08
15. Scott Rook             Little Rock, AR          9  18-09  134   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   09-04     Day 2: 4   09-05
16. Doug Anderson          Saint Louis, MO         10  18-01  133   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   10-15     Day 2: 5   07-02
17. Joel Baker             Talala, OK              10  18-00  132   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   09-04     Day 2: 5   08-12
18. Shannon Denson         Brandon, MS             10  17-10  131   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   08-00     Day 2: 5   09-10
19. Trevor Romans          Plano, TX               10  17-07  130   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   08-03     Day 2: 5   09-04
20. Ken Iyobe              Tokoname JAPAN           9  17-03  129   $2,467.00
Day 1: 4   08-03     Day 2: 5   09-00
21. Shaye Baker            Tallassee, AL            8  16-12  128   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   11-12     Day 2: 3   05-00
22. Mike Kernan            Wylie, TX                6  16-11  127   $2,467.00
Day 1: 1   02-12     Day 2: 5   13-15
23. Albert White           Crosby, TX              10  16-08  126   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   09-02     Day 2: 5   07-06
24. Jim Dillard            West Monroe, LA          9  16-07  125   $2,467.00
Day 1: 4   08-14     Day 2: 5   07-09
25. Gary Riffle            Paris, TX               10  16-05  124   $2,467.00
Day 1: 5   08-13     Day 2: 5   07-08
26. Stephen Mitchell       Rhinehart, LA           10  16-03  123   $2,171.00
Day 1: 5   07-10     Day 2: 5   08-09
27. Brandon Mosley         Choctaw, OK              9  16-00  122   $2,171.00
Day 1: 5   10-05     Day 2: 4   05-11
28. Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK            10  15-15  121   $2,171.00
Day 1: 5   07-15     Day 2: 5   08-00
29. Matt Lee               Auburn , AL              8  15-14  120   $2,171.00
Day 1: 3   07-04     Day 2: 5   08-10
30. Roland Martin          Naples, FL               6  15-14  119   $2,171.00
Day 1: 3   07-04     Day 2: 3   08-10
31. James S Biggerstaff    Odessa, TX               9  15-14  118   $1,875.00
Day 1: 4   07-15     Day 2: 5   07-15
32. Steve Sennikoff        Forney, TX               8  15-10  117   $1,875.00
Day 1: 5   08-09     Day 2: 3   07-01
33. Brian Clark            Haltom City, TX         10  15-02  116   $1,875.00
Day 1: 5   08-15     Day 2: 5   06-03
34. Chris Stokes           Toomsuba, MS             9  15-01  115   $1,875.00
Day 1: 5   10-07     Day 2: 4   04-10
35. Michael Williamson     Fort Smith, AR           6  15-00  114   $1,875.00
Day 1: 5   13-01     Day 2: 1   01-15
36. Derek Fulps            Broken Arrow, OK         9  15-00  113   $1,579.00
Day 1: 5   09-08     Day 2: 4   05-08
37. Jeff Cloud             Lubbock, TX             10  15-00  112   $1,579.00
Day 1: 5   06-11     Day 2: 5   08-05
38. Mook Miller            North Little Rock, AR    5  14-13  111   $1,579.00
Day 1: 5   14-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
39. Brett Hite             Phoenix, AZ              5  14-12  110   $1,579.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 5   14-12
40. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS        10  14-11  109   $1,579.00
Day 1: 5   09-11     Day 2: 5   05-00
41. Bradley Burns          Brandon, MS             10  14-08  108
Day 1: 5   06-03     Day 2: 5   08-05
42. Tommy Durham           Whitney, TX              8  14-06  107
Day 1: 5   10-10     Day 2: 3   03-12
43. Eddy May               Valley Center, KS        7  14-03  106
Day 1: 4   10-01     Day 2: 3   04-02
44. Brent Ehrler           Redlands, CA             8  14-02  105
Day 1: 5   06-03     Day 2: 3   07-15
45. Mark Goines            Shady Point, OK          9  14-00  104
Day 1: 5   06-13     Day 2: 4   07-03
46. Jon Englund            Farwell, MN              6  13-12  103
Day 1: 3   04-15     Day 2: 3   08-13
47. Phillip Pennington     Oologah, OK             10  13-11  102
Day 1: 5   08-05     Day 2: 5   05-06
48. David Gillham          Heath, TX                6  13-10  101
Day 1: 2   06-10     Day 2: 4   07-00
49. Charlie Evans          Gilbertsville, KY        6  13-08  100
Day 1: 5   11-03     Day 2: 1   02-05
50. Gary Vining            Morgan City, LA          8  13-08   99
Day 1: 4   06-01     Day 2: 4   07-07
51. James Niggemeyer       Van, TX                  6  13-00   98
Day 1: 4   05-11     Day 2: 2   07-05
52. Scott Mcgehee          Madison, MS              7  12-15   97
Day 1: 5   10-03     Day 2: 2   02-12
53. Mike Norsworthy        Brandon, MS              7  12-14   96
Day 1: 4   05-12     Day 2: 3   07-02
54. Jason Pittman          Covington, LA            8  12-09   95
Day 1: 5   08-07     Day 2: 3   04-02
55. JT Kenney              Palm Bay, FL             8  12-03   94
Day 1: 3   04-04     Day 2: 5   07-15
56. Christopher Jones      Pocola, OK               7  12-01   93
Day 1: 5   09-15     Day 2: 2   02-02
57. Greg Yates             Sunnyvale, TX            8  11-15   92
Day 1: 5   08-06     Day 2: 3   03-09
58. Chad Wiley             Pineville, LA           10  11-15   91
Day 1: 5   06-11     Day 2: 5   05-04
59. Eugene H Hoover        Gonzales, LA             7  11-13   90
Day 1: 2   03-07     Day 2: 5   08-06
60. Mike Pharr             Shreveport, LA           7  11-11   89
Day 1: 2   03-02     Day 2: 5   08-09
61. Jason Hannah           Forest, MS               6  11-11   88
Day 1: 2   04-15     Day 2: 4   06-12
62. Jason Foster           Willis, TX               7  11-06   87
Day 1: 5   08-14     Day 2: 2   02-08
63. David Sherrer          Elm Grove, LA            5  11-05   86
Day 1: 4   09-09     Day 2: 1   01-12
64. Paul Elias             Laurel, MS               8  11-04   85
Day 1: 3   04-13     Day 2: 5   06-07
65. Brent Bonadona         Port Allen, LA           8  11-02   84
Day 1: 3   03-09     Day 2: 5   07-09
66. Duane Pittman          Prairieville, LA         6  10-15   83
Day 1: 1   04-04     Day 2: 5   06-11
67. Jamie Laiche           Gonzales, LA             6  10-14   82
Day 1: 5   09-00     Day 2: 1   01-14
68. Joel Ross              Brandon, MS              4  10-12   81
Day 1: 2   06-01     Day 2: 2   04-11
69. Jared Knuth            Wahoo, NE                5  10-10   80
Day 1: 4   09-03     Day 2: 1   01-07
70. Lucas Ragusa           Gonzales, LA             5  10-06   79
Day 1: 3   06-05     Day 2: 2   04-01
71. Josh Douglas           Chattanooga, TN          6  10-02   78
Day 1: 5   08-06     Day 2: 1   01-12
72. Chris M Jones          Bokoshe, OK              5  10-01   77
Day 1: 2   02-14     Day 2: 3   07-03
73. Shane Williams         Keithville, LA           7  10-01   76
Day 1: 2   03-04     Day 2: 5   06-13
74. Jerry L Hester         Coushatta, LA            7  10-01   75
Day 1: 4   05-08     Day 2: 3   04-09
75. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA             6  09-14   74
Day 1: 5   09-00     Day 2: 1   00-14
76. Logan Sherrer          Karnack, TX              7  09-13   73
Day 1: 3   04-07     Day 2: 4   05-06
77. Todd Murray            Baton Rouge, LA          5  09-12   72
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 5   09-12
78. Thomas McMillan        Choudrant, LA            6  09-11   71
Day 1: 5   08-00     Day 2: 1   01-11
79. Eric L Porterfield     Tahlequah, OK            6  09-08   70
Day 1: 3   06-04     Day 2: 3   03-04
80. Ralph Laster           Lees Summit, MO          5  09-02   69
Day 1: 5   09-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
81. Mitch Kistner          Cave Creek, AZ           4  09-01   68
Day 1: 1   02-11     Day 2: 3   06-06
82. Scott Maness           Minden, LA               6  08-13   67
Day 1: 5   07-12     Day 2: 1   01-01
83. Rod C Robinson         Clinton, MS              5  08-05   66
Day 1: 2   02-07     Day 2: 3   05-14
84. Sandy Gaudet           Belle Rose, LA           6  08-04   65
Day 1: 1   01-00     Day 2: 5   07-04
85. Dennis Tietje          Roanoke, LA              6  08-04   64
Day 1: 3   04-09     Day 2: 3   03-11
86. Ed Dunnaway            Flowood, MS              7  08-02   63
Day 1: 4   04-11     Day 2: 3   03-07
87. Todd Risinger          Crossett, AR             4  07-13   62
Day 1: 3   06-12     Day 2: 1   01-01
88. Kylie Sparks           Denham Spgs, LA          5  07-13   61
Day 1: 1   01-04     Day 2: 4   06-09
89. Lendell Martin         Nacogdoches, TX          5  07-12   60
Day 1: 5   07-12     Day 2: 0   00-00
90. Darrell Newman         Bruceville, TX           6  07-11   59
Day 1: 5   05-15     Day 2: 1   01-12
91. Dustin Lester          Midland, TX              5  07-09   58
Day 1: 5   07-09     Day 2: 0   00-00
92. Bob Fair               Oologah, OK              3  07-03   57
Day 1: 3   07-03     Day 2: 0   00-00
93. Trait L Crist          Fort Worth, TX           6  06-14   56
Day 1: 5   05-12     Day 2: 1   01-02
94. Blake Nick             Adger, AL                3  06-14   55
Day 1: 1   04-13     Day 2: 2   02-01
95. Josh Bertrand          Gilbert, AZ              4  06-14   54
Day 1: 2   04-02     Day 2: 2   02-12
96. Jeffrey Roberts        Brandon, MS              4  06-07   53
Day 1: 4   06-07     Day 2: 0   00-00
97. Greg Ingram            Owasso, OK               5  06-05   52
Day 1: 5   06-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
98. Wayne Fowler           Terry, MS                4  06-05   51
Day 1: 4   06-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
99. Timothy Fox            Meridian, MS             5  06-04   50
Day 1: 3   04-01     Day 2: 2   02-03
100. Jeffery Lemoine        Des Allemands, LA        5  06-03   49
Day 1: 5   06-03     Day 2: 0   00-00
101. Rich Dalbey            Greenville, TX           3  05-12   48
Day 1: 3   05-12     Day 2: 0   00-00
102. Bo Keith               Haughton, LA             1  05-07   47
Day 1: 1   05-07     Day 2: 0   00-00
103. Teb Jones              Hattiesburg, MS          4  05-07   46
Day 1: 2   02-03     Day 2: 2   03-04
104. Kevin Short            Mayflower, AR            4  05-06   45
Day 1: 4   05-06     Day 2: 0   00-00
105. Terry Butcher          Talala, OK               3  05-04   44
Day 1: 3   05-04     Day 2: 0   00-00
106. Tommy Robinson         Westland, MI             2  05-03   43
Day 1: 1   04-03     Day 2: 1   01-00
107. Jeff Stevens           Flower Mound, TX         3  05-01   42
Day 1: 1   01-12     Day 2: 2   03-05
108. Roy Sanford            Brookeland, TX           3  05-01   41
Day 1: 2   02-15     Day 2: 1   02-02
109. Andy Young             Mound, MN                3  05-00   40
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   05-00
110. Carl J Cavalier        Avondale, LA             2  04-14   39
Day 1: 1   03-11     Day 2: 1   01-03
111. Pete Ponds             Madison, MS              3  04-13   38
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   04-13
112. E.P. Fletcher          Fort Smith, AR           4  04-10   37
Day 1: 4   04-10     Day 2: 0   00-00
113. Bill Lee               Harker Hts, TX           3  04-10   36
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   04-10
113. Rick Mabile            Pierre Part, LA          3  04-10   36
Day 1: 3   04-10     Day 2: 0   00-00
115. Terry W Peacock        Royse City, TX           3  04-06   34
Day 1: 3   04-06     Day 2: 0   00-00
116. Ed Whaley              Montgomery, TX           3  04-04   33
Day 1: 2   02-12     Day 2: 1   01-08
117. Lisa Sternard          Clarksville, TN          3  04-04   32
Day 1: 2   02-03     Day 2: 1   02-01
118. David Dove             Steens, MS               4  04-02   31
Day 1: 4   04-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
119. Austin Banks Jr        Madison, MS              3  04-02   30
Day 1: 2   02-12     Day 2: 1   01-06
120. Jason Lieblong         Conway, AR               3  03-13   29
Day 1: 3   03-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
121. Mac McDaniel           Roxie, MS                2  03-13   28
Day 1: 2   03-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
122. Joel E Barber          Brandon, MS              2  03-12   27
Day 1: 2   03-12     Day 2: 0   00-00
123. Scott Dean             Terrell, TX              3  03-10   26
Day 1: 3   03-10     Day 2: 0   00-00
124. Marvin Ettredge        Shreveport, LA           2  03-08   25
Day 1: 2   03-08     Day 2: 0   00-00
125. Keith Poche            Pike Road, AL            2  03-05   24
Day 1: 2   03-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
126. Jan Heavener           Sherwood, AR             3  03-05   23
Day 1: 1   01-01     Day 2: 2   02-04
127. Matt Michel            Gonzales, LA             3  03-02   22
Day 1: 3   03-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
128. Keith Surber           Longview, TX             2  02-15   21
Day 1: 2   02-15     Day 2: 0   00-00
129. Tommy Murray           Bedford, TX              2  02-14   20
Day 1: 1   01-02     Day 2: 1   01-12
130. Clay Dyer              Hamilton, AL             2  02-09   19
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 2   02-09
131. Darold Gleason         Leesville, LA            2  02-03   18
Day 1: 2   02-03     Day 2: 0   00-00
132. Bert Worrell           Hallsville, TX           1  01-12   17
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   01-12
133. Peter Daniels          Shreveport, LA           1  01-08   16
Day 1: 1   01-08     Day 2: 0   00-00
134. Wesley A Strader       Spring City, TN          1  01-07   15
Day 1: 1   01-07     Day 2: 0   00-00
135. Derek Allen            Ponchatoula, LA          1  01-03   14
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   01-03
136. Rick McKlemurry        Brandon, MS              1  00-14   13
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   00-14
137. Randy Allen            Shreveport, LA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Robert Byrd            Dallas, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Albert Collins         Nacogdoches, TX          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Dewayne French         Mammoth Spring, AR       0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Joe Gensini            Hennepin, IL             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Homer Humphreys Jr.    Minden, LA               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Tommy Martin           Hemphill, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Michael Randolph       Austin, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Dustin Reneau          Mckinney, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Scott Suggs            Bryant, AR               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Rodney Thomason        Maumelle, AR             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
137. Doug Vahrenberg        Higginsville, MO         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        55       460       862-12
2        40       360       631-13
----------------------------------
95       820      1494-09

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Ross Barnett Reservoir 10/17-10/19
Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland, Miss.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 2

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

1.  Will Major             Port Allen, LA           6  15-13  148
Day 1: 3   08-04     Day 2: 3   07-09
2.  Kevin Deshane          Midlothian, TX           6  12-06  147
Day 1: 3   08-03     Day 2: 3   04-03
3.  Rick Parker            Kaufman, TX              6  11-09  146
Day 1: 3   06-08     Day 2: 3   05-01
4.  Craig Duvall           Denham Springs, LA       5  10-14  145
Day 1: 2   02-11     Day 2: 3   08-03
5.  Dustin Wrona           Tulsa, OK                6  10-12  144
Day 1: 3   05-01     Day 2: 3   05-11
6.  Mike Whitty            Jackson, MS              6  10-00  143
Day 1: 3   04-14     Day 2: 3   05-02
7.  Michael Perry          Brownsville, TN          5  09-15  142
Day 1: 3   07-03     Day 2: 2   02-12
8.  Herbie Way             Alexandria, LA           5  09-11  141
Day 1: 2   03-15     Day 2: 3   05-12
9.  TK Frederick Jr        Walker, LA               5  09-07  140
Day 1: 3   07-05     Day 2: 2   02-02
10. Carlton J Tipp         Grand Bay, AL            6  09-01  139
Day 1: 3   05-06     Day 2: 3   03-11
11. Noel Allen             Brandon, MS              6  08-15  138
Day 1: 3   03-10     Day 2: 3   05-05
12. Dannie Barlow          Natchez, MS              5  08-15  137
Day 1: 3   04-05     Day 2: 2   04-10
13. Bob Walton             Longview, TX             3  08-14  136   $1,184.00
Day 1: 3   08-14     Day 2: 0   00-00
14. Chris Wilson           Columbia, LA             4  08-11  135   $1,085.00
Day 1: 3   06-10     Day 2: 1   02-01
15. David Padgett          Republican City, NE      4  08-10  134     $987.00
Day 1: 2   02-06     Day 2: 2   06-04
16. Jason Brent Cutrer     Natchez, MS              6  08-10  133     $888.00
Day 1: 3   04-00     Day 2: 3   04-10
17. Dan Thomas             Milton, FL               4  08-06  132     $691.00
Day 1: 2   01-15     Day 2: 2   06-07
18. Jim Mccaskill          Brandon, MS              2  08-05  131     $592.00
Day 1: 1   02-03     Day 2: 1   06-02
19. Robert Murphy          Florence, MS             5  08-05  130     $592.00
Day 1: 3   05-00     Day 2: 2   03-05
20. Masanari Ota           Aichi JAPAN              4  08-04  129     $493.00
Day 1: 1   01-14     Day 2: 3   06-06
21. Bill Benford           Phil Campbell, AL        3  08-02  128     $419.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   08-02
22. Bud Robinson           Carter, OK               3  08-01  127     $419.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   08-01
23. Shawn Temple           Lewisville, TX           6  08-01  126     $419.00
Day 1: 3   04-08     Day 2: 3   03-09
24. Bob Howard             Colorado Springs, CO     5  07-12  125     $419.00
Day 1: 3   05-10     Day 2: 2   02-02
25. Justin Perry           Rayville, LA             4  07-11  124     $419.00
Day 1: 1   03-13     Day 2: 3   03-14
26. Daniel Vasquez         Jackson, WY              2  07-03  123     $419.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 2   07-03
27. Charles Knowles        Canton, MS               5  07-03  122     $419.00
Day 1: 3   04-09     Day 2: 2   02-10
28. Taurian Parks          Yazoo City, MS           3  07-02  121     $419.00
Day 1: 2   05-08     Day 2: 1   01-10
29. Tim Law                White Hall, AR           4  06-13  120     $419.00
Day 1: 3   05-01     Day 2: 1   01-12
30. Norman Roberts         Quitman, MS              4  06-13  119     $419.00
Day 1: 1   02-03     Day 2: 3   04-10
31. Ray Thomasson          El Dorado, AR            3  06-11  118     $419.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   06-11
32. Eddie Laster           Morton, MS               4  06-11  117     $419.00
Day 1: 3   05-14     Day 2: 1   00-13
33. Alfred Williams        Jackson, MS              4  06-10  116     $419.00
Day 1: 3   05-00     Day 2: 1   01-10
34. Matt Allen             Brandon, MS              4  06-09  115     $419.00
Day 1: 1   02-06     Day 2: 3   04-03
35. Billy Billeaud         Lafayette, LA            4  06-08  114     $419.00
Day 1: 1   01-01     Day 2: 3   05-07
36. Jeff Ford              Trion, GA                5  06-08  113     $419.00
Day 1: 3   03-11     Day 2: 2   02-13
37. Richard Hitt           Brandon, MS              3  06-07  112     $419.00
Day 1: 2   04-03     Day 2: 1   02-04
38. Michael Brower         Yazoo City, MS           3  06-05  111     $419.00
Day 1: 1   04-06     Day 2: 2   01-15
39. Nathan Medlin          Rayville, LA             3  06-03  110     $419.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   06-03
40. Robert Fortner         Conway, AR               4  05-09  109     $419.00
Day 1: 3   04-03     Day 2: 1   01-06
41. Chip Gennaro Jr        Wesson, MS               3  05-09  108
Day 1: 2   03-12     Day 2: 1   01-13
42. Ronnie Quick           Brandon, MS              4  05-08  107
Day 1: 1   01-10     Day 2: 3   03-14
43. Buddy French           Monticello, MS           3  05-07  106
Day 1: 3   05-07     Day 2: 0   00-00
44. Kenneth Moore          Red Oak, TX              3  05-06  105
Day 1: 3   05-06     Day 2: 0   00-00
45. Brook Pauley           Morgantown, WV           3  05-06  104
Day 1: 2   03-10     Day 2: 1   01-12
46. Jeremy Creel           Meridian, MS             2  05-05  103
Day 1: 2   05-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
47. Reza Bazyari           Meridian, MS             4  05-05  102
Day 1: 2   02-02     Day 2: 2   03-03
48. Emile Gennaro  Sr      Wesson, MS               3  05-02  101
Day 1: 3   05-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
49. Steven Gloden          Henderson, TX            4  05-02  100
Day 1: 1   01-09     Day 2: 3   03-09
50. Kenneth Ramsey         Spearsville, LA          2  05-01   99
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 2   05-01
51. Michael Kent Robinson  Carter, OK               4  05-01   98
Day 1: 3   04-01     Day 2: 1   01-00
52. Zack Fogle             White Oak, TX            4  05-00   97
Day 1: 3   03-14     Day 2: 1   01-02
53. Jeff Flaherty          Moline, IL               3  04-13   96
Day 1: 3   04-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
53. John Moon              Brookeland, TX           3  04-13   96
Day 1: 3   04-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
55. Kevin Wisnoski         Canton, MS               3  04-13   94
Day 1: 2   03-14     Day 2: 1   00-15
56. Ricky Benitez          Mandeville, LA           4  04-12   93
Day 1: 3   03-11     Day 2: 1   01-01
57. Brent Haggard          Gans, OK                 3  04-11   92
Day 1: 2   03-10     Day 2: 1   01-01
58. Bobby Mcgee            Coldwater, MS            3  04-11   91
Day 1: 1   02-05     Day 2: 2   02-06
59. Gilbert Martinez       Borger, TX               2  04-10   90
Day 1: 2   04-10     Day 2: 0   00-00
60. Alton Lackie           Germantown, TN           2  04-10   89
Day 1: 1   03-04     Day 2: 1   01-06
61. Daniel Stover          Hernando, MS             3  04-09   88
Day 1: 2   03-09     Day 2: 1   01-00
62. Larry McWilliams       Florence, MS             4  04-09   87
Day 1: 3   03-08     Day 2: 1   01-01
63. Jim Gilbert            Forney, TX               2  04-08   86
Day 1: 1   02-15     Day 2: 1   01-09
64. Richard Edgerton       Madison, MS              3  04-03   85
Day 1: 2   02-00     Day 2: 1   02-03
65. Greg Mansfield         Savage, MN               3  04-01   84
Day 1: 2   02-15     Day 2: 1   01-02
66. Steven Osborn          Pleasant Grv, AL         4  04-01   83
Day 1: 1   01-04     Day 2: 3   02-13
67. Craig Mayo             Meridian, MS             3  04-01   82
Day 1: 2   02-02     Day 2: 1   01-15
68. Jason Steindorf        Mckinney, TX             3  03-14   81
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   03-14
69. Larry Crist            Fort Worth, TX           3  03-14   80
Day 1: 1   01-06     Day 2: 2   02-08
70. Scott Bailey           Longview, TX             3  03-13   79
Day 1: 3   03-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
70. Randy Craft            Seminary, MS             3  03-13   79
Day 1: 3   03-13     Day 2: 0   00-00
72. Roy Kelly              Petal, MS                1  03-09   77
Day 1: 1   03-09     Day 2: 0   00-00
72. Tony Velasco           Little Elm, TX           1  03-09   77
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   03-09
74. Kevin M Maxwell        Laneville, TX            2  03-07   75
Day 1: 1   02-09     Day 2: 1   00-14
75. Sam A Chapman          Norman, OK               3  03-06   74
Day 1: 2   02-05     Day 2: 1   01-01
76. Tyler C South          Bonita Springs, FL       2  03-04   73
Day 1: 2   03-04     Day 2: 0   00-00
77. Bradley Biggerstaff    Odessa, TX               1  03-04   72
Day 1: 1   03-04     Day 2: 0   00-00
78. Mark Cowart            Kearney, MO              3  03-03   71
Day 1: 3   03-03     Day 2: 0   00-00
79. Ken Austin             Florence, MS             3  03-03   70
Day 1: 1   01-01     Day 2: 2   02-02
80. Stephen Parnell        Brandon, MS              2  03-02   69
Day 1: 1   02-01     Day 2: 1   01-01
81. Raymond P Loupe        Baton Rouge, LA          2  03-02   68
Day 1: 1   01-03     Day 2: 1   01-15
82. Terrell Foster         Natchez, MS              2  02-14   67
Day 1: 2   02-14     Day 2: 0   00-00
83. Terry Shoemaker        Greenwood Spr, MS        1  02-10   66
Day 1: 1   02-10     Day 2: 0   00-00
84. John M Roberson        Shreveport, LA           2  02-10   65
Day 1: 1   01-09     Day 2: 1   01-01
85. Taylor Ramey           Purvis, MS               2  02-09   64
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 2   02-09
86. Kb Barnett             Overton, TX              2  02-09   63
Day 1: 1   01-02     Day 2: 1   01-07
87. Vincent Hyatt          Florence, MS             2  02-08   62
Day 1: 1   01-04     Day 2: 1   01-04
88. Ryan Barnes            Fort Collins, CO         2  02-07   61
Day 1: 2   02-07     Day 2: 0   00-00
89. Brandon Scott          Lutcher, LA              2  02-04   60
Day 1: 1   01-02     Day 2: 1   01-02
90. Mark Bounds            Bethany, OK              2  02-02   59
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 2   02-02
90. Chris Bulman           Florence, MS             2  02-02   59
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 2   02-02
90. Steve Corbin           Bacliff, TX              2  02-02   59
Day 1: 2   02-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
90. Kenneth Moser          Alba, TX                 2  02-02   59
Day 1: 2   02-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
90. Pig Savario            Prairieville, LA         2  02-02   59
Day 1: 2   02-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
95. Keith Broyles          Jackson, TN              1  02-02   54
Day 1: 1   02-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
95. Ronnie Gibson          Huntsville, TX           1  02-02   54
Day 1: 1   02-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
97. Jody Herring           Meadville, MS            1  01-14   52
Day 1: 1   01-14     Day 2: 0   00-00
98. Steven Crew            East Moline, IL          1  01-12   51
Day 1: 1   01-12     Day 2: 0   00-00
98. Ron Miller             Houston, TX              1  01-12   51
Day 1: 1   01-12     Day 2: 0   00-00
100. Nick Milligan          Muskogee, OK             1  01-11   49
Day 1: 1   01-11     Day 2: 0   00-00
101. Jerod Keith            Haughton, LA             1  01-09   48
Day 1: 1   01-09     Day 2: 0   00-00
101. Jody Rushing           Columbia, LA             1  01-09   48
Day 1: 1   01-09     Day 2: 0   00-00
103. Justin Foster          Bude, MS                 1  01-08   46
Day 1: 1   01-08     Day 2: 0   00-00
103. Jeff Jerome            Mcpherson, KS            1  01-08   46
Day 1: 1   01-08     Day 2: 0   00-00
103. Max Wilson             Everton, MO              1  01-08   46
Day 1: 1   01-08     Day 2: 0   00-00
106. Bob Mckeithen          Baton Rouge, LA          1  01-07   43
Day 1: 1   01-07     Day 2: 0   00-00
107. Bryant Adam            Madison, MS              1  01-06   42
Day 1: 1   01-06     Day 2: 0   00-00
107. Ed Williams            Jackson, MS              1  01-06   42
Day 1: 1   01-06     Day 2: 0   00-00
109. Wayne Achord           West, LA                 1  01-05   40
Day 1: 1   01-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
109. Larry Edmondson        Brandon, MS              1  01-05   40
Day 1: 1   01-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
109. Charles Heavener       Lakeview, AR             1  01-05   40
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   01-05
109. Taylor Odom            Meridian, MS             1  01-05   40
Day 1: 1   01-05     Day 2: 0   00-00
113. Mason Hubanks          Cabot, AR                1  01-04   36
Day 1: 1   01-04     Day 2: 0   00-00
113. Chad Thompson          Gaylesville, AL          1  01-04   36
Day 1: 1   01-04     Day 2: 0   00-00
115. James Humphrey         Grove, OK                1  01-03   34
Day 1: 1   01-03     Day 2: 0   00-00
115. David Patterson        Flowood, MS              1  01-03   34
Day 1: 1   01-03     Day 2: 0   00-00
117. Matthew Fitzhugh       Terry, MS                1  01-02   32
Day 1: 1   01-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
117. David Larson           Mound, MN                1  01-02   32
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   01-02
117. Jeff Wallace           West Monroe, LA          1  01-02   32
Day 1: 1   01-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
117. Doug Yates             Mesquite, TX             1  01-02   32
Day 1: 1   01-02     Day 2: 0   00-00
121. Kenneth Pfile          Indianapolis, IN         1  01-01   28
Day 1: 1   01-01     Day 2: 0   00-00
121. Tim Wilcoxson          Edgewood, TX             1  01-01   28
Day 1: 1   01-01     Day 2: 0   00-00
123. Andy Magoun            Ferriday, LA             1  01-00   26
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   01-00
123. John Moran             Brandon, MS              1  01-00   26
Day 1: 1   01-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
125. Don E Davis            Port Gibson, MS          1  00-14   24
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   00-14
125. Jeremi Malone          Philadelphia, MS         1  00-14   24
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 1   00-14
127. Bill Bonner            Wetumpka, AL             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Randy E Clark          Pascagoula, MS           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Walter Gillis          Jackson, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Stephen Hall           Oologah, OK              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Larry Jones            Bokoshe, OK              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Jason Lawson           Corrigan, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Andrew Lincoln         Haughton, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Leonard Martinez       Foss, OK                 0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Bobby McDill           Raleigh, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Nic Mcmurry            Gilbert, AZ              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Dwight Minogue         Waskom, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. David Myers            Florence, MS             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. David Prince           Brownsville, TN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Bo Rhodes              Flower Mound, TX         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Lael Rudisill          Bossier City, LA         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Ernie Sistrunk         Wills Point, TX          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Brad Smith             Brownsville, TN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Bill Smith             Ocean Springs, MS        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. John Thomas            Plainfield, IN           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Jean Trahan            Lafayette, LA            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Andy Warren            Maury City, TN           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
127. Keith White            Jasper, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 0   00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        34       202       342-10
2        24       146       245-14
----------------------------------
58       348       588-08


Tharp Tops Day 1 Field In Bassmaster Open On Ross Barnett

Randall Tharp of Gardendale, Ala., took the lead on Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster
RIDGELAND, Miss. — Touring pro Randall Tharp took a big step towards winning a points standings title and qualifying for a berth in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic by taking the lead in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open at Ross Barnett Reservoir.

The Gardendale, Ala., pro came into the final Central Open in the runner-up spot of the points standings and solidified his chances of winning the points title by catching a 16-pound limit on Day 1. Tharp is also hoping to win this event so he can qualify for the Bassmaster Classic to be held at Lake Guntersville in February.

“I cut my teeth on Guntersville, and it would mean a lot to me to fish that tournament,” he said.

Engine problems cut into his fishing time, but Tharp still managed to put together a good day. “I pulled up on my first place this morning and caught a good fish, and on my way to the second spot, my motor quit running. That is not what you want to happen when you are trying to win a points title,” said Tharp, who was unfazed by the breakdown.

“I do this all the time, and breaking down is part of it. Hopefully, I will get to fish all day tomorrow and maybe catch a 20-pound bag. I feel it is harder to get a bite the later it gets, and I spent a good portion of the morning getting my motor fixed when the fish were biting. It is definitely tougher for me to get a bite later in the day.”

Fortunately for Tharp, the breakdown occurred close to an area he planned on fishing. By the time the service crew arrived, he had added three quality keepers to his livewell. Despite having his fishing time shortened, Tharp still caught three limits of bass throughout the day.

Claremore, Okla., angler Brian Potter refined a pattern every day in practice, and by Tuesday, he estimated he got about 40 bites. “I just figured out what they wanted, and I am just going to stick with it,” said Potter, who moved into second place in the pro division with a 15-12 limit. “I hit a lot of spots today and caught one fish here and one fish there.”

Other anglers placing in the Top 5 of the pro division are Gene Eisenmann, Frisco, Texas, third, 15-6; Mook Miller, North Little Rock, Ark, fourth, 14-13; and Gerald Spohrer, Gonzalez, La., fifth, 14-7.

Bob Walton of Longview, Texas, took over the lead in the non-boater division thanks to the net job of his partner, Todd Murray, who scooped up Walton’s biggest fish of the day (5-7) before the hook popped loose. Walton got a chance to fish his strength on Day 1 and finished with a three-bass limit weighing 8-14. “I fished the way I wanted to, and it worked out,” he said.

Host of the event is the Ridgeland Tourism Commission. The Central Open is the last 2013 event in the three-region, three event Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series. Anglers will take off at 7 a.m. CT each day from Madison Marina, 115 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland, MS 39157. The weigh-in on Friday will be held at 3 p.m. CT at Madison Marina. The Day 3 weigh-in will be held at 3:45 p.m. CT at Bass Pro Shops, 100 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl, MS 39208.

A moment of silence is being observed during each tournament day this week to honor the memory of James “Jimmy” Johnson of Ganado, Texas, who was shot and killed on Oct. 13 while staying at a motel near the lake. Johnson, 56, was scheduled to compete in the tournament and was ranked No. 11 in points in the Bassmaster Central Opens division before this week’s competition.

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Ross Barnett Reservoir 10/17-10/19
Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland  MS.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   

1.  Randall Tharp          Gardendale, AL           5  16-00  148
Day 1: 5   16-00
2.  Brian Potter           Claremore, OK            5  15-12  147
Day 1: 5   15-12
3.  Gene Eisenmann         Frisco, TX               5  15-06  146
Day 1: 5   15-06
4.  Mook Miller            North Little Rock, AR    5  14-13  145
Day 1: 5   14-13
5.  Gerald Spohrer         Gonzales, LA             5  14-07  144
Day 1: 5   14-07
6.  Kenta Kimura           Livingston, TX           5  14-02  143
Day 1: 5   14-02
7.  Justin Lucas           Guntersville, AL         5  13-02  142
Day 1: 5   13-02
8.  Cliff Crochet          Pierre Part, LA          4  13-02  141
Day 1: 4   13-02
9.  Michael Williamson     Fort Smith, AR           5  13-01  140
Day 1: 5   13-01
10. Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  13-00  139
Day 1: 5   13-00
11. Shaye Baker            Tallassee, AL            5  11-12  138
Day 1: 5   11-12
12. Charlie Evans          Gilbertsville, KY        5  11-03  137
Day 1: 5   11-03
13. Doug Anderson          Saint Louis, MO          5  10-15  136
Day 1: 5   10-15
14. Tommy Durham           Whitney, TX              5  10-10  135
Day 1: 5   10-10
15. Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR          5  10-07  134
Day 1: 5   10-07
15. Chris Stokes           Toomsuba, MS             5  10-07  134
Day 1: 5   10-07
17. Brandon Mosley         Choctaw, OK              5  10-05  132
Day 1: 5   10-05
18. Scott Mcgehee          Madison, MS              5  10-03  131
Day 1: 5   10-03
19. Eddy May               Valley Center, KS        4  10-01  130
Day 1: 4   10-01
20. Christopher Jones      Pocola, OK               5  09-15  129
Day 1: 5   09-15
21. Jeff Avery             El Dorado, AR            5  09-14  128
Day 1: 5   09-14
22. Philip Crelia          Center, TX               5  09-13  127
Day 1: 5   09-13
23. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  09-11  126
Day 1: 5   09-11
24. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA     5  09-09  125
Day 1: 5   09-09
25. David Sherrer          Elm Grove, LA            4  09-09  124
Day 1: 4   09-09
26. Derek Fulps            Broken Arrow, OK         5  09-08  123
Day 1: 5   09-08
27. Joel Baker             Talala, OK               5  09-04  122
Day 1: 5   09-04
27. Scott Rook             Little Rock, AR          5  09-04  122
Day 1: 5   09-04
29. Jared Knuth            Wahoo, NE                4  09-03  120
Day 1: 4   09-03
30. Ralph Laster           Lees Summit, MO          5  09-02  119
Day 1: 5   09-02
30. Albert White           Crosby, TX               5  09-02  119
Day 1: 5   09-02
32. Jamie Laiche           Gonzales, LA             5  09-00  117
Day 1: 5   09-00
32. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA             5  09-00  117
Day 1: 5   09-00
34. Brian Clark            Haltom City, TX          5  08-15  115
Day 1: 5   08-15
35. Jason Foster           Willis, TX               5  08-14  114
Day 1: 5   08-14
36. Jim Dillard            West Monroe, LA          4  08-14  113
Day 1: 4   08-14
37. Gary Riffle            Paris, TX                5  08-13  112
Day 1: 5   08-13
38. Steve Sennikoff        Forney, TX               5  08-09  111
Day 1: 5   08-09
39. Jason Pittman          Covington, LA            5  08-07  110
Day 1: 5   08-07
40. Josh Douglas           Chattanooga, TN          5  08-06  109
Day 1: 5   08-06
40. Greg Yates             Sunnyvale, TX            5  08-06  109
Day 1: 5   08-06
42. Phillip Pennington     Oologah, OK              5  08-05  107
Day 1: 5   08-05
43. Billy McCaghren        Mayflower, AR            3  08-04  106
Day 1: 3   08-04
44. Trevor Romans          Plano, TX                5  08-03  105
Day 1: 5   08-03
45. Ken Iyobe              Tokoname JAPAN           4  08-03  104
Day 1: 4   08-03
46. Shannon Denson         Brandon, MS              5  08-00  103
Day 1: 5   08-00
46. Thomas McMillan        Choudrant, LA            5  08-00  103
Day 1: 5   08-00
48. Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK             5  07-15  101
Day 1: 5   07-15
49. James S Biggerstaff    Odessa, TX               4  07-15  100
Day 1: 4   07-15
50. Gene Bishop            Ridgeland, MS            5  07-12   99
Day 1: 5   07-12
50. Lendell Martin         Nacogdoches, TX          5  07-12   99
Day 1: 5   07-12
52. Scott Maness           Minden, LA               5  07-12   97
Day 1: 5   07-12
53. Stephen Mitchell       Rhinehart, LA            5  07-10   96
Day 1: 5   07-10
54. Dustin Lester          Midland, TX              5  07-09   95
Day 1: 5   07-09
55. Matt Lee               Auburn , AL              3  07-04   94
Day 1: 3   07-04
55. Roland Martin          Naples, FL               3  07-04   94
Day 1: 3   07-04
57. Bob Fair               Oologah, OK              3  07-03   92
Day 1: 3   07-03
58. Mark Goines            Shady Point, OK          5  06-13   91
Day 1: 5   06-13
59. Todd Risinger          Crossett, AR             3  06-12   90
Day 1: 3   06-12
60. Jeff Cloud             Lubbock, TX              5  06-11   89
Day 1: 5   06-11
60. Chad Wiley             Pineville, LA            5  06-11   89
Day 1: 5   06-11
62. David Gillham          Heath, TX                2  06-10   87
Day 1: 2   06-10
63. Jeffrey Roberts        Brandon, MS              4  06-07   86
Day 1: 4   06-07
64. Greg Ingram            Owasso, OK               5  06-05   85
Day 1: 5   06-05
65. Wayne Fowler           Terry, MS                4  06-05   84
Day 1: 4   06-05
66. Lucas Ragusa           Gonzales, LA             3  06-05   83
Day 1: 3   06-05
67. Eric L Porterfield     Tahlequah, OK            3  06-04   82
Day 1: 3   06-04
68. Bradley Burns          Brandon, MS              5  06-03   81
Day 1: 5   06-03
68. Brent Ehrler           Redlands, CA             5  06-03   81
Day 1: 5   06-03
68. Jeffery Lemoine        Des Allemands, LA        5  06-03   81
Day 1: 5   06-03
68. Tommy Martin           Hemphill, TX             5  06-03   81
Day 1: 5   06-03
72. Gary Vining            Morgan City, LA          4  06-01   77
Day 1: 4   06-01
73. Joel Ross              Brandon, MS              2  06-01   76
Day 1: 2   06-01
74. Darrell Newman         Bruceville, TX           5  05-15   75
Day 1: 5   05-15
75. Trait L Crist          Fort Worth, TX           5  05-12   74
Day 1: 5   05-12
76. Mike Norsworthy        Brandon, MS              4  05-12   73
Day 1: 4   05-12
77. Rich Dalbey            Greenville, TX           3  05-12   72
Day 1: 3   05-12
78. James Niggemeyer       Van, TX                  4  05-11   71
Day 1: 4   05-11
79. Jerry L Hester         Coushatta, LA            4  05-08   70
Day 1: 4   05-08
80. Bo Keith               Haughton, LA             1  05-07   69
Day 1: 1   05-07
81. Kevin Short            Mayflower, AR            4  05-06   68
Day 1: 4   05-06
82. Terry Butcher          Talala, OK               3  05-04   67
Day 1: 3   05-04
83. Jon Englund            Farwell, MN              3  04-15   66
Day 1: 3   04-15
84. Jason Hannah           Forest, MS               2  04-15   65
Day 1: 2   04-15
85. Paul Elias             Laurel, MS               3  04-13   64
Day 1: 3   04-13
86. Blake Nick             Adger, AL                1  04-13   63
Day 1: 1   04-13
87. Ed Dunnaway            Flowood, MS              4  04-11   62
Day 1: 4   04-11
88. E.P. Fletcher          Fort Smith, AR           4  04-10   61
Day 1: 4   04-10
89. Rick Mabile            Pierre Part, LA          3  04-10   60
Day 1: 3   04-10
90. Dennis Tietje          Roanoke, LA              3  04-09   59
Day 1: 3   04-09
91. Logan Sherrer          Karnack, TX              3  04-07   58
Day 1: 3   04-07
92. Terry W Peacock        Royse City, TX           3  04-06   57
Day 1: 3   04-06
93. JT Kenney              Palm Bay, FL             3  04-04   56
Day 1: 3   04-04
94. Duane Pittman          Prairieville, LA         1  04-04   55
Day 1: 1   04-04
95. Tommy Robinson         Westland, MI             1  04-03   54
Day 1: 1   04-03
96. David Dove             Steens, MS               4  04-02   53
Day 1: 4   04-02
97. Josh Bertrand          Gilbert, AZ              2  04-02   52
Day 1: 2   04-02
98. Timothy Fox            Meridian, MS             3  04-01   51
Day 1: 3   04-01
99. Jason Lieblong         Conway, AR               3  03-13   50
Day 1: 3   03-13
100. Mac McDaniel           Roxie, MS                2  03-13   49
Day 1: 2   03-13
101. Joel E Barber          Brandon, MS              2  03-12   48
Day 1: 2   03-12
102. Carl J Cavalier        Avondale, LA             1  03-11   47
Day 1: 1   03-11
103. Scott Dean             Terrell, TX              3  03-10   46
Day 1: 3   03-10
104. Brent Bonadona         Port Allen, LA           3  03-09   45
Day 1: 3   03-09
105. Marvin Ettredge        Shreveport, LA           2  03-08   44
Day 1: 2   03-08
106. Eugene H Hoover        Gonzales, LA             2  03-07   43
Day 1: 2   03-07
107. Keith Poche            Pike Road, AL            2  03-05   42
Day 1: 2   03-05
108. Shane Williams         Keithville, LA           2  03-04   41
Day 1: 2   03-04
109. Matt Michel            Gonzales, LA             3  03-02   40
Day 1: 3   03-02
110. Mike Pharr             Shreveport, LA           2  03-02   39
Day 1: 2   03-02
111. Roy Sanford            Brookeland, TX           2  02-15   38
Day 1: 2   02-15
111. Keith Surber           Longview, TX             2  02-15   38
Day 1: 2   02-15
113. Chris M Jones          Bokoshe, OK              2  02-14   36
Day 1: 2   02-14
114. Austin Banks Jr        Madison, MS              2  02-12   35
Day 1: 2   02-12
114. Ed Whaley              Montgomery, TX           2  02-12   35
Day 1: 2   02-12
116. Mike Kernan            Wylie, TX                1  02-12   33
Day 1: 1   02-12
117. Mitch Kistner          Cave Creek, AZ           1  02-11   32
Day 1: 1   02-11
118. Rod C Robinson         Clinton, MS              2  02-07   31
Day 1: 2   02-07
119. Darold Gleason         Leesville, LA            2  02-03   30
Day 1: 2   02-03
119. Teb Jones              Hattiesburg, MS          2  02-03   30
Day 1: 2   02-03
119. Lisa Sternard          Clarksville, TN          2  02-03   30
Day 1: 2   02-03
122. Jeff Stevens           Flower Mound, TX         1  01-12   27
Day 1: 1   01-12
123. Peter Daniels          Shreveport, LA           1  01-08   26
Day 1: 1   01-08
124. Wesley A Strader       Spring City, TN          1  01-07   25
Day 1: 1   01-07
125. Kylie Sparks           Denham Spgs, LA          1  01-04   24
Day 1: 1   01-04
126. Tommy Murray           Bedford, TX              1  01-02   23
Day 1: 1   01-02
127. Jan Heavener           Sherwood, AR             1  01-01   22
Day 1: 1   01-01
128. Sandy Gaudet           Belle Rose, LA           1  01-00   21
Day 1: 1   01-00
129. Derek Allen            Ponchatoula, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Randy Allen            Shreveport, LA           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Robert Byrd            Dallas, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Albert Collins         Nacogdoches, TX          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Clay Dyer              Hamilton, AL             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Dewayne French         Mammoth Spring, AR       0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Joe Gensini            Hennepin, IL             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Brett Hite             Phoenix, AZ              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Homer Humphreys Jr.    Minden, LA               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Bill Lee               Harker Hts, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Rick McKlemurry        Brandon, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Todd Murray            Baton Rouge, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Pete Ponds             Madison, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Michael Randolph       Austin, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Dustin Reneau          Mckinney, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Scott Suggs            Bryant, AR               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Rodney Thomason        Maumelle, AR             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Doug Vahrenberg        Higginsville, MO         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Bert Worrell           Hallsville, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
129. Andy Young             Mound, MN                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        56       465       868-15
----------------------------------
56       465       868-15

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Ross Barnett Reservoir 10/17-10/19
Ross Barnett Reservoir, Ridgeland  MS.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1

   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   

1.  Bob Walton             Longview, TX             3  08-14  148
Day 1: 3   08-14
2.  Will Major             Port Allen, LA           3  08-04  147
Day 1: 3   08-04
3.  Kevin Deshane          Midlothian, TX           3  08-03  146
Day 1: 3   08-03
4.  TK Frederick Jr        Walker, LA               3  07-05  145
Day 1: 3   07-05
5.  Michael Perry          Brownsville, TN          3  07-03  144
Day 1: 3   07-03
6.  Chris Wilson           Columbia, LA             3  06-10  143
Day 1: 3   06-10
7.  Rick Parker            Kaufman, TX              3  06-08  142
Day 1: 3   06-08
8.  Eddie Laster           Morton, MS               3  05-14  141
Day 1: 3   05-14
9.  Bob Howard             Colorado Springs, CO     3  05-10  140
Day 1: 3   05-10
10. Taurian Parks          Yazoo City, MS           2  05-08  139
Day 1: 2   05-08
11. Buddy French           Monticello, MS           3  05-07  138
Day 1: 3   05-07
12. Kenneth Moore          Red Oak, TX              3  05-06  137
Day 1: 3   05-06
12. Carlton J Tipp         Grand Bay, AL            3  05-06  137
Day 1: 3   05-06
14. Jeremy Creel           Meridian, MS             2  05-05  135
Day 1: 2   05-05
15. Emile Gennaro  Sr      Wesson, MS               3  05-02  134
Day 1: 3   05-02
16. Tim Law                White Hall, AR           3  05-01  133
Day 1: 3   05-01
16. Dustin Wrona           Tulsa, OK                3  05-01  133
Day 1: 3   05-01
18. Robert Murphy          Florence, MS             3  05-00  131
Day 1: 3   05-00
18. Alfred Williams        Jackson, MS              3  05-00  131
Day 1: 3   05-00
20. Mike Whitty            Jackson, MS              3  04-14  129
Day 1: 3   04-14
21. Jeff Flaherty          Moline, IL               3  04-13  128
Day 1: 3   04-13
21. John Moon              Brookeland, TX           3  04-13  128
Day 1: 3   04-13
23. Gilbert Martinez       Borger, TX               2  04-10  126
Day 1: 2   04-10
24. Charles Knowles        Canton, MS               3  04-09  125
Day 1: 3   04-09
25. Shawn Temple           Lewisville, TX           3  04-08  124
Day 1: 3   04-08
26. Michael Brower         Yazoo City, MS           1  04-06  123
Day 1: 1   04-06
27. Dannie Barlow          Natchez, MS              3  04-05  122
Day 1: 3   04-05
28. Robert Fortner         Conway, AR               3  04-03  121
Day 1: 3   04-03
29. Richard Hitt           Brandon, MS              2  04-03  120
Day 1: 2   04-03
30. Michael Kent Robinson  Carter, OK               3  04-01  119
Day 1: 3   04-01
31. Jason Brent Cutrer     Natchez, MS              3  04-00  118
Day 1: 3   04-00
32. Herbie Way             Alexandria, LA           2  03-15  117
Day 1: 2   03-15
33. Zack Fogle             White Oak, TX            3  03-14  116
Day 1: 3   03-14
34. Kevin Wisnoski         Canton, MS               2  03-14  115
Day 1: 2   03-14
35. Scott Bailey           Longview, TX             3  03-13  114
Day 1: 3   03-13
35. Randy Craft            Seminary, MS             3  03-13  114
Day 1: 3   03-13
37. Justin Perry           Rayville, LA             1  03-13  112
Day 1: 1   03-13
38. Chip Gennaro Jr        Wesson, MS               2  03-12  111
Day 1: 2   03-12
39. Ricky Benitez          Mandeville, LA           3  03-11  110
Day 1: 3   03-11
39. Jeff Ford              Trion, GA                3  03-11  110
Day 1: 3   03-11
39. Andrew Lincoln         Haughton, LA             3  03-11  110
Day 1: 3   03-11
42. Noel Allen             Brandon, MS              3  03-10  107
Day 1: 3   03-10
43. Brent Haggard          Gans, OK                 2  03-10  106
Day 1: 2   03-10
43. Brook Pauley           Morgantown, WV           2  03-10  106
Day 1: 2   03-10
45. Daniel Stover          Hernando, MS             2  03-09  104
Day 1: 2   03-09
46. Roy Kelly              Petal, MS                1  03-09  103
Day 1: 1   03-09
47. Larry McWilliams       Florence, MS             3  03-08  102
Day 1: 3   03-08
48. Tyler C South          Bonita Springs, FL       2  03-04  101
Day 1: 2   03-04
49. Bradley Biggerstaff    Odessa, TX               1  03-04  100
Day 1: 1   03-04
49. Alton Lackie           Germantown, TN           1  03-04  100
Day 1: 1   03-04
51. Mark Cowart            Kearney, MO              3  03-03   98
Day 1: 3   03-03
52. Greg Mansfield         Savage, MN               2  02-15   97
Day 1: 2   02-15
53. Jim Gilbert            Forney, TX               1  02-15   96
Day 1: 1   02-15
54. Terrell Foster         Natchez, MS              2  02-14   95
Day 1: 2   02-14
55. Craig Duvall           Denham Springs, LA       2  02-11   94
Day 1: 2   02-11
56. Terry Shoemaker        Greenwood Spr, MS        1  02-10   93
Day 1: 1   02-10
57. Kevin M Maxwell        Laneville, TX            1  02-09   92
Day 1: 1   02-09
58. Ryan Barnes            Fort Collins, CO         2  02-07   91
Day 1: 2   02-07
59. David Padgett          Republican City, NE      2  02-06   90
Day 1: 2   02-06
60. Matt Allen             Brandon, MS              1  02-06   89
Day 1: 1   02-06
61. Sam A Chapman          Norman, OK               2  02-05   88
Day 1: 2   02-05
62. Bobby Mcgee            Coldwater, MS            1  02-05   87
Day 1: 1   02-05
63. Jim Mccaskill          Brandon, MS              1  02-03   86
Day 1: 1   02-03
63. Norman Roberts         Quitman, MS              1  02-03   86
Day 1: 1   02-03
65. Reza Bazyari           Meridian, MS             2  02-02   84
Day 1: 2   02-02
65. Steve Corbin           Bacliff, TX              2  02-02   84
Day 1: 2   02-02
65. Craig Mayo             Meridian, MS             2  02-02   84
Day 1: 2   02-02
65. Kenneth Moser          Alba, TX                 2  02-02   84
Day 1: 2   02-02
65. Pig Savario            Prairieville, LA         2  02-02   84
Day 1: 2   02-02
70. Keith Broyles          Jackson, TN              1  02-02   79
Day 1: 1   02-02
70. Ronnie Gibson          Huntsville, TX           1  02-02   79
Day 1: 1   02-02
72. Stephen Parnell        Brandon, MS              1  02-01   77
Day 1: 1   02-01
73. Richard Edgerton       Madison, MS              2  02-00   76
Day 1: 2   02-00
74. Dan Thomas             Milton, FL               2  01-15   75
Day 1: 2   01-15
75. Jody Herring           Meadville, MS            1  01-14   74
Day 1: 1   01-14
75. Masanari Ota           Aichi JAPAN              1  01-14   74
Day 1: 1   01-14
77. Steven Crew            East Moline, IL          1  01-12   72
Day 1: 1   01-12
77. Ron Miller             Houston, TX              1  01-12   72
Day 1: 1   01-12
79. Nick Milligan          Muskogee, OK             1  01-11   70
Day 1: 1   01-11
80. Ronnie Quick           Brandon, MS              1  01-10   69
Day 1: 1   01-10
81. Steven Gloden          Henderson, TX            1  01-09   68
Day 1: 1   01-09
81. Jerod Keith            Haughton, LA             1  01-09   68
Day 1: 1   01-09
81. John M Roberson        Shreveport, LA           1  01-09   68
Day 1: 1   01-09
81. Jody Rushing           Columbia, LA             1  01-09   68
Day 1: 1   01-09
85. Justin Foster          Bude, MS                 1  01-08   64
Day 1: 1   01-08
85. Jeff Jerome            Mcpherson, KS            1  01-08   64
Day 1: 1   01-08
85. Max Wilson             Everton, MO              1  01-08   64
Day 1: 1   01-08
88. Bob Mckeithen          Baton Rouge, LA          1  01-07   61
Day 1: 1   01-07
89. Bryant Adam            Madison, MS              1  01-06   60
Day 1: 1   01-06
89. Larry Crist            Fort Worth, TX           1  01-06   60
Day 1: 1   01-06
89. Ed Williams            Jackson, MS              1  01-06   60
Day 1: 1   01-06
92. Wayne Achord           West, LA                 1  01-05   57
Day 1: 1   01-05
92. Larry Edmondson        Brandon, MS              1  01-05   57
Day 1: 1   01-05
92. Taylor Odom            Meridian, MS             1  01-05   57
Day 1: 1   01-05
95. Mason Hubanks          Cabot, AR                1  01-04   54
Day 1: 1   01-04
95. Vincent Hyatt          Florence, MS             1  01-04   54
Day 1: 1   01-04
95. Steven Osborn          Pleasant Grv, AL         1  01-04   54
Day 1: 1   01-04
95. Chad Thompson          Gaylesville, AL          1  01-04   54
Day 1: 1   01-04
99. James Humphrey         Grove, OK                1  01-03   50
Day 1: 1   01-03
99. Raymond P Loupe        Baton Rouge, LA          1  01-03   50
Day 1: 1   01-03
99. David Patterson        Flowood, MS              1  01-03   50
Day 1: 1   01-03
102. Kb Barnett             Overton, TX              1  01-02   47
Day 1: 1   01-02
102. Matthew Fitzhugh       Terry, MS                1  01-02   47
Day 1: 1   01-02
102. Brandon Scott          Lutcher, LA              1  01-02   47
Day 1: 1   01-02
102. Jeff Wallace           West Monroe, LA          1  01-02   47
Day 1: 1   01-02
102. Doug Yates             Mesquite, TX             1  01-02   47
Day 1: 1   01-02
107. Ken Austin             Florence, MS             1  01-01   42
Day 1: 1   01-01
107. Billy Billeaud         Lafayette, LA            1  01-01   42
Day 1: 1   01-01
107. Kenneth Pfile          Indianapolis, IN         1  01-01   42
Day 1: 1   01-01
107. Tim Wilcoxson          Edgewood, TX             1  01-01   42
Day 1: 1   01-01
111. John Moran             Brandon, MS              1  01-00   38
Day 1: 1   01-00
112. Bill Benford           Phil Campbell, AL        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Bill Bonner            Wetumpka, AL             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Mark Bounds            Bethany, OK              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Chris Bulman           Florence, MS             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Randy E Clark          Pascagoula, MS           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Don E Davis            Port Gibson, MS          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Walter Gillis          Jackson, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Stephen Hall           Oologah, OK              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Charles Heavener       Lakeview, AR             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Larry Jones            Bokoshe, OK              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. David Larson           Mound, MN                0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Jason Lawson           Corrigan, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Andy Magoun            Ferriday, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Jeremi Malone          Philadelphia, MS         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Leonard Martinez       Foss, OK                 0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Bobby McDill           Raleigh, MS              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Nic Mcmurry            Gilbert, AZ              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Nathan Medlin          Rayville, LA             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Dwight Minogue         Waskom, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. David Myers            Florence, MS             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. David Prince           Brownsville, TN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Taylor Ramey           Purvis, MS               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Kenneth Ramsey         Spearsville, LA          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Bo Rhodes              Flower Mound, TX         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Bud Robinson           Carter, OK               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Lael Rudisill          Bossier City, LA         0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Ernie Sistrunk         Wills Point, TX          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Brad Smith             Brownsville, TN          0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Bill Smith             Ocean Springs, MS        0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Jason Steindorf        Mckinney, TX             0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. John Thomas            Plainfield, IN           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Ray Thomasson          El Dorado, AR            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Jean Trahan            Lafayette, LA            0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Daniel Vasquez         Jackson, WY              0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Tony Velasco           Little Elm, TX           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Andy Warren            Maury City, TN           0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
112. Keith White            Jasper, TX               0  00-00    0
Day 1: 0   00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        35       205       346-05
----------------------------------
35       205       346-05


2014 Schedule For Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series Presented By Boatus

San Antonio, Texas (October 16, 2013) - Cabela's, The World's Foremost Outfitter, has continued their sponsorship of the Association of Collegiate Anglers, and the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series.  Once again the title sponsor of the entire series which consists of three major events, including the Cabela's Collegiate Big Bass Bash, the Collegiate Bass Fishing Open and the season-ending BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. The sponsorship also includes numerous school run events nationwide, many which count towards the prestigious 2014 Cabela's School of the Year race.

"Cabela's is one of several companies that have been behind our series and collegiate bass fishing since its inception in 2006.  Their involvement and support of this initiative have allowed us to continually enhance our programs and offerings to collegiate anglers," said Wade Middleton, President of CarecoTV and Co-founder of the ACA.  "We are honored to have their continued support and this collaboration between Cabela's and the ACA will allow us to continue to raise the bar for collegiate bass fishing events and opportunities."

The 2014 Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series presented by BoatUS will be nationally televised and hosted on some of the nation's top fisheries.  The series will include :

 

  • Collegiate Bass Fishing Open - March 14-16, 2014 - Lake Chickamauga - Dayton, Tenn.
  • Cabela's Collegiate Big Bass Bash - April 4-5, 2014 - Kentucky Lake - Paris, Tenn.
  • BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship - May 28-30, 2014 - Pickwick Lake - Florence, Ala.

 

"The Collegiate Bass Fishing Series provides an opportunity for young anglers from across the country to showcase their skills and passion," said Scott Williams, Cabela's Chief Marketing Officer. "Cabela's is proud to support this event and its competitors, who represent a strong future for fishing and outdoor industries."

 

Chris Edmonston, President of the BoatUS Foundation, added, "We're proud to be a founding partner in the Association of Collegiate Anglers along with Cabela's.  What started as a little collegiate fishing event in Texas several years ago has grown into a series of premier collegiate fishing events; thanks in large part to the number of partnerships that have developed over the years.  Cabela's expanded commitment to collegiate anglers everywhere really solidifies everyone's investment into this important youth program.  We look forward to the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for the students."

 

Official rules and registration dates for the 2014 Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series will be announced in coming weeks at www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com

.

About the ACA

The Association of Collegiate Anglers, a division of CarecoTV and The Bass Federation, is a sanctioning body developed to facilitate growth, development, and structure within competitive collegiate bass fishing.  The ACA provides support to dozens of regional events nationwide and owns the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, the largest participatory collegiate tournament circuit in the country.  With dedicated programming on television networks such as NBC Sports, Pursuit, World Fishing Network, Destination America among others, three nationally televised collegiate bass fishing events, and thousands of members, the ACA is the leader in competitive collegiate bass fishing.  For more information on the ACA, or the Cabela's Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, visit www.collegiatebasschampionship.com.

 

About Cabela's Incorporated

 Cabela's Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is the world's largest direct marketer, and a leading specialty retailer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company's founding in 1961, Cabela's® has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World's Foremost Outfitter®. Through Cabela's well-established direct business and its growing number of destination retail stores, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela's also issues the Cabela's Club® VISA credit card, which serves as its primary customer-loyalty rewards program.

After Finishing 3Rd On Lanier, Cobb Swinging For The Fences In Bfl Regional On Lake Hartwell

Brandon Cobb will be swinging for the fences in the Walmart Bass Fishing League Regional Championship on Lake Hartwell this weekend, but there is one problem. Right now it's pretty hard to determine where the fences are.

“I've not been on the lake in a couple of weeks and the fishing is tough,” said Cobb while practicing for the championship. “I believe the high water has got the largemouth bass scattered in the flooded grass and you can't really get to them. Then when you do it's hard to catch them.”

On top of that, he said, the lake is the middle of fall turnover so the offshore bite “is a little weird, too.”

And, then there is the weather. Lake Hartwell is full of blueback herring and the bass follow the herring.

“A herring lake never fishes very strong when it is cloud and the weather has been cloudy with a light rain this week. That is generally not good on a herring lake and it is showing it,” said Cobb, a former member of the Clemson University Fishing Team who graduated last December.

He has been fishing two BFL Divisions and the Bassmaster Southern Opens this year, finishing 4th in both the Bulldog and Savannah River Division, and therein lies the reason he is swinging for the fences on Lake Hartwell.

He does not need to finish in the top six on Hartwell to advance to the BFL championship, the Walmart BFL All-American, because he took care of that business in the Lake Lanier Regional Oct. 10-12 with a third place finish.

“I was really happy to finish third at Lake Lanier,” Cobb said. “That takes a lot of pressure off this week. It feels like 100 pounds have been lifted off my shoulders.”

Ironically, he noted, he fully expected to do well in the Hartwell Regional and probably not as well in the Lanier Regional since he is so much more familiar with Lake Hartwell. The lake winds up past the Clemson campus so he has had the opportunity to fish it on a regular basis for the past four or five years.

“Now it looks like it will be the other way around,” he said. Unless he locates the fences on Lake Hartwell this week and lands five hefty bass each day to win the tournament Thursday-Saturday.

“I plan to fish slow and try to get five big largemouth bites each day,” he said. “If that fails I could go offshore and try to catch spotted bass on a drop-shot, but I don't know if the tournament can be won with spotted bass, so I don't know if I will even try that.”

The three-day tournament features the top 40 boaters and 40 co-anglers from each of the Bama, Bulldog, Piedmont and Volunteer divisions. Anglers will be competing for a Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and a Chevy 1500 Silverado in the boater division and a new Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard in the co-angler division.

Anglers in both divisions will also compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for the Walmart BFL All-American. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.

Walmart BFL Regional – Piedmont, Bama, Volunteer, Bulldog Divisions

Oct 17-19

Lake Hartwell

Tugaloo State Park

www.flwoutdoors.com

 


2013 Buckeye Lures Lake Murray Open Preview with AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh

AC Pro Staffer Rob Digh helps us break down the conditions on Lake Murray for this weekends 1st Annual Buckeye Lures Open! Murray turned over 2 weeks ago setting up what could be one heck of a day to go out and win the GUARANTEED $5000 1st place prize!! Click here for Tournament details, or just go to the Tournaments page here on Anglerschannel.com!!


Wilcox and Coats win the Texas Team Trail on Falcon with 48+ Lbs-Full Results Here!

TEXAS TEAM TRAIL PRESENTED BY CABELA’S WRAPS UP CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT AT FALCON LAKE
Championship event pays out over $105,000 to competitors

NORMAN, Okla. (Oct. 14, 2013) – Bill Wilcox, of Burleson, Texas, and Gib Coats, of Fort Worth, Texas, brought 48.56 pounds of bass to the scales to win the two-day championship event of the Texas Team Trail presented by Cabela’s (TXTT) on Oct. 13 at Falcon Lake. The winning anglers took home a brand new, fully rigged Ranger Z119C boat powered by an Evinrude outboard, valued at $45,000.

Texas Team Trail Classic Champs Bill Wilcox and Gib Coats
Running 25 miles to the lower end of Falcon Lake, the anglers concentrated in a feeder creek with chatterbaits and soft plastic trailers.

“We had a decent game plan and stuck to it,” said Wilcox. “We managed our fish real well. I felt like we could have had a lot bigger stringer the first day, but with a multi-day event, you don’t want to catch all your fish the first day.”

With a 20-pound limit by 9:30 a.m., the anglers moved to several different locations to try and upgrade their weight.

“We went to similar areas where we knew we could get a few bites,” said Wilcox. “We upgraded three times to get to 24.51 pounds. I knew that somewhere in the mid-twenties would be real respectable.”

Starting the final day in second place, the anglers returned to their most productive spot.

“It was a little feeder creek that had a couple sub-feeder creeks in the back of it,” said Wilcox. “With the lake coming up six feet in the last month, there was a lot of new growth along the edges. In one particular stretch, it was about four and a half feet deep, which seemed a key area for where we caught our big fish. “

Staying at that location all day proved vital to their win. With baitfish pushed up into the shallow water, the anglers waited for the bass to come to the edges and feed.

“I felt like it reloaded,” said Wilcox. “The fish were up in that shallow water but you couldn’t reach them. You just got to wait them out until they come out to the edge of the creek.”

Second-place finishers Mark Mueck, of Livingston, Texas, and David Curtis, of Trinity, Texas, weighed 47.45 pounds of bass to take home a new fully rigged Ranger Z118C boat powered by a 150hp Evinrude – which was upgraded to a Ranger Z119C as a result of their participation in the Ranger Cup contingency program, providing nearly $5,000 added value. In addition, the duo took home $1,000 Cabela’s “Angler Cash” contingency and another $1,178 from their participation in the Angler’s Advantage program.

With three top-five finishes, including a TXTT win at Belton Lake, Mueck and Curtis also won the TXTT Team of the Year presented by Lucas Oil. The anglers will receive custom Lucas Oil rings and paid entry fees for the 2014 season.

Dean Golmon, of Georgetown, Texas, and Jayson Kisselburg, of Jarrell, Texas, took home the $1,984 for their efforts. Running only one half mile to creeks near the river channel, the anglers did well despite their inexperience on Falcon Lake.

“The wind pushed the shad shallow, but it helped our spinner bait bite,” said Golmon. “This was only our second trip to Falcon so we were very pleased with our performance.”

The championship wraps up another successful season for the TXTT. Next year’s stops includes some familiar waters and a first ever TXTT stop at Lake Texoma. The 2014 TXTT Championship is set for legendary Toledo Band Lake, featuring high payouts with unprecedented contingency opportunities.

For additional information, anglers are encouraged to call 210-788-4143 or check out the TXTT website at www.texasteamtrail.com. Site visitors can register for events, review the television schedule, get official Texas Team Trail gear, view results and learn more about what’s in store for 2014.

Along with title-sponsor Cabela’s, Texas Team Trail has also welcomed Lucas Oil®, Ranger Boats, Stratos Boats, Triton Boats, Evinrude®, Minn Kota®, Talon, RAM Trucks, Lowrance, Power-Pole, General Tire, Boater’s Insurance®, Amphibia, Protect the Harvest, Valley Fashions and Arctic Ice as official partners.

For full results, please go to www.texasteamtrail.com/tournaments/events-results.


Opens Angler James Johnson Shot to Death in Jackson, Mississippi

James Johnson of Ganado, TX has fished the Bassmaster Central Opens for 4 years. Heading into this weekend's season finale he was 11th in points.

Johnson was shot and killed Sunday evening in a Motel 6 parking lot in Jackson, Miss. Reports indicate that Johnson approached a thief who was in his bass boat. Apparently, the confrontation turned deadly when the burglar opened fire.

Jackson police used security camera footage to produce a photo of a potential suspect.

Johnson had been in Jackson to practice for the Open on Ross Barnett Reservoir.

He was 56 years old.

Angler's Lodge in Texas has set up an account to assist with funeral expenses. Donations can be made by calling (830) 719-9907.


Brian Callaway and Gary Dickerson win the 2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Championship on Kerr

On an overcast day Sunday with light drizzle, Brian Callaway and Gary Dickerson bring in a 17.67 Lb sack to give them a comfortable 30.70 2 day Total to win this years AC Marine TT Championship on Kerr lake. They beat out 143 other qualifying teams in what has become one of if not the premier Team Trail in the country. Full results are attached as well as some great pictures including this years Points Champions below. Congrats to Brian and Gary on their big win and their new Ranger Z118C that they pulled home!!

2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Champions Brian Callaway and Gary Dickerson!

2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Champs with their new Ranger Z118C!2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Champs with their new Ranger Z118C!

2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Points Champions!2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Points Champions!


Brian Calloway and Gary Dickerson win the 2013 Anglers Choice Marine TT Championship on Kerr!!

Congrats to the 2013 Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Champions Brian Calloway and Gary Dickerson--their Day 2 bag of 17.67 pushed their 2 day total to 30.70 which earned them a new Ranger Z118C to drive home in!


Sportsman's Warhouse October Report and the Buckeye Lures Open just 9 days away!!

Sportsman's Warehouse fishing Manager Craig Baird preps us on the conditions at Lake Murray for the upcoming Buckeye Lures Open on Sat, October 19th!! $5000 CASH GUARANTEED for 1st place...click here for all the details!


Rains From Tropical Storm Karen Could Help Fishing In Anglers Choice Classic On Kerr

Tropical Storm Karen was bearing down on the Gulf Coast this weekend and that could mean better fishing for the Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Classic on Kerr Reservoir next weekend.

“It looks like we are going to get some pretty heavy rains Sunday night and Monday and that should bring the water level up a little bit,” said Chris Lucas, Anglers Choice tournament director.

Jeffrey Thomas of Broadway, N.C., one of the North Carolina Division qualifying anglers, agreed.

“They are forecasting it will come inland rather than go off the coast. For Kerr to jump up it has got to be wet around Danville and Smith Mountain Lake. If it does that Kerr would jump up and there would be a good shallow water bite,” said Thomas, a fishing guide and tournament angler from Broadway, N.C.

And that would suit Thomas fine, since he is an avid shallow water angler.

“Normally, the water level dictates the fishing, but it's at a level that is frustrating to the shallow fishing guys,” Thomas said. “Right now the water is a little higher than we would like it, but not quite as high as we'd like it if it is going to be up. There is not enough water around the shoreline stuff and it's not low enough to take the fish off the structure.”

The situation is ideal, he said, for the anglers who fish away from the bank, the crankbait guys. But Karen could change things for the better by the first of the week, he added, if it pumps some heavy rains into the system that flows through Kerr.

“The lake would jump up and there would be a good shallow water bite then,” he said. But if the lake does not rise, he and teammate Dennis Reedy of Siler City, N.C., will probably run up the river to find some current and fish shallow.

“I think we can still catch them. We probably won't get the number of bites the cranking guys will, but we should still catch some quality fish.”

Reedy and Thomas fished three tournaments in the North Carolina Division and two in the Virginia Division, catching a limit in each of the five tournaments, to qualify for the Classic. Anglers had to fish at least five of the 12 tournaments, six in each division under the new two-state format this year, to make it to the Classic.

The new format has gone over very well in both states, said Lucas, and next year promises to be even better with some tweaking of the schedule.

“In next year's format three may not be quite as many tournaments and the schedule may be spread out a little bit. The trail is going to get even bigger next year and we hope to be able to unveil things about it really soon.”

First prize in the Classic is a fully-rigged Ranger Z118 with a Mercury 150 outboard, valued at over $30,000.

Anglers Choice Marine Team Trail Classic

Oct 12-13, 2013

Kerr / Buggs Island Lake

Occoneechee State Park Ramp #1

Call Chris Lucas 276-358-0844

www.anglerschoicemarine.com

 


Frog Expected To Produce Heavy Weights In Chattanooga Bass Final Qualifier On Chickamauga

Throwing a frog will probably be the main tactic and likely will produce the winner in the final Chattanooga Bass Association qualifying tournament Saturday on Chickamauga Lake, said Tom Kizziah with the CBA.

“Fishing should be good and I think the fish are getting ready to get up in the grass,” said Kizziah, who worked a frog Friday and Saturday in another tournament on the lake, finishing just out of the money in 38th place.

First place was 36 pounds for a two-day total in this past weekend's tournament, but Kizziah said weights should be up considerably for the CBA tournament Saturday.

“There were 360 boats in the tournament this past weekend, plus another bunch that launched out of the lower end of the lake, so the lake won't be nearly as crowded this weekend and weights should be up. I'd say it will take probably 23 1/2 pounds Saturday.”

Another reason, he said, is that cooler weather is predicted this week, along with the chance of some rain early in the week, which should lower the water temperature and make the fish more active.

First place in CBA tournaments pays $2,000. Fishermen must fish seven of the 12 regular season events to qualify for the year-end Classic November 2- 3. At the classic first place is guaranteed $10,000 guaranteed by TowBoatUS. Last year more than $60,000 in cash and prizes was awarded at the classic,

Some fishermen will be fishing Saturday to make their seven tournaments and qualify for the Classic, but one will be fishing to lock down his third points championship in the history of Chattanooga's oldest open team tournament trail.

Rogne Brown, a tournament pro and a fishing guide on Chickamauga, Nickajack, Watts Bar and Guntersville Lakes for two decades, is leading the points this year by a fairly comfortable margin. Brown teamed with his nephew Michael Neal to win the points title in 2008 and 2009. Neal missed a tournament this year so he is not eligible to share in the title, Kizziah said.

“Unless something happens to cause Rogue to bomb out he pretty much has it wrapped up,” said Kizziah, who noted that the points champion will have all his entry fees paid for 2014 with the exclusion of the Classic next year.

Brown is a formidable angler on Chickamauga. He and Tim Saylor of Morristown weighed in a five-fish limit at 44.31 pounds in a tournament run by Neal, who is an FLW pro and runs the tackle shop at the Dayton Boat Dock. Brown's and Saylor's nearly 9-pound average, which was a lake-record, included the big fish of the tournament at 10.57 pounds.

Brown and Neal won the February CBA tournament and he and George Brown also won the June night tournament and the July day tournament.

“This year has gone really well for the CBA,” Kizziah said, “and the Classic payout probably will be the most we've ever paid. Our tournament payouts have got bigger every year and hopefully that will continue as long as we keep our sponsors on board and the anglers keep participating.”

Chattanooga Bass Association

Sat, Oct 12, 2013

Chickamauga Lake

Chester Frost Park

Call Justin Medley 423-667-5054

www.cbatournament.com

 


Price Will Be 'fishing Blind' At Bfl Regional On Lanier, Just Like On His Home Lakes This Year

Bo Price has never fished Lake Lanier before so he is going to approach the Walmart BFL Regional Championship on the lake next weekend the same as he has had to do on all the lakes he is intimately familiar with in the Savannah River Division.

“I had a good year in the Savannah River Division but it was a weird year because of all the rain we had. All the lakes have been really high and there essentially has been no thermocline. All the lakes were pretty much 100 percent rainwater this year.”

All that freshwater brought on by more than two months of rain every day had the fish and the fishermen mixed up, Price said.

“Usually the fish will be deep or shallow, but all that rain scattered them from 40 feet deep all the way to the bank. All the advantage I have had in years past went away because I could not rely on those places I had depended on when the water was not as high,” he said.

“I just had to fish those Savannah River lakes like they were brand new lakes – like I will be going to Lake Lanier.”

It won't be easy, he noted, because he will be going up against a bunch of anglers with a definite local advantage.

“A lot of the guys who fished the Savannah River Division this year were from the Lake Lanier area and they fished the division so they could qualify for the regional on Lanier,” said the Westminster, S.C. angler. “Some of them have 200 brushpiles on Lake Lanier so it would be naive for me to go down there and try to beat them at their own game.”

Price said his strong point in bass fishing is finding and catching fish in deep water, so he plans to pursue that at Lake Lanier.

“I'm terrible at fishing shallow, so I am going to look deep and fish deep. I'll try to find some standing timber with fish chasing bluebacks in it,” said Price who is a reactor operator at the Oconee Nuclear Station when he is not bass fishing. “I fish a deep diving crankbait a lot, a football jig a lot and a jigging spoon at times.”

Tropical Storm Karen, which was bearing down on the Gulf Coast this week was projected to turn northeast and the resulting heavy rains could change things drastically at Lake Lanier, Price said.

“All the lakes are on the verge of fall turnover and if we get a deluge of cold rain, with 55 to 60 degree water, that might be what it takes to turn the lakes over and change fishing completely.”

Although he did not win a tournament in the Savannah River Division this year (he has three wins and 15 top 10s in BFL competition), Price finished 8th in the points. He has been ranked as high as second three times in the division – 2009, 2011 and 2012.

He and the rest of the Savannah River Division will be competing with the top 40 anglers from the Choo Choo, Music City and North Carolina divisions on Lake Lanier, The top six anglers at Lake Lanier will qualify to fish the Walmart BFL All American next year.

Price also ventured into the Volunteer Division in Tennessee this year, too, for the same reason the Lake Lanier anglers fished the Savannah River Division – to qualify for the regional championship on Lake Hartwell.

“I'm just praying I am good enough for a top six spot in one of the regionals so I can go to the All American,” he said.

Wal-Mart BFL Regional

North Carolina, Savannah River, Choo Choo and Music City Divisions

Oct 10-12, 2013

Lake Lanier

Laurel Park

www.flwoutdoors.com

 


Skeet Reese joins Ranger Boats Pro Team

Auburn, Calif. – Skeet Reese, the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion will be joining the Ranger Pro Team for 2014.  Reese will be adding Ranger's new Z521cto his arsenal of advantages starting with the February 2014 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville, Alabama.

“I am excited to partner with Ranger Boats;  they’re a strong brand with outstanding people and an incredible commitment to excellence," said Reese.  "I have always prided myself in working with great companies with the best products offered and Ranger fits that description very well.  I’m proud to join the phenomenal team of Ranger Boat pro anglers.”

With a rich history spanning more than 45 years, Ranger has long been the boat of choice for many of the sport’s biggest names.  “Skeet has always been a top notch angler and we’re thrilled to have him on the Ranger team,” said Ranger Boats Vice President of Marketing Bart Schad.  “Our pro staff is such an important part of our company, and not just from a promotions standpoint but research and development of new models as well.  We’re looking forward to spending more time with Skeet and can’t wait to see him kick off the 2014 Bassmaster Classic in a Ranger.”   

Ranger Boats builds a full line of bass, multi-species, fish and play and saltwaterfishing boats, including the new Ranger Aluminum Series, which is built for the most rugged of fishing conditions.  Ranger Boat Company was founded by Forrest and Nina Wood in 1968 and has helped shape the bass fishing industry, setting the highest standards for performance, innovation, quality and service.

Reese will begin the 2014 season with the Bassmaster Classic, and the 2014 Bassmaster Elite Series in his signature black and yellow color scheme on his new Ranger z521c powered by Mercury Pro XS 250 and matched with MotorGuide trolling motor and Lowrance Electronics. 

About Ranger Boats
Headquartered in Flippin, Ark., Ranger Boats is the nation's premier manufacturer of legendary fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, which include series of bass, multi-species, fish 'n play, water fowl utility and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest-quality, strongest-performing boats on the water. For more information, go to RangerBoats.com.

About Skeet Reese

Skeet Reese, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, is the 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion and the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year and has compiled more than $3 million in career earnings. Reese has qualified for 13 Bassmaster Classic appearances, and has 62 “Top 10” finishes, including seven wins in B.A.S.S. competition in a 14-year career.

His sponsors include Lucky Craft, Berkley Havoc and PowerBait, Berkley Trilene, Redemption Lures, Mercury Outboards, TroKar Hooks, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Wright & McGill Co., Lowrance Electronics, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wiley X Eyewear and AdvancedAngler.com. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tackle the Storm Foundation. Visit his website; www.skeetreeseinc.com and follow him on https://twitter.com/SkeetReese1.

 


Piedmont Bass Classics 'End Of Year' Bass Trail Qualifier #7 Results - Oct 5, 2013 - Kerr Lake

24 teams showed up for the 7th qualifying tournament of the 2013 Piedmont Bass Classics 'End of Year' Team Tournament Bass Fishing Trail.

The weather was great! 70 degrees in the morning no winds and getting up to about 88 in the pm. A 'Bluebird Day'!

Ken McNeill (R) and Keith Deal took 1st place honors with just 4 bass weighing 12.57 lbs. & 1st place big fish, bringing their total winnings to $1,118.

Jr. Nance & Keith Roberts won 2nd place (11.65 lbs.) and took home $440!!

Only 52 fish were weighed in for a total weight of 120 pounds. Big fish for the day was 4.80 lbs. with a 3.91 lagging behind. The fish were caught from 2 to 20 feet of water on a variety of baits including crankbaits, jerk baits, finesse worms, and c-rigs for the most part. Water temps were around 75 degrees. With no wind, clear water, bright sunshine & a high pressure system in place, the fish basically shut down. It was a tough day to catch fish at Kerr. I want to thank all the anglers that participated and that support this trail.

Our next tournament will be the 2013 Piedmont Bass Classics 'End of Year' Team Tournament Bass Fishing Trail Final Qualifier #8, October 19th at Falls Lake out of Ledge Rock Wildlife Ramp. This is also an 'Open' tournament.

All the information on our tournaments can be found at: www.piedmontbassclassics.com

Now here are the full results:

1st Place: Ken McNeill & Keith Deal of Raleigh & Holly Springs...4 bass...12.57 lbs...$810

2nd Place: Jr. Nance & Keith Roberts of Angier...4 bass...11.65 lbs...$440

3rd Place: Tom Wilkinson & Dennis Gilbert of Oxford & Nathalie, VA...5 bass...11.41 lbs...$300

4th Place: Kenneth & James Phillips of Clayton...5 bass...11.29 lbs...$220

5th Place: Walt Bowen & Tyler Purcell of Walnut Cove & Townsville...5 bass...10.90 lbs...$150

1st Place Big Fish..1st Place Team above...4.80 lbs...$308

2nd Place Big Fish..Mark & Larry Inman of Greensboro...3.91 lbs...$132

1st Place TWT..3rd Place Team above...11.41 lbs...$385

2nd Place TWT..5th Place Team above: 10.90 lbs...$165

Contact Information:

Phil McCarson...Tournament Director

922 Valetta Rd.

Durham, NC 27712

Home: 919-471-1571 Cell: 919-971-5042

email: philsflags@msn.com

website: www.piedmontbassclassics.com

 


Pappas and Smith win the final Tom's Marine TT on Douglas with 17.52 Lbs!

Eighty-nine teams took to the water on October 5th in the final regular season event for Toms Marine Team Trail. The weather was beautiful and for many the fish cooperated. Mark Pappas and Mike Smith topped the field with a 5 fish limit weighing in at 17.52-pounds which included the lunker of the tournament. They took home a total of $2,870 for this great catch. Second place and $1,000 went to Mike Livesay and Robert Jones with 16.84-pounds. Chad Waddell and Rodney Craddock won $600 for their 16.41-pound third place limit. Fourth place and $450 went to Herschel Brady and Kevin Burns with 15.89-pounds. Rounding out the top five and winning $400 was Steve Gibson and Tim Smiley with a 15.57-pound limit. Complete results, photos and points are now posted at http://www.tomsmarinetn.com .  Toms Marine would like to thank everyone who participated this year and helped make this trail the great success it is!

 

Tom's Marine TT Douglas Lake Champions Mark Pappas and Mike Smith


Combs Leads Day 1 of Toyota Texas Bass Classic

Keith Combs dominated Day 1 of the TTBC on Coroe.

Strike king Pro Keith Combs nearly won a big tournament in Texas this time last year, falling to fellow Strike King pro-staffer Phil Marks who used the (at the time) brand new 10XD crankbait to pile up 30-plus pounds of bass in the final round.

The year before that, Combs tied Mike Iaconelli for the 3-day lead at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe with a total of 76 pounds, 12 ounces. Combs won the sudden death fish-off to claim the 2011 TTBC title.

Flash forward to 2013 and Combs is right back at it. So is Iaconelli. Combs holds the Day 1 lead with over 24 pounds. Ike is about 3 pounds back of him in 2nd. And they both have one of bass fishing's hottest anglers on their tails - Jason Christie is 3rd, a pound behind Iaconelli.

Ike and Christie agree that Combs is the guy to beat on Conroe. He has hundreds of quality waypoints - ledges, points, brushpiles - and combs has demonstrated his superior skills with deep diving crankbaits on South Texas lakes that have no grass. Beneath the surface Coroe is a moon scape except for some boneyards of old timber.

That Combs caught big bass on his first 2 stops and his biggest of the day on his 3rd, underscores his strength in this tournament where Iaconelli had to rally late to catch what he ended up with and Christie owes a lot of his success to one big bite.

Here are the Top 10 so far:

1. Keith Combs: 24-8

2. Mike Iaconelli: 21-8

3. Jason Christie: 19-12

4. Jacob Powroznik: 18-00

5. Bobby Lane: 17-8

6. John Crews: 17-4

7. Mike McClelland: 16-8

8. Kevin VanDam: 16-4

9. Shin Fukae: 15-4

10. (tie) Fred Roumbanis: 15-00

10. (tie) Cliff Crochet: 15-00


American Bass Anglers Announces 2014 Weekend Bass Series Details, Dates

The Weekend Bass Series 2014 Season Details:

American Bass Anglers officials announced today the 2014 Weekend Bass Series season details with several enhancements. The series offers a boater/co-angler format with 20 divisions. Both boaters and co-anglers may advance to one of four regional championships. Top finishers from each of these regional championships advance to the no-entry fee Weekend Angler Bass Classic with $100,000 going to the champion.

The Weekend Bass Series is designed for the weekend bass angler with 100 qualifying events held annually for both boaters and co-anglers, which allow anglers to compete for top prize money while improving their bass fishing skills. In 2014, 25 percent of the field from each event will earn a check, an increase from 2013. In addition, anglers may also win cash awards for catching the big bass.

Each of the 20 divisions will host four single-day qualifying events, each with a total purse of up to $52,000 cash plus sponsor-supported bonuses. To enter the tournaments, boaters pay $200 and co-anglers pay $100 per event after paying an annual ABA membership fee of $25. In each qualifying event, the winning boater may receive up to $6,000 cash, based on a full field. The winner may also qualify for another $7,000 in Triton Gold bonus money totaling a whopping $13,000 for a day of fishing! The winning co-angler in each event may win up to $3,000 with a full field, plus the opportunity to collect significant bonus cash and prizes from tournament sponsors.

At the end of each divisional season, each division will hold a two-day divisional championship to crown an Angler of the Year for that division. This event carries a total purse of up to $74,500. The winning boater may take home as much as $16,000 in winnings and Triton Gold bonus money. Divisional Anglers of the Year will each receive a special sponsor package and automatically advance to the Weekend Angler Bass Classic regardless of their regional championship finish. Entry fees for the two-day divisional championship are $300 for boaters and $150 for co-anglers.

At the regional championships, the top 40 boaters and co-anglers from five different divisions will complete for more than $150,000 in cash and prizes. These championships will payback 100 percent of the entry fees and more than 170 percent overall, based on a full field. Winning boaters may earn up to $14,000 in cash, a new Triton/Mercury boat and trailer package equipped with Carlisle Tires and Wheels and ODYSSEY batteries, plus qualify for a $7,000 Triton Gold bonus for a first place prize package valued at $57,000 in all. The top co-anglers will take home up to $7,000 in cash, a new Triton boat and trailer package with Carlisle Tires and Wheels and ODYSSEY batteries. For the regional championships, boaters pay $300 to enter with co-anglers paying $150. The top 25 percent of the field will receive a check and the top 20 percent will advance to the 2014 Weekend Angler Bass Classic, the most prestigious event of the year for the competitors. The no-entry fee 2014 Weekend Angler Bass Classic will be held on Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Ala., from Nov. 15-18.

At the national championship, the winning boater will receive a check for $100,000 and up to $105,000 in bonuses plus a new special award to be announced at the 2013 national championship. The co-angler champion will win $50,000 and up to $52,250 in sponsor bonuses.

As a special championship bonus the boater champion will also receive sponsorship and entry fees into one of two professional bass tournament circuits. This will put the 2014 champion within striking distance of one of two professional world championships of their choice. No other organization offers this to the weekend angler from this type of format.

Sponsored by Triton and Mercury, The tour also offers the ABA Alliance Program, which pays anglers’ entry fees. This program pays up to $1,100 in entry fees plus ABA membership to any ABA tour for new Triton/Mercury owners. To learn more about the program visit www.tritonboats.com.

Currently there are several sponsor programs available for the anglers to win more cash from sponsors such as: Triton Gold, Mercury Bonus Bucks, MotorGuide Bonus Bucks, T-H Marine Atlas Awards, Royal Purple Rewards.

Registration for the 2014 season begins Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at 8 a.m. CST. For more information, visitwww.weekendseries.com or call (256) 232-0406. ABA Lifetime members and Triton Boat owners receive priority registration.

Also new for 2014 and starting October 21, 2013 there will be no handling fees associated with any online registration for any American Bass Anglers tournament. Late fees will still applied as required (see the 2014 rules for more details).

American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Busch Beer, Royal Purple, Best Western Hotels, ODYSSEY Batteries, Carlisle Tire and Wheel, T-H Marine, Livingston Lures, BioborEB, and Simms Fishing Products.

2013 Season Schedules - Also available online at www.weekendseries.com

Alabama North - Division - 1
02/15  Guntersville - State Park
04/19  Neely Henry - Coosa Landing
05/17  Wheeler – Ingalls Harbor
06/07  Weiss - Little River Marina
08/16-17 2-Day Guntersville - State Park

South Alabama - Division - 2
02/08  Martin - Wind Creek State Park
03/15  Lay Lake - Beeswax Creek
05/17  Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park
06/14  Logan Martin - Lakeside Park
09/27- 28 Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park

Florida - Division - 6
01/25  Okeechobee - Scott Driver Park
03/08  Harris Chain - Hickory Point
04/05  Toho - Lakefront Park
06/07  Harris Chain - Hickory Point Recreational Facility
08/16-17 Kissimmee Chain - Camp Mack

Georgia - Division - 8
02/01  Seminole - Bainbridge Boat Basin
02/22  Sinclair - Little River Park
03/29  Oconee - Sugar Creek Marina
05/03  Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park
09/20-21 Eufaula - Lakepoint Resort State Park

Kentucky - Division - 15
02/22  Kentucky Lake - Moore’s Resort
04/05  Barkley - Barkley State Park
05/10  Kentucky Lake - Moore’s Resort
07/12  Kentucky Lake - Paris Landing
09/09-10 Kentucky Lake - Moore’s Resort

Louisiana North- Division – 12 (New)
01/25  Red River - Red River South
02/22  Black Lake - Chandler’s Landing
03/22  Lake D’Arbonne - Ludwig Marina
04/05  Red River - Grand Ecore
07/26-27 Toledo Bend - Cypress Bend

Louisiana South- Division - 13
02/01  Bayou Black - Bob’s Bayou Black Marina
03/01  Lake Henderson - I-10 Landing
05/03  Atchafalaya Basin - Doiron’s Landing
06/07  Pearl River - East Pearl Boat Ramp
07/19-20 Red River - Buhlow State Park

Maryland - Division - 21
03/29  Potomac - Smallwood State Park
05/17  Potomac - Smallwood State Park
06/28  Potomac - Smallwood State Park
07/19  Potomac - Smallwood State Park
09/06-07 Potomac - Smallwood State Park

Mississippi - Division - 17
02/01  Pickwick - JP Coleman
03/15  Pickwick - JP Coleman
05/03  Pickwick - JP Coleman
06/14  Pickwick - JP Coleman
08/09-10 Pickwick - JP Coleman

Missouri -Division - 16
03/03  Table Rock - Table Rock State Park
04/26  Lake of the Ozark - Public Beach #2
06/28  Truman - Sterett Creek
07/19  Truman - Sterett Creek
09/13-14 Lake of the Ozark - Public Beach #2

New York - Division - 23
06/14  Lake Champlain - Plattsburgh NY
06/28  Chautauqua Lake - Mayville NY
07/26  Oneida Lake - Oneida Shores Park
08/16  1000 Island St. Law. River - Cape Vincent NY
09/13-14 Oneida Lake - Oneida Shores Park

North Carolina - Division - 5
03/15  Norman - Pinnacle Ramp
04/19  Kerr - Nutbush
06/14  High Rock - Tamarac Marine
08/02  Wiley - Ebenezer State Park
08/30-31 High Rock - Tamarac Marine

Oklahoma - Division - 14
03/29  Lake Tenkiller - Chicken Creek Landing
04/26  Lake Eufaula - Eufaula Cove
05/31  Grand Lake - Wolf Creek
06/28  Ft. Gibson - Taylor Ferry North
09/20-/21 Grand Lake - Wolf Creek

Ohio - Division - 20
04/12  Rocky Forks - East Shore Marina
05/10  Indian Lake - Moundwood
06/07  Alum Creek - New Galena
07/12  Mosquito Lake - Mosquito Lake State Park
08/16-17 Lake Erie - Sandusky

South Carolina - Division - 9
01/18  Murray - Dreher Island State Park
03/22  Russell - Richard B. Russell State Park
04/26  Santee Cooper - John C. Land III
06/21  Lake Greenwood - The 45 Landing
09/06-07 Hartwell - Gum Branch

Tennessee Central - Division - 3
03/01  Center Hill - Ragland Bottoms
03/29  Paris Landing - Paris Landing
04/12  Old Hickory - Sanders Ferry
06/21  Old Hickory - Sanders Ferry
08/23-24 Kentucky Lake - Paris Landing

Tennessee East - Division - 4
02/15  Chickamauga - Dayton Boat Dock
03/01  Watts Bar - Tom Fuller Park
04/12  Chickamauga - Dayton Boat Dock
06/28  Watts Bar - Tom Fuller Park
08/23-24 Chickamauga - Dayton Boat Dock

Texas Southeast - Division - 10
03/08  Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
04/12  Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
05/10  Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion
06/14  Toledo Bend - Fin & Feather Resort
09/13-14 Sam Rayburn - Umphrey Pavilion

Texas East - Division - 11
02/15  Lake Palestine - Villages Marina
03/15  Lake Tyler - Lake Tyler Marina
05/17  Richland Chambers - Oak Cove Marina
06/21  Cedar Creek - Log Cabin
07/12-13 Lake O’ the Pines - Johnson Creek

Virginia - Division - 19
03/22  Kerr - North Bend
04/26  Anna - Sturgeon Creek
05/24  James River - River Front Park
07/26  James River - Osborne Landing
09/13-14 Kerr - North Bend

Championships

Southern Regional Championship
•    09/26-27 Chickamauga - Dayton, Tennessee
Divisions attending:  North Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Central Tennessee

Northeast Regional Championship
•    09/26-27 High Rock Lake - Salisbury, North Carolina
Divisions attending:  Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia

South Central Regional Championship
•    10/10-11 Red River - Alexandria, LA
Divisions attending:  North Louisiana, Louisiana South, Oklahoma, Texas East, and Texas Southeast

Southeast Regional Championship
•    10/17-18 Toho - Kissimmee, Florida
Divisions attending:  Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama South, Florida, East Tennessee

Weekend Angler Bass Classic
•    11/12-15 Wheeler Decatur, Alabama

About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament organization for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers operates the American Fishing Tour, The Weekend Bass Series, the American Couples Series and the annual Military Team Bass Championship. Each tour is designed specifically for the weekend angler, offering low-cost, close-to-home events where anglers can qualify for a larger championship. For more information on American Bass Anglers, visitwww.americanbassanglers.com.

For more information about American Bass Anglers or the Weekend Bass Series, visit www.weekendseries.com or call (256) 232-0406.


Cherry Aiming To Make It Two In A Row At Toyota Texas Bass Classic On Lake Conroe

Hank Cherry on the water at the Elite Series All-Star Week tournament, which he won! Photo courtesy bassmaster.com

Hot off winning his second Bassmaster tournament in less than a year, Hank Cherry would love to make it two in a row in the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe at Conroe, Texas, this weekend.

Cherry won the 2013 Elite Series Toyota All-Star Week and Evan Williams Bourbon Championship held on Muskegon Lake and White Lake at Muskegon, MI, last week.

“I hope this will be the icing on the cake for me. Two in a row would be great,” said the pro from Maiden, N.C., who won the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Smith Lake in Jasper, Ala., last October to qualify for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic and advance to the Elite Series this year,

Cherry has already had a super first year on the B.A.S.S. Elite circuit, finishing 14th overall in the Angler of the Year standings and earning Rookie of the Year honors, 40 points ahead of the nearest competitor.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is a super tournament, pitching the top 15 finishers in the Angler of the Year points races from all three major circuits, including the Walmart FLW Tour, Bassmaster Elite Series and Bass Pro Shops PAA Tournament Series.

The three-day tournament combines the top daily tournament weigh-ins, outdoor expos and free concerts and will be held at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center in Conroe.

“We’re very excited about this amazing group of anglers that have qualified, there are some true legends of the sport along with some new faces that will get to compete for not one but two Toyota Texas Bass Classics in a row,” said Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur.

Earlier this year TTBC officials announced that in 2014 the event will return to Lake Fork, the inaugural host site, May 9-11, 2014. Final field qualification for both this year and next year’s TTBC events are based on 2013 Angler of the Year points races. The PAA Tournament Series has one event remaining in its 2013 AOY qualification for the 2014 TTBC.

The TTBC field is one of the strongest to date - field accomplishments include a combined $70 million in career earnings, 238 tournament victories, 22 AOY titles and 17 major championship wins.

Anglers will compete on Lake Conroe over three days starting Friday, with the field reduced to the top 10 for the final round on Sunday. The tournament is a non-entry fee event and all 50 competing anglers will receive guaranteed prize money.

Cherry got in a little practice Wednesday before a storm ran him off the lake. On Thursday he will be fishing in the Pro-Am, where the pros take sponsors and sponsors' guests on the lake and try to help them catch fish.

“I will try to use that time to see what is going on with the fish,” Cherry said. “I'll try to narrow some things down in the Pro-Am. I have an idea, but I'm not really sure yet.”

Cherry said the fish were biting okay, but most of the bites he got Wednesday were little fish.

“Some fish are hitting off points and rocks and some are hitting off docks. The lake is down and the bait is up so the fish are kind of scattered and moving around,” he said.

“That storm cooled things off and I think that will help the fishing. Another front is coming in Friday evening which should also cool things down for Saturday.”

With the top anglers from all three major circuits in the tournament, the competition will be stiff, Cherry said.

“But, everybody has the same challenge,” he added.

Toyota Texas Bass Classic

Oct 4-6, 2013

Lake Conroe

Lone Star Convention & Expo Center

www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com

 


Fish Are Hungry For Final Tom's Marine Regular Season Tournament On Douglas Lake

Fall bass fishing on Douglas Lake is turning on just in time for the final regular season tournament on the Tom's Marine Team Trail schedule, said tournament director Richard McMaster.

“We are looking for them to catch a bunch of fish this weekend,” McMaster said. “The fish are starting to school up around big balls of baitfish. They started early this year to feed up for fall and winter, getting ready for cold weather. We've seen a lot of fish chasing bait and scattering bait, especially on the upper end of the lake.”

And that is where most of the action is expected to be this weekend, he said.

“The water seems to be a lot colder up the river. It's probably around 70 degrees up there and down on the lower end of the lake it's still pushing 80 degrees. I'm sure a lot of boats will be running to the upper end of the lake.”

McMaster said a lot of teams will be trying to get in their last tournament Saturday so they can qualify for the two-day championship, Nov. 2 on Cherokee Lake and Nov. 3 on Douglas Lake.

“We take the top 100 and those who have fished at least six of the seven scheduled tournaments get in automatically,” he said. “We've had a really good season, averaging 100-plus boats per tournament and we expect about 90 to 100 boats this weekend on Douglas Lake.”

McMaster said the 2013 points championship is David Mullins' and Brent Hoskins' to lose.

“It looks like Hoskins and Mullins are going to win the points again this year unless they have a really bad day, but if they weigh in just one fish the title is theirs.”

Hoskins and Mullins are more than 70 points ahead of the second place team in the standings after finishing in the top 10 four out of the six tournaments so far. They were 13th march 9 at Cherokee, 10th March 30 at Cherokee, 1st in April on Douglas, 3rd in May on Cherokee, 14th in June on Douglas and 6th in September on Cherokee.

“We are starting to get really excited about the championship in early November,” McMaster said. “We want to thank Mickey Furr and Ranger for bringing their cooker and doing a Ranger barbecue for everybody at our championship banquet.”

McMaster said the winning team at the championship will take home a new $44,000 Ranger Bass Boat with a Mercury motor on it.

“We are looking forward to giving away a lot of prizes at the championship and we are inviting everybody who fished our tournament trail to come and enjoy the banquet, even if they did not make the championship.”

The Tom's Marine Team Trail is a seven-tournament series, culminating with a two-day championship, Nov. 2 on Cherokee Lake and Nov. 3 on Douglas Lake. Entry fee for the Tom's Marine tournaments is $110, which includes a $10 lunker fee. First place is guaranteed $2,500, with the payout at least 90 percent of entry fees, paid one for every six entries, at the ramp.

The Tom's Marine Winter Trail starts Nov. 9 with seven tournaments on both lakes, culminating with the championship Jan. 11 on Cherokee. The 2014 Tom's Marine Team Trail will kick off March 15 on Lake Cherokee and end with the championship Oct. 25 on Cherokee and Oct. 26 on Douglas.

The trail offers most major boat bonus programs, including the Ranger Cup, Triton Gold, Stratos 2X, Skeeter Real Money, Phoenix First Flight, plus other incentives including the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards, Motor Mate and the PAA Pay Day Program.

Tom's Marine Team Trail

Sat, Oct 5, 2013

Douglas Lake

Shady Grove Access

www.tomsmarinetn.com

Call Richard McMaster at 423-748-3240

 


Burns expects frogging and punching mats to be key in BFL Regional on Guntersville

The Clemson University football team is known for producing future National Football League pros, but the school's bass fishing team is also gaining a reputation for turning out winning tournament anglers.

In the last year or two former fishing team members Andy Wicker and Brandon Cobb have stormed through local and regional bass series in South Carolina and current team member Ross Burns is leading the South Carolina Division anglers into the Walmart BFL regional on Alabama's lake Guntersville this week.

Cobb has qualified for two BFL regionals – the Lake Lanier regional through the Savannah River Division and the Lake Hartwell Regional through the Bulldog Division, finishing 4th in the points in both divisions. Wicker was the points champion in the Bassmaster Weekend Series South Carolina Division and is fishing the regional championship this weekend on Lake Hartwell.

Burns made all top 10s in the South Carolina BFL Division, 2nd at lake Murray in March, 9th at Santee Cooper in April, 3rd at Clarks Hill in May, 4th at Lake Wylie in June and 9th at lake Hartwell in September.

Burns is fishing his third regional in the three years he has fished as a boater since moving up from co-angler status. He finished 7th in points in 2011 and 14th in 2012 before claiming the title this year, but he was not satisfied with missing out on winning a tournament.

“I had a lot of missed opportunities this year,” he said.

He began fishing BFLs as a co-angler in 2009, but his road through the tournaments began with a home-made Carolina rig when he was 11 years old.

“I was watching people on television catching bass on a Carolina rig. I did not have a Carolina rig, so I put a split shot behind the hook and I caught bass the first time I went fishing with it. I was hooked from that point on.”

Although Burns has fished Guntersville before he does not have any experience fishing the famous lake this time of year.

“I've been here in mid-June, July and mid-August and late October, so I really can't relate to how I caught fish here in the past,” he said. “I've found them in a summer pattern and a fall pattern, but this is somewhere in between.”

After dawn-to-dusk practicing since he arrived on the lake Sunday, Burns said he had not discovered a specific pattern or found any spots with a “mother lode” of bass on them.

What he is sure of, however, is that everybody will be fishing the grass, either working a frog over it or punching the mats and flipping in it.

“I've covered maybe 20 to 30 miles of grass and that is what I have seen so far. But, I have not found what everybody talks about on Guntersville, where you catch one fish and there is a group of them there. I've caught one fish here and one there and I've been doing everything under the sun to catch them.”

But you don't notch five straight top 10s in stiff state competition without having the fishing skills to overcome diversity, so don't count him out when the boats blast off Thursday.

Wal-Mart BFL Regional

South Carolina, Gator, LBL and Mountain Divisions

Oct 3-5, 2013

Lake Guntersville

Lake Guntersville State Park

www.flwoutdoors.com

 


Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Celebrates First Year Success of 'TrophyCatch'

Barely a year ago it was just a good idea waiting to happen, now the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to give away the first TrophyCatch championship ring and a slew of other prizes – a boat, fiberglass fish mount and more – to the winners, including a special $10,000 prize presented by Experience Kissimmee.

“TrophyCatch is the ultimate reward program for anglers, offering great prizes for doing the right thing,” said Tom Champeau, director of the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management.

TrophyCatch is FWC’s latest angler-recognition program and goes much further than ever before to reward anglers for documenting and releasing trophy largemouth bass. The largemouth bass is the most sought-after recreational species in North America. Florida is home to a unique subspecies that has long been known for it’s superior growth rate and trophy size. The FWC will use data from this program to help enhance and promote trophy bass fisheries throughout the state.

Anglers who register for free at www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com are immediately eligible for an annual drawing for a Phoenix bass boat powered by Mercury. Then, when they catch a bass over 8 pounds, they simply take a quick photo of the entire fish on a scale clearly showing the weight, snap a few more optional photos and release the bass to thrill another angler another day.

By submitting photos for verification online, anglers become eligible for a custom certificate and decal, plus awards based on the bass’ weight. Lunker Club entrants (8-9.9 pounds) receive a $50 Bass Pro Shops gift card and Bass King T-shirt. Trophy Club participants (10-12.9 pounds) earn a total of $150 worth of gift cards (Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods and/or Rapala), plus a long-sleeve T-shirt. To be entered into the Hall of Fame, anglers must catch, carefully document and release a bass weighing more than 13 pounds – but it’s worth it. Hall-of-Fame entrants also receive a free $500 fiberglass mount of their fish from New Waves Taxidermy, $200 in gift cards, a duffle bag full of Bass King apparel, a Glen Lau video library and other prizes worth a total of $1,000.

Bob Williams of Alloway, N.J., was fishing on Rodman Reservoir with guide Sean Rush of Trophy Bass Expeditions on Feb. 18,2012, when he hooked a 13-pound, 14-ounce largemouth on a big shiner. Rush contacted the FWC to have the fish certified in Florida’s new TrophyCatch program, the result being that Williams gets more than $1,000 in rewards for documenting and releasing his catch.

Williams will also claim the statewide grand prize of the TrophyCatch ring. Over 4,000 anglers registered this first year, and 132 Lunker Club bass and 58 Trophy Club bass were documented. According to KP Clements, TrophyCatch coordinator, there were innumerable other huge bass reported around the state this first year, including one that may have been nearly 17 pounds, but these submissions could not be verified.

“Next year, we want everyone to be prepared to take a photo of their fish on a scale, quickly release their bass and submit photos to www.TrophyCatchFlorida.com,” Clements said.

The winner of the 2013 Phoenix 619 bass boat, powered by Mercury, will be announced following a random drawing in the near future. In addition, Experience Kissimmee will announce the winner of its $10,000 cash award for the biggest verified TrophyCatch bass from Osceola County caught between Oct. 1, 2012, and Sep. 30, 2013. The catch must have already been caught and be documented and verified by Oct. 8 to count. Keep an eye on Facebook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida to see who wins.

For the second year, which began Oct. 1, the only required photo, for all three club levels, must show the entire bass (head to tail) on a scale, with the weight clearly visible. Additional photos of the the angler holding the bass, the entire bass on a measuring board with the length clearly visible, and the fish being released can be submitted, but are not required.

Anglers who catch a Hall-of-Fame Club-level fish (13 pounds and larger) are encouraged to contact the FWC at 855-FL-TROPHY (358-7674). If possible, an FWC employee will meet the angler to collect data and document the catch. If someone cannot immediately respond, anglers will be advised to photograph and release Hall-of-Fame bass as soon as possible. Experience Kissimmee will again offer a $10,000 prize, so check the TrophyCatch website for important updates on the process and leader board.

For trophy bass caught and released during organized bass tournaments, anglers can either submit a photo of the entire bass on a scale with the weight visible, have the catch verified by an FWC employee or volunteer working that event, or submit a photograph of the fish with a Web link to the documented weight.

The FWC is seeking additional input from the public on how to best promote the program and to encourage anglers who catch trophy bass to document them and then release them. In addition to rewarding themselves and being able to say, “My trophy swims in Florida,” anglers will be helping biologists learn the best ways to ensure the presence of trophy bass for future generations.

People can also “like” us on www.Facebook.com/TrophyCatchFlorida to hear about all the big winners this year. Anglers should register now and be sure to have a scale and camera in their boat, so they can be the FWC’s next TrophyCatch winner.

 


Toyota Texas Bass Classic - A Big Deal, A Good Deal For Anglers

Hank Cherry of Maiden, NC is among the 50 anglers competing in this weekend's 2013 TTBC on Lake Conroe.

The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is the only event to bring together the top performers from the Bassmaster Elite Series, the FLW Tour and the Professional Anglers Association tournament trail.

As such, it is a true world championship of bass fishing.

Slated for Friday, October 4th through Sunday, October 6th, the TTBC pits 50 of this year’s most accomplished tournament anglers in competition on 22,000-acre Lake Conroe.

The field will be cut to the top 10 anglers for Sunday’s final round but all participants will cut a check and there is no entry fee.

And the anglers aren’t the only ones who benefit. According to TTBC officials, “Over the last six years, the Toyota Texas Bass Classic has donated over $1.5 million to the TPWD, an effort that will continue again this year.”

Anglers will take off at 8 a.m. each morning from Waterway Plaza –address:  15256 Texas Hwy 105 West.

The bass are, reportedly, scattered as usual for this time of year on Conroe. Pros haven’t whacked a ton of big ones in practice, but most of the guys don’t want to do that in practice anyway. The guys who have fished past TTBC’s on Conroe know what to expect and seem content to ride, look, and just get a feel for the lake.

Conroe is just 45 miles outside of Houston and is actually farther south than a good chunk of Mexico so there’s a strong offshore bite left over from the heat of a South Texas summer. There are also plenty of fish up shallow. Winners here tend to find a pattern as the tournament unfolds - if they find one at all.

Little fish are plentiful and 5-fish limits should be common place on the weigh in stage but a big bite each day will set an angler apart. Two such fish could make a winner of him.

A full-blown carnival is held in conjunction with the TTBC. According to The Courier of Montgomery County, “The tournament will feature an Outdoor Adventures Area, hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with a climbing wall, archery and other outdoor-themed educational and interactive exhibits.

“Barbecue aficionados can also look forward to the TTBC’s second annual cook-off, where over 50 teams will compete to cook up the best brisket, ribs and chicken. Donald Canterbury with “We Be Smokin” will return to defend their 2012 titles. A number of award-winning food trucks will also be on-site, along with a 25,000 square foot Yamaha Test Track and a Toyota Drive Center.”

A concert series will feature top music artist including:  Eli Young Band, The Band Perry, Southern Slang, Lee Brice, Thompson Square and Gloriana.

Event gates open at 2 p.m. and the free festivities will take place at Lone Star Convention Center - 9055 Airport Road. There will be a parking fee of $15 – cash only.

Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur said, “We’re very excited about this amazing group of anglers that have qualified, there are some true legends of the sport along with some new faces that will get to compete for not one but two Toyota Texas Bass Classics in a row.”

The field of competitors for the 2013 Toyota Texas Bass Classic:

Angler:        Hometown: Qualified Through:

Matt Arey   Shelby, North Carolina  PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Adrian Avena       Vineland, New Jersey    FLW Tour AOY Points

Tommy Biffle       Wagoner, Oklahoma      Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Stetson Blaylock Benton, Arkansas FLW Tour AOY Points

Tommy Brown     Louisville, Tennessee     PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Hank Cherry        Maiden, North Carolina Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Jason Christie      Park Hill, Oklahoma      FLW Tour AOY Points

Luke Clausen       Otis Orchards, Washington     FLW Tour AOY Points

Keith Combs        Huntington, Texas         Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Brandon Coulter  Knoxville, Tennessee     PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

John Crews          Salem, Virginia    Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Cliff Crochet        Pierre Part, Louisiana    Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Ott DeFoe   Knoxville, Tennessee     Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Jim Dillard  West Monroe, Louisiana         PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

David Dudley       Lynchburg, Virginia       FLW Tour AOY Points

Brent Ehrler         Redlands, California      FLW Tour AOY Points

Edwin Evers         Talala, Oklahoma Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Todd Faircloth     Jasper, Texas       Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Shinichi Fukae     Palestine, Texas   PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Randy Haynes      Counce, Tennessee         PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Mike Iaconelli       Pittsgrove, New Jersey  Sponsor Exemption

Alton Jones          Lorena, Texas      Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Kelly Jordon        Palestine, Texas   Sponsor Exemption

Brad Knight         Wartsburg, Tennessee    PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Russ Lane   Prattville, Alabama        PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Bobby Lane          Lakeland, Florida Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Justin Lucas         Guntersville, Alabama   FLW Tour AOY Points

Aaron Martens     Leeds, Alabama    Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Mike McClelland  Bella Vista, Arkansas    PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Cody Meyer         Auburn, California        FLW Tour AOY Points

Ish Monroe           Hughson, California      Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

David Hendrick    Cherryville, NC    PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Andy Morgan       Dayton, Tennessee         FLW Tour AOY Points

Brandon Palaniuk          Rathdrum, Idaho  PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Jacob Powroznik Prince George, Virginia  FLW Tour AOY Points

Matt Reed   Madisonville, Texas       PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Mark Rose  West Memphis, Arkansas       FLW Tour AOY Points

Fred Roumbanis   Bixby, Oklahoma PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Terry Scroggins    San Mateo, Florida        Sponsor Exemption

Spencer Shuffield Hot Springs, Arkansas  FLW Tour AOY Points

Brian Snowden    Reeds Spring, Missouri PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Wesley Strader     Spring City, Tennessee  PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Gerald Swindle     Warrior, Alabama          Sponsor Exemption

Randall Tharp      Port Saint Joe, Florida   FLW Tour AOY Points

Bryan Thrift         Shelby, North Carolina  2012 TTBC Defending Champion

Kevin VanDam    Kalamazoo, Michigan    Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

Greg Vinson         Wetumpka, Alabama     Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

James Watson      Waynesville, Missouri   PAA Tournament Series AOY Points

Jay Yelas    Corvallis, Oregon FLW Tour AOY Points

Chris Zaldain       San Jose, California       Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Points

 

- See more at: http://www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com/2013/09/19/final-field-announced-2/#sthash.JDP30Q8b.dpuf


Lew's 'American Hero' program honors military veterans

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Oct. 3, 2013) - Lew's® has officially launched its American Hero® Speed Stick® rod series out of genuine respect for America's military veterans and with a sincere promise to never forget them.

 

American Hero is more than just a product line though. It is a program that Lew's developed as a way to help organizations that support veterans in their return to life after military service, and especially those organizations that use fishing as part of the transitional process. American Hero has already provided fishing gear support to a few such groups, including FOCUS Marines Foundation, Reel American Heroes Foundation and Operation HOOAH.

 

Lew's CEO Lynn Reeves says his company's decision to give back to veterans is probably the easiest one his management team has ever made.

 

"We have an obligation to those who have served our country, and this is one small way that the folks at our company can say 'thank you,'" he explained. "I can promise you there is no marketing-driven agenda behind American Hero ... our intentions are truly based on wanting to help veterans get an opportunity to enjoy some of the same activities that we have been participating in while they've been on duty, such as fishing.

 

"As many of us who fish recreationally already know, there's nothing like being in the neutral setting of the great outdoors with family and friends, and having a rod and reel in hand, to refresh the mind and soul."

A portion of the profits from the sale of American Hero and other specially identified Lew's products go into a budget line item for the program. Company officials review rod and reel requests from organizations, mostly focusing on those groups that provide assistance to veterans with health concerns.

 

Steve Kokai, a veteran who also works in the fishing industry, originally owned and trademarked the American Hero brand.

 

"It was during an unrelated phone visit with Steve that I realized he and Lew's shared a similar vision as to what American Hero was all about," said Gary Remensnyder, Lew's president. "It wasn't long after that he graciously made the brand available to our company. Steve is active in programs like the Reel American Heroes Foundation of Virginia that helps wounded warriors and veterans of all services, and we consider him a valued ally in our efforts to provide meaningful support to such organizations. We couldn't have a better name than American Hero for this initiative."

 

During the same timeframe as the Kokai discussions, the Missouri-headquartered FOCUS Marines Foundation and Lew's crossed paths. Part of the foundation's regular class structure included a fishing activity on a private lake, for which they needed rods and reels. Lew's was ready to help with this program that assists Marine veterans and Navy corpsmen who are having difficulty in returning to civilian life.

 

Therefore, it seemed only appropriate that Kokai and Isaac Saldivar, a Marine veteran and FOCUS Marines student, were both present in the Lew's booth at ICAST 2013 in Las Vegas last July when Lew's announced its plans for the American Hero series and program.

Lew's recognized two organizations and their attending representatives at its ICAST 2013 booth for their support of military veterans - FOCUS Marines Foundation and Reel American Heroes Foundation. Left to right: Lynn Reeves (Lew's), Isaac Saldivar (FMF), Steve Kokai (RAHF) and Gary Remensnyder (Lew's). (Click to view/download hi-res image.)

 

At the gathering, Saldivar told the group that the fishing outing at FOCUS was the activity that "brought smiles and laughter" to the entire class.

 

Other FOCUS stories have also since been shared by the foundation. One is from marine Yasmin Garay, who e-mailed class officials after returning home. Her note told about how she had taken a niece and nephew fishing with the Lew's rod and reel she had received at class, and how her 14-year old nephew said, "You seem alive ... not that you were dead before, but it seemed like it." Her note went on to explain it was a real eye-opener as to where she had been in her life and a motivator to "fix it."

 

Last month, Garay received a rare invitation to attend the FOCUS class again and made the return. This time she and Reeves came face to face lakeside during the fishing event. It was an emotional exchange for both as she shared again her family fishing experience, and told him that she has a whole new perspective on life as a result. She followed that with, "thank you."

 

Reeves said, "No. I'm the one to say thank you. You had, and have, the hard job."

 

"Without a doubt, fishing is one of the favorite class activities here," said FOCUS Marines Foundation Vice President Ted Kretschmar. "We literally watch it lift a burden from the shoulders and minds of many as they change the focus from whatever their personal concerns might be to instead trying to catch what swims in our lake. The buzzing of excitement continues into dinner that night and beyond.

 

"Lew's donation of rods and reels is a great help in the healing process of our students who attend our classes."

 

Operation HOOAH (Healing Outside Of A Hospital) is administered by Southern Fishing News and brings 101st Airborne Division wounded warriors to north Alabama for a quality fishing experience with guides. Lew's has also assisted that outing with tackle donations.

 

"Reel American Heroes, FOCUS Marines and Operation HOOAH are just three of what I'm sure are a few hundred organizations dedicated to helping veterans through fishing, and we're pleased to have been able to help each in recent efforts," Remensnyder said. "We know we can't help all groups every year, but we're sincere in wanting to do as much as we can. American Hero gives us the means for providing support."

 

The American Hero product series currently consists of seven models of rods, casting and spinning, featuring quality IM6 graphite blanks with stainless steel guides and the red, white and blue American Hero logo. A portion of the profits from the sale of American Hero rods and other select Lew's products are used to support organizations that assist veterans, especially through fishing. (Click to view/download hi-res image.)

 

The current American Hero product series consists of seven models of rods, including casting and spinning versions. They feature quality IM6 graphite blanks with stainless steel guides and inserts. Handles are EVA split grips, with blanks exposed through the reel seat for added sensitivity. The rods are attractive with their black blanks, shiny stainless guides and colorful red, white and blue American Hero logo. Each model sells for around $69.99 each. They are available now at fishing tackle retailers across the country.

 

For more information on Lew's products and the American Hero program, visit www.lews.com.

 

###

Lew's American Hero Pledge

We promise to never forget nor take for granted, the service of our American veterans who have given unselfishly during their time of duty so that all who please, can enjoy their favorite activities in the great outdoors of this free country.

 

While a sincere thank you will always be on our lips, it is from our hearts that we pledge a portion of our profits to help with select programs that benefit the mind, spirit, soul and body of these American Heroes so that they too can experience the same enjoyment outdoors. With the purchase of this Lew's item, you are contributing to our support of these heroes.

 

For program details, visit www.Lews.com/AmericanHero.

 

 


Phillip Anderson wins the Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray-Full Results here!

Phillip Anderson hauls in a 7.55 LB lunker in the last hour to win the 2013 Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray.......he beat out 483 other anglers who showed up to compete in this 2 day hourly format tournament that has really caught on fire the past 2 years. Here are the hourly resutls from both Sat and Sun:

RESULTS: JASON WILLIAMSON'S BIG BASS CLASSI

RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Phillip Anderson 7.55
2 Joshua Baggott 6.84
3 Robert Rikard 6.75
4 Johnny Cole 6.54
5 Jonathan Smith 6.39
6 Stan Gunter 6.28
7 Beau Dixon 6.22
8 Donald Garner 6.09
9 Bobby Stanfill 5.95
10 John McKenzie 5.86
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Robert Rikard 6.75
2 Sean Anderson 4.03
3 Zach Hyder 3.99
4 Noah Steere 3.75
5 Ray Turner 3.65
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Beau Dixon 6.22
2 Rocky Mullis 5.46
3 Zach Hyder 4.76
4 Edgar Alewine 4.67
5 Ray Turner 3.87
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 David Bowers 5.76
2 Ben Kennedy 4.67
3 Beau Dixon 3.72
4 Earl Purcell 3.38
5 Eric Weir 3.35
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Stan Gunter 6.28
2 Donald Garner 6.09
3 Billy Davenport 4.75
4 Gerald Moss 4.24
5 Scott Jones 3.92
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Johnny Cole 6.54
2 Jerry Minnick 5.05
3 Terry Morris 5.02
4 Jeff Glover 4.62
5 Casey Hendrix 4.27
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 John McKenzie 5.86
2 Ted West 5.01
3 Evan Weaver 4.09
4 Dan Montgomery 4.08
5 Roger Haines 3.87
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Joshua Baggott 6.84
2 Kevin Fulmer 5.40
3 Chad Schroeder 5.06
4 Craig Baird 5.03
5 Zach Jacobs 5.01
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Bobby Stanfill 5.95
2 Sean Anderson 5.40
3 Phil Morris 4.95
4 Keith Cartee 4.75
5 Michael Shepherd 3.98
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Zach Jacobs 5.28
2 Tony Postell 5.11
3 Sean Anderson 4.50
4 Sean Goldman 4.48
5 Andrew Bridges 4.21
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Edward Foust 5.02
2 Carl Williams Jr 4.74
3 Robert Thomas 4.24
4 Wayne Liming 3.69
5 Chad Griffin 3.63
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Hunter Ciccio 5.11
2 Alan Rae 4.35
3 Matthew Goldman 3.88
4 Timothy Edwards 3.45
5 Justin Quarles 3.38
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 David Sample 5.10
2 Mike Weaver 4.93
3 Russell Anderson 4.39
4 George Berry 3.96
5 Chris Sample 3.68
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Jonathan Smith 6.39
2 Robert Martin 4.56
3 Beau Dixon 3.88
4 Rhett Manus 3.73
5 David Cornwell 3.52
RANK ANGLER WEIGHT
1 Phillip Anderson 7.55
2 Hampton Anderson 5.34
3 Steven Sparrow 3.76
4 George Berry 3.69
5 Rhett Manus 3.29

Overall


Alabama Bass Trail Announces New Tournament Trail And 2014 Schedule

Decatur, Ala. (September 30, 2013) – The Alabama Bass Trail is excited to announce the launch of a new tournament series beginning in February, 2014. The 10 lake team-style tournament series will be held on ten of the lakes of the Alabama Bass Trail with the championship tournament taking place on the 11th lake. Attracting amateur anglers from across the southeastern United States, each tournament is expected to generate an approximate $500,000 economic impact for host cities.

 

“Alabama is a great state for fishing,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “We have professional tournaments here on a regular basis. The goal of this amateur tournament is simple. We want to encourage more people to fish where the pros fish. The Alabama Bass Trail was established to help us share our lakes and rivers with more people. When more people come to our lakes and rivers that increases tourism. And when tourism increases, that benefits our local and state economies.”

 

Sanctioned by BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society), the Alabama Bass Trail Tournament Series gets underway February 1, 2014. The tournament trail will feature two divisions: Northern and Southern. Each division is made up of five tournaments on five different lakes. Each tournament will have a $10,000 guaranteed first place prize and will pay 20 places. Maximum number of boats is 200.

 

Northern Division:

Lake Guntersville                    February 1, 2014 hosted by Marshall County CVB

Pickwick Lake                         March 22, 2014 hosted by Florence-Lauderdale Tourism

Neely Henry Lake                  April 5, 2014 hosted by City of Gadsden Parks & Recreation

Wheeler Lake                          May 31, 2014 hosted by Decatur-Morgan County CVB

Logan Martin Lake                 June 21, 2014

 

Southern Division:

Mobile-Tensaw Delta                March 1, 2014 hosted by North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

Lake Eufaula                              March 15, 2014 hosted by Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce

Lake Jordan                                April 19, 2014 hosted by Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce

Alabama River (Millers Ferry)  May 10, 2014 hosted by Wilcox County Chamber and the City of Monroeville

Lay Lake                                    June 7 hosted by Shelby County Commission

 

The championship is a 125 boat, two-day event. The 125 boats are comprised of the top 50 teams in points from both divisions that fished all five events in their respective divisions, along with the top 25 student boats collectively from both divisions that fished all five events in their respective division. Hosted by Chamber of Commerce of Walker County, the championship tournament is set for October 10-11, 2014 on Lewis Smith Lake.

 

The championship is a no entry tournament and the first place prize is a fully-rigged 2015 Phoenix 619 Pro with a Mercury 150, trolling motor and electronics valued at $37,495 with an additional $40,000 in cash and prizes. The official bass boat of the Alabama Bass Trail, Phoenix Bass boats will also offer the tier one First Flight incentive plan to tournament winners in a qualifying Phoenix boat.

 

“The Alabama Bass Trail is excited to announce this new tournament for amateur anglers. Since the launch of the Alabama Bass Trail in 2012, we have received numerous requests for the development of a tournament series. We are challenged with creating more fishing opportunities in the state of Alabama, and we believe this gives anglers in the southeast an opportunity to fish a highly competitive trail on the best lakes in Alabama,” said Alabama Bass Trail Program Director Kay Donaldson.

 

A few select tournaments including the February 1 launch tournament will be filmed and aired at a later broadcast on Anglers Channel reaching a viewership of over 10 million households.

 

“We are all grateful for Governor Bentley’s vision and will work together to make the Tournament Series a success,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. Just two years ago, Sentell, Governor Bentley, and the staff of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association began laying the groundwork for the Alabama Bass Trail. After its launch in the spring of 2012, its popularity quickly grew and Donaldson look for another opportunity to reach out to anglers.

 

Alabama Bass Trail Tournament sponsors include Bill Penney Toyota, the Alabama Tourism Department, Phoenix Bass Boats, Inc., McDonalds of Alabama, and Pradco-FISHING representing BOOYAH and YUM, Dobyns Rods, Randy Jones Agency – Nationwide, T & H Marine Supplies, Inc., Alabama Power Company, Buffalo Rock, Inc., Jet-Pep, Inc., Tennessee Valley Authority, Rigid Industries, Inc., and Frogg Toggs, Inc., Go Pro and Gander Mountain. Fishlife will be the official tournament directors and Elite Outdoors Media will be the live-streaming company.

 

Registration will be available online beginning at noon on September 30th at www.alabamabasstrail.org. Entry fee per tournament is $250 per team or from September 30-October 30 2013, teams can register for all five tournaments for $1150.

 

According to Donaldson, each tournament is expected to pump an estimated $500,000 into the local economy of the host city. “Anglers typically pre-fish, or scout a location, three or four days prior to a tournament, and during this time, they patronize restaurants, gas stations, and tackle shops. During a tournament, approximately $300 is spent each day on accommodations, gasoline, food and other supplies,” stated Donaldson.

 

For more information, call Donaldson at 855.934.7425 or visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.

 

About Alabama Bass Trail

The Alabama Bass Trail is a program of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. Its mission is to promote Alabama as a year round fishing destination, to preserve natural resources for generations to come, and to educate high school and college aged students to be good stewards of natural resources. The 11 bass fishing lakes consist of Lake Guntersville, Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake, Lewis Smith Lake, Neely Henry Lake, Lay Lake, Logan Martin Lake, Lake Jordan, Alabama River (Millers Ferry), Lake Eufaula, and the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.  For more information, visit www.alabamabasstrail.org.

 


Jordan Lee Wins College Tourney; Qualifies For 2014 Bassmaster Classic!

Auburn University angler Jordan Lee won the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket, earning his opportunity to compete in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville. Photo by Seigo Saito/Bassmaster
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Jubilation and devastation. That was the theme revisited Sunday, the final round of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic Bracket.

Last year, Auburn University angler Jordan Lee lost to his brother, Matt Lee. This year, Jordan triumphed, though his best friend and fellow Auburn University angler Shane Powell had to suffer the loss.

After the third day of a bracket-style elimination competition on Grand River in Michigan, Jordan brought five bass to the scales that weighed 12 pounds. Powell brought in four bass for 9-3.

As the victor, Jordan became the one collegiate competitor in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic out of Birmingham, Ala., Feb. 21-23, on Lake Guntersville. Jordan also received a check for $5,000 from Carhartt. Matt Lee was on stage to hand over the keys to a fully rigged Toyota Tacoma to pull a Skeeter FX20 bass boat powered by a Yamaha SHO 250 outboard. Both are wrapped in Auburn University colors.

“It’s a dream come true to get to fish the Classic,” said Jordan, a senior majoring in marketing. “I’ve stayed focused all year and tried my best to be right here. I’m glad my family and all of my friends will be there when I fish the Classic. This is what every college angler wants.”

Jordan also will receive entries for the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens series of his choice. For bringing in the largest bass during the three-day tournament, a 4-1 on Day 1, he also won the Carhartt Big Bass prize of $500.

Jordan’s victory culminated a year of intense competition at the collegiate level. Anglers qualified for the Classic Bracket by working their way through divisionals and a championship. Only eight anglers made it to the finals on Grand River to compete for the college berth.

The prizes in hand, Jordan was painfully aware of how his close friend and tournament partner, Powell, Powell must have felt to be so close to a Classic seat and miss out.

“I’ve fished with Shane since my first semester, so I know exactly how it feels to be in his position,” said Jordan. “It’s tough. And nothing anyone says to you can make you feel better. It’s been tough for me the last few years, coming in second.”

Jordan said the secret to his success Sunday was settling down and going fishing with his mind fully focused on what he had to do.

“I fished well today,” he said. “I made the right choices and picked up a spinnerbait when I needed it, and I used a frog when I needed it today. It helped that I caught five fish in the first hour and a half. That got my confidence up, and all I had to do was cull up.”

Jordan used a 3/8-ounce white Booyah spinnerbait with a trailer hook when the wind was up. “I knew it wouldn’t work if the water was slick calm. I would skip it back to the docks. I think the small blades and the No. 2 trailer hook — those were the key. ”

Jordan stayed in the river’s Spring Lake area most of the day. Thirteen of the 15 bass he weighed in over three days came from that one area.

“It had depth and grass and milfoil,” Jordan said. “I knew it had a population of fish. I put my trolling motor down and would go about 600 yards. I never found a sweet spot. The biggest key for me was covering a lot of water.”

Powell caught the day’s largest bass, a 4-pounder, but came up one bass short of a five-fish limit.

Powell said he caught a fifth bass, but it measured 13 7/8 inches, just shy of the 14-inch minimum limit.

“I knew I had to have five fish every day to win this. I left the door open for Jordan when I only caught four.”

For more details, visit Bassmaster.com.

Day 3 Standings Carhartt  Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket
9/27/13 – 9/29/13
Name/College
Number of Fish   Lbs - Oz

Jordan Lee – Auburn University                                   5                      12-0
Shane Powell – Auburn University                                                  5                      9-3

Carhartt Big Bass:
Day 1: Jordan Lee, 4-1
Day 2: Shane Powell, 3-7
Day 3: Shane Powell, 4-0


Hank Cherry Wraps Up Bassmaster All-Star Win After ‘perfect Day’

Hank Cherry of Maiden, N.C., wins the Evan Williams Bourbon Championship, part of Toyota All-Star Week in Muskegon, Mich. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster
MUSKEGON, Mich. — There’s not a suggestion of rookie green clinging to Hank Cherry now.

A first-year Bassmaster Elite Series pro when the season began in March, Cherry of Maiden, N.C., has his first Elite Series win in the bag.

In Sunday’s final-day, four-angler shootout in the Evan Williams Bourbon Championship, Cherry won the $50,000 first prize by a margin of 2 pounds, 10 ounces.

“This is unbelievable,” he said. “I’m sky-high. I lost no fish today; nothing went wrong. It was just a perfect day.”

Cherry weighed in 17 pounds, 8 ounces of smallmouth bass, easily getting the best of local favorite Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich. VanDam posted 14-14 for the runner-up spot.

Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss., finished third with 11-6. Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., was fourth with 10-15.

The Sept. 27-29 championship, part of Toyota All-Star Week out of Muskegon, began with 14 Bassmaster Elite Series pros. Each competed for two days on Muskegon Lake. Only the four pros with the highest Muskegon Lake weights made the cut to move to White Lake’s final leg.
With Muskegon weights dropped, the four went head-to-head, starting from scratch.

Cherry became the second rookie to win a Bassmaster Elite Series postseason event. Ott DeFoe won in 2011 to close out his rookie season.

Cherry is not your typical rookie. He had years of experience competing in various circuits before he joined the Bass Pro Shops Opens series in 2011. At the end of his second year as an Opens pro, he won an event on Alabama’s Smith Lake and walked away with a 2013 Classic berth. He also qualified for the 2013 Elite season.

In his first Classic appearance, he finished in third-place. (He still looks back with pain on a lost fish that he says cost him the Classic win.) By the end of the regular eight-event Elite Series season, he had won the 2013 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race. He finished 14th in points, easily securing a Classic berth for 2014.

Sunday on White Lake, Cherry stuck to a pattern of throwing a swimbait off long points, the same pattern that produced for him on Muskegon for two days to get him to the final round.

“I was around a lot of bait and a lot of fish,” said Cherry, adding that he caught about 25 bass throughout the day. Most of them took his Damiki swimbait rigged on a 1/4-ounce jighead with a 4/0 hook, all in various shad finishes.

His key spot was special because of an underwater sandbar that created a “huge current break,” he said, which set up as a perfect spot for smallmouth bass chasing baitfish.

“The shad were there in bunches around that breakline. That’s all it was,” he said.

One flurry of catches on his magic spot that lasted about 45 minutes sealed the deal for him.

“I caught a 4 (pounder), a 4, a 3, a 2/12, a 2/12. I don’t know what happened to turn them on,” he said.

An early-day decision to give up on his quest for largemouth, for which White Lake has a reputation, paid off.

“I just stopped and said, ‘I’m going smallmouth fishing,’” he said.

When a reporter asked if he still felt like a rookie, Cherry replied: “I feel like a champ.”

The event’s Carhartt Big Bass award of $1,000, plus another $500 for wearing Carhartt apparel went to Pace. He took the award for his 4-14 smallmouth of Friday from Muskegon Lake.

Cherry received the $1,000 Power-Pole bonus.

Running concurrently with the Elite Series event was the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket on Grand River. The coveted prize of that event, an entry in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic, was won by Jordan Lee of Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.

On Sunday, eliminated Elite pros paired up with veterans and other guests in the Folds of Honor Foundation Pro-Am presented by ARE. The Folds of Honor Foundation provides educational scholarships to the dependents of service members killed or disabled while serving our country. Contribution buckets were passed through the crowd at the weigh-in to support the cause.

Bassmaster fan Clay Wilson of Rogers, Ark., won the Toyota All-Star Fan Favorite Angler Sweepstakes prize of a 2014 Toyota Tundra valued at $35,000. His name had been randomly paired with Cherry’s before the competition began.

TV coverage of Toyota All-Star Week will be presented on The Bassmasters on Sunday, Oct. 13, on ESPN2, in three hour-long shows. At 2-3 p.m. ET, and again at 4-5 p.m., the first show will set the stage. Two more shows about the competition will air at 6-7 and 7-8 p.m. ET.

2013 Evan Williams Bourbon Championship 9/27-9/29
Muskegon Lake, Muskegon, Mich.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Hank Cherry            Maiden, NC               5  17-08    0  $51,000.00
Day 1: 5   13-08     Day 2: 5   16-13     Day 3: 5   17-08
2.  Kevin VanDam           Kalamazoo, MI            5  14-14    0  $12,000.00
Day 1: 5   14-00     Day 2: 5   12-06     Day 3: 5   14-14
3.  Cliff Pace             Petal, MS                5  11-06    0  $11,500.00
Day 1: 5   14-04     Day 2: 4   12-01     Day 3: 5   11-06
4.  Edwin Evers            Talala, OK               5  10-15    0   $8,000.00
Day 1: 5   13-03     Day 2: 5   13-03     Day 3: 5   10-15
CARHARTT BIG BASS
Cliff Pace               Petal, MS           04-14      $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        12        66       162-14
2        10        63       163-12
3         4        20        54-11
----------------------------------
26       149       381-05


Jason Williamson/oakley Big Bass Classic Lake Murray Weigh-In Highlights

If you haven't been to or seen how an hourly format Tournament works, here is a quick clip of this weekends Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic and how this anger won a quick $1000!!


Oakley Big Bass Tour Mc Scott Gordon

Oakley Big Bass Tournament MC Scott Gordon gets us caught up to speed quickly as to why this format is so successful and how easy it is to win each and every hour!!


One on One with JW at the Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray

Bass Master Elite Series Pro Jason Williamson stops by the Oakley Big Bass Lake Murray event this Sunday to talk about the incredible success that this tournament and format are seeing in such short time--he also chides in on what it will take to win the $30,000 Boat-Motor-Trailer pkg later this afternoon!


Reigning Bassmaster Classic Champ Cliff Pace Takes Lead In All-Star Event

Reigning Bassmaster Classic champion Cliff Pace has the early lead in the Toyota All-Star Week's Evan Williams Bourbon Championship. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster
MUSKEGON, Mich. — Cliff Pace got a surprise package Friday.

He was presented with a Bassmaster Classic ring, which he earned last February.

“It was totally a surprise — a good one,” he said.

The ring was just the beginning of good things on Friday for the Petal, Miss., pro. Soon after he received the diamond-encrusted ring, he learned that his 14 pounds, 4 ounces of Muskegon Lake bass was enough to take the first-day lead in the Evan Williams Bourbon Championship, the main event of the Friday-Sunday Toyota All-Star Week out of Muskegon.

Pace got only a 4-ounce jump on home-state favorite Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., who took second place with 14-0.

Almost the entire 14-angler leaderboard of the Bassmaster Elite Series postseason event was tight. Hank Cherry of Maiden, N.C., missed second place by 8 ounces with his 13-8 first-day catch. He had to settle for third, yet was only 12 ounces behind Pace.

Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., had 13-3 for fourth place. Michael Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, N.J., slid into fifth place with 12-15.

That made the spread between the leader and the angler in fifth place just 1 pound, 5 ounces going into the second round. Almost any of the 14 pros could turn the table on the leaders when the full field returns to Muskegon Lake Saturday.

Their goal is to be one of the four to survive elimination and move into the finals on Sunday on nearby White Lake. The pro with the most weight Sunday from White will be the champ and claim the $50,000 first prize of the $100,000 purse.

Pace gained the early advantage, but he said he hasn’t cracked the Muskegon Lake’s bass bite.

“I was fortunate and got a couple of big ones, and that’s what made the difference. It could just as easily go the other way tomorrow,” Pace said.

He said he boated only five keepers Friday, with the fifth bass coming to him about 2 p.m. He said he mainly worked a dropoff.  Finding a repeatable pattern eluded him, he was prepared to go “junk” fishing — frequently switching bait rigs and techniques as well as spots he thought might hold bass.

Pace had the Carhartt Big Bass of the day, a 4-14, one of the three smallmouth he brought to the scales. Two largemouth completed his five-fish limit.

Most of the other All-Star pros also produced mixed bags, including VanDam, who had one smallmouth and four largemouth.

Unlike Pace, who had never seen Muskegon Lake before the one day the All-Star pros were given to practice, VanDam often fished Muskegon Lake in the early days of his career.

“The one good thing — and the one bad thing — is that I have a lot of history here. You can’t fish for ‘ghosts’ that aren’t there anymore,” he said.

And he has not competed on Muskegon Lake in more than 20 years. Because he lives 90 miles away from Muskegon, he was easily able to scout to the 4,232-acre fishery before it was off-limits to All-Star pros.

VanDam’s uncharacteristic scouting trip paid off with an early limit Friday, including a 4-2 largemouth. He then searched for hours for another big one to cull one of his smaller bass from his livewell.

“There are a lot of big fish in this lake, I just couldn’t get a second bigger one,” he said. He tried everything he could think of.

“I had to change up a lot today,” he said. “I’m going to fish differently tomorrow.

VanDam’s prediction for Saturday: “It’s going to be a shootout.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Championship is just part of Toyota All-Star Week. Running alongside the Elite event is the Friday-Sunday Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Classic Bracket on Grand River. A Bassmaster Classic berth is the prize in that event.

On Sunday, eliminated Elite pros will pair up with veterans and other guests in the Folds of Honor Foundation Pro-Am presented by ARE.

Weigh-ins for all events will begin at 4 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday at Heritage Landing, 1050 Seventh St., Muskegon. Also at Heritage Landing, fans can watch the pros take off at 7:15 a.m. ET. In the afternoon at the adjacent park, fans are invited to Muskegon County’s Family Fun Fall Festival and the Bassmaster Elite Series Expo featuring the Elite trail’s sponsors.

There’s no admission for Bassmaster events.

TV coverage of Toyota All-Star Week will be presented on The Bassmasters on Sunday, Oct. 13, on ESPN2, in three hour-long shows. At 2-3 p.m. ET, and again at 4-5 p.m., the first show will set the stage. Two more shows about the competition will air at 6-7 and 7-8 p.m. ET.

2013 Toyota All Star Week September 27-29
Muskegon Lake, Muskegon, Mich.
Standings Day 1

Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz

1.  Cliff Pace             Petal, MS                5  14-04
Day 1: 5   14-04
2.  Kevin VanDam           Kalamazoo, MI            5  14-00
Day 1: 5   14-00
3.  Hank Cherry            Maiden, NC               5  13-08
Day 1: 5   13-08
4.  Edwin Evers            Talala, OK               5  13-03
Day 1: 5   13-03
5.  Michael Iaconelli      Pitts Grove, NJ          5  12-15
Day 1: 5   12-15
6.  Alton Jones            Lorena, TX               5  12-08
Day 1: 5   12-08
7.  Chris Zaldain          San Jose, CA             5  12-03
Day 1: 5   12-03
8.  Bobby Lane             Lakeland, FL             5  11-13
Day 1: 5   11-13
9.  Keith Combs            Huntington, TX           5  11-11
Day 1: 5   11-11
9.  Aaron Martens          Leeds, AL                5  11-11
Day 1: 5   11-11
11. Gerald Swindle         Warrior, AL              5  11-05
Day 1: 5   11-05
12. Brandon Palaniuk       Rathdrum, ID             5  09-06
Day 1: 5   09-06
13. Skeet Reese            Auburn, CA               4  08-05
Day 1: 4   08-05
14. John Crews             Salem, VA                2  06-02
Day 1: 2   06-02
--------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        12        66       162-14
----------------------------------
12        66       162-14


Young Pro Wants To Use Everstart Texas Division Final At Sam Rayburn As A Learning Experience

In June 2000, 9-year-old Austin Terry of San Angelo, Texas, was fishing in Lake O.H. Ivie when something ate his Carolina-rigged worm. When he finally wrestled it in, he took it to the scales where a local tournament was being weighed in and found himself the hero of the day with an 11-pound largemouth.

Seven years later, Austin won the Texas State Junior Bassmasters Championship at Amistad Reservoir, arriving there after driving with his dad all night from Amarillo, where he played in a football game for San Angelo’s Central High School. In 2008 he finished 10th at the World Junior Bass Masters at Syracuse, N.Y.

An avid fisherman since he was 4 or 5 years old, Terry, now 22, notched an incredible series of finishes in 2012, including a 6th-, 8th-, and 9th-place in the Texas EverStart Division. This was his best season to date and it gave him the confidence to move up to the next level of FLW fishing. Last October he qualified for the FLW Tour and he raised a great deal of the money he needed to fish the trail this year by winning the first tournament of the Texas EverStart Division's year in January on Lake Amistad, earning a $35,000 paycheck. His best finishes on the Tour this year was 11th place on Beaver Lake in April and 14th place a month earlier on Lewis Smith Lake.

Terry slipped to 83rd in EverStart competition at Toledo Bend in February, but bounced back to a 22nd place finish at Texoma in April and he is ranked 16th in the standings heading into the Texas Division Final next week on Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

“I've only fished one other tournament at San Rayburn, but I got an 8th place there last year,” said Terry who also sandwiches in some time as a student at Angelo State University where he is majoring in marketing. “Last year I was mostly fishing structure and I had a couple of key spots where I caught some good fish.”

Terry said he will check out the deep structure again when he starts practice at Sam Rayburn this weekend because he believes the tournament will be won deep.

“I want to find out where several schools with some good fish are and focus on fishing for big fish,” he said. “I really want to have a deep structure tournament to gain some experience for what is coming up next year. I like fishing that way, but I've never really had a tournament where I found them good enough and had the confidence to stay on the deep schools all day.”

He will also check out some key shallow water areas because the deep fish may be too elusive, he said.

“From what I've heard it sounds like the schools that people are winning off of are on needle-in-the-haystack spots. They are hard to find right now.”

As soon as tournament fishing slacks off Terry will jump right into his other love, guiding deer hunts until the FLW season cranks up again.

“This will be my third full year of guiding,” he said. “The last two years I was in school full time so I did not get to guide as much as I wanted to.”

This year he is taking fewer courses, mostly on-line, so he can spend as much time as possible fishing and hunting.

At Sam Rayburn next week pros will fish for a top award of $40,000 plus a Ranger Z518 with a 200-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard if Ranger Cup guidelines are met. Co-anglers will cast for a top award consisting of a Ranger Z117 with 90-horsepower Evinrude or Mercury outboard and $5,000 if Ranger Cup guidelines are met.

The EverStart Series consists of five divisions – Central, Northern, Southeast, Texas and Western. Each division consists of four tournaments and competitors are fishing for valuable points in each division that could earn them the Strike King Angler of the Year title, which allows them to fish the 2014 Forrest Wood Cup.

FLW EverStart Series Texas Division

Oct 3-5, 2013

Sam Rayburn Reservoir

The Umphrey Family Pavilion

www.flwoutdoors.com

 


Cobb Hoping To Make Second Bfl Regional This Year In Savannah River Division Final On Clarks Hill

Brandon Cobb has made it into one Walmart Bass Fishing league regional championship, now he's trying to fish his way into a second one.

Cobb, of Greenwood, S.C., finished 4th in the BFL Bulldog Division points standings to qualify for the

Regional Championship on Lake Hartwell Oct. 17-19. He is hoping to at least hold on to his 5th place in the Savannah River Division standings in the two-day final on Clarks Hill this weekend to qualify for the Regional championship next month on Lake Lanier.

“It would be a long shot for me to win the points,” said Cobb. “Even if I got a top five at Clarks Hill some of the other guys would have to slip for me to win it.”

But don't count him out of it. The points in the two-day final count and Cobb has done well on Clarks Hill in the past. He finished second in a BFL tournament on the lake in 2010, seventh in 2011 and second again this year.

In the past six years he has notched 18 top 10s in BFL competition, including first place in the Savannah River Division tournament on Lake Hartwell earlier this year, and he has wins in other series, too, all while attending Clemson University where he was a member of the Clemson University Fishing Team until he graduated last December. He also won the ABA Division 96 Championship on Lake Greenwood in August 2012.

Since 2008 he has finished no lower than 12th in the points in the Savannah River Division, with three top fives including first place in 2010. Balancing tournaments and school, Cobb has won $34,000 in BFL competition.

He expects fishing to be tough at Clarks Hill this weekend, although the cooler weather this week should get the fish more active and fishing should really pick up over the next couple of weeks, he said.

“All the high water has provided a lot of shallow cover and there is a lot of vegetation, so the fish have plenty of places to hide. The fish are shallow and there should also be some schooling activity in the lower end of the lake, judging from years past,” he said.

Cobb said that normally he would target wood cover in the shallow water this time of year, but with all the vegetation he plans to use reaction baits in those areas to locate and catch fish.

“If I can't find any shallow fish because of the high water, I will probably look for schooling fish on the points and humps,” he said. “Generally, this time of year the fish set up on the sides of the humps and off the ends of the points in 15 to 40 feet of water, waiting on the herring to come by. I'll throw a fluke and a topwater lure for those fish.”

Already in the Lake Hartwell regional through the Bulldog Division, Cobb hopes to fish his way at Clarks Hill to the Lake Lanier Regional with an eye on next year.

“I'm waiting to see how I do in those regionals. I'm debating fishing the FLW Tour next year, but if nothing else I will fish the BFLs again.”

The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for a regional tournament and compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.

Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL) - Savannah River Division Final

Sep 28-29, 2013

Clarks Hill Lake

Wildwood Park

www.flwoutdoors.com

 


Poinits Leader Says Fishing 'tough' For Choo Choo Division Bfl Final On Guntersville

This year all the Walmart BFL Choo Choo Division tournaments were held on Lake Guntersville which set up perfectly for Johnny Patterson of Grant, Ala., since he can be on the lake in five minutes from his house – and he takes full advantage of that prime location.

This year he has dominated the Choo Choo Division, winning the first tournament of the season in February and the last tournament before this weekend's two-day final in June, and sandwiching a 5th and 11th place finish in between.

So, it's no wonder he is champing at the bit to catch some fish this weekend and hold onto his first place ranking for the division. But, he admits, it's going to be tough.

“I've been on the water every weekend for the past four weeks and fishing has been tough, extremely tough. All the reports I am getting from most people is that weights are down,” he said. “But this weekend, with that many guys fishing on a lake as good as Guntersville, somebody will catch them.”

While he thinks the winning weight will be about 43 pounds for the two days, Patterson said the weights will drop off sharply from a few good limits at the top.

Patterson won the June tournament by almost three pounds, fishing a deep-water ledge for five bass that weighed 28 pounds, 14 ounces, but this tournament will probably be won shallow, he said.

“If somebody gets on some deep ledge fish they could dominate the tournament, but the question is, can they do it two days in a row? That fishing is very unpredictable this time of year.”

He said the dominant pattern this weekend probably will be typical September fishing at Guntersville – fishing heavy grass mats, either punching the mats and flipping or throwing a frog on top of the mats.

“Some guys will also catch some fish off the scattered grass, but normally the dominant pattern this time of year is flipping and frogging,” he said.

Conditions are pretty stable for the tournament, he said, with rain in the middle of the week and highs in the 80s with lows in the 60s.

“It has cooled off quite a bit with the water temperature starting to cool down. The bite has been tough, but it's going to get better and better real soon.”

The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division qualify for a regional tournament and compete to finish in the top six, which then qualifies them for one of the longest-running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the EverStart Series or even the Walmart FLW Tour.

Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL) - Choo Choo Division Final

Sep 28-29, 2013

Lake Guntersville

Goose Pond

www.flwoutdoors.com

 


Hill Wins Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing, Upgrades From Canoe To Bass Boat

After winning the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing game, Jason Hill of New Hampshire will upgrade his trusty bass fishing canoe to a high-performance bass boat.
Jason Hill has never owned a bass boat, but he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his favorite hobby of bass fishing. Instead, he strapped his canoe to the top of whatever vehicle he owned at the time — from an old sedan to an SUV — and fished the ponds and smaller bodies of water near his home in Holderness, N.H.

Now, the situation has changed. By winning Fantasy Fishing presented by Toyota on Bassmaster.com, Hill now has a fully rigged Triton bass boat, and the canoe, a gift from his grandparents long ago, will be sidelined — at least for bass fishing purposes. His new Triton 18XS boat is equipped with a Mercury 150 Pro XS motor and comes with a Triton single axle trailer, a MotorGuide trolling motor, a Lowrance HDS-5 Gen 2, a Tempest Prop and 8-foot Talon shallow water anchors. His prize also includes a $2,500 Bass Pro Shops gift card and a B.A.S.S. branded jersey, bringing the total prize package to $45,318.

“I’ve been telling myself I would buy a bass boat for years,” Hill said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted. Being a teacher, you don’t make a whole lot of money for extra things, and to win a boat, especially one that is so awesome and more than I ever would have been able to buy myself, is incredible.”

Hill, a middle school English teacher and high school soccer coach, grew up on Squam Lake (No. 76 on Bassmaster’s“100 Best Bass Lakes” list) where his grandparents and parents had pontoon boats he could fish from. Hill still lives near Squam, the place he’ll debut his shiny new boat. Lake Winnipesaukee, a fishery he doesn’t venture onto often with the canoe, probably will be his second stop.

“I really cannot believe this has happened to me,” Hill said. “I’ve never really won anything before. During the last few weeks of Fantasy Fishing, I went with a gut feeling of the guys I thought would do well. The last couple of tournaments were smallmouth events, and I leaned toward anglers who were good on smallmouth.”

Hill first started playing Fantasy Fishing a few years ago when his childhood pal and fishing buddy Joe Vanasse started a group. This year’s game on Bassmaster.com began in early 2013 and lasted until the Bassmaster Elite Series ended with the Aug. 22-25 Plano Championship Chase. To enter before each of the eight regular season tournaments, contestants choose five anglers from five different buckets into which the Elite field of 99 anglers was sorted. Each angler was worth a number of points based on his performance during the Elite season.

Hill and his buddy had a friendly rivalry to see who had better picks, but neither excelled with their choices.

“This year was pretty much the same until there were about three tournaments left in the season,” Hill said. “I realized I had gone up in the rankings to the Top 30, so each tournament I focused a little more on my picks and tried to keep in mind the percentages of ownership of each of the anglers. I figured if I made smart picks, I might have a chance to win. I really didn’t think I would until the last tournament when I was in second place. I was fortunate I picked Mark Davis, an angler not many picked, and he finished second in the last tournament. I couldn’t believe it.”

As Hill’s opportunity to win grew, so did the encouragement of Vanesse, who lives in Minneapolis, Minn. After the Plano Championship Chase, Vanesse was confident his buddy was the winner.

“He kept leaving me messages saying that I won,” Hill said. “We were waiting for the points to be updated, and I honestly thought I hadn’t won. One of my anglers (Aaron Martens) missed the weigh-in and dropped from third to 12th place. I still had three anglers in the Top 12. I kept saying no way, but he was so excited for me. He said, ‘Now you’re not going to be able to carry your boat on top of the car.’”

Hill is eager to take his best friend out on a bass fishing outing in the spring, and he has others clamoring to go out on the boat.

“We have several avid fishermen on the soccer team, and the state of New Hampshire recently adopted high school bass fishing as a sport,” Hill said. “(When the soccer team heard), they said, ‘Coach, now that you have a boat, you can be our fishing coach, too.’”

Hill, who had Aaron Martens as one of his top picks, said the Alabama pro is one of his favorite anglers.

“He’s fantastic, and he had a fantastic season,” Hill said. “I’m surprised more people weren’t picking him. Mark Davis is one of my new favorites. I don’t know a lot about him, but I plan to learn more and follow him more closely. His performance in that last tournament is part of the reason I won.”


CBC SC Regional Champs Chris Wagner and Chase Deal walk home with $30k Boat/Motor/Trailer Pkg

126 teams competed for over $60,000.00 in cash and prizes Saturday on Lake Wyle and as in a lot of cases the weather decided to change on Friday night. Early AM Saturday we were greeted with wind and with a much cooler air temp as the teams gathered at Ebenezer park but these teams have seen rain and plenty of snow this year so they are accustomed to it. We want to thank York County with their help in bring the 2013 CBC North Carolina Championship to Lake Wylie and the people at Ebenezer Park. We served SKEETER Beans along with pork chops to the teams when they were off the water. The food alone is a good reason to enter a CBC event!

Chris Wagner and Chase Deal had a special day on Lake Wylie bringing in 5 bass weighing 15.20 lbs anchored by a nice 5.33 bass. Chris and Chase took 1st place which was a 2014 SKEETER TZX190/Yamaha 175 HPDI and they were our SKEETER BONUS winners which earned them another $5,000.00. Add in another $1,000.00 they earned under the SKEETER REAL MONEY Program and their total winning in cash and prizes was pushing $40,000.00!

We paid back 22 places and the top 6 teams looked like this:

2nd went to Louie Hull and Chuck Montgomery with 5 bass weighing 14.57 lbs and they received $9,400.00.

Tim Chapman also had a great day fishing solo. Tim brought in 14.63 lbs and collected $4,000.00 for his 3rd place finish.

Jeff and KJ Queen took 4th with 5 bass weighing 14.56 lbs and they took home $2,500.00.

Charlie and Jeffrey Hanshaw traveled all the way from West Virginia to fish with us and they weighed in 5 bass at 13.92lbs and claimed 5th. They received $1,700.00.

Jason and Keith Barnes were our 6th Place team with 5 bass weighing up at 13.88 lbs and they took home $1,150.00.

Robert Branch took a demo ride in a SKEETER and that earned him $500. We will also be having SKEETER demo rides out of Portman Shores on Lake Hartwell Thursday Sept 19 and Friday Sept 20. Take a ride and you may take home $500 at the conclusion of the Hartwell weigh in.

We will award the North Carolina Division points money at the Oct 26-27 2013 CBC Classic on Lake Murray. Our Top 3 teams in the points were:

1-David & Gerald Williams

2-Steve Sink & Tony Foster

3-Nathan Webber & Paul Rigsbee

All 126 teams that entered the CBC North Division Championship this past Saturday are qualified to enter the Oct 26-27 CBC Classic on Lake Murray. Remember if you are planning on fishing the Classic on Murray your entry fee MUST be to me by mail or on line by Wed Oct 23. Any entry received by mail or on line after Oct 23rd will not be accepted. Thanks for fishing and we will see you at Lake Murray!

 

Below are the complete results from the 2013 Carolinas Bass Challenge NC Championsip on Lake Wylie:

Place           Team Name Team # Fish Weighed Net Weight Big Fish Winnings
1 Chris Wagner - Chase Deal 14 5 15.200 5.330 Skeeter TZX190
* Plus $5,000 Top Finishing Skeeter/Yamaha - Plus Additional $1,000 in Skeeter REAL MONEY!!
2 Louie Hull - Chuck Montgomery 15 5 14.870 4.050 $9,400
3 Tim Chapman 69 5 14.630 0.000 $4,000
4 Jeff Queen - KJ Queen 52 5 14.560 0.000 $2,500
5 Charlie Hanshaw - Jeffrey Hanshaw 3 5 13.920 0.000 $1,700
6 JASON BARNES - Keith Barnes 2 5 13.880 4.170 $1,150
7 William Blanton 25 5 13.880 3.360 $825
8 Patrick Tierney - Moe Freeze 109 5 13.200 3.650 $600
9 Kevin Toler - rodney lambert 51 5 13.160 0.000 $550
10 todd walters - jason threadgill 36 5 12.930 0.000 $500
11 John Davis - Mark Swink 119 5 12.670 0.000 $460
12 Paul Rigsbee - Nathan Webber 21 5 12.470 0.000 $440
13 Ronald Farrow - Mike Brehm 19 5 12.290 3.940 $425
14 Milton Yancey 91 5 12.240 0.000 $390
15 Stacey Richards - Brian Triplett 46 5 12.120 0.000 $370
16 Steve Shaw - Ken Fender 23 5 12.050 0.000 $340
17 Allen Eaker - Jason Eaker 62 5 11.940 0.000 $320
18 Nathan White - Chris Guest 27 5 11.930 0.000 $300
19 roger hoover - Scott Hamrick 44 5 11.920 0.000 $270
20 Brandon Williams - Reid Mcginn 98 5 11.750 0.000 $240
21 Larry LeHew - Shane LeHew 96 5 11.740 0.000 $220
22 Rob Digh - Robert Stiltner 5 5 11.350 4.070 $200
23 Hunter Hicks - Mike Stephens 89 5 11.200 0.000
24 Ronnie Britt - Jim Britt 35 5 10.820 0.000
25 Joshua Queen - Mike Queen 67 5 10.490 0.000
26 Rusty White - Gray Bennett 111 4 10.490 4.540
27 Jeff Coble - David Wright 105 4 10.480 0.000
28 Chris Baldwin - James Blankenship 79 5 10.470 0.000
29 Duke Denison - Jamie Denison 22 5 10.340 0.000
30 mike mcdonald - dave farrington 40 5 10.300 3.610
31 Robert Walser - Mack Lowe 84 5 10.060 0.000
32 Reginald Pickett - Larry Kirk 61 5 10.000 0.000
33 shane lineberger - jerry lineberger 64 5 9.780 0.000
34 Rick Dunstan - Cliff Kirby 59 5 9.620 0.000
35 morris ruff - Kelly Ruff 80 4 9.430 0.000
36 Kelly Logan - Jason Wilson 56 3 9.250 5.490 $1.000 
* Winners of the $1,000 Big Fish Award
37 Darren Sigmon - Brian Huffman 73 5 9.250 0.000
38 Eric Jeter - Darron Jeter 43 5 9.220 0.000
39 Eric Self - Ricky Self 54 5 9.080 0.000
40 jason dew - randall soles 118 5 9.070 0.000
41 Drew Montgomery - Kenny Seagle 93 5 9.040 0.000
42 Steve Sink - Tony Foster 37 5 9.000 0.000
43 Mark Inman - Larry Inman 100 5 8.990 0.000
44 Bryan LeFever - Wayne Sharpe 1 5 8.880 0.000
45 Robin Collins - Ronnie White 41 5 8.810 0.000
46 Todd Moss - John Schohn 12 4 8.720 3.500
47 steve harwood - steve godfrey 50 5 8.690 0.000
48 John English - Victoria English 86 4 8.630 0.000
49 Darrell Fisher - WILLIAM GREGORY 60 5 8.540 0.000
50 Jason Costner 24 5 8.510 0.000
51 David Williams - Gerald Williams 49 5 8.450 0.000
52 Billy Bledsoe - Brian McDonald 72 5 8.340 0.000
53 Dempsey Carter - Ted Mobley 39 5 8.250 0.000
54 Randy Weddington - Ronnie Smith 107 5 8.250 0.000
55 Paul Guthrie - Danny Hucks 122 4 8.060 0.000
56 Jimmy Drumm - Ben Parker 55 5 8.040 0.000
57 Wilbert Thornton - Jimmy Holland 124 3 7.060 0.000
58 Dwight Dellinger - doug dellinger 10 4 6.910 0.000
59 Jimmy Cummings - Jesse Smith 76 3 6.530 0.000
60 Matthew McBee 53 3 5.490 0.000
61 Scott Mooneyham - Skeet Bennett 82 2 4.790 0.000
62 Steve Kocell 26 2 4.340 0.000
63 Michael Riggs - Doug Stallings 4 2 4.270 0.000
64 Wayne Skipworth - Don Sprinkle 63 1 3.420 3.420
65 casey johnson - Cody Shuffler 9 2 2.670 0.000
66 Jimmy Stein 6 0 0.000 0.000
67 Jimmy Carswell - Donald Carswell 7 0 0.000 0.000
68 Terry Wien - sue wien 8 0 0.000 0.000
69 robert mabrey - kyle whisnant 11 0 0.000 0.000
70 Rory Saliger - Ivan Honeycutt 13 0 0.000 0.000
71 Joe Giampa - Derek Wynkoop 16 0 0.000 0.000
72 CHAD POTEAT 17 0 0.000 0.000
73 Brian Stowe - Shannon Stowe 18 0 0.000 0.000
74 Greg Creech - Chris McDuffie 20 0 0.000 0.000
75 Steven Austin - Roger Wood 28 0 0.000 0.000
76 Matt Stout - Mike Branch 29 0 0.000 0.000
77 Robert Branch, Jr - Gene Parker 30 0 0.000 0.000
78 Kyle Westerman - jim davis 31 0 0.000 0.000
79 Shawn Crosby 32 0 0.000 0.000
80 Corey Patton - Joshua Sanders 33 0 0.000 0.000
81 Bob Furstenberg - Chadd Eriksen 34 0 0.000 0.000
82 clay williams - david redman 38 0 0.000 0.000
83 Donald Poteat - John Allen 42 0 0.000 0.000
84 Andy Greene 45 0 0.000 0.000
85 Gordon Smith - Mike Smith 47 0 0.000 0.000
86 Thomas Vickers - Brian Huskins 48 0 0.000 0.000
87 Bill Grier - Robby Byrum 57 0 0.000 0.000
88 Mark Lamb - Rob Griswold 58 0 0.000 0.000
89 Brian Morgan 65 0 0.000 0.000
90 Billy Medlin - Rustie Davis 66 0 0.000 0.000
91 Rodney Bell 68 0 0.000 0.000
92 Nick Miller - Brandon Brickweg 70 0 0.000 0.000
93 Buster Seabolt - Ronnie Hatem 71 0 0.000 0.000
94 Mark Whitman 74 0 0.000 0.000
95 Brad Petway 75 0 0.000 0.000
96 Kevin Foster - Robert Hammonds 77 0 0.000 0.000
97 roger pope - michael smith 78 0 0.000 0.000
98 Chuck Morton - lonnie fox 81 0 0.000 0.000
99 Rob Johnson - Matt Johnson 83 0 0.000 0.000
100 Mike Scott - Chris Johnson 85 0 0.000 0.000
101 Chris Ellis - Kyle Shropshire 87 0 0.000 0.000
102 TODD GARNER - JEFF RABY 88 0 0.000 0.000
103 Steve Addington - Scott Beattie 90 0 0.000 0.000
104 Ernest Stephens - Richard Greene 92 0 0.000 0.000
105 Jerry Goble 94 0 0.000 0.000
106 Jerry Craig - Bobby Latuch 95 0 0.000 0.000
107 Barry Bost - Will Petty 97 0 0.000 0.000
108 Matt Deese - William White 99 0 0.000 0.000
109 Todd Smith - Eric Schell 101 0 0.000 0.000
110 Rod Poole - Heath Fesperman 102 0 0.000 0.000
111 Wyatt Blevins - Greg Osborne 103 0 0.000 0.000
112 John Drew - Howard Bean 104 0 0.000 0.000
113 Jerry Pruitt 106 0 0.000 0.000
114 Eddie Morton - Gerald Ritchie 108 0 0.000 0.000
115 Dennis Reedy - Jeffrey Thomas 110 0 0.000 0.000
116 Mark Beck - bill goodrich 112 0 0.000 0.000
117 Doug easton - Pete Bejte 113 0 0.000 0.000
118 Daniel Hill - Parks Jones 114 0 0.000 0.000
119 Ray Harris - James Blackstock 115 0 0.000 0.000
120 Drew Adkins - Allen Wellman 116 0 0.000 0.000
121 Larry Hipps - Jeff Hodges 117 0 0.000 0.000
122 Todd Sumner - Robert Parrish 120 0 0.000 0.000
123 dennis allen - travis allen 121 0 0.000 0.000
124 Tony Lambert - Dean Talbert 123 0 0.000 0.000
125 Glenn Sparrow - steven sparrow 125 0 0.000 0.000
126 Andy Nix - justin goodyear 126 0 0.000 0.000

Jones Win Open on Arkansas River

Chris Jones of Oklahoma, above, wins the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on the Arkansas River. Below: On the co-angler side, David Padgett of Nebraska took home the trophy. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Chris Jones got off to an ominous start this morning when his motor conked out and he had to be towed by Boat US.

When Jones got back to business at about 9:15 a.m., he relied on his knowledge of the Arkansas River to catch a 13-pound, 10-ounce limit and clinch the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open pro division title. The Bokoshe, Okla., angler finished with a three-day total of 40-1 and earned the top prize of a Nitro Z9/Mercury 225 Pro XS rig valued at $40,000 and $7,253 in cash.

“I ran every single stick that I knew where I had ever caught a 3- or 4-pounder in my life,” said Jones. “I burned a tank of gas in one pool. We just got on one little stretch where I caught five or six keepers real quick. Then we ran to one other spot, and it all happened in about a 30-minute period. I went to one other place where I had caught a big one several other times. The wind was blowing up on a point, and when I threw up there, a 4-pounder ate it.”

Each day Jones fished both grass and wood but found more fish in the wood. “The conditions changed every day. The wind was out of the south, and it was hot Thursday. Yesterday it was cloudy, and the wind pushed out of the north, and the temperature dropped 20 degrees. Today it was a high pressure front.”

Jones caught his fish a variety of ways, including throwing a Spro Bronzeye Frog in the pads and swimming a 1/2-ounce Hawg Hunter jig and a NetBait Paca Chunk. He also caught fish employing erratic retrieves with Bass Pro Shops square bill crankbaits and spinnerbaits. “You had to make the fish react,” he said.

Talala, Okla., pro Terry Butcher took second place with 39 pounds. “My biggest key to the whole week was laydowns (in 1 to 8 feet of water),” he said. Butcher mainly relied on a 3/8-ounce Booyah spinnerbait and tricked some keepers with an XCalibur 100 crankbait.

Others finishing in the Top 5 of the pro division included Trevor Romans of Texas, third, 37-15; Stetson Blaylock of Arkansas, fourth, 37-0; and Brock Mosley of Mississippi, fifth, 36-15.

Republican City, Neb., angler David Padgett won the co-angler side with 20-10 and towed home a Triton 17 Pro/ Yamaha F115LA rig worth $25,000. The software developer for the University of Nebraska Medical Center caught both of his fish the first day working a frog in the grass. The next two days he caught his keepers flipping a Poor Boy’s Tube, and he tricked a key fish today with a spinnerbait.

The Carhartt Big Bass award of $500 for the largest single bass caught during the tournament was awarded to Mosley on the pro side. John Thomas of Oklahoma won the award on the co-angler side.

The Luck-E-Strike Heavyweight honor was awarded to Mosley with 16-7 on the pro side and Randy Morris of Oklahoma on the co-angler side with 10-12. Each received a $250 Bass Pro Shops gift card.

The Livingston Lures Leader award of $250 was presented to the pro angler in the lead on Day 2, Mark Goines. The Day 2 leaders on the co-angler side, Thomas, received a Livingston Lures gift pack valued at $250.

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Arkansas River 9/19-9/21
Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1.  Chris M Jones          Bokoshe, OK             15  40-01  170  $47,253.00
Day 1: 5   13-08     Day 2: 5   12-15     Day 3: 5   13-10
2.  Terry Butcher          Talala, OK              15  39-00  169  $17,227.00
Day 1: 5   13-09     Day 2: 5   10-12     Day 3: 5   14-11
3.  Trevor Romans          Plano, TX               15  37-15  168  $12,920.00
Day 1: 5   14-09     Day 2: 5   10-05     Day 3: 5   13-01
4.  Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR              15  37-00  167  $11,560.00
Day 1: 5   12-05     Day 2: 5   11-05     Day 3: 5   13-06
5.  Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS        15  36-15  166  $10,837.00
Day 1: 5   10-04     Day 2: 5   16-07     Day 3: 5   10-04
6.  Jason Christie         Park Hill, OK           15  35-04  165   $8,613.00
Day 1: 5   13-09     Day 2: 5   10-09     Day 3: 5   11-02
7.  Brett Hite             Phoenix, AZ             13  32-13  164   $7,253.00
Day 1: 5   12-12     Day 2: 5   11-08     Day 3: 3   08-09
8.  Mark Goines            Shady Point, OK         13  32-02  163   $6,030.00
Day 1: 5   14-02     Day 2: 5   12-10     Day 3: 3   05-06
9.  E.P. Fletcher          Fort Smith, AR          13  28-15  162   $4,307.00
Day 1: 5   10-11     Day 2: 5   12-05     Day 3: 3   05-15
10. Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK            10  25-14  161   $3,967.00
Day 1: 5   15-02     Day 2: 4   09-02     Day 3: 1   01-10
11. Joel Baker             Talala, OK              11  25-04  160   $3,627.00
Day 1: 5   11-04     Day 2: 5   12-00     Day 3: 1   02-00
12. Roy Sanford            Brookeland, TX           9  24-01  159   $3,400.00
Day 1: 4   09-14     Day 2: 5   14-03     Day 3: 0   00-00
CARHARTT BIG BASS
Brock Mosley             Collinsville, MS    05-01        $500.00
HEAVYWEIGHT OF TOURN
Brock Mosley             Collinsville, MS    16-07        $250.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        50       496      1093-14
2        39       439       984-11
3         6        41        99-10
----------------------------------
95       976      2178-03

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Arkansas River 9/19-9/21
Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3

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

1.  David Padgett          Republican City, NE      8  20-10  170  $25,000.00
Day 1: 2   07-13     Day 2: 3   06-06     Day 3: 3   06-07
2.  Nick Muzljakovich      Wagoner, OK              9  20-05  169   $5,521.00
Day 1: 3   05-08     Day 2: 3   07-00     Day 3: 3   07-13
3.  Bill Bean              Eufaula, OK              8  19-07  168   $4,169.00
Day 1: 3   07-07     Day 2: 2   04-08     Day 3: 3   07-08
4.  John Thomas            Hulbert, OK              6  18-14  167   $3,317.00
Day 1: 3   09-13     Day 2: 2   07-12     Day 3: 1   01-05
5.  Clayton Coppin         Wagoner, OK              7  15-14  166   $2,591.00
Day 1: 3   06-03     Day 2: 2   04-12     Day 3: 2   04-15
6.  Steven Gloden          Henderson, TX            6  14-11  165   $2,479.00
Day 1: 3   06-12     Day 2: 3   07-15     Day 3: 0   00-00
7.  Kenneth Moser          Alba, TX                 6  12-13  164   $2,366.00
Day 1: 2   03-02     Day 2: 3   07-11     Day 3: 1   02-00
8.  John M Roberson        Shreveport, LA           5  12-05  163   $2,253.00
Day 1: 1   01-14     Day 2: 3   08-14     Day 3: 1   01-09
9.  Christian Baires       Wahiawa, HI              5  12-00  162   $2,141.00
Day 1: 2   05-00     Day 2: 3   07-00     Day 3: 0   00-00
10. Scott Bunday           Plano, TX                4  11-09  161   $1,915.00
Day 1: 2   07-13     Day 2: 2   03-12     Day 3: 0   00-00
11. Daniel Vasquez         Jackson, WY              5  11-09  160   $1,690.00
Day 1: 2   05-06     Day 2: 3   06-03     Day 3: 0   00-00
12. Randy Morris           Fort Gibson, OK          3  10-12  159   $1,827.00
Day 1: 0   00-00     Day 2: 3   10-12     Day 3: 0   00-00
CARHARTT BIG BASS
John Thomas              Hulbert, OK         05-14        $500.00
HEAVYWEIGHT OF TOURN
Randy Morris             Fort Gibson, OK     10-12        $250.00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1        21       192       420-14
2        25       169       378-11
3         3        14        31-09
----------------------------------
49       375       831-02


Mueller Rides Largemouth Bite To Victory On Lake Sebago At B.a.s.s. Nation Divisonal

Paul Mueller of Southbury, Conn., wins the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional on Sebago Lake with a three-day total of 34-14. Photo by Tyler Reed/Bassmaster
CASCO, Maine — Paul Mueller really didn’t want to fish for largemouth on Maine’s Sebago Lake. It’s not his strength. He’s much better at targeting smallmouth.

But largemouth paid off for Mueller all week, and his 13-1 sack on Day 3 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional was more than enough for him to earn the victory with a three-day total of 34-14.

“I really wanted to get to nationals,” Mueller said, referring to the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. “But winning is icing on the cake.”

Mueller and eight others earned berths in the championship by being the top competitors on their state teams. The nine anglers will journey to Russellville, Ark., to compete on Lake Dardanelle, Oct. 24-26, against their peers from other B.A.S.S. Nation chapters. One angler from each division will earn a qualification in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.

“It would be life-changing to go to the Classic,” said Mueller, who is from Southbury, Conn. “I’ve been watching The Bassmasters on TV since I was a little kid. It’s what got me into fishing.”

Mueller was fishing his fifth divisional this week, and it’s his first time qualifying for the championship. He fished his first at the age of 19. He’s now 29. “This has been 10 years in the making,” he said.

Mueller kept finding largemouth — and ones of good size, too — and the smallmouth bite never worked out for him. He caught three smallies over the three days and culled one of them. He was one of only two anglers to get a limit all three competition days. (Randy Phillips of Massachusetts was the other.)

“I only got six or seven bites a day,” said Mueller. “I like tournaments like this. I always do well in grind tournaments.”

The largemouth he found were shallow, he said, because of the full moon. He caught a 5 1/4-pound fish at 8:30 a.m. today in Turtle Cove, when he was just about to leave the area. He stuck around for another hour but didn’t get any more bites. The bass was looking for crawfish right where the rock transitioned to grass.

He left the area and found the rest of his fish near a bridge on the southern end of the lake. These fish were holding in shallow water — 1/2 to 2 feet — in grass, enjoying a plethora of bluegill and perch.

His big fish came on a Punisher SmallJaw Shaky Jig (brown) with a Rein’s Ring Craw trailer (green pumpkin/blue). He caught a big largemouth on Day 1 with the same jig and a Rein’s Fat Rock Vibe Shad. He fished the jig using a Dobyns Champion Extreme DX703SF rod, 10-pound Gamma Torque braid and 8-pound fluorocarbon leader.

A watermelon colored Yamamoto Senko tricked his other fish. He would Texas rig it in grassy areas and wacky rig it in places with less vegetation. He fished the Senko with a Dobyns Champion 704SF, 15-pound Gamma Torque braid and 10-pound fluorocarbon leader.

“It means everything to win this,” said Mueller. “I have to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There’s no way I did this on my own.”

Mueller is looking forward to Dardanelle next month. “I’ve never fished it before, but I will before the cut-off period,” he said. “We should see some big weights there.”

Joining him at Dardanelle are anglers who cut it close in their states, as well as those who ran away with it. Randy Phillips of Massachusetts is one of the anglers who won with a wide margin. He finished with 25 pounds, 11 ounces, nearly 11 pounds of his closest competitor, Ed Robak. Leo Bevelaqua won Rhode Island with a whopping 13-pound margin. And Eric Corbella Salvia of Spain had a nearly 8-pound lead over second-place Alberto Rodriguez Oliver.

Tighter races belonged to Phil Curtis of Ontario, Randy Lamanche of New York, Chris Adams of Vermont, Lawrence Hogue of Maine and Alan Denise of New Hampshire.

In the state competition, Maine held onto the lead it gained on Day 2. The host state finished with 175 pounds, 8 ounces. Just behind was the Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation with 168-12. In third place was New York with 129-2.

Carhartt Big Bass honors were awarded to Bevelaqua of Rhode Island, who brought in a 7-pound, 8-ounce monster on Day 3. He dedicated the bass to his son, Dominick, who said to him the night before, “Catch a big one for me, Daddy.”

The other award for the day went to Mueller for catching the biggest bag. Point Sebago Resort gave $300 to the biggest weight each day. Mueller’s bag was 13-1, almost a pound bigger than the next-closest sack, which was Al Gambardella’s 12-3 on Day 1.

Simultaneously, another competition was going on among the Junior Bassmaster anglers. Each state sent two competitors, one ages 11 to 14 and another ages 15 to 18, to compete on Sebago. Noah Winslow of Connecticut won the younger age group, and Brian Volkernick of Maine won the older age division. Winslow and Volkernick will make the trip alongside their adult counterparts to compete in the 2013 Bassmaster Junior World Championship (JWC), a one-day tournament that determines the best young anglers in the B.A.S.S. Nation.

Tune in to Bassmaster.com, Oct. 24-26, for coverage of the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and JWC.

2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional 9/18-9/20
Sebago Lake, Point Sebago, Maine
(ANGLER) Standings Day 3

Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts

1.  Paul Mueller           Southbury, CT (CT)      15  34-14  0
2.  Lawrence Hogue         Kennebunk, ME (ME)      13  26-01  0
3.  Randy Phillips         Oxford, MA (MA)         15  25-11  0
4.  Leo Bevelaqua          Wyoming, RI (RI)        12  24-07  0
5.  Robert Williamson      Gorham, ME (ME)         13  24-02  0
6.  Randy Lamanche         Marcellus, NY (NY)      12  23-10  0
7.  Al Gambardella         North Haven, CT (CT)    11  23-01  0
8.  Eric Corbella Salvia   Mollerusa SPAIN (ESP)   10  22-02  0
9.  Daryl Biron            South Windsor, CT (CT)  10  21-13  0
10. Alan Denise            Haverhill, MA (NH)      10  21-07  0
11. Chris O'Brien          Rochester, NY (NY)      11  19-07  0
12. Chris Adams            Rutland, VT (VT)        10  18-06  0
13. Edwin Bartlett         Casco, ME (ME)          9  18-05  0
14. George Cooper          Buxton, ME (ME)         10  18-03  0
15. Alexander Wetherell    Middletown, CT (CT)     8  17-10  0
16. Chris Simons           Cromwell, CT (CT)       10  17-04  0
17. John Wright            Concord, NH (NH)        8  17-03  0
18. Skip Sjobeck           Randolph, VT (VT)       13  16-04  0
19. Roger LaFlamme         East Waterboro, ME (ME) 6  15-09  0
20. Edward Robak           Weymouth, MA (MA)       8  14-14  0
21. Alberto Rodriguez Oliver Parets Del Valles SPAIN 6  14-14  0
22. Phil Curtis            Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA  7  14-13  0
23. James Knox             Rutland, VT (VT)        7  13-04  0
24. Greg Roth              Orono ONTARIO CANADA (O 6  13-04  0
25. Mark Desjardin         Vassalboro, ME (ME)     9  12-08  0
26. John Diaco             Rochester, NH (NH)      11  12-07  0
27. Michael Zachodny       Concord, NH (NH)        6  12-06  0
28. Fernando Lay           talaurea del reina  SPA 7  12-05  0
29. Javier Guillen Cordoba Tarragona SPAIN (ESP)   7  12-03  0
30. Larry MacPhail         Kingston Ontario CANADA 7  12-02  0
31. Dave Andrews           Hudson, MA (NH)         6  11-15  0
32. Gerard Ling            St Catherines Ontario C 7  11-11  0
33. Lewis Mendall          Wrentham, MA (RI)       5  11-08  0
34. Dave Rochette          Bracebridge CANADA (ONT 6  11-08  0
35. Garrett Kruger         Monroe, CT (CT)         6  11-07  0
36. Brian Croteau          Blackstone, MA (RI)     8  11-04  0
37. Frank Giner            Danbury, CT (NY)        8  11-03  0
38. Colleen McKay          Worcester, MA (MA)      6  10-14  0
39. Bill Rider             Standish, ME (ME)       5  10-09  0
40. David Morrissette      South Hadley, MA (NY)   9  10-09  0
41. Corey Palmer           Ogdensburg, NY (NY)     10  10-09  0
42. Joe Holland            Jefferson, ME (ME)      7  10-08  0
43. David Riquinha         New Bedford, MA (MA)    6  10-06  0
44. Mike Cusano            Clay, NY (NY)           7  09-15  0
45. Christopher Killoren   Marcellus, NY (NY)      7  09-12  0
46. Noah Winslow           Nawgatuck, CT (CT)      5  09-11  0
47. Steve Wilson           East Waterboro, ME (ME) 7  09-07  0
48. Joan Arnal             46021 Valencia SPAIN (E 5  09-03  0
49. Steve Pickard          Fulton, NY (NY)         7  09-03  0
50. Andrew MacColl         CHEPACHET, RI (RI)      5  08-12  0
51. Mark Cavanaugh         Port Perry CANADA (ONT) 5  08-12  0
52. George Yund            Glenmont, NY (NY)       8  08-06  0
53. Eric Low               Hollis Center, ME (ME)  7  08-04  0
54. William Wright         Whiting, VT (VT)        6  08-03  0
55. Bill Lindsay           Brechin Ontario CANADA  5  08-02  0
56. Chris Molineaux        Hope Valley, RI (RI)    6  07-15  0
57. Peter Demoya           Plymouth, MA (MA)       4  07-14  0
58. Dan Goulette           Milton , VT (VT)        6  07-14  0
59. Brian Volkernick       Dixfield, ME (ME)       5  07-12  0
60. Kevin Clark            Westport, MA (RI)       4  07-10  0
61. James Morris           Milford, CT (CT)        3  07-05  0
62. Emmett Mitchell        Southbury, CT (CT)      4  07-03  0
63. Tim Farrell            Hanson, MA (MA)         4  07-03  0
64. Ryan Richardson        Goffstown, NH (NH)      3  07-00  0
65. Nate Laskiewicz        Bomoseey, VT (VT)       4  07-00  0
66. Bidwood McKechnie      North Attleboro, MA (MA 6  06-15  0
67. Gabriel Shvartsman     Bethel, CT (CT)         6  06-14  0
68. Ray Meyer              Alton Bay, NH (NH)      4  06-13  0
69. Lenny Cyr              Sanford, ME (ME)        6  06-13  0
70. Martin Piacitelli      Gorham , ME (ME)        4  06-06  0
71. Brandon Wells          St Johnsbury, VT (VT)   3  06-06  0
72. John Fortier           Sanbornton, NH (NH)     3  06-02  0
73. Craig Denham           Fenlon Falls ONTARIO CA 3  06-00  0
74. Greg Tesch             Middlebury, CT (CT)     6  05-15  0
75. Enrique Bernal Morera  Rivasvacia Madrid SPAIN 5  05-13  0
76. Mark Batur             Boonville, NY (NY)      4  05-13  0
77. Timothy Dube           Nashua , NH (NH)        4  05-10  0
78. Scott McKay            Mendon, VT (VT)         5  05-10  0
79. Ray Pasquarelli        Warwick, RI (RI)        5  05-07  0
80. Brian Jarvis           Warwick , RI (RI)       4  05-06  0
81. Garry Mansholt         Brechin Ontario CANADA  4  05-06  0
82. Francisco Navarro Gonzalez LLISSA DE MUNT SPAIN (E 3  05-01  0
83. Paul Garland           New Dorham, NH (NH)     3  04-14  0
84. Jay Guidaboni          Plymouth, MA (MA)       3  04-14  0
85. Frank McCormick        Warwick, RI (RI)        3  04-13  0
86. John Stoughtenger      Waterloo, NY (NY)       4  04-08  0
87. James Jeffries         Rouses Point, NY (VT)   3  04-06  0
88. Fab Marchese           Ancaster Ontario CANADA 2  04-02  0
89. Kevin Miller           Merrimack, NH (NH)      2  03-15  0
90. Rose Jeffries          Rouses Point, NY (VT)   3  03-12  0
91. Eloy Fernandez Jofre   L'Ametlla Del Valles SP 3  03-11  0
92. Robert Jeffrey         Prospect, CT (CT)       4  03-10  0
93. Ruben Corbella Salvia  Mollerusa SPAIN (ESP)   3  03-01  0
94. John Shpack            Attleboro, MA (MA)      2  02-15  0
95. Randy Dulude           Stouffville ONTARIO CAN 1  02-12  0
96. Timothy N Thompson     New Milford, CT (NY)    2  02-10  0
97. Travis Heitzner        Orillia  Ontario CANADA 1  02-04  0
98. Max McQuiade           Tyngsborough, MA (NH)   2  02-02  0
99. Brandon Neal           Middletown, CT (CT)     2  02-01  0
100. Christopher Catucci    Warwick, RI (RI)        2  02-00  0
101. Travis Franclemont     Olean, NY (NY)          1  01-14  0
102. Wyatt Morris           Little Falls, NY (NY)   1  01-11  0
103. Patrick Hannon         Carver, MA (MA)         1  01-09  0
103. Christian Tapia        Watertown , MA (MA)     1  01-09  0
105. Curtis Cronkwright     Lakefield Ontario CANAD 1  01-07  0
106. Colin Gaudette         Saint Albans, VT (VT)   1  01-04  0
106. Cameron Rhodes         Warwick, RI (RI)        1  01-04  0
106. Bruce Veras            Foxboro, MA (MA)        1  01-04  0
109. James Picardi          Saugus, MA (MA)         1  01-02  0
110. Jack Albert            Hampton Falls, NH (NH)  1  01-01  0
110. Thomas Behen           Biddeford, ME (ME)      1  01-01  0
112. Tyler Binnie           Barrie Ontario CANADA ( 1  01-00  0
112. Philip Casto           Woonsocket, RI (RI)     1  01-00  0
112. Maxwell Danese         Franklin, MA (MA)       1  01-00  0
112. Gregory McGrath        Warwick, RI (RI)        1  01-00  0
116. Don Adams Jr.          Rutland, VT (VT)        1  00-11  0
117. Joseph Croteau         Blackstone, MA (RI)     0  00-00  0
117. Scott Downie           Danbury , CT (CT)       0  00-00  0
117. Stephen Goulette       St. Albans, VT (VT)     0  00-00  0
117. Greg Horne             Mansfield, RI (RI)      0  00-00  0
117. Eric Paul              Manchester, NH (NH)     0  00-00  0
117. Erik Rasmussen         Killington, VT (VT)     0  00-00  0
117. Eduardo Zulueta        Madrid SPAIN (ESP)      0  00-00  0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1       8        174       282-15
2       17       230       392-08
3       11       225       385-14
----------------------------------
36       629      1061-05

TEAM STANDINGS Day 3
----------------------------------
State                Lbs-Oz
1 MAINE                175-08
2 CONNECTICUT          168-12
3 NEW YORK             129-02
4 NEW HAMPSHIRE        112-15
5 ONTARIO              103-03
6 MASSACHUSETTS         98-02
7 VERMONT               93-00
8 RHODE ISLAND          92-06
9 SPAIN                 88-05

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS Day 3
CONNECTICUT
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Paul Mueller         Southbury, CT               15   34-14  0
2 Al Gambardella       North Haven, CT             11   23-01  0
3 Daryl Biron          South Windsor, CT           10   21-13  0
4 Alexander Wetherell  Middletown, CT              8   17-10  0
5 Chris Simons         Cromwell, CT                10   17-04  0
6 Garrett Kruger       Monroe, CT                  6   11-07  0
7 Noah Winslow         Nawgatuck, CT               5   09-11  0
8 James Morris         Milford, CT                 3   07-05  0
9 Emmett Mitchell      Southbury, CT               4   07-03  0
10 Gabriel Shvartsman   Bethel, CT                  6   06-14  0
11 Greg Tesch           Middlebury, CT              6   05-15  0
12 Robert Jeffrey       Prospect, CT                4   03-10  0
13 Brandon Neal         Middletown, CT              2   02-01  0
14 Scott Downie         Danbury , CT                0   00-00  0

MASSACHUSETTS
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Randy Phillips       Oxford, MA                  15   25-11  0
2 Edward Robak         Weymouth, MA                8   14-14  0
3 Colleen McKay        Worcester, MA               6   10-14  0
4 David Riquinha       New Bedford, MA             6   10-06  0
5 Peter Demoya         Plymouth, MA                4   07-14  0
6 Tim Farrell          Hanson, MA                  4   07-03  0
7 Bidwood McKechnie    North Attleboro, MA         6   06-15  0
8 Jay Guidaboni        Plymouth, MA                3   04-14  0
9 John Shpack          Attleboro, MA               2   02-15  0
10 Patrick Hannon       Carver, MA                  1   01-09  0
10 Christian Tapia      Watertown , MA              1   01-09  0
12 Bruce Veras          Foxboro, MA                 1   01-04  0
13 James Picardi        Saugus, MA                  1   01-02  0
14 Maxwell Danese       Franklin, MA                1   01-00  0

MAINE
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Lawrence Hogue       Kennebunk, ME               13   26-01  0
2 Robert Williamson    Gorham, ME                  13   24-02  0
3 Edwin Bartlett       Casco, ME                   9   18-05  0
4 George Cooper        Buxton, ME                  10   18-03  0
5 Roger LaFlamme       East Waterboro, ME          6   15-09  0
6 Mark Desjardin       Vassalboro, ME              9   12-08  0
7 Bill Rider           Standish, ME                5   10-09  0
8 Joe Holland          Jefferson, ME               7   10-08  0
9 Steve Wilson         East Waterboro, ME          7   09-07  0
10 Eric Low             Hollis Center, ME           7   08-04  0
11 Brian Volkernick     Dixfield, ME                5   07-12  0
12 Lenny Cyr            Sanford, ME                 6   06-13  0
13 Martin Piacitelli    Gorham , ME                 4   06-06  0
14 Thomas Behen         Biddeford, ME               1   01-01  0

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Alan Denise          Haverhill, MA               10   21-07  0
2 John Wright          Concord, NH                 8   17-03  0
3 John Diaco           Rochester, NH               11   12-07  0
4 Michael Zachodny     Concord, NH                 6   12-06  0
5 Dave Andrews         Hudson, MA                  6   11-15  0
6 Ryan Richardson      Goffstown, NH               3   07-00  0
7 Ray Meyer            Alton Bay, NH               4   06-13  0
8 John Fortier         Sanbornton, NH              3   06-02  0
9 Timothy Dube         Nashua , NH                 4   05-10  0
10 Paul Garland         New Dorham, NH              3   04-14  0
11 Kevin Miller         Merrimack, NH               2   03-15  0
12 Max McQuiade         Tyngsborough, MA            2   02-02  0
13 Jack Albert          Hampton Falls, NH           1   01-01  0
14 Eric Paul            Manchester, NH              0   00-00  0

NEW YORK
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Randy Lamanche       Marcellus, NY               12   23-10  0
2 Chris O'Brien        Rochester, NY               11   19-07  0
3 Frank Giner          Danbury, CT                 8   11-03  0
4 David Morrissette    South Hadley, MA            9   10-09  0
5 Corey Palmer         Ogdensburg, NY              10   10-09  0
6 Mike Cusano          Clay, NY                    7   09-15  0
7 Christopher Killoren Marcellus, NY               7   09-12  0
8 Steve Pickard        Fulton, NY                  7   09-03  0
9 George Yund          Glenmont, NY                8   08-06  0
10 Mark Batur           Boonville, NY               4   05-13  0
11 John Stoughtenger    Waterloo, NY                4   04-08  0
12 Timothy N Thompson   New Milford, CT             2   02-10  0
13 Travis Franclemont   Olean, NY                   1   01-14  0
14 Wyatt Morris         Little Falls, NY            1   01-11  0

RHODE ISLAND
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Leo Bevelaqua        Wyoming, RI                 12   24-07  0
2 Lewis Mendall        Wrentham, MA                5   11-08  0
3 Brian Croteau        Blackstone, MA              8   11-04  0
4 Andrew MacColl       CHEPACHET, RI               5   08-12  0
5 Chris Molineaux      Hope Valley, RI             6   07-15  0
6 Kevin Clark          Westport, MA                4   07-10  0
7 Ray Pasquarelli      Warwick, RI                 5   05-07  0
8 Brian Jarvis         Warwick , RI                4   05-06  0
9 Frank McCormick      Warwick, RI                 3   04-13  0
10 Christopher Catucci  Warwick, RI                 2   02-00  0
11 Cameron Rhodes       Warwick, RI                 1   01-04  0
12 Philip Casto         Woonsocket, RI              1   01-00  0
12 Gregory McGrath      Warwick, RI                 1   01-00  0
14 Joseph Croteau       Blackstone, MA              0   00-00  0
14 Greg Horne           Mansfield, RI               0   00-00  0

VERMONT
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Chris Adams          Rutland, VT                 10   18-06  0
2 Skip Sjobeck         Randolph, VT                13   16-04  0
3 James Knox           Rutland, VT                 7   13-04  0
4 William Wright       Whiting, VT                 6   08-03  0
5 Dan Goulette         Milton , VT                 6   07-14  0
6 Nate Laskiewicz      Bomoseey, VT                4   07-00  0
7 Brandon Wells        St Johnsbury, VT            3   06-06  0
8 Scott McKay          Mendon, VT                  5   05-10  0
9 James Jeffries       Rouses Point, NY            3   04-06  0
10 Rose Jeffries        Rouses Point, NY            3   03-12  0
11 Colin Gaudette       Saint Albans, VT            1   01-04  0
12 Don Adams Jr.        Rutland, VT                 1   00-11  0
13 Stephen Goulette     St. Albans, VT              0   00-00  0
13 Erik Rasmussen       Killington, VT              0   00-00  0

ONTARIO
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Phil Curtis          Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA      7   14-13  0
2 Greg Roth            Orono ONTARIO CANADA        6   13-04  0
3 Larry MacPhail       Kingston Ontario CANADA     7   12-02  0
4 Gerard Ling          St Catherines Ontario C     7   11-11  0
5 Dave Rochette        Bracebridge CANADA          6   11-08  0
6 Mark Cavanaugh       Port Perry CANADA           5   08-12  0
7 Bill Lindsay         Brechin Ontario CANADA      5   08-02  0
8 Craig Denham         Fenlon Falls ONTARIO CA     3   06-00  0
9 Garry Mansholt       Brechin Ontario CANADA      4   05-06  0
10 Fab Marchese         Ancaster Ontario CANADA     2   04-02  0
11 Randy Dulude         Stouffville ONTARIO CAN     1   02-12  0
12 Travis Heitzner      Orillia  Ontario CANADA     1   02-04  0
13 Curtis Cronkwright   Lakefield Ontario CANAD     1   01-07  0
14 Tyler Binnie         Barrie Ontario CANADA       1   01-00  0

SPAIN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Eric Corbella Salvia Mollerusa SPAIN                  10   22-02  0
2 Alberto Rodriguez Oliver Parets Del Valles SPAIN       6   14-14  0
3 Fernando Lay         talaurea del reina  SPA           7   12-05  0
4 Javier Guillen Cordoba Tarragona SPAIN                 7   12-03  0
5 Joan Arnal           46021 Valencia SPAIN              5   09-03  0
6 Enrique Bernal Morera Rivasvacia Madrid SPAIN          5   05-13  0
7 Francisco Navarro Gonzalez LLISSA DE MUNT SPAIN        3   05-01  0
8 Eloy Fernandez Jofre L'Ametlla Del Valles SP           3   03-11  0
9 Ruben Corbella Salvia Mollerusa SPAIN                  3   03-01  0
10 Eduardo Zulueta      Madrid SPAIN                      0   00-00  0


Bass Schooling On Lake Hartwell For Carolinas Bass Challenge Sc Division Championship

By the time the weigh-in is completed and prizes have been awarded in the Carolinas Bass Challenge South Carolina Division Championship on Lake Hartwell Saturday anglers will have earned well over $250,000 in the S.C. Division this year, said Brett Collins, tournament director.

With $8,000 guaranteed for first place, the average total payback at each S.C. qualifier was well over $39,000. First place averaged over $10,000 at each event, he said.

And that will not be the end of potential earnings for S.C. Division anglers this year, he added.

The full field at Lake Hartwell will qualify for the 2013 CBC Classic on Oct. 26-27 at Lake Murray, along with the teams that qualified for the North Carolina Division Championship Sept. 21 at Lake Wylie.

“First place at the CBC Classic on Lake Murray will take home a 2013 Skeeter ZX200/200YamahaSHO valued at $50,000,” said Collins. “With the teams from the North Carolina Division, we are going to have well over 200 teams for the CBC Championship at Lake Murray.”

At Lake Wylie last weekend, 126 teams competed for more than $60,000 in cash and prizes, he noted.

“Chris Wagner and Chase Deal had a special day on Lake Wylie bringing in five bass weighing 15.20 pounds, anchored by a nice 5.33 bass, to win first place which was a 2014 Skeeter TZX190/Yamaha 175 HPDI.”

They also were the Skeeter Bonus winners, taking home an additional $5,000, plus another $1,000 they earned under the Skeeter Real Money Program.

First place at Lake Hartwell will also be a 2014 Skeeter TZX190/Yamaha 175 HPDI boat package valued at more than $30,000, Collins said.

“Fishing has been picking up at Lake Hartwell, with bass starting to school. The trick is to find the schools with the largemouth bass. Spotted bass will help, but the team with some hefty largemouths will take the boat home,” Collins said.

“Flukes, Spooks and Pencil Poppers will all work on the schools. I look for 17 to 19 pounds to take first place – and there will be a lot of limits weighed in.”

Collins said Dwight and Bradford Beavers earned $1,000 as the South Carolina Division points champions, despite only one top 10 finish all season. They were 31st at Lake Murray Feb. 9, moved up to 11th at Lake Wylie March 2, then went down to 23rd at Santee Cooper March 10 and 32nd at Lake Wateree April 13. But they scored a 3rd place finish at Clarks Hill May 4 to end the season and grab the points title.

Ronnie Mueller and Wayne Frierson finished second and won $500 while Clay and Clayton Lowder earned $250 for third place in the points.

“South Carolina was our largest division, with over 380 teams fishing at least one S.C. event this past spring and we averaged 168 boats per qualifier,” Collins said. “Next year looks great for the CBC in South Carolina and we are attracting a lot of Georgia anglers to the division.”

Carolinas Bass Challenge - South Carolina Division Final

Sat, Sep 21, 2013

Lake Hartwell

Call Brett Collins 803-413-7521

www.carolinasbasschallenge.com

 


Hightower Leads Bassmaster Central Open On Home Waters

Teaser image:

Dale Hightower of Mannford, Okla., takes the lead on Day 1 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Central Divisional on the Arkansas River..  Photo by James Overstreet/BassmasterDale Hightower of Mannford, Okla., takes the lead on Day 1 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Central Divisional on the Arkansas River.. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Knowing those tight little places to flip his lures into made the difference for Dale Hightower today at the Bass Pro Shops Central Open on the Arkansas River.

The Mannford, Okla., angler lives about an hour from the river, so he relied on his knowledge of the waters to catch a five-fish limit weighing 15 pounds, 2 ounces and take the lead in the pro division. To find the bass, Hightower would make a couple of flips to certain trees and catch a keeper, then move on to the next target.

“That is just home field advantage, knowing where those little key spots are,” said Hightower, who qualified for the 2011 Bassmaster Classic through the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.

“There is so much pressure on the river, and a lot of us are fishing the same stuff,” Hightower said. “You just have to do something a little bit different and put that bait in a little bit different spot where you don’t think everybody else has hit.

 “The day started out pretty well. I had four by 8:15 and caught a lot of fish.  I didn’t have that good of a practice. It was kind of hit and miss, and I wasn’t sure what I had. I knew where some fish were and kind of laid off of them. I went out Sunday, and I didn’t even have a keeper. It was discouraging so I definitely knew what not to do.”

Staying off his better spots in practice paid off for Hightower as he caught 12 keepers today.  “I didn’t stay and burn up the same fish today so I am happy about that. Hopefully I’ve got something left in the bank for tomorrow.”

Despite breaking down and having to hitch a ride from fellow angler Mark Tyler to get his fish to the weigh-in on time, Trevor Romans finished in second place with a 14-9 limit. “Other than the boat problems, my day went pretty well,” said Romans. “I had a limit in about three hours and then kind of backed off my fish.”

The Plano, Texas, angler was able to fish for about five hours. On his way back, his motor lost power, and he had to have it towed back by the Boat US tow service.

 Rounding out the Top 5 on the pro side are Mark Goines, Shady Point, Okla., third, 14-2; Stephen Mitchell, Rinehart, La., fourth, 13-13; and Dennis Tietje, Roanoke, La., fifth, 13-11.

Hulbert, Okla., angler John Thomas leads the co-angler division with three fish weighing 9-13. “We had a better day than I expected,” he said. “We caught quite a few fish. I had five or six keepers on today.”

Thomas caught all of his fish flipping to wood.

The Greater Muskogee Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event. Takeoff on Friday and Saturday will be held at 7 a.m. CT at the Three Forks Harbor, 5201 Three Forks Road. Friday’s weigh-in will be held at 3 p.m. CT at the same location. The final day weigh-in will move to the Bass Pro Shops at 101 Bass Pro Drive, in Broken Arrow, Okla., and will be held at 4 p.m. CT.

2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Arkansas River 9/19-9/21
Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
 
   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   
 
1.  Dale Hightower         Mannford, OK             5  15-02  170
  Day 1: 5   15-02  
2.  Trevor Romans          Plano, TX                5  14-09  169
  Day 1: 5   14-09  
3.  Mark Goines            Shady Point, OK          5  14-02  168
  Day 1: 5   14-02  
4.  Stephen Mitchell       Rhinehart, LA            5  13-13  167
  Day 1: 5   13-13  
5.  Dennis Tietje          Roanoke, LA              5  13-11  166
  Day 1: 5   13-11  
6.  Terry Butcher          Talala, OK               5  13-09  165
  Day 1: 5   13-09  
6.  Jason Christie         Park Hill, OK            5  13-09  165
  Day 1: 5   13-09  
8.  Chris M Jones          Bokoshe, OK              5  13-08  163
  Day 1: 5   13-08  
9.  Ralph Laster           Lees Summit, MO          5  13-01  162
  Day 1: 5   13-01  
10. Stephen Browning       Hot Springs, AR          5  13-00  161
  Day 1: 5   13-00  
11. Bradley Hallman        Norman, OK               5  12-14  160
  Day 1: 5   12-14  
11. Jared Knuth            Wahoo, NE                5  12-14  160
  Day 1: 5   12-14  
11. Scott Suggs            Bryant, AR               5  12-14  160
  Day 1: 5   12-14  
14. Jeff Cloud             Lubbock, TX              4  12-14  157
  Day 1: 4   12-14  
15. Brett Hite             Phoenix, AZ              5  12-12  156
  Day 1: 5   12-12  
15. Shane Williams         Keithville, LA           5  12-12  156
  Day 1: 5   12-12  
17. Lisa Sternard          Clarksville, TN          5  12-09  154
  Day 1: 5   12-09  
18. Stetson Blaylock       Benton, AR               5  12-05  153
  Day 1: 5   12-05  
18. JT Kenney              Palm Bay, FL             5  12-05  153
  Day 1: 5   12-05  
20. Albert White           Crosby, TX               5  12-03  151
  Day 1: 5   12-03  
21. Rick Mabile            Pierre Part, LA          5  12-01  150
  Day 1: 5   12-01  
22. Thomas McMillan        Choudrant, LA            5  12-00  149
  Day 1: 5   12-00  
23. Randall Tharp          Gardendale, AL           5  11-08  148
  Day 1: 5   11-08  
24. Mike Norsworthy        Brandon, MS              4  11-08  147
  Day 1: 4   11-08  
25. Homer Humphreys Jr.    Minden, LA               5  11-05  146
  Day 1: 5   11-05  
26. Joel Baker             Talala, OK               5  11-04  145
  Day 1: 5   11-04  
27. Doug Anderson          Saint Louis, MO          5  11-02  144
  Day 1: 5   11-02  
27. Chad Wiley             Pineville, LA            5  11-02  144
  Day 1: 5   11-02  
29. Dustin Reneau          Mckinney, TX             5  11-01  142
  Day 1: 5   11-01  
30. Brandon Mosley         Choctaw, OK              5  11-01  141
  Day 1: 5   11-01  
31. Peter Daniels          Shreveport, LA           5  10-12  140
  Day 1: 5   10-12  
31. Tommy Murray           Bedford, TX              5  10-12  140
  Day 1: 5   10-12  
33. E.P. Fletcher          Fort Smith, AR           5  10-11  138
  Day 1: 5   10-11  
33. Darrell Newman         Bruceville, TX           5  10-11  138
  Day 1: 5   10-11  
35. James S Biggerstaff    Odessa, TX               5  10-10  136
  Day 1: 5   10-10  
36. Brian Potter           Claremore, OK            5  10-09  135
  Day 1: 5   10-09  
37. Jeff Avery             El Dorado, AR            4  10-09  134
  Day 1: 4   10-09  
38. Tommy Biffle           Wagoner, OK              4  10-08  133
  Day 1: 4   10-08  
39. Jimmy Johnson          Ganado, TX               5  10-07  132
  Day 1: 5   10-07  
40. Shannon Denson         Brandon, MS              5  10-06  131
  Day 1: 5   10-06  
41. Blake Nick             Adger, AL                5  10-05  130
  Day 1: 5   10-05  
42. Derek Fulps            Broken Arrow, OK         5  10-04  129
  Day 1: 5   10-04  
42. Jeffery Lemoine        Des Allemands, LA        5  10-04  129
  Day 1: 5   10-04  
42. Brock Mosley           Collinsville, MS         5  10-04  129
  Day 1: 5   10-04  
45. Tommy Durham           Whitney, TX              5  10-03  126
  Day 1: 5   10-03  
46. Scott Rook             Little Rock, AR          5  10-01  125
  Day 1: 5   10-01  
47. Randy Allen            Shreveport, LA           5  10-00  124
  Day 1: 5   10-00  
47. David Gillham          Heath, TX                5  10-00  124
  Day 1: 5   10-00  
49. Stacey D King          Reeds Spring, MO         4  10-00  122
  Day 1: 4   10-00  
50. Roy Sanford            Brookeland, TX           4  09-14  121
  Day 1: 4   09-14  
51. Matt Miller            Tulsa, OK                5  09-11  120
  Day 1: 5   09-11  
52. Robbie Latuso          Gonzales, LA             5  09-08  119
  Day 1: 5   09-08  
53. Roland Martin          Naples, FL               5  09-08  118
  Day 1: 5   09-08  
54. Steve Sennikoff        Forney, TX               4  09-08  117
  Day 1: 4   09-08  
55. Jeff Stevens           Flower Mound, TX         4  09-06  116
  Day 1: 4   09-06  
56. Logan Sherrer          Karnack, TX              4  09-05  115
  Day 1: 4   09-05  
57. Sandy Gaudet           Belle Rose, LA           5  09-00  114
  Day 1: 5   09-00  
58. Pete Ponds             Madison, MS              4  08-12  113
  Day 1: 4   08-12  
59. Matt Lee               Auburn , AL              4  08-06  112
  Day 1: 4   08-06  
59. Scott Mcgehee          Madison, MS              4  08-06  112
  Day 1: 4   08-06  
59. Lucas Ragusa           Gonzales, LA             4  08-06  112
  Day 1: 4   08-06  
62. Todd Castledine        Nacogdoches, TX          4  08-03  109
  Day 1: 4   08-03  
62. Webb Collums           Jackson, MS              4  08-03  109
  Day 1: 4   08-03  
64. Walter Andries         Coweta, OK               4  08-02  107
  Day 1: 4   08-02  
64. Eric L Porterfield     Tahlequah, OK            4  08-02  107
  Day 1: 4   08-02  
66. Brent Bonadona         Port Allen, LA           4  08-01  105
  Day 1: 4   08-01  
67. Terry W Peacock        Royse City, TX           4  07-15  104
  Day 1: 4   07-15  
68. Rich Dalbey            Greenville, TX           4  07-14  103
  Day 1: 4   07-14  
69. Jason Pittman          Covington, LA            3  07-12  102
  Day 1: 3   07-12  
70. Christopher Jones      Pocola, OK               3  07-10  101
  Day 1: 3   07-10  
71. Eddy May               Valley Center, KS        4  07-08  100
  Day 1: 4   07-08  
72. Michael Williamson     Fort Smith, AR           4  07-07   99
  Day 1: 4   07-07  
73. Scott Dean             Terrell, TX              3  07-06   98
  Day 1: 3   07-06  
74. Cliff Crochet          Pierre Part, LA          5  07-05   97
  Day 1: 5   07-05  
75. Gene Eisenmann         Frisco, TX               4  07-03   96
  Day 1: 4   07-03  
76. Jan Heavener           Sherwood, AR             3  07-03   95
  Day 1: 3   07-03  
77. James Niggemeyer       Van, TX                  3  07-02   94
  Day 1: 3   07-02  
78. Gary Vining            Morgan City, LA          4  07-01   93
  Day 1: 4   07-01  
79. Charlie Evans          Gilbertsville, KY        3  06-15   92
  Day 1: 3   06-15  
79. Matt Michel            Gonzales, LA             3  06-15   92
  Day 1: 3   06-15  
81. Justin Lucas           Guntersville, AL         4  06-14   90
  Day 1: 4   06-14  
82. Jerry L Hester         Coushatta, LA            4  06-14   89
  Day 1: 4   06-14  
83. Brian Clark            Haltom City, TX          3  06-12   88
  Day 1: 3   06-12  
84. Mike Kernan            Wylie, TX                3  06-10   87
  Day 1: 3   06-10  
85. Jeffrey Roberts        Brandon, MS              3  06-08   86
  Day 1: 3   06-08  
85. Kylie Sparks           Denham Spgs, LA          3  06-08   86
  Day 1: 3   06-08  
87. Carl J Cavalier        Avondale, LA             3  06-05   84
  Day 1: 3   06-05  
88. Gary Riffle            Paris, TX                3  06-05   83
  Day 1: 3   06-05  
89. Chip Porche            Bixby, OK                3  06-03   82
  Day 1: 3   06-03  
90. Gerald Spohrer         Gonzales, LA             3  06-02   81
  Day 1: 3   06-02  
91. Bob Fair               Oologah, OK              3  06-00   80
  Day 1: 3   06-00  
92. Shaye Baker            Tallassee, AL            3  05-14   79
  Day 1: 3   05-14  
92. Kenta Kimura           Livingston, TX           3  05-14   79
  Day 1: 3   05-14  
94. Kevin Short            Mayflower, AR            2  05-14   77
  Day 1: 2   05-14  
95. Lendell Martin         Nacogdoches, TX          3  05-13   76
  Day 1: 3   05-13  
96. Johnny Grice           Frisco, TX               2  05-09   75
  Day 1: 2   05-09  
97. Dewayne French         Mammoth Spring, AR       2  05-08   74
  Day 1: 2   05-08  
98. Brent Ehrler           Redlands, CA             2  05-07   73
  Day 1: 2   05-07  
99. Philip Crelia          Center, TX               3  05-05   72
  Day 1: 3   05-05  
99. Tommy Martin           Hemphill, TX             3  05-05   72
  Day 1: 3   05-05  
101. Josh Bertrand          Gilbert, AZ              3  05-02   70
  Day 1: 3   05-02  
102. Cecil Kingsley         Lawrence, KS             2  05-00   69
  Day 1: 2   05-00  
103. Robbie Dodson Jr       Harrison, AR             3  04-14   68
  Day 1: 3   04-14  
104. Ed Whaley              Montgomery, TX           3  04-12   67
  Day 1: 3   04-12  
105. Clent Davis            Montevallo, AL           3  04-10   66
  Day 1: 3   04-10  
106. Darold Gleason         Leesville, LA            2  04-10   65
  Day 1: 2   04-10  
107. James Kiser            Montgomery, TX           2  04-06   64
  Day 1: 2   04-06  
107. Mike Pharr             Shreveport, LA           2  04-06   64
  Day 1: 2   04-06  
109. Richard Lowe           Soldiers Grove, WI       1  04-06   62
  Day 1: 1   04-06  
110. Mitch Kistner          Cave Creek, AZ           2  04-05   61
  Day 1: 2   04-05  
111. Albert Collins         Nacogdoches, TX          2  04-04   60
  Day 1: 2   04-04  
111. Scott Martin           Clewiston, FL            2  04-04   60
  Day 1: 2   04-04  
113. Chad Morgenthaler      Coulterville, IL         2  04-01   58
  Day 1: 2   04-01  
113. Greg Yates             Sunnyvale, TX            2  04-01   58
  Day 1: 2   04-01  
115. Clark Reehm            Huntgington, TX          1  04-01   56
  Day 1: 1   04-01  
116. Jon Englund            Farwell, MN              2  04-00   55
  Day 1: 2   04-00  
117. Justin Kerr            Lk Havasu Cty, AZ        2  03-15   54
  Day 1: 2   03-15  
117. Jamie Laiche           Gonzales, LA             2  03-15   54
  Day 1: 2   03-15  
119. Doug Vahrenberg        Higginsville, MO         1  03-13   52
  Day 1: 1   03-13  
120. Keith Surber           Longview, TX             2  03-12   51
  Day 1: 2   03-12  
121. Joe Gensini            Hennepin, IL             2  03-11   50
  Day 1: 2   03-11  
122. Nathan Kawlewski       Genoa City, WI           2  03-07   49
  Day 1: 2   03-07  
123. Bradley Burns          Brandon, MS              1  03-04   48
  Day 1: 1   03-04  
124. Bill Lee               Harker Hts, TX           2  03-03   47
  Day 1: 2   03-03  
125. Danny D. Devries       Camp Verde, AZ           2  02-15   46
  Day 1: 2   02-15  
126. Austin Banks Jr        Madison, MS              1  02-11   45
  Day 1: 1   02-11  
126. Andy Young             Mound, MN                1  02-11   45
  Day 1: 1   02-11  
128. David Dove             Steens, MS               3  02-09   43
  Day 1: 3   02-09  
129. Derek Allen            Ponchatoula, LA          1  02-06   42
  Day 1: 1   02-06  
129. Billy McCaghren        Mayflower, AR            1  02-06   42
  Day 1: 1   02-06  
131. Joel E Barber          Brandon, MS              1  02-04   40
  Day 1: 1   02-04  
131. David Sherrer          Elm Grove, LA            1  02-04   40
  Day 1: 1   02-04  
133. Jim Dillard            West Monroe, LA          1  02-03   38
  Day 1: 1   02-03  
134. Lloyd Davenport        Stillwater, OK           1  02-02   37
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
134. Ken Iyobe              Tokoname JAPAN           1  02-02   37
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
134. Todd Murray            Baton Rouge, LA          1  02-02   37
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
137. Mohawk Martin          Plantagenet CANADA       1  02-01   34
  Day 1: 1   02-01  
137. Mook Miller            North Little Rock, AR    1  02-01   34
  Day 1: 1   02-01  
137. Tommy Robinson         Westland, MI             1  02-01   34
  Day 1: 1   02-01  
140. Scott Maness           Minden, LA               1  01-12   31
  Day 1: 1   01-12  
141. Greg Ingram            Owasso, OK               1  01-11   30
  Day 1: 1   01-11  
142. Josh Douglas           Chattanooga, TN          1  01-09   29
  Day 1: 1   01-09  
142. Todd Risinger          Crossett, AR             1  01-09   29
  Day 1: 1   01-09  
144. Carl Jocumsen          Queensland AUSTRALIA     1  01-08   27
  Day 1: 1   01-08  
145. Jason Foster           Willis, TX               5  00-00   26
  Day 1: 5   00-00  
146. Zach Bandy             Moore, OK                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Alan K Barton          Ponca City, OK           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Aaron Beshears         Van Buren, AR            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Robert Byrd            Dallas, TX               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Trait L Crist          Fort Worth, TX           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Clay Dyer              Hamilton, AL             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Marvin Ettredge        Shreveport, LA           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Eugene H Hoover        Gonzales, LA             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Teb Jones              Hattiesburg, MS          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Bo Keith               Haughton, LA             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Dustin Lester          Midland, TX              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Jason Lieblong         Conway, AR               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Mac McDaniel           Roxie, MS                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Phillip Pennington     Oologah, OK              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Duane Pittman          Prairieville, LA         0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Keith Poche            Pike Road, AL            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Michael Randolph       Austin, TX               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Roger Richter          Muskogee, OK             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Fred Roumbanis         Bixby, OK                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Martin Chance Shearwood Stigler, OK              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Patrick S Spencer      Marana, AZ               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Wesley A Strader       Spring City, TN          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Mark Tyler             Vian, OK                 0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Clark Wendlandt        Leander, TX              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
146. Bert Worrell           Hallsville, TX           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
 1        50       496      1093-14
----------------------------------
          50       496      1093-14
 
2013 BPS Bassmaster Central Open Arkansas River 9/19-9/21
Arkansas River, Muskogee, Okla.

(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
 
   Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts   
 
1.  John Thomas            Hulbert, OK              3  09-13  170
  Day 1: 3   09-13  
2.  John Moon              Brookeland, TX           3  08-02  169
  Day 1: 3   08-02  
3.  Brian Geneva           Coweta, OK               3  07-14  168
  Day 1: 3   07-14  
4.  Scott Bunday           Plano, TX                2  07-13  167
  Day 1: 2   07-13  
4.  David Padgett          Republican City, NE      2  07-13  167
  Day 1: 2   07-13  
6.  Bill Bean              Eufaula, OK              3  07-07  165
  Day 1: 3   07-07  
7.  Zack Fogle             White Oak, TX            3  07-01  164
  Day 1: 3   07-01  
8.  Matt Crawford          Ardmore, OK              3  06-13  163
  Day 1: 3   06-13  
9.  Steven Gloden          Henderson, TX            3  06-12  162
  Day 1: 3   06-12  
10. Scott Bailey           Longview, TX             3  06-11  161
  Day 1: 3   06-11  
11. Bill Benford           Phil Campbell, AL        3  06-09  160
  Day 1: 3   06-09  
11. Matt Jackson           Bixby, OK                3  06-09  160
  Day 1: 3   06-09  
13. Dustin Wrona           Tulsa, OK                3  06-05  158
  Day 1: 3   06-05  
14. Lael Rudisill          Bossier City, LA         3  06-04  157
  Day 1: 3   06-04  
15. Clayton Coppin         Wagoner, OK              3  06-03  156
  Day 1: 3   06-03  
16. Ryuichi Hasegawa       Tokoname Aichi JAPAN     3  06-01  155
  Day 1: 3   06-01  
16. Bo Rhodes              Flower Mound, TX         3  06-01  155
  Day 1: 3   06-01  
16. Jean Trahan            Lafayette, LA            3  06-01  155
  Day 1: 3   06-01  
19. David Mccoy            Okmulgee, OK             3  05-14  152
  Day 1: 3   05-14  
20. Gilbert Martinez       Borger, TX               3  05-12  151
  Day 1: 3   05-12  
21. Kevin Deshane          Midlothian, TX           3  05-11  150
  Day 1: 3   05-11  
21. J Kent                 Durant, OK               3  05-11  150
  Day 1: 3   05-11  
23. Nick Muzljakovich      Wagoner, OK              3  05-08  148
  Day 1: 3   05-08  
24. Don E Davis            Port Gibson, MS          2  05-07  147
  Day 1: 2   05-07  
24. Kenneth Ramsey         Spearsville, LA          2  05-07  147
  Day 1: 2   05-07  
26. James Little           Broken Arrow, OK         2  05-06  145
  Day 1: 2   05-06  
26. Daniel Vasquez         Jackson, WY              2  05-06  145
  Day 1: 2   05-06  
28. Eric Cooper            Jenks, OK                2  05-03  143
  Day 1: 2   05-03  
29. Andy Magoun            Ferriday, LA             2  05-01  142
  Day 1: 2   05-01  
29. Jay Moore              Fort Worth, TX           2  05-01  142
  Day 1: 2   05-01  
31. Christian Baires       Wahiawa, HI              2  05-00  140
  Day 1: 2   05-00  
31. John W Hayes           Sherwood Park ALBERTA C  2  05-00  140
  Day 1: 2   05-00  
33. Brandon Linney         Tahlequah, OK            2  04-15  138
  Day 1: 2   04-15  
34. Star Fields            Muskogee, OK             2  04-14  137
  Day 1: 2   04-14  
35. James Marion           Tulsa, OK                2  04-12  136
  Day 1: 2   04-12  
36. Ray Thomasson          ElDorado, AR             2  04-11  135
  Day 1: 2   04-11  
37. Tk Frederick Jr        Walker, LA               2  04-10  134
  Day 1: 2   04-10  
38. Austin Lang            Owasso, OK               2  04-09  133
  Day 1: 2   04-09  
39. Richard Terry          Duncanville, TX          2  04-07  132
  Day 1: 2   04-07  
40. Mike Ketcher           Stilwell, OK             2  04-05  131
  Day 1: 2   04-05  
41. Brian Dickirson        Choctaw, OK              2  04-04  130
  Day 1: 2   04-04  
41. Jeff Jerome            Mcpherson, KS            2  04-04  130
  Day 1: 2   04-04  
43. Sam A Chapman          Norman, OK               2  04-02  128
  Day 1: 2   04-02  
43. Alfred Williams        Jackson, MS              2  04-02  128
  Day 1: 2   04-02  
45. Brent Bailey           Okmulgee, OK             2  04-01  126
  Day 1: 2   04-01  
45. Tyler C South          Bonita Springs, FL       2  04-01  126
  Day 1: 2   04-01  
45. Poochie Young          West Monroe, LA          2  04-01  126
  Day 1: 2   04-01  
48. Kb Barnett             Overton, TX              2  04-00  123
  Day 1: 2   04-00  
48. Mark Cowart            Kearney, MO              2  04-00  123
  Day 1: 2   04-00  
48. Rick Vallis            Fort Smith, AR           2  04-00  123
  Day 1: 2   04-00  
48. Max Wilson             Everton, MO              2  04-00  123
  Day 1: 2   04-00  
52. Mitch Baskett          Yukon, OK                2  03-15  119
  Day 1: 2   03-15  
52. Charles Boso           Oklahoma City, OK        2  03-15  119
  Day 1: 2   03-15  
54. Ricky Benitez          Mandeville, LA           2  03-14  117
  Day 1: 2   03-14  
54. Bubba Graves           Wagoner, OK              2  03-14  117
  Day 1: 2   03-14  
54. Mason Hubanks          Cabot, AR                2  03-14  117
  Day 1: 2   03-14  
57. Skip Ibbotson          Green Forest, AR         2  03-11  114
  Day 1: 2   03-11  
58. Jason Crooks           Mansfield, LA            2  03-10  113
  Day 1: 2   03-10  
58. Robert Fortner         Conway, AR               2  03-10  113
  Day 1: 2   03-10  
60. Eric Ray Fairless      Panama, OK               2  03-09  111
  Day 1: 2   03-09  
60. Chip Gennaro           Wesson, MS               2  03-09  111
  Day 1: 2   03-09  
62. Craig Duvall           Denham Springs, LA       1  03-09  109
  Day 1: 1   03-09  
63. Christopher Wilson     Columbia, LA             2  03-05  108
  Day 1: 2   03-05  
64. Boots Neiburg          Blair, NE                1  03-03  107
  Day 1: 1   03-03  
65. Kenneth Moser          Alba, TX                 2  03-02  106
  Day 1: 2   03-02  
66. Jason Lawson           Corrigan, TX             1  03-01  105
  Day 1: 1   03-01  
67. Lloyd L Landry         Luling, LA               1  02-15  104
  Day 1: 1   02-15  
68. Edward Barton          Vian, OK                 1  02-12  103
  Day 1: 1   02-12  
69. Terrell Foster         Natchez, MS              1  02-10  102
  Day 1: 1   02-10  
69. Jody Herring           Meadville, MS            1  02-10  102
  Day 1: 1   02-10  
71. Troy Enmeier           Enid, OK                 1  02-09  100
  Day 1: 1   02-09  
72. Michael Kent Robinson  Carter, OK               1  02-08   99
  Day 1: 1   02-08  
73. Steve Corbin           Bacliff, TX              1  02-07   98
  Day 1: 1   02-07  
74. Jerod Keith            Haughton, LA             1  02-06   97
  Day 1: 1   02-06  
74. Larry Leeds            Muskogee, OK             1  02-06   97
  Day 1: 1   02-06  
76. Pete Jones             Muskogee, OK             1  02-05   95
  Day 1: 1   02-05  
77. Will Major             Port Allen, LA           1  02-04   94
  Day 1: 1   02-04  
77. Nick Milligan          Muskogee, OK             1  02-04   94
  Day 1: 1   02-04  
77. Brian Schuler          Azle, TX                 1  02-04   94
  Day 1: 1   02-04  
80. Larry Crist            Fort Worth, TX           1  02-03   91
  Day 1: 1   02-03  
81. Billy Dehart           Burlingame, CA           1  02-02   90
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
81. Southpaw Foley         Mooresville, NC          1  02-02   90
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
81. Virgil L Lang          Collinsville, OK         1  02-02   90
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
81. Jason Manuel           Denham Springs, LA       1  02-02   90
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
81. Danny Montgomery       Ft Worth, TX             1  02-02   90
  Day 1: 1   02-02  
86. Bill Hudson            Norman, OK               1  02-01   85
  Day 1: 1   02-01  
86. Billy LeeBrick         Muskogee, OK             1  02-01   85
  Day 1: 1   02-01  
88. Keith Glasby           Ovilla, TX               1  02-00   83
  Day 1: 1   02-00  
88. Rick Parker            Kaufman, TX              1  02-00   83
  Day 1: 1   02-00  
88. Micah Tindall          Mammoth Spring, AR       1  02-00   83
  Day 1: 1   02-00  
91. Jake Barnard           Lebanon, IN              1  01-15   80
  Day 1: 1   01-15  
91. Bob Walton             Longview, TX             1  01-15   80
  Day 1: 1   01-15  
93. John M Roberson        Shreveport, LA           1  01-14   78
  Day 1: 1   01-14  
93. Pig Savario            Prairieville, LA         1  01-14   78
  Day 1: 1   01-14  
93. Tony Velasco           Little Elm, TX           1  01-14   78
  Day 1: 1   01-14  
93. Keith White            Jasper, TX               1  01-14   78
  Day 1: 1   01-14  
97. Bradley Biggerstaff    Odessa, TX               1  01-13   74
  Day 1: 1   01-13  
97. Farrell Coppin         Wagoner, OK              1  01-13   74
  Day 1: 1   01-13  
97. Ryan Wilson            Conroe, TX               1  01-13   74
  Day 1: 1   01-13  
100. John D Jamison         Muskogee, OK             1  01-12   71
  Day 1: 1   01-12  
101. Ken Coats              Tulsa, OK                1  01-11   70
  Day 1: 1   01-11  
101. Kevin L Flurry         Roland, OK               1  01-11   70
  Day 1: 1   01-11  
103. Stephen Hall           Oologah, OK              1  01-10   68
  Day 1: 1   01-10  
103. Josh Wages             Mooreland, OK            1  01-10   68
  Day 1: 1   01-10  
105. Brandon Clayton        Springtown, TX           1  01-07   66
  Day 1: 1   01-07  
106. Kerry Trent            Dodge City, KS           1  01-06   65
  Day 1: 1   01-06  
107. Matt J Gnoth           Sharon, KS               2  00-01   64
  Day 1: 2   00-01  
108. Bennie Anderson        Grand Prairie, TX        0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Ryan Barnes            Fort Collins, CO         0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Wyatt Beavers          Soddy Daisy, TN          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Buckly Binder          Woodward, OK             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Gilles Brassard        Rockland CANADA          0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Randy E Clark          Pascagoula, MS           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Nate Conklin           Davenport, IA            0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Rodney Copeland        Sallisaw, OK             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jonathan Cox           Moore, OK                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jeremy Creel           Meridian, MS             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Craig Crim             Victoria, TX             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Kent Dotson            Clever, MO               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jack Evans             Bucklin, KS              0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Garry L Fisher         Wylie, TX                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jeff Flaherty          Moline, IL               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jacques Fleischmann    Lampe, MO                0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Ronnie Gibson          Huntsville, TX           0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jim Gilbert            Forney, TX               0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Stanley Grice          Kentwood, LA             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Brent Haggard          Gans, OK                 0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Charles Heavener       Lakeview, AR             0  00-00    0
  Day 1: 0   00-00  
108. Jeff Hoff              Sealy, TX              &nb


Paul Mueller Takes Over At Bassmaster Nation Divisional On Sebago

Paul Mueller of Southbury, Conn., leads with a two-day total of 21-13 on Day 2 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional on Sebago Lake in Maine. Photo by Tyler Reed/Bassmaster

CASCO, Maine — A Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation team member leads the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional after Thursday’s competition. This time, it’s Connecticut’s Paul Mueller, who overtook the top spot from his teammate, Al Gambardella, on Maine’s Sebago Lake.

Mueller, a guide on Candlewood Lake, brought in 10 pounds, 6 ounces on Day 1 to land in second place. On Day 2, he added 11-7.

“Yesterday, all my bass were cookie cutters,” said Mueller, referring to his Wednesday limit of 2-pounders. “Today, I had a 4-pounder.”

A 5-7 bass helped Gambardella on Day 1, but he brought in a limit of small fish on Day 2. Gambardella is only 4 ounces behind Mueller, though, so it’s still anyone’s game.

“I need to slow down, grind it out and see what happens,” said Gambardella.

Mueller agrees that it will be a grind, but he’s looking for that one big fish to keep him at the top.

“On this lake, one 6- or 7-pounder will seal the deal,” said Mueller.

That weight seemed unbelievable at the beginning of the Day 2 weigh-in. Jimmy Lowe, the tournament director for the Maine B.A.S.S. Nation and the weighmaster for this event, said he expected to see a 6-pounder brought to the scales. The crowd laughed. When asked to vote if a 6-pounder would cross the stage on Day 2, only three people raised their hands.
Lowe was right. Lewis Mendall of Rhode Island hoisted a 6-1 beauty near the end of the weigh-in. He’s currently in the lead for Carhartt Big Bass honors. The angler who catches the biggest bass of the tournament will take home $500.
So when Mueller says a 6- or 7-pounder is what he’s looking for on the final day, he might be right.

“The potential is there,” he said. Mueller wanted to catch smallmouth, but he hasn’t been able to find the right ones. “If the wind blows tomorrow, I can put smallmouth in the equation. It takes wind to get them to position right.

“The fish are on the move in a weird transition. They’re suspended — not on a bank and not schooled. They’re kind of isolated and very spooky.

“I’m just going to fish the conditions, the way I’ve been doing,” continued Mueller. “The fish are repositioning every day. It’s a grind.”

As tournament leader, Mueller is also tops on his state team. If Mueller’s lead in Connecticut holds up, he’ll join his colleagues from other states at the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark., Oct. 24-26. Other state leaders at the end of Day 2 are Lawrence Hogue, Maine; Randy Phillips, Massachusetts; John Wright, New Hampshire; Randy Lamanche, New York; Larry MacPhail, Ontario; Leo Bevelaqua, Rhode Island; Eric Corbella Salvia, Spain; and Skip Sjobeck, Vermont.

Connecticut fell from first place on Day 1 to the host state, Maine, which now leads the state competition with 116 pounds, 9 ounces. Connecticut is still in the race with 110-13, and New York is in third with 81-4.

As leader on Day 2, Mueller wins the $250 Livingston Lures Leader Award. Point Sebago Resort awards $300 to the angler with the biggest bag each day. For Day 2, that prize went to John Wright of New Hampshire, who brought in 11 pounds, 12 ounces.

Tune in Friday for the final day of competition on Bassmaster.com. The adults will be joined on stage by competitors in the one-day Junior Bassmaster tournament. Launch takes place at 6:15 a.m. ET at Point Sebago Resort in Casco, Maine, and the weigh-in will be in the same place at 2:15 p.m. ET.

2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional 9/18-9/20
Sebago Lake, Point Sebago, Maine
(ANGLER) Standings Day 2
Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts
1.  Paul Mueller           Southbury, CT (CT)      10  21-13  0
2.  Al Gambardella         North Haven, CT (CT)    10  21-09  0
3.  Randy Phillips         Oxford, MA (MA)         10  18-06  0
4.  Lawrence Hogue         Kennebunk, ME (ME)      8  17-08  0
5.  Randy Lamanche         Marcellus, NY (NY)      8  16-09  0
6.  George Cooper          Buxton, ME (ME)         8  15-10  0
7.  Roger Laflamme         East Waterboro, ME (ME) 6  15-09  0
8.  Eric Corbella Salvia   Mollerusa SPAIN (ESP)   7  14-15  0
9.  Alexander Wetherell    Middletown, CT (CT)     7  14-06  0
10. Robert Williamson      Gorham, ME (ME)         8  14-01  0
11. Chris O'Brien          Rochester, NY (NY)      7  13-14  0
12. Leo Bevelaqua          Wyoming, RI (RI)        8  13-13  0
13. John Wright            Concord, NH (NH)        6  13-12  0
14. Skip Sjobeck           Randolph, VT (VT)       10  13-04  0
15. Edwin Bartlett         Casco, ME (ME)          7  12-13  0
16. Alan Denise            Haverhill, MA (NH)      7  12-06  0
17. Larry MacPhail         Kingston Ontario CANADA 7  12-02  0
18. Edward Robak           Weymouth, MA (MA)       6  12-01  0
19. Garrett Kruger         Monroe, CT (CT)         6  11-07  0
20. Chris Simons           Cromwell, CT (CT)       7  11-05  0
21. David Riquinha         New Bedford, MA (MA)    6  10-06  0
22. John Diaco             Rochester, NH (NH)      9  10-01  0
23. Alberto Rodriguez Oliver Parets Del Valles SPAIN 4  09-12  0
24. Joan Arnal             46021 Valencia SPAIN (E 5  09-03  0
25. Fernando Lay           talaurea del reina  SPA 5  09-03  0
26. Daryl Biron            South Windsor, CT (CT)  5  09-02  0
27. Bill Rider             Standish, ME (ME)       4  08-14  0
28. Mark Desjardin         Vassalboro, ME (ME)     7  08-13  0
29. David Morrissette      South Hadley, MA (NY)   7  08-12  0
30. Bill Lindsay           Brechin Ontario CANADA  5  08-02  0
31. Dave Andrews           Hudson, MA (NH)         4  08-02  0
32. Phil Curtis            Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA  4  08-00  0
33. Kevin Clark            Westport, MA (RI)       4  07-10  0
34. Javier Guillen Cordoba Tarragona SPAIN (ESP)   5  07-09  0
35. Michael Zachodny       Concord, NH (NH)        4  07-07  0
36. Frank Giner            Danbury, CT (NY)        6  07-05  0
37. James Morris           Milford, CT (CT)        3  07-05  0
38. Chris Adams            Rutland, VT (VT)        5  07-03  0
39. Lewis Mendall          Wrentham, MA (RI)       2  07-01  0
40. Mike Cusano            Clay, NY (NY)           5  06-13  0
41. Corey Palmer           Ogdensburg, NY (NY)     6  06-11  0
42. Greg Roth              Orono ONTARIO CANADA (O 3  06-10  0
43. Martin Piacitelli      Gorham , ME (ME)        4  06-06  0
44. Steve Wilson           East Waterboro, ME (ME) 4  06-04  0
45. John Fortier           Sanbornton, NH (NH)     3  06-02  0
46. Peter Demoya           Plymouth, MA (MA)       2  05-13  0
47. Bidwood McKechnie      North Attleboro, MA (MA 5  05-13  0
48. Ray Meyer              Alton Bay, NH (NH)      3  05-09  0
49. Dan Goulette           Milton , VT (VT)        4  05-07  0
50. Ray Pasquarelli        Warwick, RI (RI)        5  05-07  0
51. Gabriel Shvartsman     Bethel, CT (CT)         5  05-06  0
52. Joe Holland            Jefferson, ME (ME)      3  05-04  0
53. James Knox             Rutland, VT (VT)        4  05-03  0
54. Gerard Ling            St Catherines Ontario C 4  05-02  0
55. Nate Laskiewicz        Bomoseey, VT (VT)       2  04-15  0
56. Jay Guidaboni          Plymouth, MA (MA)       3  04-14  0
57. Christopher Killoren   Marcellus, NY (NY)      4  04-14  0
58. Andrew MacColl         CHEPACHET, RI (RI)      3  04-10  0
59. Brian Croteau          Blackstone, MA (RI)     3  04-10  0
60. Dave Rochette          Bracebridge CANADA (ONT 3  04-08  0
61. Enrique Bernal Morera  Rivasvacia Madrid SPAIN 4  04-08  0
62. Tim Farrell            Hanson, MA (MA)         1  04-06  0
63. Mark Cavanaugh         Port Perry CANADA (ONT) 2  04-05  0
64. Timothy Dube           Nashua , NH (NH)        3  04-05  0
65. Steve Pickard          Fulton, NY (NY)         3  04-05  0
66. Brian Jarvis           Warwick , RI (RI)       3  04-03  0
67. Chris Molineaux        Hope Valley, RI (RI)    4  04-02  0
68. Greg Tesch             Middlebury, CT (CT)     4  03-14  0
69. Rose Jeffries          Rouses Point, NY (VT)   3  03-12  0
70. Frank McCormick        Warwick, RI (RI)        2  03-12  0
71. Garry Mansholt         Brechin Ontario CANADA  3  03-11  0
72. Colleen McKay          Worcester, MA (MA)      3  03-10  0
73. Ryan Richardson        Goffstown, NH (NH)      2  03-09  0
74. John Stoughtenger      Waterloo, NY (NY)       3  03-07  0
75. Scott McKay            Mendon, VT (VT)         3  03-03  0
76. Eric Low               Hollis Center, ME (ME)  2  03-03  0
77. Craig Denham           Fenlon Falls ONTARIO CA 2  03-01  0
78. George Yund            Glenmont, NY (NY)       3  03-00  0
79. Mark Batur             Boonville, NY (NY)      3  03-00  0
80. William Wright         Whiting, VT (VT)        3  02-13  0
81. Randy Dulude           Stouffville ONTARIO CAN 1  02-12  0
82. Eloy Fernandez Jofre   L'Ametlla Del Valles SP 2  02-11  0
83. Timothy N Thompson     New Milford, CT (NY)    2  02-10  0
84. Robert Jeffrey         Prospect, CT (CT)       3  02-09  0
85. Lenny Cyr              Sanford, ME (ME)        2  02-04  0
86. Brandon Neal           Middletown, CT (CT)     2  02-01  0
87. Francisco Navarro Gonzalez LLISSA DE MUNT SPAIN (E 1  02-00  0
88. Patrick Hannon         Carver, MA (MA)         1  01-09  0
89. Curtis Cronkwright     Lakefield Ontario CANAD 1  01-07  0
90. Kevin Miller           Merrimack, NH (NH)      1  01-05  0
91. Ruben Corbella Salvia  Mollerusa SPAIN (ESP)   1  01-03  0
92. James Picardi          Saugus, MA (MA)         1  01-02  0
93. Philip Casto           Woonsocket, RI (RI)     1  01-00  0
93. Gregory McGrath        Warwick, RI (RI)        1  01-00  0
95. Paul Garland           New Dorham, NH (NH)     1  00-15  0
96. Fab Marchese           Ancaster Ontario CANADA 1  00-13  0
97. Don Adams Jr.          Rutland, VT (VT)        1  00-11  0
98. Jack Albert            Hampton Falls, NH (NH)  0  00-00  0
98. Thomas Behen           Biddeford, ME (ME)      0  00-00  0
98. Tyler Binnie           Barrie Ontario CANADA ( 0  00-00  0
98. Christopher Catucci    Warwick, RI (RI)        0  00-00  0
98. Joseph Croteau         Blackstone, MA (RI)     0  00-00  0
98. Maxwell Danese         Franklin, MA (MA)       0  00-00  0
98. Scott Downie           Danbury , CT (CT)       0  00-00  0
98. Travis Franclemont     Olean, NY (NY)          0  00-00  0
98. Colin Gaudette         Saint Albans, VT (VT)   0  00-00  0
98. Stephen Goulette       St. Albans, VT (VT)     0  00-00  0
98. Travis Heitzner        Orillia  Ontario CANADA 0  00-00  0
98. Greg Horne             Mansfield, RI (RI)      0  00-00  0
98. James Jeffries         Rouses Point, NY (VT)   0  00-00  0
98. Max McQuiade           Tyngsborough, MA (NH)   0  00-00  0
98. Emmett Mitchell        Southbury, CT (CT)      0  00-00  0
98. Wyatt Morris           Little Falls, NY (NY)   0  00-00  0
98. Eric Paul              Manchester, NH (NH)     0  00-00  0
98. Erik Rasmussen         Killington, VT (VT)     0  00-00  0
98. Cameron Rhodes         Warwick, RI (RI)        0  00-00  0
98. John Shpack            Attleboro, MA (MA)      0  00-00  0
98. Christian Tapia        Watertown , MA (MA)     0  00-00  0
98. Bruce Veras            Foxboro, MA (MA)        0  00-00  0
98. Brian Volkernick       Dixfield, ME (ME)       0  00-00  0
98. Brandon Wells          St Johnsbury, VT (VT)   0  00-00  0
98. Noah  Scott Winslow    Nawgatuck, CT (CT)      0  00-00  0
98. Eduardo Zulueta        Madrid SPAIN (ESP)      0  00-00  0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1       8        174       282-15
2       17       230       392-08
----------------------------------
25       404       675-07

TEAM STANDINGS Day 2
----------------------------------
State                Lbs-Oz
1 MAINE                116-09
2 CONNECTICUT          110-13
3 NEW YORK              81-04
4 NEW HAMPSHIRE         73-09
5 MASSACHUSETTS         68-00
6 SPAIN                 61-00
7 ONTARIO               60-09
8 RHODE ISLAND          57-04
9 VERMONT               46-07

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS Day 2
CONNECTICUT
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Paul Mueller         Southbury, CT               10   21-13  0
2 Al Gambardella       North Haven, CT             10   21-09  0
3 Alexander Wetherell  Middletown, CT              7   14-06  0
4 Garrett Kruger       Monroe, CT                  6   11-07  0
5 Chris Simons         Cromwell, CT                7   11-05  0
6 Daryl Biron          South Windsor, CT           5   09-02  0
7 James Morris         Milford, CT                 3   07-05  0
8 Gabriel Shvartsman   Bethel, CT                  5   05-06  0
9 Greg Tesch           Middlebury, CT              4   03-14  0
10 Robert Jeffrey       Prospect, CT                3   02-09  0
11 Brandon Neal         Middletown, CT              2   02-01  0
12 Scott Downie         Danbury , CT                0   00-00  0
12 Emmett Mitchell      Southbury, CT               0   00-00  0
12 Noah  Scott Winslow  Nawgatuck, CT               0   00-00  0

MASSACHUSETTS
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Randy Phillips       Oxford, MA                  10   18-06  0
2 Edward Robak         Weymouth, MA                6   12-01  0
3 David Riquinha       New Bedford, MA             6   10-06  0
4 Peter Demoya         Plymouth, MA                2   05-13  0
5 Bidwood McKechnie    North Attleboro, MA         5   05-13  0
6 Jay Guidaboni        Plymouth, MA                3   04-14  0
7 Tim Farrell          Hanson, MA                  1   04-06  0
8 Colleen McKay        Worcester, MA               3   03-10  0
9 Patrick Hannon       Carver, MA                  1   01-09  0
10 James Picardi        Saugus, MA                  1   01-02  0
11 Maxwell Danese       Franklin, MA                0   00-00  0
11 John Shpack          Attleboro, MA               0   00-00  0
11 Christian Tapia      Watertown , MA              0   00-00  0
11 Bruce Veras          Foxboro, MA                 0   00-00  0

MAINE
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Lawrence Hogue       Kennebunk, ME               8   17-08  0
2 George Cooper        Buxton, ME                  8   15-10  0
3 Roger Laflamme       East Waterboro, ME          6   15-09  0
4 Robert Williamson    Gorham, ME                  8   14-01  0
5 Edwin Bartlett       Casco, ME                   7   12-13  0
6 Bill Rider           Standish, ME                4   08-14  0
7 Mark Desjardin       Vassalboro, ME              7   08-13  0
8 Martin Piacitelli    Gorham , ME                 4   06-06  0
9 Steve Wilson         East Waterboro, ME          4   06-04  0
10 Joe Holland          Jefferson, ME               3   05-04  0
11 Eric Low             Hollis Center, ME           2   03-03  0
12 Lenny Cyr            Sanford, ME                 2   02-04  0
13 Thomas Behen         Biddeford, ME               0   00-00  0
13 Brian Volkernick     Dixfield, ME                0   00-00  0

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 John Wright          Concord, NH                 6   13-12  0
2 Alan Denise          Haverhill, MA               7   12-06  0
3 John Diaco           Rochester, NH               9   10-01  0
4 Dave Andrews         Hudson, MA                  4   08-02  0
5 Michael Zachodny     Concord, NH                 4   07-07  0
6 John Fortier         Sanbornton, NH              3   06-02  0
7 Ray Meyer            Alton Bay, NH               3   05-09  0
8 Timothy Dube         Nashua , NH                 3   04-05  0
9 Ryan Richardson      Goffstown, NH               2   03-09  0
10 Kevin Miller         Merrimack, NH               1   01-05  0
11 Paul Garland         New Dorham, NH              1   00-15  0
12 Jack Albert          Hampton Falls, NH           0   00-00  0
12 Max McQuiade         Tyngsborough, MA            0   00-00  0
12 Eric Paul            Manchester, NH              0   00-00  0

NEW YORK
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Randy Lamanche       Marcellus, NY               8   16-09  0
2 Chris O'Brien        Rochester, NY               7   13-14  0
3 David Morrissette    South Hadley, MA            7   08-12  0
4 Frank Giner          Danbury, CT                 6   07-05  0
5 Mike Cusano          Clay, NY                    5   06-13  0
6 Corey Palmer         Ogdensburg, NY              6   06-11  0
7 Christopher Killoren Marcellus, NY               4   04-14  0
8 Steve Pickard        Fulton, NY                  3   04-05  0
9 John Stoughtenger    Waterloo, NY                3   03-07  0
10 George Yund          Glenmont, NY                3   03-00  0
11 Mark Batur           Boonville, NY               3   03-00  0
12 Timothy N Thompson   New Milford, CT             2   02-10  0
13 Travis Franclemont   Olean, NY                   0   00-00  0
13 Wyatt Morris         Little Falls, NY            0   00-00  0

RHODE ISLAND
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Leo Bevelaqua        Wyoming, RI                 8   13-13  0
2 Kevin Clark          Westport, MA                4   07-10  0
3 Lewis Mendall        Wrentham, MA                2   07-01  0
4 Ray Pasquarelli      Warwick, RI                 5   05-07  0
5 Andrew MacColl       CHEPACHET, RI               3   04-10  0
6 Brian Croteau        Blackstone, MA              3   04-10  0
7 Brian Jarvis         Warwick , RI                3   04-03  0
8 Chris Molineaux      Hope Valley, RI             4   04-02  0
9 Frank McCormick      Warwick, RI                 2   03-12  0
10 Philip Casto         Woonsocket, RI              1   01-00  0
10 Gregory McGrath      Warwick, RI                 1   01-00  0
12 Christopher Catucci  Warwick, RI                 0   00-00  0
12 Joseph Croteau       Blackstone, MA              0   00-00  0
12 Greg Horne           Mansfield, RI               0   00-00  0
12 Cameron Rhodes       Warwick, RI                 0   00-00  0

VERMONT
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Skip Sjobeck         Randolph, VT                10   13-04  0
2 Chris Adams          Rutland, VT                 5   07-03  0
3 Dan Goulette         Milton , VT                 4   05-07  0
4 James Knox           Rutland, VT                 4   05-03  0
5 Nate Laskiewicz      Bomoseey, VT                2   04-15  0
6 Rose Jeffries        Rouses Point, NY            3   03-12  0
7 Scott McKay          Mendon, VT                  3   03-03  0
8 William Wright       Whiting, VT                 3   02-13  0
9 Don Adams Jr.        Rutland, VT                 1   00-11  0
10 Colin Gaudette       Saint Albans, VT            0   00-00  0
10 Stephen Goulette     St. Albans, VT              0   00-00  0
10 James Jeffries       Rouses Point, NY            0   00-00  0
10 Erik Rasmussen       Killington, VT              0   00-00  0
10 Brandon Wells        St Johnsbury, VT            0   00-00  0

ONTARIO
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Larry MacPhail       Kingston Ontario CANADA     7   12-02  0
2 Bill Lindsay         Brechin Ontario CANADA      5   08-02  0
3 Phil Curtis          Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA      4   08-00  0
4 Greg Roth            Orono ONTARIO CANADA        3   06-10  0
5 Gerard Ling          St Catherines Ontario        4   05-02  0
6 Dave Rochette        Bracebridge CANADA          3   04-08  0
7 Mark Cavanaugh       Port Perry CANADA           2   04-05  0
8 Garry Mansholt       Brechin Ontario CANADA      3   03-11  0
9 Craig Denham         Fenlon Falls ONTARIO CA      2   03-01  0
10 Randy Dulude         Stouffville ONTARIO CAN      1   02-12  0
11 Curtis Cronkwright   Lakefield Ontario CANAD     1   01-07  0
12 Fab Marchese         Ancaster Ontario CANADA     1   00-13  0
13 Tyler Binnie         Barrie Ontario CANADA       0   00-00  0
13 Travis Heitzner      Orillia  Ontario CANADA     0   00-00  0

SPAIN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Eric Corbella Salvia Mollerusa SPAIN                    7   14-15  0
2 Alberto Rodriguez Oliver Parets Del Valles SPAIN        4   09-12  0
3 Joan Arnal           46021 Valencia SPAIN               5   09-03  0
4 Fernando Lay         talaurea del reina  SPA            5   09-03  0
5 Javier Guillen Cordoba Tarragona SPAIN                  5   07-09  0
6 Enrique Bernal Morera Rivasvacia Madrid SPAIN           4   04-08  0
7 Eloy Fernandez Jofre L'Ametlla Del Valles SP            2   02-11  0
8 Francisco Navarro Gonzalez LLISSA DE MUNT SPAIN         1   02-00  0
9 Ruben Corbella Salvia Mollerusa SPAIN                   1   01-03  0
10 Eduardo Zulueta      Madrid SPAIN                       0   00-00  0


Carolina's Bass Challenge Sc Div Championship Preview With Director Brett Collins!

CBC Tournament Director Brett Collins joins us to previw the SC Div Regional on Lake Hartwell this coming Sat..with lake levels stable and conditions good, look for some solid weights to come in with one team going home with a $30,000 Boat/Motor/Trailer pkg! Brett previews the big day.....................


Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic On Lake Murray Kicks Off Oakley Big Bass Tour's Fall Schedule

The first annual Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic on Lake Murray drew 290 anglers in September 2012 and the second annual hourly payout event on on the lake Sept. 28-29 is expected to draw well over 300, said Mark Jones with the Oakley Big Bass Tour.

“We had increased entries in every event we held in the spring and early entries are up for all four of our fall tournaments, including the Jason Williamson Big Bass tournament, so we expect quite a bigger field at Lake Murray this year,” Jones said.

Lake Murray is the first stop on the fall swing for the Oakley Big Bass Tour, he noted.

“After Lake Murray, we are off for a week and then we have them back-to-back-to-back, with the Gerald Swindle Big Bass Tournament on Lake Guntersville, followed by the Rusty Wallace Big Bass Tournament on Douglas Lake, and then the next week after that we head to Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma for the Quantum Big Bass Event.”

The format provides hourly payouts for weigh-ins during the 8-9 a.m., 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-12 noon, 12-1 p.m., 1-2 p.m., and 2-3 p.m. time periods both days of the tournament. Jones noted that prizes were increased across the board for 2013, with the top weight each hour worth $1,000, up from $500 last year, followed by $500 for 2nd, $300 for 3rd, $200 for 4th and $150 for 5th.

The top prize, given for the biggest bass weighed over the weekend is a 2013 Nitro Z7 powered by Mercury 150, with Tandem Trailer and Dual Console Upgrades, valued at $30,000. Luke Barton weighed in a 7.93-pound largemouth at the Lake Murray Big Bass Classic last September to claim the Nitro Z7 boat package.

Registration for the Lake Murray tournament will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Carolina Ale House, 708 Lady street, Columbia, S.C.. Registration on Friday, Sept. 27, will be held from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at Spinners Resort and Marina, 101 Sandalwood Rd., Leesville, S.C.

Entry fee is $100 for one day or $150 for both days. The tournament will be held out of Dreher Island State Park Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29.

The annual Lake Murray event carries the name of Jason Williamson, a Bassmaster Elite Series angler from Aiken. In just five years on the Elite circuit, Williamson has won more than $766000, finishing in the money 57 times, with two championships in 13 Top 10 finishes, and has qualified for the Bassmaster Classic.

The Oakley Big Bass Tour is a premier big bass tournament series open to all amateur anglers. The tour provides anglers of all skill levels with an exciting tournament format and event experience on some of the nation's best bass fisheries. Since it was established in 2007 the tour has focused on the promotion of bass fishing and bass conservation at the grass roots level.

Oakley produces an array of market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories.

“We are really excited and looking forward to getting started on our fall run of tournaments at Lake Murray,” Jones said.

Oakley Jason Williamson Big Bass Classic

Sat & Sun, Sep 28 & 29, 2013

Lake Murray

Call Mark Jones 214-605-4600

www.oakleybigbass.com

 


Browning Excited To Be River Fishing For Second Bassmaster Central Open Tournament

Stephen Browning is tickled to death that two out of three Bassmaster Central Opens this year are behind held on rivers. He has won one Central Open river tournament already and is looking forward to the second one this week on the Arkansas River.

“I'm excited about it,” the Hot Springs, Ark., pro said. “Any time I can go to a river, any river, and fish a tournament, I have a lot more confidence than when I am fishing those big impoundments. I feel right at home on the river.”

Although his Elite Series production has left much to be desired this year, Browning is already assured a berth in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Guntersville next February, his ninth appearance in the traditional bass fishing championship.

Having won the first 2013 Bass pro Shops Central Open Tournament in April on the Red River, Browning leads the Central Open points race. Now he only needs to participate in the Arkansas River tournament this week and the final Central Open of the year in October on Ross Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi to assure his Classic invitation. Open tournament winners are invited to fish the Classic, but they have to fish all three Opens in their division.

“I don't even have to check in but I do have to check out the next couple of days, so I am definitely going to be there,” he said.

“I did not have the best Elite Series of my career this year, but I've done pretty well in a couple of these Opens, so they are kind of my life blood right now,” Browning said. “They kind of make up for a bad year in the Elites, but I can't complain. I still have a host of good sponsors and I'm still able to run u p and down the highways chasing these fish.”

Although he finished 82nd in the Elite Series Angler of the Year points race this year, in 19 years as a B.A.S.S. pro Browning has 27 top 10 finishes, including two first places, and has won just under $1 million in prize money.

He has done well on the Arkansas River in the past, too. He finished third in the Central Open tournament on the Arkansas in 2011.

Fishing this week will be typical Arkansas river muddy water fishing, Browning said.

“Most of the time with river fishing it's shallow water fishing and most of the fish I have found are in the shallow backwater areas, so I think it will be won there.”

The fish likely will be relating to wood, grass or rock and the key to success will be figuring out each day which type of structure to concentrate on, he said.

“I've caught fish in all three kinds of cover, so it's going to be one of those deals where if you can figure out whether the grass bite is on, the wood cover bite is on or the rock bite is on, the quicker you can do that in the morning the better off you will be,” he said.

Bassmaster Central Open

Sep 19-21, 2013

Arkansas River

www.bassmaster.com

 


Gambardella Leads With Largemouth At Bassmaster Nation Divisional On Sebago

Al Gambardella of North Haven, Conn., leads on Day 1 of the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional in Maine. Photo by Tyler Reed/Bassmaster

CASCO, Maine — Al Gambardella is receiving multiple good-luck texts and phone calls from home, especially from his wife and 3-year-old daughter Sophia. The Day 1 leader of the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional hasn’t seen them for two weeks — since he left his home in North Haven, Conn., to pre-fish Sebago Lake.

It paid off, though, when he took the Day 1 lead with 12 pounds, 3 ounces.

Gambardella’s weight is nearly 2 pounds ahead of his closest competitor, Paul Mueller, another member of the Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation state team. It helped that Gambardella’s limit was anchored by a 5-pound, 7-ounce largemouth. In fact, his whole bag was made up of largemouth. Most of the contenders brought in smallmouth only or mixed bags of the two species.

Jimmy Lowe, Maine’s tournament director, predicted that the Day 1 leader would have largemouth. But he also said the largemouth bite doesn’t stick around and that smallies will dominate on Days 2 and 3.

“My spot should hold up,” said Gambardella, “depending on the pressure it gets tomorrow. It will get tougher each day, but I think there should be enough fish there.”

Gambardella’s area is all largemouth. He has backup spots that are holding smallmouth, though. “They’re roaming around,” he said. “It’s tough to get on those smallies right now.”

He covered a lot of water in his two weeks of practice, and the spot he found has a lot of milfoil that he’s targeting. He was disappointed that his — and everyone else’s fishing time — was limited today because of an hour-and-a-half fog delay at takeoff. “If I had more time, I probably could have gotten another fish and culled one of my smaller ones.”

Gambardella, a member of Connecticut’s Statewide Bassmasters, is fishing in his 12th divisional. “I know what to expect in these tournaments,” he said. “From my past experience, I know how to go about managing fish.”

Overall, the Day 1 weights were small. The average fish was a little more than 1 1/2 pounds. The Top 10 had 7 pounds or more, but the majority of competitors brought in 1 to 3 pounds for their total weight. Only eight anglers boasted limits.

“We need wind and clouds,” said Lowe, “to make the fishing better. Bluebird skies like we had today are only easy on the tournament director, not on the fishermen.”

Gambardella’s team also is leading. The Connecticut B.A.S.S. Nation state team has three anglers in the Top 5 and a 12-pound lead for the state competition. Connecticut has 60 pounds, 14 ounces, followed by Maine, the host state, 48-13, and Massachusetts, 34-0.

If Gambardella maintains his lead for Connecticut, he’ll be invited to the 2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, next month on Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle. Other state leaders as of Day 1 are Lawrence Hogue, Maine; Randy Phillips, Massachusetts; Alan Denise, New Hampshire; Randy Lamanche, New York; Gerard Ling, Ontario; Leo Bevelaqua, Rhode Island; Eric Corbella, Spain; and Skip Sjobeck, Vermont.

Gambardella won $300 today from Point Sebago Resort, which is awarding that amount daily for the biggest bag weighed in. His 5-7 bass is currently in the lead for Carhartt Big Bass honors, a $500 prize awarded to the biggest bass of the tournament. The competitor who has the overall tournament lead tomorrow will win a $250 Livingston Lures Leader award, which goes to the Day 2 leader.

Competition resumes tomorrow at 6:15 a.m. ET for the takeoff at Point Sebago Resort in Casco, Maine. The weigh-in will be broadcast live at 2:15 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com.

2013 B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional 9/18-9/20
Sebago Lake, Point Sebago, Maine
(ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler                   Hometown              No./lbs-oz  Pts
1.  Al Gambardella         North Haven, CT (CT)    5  12-03  0
2.  Paul Mueller           Southbury, CT (CT)      5  10-06  0
3.  Randy Phillips         Oxford, MA (MA)         5  10-04  0
4.  Eric Corbella Salvia   Mollerusa SPAIN (ESP)   4  10-03  0
5.  Garrett Kruger         Monroe, CT (CT)         5  09-15  0
6.  David Riquinha         New Bedford, MA (MA)    5  09-04  0
7.  Lawrence Hogue         Kennebunk, ME (ME)      3  08-05  0
8.  Edwin Bartlett         Casco, ME (ME)          5  07-13  0
9.  Randy Lamanche         Marcellus, NY (NY)      4  07-12  0
10. Roger Laflamme         East Waterboro, ME (ME) 3  07-01  0
11. Daryl Biron            South Windsor, CT (CT)  3  06-15  0
12. Skip Sjobeck           Randolph, VT (VT)       5  06-01  0
13. Chris Simons           Cromwell, CT (CT)       2  05-15  0
14. Alan Denise            Haverhill, MA (NH)      5  05-13  0
15. Robert Williamson      Gorham, ME (ME)         3  05-13  0
16. Peter Demoya           Plymouth, MA (MA)       2  05-13  0
17. George Cooper          Buxton, ME (ME)         3  05-10  0
18. John Diaco             Rochester, NH (NH)      4  05-04  0
19. Steve Wilson           East Waterboro, ME (ME) 3  05-02  0
20. Frank Giner            Danbury, CT (NY)        4  05-01  0
21. Dave Andrews           Hudson, MA (NH)         2  04-12  0
22. Michael Zachodny       Concord, NH (NH)        3  04-08  0
23. Gerard Ling            St Catherines Ontario C 3  04-02  0
24. Phil Curtis            Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA  2  03-15  0
25. Rose Jeffries          Rouses Point, NY (VT)   3  03-12  0
26. Leo Bevelaqua          Wyoming, RI (RI)        3  03-11  0
27. Mark Desjardin         Vassalboro, ME (ME)     3  03-09  0
27. Gabriel Shvartsman     Bethel, CT (CT)         3  03-09  0
29. Kevin Clark            Westport, MA (RI)       1  03-07  0
30. Dan Goulette           Milton , VT (VT)        2  03-06  0
31. Javier Guillen Cordoba Tarragona SPAIN (ESP)   2  03-02  0
32. Chris Adams            Rutland, VT (VT)        3  03-01  0
32. Greg Tesch             Middlebury, CT (CT)     3  03-01  0
34. Alberto Rodriguez Oliver Parets Del Valles SPAIN 1  03-00  0
35. Enrique Bernal Morera  Rivasvacia Madrid SPAIN 3  02-15  0
36. Alexander Wetherell    Middletown, CT (CT)     2  02-15  0
37. William Wright         Whiting, VT (VT)        3  02-13  0
38. Christopher Killoren   Marcellus, NY (NY)      2  02-12  0
39. Randy Dulude           Stouffville ONTARIO CAN 1  02-12  0
40. Brian Jarvis           Warwick , RI (RI)       2  02-10  0
40. Larry MacPhail         Kingston Ontario CANADA 2  02-10  0
42. Ray Pasquarelli        Warwick, RI (RI)        2  02-07  0
43. Steve Pickard          Fulton, NY (NY)         1  02-07  0
44. Bidwood McKechnie      North Attleboro, MA (MA 2  02-06  0
44. David Morrissette      South Hadley, MA (NY)   2  02-06  0
46. Brian Croteau          Blackstone, MA (RI)     1  02-06  0
47. Edward Robak           Weymouth, MA (MA)       2  02-05  0
48. Lenny Cyr              Sanford, ME (ME)        2  02-04  0
49. James Morris           Milford, CT (CT)        1  02-04  0
50. Chris O'Brien          Rochester, NY (NY)      2  02-03  0
51. James Knox             Rutland, VT (VT)        1  02-03  0
52. Chris Molineaux        Hope Valley, RI (RI)    2  02-01  0
52. Brandon Neal           Middletown, CT (CT)     2  02-01  0
54. Nate Laskiewicz        Bomoseey, VT (VT)       1  02-01  0
54. Bill Rider             Standish, ME (ME)       1  02-01  0
56. John Wright            Concord, NH (NH)        1  02-00  0
57. Mark Batur             Boonville, NY (NY)      2  01-14  0
58. Frank McCormick        Warwick, RI (RI)        1  01-14  0
59. Garry Mansholt         Brechin Ontario CANADA  1  01-13  0
59. Colleen McKay          Worcester, MA (MA)      1  01-13  0
61. Robert Jeffrey         Prospect, CT (CT)       2  01-10  0
62. Bill Lindsay           Brechin Ontario CANADA  1  01-10  0
63. Fernando Lay           talaurea del reina  SPA 1  01-08  0
64. Greg Roth              Orono ONTARIO CANADA (O 1  01-07  0
65. John Stoughtenger      Waterloo, NY (NY)       1  01-06  0
66. Kevin Miller           Merrimack, NH (NH)      1  01-05  0
67. Eric Low               Hollis Center, ME (ME)  1  01-03  0
67. Dave Rochette          Bracebridge CANADA (ONT 1  01-03  0
67. Timothy N Thompson     New Milford, CT (NY)    1  01-03  0
70. James Picardi          Saugus, MA (MA)         1  01-02  0
71. Jay Guidaboni          Plymouth, MA (MA)       1  01-01  0
71. Corey Palmer           Ogdensburg, NY (NY)     1  01-01  0
73. Timothy Dube           Nashua , NH (NH)        1  01-00  0
73. George Yund            Glenmont, NY (NY)       1  01-00  0
75. Mike Cusano            Clay, NY (NY)           1  00-15  0
75. John Fortier           Sanbornton, NH (NH)     1  00-15  0
77. Craig Denham           Fenlon Falls ONTARIO CA 1  00-13  0
77. Fab Marchese           Ancaster Ontario CANADA 1  00-13  0
79. Don Adams Jr.          Rutland, VT (VT)        0  00-00  0
79. Joan Arnal             46021 Valencia SPAIN (E 0  00-00  0
79. Philip Casto           Woonsocket, RI (RI)     0  00-00  0
79. Mark Cavanaugh         Port Perry CANADA (ONT) 0  00-00  0
79. Ruben Corbella Salvia  Mollerusa SPAIN (ESP)   0  00-00  0
79. Curtis Cronkwright     Lakefield Ontario CANAD 0  00-00  0
79. Joseph Croteau         Blackstone, MA (RI)     0  00-00  0
79. Scott Downie           Danbury , CT (CT)       0  00-00  0
79. Tim Farrell            Hanson, MA (MA)         0  00-00  0
79. Eloy Fernandez Jofre   L'Ametlla Del Valles SP 0  00-00  0
79. Paul Garland           New Dorham, NH (NH)     0  00-00  0
79. Stephen Goulette       St. Albans, VT (VT)     0  00-00  0
79. Patrick Hannon         Carver, MA (MA)         0  00-00  0
79. Joe Holland            Jefferson, ME (ME)      0  00-00  0
79. Greg Horne             Mansfield, RI (RI)      0  00-00  0
79. James Jeffries         Rouses Point, NY (VT)   0  00-00  0
79. Andrew MacColl         CHEPACHET, RI (RI)      0  00-00  0
79. Scott McKay            Mendon, VT (VT)         0  00-00  0
79. Lewis Mendall          Wrentham, MA (RI)       0  00-00  0
79. Ray Meyer              Alton Bay, NH (NH)      0  00-00  0
79. Francisco Navarro Gonzalez LLISSA DE MUNT SPAIN (E 0  00-00  0
79. Eric Paul              Manchester, NH (NH)     0  00-00  0
79. Martin Piacitelli      Gorham , ME (ME)        0  00-00  0
79. Erik Rasmussen         Killington, VT (VT)     0  00-00  0
79. Ryan Richardson        Goffstown, NH (NH)      0  00-00  0
79. John Shpack            Attleboro, MA (MA)      0  00-00  0
79. Bruce Veras            Foxboro, MA (MA)        0  00-00  0
79. Eduardo Zulueta        Madrid SPAIN (ESP)      0  00-00  0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day   #Limits    #Fish      Weight
1       8        174       282-15
----------------------------------
8       174       282-15

TEAM STANDINGS Day 1
----------------------------------
State                Lbs-Oz
1 CONNECTICUT           60-14
2 MAINE                 48-13
3 MASSACHUSETTS         34-00
4 NEW YORK              30-00
5 NEW HAMPSHIRE         25-09
6 VERMONT               23-05
7 ONTARIO               21-02
8 SPAIN                 20-12
9 RHODE ISLAND          18-08

INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS by Team Day 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

CONNECTICUT
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Al Gambardella       North Haven, CT             5   12-03  0
2 Paul Mueller         Southbury, CT               5   10-06  0
3 Garrett Kruger       Monroe, CT                  5   09-15  0
4 Daryl Biron          South Windsor, CT           3   06-15  0
5 Chris Simons         Cromwell, CT                2   05-15  0
6 Gabriel Shvartsman   Bethel, CT                  3   03-09  0
7 Greg Tesch           Middlebury, CT              3   03-01  0
8 Alexander Wetherell  Middletown, CT              2   02-15  0
9 James Morris         Milford, CT                 1   02-04  0
10 Brandon Neal         Middletown, CT              2   02-01  0
11 Robert Jeffrey       Prospect, CT                2   01-10  0
12 Scott Downie         Danbury , CT                0   00-00  0

MASSACHUSETTS
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Randy Phillips       Oxford, MA                  5   10-04  0
2 David Riquinha       New Bedford, MA             5   09-04  0
3 Peter Demoya         Plymouth, MA                2   05-13  0
4 Bidwood McKechnie    North Attleboro, MA         2   02-06  0
5 Edward Robak         Weymouth, MA                2   02-05  0
6 Colleen McKay        Worcester, MA               1   01-13  0
7 James Picardi        Saugus, MA                  1   01-02  0
8 Jay Guidaboni        Plymouth, MA                1   01-01  0
9 Tim Farrell          Hanson, MA                  0   00-00  0
9 Patrick Hannon       Carver, MA                  0   00-00  0
9 John Shpack          Attleboro, MA               0   00-00  0
9 Bruce Veras          Foxboro, MA                 0   00-00  0

MAINE
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Lawrence Hogue       Kennebunk, ME               3   08-05  0
2 Edwin Bartlett       Casco, ME                   5   07-13  0
3 Roger Laflamme       East Waterboro, ME          3   07-01  0
4 Robert Williamson    Gorham, ME                  3   05-13  0
5 George Cooper        Buxton, ME                  3   05-10  0
6 Steve Wilson         East Waterboro, ME          3   05-02  0
7 Mark Desjardin       Vassalboro, ME              3   03-09  0
8 Lenny Cyr            Sanford, ME                 2   02-04  0
9 Bill Rider           Standish, ME                1   02-01  0
10 Eric Low             Hollis Center, ME           1   01-03  0
11 Joe Holland          Jefferson, ME               0   00-00  0
11 Martin Piacitelli    Gorham , ME                 0   00-00  0

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Alan Denise          Haverhill, MA               5   05-13  0
2 John Diaco           Rochester, NH               4   05-04  0
3 Dave Andrews         Hudson, MA                  2   04-12  0
4 Michael Zachodny     Concord, NH                 3   04-08  0
5 John Wright          Concord, NH                 1   02-00  0
6 Kevin Miller         Merrimack, NH               1   01-05  0
7 Timothy Dube         Nashua , NH                 1   01-00  0
8 John Fortier         Sanbornton, NH              1   00-15  0
9 Paul Garland         New Dorham, NH              0   00-00  0
9 Ray Meyer            Alton Bay, NH               0   00-00  0
9 Eric Paul            Manchester, NH              0   00-00  0
9 Ryan Richardson      Goffstown, NH               0   00-00  0

NEW YORK
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Randy Lamanche       Marcellus, NY               4   07-12  0
2 Frank Giner          Danbury, CT                 4   05-01  0
3 Christopher Killoren Marcellus, NY               2   02-12  0
4 Steve Pickard        Fulton, NY                  1   02-07  0
5 David Morrissette    South Hadley, MA            2   02-06  0
6 Chris O'Brien        Rochester, NY               2   02-03  0
7 Mark Batur           Boonville, NY               2   01-14  0
8 John Stoughtenger    Waterloo, NY                1   01-06  0
9 Timothy N Thompson   New Milford, CT             1   01-03  0
10 Corey Palmer         Ogdensburg, NY              1   01-01  0
11 George Yund          Glenmont, NY                1   01-00  0
12 Mike Cusano          Clay, NY                    1   00-15  0

RHODE ISLAND
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Leo Bevelaqua        Wyoming, RI                 3   03-11  0
2 Kevin Clark          Westport, MA                1   03-07  0
3 Brian Jarvis         Warwick , RI                2   02-10  0
4 Ray Pasquarelli      Warwick, RI                 2   02-07  0
5 Brian Croteau        Blackstone, MA              1   02-06  0
6 Chris Molineaux      Hope Valley, RI             2   02-01  0
7 Frank McCormick      Warwick, RI                 1   01-14  0
8 Philip Casto         Woonsocket, RI              0   00-00  0
8 Joseph Croteau       Blackstone, MA              0   00-00  0
8 Greg Horne           Mansfield, RI               0   00-00  0
8 Andrew MacColl       CHEPACHET, RI               0   00-00  0
8 Lewis Mendall        Wrentham, MA                0   00-00  0

VERMONT
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Skip Sjobeck         Randolph, VT                5   06-01  0
2 Rose Jeffries        Rouses Point, NY            3   03-12  0
3 Dan Goulette         Milton , VT                 2   03-06  0
4 Chris Adams          Rutland, VT                 3   03-01  0
5 William Wright       Whiting, VT                 3   02-13  0
6 James Knox           Rutland, VT                 1   02-03  0
7 Nate Laskiewicz      Bomoseey, VT                1   02-01  0
8 Don Adams Jr.        Rutland, VT                 0   00-00  0
8 Stephen Goulette     St. Albans, VT              0   00-00  0
8 James Jeffries       Rouses Point, NY            0   00-00  0
8 Scott McKay          Mendon, VT                  0   00-00  0
8 Erik Rasmussen       Killington, VT              0   00-00  0

ONTARIO
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Gerard Ling          St Catherines Ontario C      3   04-02  0
2 Phil Curtis          Rosseau ONTARIO CANADA      2   03-15  0
3 Randy Dulude         Stouffville ONTARIO CAN      1   02-12  0
4 Larry MacPhail       Kingston Ontario CANADA     2   02-10  0
5 Garry Mansholt       Brechin Ontario CANADA      1   01-13  0
6 Bill Lindsay         Brechin Ontario CANADA      1   01-10  0
7 Greg Roth            Orono ONTARIO CANADA        1   01-07  0
8 Dave Rochette        Bracebridge CANADA          1   01-03  0
9 Craig Denham         Fenlon Falls ONTARIO CA      1   00-13  0
9 Fab Marchese         Ancaster Ontario CANADA     1   00-13  0
11 Mark Cavanaugh       Port Perry CANADA            0   00-00  0
11 Curtis Cronkwright   Lakefield Ontario CANADA     0   00-00  0

SPAIN
Angler               Hometown                   No./lbs-oz
1 Eric Corbella Salvia Mollerusa SPAIN                    4   10-03  0
2 Javier Guillen Cordoba Tarragona SPAIN                  2   03-02  0
3 Alberto Rodriguez Oliver Parets Del Valles SPAIN        1   03-00  0
4 Enrique Bernal Morera Rivasvacia Madrid SPAIN           3   02-15  0
5 Fernando Lay         talaurea del reina  SPAIN          1   01-08  0
6 Joan Arnal           46021 Valencia SPAIN               0   00-00  0
6 Ruben Corbella Salvia Mollerusa SPAIN                   0   00-00  0
6 Eloy Fernandez Jofre L'Ametlla Del Valles SPAIN         0   00-00  0
6 Francisco Navarro Gonzalez LLISSA DE MUNT SPAIN         0   00-00  0
6 Eduardo Zulueta      Madrid SPAIN                       0   00-00  0

 


2014 Bassmaster Opens Schedule

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2014 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series has something for everyone — whether they’re a top professional angler, an aspiring pro or simply a fan of the sport.

Nine events in nine states covering three geographic regions will send winners to the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, top performers to the Bassmaster Elite Series and thousands of fans to weigh-ins where they can catch the action.

The Opens Series consists of nine events — three tournaments each in Southern, Central and Northern divisions — covering rivers, natural lakes and man-made reservoirs and running from January to October.

For the fourth season in a row, Opens tournament winners who compete in all three events in a single division will earn a berth in the Super Bowl of bass fishing, the 2015 Bassmaster Classic.

And for those anglers hoping to take the next step in their careers, the Opens are the way to reach the most prestigious professional fishing circuit in the world, the Bassmaster Elite Series. Opens competitors earn performance points at each tournament, and at the end of the season the Top 5 ranked anglers in each division who aren’t already qualified for the Elites will be invited to join the premier tour. In recent years, Ott DeFoe, Hank Cherry and Jason Christie followed this path and have made their marks as Elite pros.
At seven of the nine Opens, the full field of anglers will weigh their fish at the lake on Thursday and Friday of each tournament week, but on Saturday, when the field is cut to the Top 12 anglers, weigh-ins will take place before large crowds of fans at nearby Bass Pro Shops stores. At the other two venues, lakes Amistad and Champlain, weigh-ins will be held lakeside all three competition days.

Entry fees remain unchanged from 2013. The cost for pros to participate in each event is $1,500. The cost for co-anglers is $425. For more details, visit Bassmaster.com.

Southern Opens

No. 1 — Lake Tohopekaliga at Kissimmee, Fla., Jan. 23-25
“Toho” has hosted 17 B.A.S.S. events, including Bassmaster Classics in 1977 and 2006. In 2001, Dean Rojas set a B.A.S.S. record that still stands with five fish that weighed a whopping 45 pounds, 2 ounces. The 2013 Open was won by Rich Howes in a fish-off, after the regulation three days of competition ended in a tie. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes was ranked No. 22 on Bassmaster Magazine’s “100 Best Bass Lakes” list in 2013.

No. 2 — Smith Lake at Jasper, Ala., March 6-8
Six previous B.A.S.S. events have been held on Smith, beginning in 1967 with the second tournament ever conducted by founder Ray Scott. More recently, the 2012 Open was won by Hank Cherry (newly crowned Elite Series Rookie of the Year), qualifying him for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, in which he finished third.

No. 3 — Lake Norman at Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 2-4
Norman was the site of Southern Opens in 2011 and 2012, as well as five previous B.A.S.S. events beginning in 1992. The 2012 Open was won by North Carolina’s Tracy Adams.

Central Opens

No. 1 — Lake Amistad at Del Rio, Texas, Feb. 6-8
The inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series tournament was held in 2006 on this big-bass factory that straddles the U.S.-Mexico border. “Amistad” is Spanish for “friendship.” The fishery was ranked No. 23 among the nation’s “100 Best Bass Lakes” list in 2013. The 2010 Open was won by Texan Craig Schuff.

No. 2 — Red River at Shreveport, La., April 24-26
Two of the best-attended Classics in history were held on the Red in 2009 and 2012, when Skeet Reese and Chris Lane, respectively, prevailed. Elite angler Stephen Browning won the 2013 Open there.

No. 3 — Arkansas River at Muskogee, Okla., Sept. 11-13
The Opens series returns to Muskogee and the Arkansas River, which are hosting the final Central Open of 2013 this week. A total of nine previous B.A.S.S. events have taken place on the Arkansas, although only two were held in Oklahoma. The others were out of Arkansas and included Bassmaster Classics in 1984 and 1985. The 2011 Open out of Muskogee was won by Oklahoman Tommy Biffle.

Northern Opens

No. 1 — Douglas Lake at Dandridge, Tenn., May 29-June 1
The “long-lining” method of crankbait fishing came to prominence here during a 2012 Elite Series tournament, when bass were holding too deep for conventional crankbait presentations to reach them. Douglas has hosted three other B.A.S.S. events since 2001. The 2013 Open was won by Patrick Bone. Douglas ranks No. 56 on the “100 Best Bass Lakes” list.

No. 2 — Lake Champlain at Plattsburgh, N.Y., July 31-Aug. 2
Anglers should be on the lookout for “Champ,” the mythical lake monster with more than 300 reported sightings. At more than 400 feet deep in places, Champlain offers plenty of room for Nessie’s cousin to hide. The fishery, ranked No. 16 on Bassmaster’s “100 Best Bass Lakes,” has hosted eight Bassmaster tournaments beginning in 1997. The 2010 Open, which had a field of 200 boats, was won by Dave Wolak.

No. 3 — Lake St. Clair at Detroit, Mich., Sept. 4-6
Elite Series anglers caught bass in a transitional stage during the recent Plano Championship Chase, when St. Clair failed to live up to its billing as No. 1 on Bassmaster Magazine’s 100 Best Bass Lakes list. Chris Lane won that event, but he had to go to Lake Huron to find the winning strings. The lake should be much better next September, when anglers in the Northern Opens wrap up their division. With a Detroit launch site, several lakes and a seemingly endless amount of water will be available to the competitors.

Registration

B.A.S.S. Nation and Life members can register online beginning Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. CT and for call-in on Nov. 7 beginning at 9 a.m. CT at 877-227-7872. B.A.S.S. members who want to fish all three tournaments in a division may register online beginning Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. CT and may call in Nov. 14 beginning at 9 a.m. CT.

Anglers interested in fishing only one or two events may register online beginning Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. CT and may call in beginning Nov. 21 at 9 a.m. CT.

The cost for pros to participate in each event is $1,500. The cost for co-anglers is $425. For more details, visitBassmaster.com.