Jacob Wheeler of Indianapolis, Ind., takes the lead on the second day of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, bringing 20 pounds, 12 ounces to the scales on Saturday for a two-day total weight of 38-8.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
July 29, 2017
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The second round of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels dawned with clear, high skies and still-as-glass conditions. Jacob Wheeler of Indianapolis, Ind., took advantage and boated a 20-pound, 12-ounce limit of smallmouth bass, which catapulted him 29 spots up the leaderboard to first place with one day left to fish. His two-day, 10-fish total is 38-8.
Wheeler’s story is remarkable not only because of his dramatic movement up the standings, but also because he did it with smallmouth. Although Champlain is a legendary smallmouth fishery, tournaments here, when held in late July and early August, are traditionally won with at least some largemouth. Even second-place Seth Feider, a smallmouth specialist, is targeting largemouth, and he weighed four of them today.
“Obviously it was a heck of a day,” Wheeler said. “I caught about 50 bass today and had the fish on to have a legitimate 22-pound bag of smallmouth. I think there’s 20 more pounds in that same area. This lake is phenomenal. You just can’t beat a lake where you can catch 20 pounds of smallmouth.”
Wheeler added that he’s fishing “isolated little places” and he’s only catching fish off places where he can see baitfish on his graph.
Feider, of Bloomington, Minn., weighed 19-15 today and improved 30 spots to second. His two-day weight is 37-8 — exactly 1 pound off the lead pace. Feider said his plan was to fish smallmouth for the tournament, but conditions forced him to adjust and also pursue largemouth.
“This lake runs north to south, and it’s deep, so there’s a ton of current that affects the fish,” Feider said. “When you get a north or south wind, you get that current, and that helps the smallmouth bite. An east or west wind, or light wind, hurts it. We didn’t have wind this morning, so I decided to go for largemouth.”
Three anglers are currently tied for third place with 37-7 — Brandon Lester of Fayetteville, Tenn., Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala. and Matt Lee of Guntersville, Ala.
Kennedy has weighed smallmouth exclusively. “I started on largemouth down at Ticonderoga in practice, like I always do here, but things didn’t seem right to me — there was an entire size of fish that just seemed to be missing. So I moved back up the lake and pretty quickly found what I was fishing today. At one point, I couldn’t get my bait to the bottom — the fish were hitting on every cast.”
Hayden, Idaho, pro Brandon Palaniuk is in 10th place with 36-14 and still leads the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. Tournament leader Wheeler, however, is chasing and is now second in the points race, pending the final results of this event.
“I wasn’t thinking about the points at all today,” Palaniuk said. “I don’t let points tell me how to fish. I don’t even know what the gap is — all I know is that I’m still leading, because people tell me.”
The weather-shortened event concludes Sunday, after three days of fishing. The Top 51 anglers on today’s leaderboard advance to fish tomorrow.
Anglers launch Sunday from the City Marina in downtown Plattsburgh at 6:15 a.m. ET. Weigh-in begins at 3:15 p.m. at the Plattsburgh City Beach.
The event is hosted by the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and the City of Plattsburgh.
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Nitro Boats, Mercury, Minn Kota, Power-Pole, Shell Rotella, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, T-H Marine, Shimano, Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
2017 Bassmaster Elite at Champlain presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels 7/27-7/30
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 10 38-08 110 $500.00
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 20-12
2. Seth Feider Isle, MN 10 37-08 109
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 19-15
3. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 37-07 108
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 17-08
4. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 37-07 107
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 19-13
5. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 10 37-07 106
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 18-07
6. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 10 37-05 105
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 20-08
7. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 37-05 104
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 17-01
8. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 37-03 103
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 19-02
9. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 10 36-15 102
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 16-04
10. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 10 36-14 101
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-13
11. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 10 36-14 100
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 18-06
12. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 36-12 99
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 17-13
13. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 36-11 98
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 17-15
14. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 36-04 97
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-04
15. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 36-02 96
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 17-12
16. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 10 35-13 95
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 17-09
17. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 35-11 94
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 18-11
18. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 10 35-08 93
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-06
19. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 35-07 92
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 16-15
20. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 35-05 91
Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 14-04
21. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 35-04 90
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 17-07
22. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 35-03 89
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 19-05
23. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 35-01 88
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 17-01
24. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 10 34-15 87
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 17-02
25. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 34-12 86
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 17-15
26. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 10 34-12 85
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 17-08
27. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 10 34-11 84
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 16-08
28. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 34-09 83
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 15-01
29. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 34-08 82
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 17-06
30. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 10 34-07 81
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 16-06
31. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 34-07 80
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 17-10
32. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 34-01 79
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 15-04
33. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 34-01 78
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 15-05
34. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 34-00 77
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 18-00
35. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 34-00 76
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 16-03
36. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 34-00 75
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 17-00
37. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 33-14 74
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 19-03
38. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 33-10 73
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 16-11
39. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 33-09 72
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 16-00
40. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 10 33-05 71
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 18-09
41. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 33-03 70
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 16-15
42. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 33-01 69
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 13-14
43. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 33-00 68
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 16-04
44. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 32-15 67
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 18-13
45. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 32-15 66
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 14-09
45. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 32-15 66
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 14-09
47. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 32-08 64
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 14-09
48. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 10 32-06 63
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 16-06
49. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 32-03 62
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 16-05
50. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 10 32-02 61
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 17-15
51. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 10 32-00 60
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 14-15
52. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 10 32-00 59
Day 1: 5 16-10 Day 2: 5 15-06
53. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 31-15 58
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 15-03
54. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 31-10 57
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 17-12
55. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 31-05 56
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 17-01
56. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 31-05 55
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 16-07
57. David Williams Newton, NC 10 31-04 54
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 14-14
58. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 10 31-04 53
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 14-15
59. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 31-03 52
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 5 12-09
60. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 31-03 51
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 13-12
61. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 31-02 50
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 16-08
62. Alton Jones Jr. Lorena, TX 10 31-00 49
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 14-09
63. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 30-08 48
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 14-05
64. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 10 30-07 47
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 15-11
65. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 30-05 46
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-12
66. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 10 30-04 45
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 16-01
67. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 30-03 44
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 11-10
68. Jesse Tacoronte Orlando, FL 10 30-02 43
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 14-14
69. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 30-01 42
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 16-12
70. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 30-00 41
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 15-01
71. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 29-14 40
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 15-05
72. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 29-13 39
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 14-01
73. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 29-13 38
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 15-06
74. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 10 29-12 37
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-03
75. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 10 29-12 36
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 16-08
76. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 10 29-08 35
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 17-01
77. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 29-07 34
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 15-12
78. John Murray Spring City, TN 10 29-07 33
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 15-02
79. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 29-06 32
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 16-09
80. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 10 29-06 31
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 15-07
81. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 29-05 30
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 13-02
82. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 29-04 29
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 13-11
83. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 29-03 28
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 12-00
84. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 29-03 27
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 12-10
85. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 29-02 26
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 16-12
86. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 10 29-01 25
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 15-01
87. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 28-13 24
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 17-09
88. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 28-11 23
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 12-00
89. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 28-09 22
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 13-15
90. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 10 28-05 21
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 13-15
91. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 28-03 20
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 15-03
92. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 28-00 19
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 14-12
93. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 27-15 18
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 12-09
94. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 27-09 17
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 12-04
95. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 27-06 16
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 12-11
96. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 10 27-01 15
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-07
97. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 26-06 14
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 09-11
98. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 26-03 13
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-12
99. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 25-13 12
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 13-13
100. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 10 25-13 11
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-06
101. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 25-12 10
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 10-15
102. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 10 25-06 9
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 10-02
103. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 24-13 8
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 11-14
104. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 9 24-06 7
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 4 10-10
105. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 10 23-12 6
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-07
106. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 9 23-03 5
Day 1: 4 09-01 Day 2: 5 14-02
107. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 21-10 4
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 08-06
108. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 14-07 3
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 14-07
109. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 5 13-02 2
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 0 00-00
