Drew Sadler of Richmond, Ky., caught 24 pounds, 4 ounces to take the lead on the first day of the 2017 Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan on Lake of the Ozarks.
Photo by John Neporadny/Bassmaster
April 5, 2017
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Kentucky angler Drew Sadler fished his strengths rather than a pattern to take over the lead in the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The 30-year-old Bluegrass Bassmasters club member had never fished Lake of the Ozarks before, but he figured out how to catch a five-bass limit weighing 24 pounds, 4 ounces to move into first place in the boater division of the tournament.
Sadler arrived at the lake Saturday and spent his practice days scouting.
“I kind of went to all extremities of the lake,” Sadler said. “It is a big lake, so I wanted to see everything it has to offer. It is similar to my home lake, Lake Cumberland, so I wanted to know with the weather what options I would have if there was a cold front or if it was warm.”
The Sportco Marketing sales manager said his fishing was “slow and steady” with his keepers coming in pairs.
“The lake is not as consistent as I thought it would be,” he said. “It is a very ‘patternable’ lake, but I had to kind of fall back on personal strengths rather than doing what I thought I was going to do when I came here.”
Sadler said he covered a lot of water in one particular area and caught most of his fish in 5 to 15 feet of water.
The Richmond, Ky., angler thinks the weather change from the clouds and rain today to clear skies and cold Thursday might make fishing tougher for him.
“I could catch that (weight) again or not come in with anything,” he said.
The rest of the Top 5 in the boater division are as follows: Marcus Sykora, Osage Beach, Mo., second, 20-1; Kyle Christopher, Lancaster, Ky., third, 20-0; Beau Govreau, Cedar Hill, Mo., fourth, 19-15; and Ty Bowman, Mountain Home, Ark., fifth, 19-3. Bowman leads the Big Bass Award in the boater division with a 7-5 largemouth.
Leading the co-angler division with three bass weighing 14-3 is Gregory Ruff Jr. of Minnesota. The Big Bass leader on the co-angler side is Eddie Charleton with a 7-2 largemouth.
B.A.S.S. Nation club anglers from 19 states are competing in the event. The tournament will determine overall winners in the boater and co-angler divisions, the top finishing state team and qualifiers for the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Championship presented by Magellan. Advancing to the national championship will be the top boater and co-angler from each state.
The 20 anglers from Kentucky teamed up to catch 177 pounds, 4 ounces to take the lead in the team standings. Missouri moved into the runner-up spot with 168-12, and Arkansas is in third place with 163-6.
The tournament field will be cut to the Top 38 boaters and co-anglers from each state Thursday. Those competitors will fish Friday for overall titles and championship berths.
Thursday’s weigh-in will begin at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach No. 2 access.
The event is hosted by the Tri-County Lodging Association.
2017 B.A.S.S. Nation Title Sponsor: Academy Sports + Outdoors
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), 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 presented by Magellan, 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 Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors
4/5-4/7
Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach MO.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Drew Sadler Richmond , KY (KY) 5 24-04 0
2. Marcus Sykora Osage Beach, MO (MO) 5 20-01 0
3. Kyle Christopher Lancaster, KY (KY) 5 20-00 0
4. Beau Govreau Cedar Hill, MO (MO) 5 19-15 0
5. Ty Bowman Mt. Home, AR (AR) 5 19-03 0
5. Don Douglas IV Maumelle, AR (AR) 5 19-03 0
7. Kevin True Frankfort, KY (KY) 5 19-02 0
8. Mike Seal Richmond, IN (IN) 5 18-10 0
9. Michael McAdams Cincinnati, OH (OH) 5 18-08 0
10. Jordan Bellendier Cedar Rapids, IA (IA) 5 18-03 0
11. Chris Wilkinson Farmersburg, IN (IN) 5 18-00 0
12. Mark Wiese Jr High Ridge, MO (MO) 5 17-12 0
13. Matt McCoy Indianapolis, IN (IN) 5 17-07 0
13. Craig Torkleson Sand Springs, OK (KS) 5 17-07 0
15. Mike Maples Rolla, MO (MO) 5 17-05 0
16. Chris Barnett Russellville, AL (TN) 5 17-00 0
16. Scott Cremeans Albany, OH (OH) 5 17-00 0
18. Justin Pace Harrisonville, MO (MO) 5 16-12 0
19. Matt Pangrac Norman , OK (OK) 5 16-07 0
19. Brian Skluzacek Prior Lake, MN (MN) 5 16-07 0
21. Matt King Olathe, KS (KS) 5 16-05 0
22. Tim Hartman Effingham, IL (IL) 5 16-01 0
23. Tom Jessop Dalhart, TX (TX) 5 16-00 0
24. Bob Downey Hudson, WI (MN) 5 15-10 0
25. Marty Giddens Eclectic, AL (AL) 5 15-08 0
25. Derick Kuyrkendall Bergheim, TX (TX) 5 15-08 0
27. Gary Bonnet Borden, IN (KY) 5 15-06 0
28. Kent Priel No Platte, NE (NE) 5 15-05 0
29. Luke Gritter Otsego, MI (MI) 5 15-04 0
30. Charlie Bogard Saint Charles, MO (MO) 4 15-00 0
31. Scott Holmes Moody, AL (AL) 5 14-13 0
32. Trent Beier Crystal Lake, IL (IA) 5 14-11 0
32. Wyatt Smith Stroud, OK (OK) 5 14-11 0
34. Hoyt Akins Bauxite, AR (AR) 5 14-10 0
35. Tom Forrester Solsberry, IN (IN) 5 14-03 0
36. Kurt Denning St Meinrad, IN (IN) 4 14-01 0
37. Luis Gonzalez Round Lake Beach, IL (I 5 14-00 0
37. Larry Welborn Laurel, MS (MS) 5 14-00 0
39. Chris Baker West Salem, IL (IL) 5 13-15 0
40. Jared Thompson Marvell, AR (MS) 5 13-14 0
41. Dave McCoy Plattsmouth, NE (NE) 5 13-12 0
42. Tom Kiefer Fowlerville, MI (MI) 4 13-08 0
43. Roger Hackman Harrison, AR (AR) 5 13-06 0
44. Chuck Halbert Lexa, AR (MS) 4 13-06 0
44. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA (LA) 4 13-06 0
46. Art Mensick Plainfield, IL (IL) 5 13-04 0
47. Coby Carden Shelby, AL (AL) 5 13-02 0
47. Kyle Dorsett Odenville, AL (AL) 5 13-02 0
47. Greg Vance Dubuque, IA (IA) 5 13-02 0
50. Richard Billings Rochester, MN (MN) 4 13-02 0
51. Bobby Maynard Jr Eastland, TX (TX) 5 13-01 0
52. Harold Stark Eldon, MO (MO) 5 12-14 0
53. Chris Herzog Liberty TWP, OH (OH) 4 12-14 0
54. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR (AR) 5 12-10 0
54. Ben Nobile Sorrento, LA (LA) 5 12-10 0
56. Jeff Fletcher Eagle Rock, MO (AR) 4 12-10 0
57. Justin Barnes Monroeville, AL (AL) 4 12-09 0
58. Josh Bragg Jacksonville, AL (AL) 5 12-08 0
59. Richard Hladky Yankton, SD (SD) 5 12-07 0
59. Mitchell Major Lancaster, KY (KY) 5 12-07 0
61. Jason Windham Crawford, TX (TX) 4 12-07 0
62. Tray Huddleston Russellville, AR (AR) 5 12-05 0
63. Richard Cobb Richmond, KY (KY) 4 12-02 0
64. Kyle Alsop Overland Park , KS (KS) 4 12-00 0
65. Troy Lee Star Prairie, WI (WI) 4 11-14 0
66. Brian Crecelius Mountain Home, AR (AR) 5 11-12 0
67. Tadd Johnson Lakeview, MN (MN) 5 11-11 0
68. Robert Degraffenreid Oklahoma Cty, OK (OK) 3 11-09 0
69. Colby Bolin Excelsior, MN (MN) 4 11-07 0
70. Troy Diede Sioux Falls, SD (SD) 4 11-06 0
70. Michael Mcknight Johnston, IA (IA) 4 11-06 0
72. Matthew Reagan Allendale, MI (MI) 3 11-03 0
73. Jan Hebert Houma, LA (LA) 4 10-11 0
74. Chris Brokman Council Bluffs, IA (NE) 4 10-09 0
75. Corey Brant Minnetonka, MN (MN) 4 10-07 0
76. Ricky Smith Ohatchee, AL (AL) 4 10-05 0
77. Lee Byrd Jr. Pell City, AL (AL) 4 10-04 0
78. David Rush Lewisville, TX (TX) 3 10-02 0
79. Monty Fralick Martin, SD (SD) 3 10-00 0
80. Thomas Wiese Muskego, WI (WI) 4 09-14 0
81. Brad Stogsdill Nashville, IN (IN) 4 09-13 0
82. Jason Lutt Dallas, SD (SD) 3 09-06 0
83. Jeremy Anthony Loranger, LA (LA) 5 09-05 0
84. Jason Baird Gypsum, KS (KS) 4 09-05 0
85. Aaron Ault Delphi, IN (IN) 3 09-03 0
86. Brad Norris Hudson, IL (IL) 3 09-00 0
87. Keith Broyles Jackson, TN (TN) 4 08-15 0
88. Nate Brown Muscatine, IA (IA) 3 08-15 0
88. Adam Hladky Volin, SD (SD) 3 08-15 0
90. Trevor Kettles Waukee, IA (IA) 4 08-13 0
91. Randall Christopher Irvine, KY (KY) 3 08-12 0
91. Mike Hoover Jackson, TN (TN) 3 08-12 0
93. Chance Woodard Paris, TX (TX) 3 08-11 0
94. Paul Amstutz Gambler, OH (OH) 2 08-11 0
95. Steven Smith Johnstown, OH (OH) 3 08-08 0
96. Benjamin Barnhart Omaha, NE (NE) 3 08-04 0
97. Brian Maloney Osage Beach, MO (MO) 3 08-02 0
97. Brandon Rose Saginaw, MI (MI) 3 08-02 0
99. Rob Kelley Greenwood, IN (IN) 3 08-01 0
100. John Soukup Agra, OK (OK) 4 07-14 0
101. Chris Brimager Andover, KS (KS) 3 07-08 0
101. Joseph Ponessa Shoreview, MN (MN) 3 07-08 0
103. Thomas Reding Papillion, NE (NE) 3 07-05 0
104. Mark Goetsch Gibraltar, MI (MI) 3 07-02 0
105. Joseph Sestak Tabor, SD (SD) 1 07-02 0
106. Eric Silverstrim Indian Mound, TN (TN) 3 07-01 0
107. Connor Leagjeld Pequot Lakes, MN (MN) 1 06-15 0
108. Justin Kohl Hastings, NE (NE) 3 06-12 0
108. Jeremy Tenwalde Fort Jennings, OH (OH) 3 06-12 0
110. Kevin Miller Andover, KS (KS) 3 06-09 0
111. Mark Pierce Cadiz, KY (TN) 4 06-07 0
112. Michael Valentine Laurel , MS (MS) 3 06-02 0
113. Jeff Hamilton Blue Springs, MO (MO) 2 06-02 0
113. Kevin Parker Sumrall, MS (MS) 2 06-02 0
113. Anthony Villalobos Salem, IL (IL) 2 06-02 0
116. Cole Jezek Salem, IL (IL) 2 05-15 0
117. Jeremy Montgomery Overland Park, KS (KS) 3 05-09 0
118. Scott Bateman Washington, IN (IN) 2 05-08 0
118. James McCracken Omaha, NE (NE) 2 05-08 0
120. Stephen Noble Newport, KY (KY) 2 05-07 0
121. Joshua Barr Stow, OH (OH) 2 05-06 0
122. Mickey Lewis Huntingdon, TN (TN) 2 05-05 0
123. George Sigsworth Amery, WI (WI) 2 05-02 0
124. Justin Foster Bude, MS (MS) 2 05-01 0
125. Tony Baldridge Oklahoma City, OK (OK) 2 05-00 0
125. Travis Tunnell Benton, KS (KS) 2 05-00 0
127. Brad Hollowell Azle, TX (AR) 2 04-15 0
127. Garrett Kemp Port Allen, LA (LA) 2 04-15 0
127. Jeremy King Panora, IA (IA) 2 04-15 0
130. Emile Gennaro Sr Wesson, MS (MS) 2 04-12 0
131. Brett Logue Lincoln, NE (SD) 2 04-09 0
131. Jesse Schwark Athens, MI (MI) 2 04-09 0
133. Aaron Carroll Rolla, MO (MO) 2 04-07 0
134. Mark Emenecker Matton, IL (IL) 2 04-06 0
135. Jason Heimes Omaha, NE (NE) 2 04-03 0
135. Jamie Laiche Gonzales, LA (LA) 2 04-03 0
137. Danny Posey Niles, MI (MI) 2 04-01 0
137. Allen Williford West Franklin, IL (IL) 2 04-01 0
139. Michael Hanrahan Pleasant Hill, IA (IA) 1 04-00 0
140. Hal Pinho Jr Patterson, LA (LA) 2 03-15 0
141. Tim Cooper Brownsburg, IN (IN) 1 03-15 0
142. Jon Abbott Versailles, KY (KY) 2 03-13 0
143. Timothy Deroche Boutte, LA (LA) 2 03-12 0
143. Chris Fredrick Marshfield, WI (WI) 2 03-12 0
145. Dennis Dustmann Oklahoma City, OK (OK) 1 03-12 0
146. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI (WI) 1 03-05 0
147. Benjamin Brion Becker, MN (MN) 1 03-03 0
148. Chuck Lide Braidwood, IL (IL) 1 03-01 0
148. Cliff Van Beek Canistota, SD (SD) 1 03-01 0
148. Paul Wilcoxson Russellville, AL (AL) 1 03-01 0
151. Chad Sposito Gray, LA (LA) 2 03-00 0
152. Jason Pecoraro Youngsville, LA (LA) 1 03-00 0
152. Jerry Thill Jr Dresser, WI (WI) 1 03-00 0
154. Sterling Bougher Mannford, OK (OK) 2 02-15 0
155. Destre Dedeaux Meadville, MS (MS) 1 02-15 0
156. Mike Myers Oklahoma City, OK (OK) 1 02-14 0
157. Troy Enmeier Enid, OK (OK) 2 02-13 0
158. David Cook Whitehouse, TN (TN) 1 02-13 0
159. Jody Rhoden Groveton, TX (TX) 1 02-12 0
160. Derward Mauldin West Helena, AR (MS) 1 02-08 0
161. Gary Melson Louisville, KY (KY) 1 02-07 0
162. Ed Berndt III Grandon, WI (WI) 1 02-03 0
162. Jeffray Gooch Westport, TN (TN) 1 02-03 0
164. Nick Diberardino Onalaska, TX (TX) 1 02-02 0
165. Joe Koch Kewaskum, WI (WI) 1 02-01 0
165. Steve Potter Conway Springs, KS (KS) 1 02-01 0
167. Matt Martin Brookhaven, MS (MS) 1 02-00 0
168. Glenn Hahn San Antonio, TX (TX) 1 01-15 0
168. Stephen White Dalhart, TX (TX) 1 01-15 0
170. Jimmy Pierce Medon, TN (TN) 1 01-08 0
171. Ralph Blasey Pinckey, MI (MI) 0 00-00 0
171. Kenneth Bowen Hager City, WI (WI) 0 00-00 0
171. Randy Burch Ladysmith, WI (WI) 0 00-00 0
171. Scott Coats Henderson, TN (TN) 0 00-00 0
171. Jeff Cox Saline, MI (MI) 0 00-00 0
171. Brian Delf Milan, IL (IA) 0 00-00 0
171. Kyle Glasgow Guin, AL (AL) 0 00-00 0
171. Cort Heimsoth Elkhorn, NE (NE) 0 00-00 0
171. Dana Hulet Perry, OK (OK) 0 00-00 0
171. Casey Hutmacher Oacoma, SD (SD) 0 00-00 0
171. Lawrence Leonardi Clinton Township, MI (M 0 00-00 0
171. Darrin Lewellen Mount Vernon, OH (OH) 0 00-00 0
171. Dan Mohn Lansing, IA (IA) 0 00-00 0
171. Andrew Nitchals Willmar, MN (MN) 0 00-00 0
171. Rodney Pieper Yankton, SD (SD) 0 00-00 0
171. Will Presley Jr Grove City, OH (OH) 0 00-00 0
171. Ted Prisbe Harsens Island, MI (MI 0 00-00 0
171. Larry Riffey Pratt, KS (KS) 0 00-00 0
171. Troy Sprague Lincoln, NE (NE) 0 00-00 0
171. Travis Tenwadle Fort Jennings, OH (OH) 0 00-00 0
171. Rickey York Cherokee Village, AR (A 0 00-00 0
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