Cliff Prince of Palatka, Fla., took the lead on the first day of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge, bringing 19 pounds, 13 ounces to the scales on Thursday.
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
Feb. 8, 2018
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. — Conventional wisdom says one big bass per day will give you a good shot at winning a tournament on Lake Martin.
So, when Florida angler Cliff Prince caught a pair of giants on back-to-back casts Thursday, he needed a quick breather to collect himself.
One weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces, the other weighed 6-3, and they propelled Prince to a leading first-day weight of 19-13 in the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge.
“Back-to-back casts — it was unbelievable,” Prince said. “I had to sit down for a minute because I definitely wasn’t expecting it.”
Like many of the competitors in this week’s 110-angler field, Prince has very little experience on Lake Martin — and the three official practice days prior to the tournament weren’t exactly kind to him.
But before 9 a.m. Thursday, he idled past a spot that he recognized as a potential big-fish haven.
“I didn’t fish that spot in practice,” said Prince, who was tightlipped about exactly where and how he caught his fish. “But I knew I had gotten bit on another stretch like that. I figured if I caught a big one, it would be down that stretch — and I caught two.”
Unlike Prince, who has fished just 85 tournaments with B.A.S.S. — and none on Lake Martin — the two anglers just behind him in the standings have extensive experience on the fishery.
Takahiro Omori, a Japanese angler who now resides in Texas, earned checks in Bassmaster Invitationals held on Martin in 2001 and 2002. He also won an FLW Tour event on Martin in 2001, earning a $100,000 first-place prize.
Omori caught 18-2 Thursday to land in second place.
“I never even pre-fished this time, so it’s been at least 15 years since I was here,” Omori said. “I didn’t fish any of the same stuff from back then.”
His Day 1 performance, Omori said, far outpaced his practice results.
“I just had a great day,” he said. “My practice was only like 7 or 8 pounds a day. But today, I had a 5 1/2-pounder and a 4-pounder and caught maybe 10 more keepers. I had bites all day long.”
Kentucky angler Mark Menendez, who is in third with 17-9, has three checks in four previous B.A.S.S. events — and unlike Omori, he said he benefited Thursday from knowledge gained more than 15 years ago.
“I’ve spent my fair share of time here, and nothing’s changed,” Menendez said. “It’s the same old, same old.
“If there’s an area that you think you’re going to catch one in, you’ll go over there and catch one. Now, whether it’ll be a big one or not, that’s a roll of the dice.”
Menendez struck paydirt on the big-fish front twice Thursday.
“I had a 6-pounder and another one that was almost 5 — and on this pond, that really helps,” he said. “Anytime you get those bites here on Lake Martin, you’ve got to get them in the boat. They’re critical.”
Second-year Alabama pro Jesse Wiggins was fourth with 15-5, and California veteran Skeet Reese was fifth with 14-13. But the weights could change drastically throughout the leaderboard with a weather change in the forecast.
While Thursday was cool and mostly clear, warmer weather is scheduled to move into central Alabama with rain and thunderstorms the next three days.
Prince said he has a backup plan — just in case.
“It probably will change things,” he said. “But I’m catching them two different ways.
“I don’t know if I can duplicate what I did today, but I can at least catch some fish.”
The tournament will continue Friday, with the field being trimmed to the Top 51 for Saturday’s semifinal round. Only the Top 12 will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance to win the $100,000 first-place prize.
Daily takeoffs will be held at 6:15 a.m. CT from Wind Creek State Park with weigh-ins scheduled back at the park for 2:40 p.m.
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge 2/8-2/11
Lake Martin, Alexander City AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 19-13 110
Day 1: 5 19-13
2. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 18-02 109
Day 1: 5 18-02
3. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 17-09 108
Day 1: 5 17-09
4. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 5 15-05 107
Day 1: 5 15-05
5. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 14-13 106
Day 1: 5 14-13
6. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 14-09 105
Day 1: 5 14-09
7. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 14-08 104
Day 1: 5 14-08
8. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 14-05 103
Day 1: 5 14-05
9. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 14-01 102
Day 1: 5 14-01
10. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 13-15 101
Day 1: 5 13-15
11. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 13-10 100
Day 1: 5 13-10
12. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 13-09 99
Day 1: 5 13-09
13. Jonathon VanDam Gobles, MI 5 13-08 98
Day 1: 5 13-08
14. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 13-06 97
Day 1: 5 13-06
15. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 12-15 96
Day 1: 5 12-15
16. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 5 12-12 95
Day 1: 5 12-12
17. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 12-08 94
Day 1: 5 12-08
17. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 5 12-08 94
Day 1: 5 12-08
19. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 12-07 92
Day 1: 5 12-07
20. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 12-06 91
Day 1: 5 12-06
21. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 12-03 90
Day 1: 5 12-03
22. Alton Jones Jr. Waco, TX 5 12-01 89
Day 1: 5 12-01
23. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 11-14 88
Day 1: 5 11-14
24. Mike McClelland Bentonville, AR 5 11-13 87
Day 1: 5 11-13
24. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 11-13 87
Day 1: 5 11-13
26. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 11-12 85
Day 1: 5 11-12
26. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 11-12 85
Day 1: 5 11-12
28. Roy Hawk Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 5 11-11 83
Day 1: 5 11-11
29. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 11-09 82
Day 1: 5 11-09
30. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 11-08 81
Day 1: 5 11-08
31. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 11-06 80
Day 1: 5 11-06
31. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 11-06 80
Day 1: 5 11-06
33. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 11-04 78
Day 1: 5 11-04
34. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 11-03 77
Day 1: 5 11-03
34. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 11-03 77
Day 1: 5 11-03
34. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 11-03 77
Day 1: 5 11-03
37. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 11-01 74
Day 1: 5 11-01
37. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 11-01 74
Day 1: 5 11-01
39. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 11-00 72
Day 1: 5 11-00
40. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 10-15 71
Day 1: 5 10-15
40. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 10-15 71
Day 1: 5 10-15
42. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 10-12 69
Day 1: 5 10-12
42. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 5 10-12 69
Day 1: 5 10-12
42. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 10-12 69
Day 1: 5 10-12
42. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 10-12 69
Day 1: 5 10-12
42. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 5 10-12 69
Day 1: 5 10-12
47. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 10-11 64
Day 1: 5 10-11
48. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 10-10 63
Day 1: 5 10-10
49. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 5 10-09 62
Day 1: 5 10-09
50. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 10-08 61
Day 1: 5 10-08
50. Fred Roumbanis Russellville, AR 5 10-08 61
Day 1: 5 10-08
52. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 10-07 59
Day 1: 5 10-07
53. Shin Fukae Palestine TX JAPAN 5 10-06 58
Day 1: 5 10-06
53. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 10-06 58
Day 1: 5 10-06
55. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 10-05 56
Day 1: 5 10-05
56. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 10-04 55
Day 1: 5 10-04
56. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 10-04 55
Day 1: 5 10-04
58. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 4 10-04 53
Day 1: 4 10-04
59. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 10-03 52
Day 1: 5 10-03
60. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 10-02 51
Day 1: 5 10-02
61. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 10-01 50
Day 1: 5 10-01
62. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 10-00 49
Day 1: 5 10-00
62. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 10-00 49
Day 1: 5 10-00
62. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 10-00 49
Day 1: 5 10-00
65. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 09-15 46
Day 1: 5 09-15
65. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 09-15 46
Day 1: 5 09-15
67. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 09-14 44
Day 1: 5 09-14
67. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 09-14 44
Day 1: 5 09-14
69. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 09-13 42
Day 1: 5 09-13
70. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 09-12 41
Day 1: 5 09-12
71. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 09-10 40
Day 1: 5 09-10
71. Ott DeFoe Blaine, TN 5 09-10 40
Day 1: 5 09-10
73. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 5 09-08 38
Day 1: 5 09-08
74. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 09-07 37
Day 1: 5 09-07
74. Fletcher Shryock Dennison, OH 5 09-07 37
Day 1: 5 09-07
74. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 09-07 37
Day 1: 5 09-07
77. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 09-06 34
Day 1: 5 09-06
78. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 09-03 33
Day 1: 5 09-03
78. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 09-03 33
Day 1: 5 09-03
78. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 09-03 33
Day 1: 5 09-03
78. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 09-03 33
Day 1: 5 09-03
82. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 09-01 29
Day 1: 5 09-01
83. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 09-00 28
Day 1: 5 09-00
84. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 3 08-13 27
Day 1: 3 08-13
85. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 5 08-12 26
Day 1: 5 08-12
86. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 08-11 25
Day 1: 5 08-11
87. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 08-10 24
Day 1: 5 08-10
88. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 08-09 23
Day 1: 5 08-09
89. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 08-05 22
Day 1: 5 08-05
90. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 08-03 21
Day 1: 5 08-03
90. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 08-03 21
Day 1: 5 08-03
92. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 5 08-01 19
Day 1: 5 08-01
93. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 08-00 18
Day 1: 5 08-00
94. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 07-15 17
Day 1: 5 07-15
95. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 07-14 16
Day 1: 5 07-14
96. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 07-12 15
Day 1: 5 07-12
97. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 5 07-11 14
Day 1: 5 07-11
98. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 4 07-11 13
Day 1: 4 07-11
99. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 07-09 12
Day 1: 5 07-09
100. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 07-06 11
Day 1: 5 07-06
101. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 07-04 10
Day 1: 5 07-04
102. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 3 06-12 9
Day 1: 3 06-12
103. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 06-10 8
Day 1: 5 06-10
104. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 4 05-15 7
Day 1: 4 05-15
105. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 05-12 6
Day 1: 5 05-12
106. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 4 05-12 5
Day 1: 4 05-12
107. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 4 05-01 4
Day 1: 4 05-01
108. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 2 04-05 3
Day 1: 2 04-05
109. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 2 03-13 2
Day 1: 2 03-13
110. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 3 03-08 1
Day 1: 3 03-08
