By B.A.S.S. Communications
David Walker, who fished
a major circuit for years before leaving it to join the Bassmaster
Elite Series this season, says everyone believes he’s won a major
tournament in his career, but that’s not true.
Walker of Sevierville,
Tenn., came closer Friday to filling that hole in his history by taking
the lead with 35 pounds, 3 ounces, in the Elite Series season finale on
Wheeler Lake, the June 16-19 Dixie Duel.
Walker has work ahead of
him. He is 14 ounces ahead of Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., who ended
the day with 34-5. A superfocused Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif.,
determined to win the event and score a Bassmaster Classic berth, moved
into third from 19th with 33-2 after two days.
First-day leader Ott
DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., slipped to fourth place with 32-13. Bradley
Roy of Lancaster, Ky., popped up from 13th place into fifth with 32-11.
Walker’s decision to
fish the Elite Series had a lot to do with his desire to compete once
again in a Bassmaster Classic. He’s appeared in six Classics, but not
since 2006. Coming into the Wheeler event, he was 46th in points, and
needs to move up about 10 ticks. Thanks to double-qualifiers, the
cutline hovers at 37th place.
“A chance to win a big
tournament has just followed along with my Classic goal,” Walker, 46,
said. “I’ve never had a major tournament win. I’ve won other stuff, but
not an Elite tournament, not an FLW Tour tournament. I’ve come close —
too many times.”
On Wheeler, he and Reese
have been courteously sharing “one little area” over the first two days
of competition, Walker said. At one point Friday he moved off to fish
another spot.
“That paid off pretty good — but then he (Reese) had it to himself and that helped him out that much more,” Walker said.
Reese bagged 19-5 to Walker’s 17-1.
Walker is concerned that their spot — a ledge — won’t continue to produce, or not produce enough for two anglers.
“But there’s obviously a lot of fish there, and it’s held up so far,” Walker said.
He said he’s fishing clean, his limits are happening early for him, and his biggest fish was about a 4-pounder.
Hackney outfished both
Walker and Reese on Friday. His sack went 19-9 on the scales, but he had
started the day in 11th place, so had to make up ground to take second
place.
“I think the biggest
thing for me today was the weather,” Hackney said. “I caught my big fish
today just before that bad weather hit this morning. They were
aggressive and active. Then I stayed away from my primary stuff and went
looking. I have to be careful not to burn up my fish.”
He said he shared water
Friday with about 20 other anglers, but is working it slightly
differently to get the better bite. With the field cut in half for
Saturday’s competition, Hackney said he’s counting on having the area
more to himself.
Like Walker and Reese, Hackney’s focus at the Dixie Duel is to earn enough points to qualify for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
“That’s the main objective, my main goal this week, and today will pull me forward on that,” Hackney said.
A win means not only the
$100,000 first-place prize, but an instant-in for the 2012 Classic.
Unless they fall hard sometime over the final two days of Duel
competition, Walker and Hackney are now in a position to get to the
Classic via the Elite points system. Reese isn’t. Lacking enough points,
he must win at Wheeler to get to the Classic via the Elite Series.
The 2012 Classic is
scheduled for the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., the
same venue where Reese won his Classic title in 2009.
“Winning here is my only
option,” Reese said. “I spent the week fishing out (offshore), looking
for a way to win. I didn’t think you could win it fishing the bank, but
obviously there’s some big stringers coming in from the shallows.”
In the Toyota Tundra
Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, leader Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo,
Mich., came close to closing. But his nearest challengers in points,
Oklahoma’s Edwin Evers and Alabama’s Steve Kennedy, both made the cut to
compete on Saturday. With a mathematically possible chance still
existing for either Evers or Kennedy to overtake him, VanDam must wait
another day to see if he will win his fourth consecutive title and
seventh of his career.
VanDam was in sixth place in the Dixie Duel after Friday, and he’s out for the event win. He’s 4-1 behind leader Walker.
“I’d like to be in contention to win this thing,” he said. “You do that, and the other (the points race) takes care of itself.”
The big bass of Friday
was caught by Tim Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala., a 6-4. He said he
caught it on a Bomber No. 7 Switchback Shad in the purple darter finish.
Horton’s fish is in contention for the Berkley Big Bass of the
Tournament bonus of $500.
2011 Dixie Duel - Decatur, AL 6/16-6/19
Wheeler Lake, Decatur AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 35-03 305
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 17-01
2. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 34-05 295
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 19-09
3. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 33-02 290
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 19-05
4. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 32-13 290
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 14-07
5. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 32-11 280
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 18-01
6. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 31-02 276
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-12
7. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 8 28-14 272
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 3 10-13
8. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 28-09 268
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 13-08
9. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 27-15 264
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 16-02
10. Travis Manson De Pere, WI 10 27-05 260
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 11-03
11. Kelly Jordon Palestine, TX 10 26-13 257
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 12-02
12. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 26-09 254
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 10-03
13. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 26-05 251
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 17-01
14. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 10 26-05 248
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 11-12
15. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 26-03 245
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-15
16. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 25-15 243
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 18-07
17. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 10 25-15 241
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 12-12
18. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 25-14 239
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 12-09
19. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 25-14 237
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 11-12
20. James Stricklin Texarkania, TX 10 25-12 235
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 14-04
21. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 25-10 233
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 11-10
22. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 10 25-09 231
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 11-02
23. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 25-04 229
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 13-12
24. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 25-02 227
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 12-14
25. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 25-01 225
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 14-14
26. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 10 24-13 223
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 11-00
27. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 24-12 221
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 11-08
28. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 24-11 219
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 07-06
29. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 24-10 217
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 13-05
30. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 24-09 215
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 13-06
31. Keith Poche Troy, AL 10 24-06 213
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-12
32. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 10 24-04 211
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 12-08
33. Nate Wellman Newaygo, MI 10 24-04 209
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-10
34. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 24-03 207
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-05
35. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 24-02 205
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 09-06
36. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 24-02 203
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 13-14
37. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 10 24-00 201
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 13-14
38. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 10 23-13 199
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 11-15
39. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 10 23-10 197
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 10-07
40. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 10 23-09 195
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 11-07
41. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 23-06 193
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 10-08
42. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 23-05 191
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 09-01
43. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 23-01 189
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 12-00
44. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 22-15 187
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 10-09
45. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 22-14 185
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 10-05
46. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 22-11 183
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 06-13
47. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 22-09 181
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 11-01
48. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 22-08 179
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 10-14
49. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 22-07 177
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 08-11
50. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 22-07 175
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 09-00
51. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 22-07 175
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 13-07
52. Pat Golden High Point, NC 10 22-07 171
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 11-12
53. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 10 22-05 169
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 10-10
54. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 21-15 167
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 13-08
55. Grant Goldbeck Boerne, TX 10 21-11 165
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 12-00
56. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 21-10 163
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 11-12
57. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 21-10 161
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 11-10
58. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 21-09 159
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 14-04
59. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 10 21-08 157
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 10-05
60. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 21-08 155
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 13-11
61. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 10 21-07 153
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 11-14
62. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 10 20-09 151
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 07-10
63. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 20-09 149
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 11-00
64. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 20-08 147
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 12-00
65. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 20-08 145
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 11-07
66. Alton Jones Waco, TX 10 20-07 143
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 11-15
67. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 20-07 141
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 11-10
68. John Crews Salem, VA 10 20-06 139
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 12-01
69. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 10 20-06 137
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 07-01
70. Russell Parrish Riesel, TX 10 20-05 135
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 07-07
71. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 20-04 133
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 5 12-03
72. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 20-04 131
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 11-09
73. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 10 20-02 129
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 08-14
74. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 10 20-01 127
Day 1: 5 06-06 Day 2: 5 13-11
75. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 19-09 125
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 10-04
76. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 19-02 123
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 09-01
77. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 18-15 121
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 09-09
78. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 10 18-12 119
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 08-04
79. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 18-12 117
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 09-11
80. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 10 18-05 115
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 08-06
81. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 18-01 113
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 07-15
82. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 17-07 111
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 07-07
83. Zell Rowland Austin, TX 10 17-04 109
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 07-15
84. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 17-04 107
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 08-11
85. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 10 17-02 105
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 09-15
86. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 10 17-02 103
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 09-09
87. Dean Alexander Georgetown, TX 10 17-00 101
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 10-00
88. Matt Greenblatt Port St Lucie, FL 10 16-13 99
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 07-15
89. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 16-11 97
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 09-12
90. Clark Reehm Lufkin, TX 10 16-10 95
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 07-12
91. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 10 16-07 93
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 08-02
92. David Smith Del City, OK 10 16-02 91
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 5 08-11
93. Lee Sisson Winter Haven, FL 9 16-01 89
Day 1: 4 07-04 Day 2: 5 08-13
94. Ben Parker Springville, TN 8 14-12 87
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 5 10-12
95. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 10 14-08 85
Day 1: 5 05-15 Day 2: 5 08-09
96. Craig Schuff Watauga, TX 10 13-13 83
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 05-14
97. Ryan Said Wixom, MI 7 12-09 81
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 2 05-09
98. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 10 12-06 79
Day 1: 5 05-12 Day 2: 5 06-10
99. Morizo Shimizu Matsugaoka JAPAN 6 09-05 77
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 5 07-07
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 488 1093-05
2 97 490 1114-05
----------------------------------
193 978 2207-10
