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Today on the Next Generation Tackle Box we highlight the Zoom Lizard and Carolina rigs....check it out.
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The Walmart FLW Tour presented by Folgers will stop in Plattsburgh, N.Y., July 9-12 for the final regular-season tournament of the 2009 season on Lake Champlain that will feature anglers from across the United States, Mexico and Japan fishing for top awards of $125,000 cash in the Pro Division and $25,000 cash in the Co-angler Division.
“July is kind of a tricky month on Champlain from what I’ve heard,” said Team National Guard pro Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif., who has won more than $1.1 million in FLW Outdoors events and is leading the Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year race. “And why it’s tricky is largemouth are going to be a large factor in this tournament. From what I’ve heard, smallmouth are going to weigh lighter because they’re post-spawn.“You may find good largemouth down south toward Ticonderoga,” Ehrler added. “But it’s 70 miles away, and if the wind blows, you may get there, but you may not get back (in time). It’s going to be tricky.”
Ehrler said he expects anglers to rely on topwater baits and flipping to catch their limits. Anglers targeting smallmouth may find success with a Carolina rig, jerkbait or tube. Ehrler said a soft-plastic topwater frog should be productive for largemouth.
“It’s going to be fun fishing,” Ehrler said. “On the flip side, you may run 70 miles, catch 12 pounds and it won’t be good enough.”
In the Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year race, Ehrler is going into the final regular-season event with a three-point lead over Clark Wendlandt of Leander, Texas.
“It’s very close,” Ehrler said. “Last year it flip-flopped a ton just in the very last tournament. And this year there’s four of us who are really, really close. So it’s going to come down to who finishes highest in the tournament is going to win the Angler of the Year title.
“If I let that get in my head, it will be tough,” Ehrler added. “If I can not worry about it, I could do really good. It’s when you get that added stress, then you start thinking differently about how you need to go into a tournament and do well.”
Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. all four days of competition from Dock Street Landing located at 5 Dock Street in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will also be held at Dock Street Landing beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s weigh-ins will be held at the Plattsburgh State Field House located at 167 Rugar Street in Plattsburgh beginning at 4 p.m.
This is the last stop before the FLW Cup held this year in Pittsburgh, PA.
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Lake Fork Guide Heath Hardwick knows Lake Fork and he knows about frog fishing. He recently caught this 8 plus pounder on the Lake Fork on the Lake Fork Frog (also pictured below) in watermelon with a pearl belly. Nice fish Heath!
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Utah's Adrian Alexander was one of our first readers at Wired2Fish and he recently purchased a new Phoenix Bass Boat. It's a beauty but we have one question...Bass fishing in Utah?
He is the father of junior bass fishing phenom Zach Alexander and looks great in his new ride. Adrian and Zack are truly Wired2Fish!
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Check out Unplugged today. Today is the first edition of Unplugged with Chad Brauer. Chad breaks down types of jigs and when to use each style.
Don't forget to send questions to Chad regarding tips, tackle and techniques. You can send your questions to feedback@wired2fish.com. |
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A jig is a bait that is effective in both shallow and deep water, as well as in every type of cover you can fish. There are however some characteristics of a jig that may make it more effective in a situation than a different type of jig. Picking the right one will make it easier to fish, look more realistic, and get you more bites.
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The Tru-Tungsten Flea Flicker winners are:
Harold Clark
Germantown, OH.
Tom Brouillette
Garland, TX
Scott Seaton
Kodak, TN
They correctly answered the questions below:
1. Which is more dense, Tungsten or lead?
-Tungsten
2. Who designed and is the namesake for Tru-Tungsten Flipping Weights?
-Denny Brauer
3. What St. Louis area BASS Elite Series angler fishes for Tru-Tungsten?
-Mark Tucker
4. What sport does the term "flea flicker" come from?
-Football
Congrats to all and your product is on the way.
Watch next week for a new contest......Its all the Rage!
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 Mike Norris Outdoors
Jesse Simpkins, longtime marketeer at Plano Molding, has been promoted to VP of Marketing at Plano. Congrats Jesse.
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ICAST6/26/2009 9:45:28 AM
For the first time in more than 10 years, ICAST, the world's largest sportfishing trade show, will head to Orlando, Florida. For the eighth straight year, it will be a sold-out show floor, despite the tough economic conditions nationally.
Wired2Fish will be there and giving you updates on products and the goings on as well as filming for upcoming Wired TV segments. Send us your questions about the new products and watch Wired2Fish for the latest in updates from the floor.
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Its sometimes hard to get thrilled over a new jig but Jewel has done it with their new Jewel J-Lock jig. Scroll down to the Next Generation Tackle Box Section and take a look. Its one sweet jig.
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BASS illustrator Chris Armstrong has been telling the story at Bassmaster and Bass Times for 30 years. We had a chance to sit down with him on Wired Radio. Check it out!
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Well known tournament angler and owner of Stanley Lures Lonnie Stanley is on Wired Radio today talking about the 30 year history of Stanley and the new products they are introducing. To listen click on his picture on Wired Radio.
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Central Pro Am joins the PAA as the first PAA Affiliated Trail
The Professional Anglers Association has joined forces with the Central Pro Am Association to offer a
one of a kind opportunity for anglers fishing Central Pro Am in 2010. The new affiliation brings together
two organizations with a unifying theme of tournament bass fishing, and support of the membership,
the fishermen. According to John Crews, President of the PAA, “We are excited to implement
partnerships such as this, as we feel it gives strength to both organizations, and as a result creates more
opportunities for the anglers, which is important to the PAA.”
The partnership paves the way for the 2010 Central Pro Am Angler of the Year, along with the Co-angler
of the Year, who will each receive a guaranteed slot in the 2011 PAA Tournament Series. In addition to
covering entry fees for the anglers, Central Pro Am will also be providing assistance with expenses,
making this a truly inexpensive shot at becoming a touring pro in 2011. “This could make a couple of
our Central Pro Am’s anglers lifelong dreams come true, just by fishing a season with us…two of our
anglers will be competing against some of the best talent in the country in 2011,” said Jim Thompson,
owner of Central Pro Am.
Two lucky Central Pro Am Anglers also have a chance to compete with touring PAA pros in the 2009 PAA
Corporate Cup, to be held September 10-12 on Lake Pickwick in Florence, AL. This unique opportunity is
part of a joint PAA/CPAA membership drive. All members of Central Pro Am in good standing that join
the PAA between June 1 and July 31, 2009 are registered for their chance to win this all expense paid
trip courtesy of Central Pro Am.
For more details on the Professional Anglers Association, the PAA Tournament Series, or the 2009 PAA
Corporate Cup please visit www.fishpaa.com. For more information on the Central Pro Am Association,
their tournament series, and how you can participate in this partnership, please visit www.central-proam.com.
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The ever positive Pete Robbins, we say that tongue in cheek, gets even more positive today with his Unplugged article about looking at the bright side. Check it out and remember if "Pete the Attorney" can be positive about the industry it should be easy for the rest of us.
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We don’t need to be reminded that there’s a lot of bad stuff going on now. Times are tough, rations are lean (except for those of us in the outdoor writing fraternity, who’ve never seen a buffet that didn’t scream out to us) and the fishing industry is taking it on the chin.
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 Bob Bauer, the Facilities Manager for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and W2F's first People Who Fish profile, was recently presented the 2009 "The Employee's Choice" award by The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Bob established the Carolina Youth Conservation Organization, is the North Carolina State Federation Youth Director, a member of the Southfork Bassmasters Club, a very proud father and a friend of Wired2Fish!
We are proud of you Bob and thank you greatly for your work and dedication! To read the whole story click here. |
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Berkley has again sent a ton of new products to the media just in time for ICAST. These products will be generally available to the public towards the end of the year.
We will list the new ones here but will be giving more info after we have had a chance to throw them. The new products include a new Swimbait called a Ripple Shad, a ribbed shad imitator with a boot tail, a new hand poured Finesse Worm, new RibbonTail Power Grubs, a hand poured Curtail Worm, and a 7" Power Worm. They also have a new flavor of Gulp Alive called Minnow and a Power Bait juice especially for crappie.
As usual they continue to develop several new types of line including Spiderwire XXX super mono, Spiderwire Braid, two new improved Vanish fluorocarbons and two improved Fireline superlines. Don't forget they also recently introduced TransOptic earlier this month.
We can hardly wait to see the rods and reels at the ICAST show!
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Laserlure's new RL-1 rattling crankbait winners are:
Dessie Bower
Athens, Ga
Curt Forth
Marseilles, IL
Jeremy Phan
Wake Forest, NC
The correct answers were:
1. Bass Cat Cougar FTD
2. Mercury OptiMax 250 Pro XS
3. Contact with water
Congrats and as always get ready for the next great contest at Wired2Fish.com.
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Zoom Bait Company has a great article on their website regarding fishing worms in the summer. It highlights Terry Bolton, a FLW pro from Paducah Kentucky, and talks about lighter and skinnier worming in the dog days. To read the story click here. |
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Well, we know Scales and Tales artist Bill McElroy can draw 'em but can sure can catch 'em too. Take a look at these beauties:
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Stanley Lures has been around for decades providing great jigs, spinnerbaits and frogs. The Stanley jig was the first jig to have multicolored weedguards and unique killer colors in their arsenal. The Wedge and the Vibra Shaft spinnerbaits are a mainstay in most anglers arsenals and ton's of money has been won on the Ribbit frog.
They just introduced the New Bull Ribbit, a larger version of the the Ribbit with the same great kickin legs, froglike body, bulging eyes and smooth bottom perfect for grass and open water alike. Its scented with garlic too. The Bull Ribbit takes a larger hook, 5/0 to 7/0, and can be cast a mile. The boot tail feet kick up a storm and they have numerous different colors perfect for all over the country.
They also just introduced a new frog buzzbait combination called the BuzZit that adds even more buzz to frog fishing. Look for them at local retailers or you can buy them direct by clicking here.
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It's swimbait time and Huddleston Deluxe has you covered. Their line-up includes the new Weedless Huddleston Trout swimbait and this bait works magic on weedlines, over grass and around wood without getting hung up. They also have a great new crawfish imitator that is super for drops and ledges. To learn more or order click here. |
Phoenix Bass Boats have some great new videos outlining the new features and functionality of the Phoenix 721 XP. President Gary Clouse and his team at Phoenix have some special angler friendly features that make a Phoenix a special boat that is built for fishermen. Check out the videos by clicking here. |
Skeet Reese brought the Berkley CrazyLegs Chigger Craw into national prominance with his win of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic and he flipped and pitched it but savvy bass anglers also see this bait as a great trailer for swimming a football head jig in deep water too. Not only does the CrazyLegs have a ton of action but it also has the great fish catching ability of the Berkley Power Bait family as well. Its a perfect size trailer (4") and adds bulk and size to the football head. It comes in 10 great colors and can be purchased by clicking here.
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Want to learn more about swimming a jig. Alan Clemons has a great article with Elite Series pro Greg Vinson on Unplugged right now that gives you some tips.
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Several years ago, Bassmaster Elite pro Greg Vinson of Alabama got tired of seeing other guys take home the money at Lake Jordan tournaments with some kind of technique he’d never heard of or tried before.
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Big Bite Baits continues to build baits designed by pro's for aspiring ones and the Jeff Kriet Squirrel Tail worm is another example. This was the same worm the Kriet "smoked em" on a Day on the Water on ESPN. The contest for these worms is complete and below are the two winners:
Rich Lindgren
Lakeville, MN
Lee Parker
Rockwall, Texas
The correct answers to the questions are:
1. What is another namesake product that Jeff Kriet intoduced and
designed for Big Bite? The Kriet tail worm or the Kriet Creature
2. How did Jeff Kriet get the nickname "Squirrel"?He was doing a Seminar in Tulsa and folks started filing in at an alarming rate. They had come to see "twiggy the water skiing squirrel" during a boat show and he thought it was to see him. Kevin VanDam added to the nickname by mentioning it on ESPN.
Congrats to both of you and your product is on the way.
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The Toyota Texas Bass Classic organizers are offering a limited number of discounted seats for the Toyota Texas Bass Classic at Lake Conroe for $10.00 per day. Regular price is $20.00 per day. This is a pre-sale offering and numbers are limited. The event will be held October 16-18 at Lake Conroe near Montgomery Texas. Besides great bass fishing, country music legend Pat Green, superstar Josh Turner and upcomer Zona Jones will be performing. For tickets go to www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com and use the code TTBC2009. |
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BASS just released a re-cap of the River Rumble on the Mississippi River and updated AOY standings. To read more click here. |
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This weekend is Fathers Day weekend and late shoppers here are a few suggestions for the Father who loves to fish.
1. Bluewater LED Lights-perfect for putting a little bling in his boat and also super functional. Multiple colors and they come with everything for an easy install.
2. Berkley TEC Tools-Some great angler tools and are priced right. Scales, clippers, pliers, cutters and several others are a great gift.
3. Culling and measuring tools-Custom bump board, tackle rack and weigh-in bags at Gator Grip. Great choice for any angler who fishes tournaments.
4. Hook files and sharpening- Rapala and Berkley have some of the best sharpening tools including hones, knife sharpeners and files.
5. Swimbaits- Put together an assortment of swimbaits. Get him one of all of the good ones. He will love this gift!
6. Plastic suggestions- a great way to pick the best in plastic baits for the die-hard dad.....watch FLW and BASS results and get him an assortment of the winning baits.
7. The BEST Suggestion- Get him some Wired2Fish clothing on the Wired2Fish Store. We now have a great selection of Wired goodies. Hoodies, shirts and caps and other great gifts custom made for his day. Everyone will officially know that "DAD" is Wired to Fish!!
Thanks DAD!
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SCOTTSBORO, Ala. – What started as a day on Guntersville Lake years ago for about a dozen people as small display of appreciation for the athletic coaches and trainers has become a highly-anticipated event that will be capped this weekend with the 10th annual Kickin’ Bass Coaches Charity Tournament.
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Chris Shore of Lenexa, Kansas is the winner of the "more jigs than you can shake a stick at" contest on Wired2Fish. Your jigs from Stanley, Spro, Snag Proof, Jewel, All Terrain, Berkley, Buckeye, Talon, Tru-Tungsten, TABU, Revenge, Poor Boys, Strike King, Terminator and Omega are on the way!
He correctly answered the following questions:
1. What company owns Picasso?
Fish Harder
2. Who makes the J-Lock jig?
Jewel
3. What Elite Series pro won the Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans and is a Buckeye Lures pro?
Davy Hite
4. What accessories do you get with the Gripper Football Head jig from Berkley?
Extra skirt and double tail trailers
5. What Strike King pro is known as the "king of jig fishing" and loves to flip and pitch?
Denny Brauer
Look for more great contests from your "contest headquarters" Wired2Fish.com very soon.
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Arkansas Elite Series angler Billy McCaghren talks on Wired Radio today about Shaw Grigsby, the "River" and fishing the Elite Series.
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You have heard about the Spro Frogs, you have heard about Snag Proof but now Tru-Tungsten has introduced a killer new frog with a killer new name....Mad Maxx. This new frog was designed by Greg Hackney, Marty Stone and Mike Iaconelli and is being introduced before ICAST at Bass Pro Shops just in time for the best time of the year.....frog time!
Some of the features of the new Mad Maxx includes:
* Hollow body
* 3D eyes
* keel design on bottom of frog for easy ''walk the dog'' action.
* Features tungsten rattles for extra attracting power inside the bait.
* a pro drain on the bottom of the frog will keep water out.
* super-sharp double frog hook from Mihatchii.
* colors - GREMLIN, SWEET REVENGE, SWAMP MONSTER, BLUEGRASS, HYDRILLA, GRAPES OF WRATH, ROTTEN PUMPKIN
* Retail price of $8.49
* Available exclusivly at Bass Pro Shops all over the country and online at www.basspro.com. Its also available for dealers at American Rod and Gun.
Watch for an upcoming contest where you can own one of the first new frogs to hit the market from Tru-tungsten.
The super-premium Mad Maxx frog takes temptation to the highest level.
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PAA State of the Association Address
By John Crews
As the newly elected President of the Professional Anglers Association, it is my duty to communicate the state of the organization. The PAA has accomplished many goals in the past year that have taken many previous years to build. My job will be to continue our success and growth to assist the PAA in serving our members. In case anyone has any doubt, the members of the PAA are the benefactors since we are a nonprofit organization. The members elect the Board of Directors and the Board elects the officers. It makes me very proud that I have been elected the President of the PAA.
What has the PAA done?
One year ago I was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors. Over the past year, I have been closely involved with the operations of the PAA. I served as the Secretary under President, Tim Horton, and Vice President, Chad Morgenthaler. The accomplishments of the Board this past year are hard to deny.
The PAA Corporate Cup was created in 2008 to encourage more companies to get involved in the sport of tournament bass fishing. This unique event makes it possible for endemic and non-endemic sponsors to learn more about professional bass fishing by experiencing it themselves. Since the inception of the PAA our members have requested more events to fish, so the E21 Carrot Stix PAA Tournament Series was created in 2009 to add more tournament events and bring more exposure to our members, sponsors and the sport itself at tournament events around the country as well as on television and through live webcasts of the events on www.fishPAA.com. The Carrot Stix PAA Tournament Series qualifies anglers for the 3rd annual Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) with a $500,000 purse and no entry fee which will be on televised on CBS.
The PAA also created the PAA Payday tournament bonus program to give our non-Tour members another benefit in addition to the Affinity Partner Program. The PAA Payday program awards bonus amounts starting at $125 to $100,000 for anglers winning or qualifying for sanctioned events (see www.FishPAA.com for more details). The FishPAA TV show airing the entire year of 2009 on WFN is helping to spread the word about the PAA and educate anglers on how to catch more fish. The Board has been extremely busy growing the PAA and producing what our members have requested.
Now what?
The PAA will continue to build on what we have done over the past 12 months, again, which took years to make happen. The Board and newly hired Business Development Manager, Danny Blandford, have been working on a three-year event plan. The plan should be released this summer. It will give our members, potential members, sponsors, the fishing industry, and the rest of the world a look into our plans for events in the future. It will be very important to let everyone know our intentions. The PAA is very excited about this “road map” of where we are headed. We will continue to improve and make the best events and benefits we can for our members.
Outside of our events, the PAA will continue to offer our current programs and explore more opportunities for our members. The PAA Payday program will continue to pay members who are successful and our website (www.FishPAA.com) will have more and more unique content. Be sure to check our website frequently for updates and information occurring weekly. We plan on trying to get the PAA and our members as much TV exposure as possible through our very popular FishPAA TV show airing on WFN through 2009 as well as our tournament events airing on WFN, Versus, the Lonestar Network and the TTBC event also airing on CBS. The PAA also intends on working with any organization that has similar goals to the PAA in a synergistic relationship.
How can you help?
If you not are a PAA member, it is simple - the first step is to JOIN. If you are a PAA member, there are a couple of ways to help. Email or call the PAA office to inform them of things you would like to see the PAA accomplish. We want you to hear your brilliant solutions rather than just problems. The PAA also needs our members to promote the PAA and help recruit more members. Every PAA member should have pride in our organization. It is simple. The more members we have; the more benefits we can offer to our members. The bottom line is that becoming a PAA member is really helping to promote, preserve, and grow the sport of bass fishing.
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Amphibious Ish
Ish Monroe, who may fish more tournaments than any other tour-level pro, lapped the field at the California Delta a few weeks ago on the strength of a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver and a prototype Phat Frog from SnagProof.
The frog won't officially be released until ICAST, but we hounded him last week at Kentucky Lake until he agreed to show us the goods (pictured here).
Look for some "interesting" color names from Ish in his new signature lure. They may not rival those developed by Andre Moore, but they'll be close.
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Strike King Lures is offering fans an opportunity to get some sneak peeks at their new products for 2010 via their website. Following a banner year with great new Rage Tail line-up we can hardly wait to see what they have up their sleeves. To get the first sneak peek click here. |
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FLW pro Scott Suggs and local angler Bryan Estes claimed first place in the second annual Wired2Fish World Championship at Comlara Park in Central Illinois yesterday. They caught their fish in mid depth ranges and said these bass were post-spawn. "This is a great event and a great fishery" noted Suggs. "We had a blast." They had a 5 bass limit that weighed 19.66 pounds.
BASS Elite Series pro Tommy Biffle and local Jerry Martoglio were second with 13.43 pounds.
Pro's were paired with local anglers and fished out of small boats with 9.9 hp engines. Tommy Biffle noted " This event reminded me of how I started and it was a cool deal.... Makes you appreciate what we have with our boats now...that is for sure."
Wired2Fish pro's Matt Herren, Shaw Grigsby, Gary Klein, Mike McClelland, Jared Lintner, Jeff Kriet, and Denny Brauer also fished. All but two boats had limits and this tournament ran in conjunction with a media event at Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Bloomington, Illinois and a meeting and video shoot with the pro's at Wired2Fish headquarters.
Stay tuned to Wired2Fish for photos, videos, and much more from this event.
Thanks to
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WILLIAMS WINS WALMART FLW TOUR EVENT ON KENTUCKY/BARKLEY LAKES
MURRAY, Ky. (June 14, 2009) – Team Land O’Lakes pro Keith Williams of Conway, Ark., caught a final-round total of 10 bass weighing 42 pounds even to win $125,000 in the FLW Tour event presented by Pringles on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes. Williams topped his closest rival, David Young of Mayfield, Ky., by 2 pounds, 6 ounces to earn the win and 200 points toward qualifying for the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
“I’ve had so many ups and downs – mostly downs,” said Williams, who has won more than $439,000 in FLW Outdoors events. “I’ve had some bad years. My first three years were really good, but after that I had a bad dry spell without any good finishes. I had considered not doing it any more. I had considered quitting and Land O’Lakes kept me in it.”
Williams said his first fish of the day, a 9-pound, 1-ounce largemouth, was the fish that sealed the victory.
“I knew right then I had a chance to win if I could just settle down and catch a decent limit,” Williams said. “I’m not really sure what time I caught it. After I caught it, everything was just a blur. I made myself get off the trolling motor and slow way down, because I was shaking. I knew I was going to mess up if I started fishing too fast.”
Williams said he focused on a grassy area with shell spots and rocky spots in a road bed that he said runs through Kentucky Lake for five or six miles. Williams said he alternated between a 10 1/2-inch plum-colored Zoom Ole Monster worm, a 3/4-ounce Strike King football-head jig and a Zoom Brush Hog fished on 20-pound Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. His Texas-rigged worm rig consisted of a 5/16-ounce Tru-Tungsten weight and a 5/0 hook.
“Seventy percent of my fish came on the initial fall after I’d make a long cast,” Williams said. “They were really boat shy.”
Williams said his hot spot was in the New Johnsonville area and was about 45 miles from Kenlake Marina and about 75 miles from the Kentucky Dam Marina.
“In the morning, especially on cloudy days, they were way on top of the road bed and I was keeping my boat deep and making really long casts to keep from spooking them, and I was throwing shallow - maybe even eight feet,” Williams said. “Sometimes my boat was sitting 25 or even 30 feet deep.
“I knew there was acres and acres and acres of grass there,” Williams added. “That’s the only reason I fished this area. I knew that the grass was the deal and I knew a lot of the guys wouldn’t know about it, because the lake’s been up this year and it hasn’t grown up to the top.”
Williams opened the tournament Thursday in fifth place with five bass weighing 21-12. He slipped to seventh place Friday with a five-bass catch weighing 18 pounds, 14 ounces to advance into the final round of 10 pros with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 40 pounds, 10 ounces. On Saturday, weights were cleared, and Williams caught five bass weighing 17-3 to advance to the final day of competition in fourth place. Williams added another five bass weighing 24-3 to his final-round total Sunday.
Young caught a final-round total of 10 bass weighing 39-10 to claim second place and $50,000.
“I had a seven (pounder) at the boat that the hook broke off,” said Young, who has posted 27 FLW Outdoors top-10s on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes. “I had another seven (pounder) at the boat that came off. I had a six get off. I had two fives get off. I had six more fish on that were huge that we never saw. I should have weighed in 30 pounds today.”
Young said he caught the majority of his fish Sunday on a spoon and a chartreuse and white Norman DD-22 deep-diving crankbait.
“My first and second fish of the day came on my first two casts,” Young said. “And they were big ones. It was unbelievable.”
Rounding out the top 10 pros were Team Chevy pro Larry Nixon of Bee Branch, Ark. (10 bass, 33-11, $40,000); Mark Rose of Marion, Ark. (10 bass, 32-11, $30,000); Travis Fox of Springdale, Ark. (10 bass, 31-1, $20,000); Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla. (10 bass, 30-9, $19,000); Team PTSI pro Ron Shuffield of Bismarck, Ark. (eight bass, 30-4, $18,000); Team Land O’Lakes pro Ott Defoe of Knoxville, Tenn. (10 bass, 28-9, $17,000); Bobby McMullin of Pevely, Mo. (10 bass, 25-13, $16,000) and Kenneth Woods of Hazard, Ky. (eight bass, 21-2, $15,000).
Overall there were 48 bass weighing 162 pounds, 12 ounces caught in the Pro Division Sunday. The catch included nine five-bass limits.
Brandon Hunter of Benton, Ky., won the Co-angler Division and $25,000 Saturday in front of his hometown crowd with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 11 ounces followed by Frank Divis, Sr. of Fayetteville, Ark., in second place with five bass weighing 18-0 worth $10,000.
Hunter opened the tournament in eleventh place Thursday with five bass weighing 16-4 while fishing with Team Pop-Tarts pro Greg Bohannan of Rogers, Ark. On Friday he advanced to seventh place with a five-bass catch weighing 14-8 while fishing with Tom Mann Jr. of Buford, Ga. He wrapped up his win while fishing with Land O’Lakes pro Keith Williams of Conway, Ark.
“We got to do what I love to do, and that’s fish a big worm on this lake,” said Hunter, who is fishing in his second season of FLW Tour competition. “I live on the north end of the lake and I got to see water I’ve never seen before. It’s a lot different. The quality of fish is so much better down there.”
Hunter said he had a limit by 10:30 and caught a total of six keepers throughout the course of the day. Hunter’s rig consisted of a 5/16-ounce bullet weight and a plum-colored Berkley PowerWorm Texas rigged on 12-pound Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon.
“It’s tough to make a living as a co-angler, but this is just a learning experience for me,” said Hunter. “If you catch them, that’s just a bonus. It’s awesome to be able to win one of these.
“I really thought I’d have to cull another fish and catch another 3- or 4-pounder to get it done, but it turns out I didn’t,” Hunter added.
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are Dirk Davenport of Delaware, Ohio (five bass, 12-12, $7,500); Scott Gibson of Wiggins, Miss. (five bass, 12-10, $5,000); Mark Horton of Nicholasville, Ky. (five bass, 11-10, $4,000); Chuck Lee of South Bend, Ind. (five bass, 10-5, $3,500); Shawn Murphy of Nicholasville, Ky. (three bass, 10-3, $3,000); Larry Carter of Little Rock, Ark. (four bass, 10-0, $2,500); Rodney Brown of Eddyville, Ky. (one bass, 3-10, $2,000) and Matt Hoffman of Cold Spring, Ky. (zero bass, 0-0, $1,500).
Overall there were 38 bass weighing 108 pounds, 13 ounces caught in the Co-angler Division Saturday. The catch included six five-bass limits.
Coverage of the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes tournament, hosted by the Marshall County Tourist Commission and the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS, the network which brings anglers the best fishing programming on television featuring the most-trusted authorities on the water. The Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors,” will air Aug. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide, including internationally through agreements with WFN (World Fishing Network) and Matchroom Sport to such countries as Canada, Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world.
The FLW Tour will award more than $8 million cash to the world’s top bass anglers in 2009. Regular season competition includes three qualifiers and three opens. Each event takes anglers a step closer to the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa. The prestigious championship and outdoor show hosted by Visit Pittsburgh will feature 77 pros, 77 co-anglers and bass fishing’s largest cash award – a potential $1 million first-place prize for the winning pro.
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors also is taking fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
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Arkansas’ Kevin Short Scores First Bassmaster Elite Series Victory on Mississippi River
FORT MADISON, Iowa – Tapping into his extensive knowledge of rivers, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kevin Short of Mayflower, Ark., mastered the mighty Mississippi River at the Genuity™ River Rumble, posting a four-day total of 43 pounds, 3 ounces, which was enough to edge out hard-charging Kelly Jordon of Mineola, Texas, by 10 ounces.
While Short’s execution was nearly flawless through the weekend, his preparation and homework before to the tournament helped him claim his third BASS career victory, his first Elite Series win. For 15 years, Short has sharpened his fishing chops on the Arkansas River, a fishery he believes translates well to fishing the Mississippi. Furthermore, Short took a scouting trip last September to the Mississippi and scoured the fishery for two days.
“This week was like going back in time to when I first started tournament fishing,” said Short, 47. “I just feel comfortable on river systems. There are certain anglers who know and understand rivers and will always be able to perform well there, and I consider myself one of those people.”
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the River Rumble on The Bassmasters, Saturday, June 20, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.
Heading into Sunday, Short was in a distant sixth and needed to make up a deficit of almost 5 pounds. Early, things didn’t look good. By 1 p.m. and with little time left in his competition day, Short had only landed three keepers. But he stuck to his guns, knowing the area would get hot.
His faith paid off. For nearly one hour late in the day, Short landed the majority of his weighed fish, primarily throwing a Zoom WEC E-1 crankbait in chartreuse classic color. That lure, he said, was the most important in his arsenal, which also included a Zoom speed craw and a ¼-ounce spinnerbait.
Rotating between two areas – what he called backwater slews – Short targeted laydowns. He would run his pattern on his primary area for about three hours, then move to a secondary area for a few hours before finally returning to the primary area. He duplicated this through all four days for a five-fish limit each day.
The victory, worth $100,000 to Short, also put him in an enviable position in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. With one event remaining in the Elite Series regular season, he is 10th, which virtually assures a qualifying berth into the 2010 Bassmaster Classic set for Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake out of Birmingham, Ala.
If Short holds his position, he would also earn a berth into the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, the Toyota Trucks Championship Week. The postseason, set for Sept. 10-18, will be played out on two productive Alabama fisheries. The first of the two postseason tournaments will take place on Lake Jordan out of Wetumpka; the finale, the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, is slated for the Alabama River from Montgomery. Only the top 12 anglers in the AOY standings will qualify.
Jordon also made an impressive charge – from eighth to second. Ultimately he couldn’t catch Short, but he said he did have a fish on that could have made the difference.
“I lost a 3-pounder yesterday that just killed me,” said Jordon, 38. “That would have made the difference.”
Like Short, Jordon is always a factor on river systems, having previously scored an Elite victory on the Potomac River in 2006. Also costly to Jordon on Sunday was his bait selection. Through the week, Jordon had primarily flipped a craw tube to cover. He continued to do so Sunday.
After a slow morning, he decided to switch things up and fired a crankbait to an area where the water depth significantly changed. He caught four bass on three casts and though it was a nice adjustment, and lamented that he didn’t make the switch sooner.
While he was disappointed, Jordon took solace that he is seventh in the AOY standings and like Short is in good position to advance to the inaugural postseason.
A serious stumble by Day 3 leader and Elite Series rookie Billy McCaghren, also of Mayflower, Ark., opened the door for Short and Jordon. After a strong first three days, McCaghren brought just 6-3 to the scales Sunday. The water depth had dropped in his primary area, he said, and it was enough that he felt the bite was significantly altered. McCaghren landed only three keeper bites and failed to boat a few others that he felt would have won the tournament for him.
This was the first Elite event in which McCaghren was in contention, and it was a learning experience for the 35-year-old.
“I learned a ton this week,” he said. “And I don’t think I could have fished any better than I did. But it hurts so bad to be this close and come up empty.”
Finishing fourth was Tommy Biffle of Wagoner, Okla., with 40-0, and Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Ark., rounded out the top five with 39-10.
In contrast to the past two Elite events – staged on big-bass factories Lake Guntersville and Kentucky Lake -- the tough, grind-it-out affair on the Mississippi registered the lowest winning weight to date for an Elite Series event.
During the 2008 season, the Elite Series had to cancel the River Rumble in Fort Madison because of flooding along the river that affected nearly a dozen states. This was the first top-tier BASS tournament on the river since 2006.
With its sponsorship of the event, Genuity donated $1,506 to the Community Services Food Pantry of Fort Madison. Elite anglers reeled in 1,506 pounds of bass this week and Genuity matched each pound with $1 for the sponsor’s generous donation.
Up next, the Elite Series regular season culminates with the August 13-16 Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y. At Oneida, the lineup will be determined for the top 12 anglers who will compete in the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason for a shot at the 2009 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for the latest releases, schedules and photos.
The local sponsor of the River Rumble is the Fort Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
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Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
FINAL STANDINGS GENUITY RIVER RUMBLE
2009 Genuity River Rumble 6/11-6/14
Mississippi River, Fort Madison IA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 20 43-03 305 $100,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 09-08 Day 4: 5 11-13
2. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 19 42-09 295 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 11-01 Day 3: 4 07-02 Day 4: 5 12-05
3. Billy Mccaghren Mayflower, AR 17 42-08 295 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 12-10 Day 4: 2 06-03
4. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 17 40-00 285 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 4 06-12 Day 3: 5 13-13 Day 4: 3 06-06
5. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 20 39-10 280 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 10-12 Day 3: 5 08-01 Day 4: 5 08-10
6. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 17 38-12 276 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 10-00 Day 3: 4 10-04 Day 4: 3 06-00
7. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 19 38-02 272 $13,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 10-04 Day 3: 5 08-14 Day 4: 4 08-09
8. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 15 36-12 268 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 3 06-00 Day 3: 4 08-07 Day 4: 3 07-11
9. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 17 36-04 264 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 5 09-12 Day 4: 2 03-00
10. Alton Jones Waco, TX 15 33-08 265 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 4 07-08 Day 4: 1 01-15
11. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 16 31-13 257 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 09-11 Day 3: 5 08-14 Day 4: 1 01-15
12. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 13 29-05 254 $10,500.00
Day 1: 4 08-05 Day 2: 3 07-07 Day 3: 5 11-02 Day 4: 1 02-07
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BIG BASS
Day
1 Randy Howell Springville, AL 04-05 $0.00
1 John Murray Phoenix, AZ 04-05 $0.00
2 Cliff Pace Petal, MS 04-04 $0.00
3 Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 04-08 $0.00
4 Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 04-09 $0.00
BIG BASS OF TOURNAMENT
Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 04-09 $1,000.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 28 280 620-04
2 22 256 506-15
3 12 150 302-04
4 3 35 76-14
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65 721 1506-05
TOYOTA TUNDRA BASSMASTER ANGLER OF THE YEAR STANDINGS
2009 Genuity River Rumble - Genuity River Rumble Pro Points After Mississippi River, Fort Madison, Iowa Ending 06-14-2009, Day 4
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Place Name St Pts
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1 Kevin VanDam Mich. 1812
2 Skeet Reese Calif. 1795
3 Alton Jones Texas 1742
4 Gary Klein Texas 1618
5 Aaron Martens Ala. 1590
6 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 1587
7 Kelly Jordon Texas 1576
8 Todd Faircloth Texas 1570
9 Randy Howell Ala. 1568
10 Kevin Short Ark. 1554
11 Mark Menendez Ky. 1534
12 Cliff Pace Miss. 1526
13 Tommy Biffle Okla. 1510
14 Brent Chapman Kan. 1504
15 Shaw Grigsby Fla. 1482
16 Kevin Wirth Ky. 1478
17 Gerald Swindle Ala. 1476
18 Byron Velvick Texas 1473
19 Casey Ashley S.C. 1469
20 Steve Kennedy Ala. 1441
21 Russ Lane Ala. 1438
22 Bobby Lane Fla. 1432
23 Matt Herren Ala. 1430
24 John Murray Ariz. 1423
25 Takahiro Omori Texas 1419
26 Greg Hackney La. 1417
27 Jeff Kriet Okla. 1397
28 Mike McClelland Ark. 1384
29 Mark Tucker Mo. 1374
30 Fred Roumbanis Okla. 1363
31 James Niggemeyer Texas 1362
32 Boyd Duckett Ala. 1360
33 Bradley Hallman Okla. 1359
34 Jami Fralick S.D. 1354
35 Stephen Browning Ark. 1353
36 Davy Hite S.C. 1352
37 Matt Reed Texas 1346
38 Billy Mccaghren Ark. 1336
39 Timmy Horton Ala. 1333
40 Denny Brauer Mo. 1324
41 Terry Scroggins Fla. 1301
42 Bill Lowen Ohio 1291
43 Brian Snowden Mo. 1287
44 Dean Rojas Ariz. 1281
45 Marty Stone N.C. 1280
46 Greg Vinson Ala. 1267
47 Jason Williamson S.C. 1261
48 Rick Morris Va. 1247
49 Todd Auten S.C. 1241
50 Terry Butcher Okla. 1231
51 Edwin Evers Okla. 1227
52 Rick Clunn Mo. 1217
53 Dave Wolak N.C. 1215
54 Pat Golden N.C. 1213
55 Jason Quinn S.C. 1211
56 Bernie Schultz Fla. 1197
57 J Todd Tucker Ga. 1195
57 Mark Tyler Okla. 1195
59 Mark Davis Ark. 1169
59 Dustin Wilks N.C. 1169
61 Jared Lintner Calif. 1166
62 Jeff Connella La. 1152
63 Kotaro Kiriyama Ala. 1151
64 Britt Myers S.C. 1150
64 Brian Clark Texas 1150
66 Chad Griffin Texas 1149
67 Morizo Shimizu Japan 1145
68 Kenyon Hill Okla. 1137
69 Chris Lane Fla. 1136
70 Vince Fulks Okla. 1111
71 Jim Murray Ga. 1085
72 Derek Remitz Ala. 1079
73 Matthew Sphar N.Y. 1065
74 Marty Robinson S.C. 1061
75 Scott Campbell Mo. 1056
76 Pete Ponds Miss. 1047
77 Wade Grooms S.C. 1019
78 Peter Thliveros Fla. 1017
79 Charlie Hartley Ohio 1013
80 Ish Monroe Calif. 1005
81 Guy Eaker N.C. 1003
82 John Crews Va. 985
83 Ken Cook Okla. 977
84 Jimmy Mize Ark. 971
85 Paul Elias Miss. 938
86 Mark Burgess Mass. 909
87 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 905
88 Clark Reehm Ark. 901
89 Scott Rook Ark. 895
90 Zell Rowland Texas 891
91 Luke Gritter Mich. 879
92 Elton Luce Texas 875
93 Grant Goldbeck Md. 872
94 Mike Wurm Ark. 853
95 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 841
96 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 821
97 Brent Broderick Ohio 729
98 David Smith Okla. 688
99 Jon Bondy Canada 495
100 Kevin Langill N.C. 484
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YOUNG LEADS WALMART FLW TOUR EVENT ON KENTUCKY/BARKLEY LAKES
Hunter wins co-angler title, $25,000
MURRAY, Ky. (June 13, 2009) – David Young of Mayfield, Ky., caught a five-bass limit weighing 20 pounds, 1 ounce Saturday to capture the lead in a top-10 field that includes some of the greatest anglers in the world. Young now holds a 9-ounce edge over his closest competitor, Team Chevy pro Larry Nixon of Bee Branch, Ark., heading into the final day of competition in the Walmart FLW Tour event on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes. If he holds on for the win, Young will pocket $125,000.
“I’m feeling real good,” said Young, who has posted 37 top-10 finishes in FLW Outdoors events. “I have some areas I haven’t even been to yet. A couple of those areas I caught them really good in practice. If those fish are still there it could be real good. You know fishing. Anybody could go out and catch 12 pounds or 20 pounds. And these guys could go out and catch a 28-pound sack on this lake today. You have to go out tomorrow and see what you can do and see how it finishes up.”
Young said he had only one fish at 10 a.m. and he relied on a later bite that is related to current. Young said he has been rotating baits between a big worm, a jig, a crankbait and a spoon. He said he couldn’t get an early bite on fast baits like crankbaits and spoons, so he slowed down with a worm and had better success. Young said he targeted ledges 17 to 24 feet deep with the boat sitting in 40 feet of water in both bays and in the river.
“I have one place that is absolutely awesome, and I haven’t been to it yet,” Young said. “More than likely I will go there tomorrow.”
Nixon remained tight-lipped about his methods for the third day in a row, although he did rule out crankbait fishing.
“I’m fishing deep,” Nixon said. “Everybody’s fishing ledges in 18 to 22 feet of water and everybody’s kind of got their own bait and own lure going.
“I’ve got two or three areas that have some good fish in them, and if they’ll hold up until tomorrow, I’ll be alright,” Nixon added.
Rounding out the top 10 pros are Travis Fox of Springdale, Ark. (five bass, 17-15); Team Land O’Lakes pro Keith Williams of Conway, Ark. (five bass, 17-13); Mark Rose of Marion, Ark. (five bass, 14-0); Kenneth Woods of Hazard, Ky. (five bass, 13-12); Bobby McMullin of Pevely, Mo. (five bass, 13-3); Team PTSI pro Ron Shuffield of Bismarck, Ark. (three bass, 12-13); Team Land O’Lakes pro Ott Defoe of Knoxville, Tenn. (five bass, 12-12) and Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla. (five bass, 11-7).
Overall there were 48 bass weighing 152 pounds, 10 ounces caught in the Pro Division Saturday. The catch included nine five-bass limits.
Pros are competing for a top award of $125,000 this week plus valuable points in the hope of qualifying for the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
Brandon Hunter of Benton, Ky., won the Co-angler Division and $25,000 Saturday in front of his hometown crowd with a five-bass limit weighing 19 pounds, 11 ounces followed by Frank Divis, Sr. of Fayetteville, Ark., in second place with five bass weighing 18-0 worth $10,000.
Hunter opened the tournament in eleventh place Thursday with five bass weighing 16-4 while fishing with Team Pop-Tarts pro Greg Bohannan of Rogers, Ark. On Friday he advanced to seventh place with a five-bass catch weighing 14-8 while fishing with Tom Mann Jr. of Buford, Ga. He wrapped up his win while fishing with Land O’Lakes pro Keith Williams of Conway, Ark.
“We got to do what I love to do, and that’s fish a big worm on this lake,” said Hunter, who is fishing in his second season of FLW Tour competition. “I live on the north end of the lake and I got to see water I’ve never seen before. It’s a lot different. The quality of fish is so much better down there.”
Hunter said he had a limit by 10:30 and caught a total of six keepers throughout the course of the day. Hunter’s rig consisted of a 5/16-ounce bullet weight and a plum-colored Berkley PowerWorm Texas rigged on 12-pound Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon.
“It’s tough to make a living as a co-angler, but this is just a learning experience for me,” said Hunter. “If you catch them, that’s just a bonus. It’s awesome to be able to win one of these.
“I really thought I’d have to cull another fish and catch another 3- or 4-pounder to get it done, but it turns out I didn’t,” Hunter added.
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are Dirk Davenport of Delaware, Ohio (five bass, 12-12 , $7,500); Scott Gibson of Wiggins, Miss. (five bass, 12-10, $5,000); Mark Horton of Nicholasville, Ky. (five bass, 11-10, $4,000); Chuck Lee of South Bend, Ind. (five bass, 10-5 , $3,500); Shawn Murphy of Nicholasville, Ky. (three bass, 10-3 , $3,000); Larry Carter of Little Rock, Ark. (four bass, 10-0 , $2,500); Rodney Brown of Eddyville, Ky. (one bass, 3-10 , $2,000) and Matt Hoffman of Cold Spring, Ky. (zero bass, 0-0 , $1,500).
Overall there were 38 bass weighing 108 pounds, 13 ounces caught in the Co-angler Division Saturday. The catch included six five-bass limits.
Anglers will take off at 6:30 Sunday morning from Kenlake State Park Marina located at 542 Ken-Lake Rd. in Hardin, followed by a 4 p.m. weigh-in at the Regional Special Events Center at Murray State University located at 1401 State Route 121 North in Murray, Ky.
In conjunction with the weigh-in Sunday, FLW Outdoors will host a free Family Fun Zone and outdoor show at the Regional Special Events Center at Murray State University beginning at noon each day. The Family Fun Zone offers fans a chance to meet their Fantasy Fishing team anglers face-to-face and review the latest products from Berkley, Lowrance, Ranger, Evinrude, Yamaha and other sponsors while children are treated to giveaways, fishing themed games and rides like the Ranger Boat simulator. Kentucky native Kimberly Blair will perform a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, and children 14 and under visiting the Family Fun Zone will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. One lucky member of the audience will even win a new Ranger boat during the final 4 p.m. weigh-in Sunday, June 14. Admission is free, and you must be present to win.
In FLW Tour competition, pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day, with pros supplying the boat, controlling boat movement and competing against other pros. Co-anglers fish from the back deck against other co-anglers. The full field competes in the two-day opening round for one of 10 slots in Saturday’s competition based on their two-day accumulated weight. Weights are cleared for day three, and co-angler competition concludes following Saturday’s weigh-in. The top 10 pros continue competition Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from days three and four.
Coverage of the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes tournament, hosted by the Marshall County Tourist Commission and the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau, will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS, the network which brings anglers the best fishing programming on television featuring the most-trusted authorities on the water. The Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors,” will air Aug. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide, including internationally through agreements with WFN (World Fishing Network) and Matchroom Sport to such countries as Canada, Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world.
The FLW Tour will award more than $8 million cash to the world’s top bass anglers in 2009. Regular season competition includes three qualifiers and three opens. Each event takes anglers a step closer to the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa. The prestigious championship and outdoor show hosted by Visit Pittsburgh will feature 77 pros, 77 co-anglers and bass fishing’s largest cash award – a potential $1 million first-place prize for the winning pro.
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors also is taking fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
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FORT MADISON, Iowa – As expected in a tough, grind-it-out Bassmaster Elite Series tournament, the top of the leaderboard is rife with BASS veterans with sterling credentials. Save for one. Elite rookie Billy McCaghren of Mayflower, Ark., has capitalized on an area he has largely to himself to cobble together a three-day total of 36 pounds, 5 ounces, at the Genuity™ River Rumble on the Mississippi River and holds a near 3-pound advantage over four-time BASS winner Tommy Biffle of Wagoner, Okla., heading into the final day of competition.
Filled with shad and cover, McCaghren’s area has remained productive through the tournament and showed little sign of stopping. Thursday, he landed 13 pounds, 1 ounce, but Friday he stumbled a bit with 10-10. He said feared his area might have succumbed to the pressure and began to think about backup plans, but rebounded Saturday with a 12-pound, 10-ounce limit.
A key to McCaghren’s success has been fish management. In a somewhat similar scenario to Bobby Lane’s victory on Kentucky Lake last week, McCaghren has not fully exploited his area. Instead, he has worked it to land a five-fish limit and then defended the spot from other competitors.
Last week, the strategy worked to perfection for Lane.
“I feel better now about what I’ve been doing and the area than I did yesterday,” said McCaghren, 35. “I’m really trying to soak it for all it’s worth. I just have to lay off after I get to a point to where I’m comfortable. But that won’t be an issue on Sunday. I just don’t think my area is replenishing, but I’m confident that it is still holding fish.”
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the River Rumble on The Bassmasters, Saturday, June 20, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.
While others in the field have struggled this week, McCaghren has used his extensive knowledge of river systems to his advantage on the Mighty Mississippi. At home in Arkansas, he frequently fishes the Arkansas River. He scored his lone BASS victory on the Red River in Louisiana.
A newcomer to the Elite Series, McCaghren earned his berth via his strong performance on the Bassmaster Central Open circuit, which included his Red River victory. So far, he has made the top-50 Elite cut four times.
With a big week already in hand here, McCaghren will improve on his Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year ranking and should be very close to the qualifying cutline for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic (Feb. 19-21; Lay Lake; Birmingham, Ala.). The top 36 in the AOY standings will advance to the Classic.
“I’m excited,” said McCaghren. “I’m just going to go out and compete Sunday and let the chips fall where they may. I know I’ve done my best and that’s all I can ask for.”
Unlike McCaghren, Biffle — who scored a victory in April at the Elite event on Lake Wheeler — has been sharing an area with a number of other Elite competitors all week. He has had his success changing up his presentation and focusing on a key subtlety in the structure he is targeting. He didn’t want to divulge specifics, but said the area was holding enough fish to yield a quality limit Sunday, the final day.
Biffle is committed. His trek to the area forces him to spend time locking through; thus, all backup plans are out the window.
“I’m going to dance with the one who brought me,” said Biffle, who has earned more than $1 million in BASS career earnings.
Biffle is riding a wave of momentum. The victory at Wheeler and a few other top finishes put him in 22nd place in the AOY standings heading to the Mississippi event. With some solid points from this tournament, Biffle will move closer to the top 12 in the standings. Only the top 12 will move on to the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason. First though, the Elite Series regular season will wrap up on Oneida Lake, a place where Biffle won in 2007.
Scott Campbell of Springfield, Mo., stayed in third with 33-4. Moving up from seventh to fourth was Shaw Grigsby of Gainesville, Fla., with 32-12. Dropping from the lead to fifth was 2008 Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, with 31-9.
The field was cut to the top 12 for Sunday and will include Kevin Short (sixth) of Mayflower, Ark., and Gerald Swindle (ninth) of Warrior, Ala.
The outcome of the River Rumble will help Jones significantly in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. He was in third in the standings heading into this week, and the two anglers ahead of him, Kevin VanDam (28th) and Skeet Reese (29th) both faltered. Full standings are available at Bassmaster.com.
Regardless of who prevails in the AOY race, the top three have established themselves as virtual lock-ins on places in the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, the Toyota Trucks Championship Week. The postseason, set for Sept. 10-18, will be played out on two productive Alabama fisheries. The first of the two postseason tournaments will take place on Lake Jordan out of Wetumpka; the finale, the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, is slated for the Alabama River from Montgomery.
During the 2008 season, the Elite Series had to cancel the River Rumble in Fort Madison because of flooding along the river that affected nearly a dozen states. The river last was host to a Bassmaster Tour event in 2006, when former Elite angler Darrin Schwenkbeck won a Bassmaster Northern Tour competition with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 12 ounces.
Fans are encouraged to attend the Genuity River Rumble’s daily launches (6 a.m. CT) and weigh-ins (4 p.m.) Sunday at Riverview Park, 902 Fourth St. in Fort Madison.
Other activities Sunday at the River Rumble will begin at 1 p.m. CT at Riverview Park, featuring the popular Dog Training & Retriever Demonstrations Brought To You By SportDog; a children’s carnival with a bounce house and gummy-worm-eating contest; tethered balloon rides (for a nominal fee); and a live shooting of a cannon brought from Fort Mig.
Also on site as part of the consumer expo Sunday, Monsanto will bring its Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) to the Riverview Marina offering tours free of charge every 30 minutes. The Mobile Technology Unit is a unique traveling exhibit showcasing Monsanto’s latest advances in plant breeding and trait technology.
With its sponsorship of the event, Genuity will make a donation to the local organization Community Services Food Bank based on the cumulative weight of fish caught during the tournament. There will be a check presentation at the final weigh-in, Sunday, June 14.
Sunday’s activities will include the live taping of Hooked Up, hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. The show, which will air live at 3:30 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, will preview Sunday’s final weigh-in.
All events at the Genuity River Rumble are free and open to the public. The Elite Series regular season culminates with the August 13-16 Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y. At Oneida, the lineup will be determined for the top 12 anglers who will compete in the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason and a shot at the 2009 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for the latest releases, schedules and photos.
The local sponsor of the River Rumble is the Fort Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
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Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
DAY 3 STANDINGS GENUITY RIVER RUMBLE
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 15 36-05 305
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 12-10
2. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 14 33-10 295
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 4 06-12 Day 3: 5 13-13
3. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 15 33-04 290
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 5 09-12
4. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 14 32-12 285
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 10-00 Day 3: 4 10-04
5. Alton Jones Waco, TX 14 31-09 285
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 4 07-08
6. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 15 31-06 276
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 09-08
7. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 15 31-00 272
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 10-12 Day 3: 5 08-01
8. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 14 30-04 268
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 11-01 Day 3: 4 07-02
9. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 15 29-14 264
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 09-11 Day 3: 5 08-14
10. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 15 29-09 260
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 10-04 Day 3: 5 08-14
11. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 12 29-01 257
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 3 06-00 Day 3: 4 08-07
12. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 12 26-14 254
Day 1: 4 08-05 Day 2: 3 07-07 Day 3: 5 11-02
13. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 11 26-13 251 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 09-00 Day 2: 4 07-13 Day 3: 4 10-00
14. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 13 26-02 248 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 09-15 Day 3: 3 04-10
15. Randy Howell Springville, AL 9 26-00 250 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 3 06-12 Day 3: 1 03-00
16. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 25-07 243 $9,506.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 5 11-14
17. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 14 25-03 241 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 08-09 Day 3: 4 07-12
18. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 9 24-13 239 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 1 01-13 Day 3: 3 08-07
19. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 13 23-12 237 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 3 04-08
20. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 11 23-10 235 $9,506.00
Day 1: 1 01-13 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 5 09-12
21. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 12 23-07 233 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 4 08-11 Day 3: 3 04-11
22. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 12 22-13 231 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 4 07-07 Day 3: 3 05-05
23. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 11 22-11 229 $9,506.00
Day 1: 4 09-05 Day 2: 5 10-02 Day 3: 2 03-04
24. Vince Fulks Purcell, OK 11 22-04 227 $9,506.00
Day 1: 4 07-08 Day 2: 2 03-05 Day 3: 5 11-07
25. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 11 22-02 225 $9,506.00
Day 1: 2 03-06 Day 2: 5 11-06 Day 3: 4 07-06
26. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 11 21-12 223 $9,506.00
Day 1: 1 02-07 Day 2: 5 09-09 Day 3: 5 09-12
27. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 11 21-09 221 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 4 06-12 Day 3: 2 05-03
28. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 21-05 219 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 09-01 Day 3: 0 00-00
29. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 11 21-01 217 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 07-01 Day 2: 4 06-11 Day 3: 4 07-05
30. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 10 20-06 215 $9,506.00
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 4 06-06
31. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 9 20-06 213 $9,506.00
Day 1: 4 11-10 Day 2: 1 01-12 Day 3: 4 07-00
32. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 19-14 211 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 09-12 Day 2: 1 01-09 Day 3: 4 08-09
33. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 11 19-13 209 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 3 04-03 Day 3: 3 06-04
34. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 10 19-04 207 $9,506.00
Day 1: 4 08-03 Day 2: 5 09-08 Day 3: 1 01-09
35. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 9 19-00 205 $9,506.00
Day 1: 4 08-13 Day 2: 2 03-15 Day 3: 3 06-04
36. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 10 18-10 203 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 2 02-15 Day 3: 3 05-09
37. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 8 17-12 201 $9,506.00
Day 1: 2 03-11 Day 2: 3 07-02 Day 3: 3 06-15
38. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 9 17-09 199 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 3 06-13 Day 3: 1 01-11
39. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 8 17-05 197 $9,506.00
Day 1: 2 05-04 Day 2: 3 06-13 Day 3: 3 05-04
40. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 7 16-03 195 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 07-12 Day 2: 2 04-10 Day 3: 2 03-13
41. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 8 15-09 193 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 3 06-12 Day 3: 0 00-00
42. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 7 15-04 191 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 2 02-15
43. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 7 15-04 189 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 3 06-02 Day 3: 1 01-13
44. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 9 15-03 187 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 3 04-14 Day 3: 1 01-11
45. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 6 14-15 185 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 07-11 Day 2: 1 03-06 Day 3: 2 03-14
46. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 7 13-12 183 $9,506.00
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 4 06-12 Day 3: 1 02-08
47. Luke Gritter Kalamazoo, MI 6 11-12 181 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 3 05-07 Day 3: 0 00-00
48. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 6 11-11 179 $9,506.00
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 3 06-02 Day 3: 0 00-00
49. Pat Golden High Point, NC 4 11-08 177 $9,506.00
Day 1: 4 11-08 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 0 00-00
50. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 11-07 175 $9,506.00
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Randy Howell Springville, AL 04-05 $0.00
1 John Murray Phoenix, AZ 04-05 $0.00
2 Cliff Pace Petal, MS 04-04 $0.00
3 Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 04-08 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 28 280 620-04
2 22 256 506-15
3 12 150 302-04
----------------------------------
62 686 1429-07
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NIXON LEADS WALMART FLW TOUR EVENT ON KENTUCKY/BARKLEY LAKES
Laster leads field of Co-Anglers
MURRAY, Ky. (June 11, 2009) – Team Chevy pro Larry Nixon of Bee Branch, Ark., weighed in a five-bass limit that weighed 24 pounds, 3 ounces during the first day of competition at the Walmart FLW Tour event presented by Pringles on Kentucky/Barkley Lakes and ended the day with a slim 6-ounce lead. The event features anglers from all across the United States, Mexico, Canada and Japan.
“There’s a lot of good fish out there,” said Nixon, who is third on the all-time career money list at more than $2.7 million. “There’s a lot of good holes. It’s just hard to get to them for all the boats around. If you can get to one that’s nobody’s on and the fish are really in there, just hang on to your rod and reel, I can tell you that.”
Nixon remained tight-lipped about his methods that produced, although he did admit he caught them on the bottom. Nixon said he hit six or seven spots during the course of the day and estimated he caught another limit of fish during the day that would have weighed 19 pounds.
“I caught enough big fish in practice to know if I did everything right I could catch 30 pounds,” said Nixon. “My problem today was I was culling too many 4-pounders. I’d leave a spot and go somewhere else and catch another big one. I didn’t want to burn them all up. You can’t sit there and gamble on another one to cull when you’ve already got 25 pounds.
“I feel pretty good about it,” Nixon added. “If things went right, I could win this one pretty easy. I know what the big ones are doing and I can make them bite.”
Rounding out the top five places are Terry Bolton of Jonesboro, Ark. (five bass, 23-13); Jimmy Milsaps of Canton, Ga. (five bass, 22-1); Travis Fox of Springdale, Ark. (five bass, 21-15); and Keith Williams of Conway, Ark. (five bass, 21-12).
Dan Morehead of Paducah, Ky., earned the day’s $750 Folgers Big Bass award in the Pro Division thanks to a 6-pound, 13-ounce bass.
Overall there were 676 bass weighing 2,037 pounds, 4 ounces caught by 153 pros Thursday. The catch included 112 five-bass limits.
Pros are competing for a top award of $125,000 this week plus valuable points in the hope of qualifying for $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by BP and Castrol, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
Eddie Laster of Morton, Miss., leads the Co-angler Division with five bass weighing 20-13 followed by Todd Lee of Jasper, Ala., in second place with five bass weighing 19-14.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Lynn Baciuska Jr. of Afton, N.Y. (five bass, 19-0); Scott Gibson of Wiggins, Miss. (five bass, 18-15) and Rodney Brown of Eddyville, Ky. (five bass, 18-11).
Mike Reid of Gilbertsville, Ky., earned the day’s $500 Folgers Big Bass award in the Co-angler Division thanks to a 7-pound, 15-ounce bass.
Overall there were 462 bass weighing 1,185 pounds, 15 ounces caught by 139 co-anglers Thursday. The catch included 50 five-bass limits.
Co-anglers are fishing for a top award of $25,000 this week.
Anglers will take off at 6:30 a.m. each day from Kentucky Dam Marina located at 466 Marina Drive in Gilbertsville. Friday’s weigh-in will also be held at Kentucky Dam Marina beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday’s weigh-ins will be held at the Regional Special Events Center at Murray State University located at 1401 State Route 121 North in Murray, Ky., beginning at 4 p.m.
In conjunction with the weigh-ins Saturday and Sunday, FLW Outdoors will host a free Family Fun Zone and outdoor show at the Regional Special Events Center starting at noon each day. The Family Fun Zone offers fans a chance to meet their Fantasy Fishing team anglers face-to-face and review the latest products from Berkley, Lowrance, Ranger, Evinrude, Yamaha and other sponsors while children are treated to giveaways, fishing themed games and rides like the Ranger Boat simulator. Children 14 and under visiting the Family Fun Zone on Sunday will receive a free rod and reel combo courtesy of while supplies last. One lucky member of the audience will even win a new Ranger boat during the final 4 p.m. weigh-in Sunday, June 14. Admission is free, and you must be present to win.
In FLW Tour competition, pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day, with pros supplying the boat, controlling boat movement and competing against other pros. Co-anglers fish from the back deck against other co-anglers. The full field competes in the two-day opening round for one of 10 slots in Saturday’s competition based on their two-day accumulated weight. Weights are cleared for day three, and co-angler competition concludes following Saturday’s weigh-in. The top 10 pros continue competition Sunday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from days three and four.
Coverage of the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes tournament, hosted by the Rogers Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS, the network which brings anglers the best fishing programming on television featuring the most-trusted authorities on the water. The Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors,” will air Aug. 2 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide, including internationally through agreements with WFN (World Fishing Network) and Matchroom Sport to such countries as Canada, Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world.
The FLW Tour will award more than $8 million cash to the world’s top bass anglers in 2009. Regular season competition includes three qualifiers and three opens. Each event takes anglers a step closer to the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa. The prestigious championship and outdoor show hosted by Visit Pittsburgh will feature 77 pros, 77 co-anglers and bass fishing’s largest cash award – a potential $1 million first-place prize for the winning pro.
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
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It has never been more apparent that the Bassmaster Elite Series is a game of adjustments than it was Thursday at the Genuity River Rumble. Spoiled by the big-bass factories of Lake Guntersville and Kentucky Lake in the previous two tournaments, Elite anglers were hit with a dose of reality Thursday on the Mississippi River as many were forced to dig deep in their tackle boxes to grind out a limit. And many were unable to manage a limit on Day 1.
Nonetheless, the mighty Mississippi holds a good population of bass, and those who made the right choices were able to capitalize. Turning around a practice that was alarmingly unproductive, Randy Howell laid claim to the Day 1 lead with a 16-pound, 9-ounce limit, enough for an advantage of nearly 2 pounds over Takahiro Omori (14-9) of Emory, Texas. Elite rookie Matt Herren of Trussville, Ala. (14-9) was third, with fellow rookie Billy McCaghren of Mayflower, Ark., and Elite veteran Tommy Biffle of Wagoner, Okla., tied for fourth with 13-1.
Howell, who said he landed zero keepers during a deflating three-day practice, keyed in on a small patch of 10 bushes, which yielded all of his weighed fish. His limit included a 4-pound, 5-ounce bass, which was tied for the largest of the day. Like most in the field, Howell was flipping into shallow pockets of water.
“I don’t consider this type of fishing to be a strength, so taking the lead is a big confidence boost,” said Howell, 35. “I don’t think I have ever caught fish this shallow. It’s just mind-blowing.”
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the River Rumble on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, June 20, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.
Howell said he caught fish in water as skinny as 6 inches. While his area proved productive, several other competitors were near or on his money spot and boat traffic remains an issue on the Mississippi with just a few, concentrated productive areas.
A solid tournament here would be doubly rewarding for Howell. He is chasing a $100,000 top prize, and, perhaps most importantly, he and all other Elite Series pros have their eye on positioning in the 2009 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. For Howell, who came into this tournament ninth in the AOY standings, the one-time BASS winner is in good shape to double up and qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake out of Birmingham, Ala., and the inaugural 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series postseason.
The inaugural Toyota Trucks Championship Week is set for Sept. 10-18 and will be played out on two productive Alabama fisheries. The first of the two postseason tournaments will take place on Lake Jordan out of Wetumpka; the finale, the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, is slated for the Alabama River from Montgomery. Only the top 12 anglers in the AOY standings will advance.
Howell started hot Thursday, landing three keepers by 8 a.m. His next keeper came at 11 a.m., and he didn’t land another bite until his fifth keeper was safely in the boat at 2:10 p.m. He used the rest of the day to poke around his productive area looking for clues to where the biggest bass were hiding.
“I came in hoping to just catch one fish and register some points,” said Howell, an eight-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. “Now, I’m in a very good position. It was just a grind out there -- and there is a bit more luck that comes into play here, but this spot is definitely going to be a factor.”
Omori, who was fishing in the same backwater as Howell, also managed to turn around a sub-standard practice. He caught only five keepers on Day 1 by flipping to shallow water. His limit was buoyed by a 3-5 bass.
In 36th in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings heading into this event, Omori, a six-time BASS winner and the 2004 Bassmaster Classic champion, is looking to put himself in position to qualify for his seventh Bassmaster Classic. With only the top 36 qualifying, a solid tournament here would do wonders for his chances.
“My practice stunk and things are definitely not easy out there,” said Omori, 38. “I also lost a 3-pounder, but all in all I’m optimistic.”
Biffle, who won a 1995 BASS event on the Mississippi, is an angler to be watched at the Genuity River Rumble. An accomplished river fisherman, Biffle has already scored one Elite victory this year.
Also Thursday, Jerry Van Sickle of Oelwein, Iowa, who served as Elite angler Derek Remitz’s Marshal, suffered injuries as the result of a boating accident and was treated at a local hospital. Van Sickle was alert and remained at the hospital for evaluation.
During the 2008 season, the Elite Series had to cancel the River Rumble in Fort Madison because of flooding along the river that affected nearly a dozen states. The river last was host to a Bassmaster Tour event in 2006, when Elite angler Darrin Schwenkbeck won a Bassmaster Northern Tour competition with a three-day total of 42 pounds, 12 ounces.
The Genuity River Rumble includes a top prize of $100,000 and awards valuable points in the 2009 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title race. With 1,593 points heading into this week’s event, Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., leads the AOY standings. Trailing him are 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion and 2007 AOY Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., in second with 1,578 points, and 2008 Classic champion Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, in third with 1,477 points. Full standings can be found on Bassmaster.com
Fans are encouraged to attend the Genuity River Rumble’s daily launches (6 a.m. CT) and weigh-ins (4 p.m.) through Sunday at Riverview Park, 902 4th St., Fort Madison. After Day 2’s competition Friday, the field will be cut to the top 50 anglers for Day 3. Only the top 12 will go on to compete in Day 4.
Other activities Saturday and Sunday at the River Rumble will begin at 1 p.m. CT at Riverview Park, featuring the popular Dog Training & Retriever Demonstrations Brought To You By SportDog; a children’s carnival with a bounce house and gummy-worm-eating contest; tethered balloon rides (for a nominal fee); and a live shooting of a cannon brought from Fort Mig.
At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, fans are invited to experience Bassmaster University, which includes the “Ask the Experts” session with Elite pros at 3 p.m.
Also on site as part of the consumer expo Saturday and Sunday, Monsanto will bring its Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) to the Riverview Marina offering tours free of charge every 30 minutes. The Mobile Technology Unit is a unique traveling exhibit showcasing Monsanto’s latest advances in plant breeding and trait technology.
With its sponsorship of the event, Genuity will make a donation to the local organization Community Services Food Bank based on the cumulative weight of fish caught during the tournament. There will be a check presentation at the final weigh-in Sunday, June 14.
Sunday’s activities will include the live taping of Hooked Up, hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. The show, which will air live at 3:30 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, will preview Sunday’s final weigh-in.
All events at the Genuity River Rumble are free and open to the public. The Elite Series regular season culminates with the August 13-16 Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y. At Oneida, the lineup will be determined for the top 12 anglers who will compete in the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason and a shot at the 2009 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for the latest releases, schedules and photos.
The local sponsor of the River Rumble is the Fort Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
-30-
Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
DAY 1 STANDINGS- GENUITY RIVER RUMBLE
2009 Genuity River Rumble 6/11-6/14
Mississippi River, Fort Madison IA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 16-04 305
Day 1: 5 16-04
2. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 14-10 295
Day 1: 5 14-10
3. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 5 14-09 290
Day 1: 5 14-09
4. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 13-01 285
Day 1: 5 13-01
4. Billy Mccaghren Mayflower, AR 5 13-01 285
Day 1: 5 13-01
6. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 5 12-08 276
Day 1: 5 12-08
7. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 12-05 272
Day 1: 5 12-05
8. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 12-04 268
Day 1: 5 12-04
9. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 12-03 264
Day 1: 5 12-03
10. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 12-01 260
Day 1: 5 12-01
11. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 12-00 257
Day 1: 5 12-00
12. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 4 11-10 254
Day 1: 4 11-10
13. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 11-09 251
Day 1: 5 11-09
14. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 11-08 248
Day 1: 5 11-08
15. Pat Golden High Point, NC 4 11-08 245
Day 1: 4 11-08
16. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 11-07 243
Day 1: 5 11-07
17. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 11-05 241
Day 1: 5 11-05
18. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 10-10 239
Day 1: 5 10-10
19. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 10-07 237
Day 1: 5 10-07
20. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 10-02 235
Day 1: 5 10-02
21. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 10-01 233
Day 1: 5 10-01
21. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 10-01 233
Day 1: 5 10-01
23. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 09-12 229
Day 1: 5 09-12
24. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 09-10 227
Day 1: 5 09-10
25. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 09-06 225
Day 1: 5 09-06
26. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 4 09-05 223
Day 1: 4 09-05
27. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 09-01 221
Day 1: 5 09-01
28. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 3 09-00 219
Day 1: 3 09-00
29. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 08-14 217
Day 1: 5 08-14
30. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 08-13 215
Day 1: 5 08-13
31. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 4 08-13 213
Day 1: 4 08-13
32. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 08-10 211
Day 1: 5 08-10
33. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 08-05 209
Day 1: 5 08-05
34. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 4 08-05 207
Day 1: 4 08-05
35. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 4 08-03 205
Day 1: 4 08-03
35. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 4 08-03 205
Day 1: 4 08-03
37. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 4 07-12 201
Day 1: 4 07-12
38. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 3 07-12 199
Day 1: 3 07-12
39. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 3 07-11 197
Day 1: 3 07-11
40. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 3 07-10 195
Day 1: 3 07-10
41. Vince Fulks Purcell, OK 4 07-08 193
Day 1: 4 07-08
42. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 3 07-07 191
Day 1: 3 07-07
43. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 4 07-05 189
Day 1: 4 07-05
44. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 3 07-05 187
Day 1: 3 07-05
45. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 3 07-03 185
Day 1: 3 07-03
46. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 3 07-01 183
Day 1: 3 07-01
47. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 3 06-07 181
Day 1: 3 06-07
48. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 3 06-06 179
Day 1: 3 06-06
49. Luke Gritter Kalamazoo, MI 3 06-05 177
Day 1: 3 06-05
50. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 3 06-04 175
Day 1: 3 06-04
51. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 3 06-02 173
Day 1: 3 06-02
52. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 3 05-14 171
Day 1: 3 05-14
53. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 2 05-14 169
Day 1: 2 05-14
54. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 2 05-12 167
Day 1: 2 05-12
55. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 3 05-10 165
Day 1: 3 05-10
56. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 3 05-09 163
Day 1: 3 05-09
57. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 2 05-04 161
Day 1: 2 05-04
58. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 3 05-01 159
Day 1: 3 05-01
59. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 3 04-12 157
Day 1: 3 04-12
60. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 2 04-08 155
Day 1: 2 04-08
60. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 2 04-08 155
Day 1: 2 04-08
62. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 2 04-07 151
Day 1: 2 04-07
62. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 2 04-07 151
Day 1: 2 04-07
64. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 2 04-04 147
Day 1: 2 04-04
65. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 2 04-01 145
Day 1: 2 04-01
66. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 2 03-13 143
Day 1: 2 03-13
67. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 2 03-11 141
Day 1: 2 03-11
68. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 2 03-10 139
Day 1: 2 03-10
69. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 2 03-06 137
Day 1: 2 03-06
70. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 1 02-12 135
Day 1: 1 02-12
70. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 1 02-12 135
Day 1: 1 02-12
72. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 1 02-08 131
Day 1: 1 02-08
72. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 1 02-08 131
Day 1: 1 02-08
74. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 1 02-07 127
Day 1: 1 02-07
75. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 1 02-04 125
Day 1: 1 02-04
75. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 1 02-04 125
Day 1: 1 02-04
77. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 1 02-01 121
Day 1: 1 02-01
77. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 1 02-01 121
Day 1: 1 02-01
79. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 1 02-00 117
Day 1: 1 02-00
80. Jason Quinn York, SC 1 01-14 115
Day 1: 1 01-14
81. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 1 01-13 113
Day 1: 1 01-13
81. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 1 01-13 113
Day 1: 1 01-13
81. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 1 01-13 113
Day 1: 1 01-13
84. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 1 01-10 107
Day 1: 1 01-10
84. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 1 01-10 107
Day 1: 1 01-10
84. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 1 01-10 107
Day 1: 1 01-10
87. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 1 01-09 101
Day 1: 1 01-09
87. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 1 01-09 101
Day 1: 1 01-09
89. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 1 01-07 97
Day 1: 1 01-07
90. John Crews Salem, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. David Smith Del City, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
90. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Randy Howell Springville, AL 04-05 $0.00
1 John Murray Phoenix, AZ 04-05 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 28 280 620-04
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28 280 620-04
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The 2nd Annual Berkley Big Bass Challenge on the Delta is in the record books. The event, hosted by Vince Harris and Anglers Press, saw more than 300 anglers vying for over $16,000 in cash and a new 2009 Toyota Tundra truck valued at over $25,000. Also on the line was a day on the water with 2009 Bassmaster Classic Champion Skeet Reese, which was won in a raffle by Brett Walsh. Tony Ragona, Tracy, Calif. native, won the Toyota Tundra against the other hourly winners of the tournament.
The tournament was held on the prolific California Delta that is known for producing large bass. The scales saw many good size bass during the hourly weigh-ins, but many anglers also cashed checks with smaller fish.
“The purpose of the tournament was to have a blast and expose as many anglers, from novices to weekend tournament warriors, to the entire spectrum of Berkley baits,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Sr. Marketing Manager. “We believe that our products truly catch more fish. I was excited to see the field grow from 105 anglers last year to over 300 anglers. The turnout was a true testament for what Berkley wants to see happen to the entire fishing industry - growth. Plus, getting to see the joy of these anglers and their families made this tournament worth the effort.”
The event started with the Berkley Experience Trailer setting up at Russo’s Marina. Partnering with the Hook, Line and Sinker, the Berkley Experience was open all during the tournament. Product demonstrations and pro staff were on hand to help the anglers with selecting their Berkley baits for the upcoming tournament. Each angler received a goodie bag with a Berkley hat, 2 baits including the new Crazy Legs Chigger Craw and a box of the world’s first color-changing nylon monofilament Trilene Transoptic line – recently introduced by Berkley.
Seven hourly prizes and the Tundra were guaranteed to be awarded regardless the number of anglers or weights, but when the field grew to over 300 anglers Berkley added an additional chair that paid $50 each hour. Only Berkley baits were used in the two-day event. The baits that brought the fish to the scales varied from top-water Frenzy Walkers to PowerBait 10” Power Worms, Chigger Craws, Beast, Heavyweight SinkWorms and the new Crazy Legs Chigger Craw.
Berkley Pros Randy Pringle and Jeff Huth, emcees of the event, watched as Chris Schland brought in the largest bass caught, a 10-pound, 8-ounce hawg during the first hour of competiton.
Complete results can be found at www.anglerspress.net. A video of the final winners attempting to start the truck can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FueKaTKxUqg
The 2010 dates are being set for the 3rd Annual Big Bass Challenge on the Delta and will be announced soon. The Texas Berkley Big Bass on Lake Fork is set for October 17th-18th.
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Macon, Missouri based Ardent Reels will be introducing a new signature series reel very soon called the F700 Denny Brauer Signature Flippin Reel, that has two more ball bearings, a new handle, and some killer cosmetics. It also has a new flippin switch. Watch for more on it very soon.
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Wired2Fish pro's Jared Lintner, Gary Klein, Shaw Grigsby, Mike McClelland, Denny Brauer, Mark Davis, Jeff Kriet, Jason Quinn, Tommy Biffle, Matt Herren, and Scott Suggs will be at Sam Leman Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Bloomington/Normal Illinois from 5-8 pm Monday June 15th with their wrapped boats and trucks to sign autographs and talk fishing. Its free and open to the public. If you live in the Central Illinois area this is a great chance to talk to a who's who in bass fishing. Its also a great chance to take advantage of the bigtime sales on vehicles. Hope to see you there!
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Alan Clemons, a frequent contributor to Wired2Fish and a die-hard basser sent us this quote he got from an article by Rob Russow of BASS on Jeff Kriet on the fish size at the Mississippi River. "When you do get a bite, it commits suicide on it."
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While football jigs, swimbaits and crankbaits may have been all the rage in last week's Elite Series tournament at Kentucky Lake, don't let the reports fool you -- we wouldn't be surprised if every competitor in the field had a 10- or 12-inch worm on the deck the entire tournament.
Our friends at Strike King have taken the plastics world by storm over the past couple of years with their Rage series of baits, which includes the giant Anaconda worm. But they seem to have realized that occasionally the bass don't want that monstrous swimming tail. so for times when a slightly more subtle (but still big) worm is needed, they've developed this new bait, shown here by Texas pro Brian Clark.
They wouldn't tell us what they're going to call it, but look for it at ICAST, and in the mouths of big bass near you. With young guns like Brian Clark and James Niggemeyer, along with grizzled old vets like Brauer, Grigsby and some dude named VanDam, this one's sure to put a few fish in the livewells.
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FLW Outdoors will have reporters on the water following various anglers throughout the tournament providing play-by-play updates and analysis during the day. This will offer fans a chance to follow anglers, know the conditions they are facing, the lures they are using and who is putting themselves in the best position to walk away with the win.
To follow the action, visit www.flwoutdoors.com/On-The-Water-Tournament-Coverage.cfm, which will be live starting Thursday morning, or register today at www.twitter.com/flwoutdoors.
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Zoom Bait Company, a leading supplier of premium plastic products unveiled a new website today. Products like the Brush Hog, Baby Brush Hog, Ole Monster, Speed Worm and the Fluke are all highlighted. Designed by Cox Marketing Group this new website will give updated information on both old and new products in the Zoom line-up. To check it out click here. |
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Wired contributor gives his take and "trys" to give some advice on fantasy fishing on the "Old Muddy". Read Unplugged to find out more.
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Slow Going At The ‘Mighty Mississipp’
“The Mississippi River will always have it’s own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise…” Mark Twain in Eruption
Locks and dams be damned. The Mississippi River has a mind of it’s own, and right now, its mindset might best be described as downright stingy. Rumor has it that a chorus of tiny violins can be heard for miles around Fort Madison, Iowa, the site of this week’s Bassmaster Elite Series ‘River Rumble’, as pros lament over the less-than-ideal conditions they’re facing at the Mississippi River.
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Contrary to the fishing at BASS Elite Series at the Mississippi River the FLW Tour at Kentucky Lake looks like another blowout. Reports are anglers are catching tons of keeper bass and a few have found some big fish as well. Weights may not reach the 100 pound mark but look for 85 to 90 pounds to win. Pro's to watch are local anglers Dan Morehead, Ramie Colson, and Terry Bolton. Also look for anglers like Scott Suggs, Brennon Bosley, David Fritts and Larry Nixon to do well at KY.
The next stop for the FLW Tour will be Lake Champlain July 9-12.
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Reports from the BASS Elite Series at Fort Madison, Iowa is the Mississippi River is rolling and very muddy. Heavy rains on Sunday have the creeks rolling and the areas that were clean now are not. Some anglers have found a few back water areas that have a few fish but those areas are crowded. Because of falling water locations that anglers could access in practice may be high and dry come tournament day.
Reports from the Corp of Engineers on water levels is they are stabilizing and only dropping 1/10 of a foot per day through the tournament. Our bet is someone will find an isolated dead end slough and will find bass!
To see the current levels and watch the water levels during the event click here. |
The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone in Benton, Ky. The tank is scheduled to stop June 13 – 14 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.
Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.
“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager. “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”
June 13 – 14
FLW Tour Family Fun Zone
If you are unable to make it by the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:
June 13-14 – BASS Elite Series, Ft. Madison, Iowa.
July 11-12 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Plattsburg, Pa.
July 30 – August 2 – FLW Cup, Pittsburg, Pa.
August 15-16 – BASS Elite Series, Syracuse, N.Y.
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BERKLEY BASS TANK HEADED TO FT. MADISON, IOWA COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Berkley Bass Tank will be at the BASS Elite Series event in Ft. Madison, Iowa. The tank is scheduled to stop June 13 – 14 and will feature seminars and appearances by Berkley Pro Anglers.
Berkley sends two 4,000-gallon bass tanks all over the country to help out the everyday angler. Kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about new Berkley products and tips on how to use these innovative baits.
“The Berkley Bass Tanks are out on the road, giving all anglers the opportunity to hone their skills,” said Tammy Cox, Berkley Marketing Manager. “Not only will attendees learn to “Catch More Fish,” they will also learn about new products that will help them become a better angler.”
If you are unable to make it by the BASS Elite Series in Ft. Madison, Iowa, plan to attend one of these other upcoming events:
June 13-14 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Benton, Ky.
July 11-12 – FLW Tour Family Fun Zone, Plattsburg, Pa.
July 30 – August 2 – FLW Cup, Pittsburg, Pa.
August 15-16 – BASS Elite Series, Syracuse, N.Y.
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Toyota Texas Bass Classic Announces Concert Lineup
Pat Green & Josh Turner Perform With Zona Jones
Lake Conroe, Texas – Texas country music legend Pat Green will headline two days of concerts at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic with a “Texas country music” performance on Saturday, October 17. Green will be joined by rising country star Zona Jones who will also perform on Saturday. On Sunday, October 18, fans will enjoy the distinct sound of country music superstar Josh Turner. Turner will be joined by another marquee act that will be announced closer to the event. The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) is the world championship of the PAA Tournament Series and will be held October 16 – 18 on Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas.
“These are some of the hottest performers in country music right now and we are about to announce an incredible advance, discount offer,” said Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur. “The advance sale will be offered in limited quantities and at such a fantastic price that we expect to sell out quickly. You may never have the opportunity to see these top acts at our prices again.”
A special pre-sale promotion will begin June 16 featuring a limited quantity of discounted tickets. During this period, fans can purchase a daily ticket for Friday, Saturday or Sunday at $10 per day. The daily ticket includes grounds admission to the TTBC for that particular day and admission to all concerts during that day. Concerts will only be held on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets will be available on the tournament website, www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com. Once this pre-sale offer sells out, tickets will be available at their normal prices of $20 a day for Saturday and Sunday. Friday tickets will remain at $10. Proceeds from the TTBC benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s youth outdoor recreation programs.
Music Director Greg Frey of 100.3 KILT-FM, the official radio partner of the TTBC, added, “This is a fantastic mix of artists and there is sure to be something for everyone out at the TTBC. Lake Conroe will be the place to be for country music fans in October.”
Pat Green has blazed his own trail in the country music world since 1995. The three time Grammy nominee and Texas fan favorite has also enjoyed widespread national success since the release of his 2003 mega hit Wave On Wave. Green’s supercharged live performances have evoked comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Buffet. In addition to national tours with superstars like Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews, and Keith Urban, Green sells out headline shows across the country. His winter 2009 Sony release, What I’m For, debuted at number 2 on the Billboard charts and signals Green’s arrival as a major American singer-songwriter.
Named by People magazine as one of Country’s Hottest Stars, Grammy nominated Turner has celebrated back-to-back multi-week #1 radio singles and back-to-back platinum albums, Long Black Train and Your Man, now certified Double Platinum. His current project, Everything Is Fine, was certified Gold in just four weeks. “Another Try,” a duet with Trisha Yearwood, was recently nominated for the Academy of Country Music’s Vocal Event of the Year. Hit singles include “Would You Go With Me,” “Your Man,” “Firecracker,” “Me and God” and “Long Black Train.” Turner, one of the youngest members of the distinguished Grand Ole Opry, was recently the youngest member to be inducted into Nashville’s Walk of Fame. With his passion to support music and the arts, he launched The Josh Turner Fund that will award its first scholarship recipient this year.
Zona Jones will begin the Saturday tribute to “Texas country music” with his performance. Jones, a native of Beaumont, has earned tremendous popularity around Texas while expanding his fan base nationally. While gaining recognition on the Texas club and dance hall circuit, Jones recorded the album Harley’s & Horses. The CD spawned three top-five singles on the Texas Music Chart along with the album’s most popular single and national radio hit, “Two Hearts”. Jones’ newest album, Prove Me Right, is his first with Tracy Lawrence’s label, Rocky Comfort Records. It was released on May 19. His current single, “Bluer Than Blue” was released earlier this month and has begun its climb up the country music charts!
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is sanctioned by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota. Dick’s Sporting Goods is the official sporting goods provider. Evan Williams is the official bourbon. 100.3 KILT and SportsRadio 610 are the official radio partners. The tournament will be held on Buffalo Springs, a planned development in the City of Montgomery. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for 2009. For additional information, visit www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com.
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Fishing at Lake Fork, Texas with Guide Robert Littlejohn, Josh KuyKendall caught this monster bass. It weighed 13.2 lbs, was 26 inches long and had a 22 in. girth. It was caught June 5, 2009 at 9:00 pm.
It was caught on 10" Lake Fork Trophy Lure worm (black neon color) and Josh was using LFT Parallelium Fluorohybrid Fishing line --32 lb. ISO (US 22lb.)
Now that is a toad!
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Berkley continues to use science to advance the fishing industry. First there was Power Worms, next Gulp and Gulp Alive. Now they have introduced the first monofilament line that physically changes color. This line is a "line watchers" delight. Using U/V rays from the sun the TransOptic is a hi-vis gold line above the water and clear below the surface. It casts well, is tough as nails and handles like silk. Available in 4-10 pound test for spinning gear and 12-25 for baitcasters and it works great for all kinds of applications. Flipping, pitching and throwing your favorite plastic or jig TransOptic has some excellent physical properties. Superior shock resistance and knot strength to make it great for those who set the hook hard.
TransOptic comes on a 220 yard spool and retails for $8.95 to $10.95 based on pound test.
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Joshua Yu of Sacramento, California and Johnny Bostic of Caldwell, West Virginia are the winners of the Jewel Bait Company jig contest. They correctly answered the questions below:
1. What state is Jewel Bait Company located in? Missouri
2. What Jewel pro won back to back BASS events? Mike McClelland
3. Who was the latest two anglers to join Jewel on their pro-staff? Larry Nixon, Jeff kriet
4. What BASS Elite Series pro helped design the J-Lock jig? Kevin Short
We stumped a bunch of you on question number 3. It pays to look at What's Up on Wired2Fish for answers like this one.
Stay tuned for the Ultimate Jig Contest yet this week.
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Elite Series pro Mark Tucker is an eating machine. He hangs around with Peter T and Kenyon Hill. That is enough to scare the bravest of buffett owners. Today on Unplugged Pete Robbins talks to Mark about his eating habits and fishing the Elite Series. Check it out.
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You look at Mark Tucker in a rainsuit, or bundled up in winter clothes, and he doesn’t seem so imposing. He’s not particularly tall and usually has a smile on his face. Placed in a lineup next to good friends Peter Thliveros and Kenyon Hill, some might even mistake him for a tag-along little brother.
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David Fritts, Larry Nixon and Bernie Schultz know about the Clackin Rap. They each have won significant amounts of money on one. The sound chamber is unique and the body style is different. The color selection is awesome and now there are two sizes.
The Clackin Rap was introduced earlier this year and this lipless wonder hit the bass fishing world with a bang. David Fritts got on another roll, largely due to the Clackin Rap and stores couldn't keep them in stock. The single ball bearing rattle chamber blended with an external metal disk creates a very unique sound. A deep rattle bass and other game fish have not heard before and they slam it.
For 2010 a new size is available. Introduced in the 7/8 ounce model that was 3 1/8 inches long the new model is a 7/16 ounce version and is 2 1/2 inches long. Two number 6 VMC hooks and 17 colors means they can be fished anywhere in the country. The new Clackin Rap will be formally introduced at ICAST and be available late 2009 or early 2010.
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Wired Reader Joey Tefft of New York gives his thoughts on managing one spot versus running and gunning.
Here is what Joey had to say:
Congratulations Bobby Lane! He deserved the win.
There are two opposite approaches to offshore fishing. You have KVD's, which is burn gas and cover water, and Lane's whose is to manage one spot. It takes a lot of confidence to fish the way Lane did. Those fish could have dried up on him. My philosophy on this is catch as much as you can, catch a giant bag quickly, then you need to run other stuff. I feel that its too risky to sit on a spot and protect it. If those fish dry up, not only do you not have claim to potential other spots, but also you don't have a feel for the rest of the lake.
A perfect example is Timmy Hortons win on Champlain 2 years ago, most people believe he won on one tiny little rockpile, but while he caught his weight early on the rockpile, he then ran around and fished different areas and culled in serveral of them. His day two weight, which was almost 25 pounds, all those fish came from a small grass bed. I watched him for the last 2 days of the tournament and he did not sit on that rockpile all day.
I just feel that trying to manage a small spot like that is riskier than leaveing the area and running around. Again congrats to Bobby Lane.
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Two big bass taken on back-to-back casts into Lake Maumelle grass sealed the deal Saturday for Paula Alexander in the Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Maumelle.
The Lincolnton, Ga., pro took her first BASS career win with 27 pounds, 5 ounces, to take the top prize of a $55,000 Skeeter/Yamaha boat rig. Starting the final day in fourth place, she easily cleared her nearest challenger, Secret York of Benton, Ky., by 5 pounds, 11 ounces.
York, the Day One leader, finished in second with 21-10, and Lisa Sternard of Clarksville, Tenn., finished third with 21-8.
Alexander’s winning pattern was hitting grass in 4 to 6 feet of water on secondary points. She said she had three primary spots.
As she weighed in her winning limit, Alexander told three stories of good luck. Two involved encounters with skunks on the highway, nose-jarring incidents she took as good omens. The other story was about stumbling onto one shopworn pack of smoke-purple worms she then used to take many of her keepers.
But on Saturday, the purple worm bite fell off, so she turned to a finesse creature bait in a bullfrog finish, a lure one of her co-anglers had used. It was about noontime, and she had just two small fish in her livewell.
“On the first cast, I threw to about 4 feet of water, felt it hit, and knew it was a toad,” she said. “It came off in the net — I guess I didn’t stick it good. My hands were shaking so hard I could hardly tie on again. I threw again to the same spot, and the rod doubled-up again. I know everyone on that 9,000-acre lake heard me yelling after that.”
Another cast completed her five-fish limit and she was done for the day.
York worked shallow grass early each day, then moved to an underwater ledge as the sun rose higher. She repeated those two patterns all week.
“I really thought there would be bigger fish deep today,” she said. “Yesterday, about every third cast I could catch a fish on my crankbait. I even had several chasing the crankbait at the same time. They just shut down today — there was a full moon last night and I think they fed all last night.”
The results of the Maumelle event tightened up the points spread in the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year race. Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., still leads, but only by 9 points over Juanita Robinson of Highlands, Texas. Martin-Wells finished eighth in Arkansas to Robinson’s fourth-place finish.
The winner of the season-long points competition will get a Toyota Tundra and an entry into the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake out of Birmingham, Ala.
“I’m eyeing the championship and working hard again this year to get there,” Robinson said. “I’m not letting myself hope for AOY and the Classic as much as I did last year. It really dug into me last year and I had a rough winter with medical issues after it was all over. This season, I just decided I’d come out and do the best I can and hopefully it will pay off.”
In 2008, Robinson lost out on the AOY title by 60 points. Kim Bain-Moore of Alabaster, Ala., won and became the first woman to compete in a Bassmaster Classic.
In the co-angler division at the Maumelle tournament, Martha Goodfellow of Simpsonville, S.C., won the first-place prize of a $25,000 Triton/Mercury boat rig. Goodfellow, who is fishing the WBT for the first time this season, had 17 pounds, 11 ounces through three days.
A lifelong angler, Goodfellow said she has fished all over the country, and competes in local team tournaments with her husband. Maumelle, though, was a challenge.
“I don’t have much experience with lakes with weeds and ledges, so I learned a lot this week,” she said.
Day Two leader Diane Smith of Fayetteville, Ga., finished in second place with 15-4. A 2006 WBT co-angler champion, Bonnie Ward of Snohomish, Wash., was third with 11-13.
Next up for the WBT will be Sept. 10-12 at Old Hickory Lake out of Hendersonville, Tenn. After that event, the top 20 pros and top 20 co-anglers in the standings will advance to the Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship, Oct. 16-18 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La. The one Classic qualifier will emerge from the championship.
Photo galleries and results of the three-day Lake Maumelle tournament are available at Bassmaster.com.
Local sponsors of the event included the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau <http://www.littlerock.com/> and the Heart of Arkansas <http://www.heartofarkansas.com/>.
Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour
Title Sponsor: Academy Sports + Outdoors. Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Marine. Supporting Sponsors: Ramada, Triton Boats, LaserLure and Legend Boats.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.Bassmaster.com. Visit www.ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for BASS and ESPN Outdoors latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos and more.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
-30-
Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
2009 WBT #3 - Little Rock, AR 6/4-6/6
Lake Maumelle, Little Rock AR.
(BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paula Alexander Lincolnton, GA 12 27-05 305 $55,610.00
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 2 05-09 Day 3: 5 11-12
2. Secret York Benton, KY 15 21-10 300 $3,355.00
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 05-13 Day 3: 5 05-04
3. Lisa Sternard Clarksville, TN 14 21-08 290 $2,745.00
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 5 06-12 Day 3: 4 06-11
4. Juanita Robinson Highlands, TX 13 21-05 285 $2,440.00
Day 1: 5 07-14 Day 2: 5 08-00 Day 3: 3 05-07
5. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 15 20-11 280 $2,135.00
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 06-07 Day 3: 5 06-12
6. Dianna Clark Bumpus Mills, TN 14 19-08 276 $1,830.00
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 4 05-15 Day 3: 5 07-00
7. Janet Parker Little Elm, TX 15 19-05 272 $1,525.00
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 06-01 Day 3: 5 05-15
8. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, GA 14 19-01 268 $1,220.00
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 07-12 Day 3: 4 04-08
9. Marsha Gipson Bigelow, AR 11 18-06 269 $1,068.00
Day 1: 5 06-13 Day 2: 5 10-01 Day 3: 1 01-08
10. Judy Wong Many, LA 13 18-01 260 $915.00
Day 1: 5 04-08 Day 2: 5 09-09 Day 3: 3 04-00
11. Keri Schieber Cumming, GA 14 17-14 257 $824.00
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 4 05-12 Day 3: 5 05-11
12. Laura Gober Pendergrass, GA 13 17-09 254 $671.00
Day 1: 5 05-04 Day 2: 3 07-01 Day 3: 5 05-04
13. Debra Petrowski Arlington, TX 12 17-08 251 $610.00
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 05-14 Day 3: 2 02-01
14. Melinda Mize Ben Lomond, AR 10 17-02 253 $595.00
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 2 02-03 Day 3: 3 04-06
15. Tammy Richardson Amity, AR 15 16-15 245 $580.00
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 5 05-03 Day 3: 5 04-14
16. Meta Burrell Fort Worth, TX 10 14-08 243 $564.00
Day 1: 5 06-14 Day 2: 3 04-13 Day 3: 2 02-13
17. Linda Redford Blue Eye, MO 10 14-07 241 $549.00
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 4 04-06 Day 3: 1 02-06
18. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, OK 10 13-08 239 $534.00
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 2 01-15 Day 3: 3 02-11
19. Lisa Johnson Centre, AL 11 13-03 237 $519.00
Day 1: 4 04-15 Day 2: 5 05-15 Day 3: 2 02-05
20. Lori Masters Nashville, TN 11 13-02 235 $503.00
Day 1: 5 07-12 Day 2: 4 04-06 Day 3: 2 01-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 32 225 304-00
2 14 168 213-00
3 8 70 92-04
----------------------------------
54 463 609-04
2009 WBT # 3 - Little Rock, AR - WBT #3 - Little Rock, AR Boater Points After Arkansas River, Little Rock, Ark. Ending 06-06-2009, Day 3
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Pam Martin-Wells Ga. 850
2 Juanita Robinson Texas 841
3 Laura Gober Ga. 807
4 Tammy Richardson Ark. 785
5 Janet Parker Texas 784
6 Sheri Glasgow Okla. 782
7 Debra Petrowski Texas 776
8 Dianna Clark Tenn. 755
9 Paula Alexander Ga. 739
10 Lisa Johnson Ala. 732
11 Melinda Mize Ark. 728
12 Judy Wong La. 726
13 Lucy Mize Ark. 716
14 Lori Masters Tenn. 700
15 Patti Campbell Texas 692
16 Lynda Gessner Mo. 667
16 Mary Croft Va. 667
16 Jennifer Nevans Tenn. 667
19 Cindy Hill Tenn. 657
20 Teri Neal Ga. 653
21 Christiana Bradley Va. 646
22 Sandi Karnes Texas 633
23 Cheryl LaLumandier Mo. 627
24 Meta Burrell Texas 622
25 Marsha Gipson Ark. 621
26 Mary DiVincenti La. 615
27 Robinette Fox Ark. 612
28 Debbie Kemp Texas 611
29 Kali Weatherford Texas 607
30 Robin Babb Texas 606
31 Jan Heavener Ark. 605
31 Heather Broom N.C. 605
31 Tami Kashiwabara Ark. 605
34 Kathy Womack Ala. 603
34 Keri Schieber Ga. 603
36 Secret York Ky. 602
37 Linda Redford Mo. 597
38 Christena Baugh Ark. 587
38 Laura Heflin Kan. 587
40 Helen Gordon Texas 583
41 Kris McClendon Texas 575
42 Danalee Lofton Ark. 569
43 Debra Hengst Texas 559
44 Lila Bass Texas 551
45 Kathi Hurst Miss. 543
46 Susan Gregory Miss. 539
47 Bridget Allen Pa. 537
48 Michelle Armstrong N.C. 529
49 Lisa Craig Texas 519
50 Jo Dee Lake Ala. 513
51 Kim Stapp Ga. 495
52 BJ Carson Okla. 479
53 Emily Shaffer Tenn. 478
54 Pam Bolton Ark. 470
55 Kim Bain-Moore Ala. 464
56 Karen Savik Minn. 455
56 Lisa Sternard Tenn. 455
58 Robbie Hartline Mo. 451
59 Audrey McQueen Ariz. 410
60 Cheryl Bowden Texas 400
61 Kat Ealey Ala. 384
62 Terri Elkins Texas 342
63 Mary Hencken N.C. 320
64 Cindy Van Horn Texas 314
65 Rhonda Pope Ga. 285
66 Karen Elkins Ala. 227
67 Gina Jones Ala. 217
68 Penny Berryman Ark. 213
69 Linda Sands Ala. 195
70 Diane Phillips Texas 193
71 Kathy DiMartino Ala. 191
72 Betty Stahl Ala. 185
73 Barbara Wetzel Ala. 169
74 Kelley Shepherd Ariz. 163
74 Deb Doyal La. 163
76 Caprice Cherry La. 159
77 Sherri Dodson Ala. 155
78 Kimberlee Striker Ala. 151
79 Pat White Texas 149
80 Patsy McDaniel Ala. 137
81 Kim Hicks Ga. 127
82 Judy VanCanneyt Ala. 125
83 Ann Swinks Ga. 119
84 Kathy Freehling Fla. 115
85 Sharon Teague S.C. 0
2009 WBT #3 - Little Rock, AR 6/4-6/6
Lake Maumelle, Little Rock AR.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Martha Goodfellow Simpsonville, SC 11 17-11 305 $25,305.00
Day 1: 3 03-00 Day 2: 5 09-01 Day 3: 3 05-10
2. Diane Smith Fayetteville, GA 10 15-04 300 $1,830.00
Day 1: 5 09-03 Day 2: 4 04-07 Day 3: 1 01-10
3. Bonnie Ward Snohomish, WA 11 11-13 290 $1,525.00
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 4 03-12 Day 3: 2 01-12
4. Terri Bittner Mckinleyville, CA 9 11-05 285 $1,220.00
Day 1: 4 03-14 Day 2: 3 03-11 Day 3: 2 03-12
5. Denese Freeman Lawton, OK 6 10-05 285 $1,068.00
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 1 01-01
6. Debbie Pegoli Loveland, OH 9 09-15 276 $915.00
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 3 02-13 Day 3: 1 00-14
7. Brande Branine Haysville, KS 7 09-13 272 $763.00
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 1 00-12 Day 3: 1 00-15
8. Bertha Cavakis Amity, AR 8 09-11 268 $610.00
Day 1: 2 03-04 Day 2: 4 04-01 Day 3: 2 02-06
9. Kim Martin Clayton, IN 9 09-09 264 $549.00
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 3 02-13 Day 3: 3 02-07
10. Karol Whitehurst Winnsboro, TX 8 09-08 260 $503.00
Day 1: 3 03-13 Day 2: 4 04-03 Day 3: 1 01-08
11. Jodi Galloway Garland, TX 7 08-07 257 $458.00
Day 1: 2 01-12 Day 2: 4 05-03 Day 3: 1 01-08
12. Linda Berry Madison, NC 7 08-05 254 $427.00
Day 1: 5 05-12 Day 2: 2 02-09 Day 3: 0 00-00
13. Linda Owens Brandon, MS 7 07-11 251 $397.00
Day 1: 3 03-09 Day 2: 3 03-03 Day 3: 1 00-15
14. Sharon Lawson Red Bank, TN 3 07-08 248 $366.00
Day 1: 2 06-07 Day 2: 1 01-01 Day 3: 0 00-00
15. Gail Wood Russellville, AR 6 07-07 245 $351.00
Day 1: 4 05-12 Day 2: 1 00-13 Day 3: 1 00-14
16. Katie Ellis Gulfport, MS 5 07-05 243 $336.00
Day 1: 3 02-13 Day 2: 2 04-08 Day 3: 0 00-00
17. Stacy Zhelesnik Hoboken, NJ 6 07-03 241 $320.00
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 1 00-12 Day 3: 0 00-00
18. Vicki Henderson Ashdown, AR 6 07-01 239 $305.00
Day 1: 5 06-02 Day 2: 0 00-00 Day 3: 1 00-15
19. Michele Gunderman Gastonia, NC 5 06-15 237 $290.00
Day 1: 2 02-11 Day 2: 3 04-04 Day 3: 0 00-00
20. Elizabeth Sanders Brandon, MS 6 06-09 235 $275.00
Day 1: 1 00-15 Day 2: 5 05-10 Day 3: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 9 146 186-03
2 2 88 104-15
3 0 21 26-03
----------------------------------
11 255 317-05
2009 WBT # 3 - Little Rock, AR - WBT #3 - Little Rock, AR Non-Boater Points After Arkansas River, Little Rock, Ark. Ending 06-06-2009, Day 3
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Terri Bittner Calif. 870
2 Martha Goodfellow S.C. 817
3 Donna Newberry Ark. 816
4 Debbie Pegoli Ohio 802
5 Gail Wood Ark. 761
6 Kim Martin Ind. 757
7 Teri Cindric Tenn. 741
8 Charlotte Frazier Texas 722
9 Linda Owens Miss. 720
10 Colleen McKay Mass. 712
11 Sherry Melton Tenn. 701
12 Vicki Henderson Ark. 694
13 Bonnie Ward Wash. 688
14 Bertha Cavakis Ark. 672
15 Renee Gumbrecht N.J. 665
16 Donna Rutledge Ill. 659
17 Linda Berry N.C. 658
18 Kala Wright Okla. 654
19 Diane Smith Ga. 650
20 Barbara Gaskins Va. 645
21 Lisa Diehl Pa. 644
22 Cheryl Buelow La. 642
23 Linda Walker Ark. 635
24 Denese Freeman Okla. 633
25 Kat Arnold La. 629
26 Kim Petrowski Texas 619
27 Trish Levitt N.M. 610
27 Karol Whitehurst Texas 610
29 Melissa Bond N.M. 609
30 Katie Hogan Tenn. 608
31 Elizabeth Sanders Miss. 605
32 Susan Dameron Tenn. 587
33 Katie Ellis Miss. 579
33 Barbara Ferge Tenn. 579
35 Kim Mendoza Texas 575
36 Nancy Oliver La. 573
37 Susan Wild Fla. 565
38 Jane Brunner Miss. 563
38 Patty Houston Ala. 563
40 Dawn Dudek Ill. 551
41 Stacy Zhelesnik N.J. 546
42 Patti James Texas 543
43 Pam Chism Ark. 539
44 Jill Matheis Ind. 525
45 Michele Gunderman N.C. 480
46 Monica Altman N.C. 471
47 Lesli Lively Texas 470
48 Lori Steele Okla. 461
49 Kelly Wells Ga. 460
50 Lesley Childers S.C. 412
51 Sabrina Thompson Texas 410
52 Sarah Davis La. 384
53 Torrye Vineyard Texas 382
54 Sharon Lawson Tenn. 361
55 Neva Brown Texas 356
56 Christine Martin Colo. 348
57 Debra Cook Ala. 338
58 Petra Ramsey Texas 330
59 Nancy Dugas Ala. 320
60 Jennifer Rice Ala. 316
61 Nancy Stumpe Fla. 276
62 Linda Higginbotham Fla. 272
62 Brande Branine Kan. 272
64 Jodi Galloway Texas 257
65 Vicki Hester Ala. 251
66 Cynthia Tayloe Texas 231
67 Bunny Hicks Ga. 227
68 Cheryl Sprayberry Fla. 221
69 Brandi Frasier Ky. 211
70 Miriam Donohoo Fla. 209
71 Laura Bean Ala. 201
71 Judy Pate La. 201
73 Jada Tidmore Ala. 199
74 Inez Zeagler La. 195
75 Cynthia Bryan La. 191
76 Jennifer Blackwood Ga. 181
76 De Lynn Montez Calif. 181
76 Sharron Stone Texas 181
79 Juanita Blasingame Tenn. 179
79 Denice Johnston Texas 179
81 LaShea Raynor S.C. 175
82 Leslie Anderson Mo. 169
83 Linda Rinker Fla. 167
83 Tracy Bailey Texas 167
85 Shelley Chenowith Ark. 161
86 Renee Key Johnston Texas 157
87 Lisa Skelley Tenn. 153
88 Virginia Buckner Ala. 133
89 Marilyn Biszmaier Ky. 131
90 Cassie Hall Ala. 129
91 Sugar Walker Ala. 125
92 Mona Crawford Fla. 123
93 Kimberly White Ill. 117
94 Gerry Threadgill Texas 0
94 Leanne Snowden Mich. 0
94 Caprice Cherry La. 0
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 BASS photo
For the second time in as many years an Elite Series pro has managed a fishing spot by not overfishing it and guarding it after a limit is caught to claim a victory on the BASS Elite Series trail. Remember Jeremy Starks at Wheeler? Now Florida's Bobby Lane has done the exact same thing, even taking a knap on Friday, guarding his location. Looks like some deep water spots are best when fished enough for a limit but not too much to hurt ongoing days. . It takes strategy, it takes guts and it take stick-to-i-tive-ness. Could you do it?
What do you think about this tactic? We would like to know. Send your thoughts on "managing a spot" to feedback@wired2fish.com.
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From BASS:
For three days, Bobby Lane seemed destined to take his first BASS victory. The Lakeland, Fla., Bassmaster Elite Series pro opened up a nearly 9-pound advantage, barely scratching the surface of a foolproof spot on massive Kentucky Lake. The second-year Elite pro and two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier had it so good he was able to take a nap on the water Friday while defending his area. But on Saturday, the final day of competition at the SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph, things took an unexpected turn.
First, a nerve-wracking fog delay of more than 2 hours demolished Lane’s productive early bite. Then, Lane had to contend with an armada of spectator boats – nearly 120 by some counts –that were parked near his money spot. But Lane, a veteran tournament angler, stuck to his guns and held on to accumulate 16 pounds, 15 ounces Saturday for a four-day total of 97 pounds, 9 ounces, which was enough to hold off four-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam (92-1) of Kalamazoo, Mich.
With the wire-to-wire victory, Lane earned $100,000 and moved up to 11th in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. That position puts the 35-year-old in fantastic shape to qualify for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 19-21 on Lay Lake out of Birmingham, Ala., and advance to the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, the Toyota Trucks Championship Week, which will play out Sept. 10-18 on Alabama’s Lake Jordan and Alabama River featuring the top 12 anglers in the AOY standings.
“Early this morning, all I wanted to do was get on that spot,” said Lane, whose brother younger brother Chris also fishes in the Elite Series. “That was one of the most stressful moments of my life sitting there waiting and was probably about the worst thing that could have happened to me. But I was able to fish clean the whole day and it was my time.”
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Tennessee Triumph on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.
On Saturday, Lane's primary spot – an area filled with heavy shell that generated high numbers of baitfish that bass were feeding on – proved nowhere near as fruitful as it had in the first three days. While he was able to land four keepers in the area during the first hours of competition, the size of the fish couldn't compare to those on Days One through Three. So, Lane made a decision to run elsewhere – a last resort – and was able to fill out his limit with a fifth keeper.
Still, he wasn’t satisfied. In the back of his mind, he said he was calculating over and over again to determine if he had blown what was his best chance at a victory. With a little more than two hours remaining in his competition day, he returned to the primary spot he had nicknamed the “promised land” and boated his biggest bass of the day, a 5-9 brute.
That was enough to seal it, as VanDam made a half-hearted charge that wasn’t quite enough. Lane used several baits to considerable success, including a Berkley Power Worm and a swimbait, but a crankbait landed the last fish. Doubly satisfying for Lane was that he scored victory fishing a style he doesn’t consider a strength. A shallow-water specialist who excels on Florida fisheries, he mastered the art of ledge fishing for one week.
Perhaps lost in the shuffle was Lane’s calculated gamble that he executed the first three days. Lane made the interesting decision – a risky one – to scour his productive area for just more than 3 hours through the first three days, leaving nearly 20 hours on the table. It proved to be a key to the victory.
“They didn’t pull current today and the wind wasn’t blowing early and that was just a terrible combination for me,” said Lane, whose daughter, Alexis, graduated from pre-kindergarten Friday back home in Florida. “I love to do it but I’m not a big ledge fisherman. I wasn’t happy all day but this victory really means a lot to me.”
While VanDam fell short at Kentucky, he will take solace in his lead – albeit a tiny one – in the 2009 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. By virtue of jumping over Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., into second place here, VanDam maintained his lead in the season-long standings.
VanDam, the defending champion on Kentucky, said the majority of his bass fell for a Strike King Series 6 extra deep crankbait. He was allowing the bait to hit bottom – usually comprised of shell – where the bass would attack it.
“Kentucky Lake is absolutely awesome,” said VanDam, a two-time Bassmaster Classic champion. “While I’m never satisfied with second place, the ultimate goal is the Angler of the Year and I feel good about my chances there.”
The Angler of the Year is title is worth $200,000 and it is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the sport. Reese, the 2007 AOY, continued his incredible run in his effort for the AOY, scoring fourth at Kentucky with 90 pounds, 7 ounces. Russ Lane of Prattville, Ala., moved up one spot to third with 90-9. In fifth was Rick Morris of Lake Gaston, Va., with 88-6.
The field was cut to the top 12 anglers for the final day. Up next for the Elite Series is the June 11-14 Genuity River Rumble on the Mississippi River out of Fort Madison, Iowa.
Kentucky Lake has hosted 11 BASS events. Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Kentucky Lake is 185 miles in length, with 160,000 surface acres and 2,380 miles of shoreline. Lake Barkley, a navigable canal, adds another 80,000 surface acres.
In the 2008 event on Kentucky, VanDam totaled 84 pounds, 13 ounces, courtesy of a variety of lures, including jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. His most productive lure was what would become the trademark in his march to the 2008 Angler of the Year title: a Strike King Series 6 in sexy shad color.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsmedia.com for BASS’ latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos and more.
The local sponsor of the Tennessee Triumph is the Paris-Henry County Alliance.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
-30-
Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
FINAL STANDINGS- SPONGETECH TENNESEE TRIUMPH- KENTUCKY LAKE
2009 SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph 6/3-6/6
Kentucky Lake, Paris TN.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 20 97-09 320 $100,000.00
Day 1: 5 29-14 Day 2: 5 24-09 Day 3: 5 26-03 Day 4: 5 16-15
2. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 20 92-01 295 $26,000.00
Day 1: 5 28-11 Day 2: 5 21-09 Day 3: 5 21-03 Day 4: 5 20-10
3. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 20 90-09 290 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-02 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 20-11 Day 4: 5 22-10
4. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 20 90-07 285 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 23-05 Day 4: 5 18-09
5. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 20 88-06 280 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-00 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 5 23-01 Day 4: 5 22-11
6. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 20 87-04 276 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 26-14 Day 3: 5 18-15 Day 4: 5 23-14
7. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 20 86-09 272 $13,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 5 24-07 Day 4: 5 20-03
8. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 20 85-03 268 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 26-05 Day 3: 5 19-12 Day 4: 5 20-15
9. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 20 84-06 264 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 22-01 Day 3: 5 22-01 Day 4: 5 19-04
10. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 19 81-07 260 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 27-06 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 19-13 Day 4: 4 14-13
11. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 20 80-15 257 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 24-14 Day 3: 5 17-00 Day 4: 5 15-10
12. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 20 79-02 254 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 23-01 Day 3: 5 19-05 Day 4: 5 13-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 07-15 $0.00
2 Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 08-04 $0.00
3 Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 06-10 $0.00
4 Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 07-12 $0.00
BIG BASS OF TOURNAMENT
Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 08-04 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 93 479 1720-14
2 86 465 1565-02
3 45 242 851-07
4 11 59 229-07
----------------------------------
235 1245 4366-14
2009 TOYOTA TUNDRA BASSMASTER ANGLER OF THE YEAR STANDINGS
2009 SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph - SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph Pro Points After Kentucky Lake, Paris, Tenn. Ending 06-06-2009, Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Kevin VanDam Mich. 1593
2 Skeet Reese Calif. 1578
3 Alton Jones Texas 1477
4 Aaron Martens Ala. 1465
5 Todd Faircloth Texas 1371
6 Gary Klein Texas 1370
7 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 1364
8 Mark Menendez Ky. 1339
9 Randy Howell Ala. 1318
10 Brent Chapman Kan. 1313
11 Bobby Lane Fla. 1305
12 Cliff Pace Miss. 1291
13 Kelly Jordon Texas 1281
14 Greg Hackney La. 1274
15 Byron Velvick Texas 1258
16 Kevin Wirth Ky. 1253
17 Kevin Short Ark. 1249
18 Bradley Hallman Okla. 1246
19 Russ Lane Ala. 1245
20 Fred Roumbanis Okla. 1244
21 Casey Ashley S.C. 1232
22 Tommy Biffle Okla. 1225
23 Gerald Swindle Ala. 1219
24 John Murray Ariz. 1210
25 Shaw Grigsby Fla. 1206
26 Jeff Kriet Okla. 1196
27 Davy Hite S.C. 1193
28 Matt Herren Ala. 1191
29 Mark Tucker Mo. 1187
29 James Niggemeyer Texas 1187
31 Jami Fralick S.D. 1181
32 Dean Rojas Ariz. 1180
33 Denny Brauer Mo. 1173
34 Steve Kennedy Ala. 1169
35 Timmy Horton Ala. 1168
36 Takahiro Omori Texas 1151
37 Greg Vinson Ala. 1146
38 Matt Reed Texas 1135
39 Mike McClelland Ark. 1130
40 Boyd Duckett Ala. 1129
41 Jason Quinn S.C. 1120
42 Jason Williamson S.C. 1116
43 Rick Morris Va. 1108
44 Bill Lowen Ohio 1088
45 J Todd Tucker Ga. 1086
45 Dave Wolak N.C. 1086
47 Terry Butcher Okla. 1082
48 Stephen Browning Ark. 1073
49 Edwin Evers Okla. 1070
50 Brian Snowden Mo. 1066
51 Matthew Sphar N.Y. 1065
52 Terry Scroggins Fla. 1058
53 Kotaro Kiriyama Ala. 1048
53 Kenyon Hill Okla. 1048
55 Marty Stone N.C. 1047
56 Billy Mccaghren Ark. 1041
57 Pat Golden N.C. 1036
58 Todd Auten S.C. 1032
59 Dustin Wilks N.C. 1028
60 Bernie Schultz Fla. 1026
61 Jeff Connella La. 1019
62 Britt Myers S.C. 1015
63 Jared Lintner Calif. 1011
64 Mark Tyler Okla. 1010
65 Mark Davis Ark. 1006
66 Chris Lane Fla. 999
67 Derek Remitz Ala. 986
68 Brian Clark Texas 981
69 Rick Clunn Mo. 976
70 Marty Robinson S.C. 974
71 Chad Griffin Texas 966
72 Morizo Shimizu Japan 940
73 Paul Elias Miss. 938
74 Jim Murray Ga. 924
75 Wade Grooms S.C. 904
76 Ish Monroe Calif. 888
77 Vince Fulks Okla. 884
78 Guy Eaker N.C. 880
79 Charlie Hartley Ohio 866
80 Jimmy Mize Ark. 860
81 Pete Ponds Miss. 850
82 John Crews Va. 832
83 Peter Thliveros Fla. 810
84 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 800
85 Scott Rook Ark. 798
86 Scott Campbell Mo. 792
87 Ken Cook Okla. 788
88 Grant Goldbeck Md. 773
89 Clark Reehm Ark. 770
90 Mike Wurm Ark. 758
91 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 754
92 Mark Burgess Mass. 742
93 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 714
94 Luke Gritter Mich. 698
95 David Smith Okla. 688
96 Elton Luce Texas 646
97 Zell Rowland Texas 640
98 Brent Broderick Ohio 550
99 Jon Bondy Canada 495
100 Kevin Langill N.C. 484
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Aaron C. Crockett of Covington, Louisiana correctly answered the questions for the Plastic Potpourri contest on Wired2Fish. The correct answers were:
There are 8 worms in a Magnum Trick Worm package.
Tommy Biffle designed the Biffle O Lizard.
Grande Bass is located in Dripping Springs, Texas.
The two anglers whose picture is on the front of the Strike King Super Finesse Worms are Kevin Van Dam and Greg Hackney.
Venom Lures calls their 10 inch worm the “King Snake”.
Congrats Aaron, your plastics are on the way!
Don't forget that next week we will be running another 24 hour contest for jigs. Check back to see when that begins.
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BASS photo
Unconfirmed reports from Paris, Tennessee is Bobby Lane is managing his spot waiting to weigh in on Day 3 of the BASS Elite Series event there. He estimates to have 27 pounds today. Talk about a honey hole. Yesterday he extended his lead to over 4 lbs over Kevin VanDam and it sounds like he has another toad sack today. We will keep you posted.
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Throughout two competition days, Bobby Lane has taken it fairly easy on Kentucky Lake, and it’s debatable as to whether the Lakeland, Fla., pro has broken a sweat. But don’t let that fool you. Lane, with 54 pounds, 7 ounces after Day Two on Thursday, has employed a cunning strategy at the SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph, managing a “special” spot for a fraction of his day while employing a tight defense as he leads the field heading into the final two days of competition at the sixth regular-season Bassmaster Elite Series event.
Thursday was a perfect illustration of Lane’s dilemma. He boated all of his weight – a limit of 24 pounds, 9 ounces – in his first eight casts. After that, Lane made a two-pronged decision that he hoped would pay off twofold. First, he protected his spot from other competitors, and second, he gambled on preserving the area so that he could make it a factor throughout Saturday’s final day.
The 35-year-old estimated he has fished the prime spot for less than 1 ½ hours in the past two days, leaving more than 15 hours on the table. Could the decision backfire? Certainly, but Lane, in his second Elite season, was confident after Thursday's competition that he had made the correct decision.
“Obviously, I’m fortunate to have found this spot,” said Lane, who was 31st in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings heading into this event. “It’s all about fish management though, and I’m just dying to get to the last day so I can fully exploit the area. Someone could probably come out of nowhere and knock me out of the lead, but I know this is for the best.”
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Tennessee Triumph on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.
On Wednesday, Lane was lamenting past tournaments he had here and some unfortunate luck, but by Thursday, he was poised for his first BASS win. While he has kept quiet on the specifics of his pattern, Lane did say that he has been landing fish on a variety of baits. The two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier also said he noticed a fundamental change with his area Thursday.
The forage in the area seemed to be getting bigger and Lane said he would make the adjustment to increase the size of his baits. While Lane does have two other spots he believes could yield quality fish, he has not checked on them during the tournament and said he would rely on them only as a last resort.
So for the leader, it’s sink or swim with strategy.
“Today, I saw a school of about 100 bass that were all in the 4- to 5-pound range,” Lane said. “They were just wrecking anything that you threw out there. I’m not sure why this area is special, but it certainly is.”
While Lane has had an impressive two days, his advantage – just more than 4 pounds – is certainly not insurmountable. Especially when four-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam is breathing down Lane’s neck.
VanDam, with a two-day total of 50 pounds, 4 ounces, tapered off a bit Thursday but was very upbeat after weighing in.
“I feel really good,” said VanDam, a two-time Bassmaster Classic champion. “Like Bobby, I really managed my fish today. Perhaps I shouldn’t have laid off so much, but Friday I’m going to really get on them.”
VanDam continued to work his customary pattern, a Strike King crankbait in sexy shad color, to small, precise areas. While VanDam continues to notch top finishes, he can’t seem to shake 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion Skeet Reese in the Angler of the Year standings.
Reese is right behind VanDam at Kentucky, in third with 48 pounds, 9 ounces. The two are also connected in the AOY race as VanDam holds a scant lead over Reese. With this and two more regular-season events remaining, the two will continue to duel heading into the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, the Toyota Trucks Championship Week, which will be played out Sept. 10-18 on Alabama’s Lake Jordan and Alabama River featuring the top 12 anglers in the AOY standings.
Rounding out the top five at Kentucky Lake was Jeff Kriet of Ardmore, Okla., in fourth with 48-5, and dropping one place to fifth was Russ Lane of Prattville, Ala., with 47-4.
After Thursday, the field was cut to the top 50 anglers. Notables who advanced to Day Three included 2006 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli (16th), Guntersville Elite champion Aaron Martens (17th) and Guy Eaker of Cherryville, N.C. (33rd). Full standings can be found below. Only the top 12 will go on to compete in Saturday’s Day Four.
Kentucky Lake has hosted 10 previous BASS events. Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Kentucky Lake is 185 miles in length, with 160,000 surface acres and 2,380 miles of shoreline. Lake Barkley, a navigable canal, adds another 80,000 surface acres.
In the 2008 event on Kentucky Lake, VanDam totaled 84 pounds, 13 ounces, courtesy of a variety of lures, including jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. His most productive lure was what would become the trademark in his march to the 2008 Angler of the Year title: a Strike King Series 6 in sexy shad color.
Fans are encouraged to attend the Friday and Saturday launches (6 a.m. CT) and weigh-ins (4 p.m.) at Paris Landing State Park, 16055 Hwy. 79 N., Buchanan, Tenn. After Day Two’s competition
Other activities Friday and Saturday at the Tennessee Triumph will begin at 1 p.m. CT at Paris Landing State Park, featuring the popular Dog Training & Retriever Demonstrations Brought To You By SportDog, as well as a live concert by Nashville recording artist Greta Gaines on Friday, June 5, at the conclusion of the day’s weigh-in.
At 1:30 p.m. Friday, fans are invited to experience Bassmaster University, which includes the “Ask the Experts” session with Elite pros at 3 p.m.
Saturday’s activities include the live taping of Hooked Up, hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. The show, which will air live at 3:30 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, will preview Sunday’s final weigh-in.
All events at the SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph are free and open to the public. Up next for the Elite Series is the June 11-14 Genuity River Rumble on the Mississippi River out of Fort Madison, Iowa.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsmedia.com for BASS’ latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos and more.
The local sponsor of the Tennessee Triumph is the Paris-Henry County Alliance.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
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Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
DAY 2 STANDINGS- SPONGETECH TENNESEE TRIUMPH- KENTUCKY LAKE
2009 SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph 6/3-6/6
Kentucky Lake, Paris TN.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 10 54-07 310
Day 1: 5 29-14 Day 2: 5 24-09
2. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 50-04 295
Day 1: 5 28-11 Day 2: 5 21-09
3. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 48-09 290
Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 22-10
4. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 48-05 285
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 24-14
5. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 47-04 280
Day 1: 5 26-02 Day 2: 5 21-02
6. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 10 46-13 276
Day 1: 5 27-06 Day 2: 5 19-07
7. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 10 46-08 272
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 23-01
8. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 45-04 268
Day 1: 5 21-08 Day 2: 5 23-12
9. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 10 44-08 264
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 26-05
10. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 44-07 260
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 26-14
11. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 44-03 257
Day 1: 5 22-03 Day 2: 5 22-00
12. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 43-06 254
Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 21-00
13. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 43-06 251
Day 1: 5 23-01 Day 2: 5 20-05
14. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 43-01 248
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 22-01
15. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 10 42-10 245
Day 1: 5 26-00 Day 2: 5 16-10
16. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 10 42-06 243
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 19-03
17. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 42-01 241
Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 20-03
18. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 41-15 239
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 19-15
19. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 10 41-09 237
Day 1: 5 24-04 Day 2: 5 17-05
20. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 41-06 235
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 23-05
21. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 40-05 233
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 22-09
22. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 10 39-12 231
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 20-08
23. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 39-07 229
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 19-04
24. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 10 39-06 227
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 17-11
25. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 10 39-01 225
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 17-07
26. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 10 39-00 223
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 21-04
27. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 38-09 221
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 22-00
28. Alton Jones Waco, TX 10 38-09 219
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 17-04
29. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 38-03 217
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 18-02
30. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 38-00 215
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 16-00
31. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 37-11 213
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 18-03
32. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 10 37-07 211
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 17-04
33. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 10 37-00 209
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 23-11
34. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 36-11 207
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 18-02
35. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 36-10 205
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 15-15
36. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 10 36-10 203
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 17-13
37. Jason Quinn York, SC 10 36-03 201
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 17-12
38. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 36-01 199
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 16-10
39. John Crews Salem, VA 10 35-15 197
Day 1: 5 23-00 Day 2: 5 12-15
40. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 10 35-06 195
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 16-14
41. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 10 35-04 193
Day 1: 5 24-03 Day 2: 5 11-01
42. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 35-03 191
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 21-07
43. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 34-11 189
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 17-04
44. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 10 34-08 187
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 20-01
45. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 34-08 185
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 14-12
46. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 34-07 183
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 16-15
47. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 10 34-07 181
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 17-02
48. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 10 34-06 179
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 13-12
49. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 34-05 177
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 15-04
50. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 34-04 175
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 17-07
51. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 34-03 173
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 16-10
52. Pat Golden High Point, NC 10 33-05 171
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 18-01
53. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 33-01 169
Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 15-02
54. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 32-11 167
Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 12-07
55. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 10 32-10 165
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 16-12
56. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 32-06 163
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 13-13
57. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 10 32-04 161
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 16-09
58. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 10 31-12 159
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 14-00
59. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 10 31-05 157
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 15-12
60. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 10 31-00 155
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 12-14
61. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 10 30-13 153
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 16-00
62. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 30-12 151
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 15-04
63. Billy Mccaghren Mayflower, AR 10 30-08 149
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 11-11
64. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 30-07 147
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 19-03
65. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 10 30-07 145
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 12-13
66. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 10 30-04 143
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 16-07
67. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 9 29-14 141
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 4 09-01
68. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 8 29-09 139
Day 1: 5 21-09 Day 2: 3 08-00
69. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 28-12 137
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-08
70. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 28-05 135
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 14-07
71. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 28-02 133
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 14-07
72. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 10 27-15 131
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 17-06
73. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 10 27-09 129
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 15-14
74. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 27-07 127
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 10-03
75. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 10 27-05 125
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 11-07
76. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 10 27-05 123
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-02
77. David Smith Del City, OK 9 27-05 121
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 4 10-13
78. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 26-12 119
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 14-12
79. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 26-09 117
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 12-00
80. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 9 25-15 115
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 14-14
81. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 10 25-14 113
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 13-01
82. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 10 25-13 111
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 14-02
83. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 9 25-07 109
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 4 07-00
84. Vince Fulks Purcell, OK 8 25-04 107
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 3 08-05
85. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 10 24-10 105
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-02
86. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 10 24-10 103
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-02
87. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 9 24-07 101
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 4 11-15
88. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 10 24-00 99
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 11-15
89. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 10 23-14 97
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-04
90. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 8 22-14 95
Day 1: 3 09-15 Day 2: 5 12-15
91. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 7 22-11 93
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 2 05-07
92. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 9 21-09 91
Day 1: 4 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-13
93. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 7 18-14 89
Day 1: 2 04-15 Day 2: 5 13-15
94. Luke Gritter Kalamazoo, MI 7 17-09 87
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 4 10-12
95. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 6 16-13 85
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 1 04-06
96. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 7 15-01 83
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 5 10-09
97. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 7 13-07 81
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 2 03-12
98. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 12-10 79
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
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BIG BASS
Day
1 Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 07-15 $0.00
2 Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 08-04 $0.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 93 479 1720-14
2 86 465 1565-02
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179 944 3286-00
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We are not going to tell you what time or what day but one day next week we are going to give a lucky and resourceful Wired2Fish reader the opportunity to own some of the best jigs in fishing. Companies like Picasso, Tru-Tungsten, Berkley, Strike King, Jewel, All-Terrain, Spro and Poor Boys will all be included and we will have a variety of jigs that includes casting, flipping, swimming and pitching all in this group. We will have football heads, swimming heads and all kinds of casting heads all ready to help you land the big bass. Stay tuned to Wired2Fish, your contest, personality and product headquarters.
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As promised we are letting you in on more pre-ICAST scoop here at Wired2Fish. Storm Lures will be intoducing a new plastic swimbait that is off the charts. Its called the Live Kickin' Shad and our prediction is this durable plastic product will be a big hit with anglers. A cross between the Kickin Minnow and the Swim Shad the Live Kickin' Shad is the cats meow for swimbait lovers whether you live in California or the Midwest.
Two sizes and weights, 3"-1/4 ounce and 5" at 7/8 of an ounce, the Live Kickin Shad wiggles like a live fish just taken from the package. The soft body, jointed tail and weight system combined with a super sharp VMC treble makes it a perfect match for bass and other gamefish. Available at launch in nine colors including bleeding roach, blue shiner, blue steel shad, chartruese purple shad, chartruese shad, gold shiner, olive shiner, pearl shad and shad the Live Kickin' Shad has a perfect shad shape, a molded shad pattern and tail action that is unbelieveable. The tough line tie is positions aft of the eyes, its weighted, and durable body, reinforced with reinforcing mesh, makes it a bait that you can catch multiple fish with. The chartruese shad is opaque and looks like it has internal organs. Both models are offered in slow sinking.
Here is a picture of both the 3 and 5 inch models:
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Berkley Fishing, America’s leader in fishing tackle, is proud to announce that members of their FLW pro staff will be making a special appearance at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Benton Ky. They will be on hand to talk with the local angling public June 5th from 4 pm – 7 pm.
With over $6 million in career earnings between them, the Berkley cast of Scott Suggs, Guido Hibdon, Dion Hibdon, Brent Ehrler, Dan Morehead, Ramie Colson, Jr. and Terry Bolton will be on hand to talk fishing and offer their best angling advice.
“I am extremely excited about meeting with the folks at Fisherman’s Headquarters,” said Suggs. “These guys know fishing. Kentucky Lake is one of my favorite spots to hit on this year’s FLW Tour. With all the great Berkley products on the market, we will let anglers in on our secrets that catch more fish on Kentucky Lake and across the nation.”
As an added bonus, attendees have the chance to purchase a package of new Berkley bait, only available at this location, specifically chosen to be ideal for Kentucky Lake. These Berkley pros along with other anglers will be fishing in the FLW Tour’s Kentucky Lake stop scheduled for June 11 – 14.
The Berkley Bass Tank will also be at the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone June 13-14, which offers demonstrations by top angling pros and new product information.
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In a reversal of fortune, Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., finally took advantage of a hot Kentucky Lake bite, totaling 29 pounds, 14 ounces, Wednesday, which was enough to open up a one-plus pound advantage over four-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., at the SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph. Lane, something of a shallow-water specialist, ditched the banks and targeted the ledges, home to the heaviest bass on Kentucky.
After narrowly missing a top-50 finish and subsequent check at the Kentucky Lake Elite event in 2008 and a poor finish on another tournament circuit at Kentucky in 2007, Lane was starting to feel snake bitten here. But the Elite Series is all about adjustments and Lane, despite his strong inclination to stick to the shallows, picked apart the numerous ledges Wednesday.
“I’m no expert, but I know enough to put my time in and hit as many ledges as possible here,” said Lane, 35. “I’m a bank beater from Florida and it took everything in me to stay away from the shallow stuff, but I’m really learning a lot this week.”
While Lane is in the driver’s seat this week for the $100,000 top prize, with just three regular-season events remaining, many of the pros have their eyes on the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. Those standings are the main avenue into the 2010 Bassmaster Classic (Feb. 19-21; Lay Lake; Birmingham, Ala.) and the only way into the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, the Toyota Trucks Championship Week, which will be played out on Alabama’s Lake Jordan and Alabama River on Sept. 10-18 and feature the top 12 anglers.
Of course, to noone’s surprise, VanDam was leading the AOY pack – albeit by a mere five points – heading into Kentucky. He looks on his way to maintaining his lead with another solid Kentucky finish. But just like Tiger Woods has Phil Mickleson on the PGA Tour, 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion Skeet Reese is always around to keep VanDam honest. Reese, second in the AOY points heading into Kentucky, continued his solid run Wednesday and is sixth.
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Tennessee Triumph on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, June 13, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com.
Lane, 31st in the AOY standings, didn’t have the best practice and all indications pointed to another poor showing on Kentucky this week. But a slow approach and a devotion to the pattern allowed Lane to get off to a quick start, which included a 7-pound, 15-ounce lunker. Early in his competition day, he was able to visit three productive spots, pulling big fish off of each.
Lane accumulated all of his weight by Noon and spent some of his day looking for new, productive areas before eventually heading to the weigh-in site early to eliminate any pratfalls that seem to strike Lane on this spacious fishery.
In contrast to Lane’s Kentucky struggles, VanDam has flat-out dominated here. In 2008, the two-time Classic winner scored victory at Kentucky and in 2006, he finished third. On Wednesday, VanDam boated 28 pounds, 11 ounces, all on a Strike King crankbait in Sexy Shad color, the same lure he rode to victory in 2008.
His bag was buoyed by two fish weighing more than 7 pounds. Like most in the field, numbers weren’t the problem for VanDam. Instead, it was a battle to weed through the abundance of smaller fish on Kentucky in order to find the bigger bass.
Like Lane, VanDam targeted schooling fish grouped around the ledges. He fished at a variety of depths landing fish anywhere from 3 to 30 feet of water. Despite a strong Wednesday, VanDam was less optimistic than usual about his chances, citing the strong boat traffic on Kentucky set for the next three days as a potential hindrance.
“There are some spots where you can practically catch them every cast but it’s all about location when you are trying to find the bigger ones,” said VanDam, 41. “It’s important to realize that this is a four-day tournament and it can’t be won or lost with one day.”
Rounding out the top five was Byron Velvick of Del Rio, Texas, with 27-6 in third; Russ Lane of Prattville, Ala., in fourth with 26-2 and Rick Morris of Lake Gaston, Va., with 26-0. Full tournament standings can be found below.
Kentucky Lake has hosted 10 previous BASS events. Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Kentucky Lake is 185 miles in length, with 160,000 surface acres and 2,380 miles of shoreline. Lake Barkley, a navigable canal, adds another 80,000 surface acres.
In the 2008 event on Kentucky Lake, VanDam totaled 84 pounds, 13 ounces, courtesy of a variety of lures, including jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits. His most productive lure was what would become the trademark in his march to the 2008 Angler of the Year title: a Strike King Series 6 in sexy shad color.
The top 12 pros in the AOY standings at the end of the regular season will advance to the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, when the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year will be determined. Toyota Trucks Championship Week is set for Sept. 10-18, and will be played out on two productive Alabama fisheries. The first of the two post-season tournaments will take place on Lake Jordan out of Wetumpka; the finale, the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph, is slated for the Alabama River from Montgomery.
Fans are encouraged to attend the Wednesday-Saturday daily launches (6 a.m. CT) and weigh-ins (4 p.m.) at Paris Landing State Park, 16055 Hwy. 79 N., Buchanan, Tenn. After Day Two’s competition
Thursday, the field will be cut to the top 50 anglers for Day Three. Only the top 12 will go on to compete in Saturday’s Day Four.
Other activities Friday and Saturday at the Tennessee Triumph will begin at 1 p.m. CT at Paris Landing State Park, featuring the popular Dog Training & Retriever Demonstrations Brought To You By SportDog, as well as a live concert by Nashville recording artist Greta Gaines on Friday, June 5, at the conclusion of the day’s weigh-in.
At 1:30 p.m. Friday, fans are invited to experience Bassmaster University, which includes the “Ask the Experts” session with Elite pros at 3 p.m.
Saturday’s activities include the live taping of Hooked Up, hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. The show, which will air live at 3:30 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, will preview Sunday’s final weigh-in.
All events at the SpongeTech Tennessee Triumph are free and open to the public. Up next for the Elite Series is the June 11-14 Genuity River Rumble on the Mississippi River out of Fort Madison, Iowa.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsmedia.com for BASS’ latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos and more.
The local sponsor of the Tennessee Triumph is the Paris-Henry County Alliance.
Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.
Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.
The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.
BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
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Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com
DAY 1 STANDINGS- SPONGETECH TENNESEE TRIUMPH- KENTUCKY LAKE
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 5 29-14 305
Day 1: 5 29-14
2. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 28-11 295
Day 1: 5 28-11
3. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 27-06 290
Day 1: 5 27-06
4. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 26-02 285
Day 1: 5 26-02
5. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 26-00 280
Day 1: 5 26-00
6. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 25-15 276
Day 1: 5 25-15
7. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 24-04 272
Day 1: 5 24-04
8. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 5 24-03 268
Day 1: 5 24-03
9. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 23-07 264
Day 1: 5 23-07
10. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 23-07 260
Day 1: 5 23-07
11. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 23-03 257
Day 1: 5 23-03
12. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 23-01 254
Day 1: 5 23-01
13. John Crews Salem, VA 5 23-00 251
Day 1: 5 23-00
14. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 22-06 248
Day 1: 5 22-06
15. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 22-03 245
Day 1: 5 22-03
16. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 22-00 243
Day 1: 5 22-00
17. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 22-00 241
Day 1: 5 22-00
18. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 21-14 239
Day 1: 5 21-14
19. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 5 21-11 237
Day 1: 5 21-11
20. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 21-10 235
Day 1: 5 21-10
21. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 21-09 233
Day 1: 5 21-09
22. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 21-08 231
Day 1: 5 21-08
23. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 21-05 229
Day 1: 5 21-05
24. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 21-00 227
Day 1: 5 21-00
25. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 20-13 225
Day 1: 5 20-13
26. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 20-11 223
Day 1: 5 20-11
27. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 5 20-10 221
Day 1: 5 20-10
28. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 20-04 219
Day 1: 5 20-04
29. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 20-03 217
Day 1: 5 20-03
30. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 5 20-03 215
Day 1: 5 20-03
31. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 20-01 213
Day 1: 5 20-01
32. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 19-12 211
Day 1: 5 19-12
33. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 19-08 209
Day 1: 5 19-08
34. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 19-07 207
Day 1: 5 19-07
35. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 19-04 205
Day 1: 5 19-04
36. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 19-01 203
Day 1: 5 19-01
37. Billy Mccaghren Mayflower, AR 5 18-13 201
Day 1: 5 18-13
38. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 18-13 199
Day 1: 5 18-13
39. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 18-09 197
Day 1: 5 18-09
40. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 18-09 195
Day 1: 5 18-09
41. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 5 18-08 193
Day 1: 5 18-08
42. Jason Quinn York, SC 5 18-07 191
Day 1: 5 18-07
43. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 5 18-07 189
Day 1: 5 18-07
44. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 18-03 187
Day 1: 5 18-03
45. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 18-02 185
Day 1: 5 18-02
46. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 18-01 183
Day 1: 5 18-01
47. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 17-15 181
Day 1: 5 17-15
48. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 17-12 179
Day 1: 5 17-12
49. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 17-12 177
Day 1: 5 17-12
49. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 17-12 177
Day 1: 5 17-12
51. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 17-10 173
Day 1: 5 17-10
52. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 17-09 171
Day 1: 5 17-09
52. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 17-09 171
Day 1: 5 17-09
54. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 17-08 167
Day 1: 5 17-08
55. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 17-07 165
Day 1: 5 17-07
56. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 17-05 163
Day 1: 5 17-05
57. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 17-04 161
Day 1: 5 17-04
57. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 17-04 161
Day 1: 5 17-04
59. Vince Fulks Purcell, OK 5 16-15 157
Day 1: 5 16-15
60. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 16-13 155
Day 1: 5 16-13
61. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 16-09 153
Day 1: 5 16-09
62. David Smith Del City, OK 5 16-08 151
Day 1: 5 16-08
63. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 5 15-14 149
Day 1: 5 15-14
63. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 15-14 149
Day 1: 5 15-14
65. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 5 15-11 145
Day 1: 5 15-11
66. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 5 15-09 143
Day 1: 5 15-09
67. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 15-08 141
Day 1: 5 15-08
68. Pat Golden High Point, NC 5 15-04 139
Day 1: 5 15-04
68. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 15-04 139
Day 1: 5 15-04
70. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 15-03 135
Day 1: 5 15-03
71. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 14-13 133
Day 1: 5 14-13
72. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 14-09 131
Day 1: 5 14-09
73. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 14-07 129
Day 1: 5 14-07
74. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 13-14 127
Day 1: 5 13-14
75. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 5 13-13 125
Day 1: 5 13-13
76. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 13-12 123
Day 1: 5 13-12
77. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 13-11 121
Day 1: 5 13-11
78. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 13-05 119
Day 1: 5 13-05
79. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 12-13 117
Day 1: 5 12-13
80. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 5 12-10 115
Day 1: 5 12-10
80. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 12-10 115
Day 1: 5 12-10
82. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 12-08 111
Day 1: 5 12-08
82. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 12-08 111
Day 1: 5 12-08
82. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 12-08 111
Day 1: 5 12-08
85. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 12-07 105
Day 1: 5 12-07
86. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 12-01 103
Day 1: 5 12-01
87. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 12-00 101
Day 1: 5 12-00
88. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 11-11 99
Day 1: 5 11-11
88. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 11-11 99
Day 1: 5 11-11
90. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 11-04 95
Day 1: 5 11-04
91. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 5 11-01 93
Day 1: 5 11-01
92. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 4 10-12 91
Day 1: 4 10-12
93. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 10-09 89
Day 1: 5 10-09
94. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 3 09-15 87
Day 1: 3 09-15
95. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 09-11 85
Day 1: 5 09-11
96. Luke Gritter Kalamazoo, MI 3 06-13 83
Day 1: 3 06-13
97. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 2 04-15 81
Day 1: 2 04-15
98. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 2 04-08 79
Day 1: 2 04-08
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BIG BASS
Day
1 Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 07-15 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 93 479 1720-14
----------------------------------
93 479 1720-14
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An update on Day 1 from the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Kentucky Lake from outdoor writer Alan Clemons, who is on the scene:
PARIS, Tenn. -- When you get to the weigh-in site about two hours before the official start and Bobby Lane's standing there at the tanks, you know something's either wrong with his boat or he put a serious smackdown on them.
Lane did the latter Wednesday, with a limit weighing 29 pounds 14 ounces, including one just an ounce shy of 8 pounds. Due to a "fish care" penalty for a dead bass he was docked a few ounces, so he actually had more than 30 pounds. Amazing, but not unexpected for Kentucky Lake and its incredible ledge fishing this time of year.
As the anglers rolled in to the docks, word spread quickly about the incredible catches. More than 30 guys with limits of 20 pounds or better, and guys with 17 or 18 pounds bunched like moths around the candle light down in the 40s and 50s in the standings. Steve Kennedy of Alabama whacked two 4-pounders on one cast on a crankbait, and had another double two casts later.
"The second time it was a 4-plus pounder and a squeaker, and the big one came off," Kennedy said. "I've never had anything like that happen before. This was just stupid."
TVA ran a little current through the lake early and then shut it down, but the bite didn't slow down too much. Between catching fish and returning to the Paris Landing State Park dock through a torrential thunderstorm, the Elite guys put on quite a show.
Stay tuned for more of the same on Thursday.
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This report was filed by outdoor writer Alan Clemons, who is on the scene at Paris Landing State Park at Kentucky Lake during this week’s Bassmaster Elite Series tournament:
BUCHANAN, Tenn. – If BASS is in town, that means there’s going to be rain.
For anyone who believed they might get through this week’s tournament without a drop, they lost their bet. A thick, black cloud began building about 8 p.m. Tuesday night southwest of the state park, where the tournament will launch and weigh in, with webs of lightning snaking across the sky.
An hour later the slow-moving storm announced its arrival with an explosive bolt of lightning that sounded like a bomb going off across the bay from the park lodge. Lightning continued like that for little more than an hour along with intermittent and occasionally heavy rain. Today’s forecast has a 40 percent chance of scattered storms and 60 percent Thursday, clearing up by the weekend.
Some anglers have indicated an incredible ledge bite with football jigs, with fish on every cast. But they’re culling through small fish. The shallow bite amid the water willow could offer unmolested water for patient flippers or frog-tossers, but conventional wisdom and seasonal history says the winning catch will come from the river ledges.
With the storm that passed through last night, it reminded me of a conversation with Mike Iaconelli during the rain delay at the Wheeler Elite tournament back in April. Ike mentioned in the past that he’s seen severe storms with thunder and harsh lighting affecting fish, primarily in shallow areas.
“I definitely think it can affect them,” he said. “I’ve seen it before up north on some of the lakes and rivers I’ve fished, but primarily with the smallmouth bite. I don’t know what it is or what happens, but I’ve seen the bite turn off or change the day after.”
Whether that is due to the pressure change from a passing storm, the noise from thunder or some kind of electrical charge from the lightning, we don’t know. During the Wheeler tournament, the biggest change was due to the wind and amount of water in the lake that muddied up the Decatur Flats and TVA moving water through the dam.
It obviously didn’t affect Tommy Biffle’s shallow bite there, as he claimed the win, and this week on Kentucky Lake the storm may not affect the ledge bite. But we’ll find out today what is going on and who figures out the puzzle.
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The economy has caused many to look at their existing boat differently and we believe a new wave is on the horizon and about to occur. Its called "retrofitting" and it means upgrading and repairing versus getting new. Even though some anglers will buy a new boat every few years many are looking at upgrades, repowering, new upholstery and carpet, and upgrading to new trolling motors and depth finders in lieu of getting a brand new boat. Not a bad idea and one we believe can be good for both the accessory and boat and motor companies alike.
Lets imagine for a while that you have a late model Ranger 520 or even an older Ranger 481 or 482. You have a motor that is a still running great but the trolling motor has seen better days, there are a few tears or cracks in the seats, and the electronics are about as useful as a weight tied to a string. What is the next step? Today most anglers look to buy new but due to an economic downturn that may not be appropriate. Lets do a retrofit!
One great approach is to take a pen and paper and go over your old boat and compare it to new. What do you want today that you couldn't get yesterday and what needs to be upgraded to get to the "latest and greatest"? Write it all down. Then go over your old boat and write down everything that needs repair.
It would look like this:
Ranger 481 Wish list
New more efficient trolling motor
New depth finders
Upgrade to carpet and seats
New instrumentation
New outboard
ETC, ETC
Repairs
Fix scratches
Replace tie downs
Fix hole in seat
ETC,ETC
Are you getting the picture? Most boat companies/dealers can provide replacement items for all of your needs. The next step is to look at your budget. What does each item on your list cost. This can take some time but it will be well worth it when you start to talk to momma or write that check. Use the catalogs, scan the Internet and talk to a reputable dealer. They ae a great resource.
The next step is to do it right. That means start with the biggest item you can afford and do that first. If you have original trolling motor and electronics we recommend you start there. We suggest a new 24 volt trolling motor and new electronics with some upgraded features. We also recommend the new Minn Kota Fortrex combined with the Humminbird 798C si depth finder for this application. Both offer the latest in technology and features like lift assist and side imaging that will make the fishing experience more enjoyable.
The Fortrex is a state of the art trolling motor with a new "retro" look. Efficient battery usage, more power, and more user friendly. Not only does it look cool but it has the features to make an old boat function like a new one.
The 798C si is a killer depth finder. Its priced competitively and offers side imaging, GPS and COLOR. Color makes a big difference and man is it clear....even in bright sun. This is one great unit.
If you have a little more money talk to your dealer about repowering the boat early as well. Most likely your Ranger 481's outboard is out of warranty. All three motor companies are hungry and are offering great progams now with longer warranties, some freebies and more attractive pricing than we have had in years.
We also recommend calling Ranger. If you have a Champion or a Skeeter call them. Ask them what is available for your old boat in new products and don't be afraid to get creative. Put some bling in the old girl. Maybe even put some Bluewater LED lights on the boat. They look cool are really fucntion well early in the morning and late in the evening.
Some of the old stuff may be replaced with some cool new stuff and it may not cost you much. Ask around. Talk to buddies, ask your dealer. Use all of the resources.
Harley Davidson has made a business with after market chrome and accessories. Maybe its time for the boat business to do the same.
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Ranger President Randy Hopper just sent this letter out from Ranger regarding yesterday's announcement of Genmar filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Here is the letter in its entirety.
June 2, 2009
“Unprecedented global economic conditions, unequaled by any seen in my personal experience, continue to affect people in all industries and walks of life. For some time now, the credit-shortage epidemic at the consumer, dealer and manufacturer levels has been a huge issue. Despite good demand for Ranger products and the strength of the brand within Genmar’s portfolio and the market as a whole, the lack of available credit forced Genmar Holdings Inc. to file for Chapter 11 reorganization on Monday, June 1. Genmar’s reorganization is designed to allow Ranger to uphold its commitments to its outstanding dealer network and loyal customers while fulfilling the 41-year-old reputation of its product line and business operations. Going forward, Ranger has no plans to relinquish its leadership position. Our commitment to quality construction, technological innovation and service at all levels will not wane. Likewise, we remain dedicated to our long-standing involvement with so many great tournament anglers, organizations, and friends throughout the industry. While the fishing segment has not been immune to adverse economic conditions, it has not been affected to the same degree as other boating categories. I believe that our segment has hit bottom and we are seeing recent evidence of improvement. Therefore, I expect normal business operations today and throughout the course of Genmar’s reorganization process. While these types of circumstances are sometimes subject to rampant speculation and rumors, we encourage specific questions be emailed to info@rangerboats.com so we can provide a timely response. And remember that regardless of the market conditions, Ranger boats are still built, sold and serviced one at a time. It’s who we are and we remain firmly committed to that legendary legacy of leadership.”
Randy Hopper
President, Ranger Boats
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On July 18, 2009, dedicated anglers and out-doors enthusiasts will gather at Jackson Hill Park and Marina on Sam Rayburn Reservoir and attempt to eradicate giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) from one of the best fishing lakes in Texas. The Southeast Texas BASS Federation is spearheading the project. For more specific information and to participate click here.
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Man do we love this time of year. Birds are chirping, the fish are bitin' and new products start to show up just in time for ICAST. We can't get enough new products and it seems every year they get better and better. This years tackle extravaganza in Orlando Florida has us chomping at the bit. We can hardly wait to see what the next rock sinker or fish bagging system will show up!
Seriously, much like golf technology has entered the fishing market in a big way. Rods and reels are lighter yet durable, plastic baits have better designs and are made from space age products and line is thinner, stronger and more castable than ever betore.
Rapala recently gave us a sneak peek at their new products for 2010 and all we can tell you is HOLD ON! These are some sweet designs and again the baits look more lifelike and the line.........well lets just say innovation is at the forefront.
Sufix line has two new offerings that off the charts. One is a new braid called Sufix Stretch Braid a new braided line with 6% stretch. Tough like braid and throws like mono this new line looks to be leading the wave a new composite line introductions for 2010.
The other is another new braided offering called Sufix Performance FUSE. Unique bonding, higher weave count and smaller diameter means anglers can fish braid in places that might have been reserved for mono or fluoro. Fuse is a zero stretch offering and is made of 100% Dyneema fiber.
We will be introducing the new MaxRap, Flat Rap, the DT Thug, Trolls To Shad and Minnow, a new size Clackin Rap, an X-Rap SubWalk, X-Rap Walk, the Skitter Walk, the Glidin Rap, a few new DT's, a new series of X-Rap, new Terminator Swim Jigs, and a few real cool new Storm baits including the Kickin Stick and the Kickin Shad.
Get ready the pre-ICAST party is about to begin and we LOVE it!
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Minneapolis-based boat manufacturer Genmar Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company founder Irwin Jacobs says Genmar has suffered from a rapid decrease in sales due to the credit crisis and weak economy. In court filings, Genmar also says banks have reduced available credit.
The company's Chapter 11 petition filed Monday lists assets of $237.5 million and liabilities of $216.5 million. Jacobs says the bankruptcy petition does not include over $400 million in intangible assets.
Jacobs says Genmar's revenues for the year ending June 30 should drop by more than half to about $460 million.
The rest of the boating industry has also suffered from higher gasoline prices and the recession. The National Marine Manufacturers Association has said sales of new boats fell 30 percent in 2008 and are expected to drop another 20 percent this year.
Below is the press release issued yesterday regarding this news:
GENMAR HOLDINGS, INC. FILES FOR CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION
IN THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT
June 1, 2009. Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Genmar Holdings, Inc. (Genmar) announced today that it has filed for Chapter 11
reorganization protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Irwin L. Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of
Genmar, stated, “I have been in the boating industry for over 30 years, and throughout those
many years, I have personally experienced several of what I thought were the worst and most
difficult business conditions our industry had ever gone through.However, those conditions do
not even remotely resemble anything close to what has taken place in the retail and wholesale
recreational boating industry over the past approximately 12 months. If someone would have
said to me as recently as even one month ago that Genmar would someday be filing for
Chapter 11, I would have said it was not even a remote possibility. I’ve always looked for ways
to enhance Genmar’s balance sheet and felt that even though business conditions were
incredibly difficult, there were alternatives available. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the necessary
time to complete any alternative financing acceptable to the banks. I am sure none of that is
necessarily comforting to those individuals and/or companies who are being affected by
Genmar’s filing for Chapter 11.
Although it’s impossible for me to try to anticipate and/or
answer in this press release all of the questions that I am sure are being asked by our Genmar
dealers, vendors, and employees, it is important that every interested party affected by
Genmar’s situation knows that we plan on successfully reorganizing and ultimately coming out
of Chapter 11 as a stronger and better company with a bright and stable future ahead in the
recreational boating industry. Surely it’s going to be very difficult for most people to
understand and/or anticipate the stressful days, weeks, and months ahead. I know I can speak
for everyone within Genmar, including myself, that we are fully committed not only to getting
through the very difficult and stressful times that are ahead of us, but we’re committed to
attempting to do everything humanly possible throughout the Chapter 11 proceedings in trying
to help each Genmar dealer, vendor, and employee as best we can. I have every reason to
believe that GE Finance will continue their Genmar dealer floor plan financing program subject
to the Court’s approval, which will take place over the next few days.”
Jacobs further stated, “We believe that Genmar will have access to sufficient cash and has
current assets available to support our ongoing businesses to service and build dealer boat
orders and pay our vendor suppliers on future purchases promptly. Genmar has received a
commitment for Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing proposal from the Wells Fargo and Fifth
Third banks that will be submitted for approval to the bankruptcy court in the first bankruptcy
hearing scheduled to take place within the next few days. Additionally in the first court hearing,
Genmar will be asking the bankruptcy court for approval to allow Genmar to pay appropriate
dealer warranty and rebate claims. Genmar currently has over $100 million of current assets as
well as substantial additional fixed assets and intangible assets that we believe will allow
Genmar to come through and exit the Chapter 11 proceedings as a financially stable and strong
company with a great future ahead of it in the boating industry. Further, Genmar will be
submitting an overall reorganization plan for approval to the bankruptcy court as soon as
possible, which will include the necessary details for all interested parties to better understand
Genmar’s short and long-term plans and objectives in ultimately successfully exiting the Chapter
11 proceedings.
It’s our intention to do everything we can to protect and support our valuable Genmar brands
which will ultimately allow Genmar to exit Chapter 11 and continue to be a leader in the
recreational boating industry.”
About Genmar Holdings, Inc.
Genmar, with approximately 1,500 employees and five manufacturing centers, is the builder of
15 premier brands of recreational boats which include, Carver®, Champion®, FinCraft®, Four
Winns®, Glastron®, Hydra-Sports®, Larson®, Marquis®, Ranger®, Scarab®, Seaswirl®,
Stratos®, Triumph®, Wellcraft®, and Windsor Craft®. Genmar boats are sold worldwide
through its approximately 1,100 dealers.
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Time is running out to help the BoatU.S. Foundation honor those who have made a significant contribution towards improving waterway health and educating boaters about environmental issues. The 2009 BoatU.S. Foundation Environmental Leadership Awardwill be given to a group, organization, company, marina or individual who has worked hard to make a difference -- but only if local boaters help the Foundation identify nominees. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2009. "Look around you and you may find a person, business or local organization who has made a real impact," said Susan Shingledecker, director of environmental programs for the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. "For example, the award could go to a group that has cleaned up miles of beaches, a hometown marina that has led the way in helping keep our waterways clean, or a boat club member who has spearheaded a local environmental education campaign," she added. The winner also receives $1,000 to help continue their environmental efforts.
The award was created to complement the efforts of the BoatU.S. Foundation, which has a long history of working with waterway users, marinas and local organizations throughout the country to help bring environmental messages directly to boaters.
Applications and more information about the award are available at http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation. Any questions may be directed to Shingledecker at SShingledecker@BoatUS.com.
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The Berkley Experience Trailer is headed to the Berkley Big Bass Tournament in Bethel Island, Calif. The trailer will roll in June 5 – 7 and will offer demonstrations and interactive games for kids and adults.
The Berkley Experience Trailer gives the everyday angler the opportunity to view baits in the Berkley line and chances to see the baits in action. Kids and adults alike will enjoy fishing games and competing in knot tying contests.
“We want everyone young and old alike to enjoy the Berkley experience,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Manager “In addition to our bait and line interactive displays we will have Abu Garcia reel demonstrations, interactive touch screens to learn how to “Catch More Fish” and a showcase for our latest and most innovative fishing products.”
Special sales and promotions will be offered wherever the Berkley trailer stops. If you are unable to make it by the trailer and test the interactive components in Bethel Island, Calif., look at the upcoming events.
June 5 – 7
Berkley Big Bass Tournament – Bethel Island, Calif.
Russo’s Marina
3995 Willow Road
Bethel Island, CA 94511
Phone: 925-684-2024
Upcoming Events
June 12 – 14 – Big Bear Sports, Billings, Mont.
June 18 – 20 – Gander Mountain Lakeville, Minn.
July 30 – August 2 – FLW Cup Pittsburgh, Pa.
October 2 – 4 Gander Mountain, Tyler, Texas
October 9-11 – Gander Mountain, Garland, Texas
October 16 – 18 – Berkley Big Bass Tournament, Lake Fork Marina - Lake Fork, Texas
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Thanks to everyone that participated in the Tru-Tungsten Big Fish Contest. We complied all of the correct answerers and the winners will be receiving a Tru-Tungsten Swimbait and 3 packages of Depth Shads.
The correct answers were:
1. Ish Monroe and Matt Newman
2. VMC
3. Adding and Removing Tungsten Balls
4. Youvella USA
The winners are:
Kyle Hagemann
Fort Rucker, AL
Don Shimatsu
Sonoma, CA
Your product is on the way and thanks to all for entering!
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Kalem Tippett and Vincent Campisano of Murray State
Under near perfect weather conditions, college bass fishing's premier event concluded with Murray State University slipping past University of North Texas to claim the 2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship title.Murray State joins past champions North Carolina State (2006), Texas A&M University (2007)and University of Arkansas (2008) as winners of the event.
"Murray State's win is very impressive considering this is the largest field we've ever had. Over 140 teams from more than 70 schools registered this year. My hats off to them for a fine win. They're going to be great champions and ambassadors for collegiate bass fishing over the next year,"statedWade Middleton Tournament Director.
The week long event sanctioned by the Association of Collegiate Anglers (ACA) was held at Sneaky Pete's on Lake Lewisville, Texas. Top collegiate bass anglers, sponsorsand leading industry professionals enjoyed camaraderie with one another as they participated in activities throughout the week highlighted by the competition. All of the action throughout the week as well as coverage of the 2009 ACA sanctioned regional tournaments leading up to the championship will be televised on Versus; Saturday mornings at 12:30 EST beginning in August.
After securing the day one lead with 21.66 pounds, Kalem Tippett & Vincent Campisano of Murray State University brought 14.50 pounds to the scales for a two day total of 36.16 to win the championship. The team outweighed University of North Texas, who had a two day total weight of 35.36, by less than a pound.
The same offshore ledge that yielded four of the five bass that the team weighed on day one surrendered the winning limit on day two. The first day, a Strike King Series 6 crankbait fished on Loomis Crankin Sticks generated the strikes, however, the team had to switch to Texas rigged Paca Craws to temp the bass to bite on the final day. Vincent explained "They were relating to stumps in about 10 feet of water positioned on the sweet spot of the ledge." When asked what it meant to win the prestigious event, Kalem commented "This is a huge step toward my goal of establishing a career as a bass tournament pro. We want to thank our sponsors: Hinton Archery, Neace Lukens Insurance Co., Jet-A-Marina, Laboratory Supply Co. and Mr. C Refrigeration."
Brandon Dickenson and Austin Hollowell representing University of North Texas were picked by many as the favorites to win the event. On day one, the pair of anglers used their local knowledge to catch bass throughout the day - eventually culling up to 20.54 pounds. On day2 they were the first team to catch a limit and seemed to be in control until Murray State made a charge late in the day. Austin Hollowellof University of North Texas stated "When the lake was off limits we practiced on other nearby lakes to get a feel for how the fish were positioned in the marinas. That helped us determine what we needed to do going into this event.We targeted poles and tire reefs near marinas fishing very slowly with wacky worms and jigs in depths ranging from 8 to 10 feet.On the final day, we werefortunate to catch what we caught."Brandon Dickerson commented "I have to admit we had some very fortunate luck in this tournament. Going into the event I thought 32 pounds for two days would be the most we could catch if everything went just right. We had two big bites the first day of the tournament that really helped. It was a fun event. Congrats to Murray State - they flat out whacked them!" Austin and Brandon continued tothank Falcon Rods, Pure Fishing, Tackle Warehouse & Excite Baits for their support.
Rounding out the top 10 teams were:
3rd place - Northwestern State University 33.02
4th place - Eastern Kentucky University 29.66
5th place - Louisiana Tech University 29.56
6th place - Virginia Tech 29.45
7th place - University of North Alabama 29.09
8th place - Louisiana Tech University #2 28.46
9th place - Texas Tech 28.25
10th placeUniversity of Kentucky 26.83
For more information on the event, pictures and full results call 210-697-8081 or go to www.collegiatebasschampionship.com
National Supporters of BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Association of Collegiate Anglers events include: BoatU.S, Cabela's, BoatU.S. Angler, Ranger Boats, TruckVault, Costa Del Mar, Berkley, Aviva Fishin' Buddy, Activision, Sperry Top-Sider, Sebile Lures, frogg toggs, Gemini Custom Apparel , Yamaha, Plano, Garmin, Power Pole, All Star Rod, Abu Garcia, Lago Vista Lodge, American Rodsmiths, Dodge, SureLife, City of Lewisville, Sneaky Pete's, Columbia Sportswear, The Bass Federation and Angler's Legacy.
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TENNESSEE’S WAGNER HOLDS ONTO THE LEAD IN WALMART BFL ALL-AMERICAN
Georgia’s Adams Sees Lead Shrink In Co-Angler Division
DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 29, 2009) – Adam Wagner of Cookeville, Tenn., increased his lead in the $1 million Walmart Bass Fishing
League All-American presented by Chevy on the Mississippi River with a five-bass limit weighing 9 pounds, 10 ounces in the Boater Division. He holds a lead of 5 pounds, 13 ounces over Steve Wagner of New Kent, Va., who is currently in second place with a total of nine bass weighing 19-6.
They are vying for the all important win, where they could earn as much as $140,000 and qualify for the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
“Where I was fishing today, you have to fish fast and hard,” said Adam Wagner. “I am going with the same game plan tomorrow.”
“I caught 14 fish today the same as yesterday, flipping wood with a 3/8-ounce beaver. I locked through to (Pool) 13 and it got a lot tougher and I tried swimming my jig and it didn’t work for me. So I put on a senko and just slowed down a little bit and caught three keepers on that senko.”
Wagner said he will employ the same tactic he has used the first two days on the final day Saturday. “I’m going to do the exact same thing. I’m going to have to. It is all I got. I have to catch them and work hard tomorrow. I am going to just have to go fishing and see what happens.”
Rounding out the top 10 boaters were Russ Moran of Manchester, Tenn. (eight bass, 17-9); Mike Devere of Berea, Ky. (eight bass, 15-14); Gary Edwards of Milton, Ky. (seven bass, 15-11); Chris Baldwin of Lexington, N.C. (eight bass, 15-7); Edward Gettys of Scottsboro, Ala. (six bass, 15-2); David Lowery of Milledgeville, Ga. (seven bass, 15-2); Jeff Holder of Bossier City, La. (five bass, 14-14); and Larry Neal of Piney Flats, Tenn. (seven bass, 14-12).
Wesley Harris of Rustburg, Va., caught a 4 pounds, 7 ounce bass to take home $500 for the Folgers Big Bass on the boater side Friday. Overall there were 111 bass weighing 225 pounds, 11 ounces caught in the Boater Division Friday. The catch included five five-bass limits caught by 46 anglers.
Dickson Adams of Woodstock, Ga., held on to his lead in the Co-angler Division weighing in one bass at 1 pound, 15 ounces, giving him a two-day total of six bass weighing 13 pounds, 13 ounces. He holds a lead of 1 pound, 12 ounces over David Deciucis of Richmond, Va., in second place with a two-day total of seven bass weighing 12-1.
“I tried the same pattern today and could not catch a fish,” said Adams. “I caught that fish on my last cast of the day, on a jig in about 10 foot of water.”
Adams is optimistic about the final day, but said a lot will depend on his boater and said he would like to fish Pool 14 following his success there on Day One. “I am going to just go out and play it by ear. If I go to Pool 13, I think it might be more difficult for the co-angler, but I might be able to stick it out. I will wait and see, and hopefully end up in Pool 14.”
Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are Elzie Dorman of Charlottesville, Va. (six bass, 11-10); Tommy Milligan of Seneca, S.C. (five bass, 11-7); Danny Robinson of Fairland, Ind. (four bass, 9-12); Jade Keeton of Florence, Ala. (five bass, 9-11); John Hyatt of Leicester, N.C. (five bass, 9-9); Ron Jackups of Fairfield, Ohio (four bass, 8-10); Terry Olmstead of Lock Haven, Pa. (four bass, 7-14) and Andy Houston of Baldwyn, Miss. (three bass, 7-7).
For the first time in the 25-year history of the BFL All-American, a woman qualified. Belinda Lewis of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., qualified through the Bama Division, finished in 43rd place with one fish weighing 1-13 and earning $1,500.
“It was a great experience fishing with all the other anglers,” said Lewis. “Everybody got along and it felt like family out there fishing. I am definitely going to try and get back here again.”
Following Lewis’ weigh-in on Saturday, her boyfriend, Scott Towry, went on stage and asked her to marry him, capping off a great weekend for Lewis and her family. “That moment topped it all,” said Lewis.
Woody Parks of Lincolnton, Ga., caught the Folgers Big Bass on Friday in the co-angler division with a 3 pound, 14 ounce bass earning $500. Overall there were 60 bass weighing 126 pounds caught in the Co-angler Division Friday. The catch included one five-bass limit by 33 anglers.
Coverage of the BFL All-American tournament, hosted by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on VERSUS, the network which brings anglers the best fishing programming on television featuring the most-trusted authorities on the water. The Emmy-nominated “FLW Outdoors,” will air Aug 23 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET. “FLW Outdoors,” hosted by Jason Harper, is broadcast to approximately 500 million households worldwide, including internationally through agreements with WFN (World Fishing Network) and Matchroom Sport to such countries as Canada, Germany, China, South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and the United Kingdom, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoor-sports television show in the world.
The 108 anglers from 27 states will take off at 7:00 a.m. Saturday from Sunset Park Marina in Rock Island, Ill. The final weigh-in will be held at the RiverCenter located at 136 E. 3rd St. in Davenport beginning at 4 p.m.
In conjunction with the weigh-in Saturday, FLW Outdoors will host a free Family Fun Zone and Outdoor Show at the RiverCenter beginning at Noon. The Family Fun Zone offers fans a chance to review the latest products from Berkley, Lowrance, Ranger, Evinrude, Yamaha and other sponsors while children are treated to giveaways, fishing themed games and rides like the Ranger Boat simulator. Children 14 and under visiting the Family Fun Zone on Saturday will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. One lucky person will even win a new entertainment package. For complete rules and more information, visit flwoutdoors.com/allamerican.
Because BFL competitors are weekend anglers, the All-American and its lucrative cash awards and international media exposure present a unique opportunity for qualifiers who will be fishing for top awards of $140,000 in the Boater Division and $70,000 in the Co-angler Division. Additionally, the winning boater and winning co-angler will advance to the $2 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol and BP, which will be held July 30-Aug. 2 on the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pa., where they could win as much as $1 million – the sport’s biggest award.
Each year more than 34,000 BFL anglers and 20,000 TBF anglers nationwide compete in the hope of becoming one of just 54 boaters and 54 co-anglers who qualify for the All-American and fish for a share of $1 million.
As the nation’s leading weekend tournament circuit, the $6.7 million Walmart Bass Fishing League and its 28 divisions nationwide are widely credited with opening competitive bass fishing to the masses. The BFL also serves as a steppingstone for anglers who wish to advance to the Stren Series™, Walmart™ FLW® Series and ultimately the FLW Tour.
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors also is taking fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.
For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.
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