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BASS Tour: Lake Guntersville, AL

Tour Event # 3 of 6

Preview | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

Preview: BASS Tour Returns to Lake Guntersville

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — In northern Alabama, the end of February is a magical time to be a bass fisherman.

On famed Lake Guntersville, that’s when trophy-class female bass feed frantically in preparation for the spawn. With so many lunkers feeding heavily, the fishing is outstanding.

Lake Guntersville is the scene for the upcoming CITGO Bassmaster Tour event, Feb. 24-27. At stake is a $100,000 top prize and valuable points toward the coveted 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh.

The last two times BASS staged events on the 69,100-acre Tennessee River reservoir the results were nothing short of amazing. In 2002, Kelly Jordon weighed in nearly 82 pounds of bass to claim the top prize. That catch was eclipsed late last February when two-time Classic champion George Cochran weighed in nearly 100 pounds of bass over four days. Three other pros broke the 83-pound mark in 2004.

So you can see why the pros are eager to return to Lake Guntersville.

“There’s no doubt that it could be as good as it was last year,” said Tim Horton, the 2000 CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year from Muscle Shoals, Ala. “I’d really like to see it break 100 pounds, and I think it can.

“The bass are all pre-spawn. There won’t be any spawning yet, but they’ll be eating. That’s the main thing. They’re starting to feed up because the days are getting longer. That’s the fattest they are the whole year.”

Horton isn’t alone in that assessment.

“It should be real good,” said Jimmy Mason, a Tour competitor from Rogersville, Ala. “We’ve had a lot of cold weather the last three or four weeks, and I think it’s settled the fish down. I expect it to be a real good tournament.

“If we don’t have a big front come through, I think it will take over 100 pounds to win it.”

Reigning Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle, who lives in Hayden, Ala., noted, “I don’t know if the weights will be quite as high as last year, but I think you’ll see another strong tournament. I think it’ll take at least a weight in the 80s to win.”

The expert Alabama pros predict that, like last year, fast-moving baits will be the ticket to Guntersville’s big pre-spawners. Last year, Cochran used a couple of different jerkbaits to collect the second-highest winning total in Tour history (behind only Dean Rojas’ 108-12 in 2001 on Florida’s Lake Tohopekaliga).

The weather has been cold enough to kill off much of the aquatic vegetation, which should improve the lipless crankbait fishing.

“It’ll either be a Rat-L-Trap tournament or a jerkbait tournament, depending on the water temperature,” Mason said. “Most of the fish will be out on the breaks – out from the spawning areas. That will be the predominant pattern, I believe.”

The Lake Guntersville event marks the mid-point of the six-tournament Tour schedule. Entering the event, Tennessee pro David Walker holds the lead in the Angler of the Year race, followed by reigning Classic champion Takahiro Omori, Arkansas’ Scott Rook, Skeet Reese of California and Andre Moore, an Arizona pro who is leading the Toyota Rookie of the Year race.

Weigh-ins for the first two days will take place at Lake Guntersville State Park at.3:00 p.m. CT. Weigh-ins for the final two days will take place at Wyeth Park at 3:30 p.m. CT. Anglers launch beginning at 6:15 a.m. CT from Lake Guntersville State Park on Feb 24-25 and from Wyeth Park on Feb. 26-27..
 

Day 1: Evers Takes First Round Lead at Guntersville

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — On a day when the weather got progressively worse, the weights in the first round of the $618,000 CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Guntersville kept climbing Thursday until the top nine anglers had bested the 20-pound mark.

That it got colder and windier throughout the day didn't seem to hamper the efforts of pros like Edwin Evers (27 pounds, 15 ounces), Jack Wade (25-6) or Tommy Biffle (25-4), who each brought five-bass limits totaling more than 25 pounds to the scales at Lake Guntersville State Park.

“It looks like a lot of weight, but I didn't get a lot of bites,” Oklahoma's Evers said. “I had a decent practice, and I thought that if I got bites they would be quality fish because I'm fishing for staging fish and they tend to be bigger. Luckily, it worked out that way.”

Evers, who caught Thursday's top weight using a single lure and running one pattern, left both of his most productive areas early in hopes of ensuring similar success in Friday's second round.

By virtue of having the day’s best catch, Evers earns $1,000 and a great chance at a berth in the Busch Shootout. If his catch holds up as one of the 10 best from the Tour, Elite 50, Classic, Open Championship and Federation Championship, he’ll be vying for $100,000.

Tennessee’s Jack Wade was just glad to change his fortunes.

“It's about time I got out of the hole I've been in this year,” he said. “I've got two or three things working, and I'm catching fish no matter what end of the lake I go to.

“I'm fishing big-fish baits that get quality bites.”

Oklahoma's Biffle was the only angler among the leaders to admit enjoying a practice period that foreshadowed what was to come once the tournament started.

“I caught a few fish in practice, and I'd catch a big one each day,” he said. “Today I changed baits and stayed in a couple of areas and really worked them over. I had a real good day.”

Other members of Thursday's 20-pound club include Florida's Terry Scroggins (22-2), Mike Hicks of Virginia (21-10), Japanese pro Morizo Shimizu (21-5), Kentucky's Jack Gadlage (20-8), Mark Rose of Arkansas (20-3) and Oklahoma's Jimmy Houston (20 pounds).

Scroggins admitted being surprised with his catch. “I had the worst practice ever,” he said, “so I just kind of went practicing today.

“At one o'clock I only had two fish. Then I found a pattern that was working, and I caught 10 fish in the last two hours. It's a pattern that I feel good about.”

Michigan pro Gerald Gostenik took Thursday's Purolator Big Bass honors with a nine-pound, 12-ounce largemouth. “It was the first fish of the day,” he said. “It never jumped, and, when I got it to the boat, I thought it was a six-pounder.” The trophy bass was worth $1,000 to Gostenik.

In the co-angler division, Florida's Terry Bloom is atop the leaderboard with a shared-weight total of 39-1. He leads a pair of Alabama anglers – Steve Stinson with 36-5 and Tommy Swindle with 32-8. The top four co-anglers will take home a Triton/Mercury boat and outboard package.

The Purolator Big Bass winner on the non-boater side was Danny Grissett of Walnut Hill, Fla., who came to the scales with a seven-pound, five-ounce lunker worth $500.

At the end of Friday's round, the field will be narrowed to the top 12 pros for Saturday's semifinal. The top six will move on to fish the final round on Sunday. At stake is a $100,000 top prize and valuable points toward the CIITGO Bassmaster Classic this summer in Pittsburgh.

Coverage of the 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Guntersville will be telecast on March 5 at 10:00 a.m. ET on The CITGO Bassmasters on ESPN2.

2005 Alabama CITGO Bassmaster Tour Pro 02/24-02/27 Lake Guntersville, Guntersville Ala.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1

Rank Name   Hometown         Bass Weight Pts. Winnings

1. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 5 27-15 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-15
2. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 5 25-06 295
Day 1: 5 25-06
3. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 25-04 290
Day 1: 5 25-04
4. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 22-02 285
Day 1: 5 22-02
5. Mike Hicks Mineral, Va. 5 21-10 280
Day 1: 5 21-10
6. Morizo Shimizu Murrita, Calif. 5 21-05 276
Day 1: 5 21-05
7. Jack A Gadlage Benton, Ky. 5 20-08 272
Day 1: 5 20-08
8. Mark Rose Marion, Ark. 5 20-03 268
Day 1: 5 20-03
9. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 5 20-00 264
Day 1: 5 20-00
10. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 19-12 260
Day 1: 5 19-12
11. Jason Quinn Clover, S.C. 5 19-03 257
Day 1: 5 19-03
12. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 18-14 254
Day 1: 5 18-14
13. Aaron Martens Castaic, Calif. 5 18-11 251
Day 1: 5 18-11
14. R J Bennett Roseville, Calif. 5 18-00 248
Day 1: 5 18-00
15. Scott Suggs Alexander, Ark. 4 17-14 245
Day 1: 4 17-14
16. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 5 17-13 243
Day 1: 5 17-13
17. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, S.C. 5 17-10 241
Day 1: 5 17-10
18. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 5 17-08 239
Day 1: 5 17-08
19. Frank Scalish Cleveland, Ohio 5 17-07 237
Day 1: 5 17-07
20. Gerald Gostenik Dearborn, Mich. 4 17-04 235 $1,000.00
Day 1: 4 17-04
21. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 17-01 233
Day 1: 5 17-01
22. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 16-15 231
Day 1: 5 16-15
23. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 16-13 229
Day 1: 5 16-13
23. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 16-13 229
Day 1: 5 16-13
23. Tim Loper Terry, Miss. 3 16-13 229
Day 1: 3 16-13
26. George Cochran Hot Springs, Ark. 5 16-12 223
Day 1: 5 16-12
27. David Wharton Sam Rayburn, Texas 5 16-09 221
Day 1: 5 16-09
27. Jay Yelas Tyler, Texas 5 16-09 221
Day 1: 5 16-09
29. David Fritts Lexington, N.C. 5 16-08 217
Day 1: 5 16-08
30. Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 4 16-07 215
Day 1: 4 16-07
31. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 16-04 213
Day 1: 5 16-04
31. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 5 16-04 213
Day 1: 5 16-04
33. Luke Clausen Spokane Valley, Wash. 5 16-03 209
Day 1: 5 16-03
33. John Crews Jetersville, Va. 5 16-03 209
Day 1: 5 16-03
35. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 16-00 205
Day 1: 5 16-00
36. Bud Pruitt Spring, Texas 5 15-15 203
Day 1: 5 15-15
37. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 15-14 201
Day 1: 5 15-14
38. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 4 15-13 199
Day 1: 4 15-13
39. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 15-12 197
Day 1: 5 15-12
40. Zachary Thompson Orinda, Calif. 5 15-05 195
Day 1: 5 15-05
41. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 14-15 193
Day 1: 5 14-15
42. Thad Takes Center Point, Iowa 5 14-14 191
Day 1: 5 14-14
43. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 5 14-12 189
Day 1: 5 14-12
43. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 14-12 189
Day 1: 5 14-12
43. Pete Gluszek Franklinville, N.J. 4 14-12 189
Day 1: 4 14-12
46. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 14-11 183
Day 1: 5 14-11
47. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 14-09 181
Day 1: 5 14-09
47. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 4 14-09 181
Day 1: 4 14-09
49. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 14-07 177
Day 1: 5 14-07
50. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 5 14-05 175
Day 1: 5 14-05
51. Jay Kendrick Ooltewah, Tenn. 4 14-04 173
Day 1: 4 14-04
52. Jesse Draime Long Beach, Miss. 4 14-03 171
Day 1: 4 14-03
53. Jeff Magee Mendenhall, Miss. 5 14-02 169
Day 1: 5 14-02
54. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 14-01 167
Day 1: 5 14-01
55. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 14-00 165
Day 1: 5 14-00
56. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 5 13-14 163
Day 1: 5 13-14
56. Robert Hamilton Jr Hattiesburg, Miss. 4 13-14 163
Day 1: 4 13-14
58. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 5 13-10 159
Day 1: 5 13-10
59. Jeff Reynolds Platter, Okla. 5 13-09 157
Day 1: 5 13-09
59. Frank Ippoliti Smithsburg, Md. 4 13-09 157
Day 1: 4 13-09
61. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 13-07 153
Day 1: 5 13-07
62. Robert Lee Angels Camp, Calif. 4 13-03 151
Day 1: 4 13-03
63. Cody Bird Granbury, Texas 4 13-01 149
Day 1: 4 13-01
64. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 3 12-14 147
Day 1: 3 12-14
65. Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 4 12-13 145
Day 1: 4 12-13
66. Jarrett Edwards Del Norte, Colo. 3 12-12 143
Day 1: 3 12-12
67. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 12-07 141
Day 1: 5 12-07
67. Kyle Mabrey Birmingham, Ala. 5 12-07 141
Day 1: 5 12-07
69. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 3 12-06 137
Day 1: 3 12-06
70. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 12-05 135
Day 1: 5 12-05
71. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 3 11-13 133
Day 1: 3 11-13
72. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 11-11 131
Day 1: 5 11-11
72. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 4 11-11 131
Day 1: 4 11-11
74. Darryl Burkhardt Gresham, Ore. 5 11-08 127
Day 1: 5 11-08
75. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 3 11-07 125
Day 1: 3 11-07
75. Tommy Martin Hemphill, Texas 3 11-07 125
Day 1: 3 11-07
77. David Gliebe Stockton, Calif. 2 11-06 121
Day 1: 2 11-06
78. Mike Auten Benton, Ky. 4 11-05 119
Day 1: 4 11-05
79. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 4 11-04 117
Day 1: 4 11-04
80. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 11-03 115
Day 1: 5 11-03
81. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 4 10-10 113
Day 1: 4 10-10
82. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 4 10-08 111
Day 1: 4 10-08
83. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 3 10-07 109
Day 1: 3 10-07
84. Dion Hibdon Stover, Mo. 4 10-05 107
Day 1: 4 10-05
85. Jason Reyes Humble, Texas 3 10-03 105
Day 1: 3 10-03
86. Chip Hawkins White Hall, Ark. 3 10-02 103
Day 1: 3 10-02
87. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, Ill. 3 10-00 101
Day 1: 3 10-00
88. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 3 9-14 99
Day 1: 3 9-14
88. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, N.C. 2 9-14 99
Day 1: 2 9-14
90. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 3 9-11 95
Day 1: 3 9-11
91. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 4 9-10 93
Day 1: 4 9-10
92. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 5 9-09 91
Day 1: 5 9-09
92. Steve Sennikoff Forney, Texas 3 9-09 91
Day 1: 3 9-09
94. Lee Bailey Hebron, Conn. 4 9-06 87
Day 1: 4 9-06
94. Louis Iribarren Port Jervis, N.Y. 3 9-06 87
Day 1: 3 9-06
96. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 4 9-04 83
Day 1: 4 9-04
97. Mark Davis Mount Ida, Ark. 3 9-03 81
Day 1: 3 9-03
98. Rick Morris Lanexa, Va. 3 9-00 79
Day 1: 3 9-00
99. Roland Martin Naples, Fla. 2 8-13 77
Day 1: 2 8-13
100.Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 4 8-06 76
Day 1: 4 8-06
101.Stacey D King Reeds Spring, Mo. 3 8-05 75
Day 1: 3 8-05
102.Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 3 8-03 74
Day 1: 3 8-03
102.O T Fears III Sallisaw, Okla. 2 8-03 74
Day 1: 2 8-03
104.Roger Boler Slidell, La. 3 7-15 72
Day 1: 3 7-15
104.Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 3 7-15 72
Day 1: 3 7-15
106.Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 3 7-09 70
Day 1: 3 7-09
107.Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 3 7-08 69
Day 1: 3 7-08
107.Ron Shuffield Bismarck, Ark. 2 7-08 69
Day 1: 2 7-08
109.Norio Tanabe Tokyo 153, Japan 3 7-05 67
Day 1: 3 7-05
110.Marcel Veenstra Brighton, Mich. 2 7-02 66
Day 1: 2 7-02
111.Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 3 6-14 65
Day 1: 3 6-14
112.Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 2 6-11 64
Day 1: 2 6-11
113.Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 2 6-10 63
Day 1: 2 6-10
114.Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 2 6-09 62
Day 1: 2 6-09
115.Randy Blaukat Lamar, Mo. 2 6-06 61
Day 1: 2 6-06
116.Johnny Lesesne Blue Ridge, Ga. 3 6-04 60
Day 1: 3 6-04
116.Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 2 6-04 60
Day 1: 2 6-04
118.Charlie Youngers Oviedo, Fla. 3 6-03 58
Day 1: 3 6-03
118.Harold Allen Shelbyville, Texas 2 6-03 58
Day 1: 2 6-03
120.Gary Yamamoto Mineola, Texas 2 5-13 56
Day 1: 2 5-13
121.Terry Adams Morgan City, La. 2 5-09 55
Day 1: 2 5-09
122.David Dudley Lynchburg, Va. 4 5-01 54
Day 1: 4 5-01
123.Mike McClelland Vella Vista, Ark. 2 4-14 53
Day 1: 2 4-14
124.Tommy Stiles Mc Minnville, Tenn. 2 4-11 52
Day 1: 2 4-11
125.Chris Baumgardner Gastonia, N.C. 2 4-10 51
Day 1: 2 4-10
126.Brooks Rogers Quitman, Texas 2 4-09 50
Day 1: 2 4-09
127.Tim Carroll Owasso, Okla. 2 4-06 49
Day 1: 2 4-06
127.Woo Daves Spring Grove, Va. 1 4-06 49
Day 1: 1 4-06
129.Jim Bitter Fruitland Park, Fla. 2 4-05 47
Day 1: 2 4-05
129.Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 2 4-05 47
Day 1: 2 4-05
131.Curt Lytle Zuni, Va. 2 4-02 45
Day 1: 2 4-02
131.Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 1 4-02 45
Day 1: 1 4-02
133.Tom Mann, Jr Buford, Ga. 2 4-01 43
Day 1: 2 4-01
133.David Mansue Robbinsville, N.J. 2 4-01 43
Day 1: 2 4-01
135.Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 2 3-15 41
Day 1: 2 3-15
136.Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 2 3-11 40
Day 1: 2 3-11
137.Art Ferguson III Saint Clair Shores, Mi 1 3-00 39
Day 1: 1 3-00
138.Alton Jones Waco, Texas 1 2-13 38
Day 1: 1 2-13
139.Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 1 2-06 37
Day 1: 1 2-06
140.Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 1 2-01 36
Day 1: 1 2-01
141.Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 1 2-00 35
Day 1: 1 2-00
142.Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 1 1-15 34
Day 1: 1 1-15
143.Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 1 1-13 33
Day 1: 1 1-13
144.Chris Bielert Danbury, Conn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Brent Chapman Shawnee, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Chris Daves Hopewell, Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Randy Dearman Onalaska, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Brett Hite Phoenix, Ariz. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Sean Hoernke Magnolia, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Andre Moore Scottsdale, Ariz. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Larry Nixon Bee Branch, Ark. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
144.Danny White Milledgeville, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00

Day 2: Evers Maintains Lead

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — Despite losing an hour of fishing time Friday because of a mechanical problem, Edwin Evers managed to put together a five-bass limit weighing 19 1/2-pounds to hang onto the lead in the $618,000 CITGO Bassmaster Tour event after the first two rounds on Lake Guntersville.

On a day that featured bluebird skies typical of the aftermath of a cold front, the leaderboard was scrambled, but Evers opening-round limit weighing 27 pounds, 15 ounces and solid second-round catch gave him a total of 47-7 to easily survive the top-12 cut for Saturday's semifinal round.

He has a lead of four pounds, four ounces over Japanese pro Morizo Shimizu with 43-3. Virginia's Mike Hicks is third with 40 pounds, followed by Jason Quinn of South Carolina (37-11) and four-time CITGO Bassmaster Classic champion Rick Clunn of Missouri (37-9).

Evers' was dead in the water five miles after leaving the Lake Guntersville State Park launch site, but the 30-year-old Oklahoma pro had an indication that it was going to be a good day when he caught a keeper out in the middle of the lake while waiting for a replacement boat to arrive.

“It didn't start off too good, but, thanks to BASS officials, I didn't lose a lot of time,” Evers said. “It was kind of like I was in a bicycle race. I pedaled hard to get out in the lead, and then I was stuck in back with a flat tire, and everybody's passing me by while I'm on the side of the road.

“This feels good.”

The two-time BASS winner said he utilized the same cranking pattern in the same two areas that produced his big stringer in the opening round.

“I'm real confident I can catch them again Saturday,” Evers said. “This is the time of year when the fish are moving in, and I'm fishing one of those highways where they're moving in to the bank.”

Shimizu was clearly ecstatic about his second-round catch of 21-14 that boosted him into second place and secured his highest BASS finish ever (his previous best was 13th).

“I love Lake Guntersville,” said Shimizu, who is competing in his third season on Tour. “I'm excited but very, very nervous.”

Shimizu said he used the same technique and pattern to improve on his Thursday catch of 21-5.He caught a five pounder in the first 10 minutes of the morning and added five more keeper-size bass between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

When asked how much a Tour victory would mean to his career back in his home country, Shimizu replied, “Very big – superstar.”

Hicks also gave himself a chance to improve on his best BASS career finish (11th) by jumping from fifth to third with 18-6. He capitalized on the same area both days.

“The conditions changed a little bit today, and I had to go deeper,” Hicks said. “I found out another bait to catch them on today. I caught about 25 keepers.

“I feel like I can catch another limit there Saturday. I don't know if I can catch another 18 to 20 pounds, though. It depends on whether I catch another big fish like the 5 1/2-pounder I caught today.”

Quinn, a three-time Classic qualifier, followed up his 11th-place catch of 19-3 on Thursday with a sold 18 1/2 pounds to move up to fourth place. He managed it despite seeing his total strikes drop from 13 to eight on Friday. He’s cranking a single area and enjoying the rare luxury of having it entirely to himself.

“They dropped the water a little today, and I couldn't get as many bites after the front,” he said, “but I kind of expected that. I knew the fish wouldn't leave, so I stayed with it.

“I feel pretty good about my chances. I've got a little back-up area that I haven't gone to except to stop there on my way back in Thursday afternoon. I caught two 3 1/2-pounders on back-to-back casts and left”

Reigning CITGO Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle rebounded from a dismal opening round to post a limit weighing 27-15 Friday and tie Evers for the largest catch of the tournament. In the process, Swindle earned the daily Busch Heavyweight prize of $1,000 and a chance to qualify for the $200,000 Busch Shootout.

Connecticut pro Chris Bielert took Friday's Purolator Big Bass Award and $1,000 with a 9-pound, 11-ounce largemouth that was one ounce short of Thursday's Purolator winner (caught by Michigan's Gerald Gostenik). Bielert’s lunker was fooled by a pearl-colored Lucky Craft Pointer Minnow.

In the co-angler division, Florida's Terry Bloom stayed atop the leaderboard with a shared-weight total of 63 pounds. He’s trailed by Alabama's Richard Hachey (51-7) and Marc Arnold of Tennessee (47-15). On Saturday, the top four co-anglers will take home a Triton/Mercury boat and outboard package.

Tennessee's Chris Meyer scored Friday's Purolator Big Bass and $500 for the co-angler division with a six-pound, three ounce largemouth.

At the end of Saturday's round, the field will be narrowed to the top six pros for Sunday's finals. At stake is a $100,000 top prize and valuable points toward the CIITGO Bassmaster Classic this summer in Pittsburgh.

North Carolina pro Dustin Wilks was cited for criminal mischief in the third degree following an incident during Wednesday's practice round when he encountered a gill net on the lake. BASS Tournament Department officials are reviewing the matter with Wilks and law enforcement officials and a ruling will be forthcoming.

Coverage of the 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Guntersville will be telecast on March 5 at 10:00 a.m. ET on The CITGO Bassmasters on ESPN2.

2005 Alabama CITGO Bassmaster Tour Pro 02/24-02/27 Lake Guntersville, Guntersville Ala.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 2

Rank Name   Hometown      Bass Weight Pts. Winnings

1. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 10 47-07 310 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-15 Day 2: 5 19-08
2. Morizo Shimizu Murrita, Calif. 10 43-03 295
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 21-14
3. Mike Hicks Mineral, Va. 10 40-00 290
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-06
4. Jason Quinn Clover, S.C. 10 37-11 285
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 18-08
5. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 10 37-09 280
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 21-09
6. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 10 37-04 276
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 20-03
7. Bud Pruitt Spring, Texas 10 37-03 272
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 21-04
8. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 9 37-01 268
Day 1: 5 25-04 Day 2: 4 11-13
9. David Fritts Lexington, N.C. 10 36-07 264
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 19-15
10. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 10 35-14 260
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-06
10. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 8 35-14 260 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 7-15 Day 2: 5 27-15
12. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 10 35-07 254
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 19-03
13. Robert Hamilton Jr Hattiesburg, Miss. 9 35-02 251 $5,400.00
Day 1: 4 13-14 Day 2: 5 21-04
14. Aaron Martens Castaic, Calif. 10 34-12 248 $5,300.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 16-01
15. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 10 34-01 245 $5,200.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 17-13
16. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 10 33-07 243 $5,100.00
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 15-10
17. Jack A Gadlage Benton, Ky. 9 33-03 241 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 4 12-11
18. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 10 33-00 239 $4,900.00
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 14-02
19. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 10 32-14 237 $4,800.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 21-11
20. Jesse Draime Long Beach, Miss. 9 32-08 235 $4,700.00
Day 1: 4 14-03 Day 2: 5 18-05
21. Jay Yelas Tyler, Texas 10 32-06 233 $4,600.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 15-13
22. Luke Clausen Spokane Valley, Wash. 10 31-15 231 $4,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 15-12
23. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 10 31-14 229 $4,350.00
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 17-13
23. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 9 31-14 229 $4,350.00
Day 1: 4 14-09 Day 2: 5 17-05
25. Jay Kendrick Ooltewah, Tenn. 9 31-03 225 $4,200.00
Day 1: 4 14-04 Day 2: 5 16-15
26. David Gliebe Stockton, Calif. 7 31-02 223 $4,100.00
Day 1: 2 11-06 Day 2: 5 19-12
27. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 10 31-00 221 $3,850.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 14-03
27. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 9 31-00 221 $3,850.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 4 14-03
29. Ron Shuffield Bismarck, Ark. 7 30-03 217 $3,700.00
Day 1: 2 7-08 Day 2: 5 22-11
30. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 10 29-12 215 $3,600.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 14-13
31. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 8 29-11 213 $3,500.00
Day 1: 3 11-07 Day 2: 5 18-04
32. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 10 29-10 211 $3,350.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 14-14
32. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 7 29-10 211 $3,350.00
Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 2 7-08
34. Jeff Magee Mendenhall, Miss. 10 29-06 207 $3,200.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-04
35. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 9 29-05 205 $3,100.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 4 14-10
36. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 8 28-15 203 $3,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 3 9-03
37. Kyle Mabrey Birmingham, Ala. 10 28-14 201 $2,900.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-07
38. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 6 28-12 199 $2,800.00
Day 1: 5 25-06 Day 2: 1 3-06
39. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 10 28-02 197 $2,700.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 13-13
40. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 9 28-01 195 $2,550.00
Day 1: 4 10-10 Day 2: 5 17-07
40. Scott Suggs Alexander, Ark. 7 28-01 195 $2,550.00
Day 1: 4 17-14 Day 2: 3 10-03
42. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 8 27-13 191 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 7-09 Day 2: 5 20-04
43. John Crews Jetersville, Va. 10 27-11 189 $2,400.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 11-08
44. R J Bennett Roseville, Calif. 8 27-05 187 $2,400.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 3 9-05
45. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, Ill. 8 26-12 185 $2,350.00
Day 1: 3 10-00 Day 2: 5 16-12
46. Frank Scalish Cleveland, Ohio 8 26-11 183 $2,350.00
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 3 9-04
47. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 9 26-06 181 $2,300.00
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 4 12-06
48. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 10 25-15 179 $2,250.00
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 13-10
48. George Cochran Hot Springs, Ark. 8 25-15 179 $2,250.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 3 9-03
50. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 9 25-13 175 $2,200.00
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 4 8-14
51. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 9 25-12 173 $2,150.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 4 11-03
52. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 7 25-07 171 $2,150.00
Day 1: 3 12-14 Day 2: 4 12-09
53. David Dudley Lynchburg, Va. 9 25-02 169 $2,050.00
Day 1: 4 5-01 Day 2: 5 20-01
54. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 9 25-00 167 $2,050.00
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 4 11-02
55. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 7 24-13 165 $2,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 2 4-13
56. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 8 24-12 163 $2,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 3 8-14
57. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 8 24-05 161 $1,950.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 3 9-09
58. Norio Tanabe Tokyo 153, Japan 7 24-04 159 $1,925.00
Day 1: 3 7-05 Day 2: 4 16-15
59. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 8 24-02 157 $1,925.00
Day 1: 4 11-04 Day 2: 4 12-14
60. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 7 23-10 155 $1,925.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 2 7-14
61. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, S.C. 6 23-05 153 $1,925.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 1 5-11
62. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 8 23-03 151 $1,925.00
Day 1: 3 8-03 Day 2: 5 15-00
63. Tim Loper Terry, Miss. 4 23-01 149 $1,925.00
Day 1: 3 16-13 Day 2: 1 6-04
64. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 9 23-00 147 $1,925.00
Day 1: 4 9-04 Day 2: 5 13-12
64. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 6 23-00 147 $1,925.00
Day 1: 3 11-13 Day 2: 3 11-03
66. Stacey D King Reeds Spring, Mo. 6 22-09 143 $1,925.00
Day 1: 3 8-05 Day 2: 3 14-04
67. Chris Baumgardner Gastonia, N.C. 7 22-08 141 $1,925.00
Day 1: 2 4-10 Day 2: 5 17-14
68. Brent Chapman Shawnee, Kan. 5 22-06 139 $1,925.00
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 5 22-06
69. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 7 22-05 137 $1,925.00
Day 1: 4 10-08 Day 2: 3 11-13
70. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 8 22-02 135 $1,925.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 3 7-11
71. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 8 21-14 133 $1,925.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 3 8-04
72. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 8 21-12 131 $1,925.00
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 3 10-01
73. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 8 21-07 129 $1,925.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 3 9-00
74. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 6 21-05 127 $1,925.00
Day 1: 3 9-14 Day 2: 3 11-07
75. Robert Lee Angels Camp, Calif. 7 20-15 125 $1,925.00
Day 1: 4 13-03 Day 2: 3 7-12
76. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 10 20-13 123
Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 11-04
77. Mark Rose Marion, Ark. 5 20-03 121
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 0 0-00
78. Gerald Gostenik Dearborn, Mich. 5 20-01 119 $1,000.00
Day 1: 4 17-04 Day 2: 1 2-13
79. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 7 19-14 117
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 2 6-07
80. Jason Reyes Humble, Texas 5 19-08 115
Day 1: 3 10-03 Day 2: 2 9-05
81. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 6 19-07 113
Day 1: 3 10-07 Day 2: 3 9-00
82. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 7 19-06 111
Day 1: 4 11-11 Day 2: 3 7-11
83. Frank Ippoliti Smithsburg, Md. 7 19-04 109
Day 1: 4 13-09 Day 2: 3 5-11
84. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 5 19-03 107
Day 1: 3 12-06 Day 2: 2 6-13
85. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 18-15 105
Day 1: 4 15-13 Day 2: 1 3-02
86. Jeff Reynolds Platter, Okla. 7 18-12 103
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 2 5-03
87. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 7 18-10 101
Day 1: 2 6-11 Day 2: 5 11-15
87. Woo Daves Spring Grove, Va. 4 18-10 101
Day 1: 1 4-06 Day 2: 3 14-04
89. David Wharton Sam Rayburn, Texas 6 18-08 97
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 1 1-15
90. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 18-07 95
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 5 18-07
91. Lee Bailey Hebron, Conn. 7 18-05 93
Day 1: 4 9-06 Day 2: 3 8-15
92. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 4 18-00 91
Day 1: 1 2-13 Day 2: 3 15-03
93. Mark Davis Mount Ida, Ark. 6 17-10 89
Day 1: 3 9-03 Day 2: 3 8-07
94. Zachary Thompson Orinda, Calif. 6 17-06 87
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 1 2-01
95. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 6 17-05 85
Day 1: 2 6-04 Day 2: 4 11-01
96. Art Ferguson III Saint Clair Shores, Mi 6 17-04 83
Day 1: 1 3-00 Day 2: 5 14-04
96. Tommy Martin Hemphill, Texas 5 17-04 83
Day 1: 3 11-07 Day 2: 2 5-13
98. Thad Takes Center Point, Iowa 6 16-14 79
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 1 2-00
99. Jarrett Edwards Del Norte, Colo. 5 16-09 77
Day 1: 3 12-12 Day 2: 2 3-13
100.Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 4 16-07 76
Day 1: 4 16-07 Day 2: 0 0-00
101.Pete Gluszek Franklinville, N.J. 5 16-06 75
Day 1: 4 14-12 Day 2: 1 1-10
102.Dion Hibdon Stover, Mo. 6 16-04 74
Day 1: 4 10-05 Day 2: 2 5-15
103.Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Calif 6 16-03 73
Day 1: 2 3-11 Day 2: 4 12-08
104.Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, N.C. 5 16-02 72
Day 1: 2 9-14 Day 2: 3 6-04
105.Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 16-01 71
Day 1: 4 9-10 Day 2: 1 6-07
106.Darryl Burkhardt Gresham, Ore. 7 15-13 70
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 2 4-05
107.Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 5 15-11 69
Day 1: 4 12-13 Day 2: 1 2-14
108.Roland Martin Naples, Fla. 4 15-08 68
Day 1: 2 8-13 Day 2: 2 6-11
109.Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 5 15-04 67
Day 1: 1 2-00 Day 2: 4 13-04
109.Chip Hawkins White Hall, Ark. 5 15-04 67
Day 1: 3 10-02 Day 2: 2 5-02
111.Cody Bird Granbury, Texas 5 15-02 65
Day 1: 4 13-01 Day 2: 1 2-01
112.O T Fears III Sallisaw, Okla. 5 14-14 64
Day 1: 2 8-03 Day 2: 3 6-11
113.Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 6 14-12 63
Day 1: 1 2-06 Day 2: 5 12-06
114.Roger Boler Slidell, La. 6 14-10 62
Day 1: 3 7-15 Day 2: 3 6-11
115.Tommy Stiles McMinnville, Tenn. 5 14-06 61
Day 1: 2 4-11 Day 2: 3 9-11
116.Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 6 14-00 60
Day 1: 1 1-15 Day 2: 5 12-01
117.Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 4 13-10 59
Day 1: 3 9-11 Day 2: 1 3-15
118.Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 13-08 58
Day 1: 1 1-13 Day 2: 4 11-11
118.Chris Bielert Danbury, Conn. 3 13-08 58 $2,000.00
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 13-08
120.Tim Carroll Owasso, Okla. 4 13-05 56
Day 1: 2 4-06 Day 2: 2 8-15
121.Larry Nixon Bee Branch, Ark. 4 12-10 55
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 4 12-10
122.Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 12-07 54
Day 1: 4 8-06 Day 2: 1 4-01
123.Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 4 12-04 53
Day 1: 3 7-08 Day 2: 1 4-12
124.Rick Morris Lanexa, Va. 4 12-03 52
Day 1: 3 9-00 Day 2: 1 3-03
125.Louis Iribarren Port Jervis, N.Y. 4 12-02 51
Day 1: 3 9-06 Day 2: 1 2-12
126.Mike McClelland Vella Vista, Ark. 4 11-09 50
Day 1: 2 4-14 Day 2: 2 6-11
127.Tom Mann, Jr Buford, Ga. 5 11-07 49
Day 1: 2 4-01 Day 2: 3 7-06
128.Mike Auten Benton, Ky. 4 11-05 48
Day 1: 4 11-05 Day 2: 0 0-00
129.Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 11-02 47
Day 1: 3 6-14 Day 2: 2 4-04
129.Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 3 11-02 47
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 11-02
131.Gary Yamamoto Mineola, Texas 3 11-01 45
Day 1: 2 5-13 Day 2: 1 5-04
132.Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 4 10-12 44
Day 1: 2 3-15 Day 2: 2 6-13
133.Chris Daves Hopewell, Va. 3 10-04 43
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 10-04
134.Steve Sennikoff Forney, Texas 3 9-09 42
Day 1: 3 9-09 Day 2: 0 0-00
135.Andre Moore Scottsdale, Ariz. 3 9-04 41
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 9-04
136.Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 3 9-00 40
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 9-00
136.Randy Blaukat Lamar, Mo. 3 9-00 40
Day 1: 2 6-06 Day 2: 1 2-10
138.Brooks Rogers Quitman, Texas 3 8-15 38
Day 1: 2 4-09 Day 2: 1 4-06
139.Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 3 8-13 37
Day 1: 1 4-02 Day 2: 2 4-11
140.Terry Adams Morgan City, La. 3 8-11 36
Day 1: 2 5-09 Day 2: 1 3-02
141.Johnny Lesesne Blue Ridge, Ga. 4 8-06 35
Day 1: 3 6-04 Day 2: 1 2-02
142.Charlie Youngers Oviedo, Fla. 4 8-05 34
Day 1: 3 6-03 Day 2: 1 2-02
143.Harold Allen Shelbyville, Texas 3 8-02 33
Day 1: 2 6-03 Day 2: 1 1-15
144.Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 3 7-12 32
Day 1: 2 4-05 Day 2: 1 3-07
145.Curt Lytle Zuni, Va. 3 7-04 31
Day 1: 2 4-02 Day 2: 1 3-02
146.Marcel Veenstra Brighton, Mich. 2 7-02 30
Day 1: 2 7-02 Day 2: 0 0-00
147.Sean Hoernke Magnolia, Texas 3 6-15 29
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 6-15
148.Jim Bitter Fruitland Park, Fla. 3 6-11 28
Day 1: 2 4-05 Day 2: 1 2-06
149.Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 2 6-10 27
Day 1: 2 6-10 Day 2: 0 0-00
150.Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 2 6-09 26
Day 1: 2 6-09 Day 2: 0 0-00
151.David Mansue Robbinsville, N.J. 3 6-07 25
Day 1: 2 4-01 Day 2: 1 2-06
152.Brett Hite Phoenix, Ariz. 1 4-11 24
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 4-11
153.Randy Dearman Onalaska, Texas 1 3-14 23
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 3-14
154.Danny White Milledgeville, Ga. 1 2-07 22
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 2-07
155.Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 1 2-01 21
Day 1: 1 2-01 Day 2: 0 0-00
156.Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

Day 3: Evers Holds Onto Lead at Guntersville

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — Although the pack gained a little ground on him Saturday, Edwin Evers clings to the lead for the $100,000 top prize in the CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Guntersville entering Sunday's six-man final.

The 30-year-old Oklahoma pro will be trying to secure a wire-to-wire victory on Sunday. He went out Saturday with a four-pound, three-ounce lead and proceeded to catch a five-bass limit weighing 15-2. That gives him a three-day total of 62-9 and a lead of two pounds, 15 ounces.

Veteran Texas pro Zell Rowland, who won here in 1991, brought in Saturday's largest catch (22-6) to move into second place with 59-10. Fellow Texan Bud Pruitt (21-15) is third with 59-2, followed by Japan's Morizo Shimizu (12-1) with 55-4, David Fritts (15-7) of North Carolina with 51-14 and Virginia's Mike Hicks (10-14) with 50-14.

Evers is riding a wave of momentum that began last September with a victory in a CITGO Bassmaster Central Open and picked up speed when he earned a ticket to the 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh by finishing in the top five at the Open Championship in December. A good day on Sunday would seal his third BASS tournament win.

“This horse race is getting tighter and tighter,” the four-time Classic qualifier said. “It's neck and neck.”

Evers has been fishing a red lipless crankbait in relatively shallow grass all week, but the pattern produced his smallest limit of the week on Saturday following opening-rounds of 27-15 and 19-8.

“I lost a 6-pounder today that broke my heart,” he said. “She just pulled off at the boat. I was pretty upset.

“I'm just glad to survive and be able to go fishing Sunday. I feel pretty confident that I can catch them tomorrow.”

Rowland, 47, got into the hunt for his fifth career BASS victory by claiming Saturday's Busch Heavyweight prize of $1,000 after bringing the day’s biggest catch to the scales. It also puts him in the running for one of 13 spots in the $200,000 Busch Shootout, a one-day tournament that features the largest single-day catches of the Tour season.

“I had a good day — very enjoyable,” Rowland said. “I went to the spot where I caught my fish the first two days, but there was a boat there from another tournament, so I went fishing new water, and I just had a blast.”

Rowland is fishing shallow grass in the same area where he won the 1991 Alabama Invitational with 55-10, but he’s changed tactics each day. The first day he caught 17-1 on jerkbaits; Day Two was spent throwing a lipless crankbait to collect 20-3; and Saturday's 22-6 came flipping the vegetation.

“I'm going to have a real good time tomorrow,” Rowland said. “I've got three different ways I can probably catch fish. The problem is it's getting tougher to get bites. I'm not getting a whole lot of bites, but when I get one, it's a big fish.”

Pruitt, 38, moved into contention for his fourth BASS win largely on the strength of Saturday's Purolator Big Bass winner — an 8-pound, 4-ounce largemouth that was caught on a Berkley Frenzy Rattl'r lipless crankbait.

“That was the coolest strike,” he said in reference to the big bass. “My bait came out of the water, and that fish smoked it!”

There has probably never been a happier or more excited fourth-place angler than Shimizu, 35, a Japanese pro living in California. He smiled broadly when answering questions about his fishing on Saturday.

“I was very, very nervous,” he said of the early part of his day. “I caught my first fish and cooled down.”

Shimizu’s strategy was simple. “Same lure, same pattern, same area. I didn't think I could make the top six, but I did,” he said. “I missed two big fish — big mamas.”

In the non-boater division, the winner was Florida's Terry Bloom, who brought in a three-bass limit on each day of competition to bring him a shared weight total of 92 pounds, eight ounces. His prize is a $38,000 Triton/Mercury package.

Bloom's catch was nearly 30 pounds better than that of second place finisher Steve Knight of Georgia (69-12). Alabama's Tommy Swindle (66 pounds) and Richard Hachey (62-7) were third and fourth, respectively. All earned a Triton boat with Mercury outboard.

Knight took the non-boater's Purolator Big Bass award Saturday with a four-pound, seven-ounce largemouth.

In the CastingKids competition, Cole Clifton, 12, was the champion of the 11-14 age group and Jacob McDonald, 8, took first place in the 7-10 bracket.

Jacob hopes his victory foreshadows even bigger things. “Some day I’m going to try to win the Classic,” he said.

Cole shared his optimism and has plans for his fishing future. "I practice every day I can so I can become a pro some day," he said.

North Carolina pro Dustin Wilks was cited yesterday following an incident during Wednesday's practice round when he encountered a gill net on the lake. Wilks was not sanctioned by BASS Tournament Department officials because the incident did not occur on a competition day. Formal changes against Wilks by local law enforcement authorities are pending.

Coverage of the 2005 CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Lake Guntersville will be telecast on March 5 at 10:00 a.m. ET on The CITGO Bassmasters on ESPN2.


2005 Alabama CITGO Bassmaster Tour Pro 02/24-02/27 Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Ala.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 3

Rank Name   Hometown   Bass Weight Pts. Winnings

1. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 15 62-09 315 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-15 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 15-02
2. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 15 59-10 295 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 22-06
3. Bud Pruitt Spring, Texas 15 59-02 290 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 21-04 Day 3: 5 21-15
4. Morizo Shimizu Murrita, Calif. 13 55-04 285
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 3 12-01
5. David Fritts Lexington, N.C. 14 51-14 280
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 4 15-07
6. Mike Hicks Mineral, Va. 13 50-14 276
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 3 10-14
7. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 15 48-12 272 $12,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 21-09 Day 3: 5 11-03
8. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 15 48-03 268 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 5 12-05
9. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 11 46-14 264 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 7-15 Day 2: 5 27-15 Day 3: 3 11-00
10. Jason Quinn Clover, S.C. 12 42-02 260 $8,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 2 4-07
11. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 10 41-15 257 $6,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-04 Day 2: 4 11-13 Day 3: 1 4-14
12. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 12 40-08 254 $5,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 2 5-01

Day 4: Rowland Takes Win on Guntersville

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. --- Talk about your classic tournament day on Lake Guntersville.

In the most exciting tournament weigh in of the season, Zell Rowland put together a huge day to overtake three-day leader Edwin Evers and win the Citgo Bassmaster Tour event. And all of that was almost overshadowed by an even larger stringer caught by an angler whose grasp of the English language is almost limited to “Big Mama.’’ And a huge crowd that watched a weigh in a steady, cold rain.

Rowland weighed in five-fish stringer of 27 pounds, 6 ounces for a total 87 pounds to win his fifth career Bassmaster event. Morizo Shimizu of Japan was second after posting an almost unbelievable 30 pound, 5 ounce stringer that gave him 85 pounds 9 ounces.

Evers, who has had no trouble catching limits all week, could manage only four keepers totaling 15 pounds, 8 ounces and finished in third with 78 pounds, 1 ounce. Bud Pruitt (five fish, 14-6) was fourth with 73-8. David Fritts (five fish, 20-4) was fifth with 72-2 and Mike Hicks (four fish, 12-12) was sixth with 63-10.

Rowland caught his fish near Seibold Creek flipping a 3/8-ounce black/blue Booyah jig in a tournament that until Sunday had been defined by crankbaits, most notably the lipless, rattling kind.

“I just figured that I had to do something different if I was going to catch Edwin,’’ Rowland said. “I knew I had to have big fish and the only way to catch the type stringer I needed to have was with a jig tied on.”

On the third day, with other boats on his primary area, the choice was made easy. At 9:30 a.m., Rowland headed to a series of docks in shallow water and put together a 22 pound, 6 ounce stringer. In the final he spent the whole day with the jig in hand and “Caught them until I got tired,’’ he said.

This wasn’t your ordinary tired, though. And it wasn’t your ordinary dock, either.

“It was pretty specific, the type docks they wanted to be around,’’ Rowland said. “They were the oldest, most dilapidated docks I could find.’’

And that wasn’t all. The docks that he focused on were those that had trees for legs, rather than the standard round dock pole or landscaping timber.

“Somebody used standing trees to build their docks, either that or they pounded these trees into the ground,’’ Rowland said. “The biggest difference was when you got to looking around these trees; you would see knots and old limbs. They would all have blue gill and shad around them. If you went to the straight poles, they didn’t have that. There wouldn’t be anything.’’

The knotty old trees produced a five-fish stringer of five pounders, including a 6 pound, 10 ounce lunker. Rowland’s catch would likely be relegated to amazing if not for an even more impressive comeback by Shimizu.

Shimizu, who barely speaks English, but made his intentions known each day that he was fishing for “Big Mama” became the darling of the crowd each day with quotes like “I love Guntersville. Good week, I have.”

Yes, and an even better final day. He not only caught “Big Mama,” but he caught “Big Daddy” and their brothers and sisters too. His three best fish weighed 6-15, 6-13, and 6-8 respectively.

He caught those fish on a chartreuse Strike King Series Four crankbait near Sauty Creek. He fished the lure on the outside edge of the grass in the mornings, then moved to fishing the middle of the grass beds as the day wore on.

With each catch, the jovial angler would say, “Yes, Big Mama.” His most impressive catch, though, came within the last few minutes of the event.

“We only had a few minutes left before we had to go,’’ said Wes Miller, the ESPN cameraman paired with Shimizu. “He said ‘Five more casts.’ And then he would count them off; he made the first cast and said ‘One.’ Then ‘Two’ for the second cast.

“On the fifth cast, halfway back to the boat he catches the big fish. It was unreal. It was like magic.’’

The spell he cast on the crowd at Guntersville was almost magic. Shimizu had captured the hearts of the crowd that braved the rainy weigh in and quickly became a crowd favorite with each utterance of “Big Mama.”

But in the end, it was Rowland’s big day and big move that gave him his second victory on Lake Guntersville. His first was in 1991 at the Bassmaster Alabama Invitational.

Rank Name    Hometown        Bass Weight Pts. Winnings

1. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 20 87-00 305 $101,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 22-06 Day 4: 5 27-06
2. Morizo Shimizu Murrita, Calif. 18 85-09 295 $40,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 3 12-01 Day 4: 5 30-05
3. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 19 78-01 305 $24,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-15 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 15-02 Day 4: 4 15-08
4. Bud Pruitt Spring, Texas 20 73-08 285 $21,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 21-04 Day 3: 5 21-15 Day 4: 5 14-06
5. David Fritts Lexington, N.C. 19 72-02 280 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 4 15-07 Day 4: 5 20-04
6. Mike Hicks Mineral, Va. 17 63-10 276 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-06 Day 3: 3 10-14 Day 4: 4 12-12

By Steve Bowman, FishFactory.com

All articles from BASS unless otherwise specified.

Compiled by Brandon Shook