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The Full Story
Bassmaster Northern Tour:
Mississippi River, Iowa
Northern
Tour Event # 2 of 5
Day 1 | Day 2 |
Day 3
Day 1: Boothe Turns First Mississippi Experience
Into Lead
Back to top
 FORT
MADISON, Iowa – The Mississippi River represents a new fishing experience
for Frank Boothe, but the Mighty Mississippi gave up 15 pounds, 12 ounces,
of bass to the Albuquerque, N.M., angler on Thursday for the Day 1 lead in
the second event of the CITGO Bassmaster Northern Tour.
Unlike some of the field, Boothe said he wasn’t unduly affected by early
morning winds of about 15 mph. The river was choppy in the early part of the
morning and anglers were forced to navigate through whitecaps on Pool 19, a
45-mile stretch of the Mississippi on the Iowa-Illinois border which
comprises the tournament waters.
Boothe said he ran to a spot down river where he began to build his
five-fish limit out of water as shallow as 10 inches, working scattered eel
grass and lily pads for a reaction bite. He said he compensated for the wind
simply by moving to a section of his hot spot that wasn’t affected by the
strong breeze.
“I caught most of my fish on topwater lures,” said Boothe, who finished in
105th place at the first Northern Tour event on Kentucky Lake in June. “This
is my first time on the Mississippi, but it’s river fishing, and it’s what I
grew up with in eastern Texas and Arkansas and Oklahoma.”
Fifty-five pros brought limits to the scales, including Randy McCarty of
Hagerhill, Ky., whose five-fish limit included the Day 1 Purolator Big Bass
of 4-1, worth a bonus of $1,000.
To keep the lead on Friday, the second of three competition days, Boothe
will have to fend off Aaron Jakub of Lincoln, Neb. Jakub ended Day 1 in
second place with 15-7, just 5 ounces behind. Also in contention for the Day
2 top spot were California’s Charlie Weyer with 15-4, Maryland’s Darrin
Schwenkbeck with 14-15, and Fred Roumbanis of California with 14-10.
Weyer, Schwenkbeck and Roumbanis represent a contingent of CITGO Bassmaster
Elite Series anglers fishing the Northern Tour events. The top three points
finishers from both the Southern and Northern Tour will qualify for the 2007
CITGO Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 23-25 on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Ala.
Missouri’s Blake Burks took the lead in the co-angler division with 8-14. He
also captured Purolator Big Bass honors and a $400 bonus with a 4-15 fish.
Just 1 ounce behind Burks was Keith Carson of Florida. Bill Heitzman of Iowa
brought 8-8 to the scales for third place, and Jake Thomas, also of Iowa,
had 8-7 for fourth. Rounding out the top five was Jack Palmer of Kentucky
with 8-6.
Anglers on the pro side are vying for a first-place payout of $30,000 in
cash and a Triton boat rig worth $45,000. Co-anglers are up against each
other for a top prize of a Triton boat package valued at $30,000. Total
payout for the tournament is $324,650 in cash and merchandise to the top 60
pros; the top 50 co-anglers share a payout of $68,800 in prizes.
The Mississippi River Tour event is the second event of five on the CITGO
Bassmaster Northern Tour. In addition to Classic berths, Northern Tour pros
are also building points toward eligibility to move up to the next level of
competition, the CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series.
The field cuts to the top 50 anglers and top 50 co-anglers for Saturday’s
competition.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Frank Boothe Albuquerque, N.M. 5 15-12 305
Day 1: 5 15-12
2. Aaron Jakub Lincoln, Neb. 5 15-07 295
Day 1: 5 15-07
3. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 5 15-04 290
Day 1: 5 15-04
4. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 14-15 285
Day 1: 5 14-15
5. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 14-10 0
Day 1: 5 14-10
6. Richie Eaves Nauvoo, Ill. 5 14-09 276
Day 1: 5 14-09
7. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 5 13-15 272
Day 1: 5 13-15
8. Craig Nels Baldwinsville, N.Y. 5 13-13 268
Day 1: 5 13-13
9. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 5 13-10 264
Day 1: 5 13-10
10. Terry Kayser Ursa, Ill. 5 13-07 260
Day 1: 5 13-07
11. Jeremy Montoia Fort Collins, Colo. 5 13-01 257
Day 1: 5 13-01
12. Rodney Hardwick Connersville, Ind. 5 13-00 252
Day 1: 5 13-00
12. Jess Salmon Milford, N.J. 5 13-00 252
Day 1: 5 13-00
14. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 5 12-14 248
Day 1: 5 12-14
15. Todd Ary Moody, Ala. 5 12-12 245
Day 1: 5 12-12
16. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 12-11 243
Day 1: 5 12-11
17. David Junk Quincy, Ill. 5 12-09 240
Day 1: 5 12-09
17. Greg Roth Cambridge, Canada 5 12-09 240
Day 1: 5 12-09
19. Art Ferguson III Saint Clair Shores, Mi 5 12-07 237
Day 1: 5 12-07
20. Lawren Wetzel Sharon, Canada 5 12-06 235
Day 1: 5 12-06
21. Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 5 12-03 233
Day 1: 5 12-03
22. Jason Sain Beechgrove, Tenn. 5 12-02 230
Day 1: 5 12-02
22. Kurt Johnson Cedar Rapids, Iowa 5 12-02 230
Day 1: 5 12-02
24. Paul Noechel Lost Creek, W.Va. 5 12-01 227
Day 1: 5 12-01
25. John Chaffo Pittsburgh, Pa. 5 11-15 224
Day 1: 5 11-15
25. Randy McCarty Hagerhill, Ky. 5 11-15 224
Day 1: 5 11-15
27. David Hovanec Unionville, N.Y. 5 11-13 221
Day 1: 5 11-13
28. Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 5 11-11 219
Day 1: 5 11-11
29. Monty Fralick Martin, S.D. 5 11-10 216
Day 1: 5 11-10
29. Steven Bunt Wallkill, N.Y. 5 11-10 216
Day 1: 5 11-10
31. Trent Masterson Ortonville, Mich. 5 11-07 212
Day 1: 5 11-07
31. James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 5 11-07 212
Day 1: 5 11-07
33. Paul Mazzitelli Pittston, Pa. 5 11-05 209
Day 1: 5 11-05
34. Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 5 11-03 207
Day 1: 5 11-03
35. Thad Takes Center Point, Iowa 5 11-02 205
Day 1: 5 11-02
36. Rogne Brown Kimball, Tenn. 5 11-01 202
Day 1: 5 11-01
36. Curt Samo Rochelle, Ill. 5 11-01 202
Day 1: 5 11-01
38. John Morris Robinson, Ill. 5 10-11 199
Day 1: 5 10-11
39. Kenneth Acornley Larksville, Pa. 5 10-10 195
Day 1: 5 10-10
39. Daryl Biron South Windsor, Conn. 5 10-10 195
Day 1: 5 10-10
39. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 4 10-10 195
Day 1: 4 10-10
42. David Marion Cold Spring, N.Y. 5 10-09 191
Day 1: 5 10-09
43. Jason Welch Royse City, Texas 5 10-06 189
Day 1: 5 10-06
44. Brent Broderick Oregonia, Ohio 5 10-05 186
Day 1: 5 10-05
44. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 5 10-05 186
Day 1: 5 10-05
46. Brian Wilhoit Oxon Hill, Md. 5 10-02 183
Day 1: 5 10-02
47. Dave Parsons Yantis, Texas 5 10-01 181
Day 1: 5 10-01
48. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 5 10-00 179
Day 1: 5 10-00
49. John Cox Debary, Fla. 5 9-14 177
Day 1: 5 9-14
50. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 5 9-11 174
Day 1: 5 9-11
50. John Kolinski Greenville, Wisc. 5 9-11 174
Day 1: 5 9-11
52. Travis Rulle Loveland, Colo. 4 9-10 171
Day 1: 4 9-10
53. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 5 9-09 168
Day 1: 5 9-09
53. Matt Hupp Gainesville4, Texas 4 9-09 168
Day 1: 4 9-09
55. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 5 9-07 165
Day 1: 5 9-07
56. Darrin Olin Laharpe, Ill. 5 9-05 163
Day 1: 5 9-05
57. Pete Cherkas Des Moines, Iowa 5 9-01 161
Day 1: 5 9-01
58. Tony Dadante Franklin, Tenn. 3 8-15 159
Day 1: 3 8-15
59. Gregory Dipalma Millville, N.J. 4 8-12 157
Day 1: 4 8-12
60. Tom Ondras Oak Forest, Ill. 4 8-07 155
Day 1: 4 8-07
61. Chad Ekroth Yankton, S.D. 5 8-04 153
Day 1: 5 8-04
62. Anre' De Villiers Goodwood, South Africa 4 8-02 151
Day 1: 4 8-02
63. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 3 6-09 149
Day 1: 3 6-09
64. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 3 6-06 147
Day 1: 3 6-06
65. Paul Kimball Glastonbury, Conn. 3 5-11 145
Day 1: 3 5-11
66. Joe Conway Colorado Springs, Colo 3 5-09 143
Day 1: 3 5-09
67. Kirk Mcfadden Lawrence, Kan. 3 5-05 141
Day 1: 3 5-05
68. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 2 5-03 139
Day 1: 2 5-03
69. Matthew Lazaroff Mercer, Pa. 3 4-15 137
Day 1: 3 4-15
70. Craig Dowling Many, La. 2 4-12 135
Day 1: 2 4-12
71. Kip Bodkin Rhome, Texas 2 4-10 133
Day 1: 2 4-10
72. Rocky Cummings Emmet, Ark. 2 3-14 131
Day 1: 2 3-14
73. Charles Hill Franklin, Ky. 2 3-13 129
Day 1: 2 3-13
74. Ron Brown Mount Pleasant, S.C. 2 3-09 127
Day 1: 2 3-09
75. Maurice Parent Taylorsville, N.C. 2 3-06 125
Day 1: 2 3-06
76. Gary Clark Groveland, Ill. 1 2-11 123
Day 1: 1 2-11
77. Mark Hicks Millfield, Ohio 1 2-06 121
Day 1: 1 2-06
78. Mike Weiss Union Grove, Wisc. 1 2-02 119
Day 1: 1 2-02
79. Ron Cherkas Des Moines, Iowa 1 2-01 117
Day 1: 1 2-01
80. Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 1 1-11 114
Day 1: 1 1-11
80. Jeff Stoner Wellsville, Pa. 1 1-11 114
Day 1: 1 1-11
82. Brannon Jones Montgomery, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Nathan Sulham Orange, Mass. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
Day 2: Elite Angler Schwenkbeck Surges into Lead
Back to top
 FORT
MADISON, Iowa – CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series angler Darrin Schwenkbeck led
a remix of the Day 1 leaderboard as he moved from the fourth position into
the top slot on Friday at the CITGO Bassmaster Northern Tour stop on the
Mississippi River.
Schwenkbeck of Silver Spring, Md., was close to losing some of his weight
from his Day 2 catch of 15 pounds, 6 ounces. Any contender who checks in
late is penalized 1 pound per minute past their official check-in time.
“I broke down and had to run the trolling motor to get across the river to
the [check-in] ramp, and almost didn’t make it back in time,” said
Schwenkbeck, who has totaled 30 pounds, 5 ounces over two days of
competition. “I pulled in waving my arms so [tournament officials] would
know I was in.”
The 38-year-old, a rookie on the Elite Series this year, is also fishing the
2006 Northern Tour events. He is in 48th in the CITGO Bassmaster Angler of
the Year standings and 29th in the Northern Tour points race. The top three
points qualifiers from both the Northern and Southern Tours qualify for the
2007 CITGO Bassmaster Classic Feb. 23-25, on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Ala.
Schwenkbeck leads Derek Remitz (27-11) of Hemphill, Texas, by 2 pounds,10
ounces. Remitz’s Friday catch included the day’s Purolator Big Bass, a 5-5
that earned him a $1,000 bonus.
Jumping 13 spots in the standings to third was Paul Hirosky. The Guys Mills,
Pa., Elite angler had a two-day total of 27-8, but he said it could have
been more if he had not lost a 4-pounder. Just 2 ounces behind Remitz, the
36-year-old said he had never fished the Mississippi River before this
Northern Tour event.
Rounding out a trio of Elite Series anglers in the top five was Auburn,
Calif., angler Fred Roumbanis with a two-day total of 26-13. Roumbanis, 27,
sits within striking distance of the lead in fourth place. He finished
second in the CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series’ 2006 Battle on the Border on
Lake Amistad in Texas.
Day 1 leader Frank Boothe of Albuquerque, N.M., fell to 23rd place Friday.
As in the pro division, the co-angler division went through a Friday
leaderboard shake-up. Tied for first at 15-15 were Jack Palmer of
Hopkinsville, Ky., who moved up from fifth, and Scott Holterhaus of Fort
Madison, Iowa, who jumped from 17th. In third was Josh Kolbinsky of
Lawrenceburg, Ind. with 15-13. Fourth place was another tie at 15-8 between
Fred Dorsey of Georgia and Dave Knutstrom of Illinois.
The Day 2 co-angler Purolator Big Bass award and its $400 bonus went to
Michael Gipe of Kentucky for his 4-3 fish.
The field was cut to the top 50 pro anglers and top 50 co-anglers for the
final day of competition Saturday. At stake for pros are points toward
eligibility to move up to the next level of competition, the CITGO
Bassmaster Elite Series, and a first-place payout of $30,000 in cash and a
Triton boat rig worth $45,000. Co-anglers are up against each other for a
top prize of a Triton boat package valued at $30,000.
The Mississippi River Tour is the second event of five on the CITGO
Bassmaster Northern Tour circuit.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 10 30-05 305
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 15-06
2. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Minn. 10 27-10 295 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 13-11
3. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 10 27-08 290
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 14-13
4. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 10 26-13 285
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-03
5. Richie Eaves Nauvoo, Ill. 10 25-12 280
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 11-03
6. Rodney Hardwick Connersville, Ind. 10 25-07 274
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 12-07
6. Art Ferguson III Saint Clair Shores, Mi 10 25-07 274
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-00
8. James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 10 25-04 268
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 13-13
9. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 10 25-02 264
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 12-04
10. Jeremy Montoia Fort Collins, Colo. 10 24-15 260
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 11-14
11. Aaron Jakub Lincoln, Neb. 10 24-12 257
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 9-05
12. Kurt Johnson Cedar Rapids, Iowa 10 24-09 254
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 12-07
13. Lawren Wetzel Sharon, Canada 10 24-08 251
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 12-02
14. David Junk Quincy, Ill. 10 24-07 248
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 11-14
15. John Chaffo Pittsburgh, Pa. 10 24-04 245
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 12-05
16. Todd Ary Moody, Ala. 10 23-15 243
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 11-03
17. Greg Roth Cambridge, Canada 10 23-13 241
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 11-04
18. Craig Nels Baldwinsville, N.Y. 10 23-11 238
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 9-14
18. Steven Bunt Wallkill, N.Y. 10 23-11 238
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-01
20. Randy McCarty Hagerhill, Ky. 10 23-10 235 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 11-11
21. Trent Masterson Ortonville, Mich. 10 23-05 233
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 11-14
22. John Kolinski Greenville, Wisc. 10 23-04 231
Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 13-09
23. Frank Boothe Albuquerque, N.M. 8 23-02 234 $23,100.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 3 7-06
24. Monty Fralick Martin, S.D. 10 22-14 227
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 11-04
25. Pete Cherkas Des Moines, Iowa 10 22-11 225
Day 1: 5 9-01 Day 2: 5 13-10
26. Thad Takes Center Point, Iowa 10 22-08 223
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 11-06
27. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 10 22-03 219
Day 1: 5 9-07 Day 2: 5 12-12
27. Rogne Brown Kimball, Tenn. 10 22-03 219
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 11-02
27. Matt Hupp Gainesville, Texas 9 22-03 219
Day 1: 4 9-09 Day 2: 5 12-10
30. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 10 22-01 215
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 11-12
31. Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 10 22-00 213
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 10-05
32. Jess Salmon Milford, N.J. 10 21-13 211
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 8-13
33. John Morris Robinson, Ill. 10 21-10 209
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-15
34. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 10 21-09 206
Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 12-00
34. Curt Samo Rochelle, Ill. 9 21-09 206
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 10-08
36. Brian Wilhoit Oxon Hill, Md. 10 21-07 203
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 11-05
37. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 10 21-05 201
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 7-11
38. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 10 20-15 199
Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
39. Jason Welch Royse City, Texas 10 20-14 197
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 10-08
40. David Marion Cold Spring, N.Y. 10 20-12 195
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 10-03
41. Chad Ekroth Yankton, S.D. 10 20-09 193
Day 1: 5 8-04 Day 2: 5 12-05
42. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 10 20-06 190
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 10-06
42. Dave Parsons Yantis, Texas 10 20-06 190
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 10-05
44. Gregory Dipalma Millville, N.J. 9 20-05 186
Day 1: 4 8-12 Day 2: 5 11-09
44. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 8 20-05 186
Day 1: 3 6-09 Day 2: 5 13-12
46. Daryl Biron South Windsor, Conn. 10 20-01 183
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 9-07
47. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 7 20-00 181
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 2 4-12
48. Tom Ondras Oak Forest, Ill. 9 19-13 179
Day 1: 4 8-07 Day 2: 5 11-06
49. Darrin Olin Laharpe, Ill. 10 19-11 177
Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 10-06
50. Anre' De Villiers Goodwood, South Africa 9 19-05 175
Day 1: 4 8-02 Day 2: 5 11-03
51. Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 8 19-02 173 $590.00
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 3 6-15
52. David Hovanec Unionville, N.Y. 8 18-14 171 $590.00
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 3 7-01
53. Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 9 18-12 169 $590.00
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 4 7-09
54. John Cox Debary, Fla. 9 18-08 167 $590.00
Day 1: 5 9-14 Day 2: 4 8-10
55. Travis Rulle Loveland, Colo. 9 18-03 165 $590.00
Day 1: 4 9-10 Day 2: 5 8-09
56. Kirk Mcfadden Lawrence, Kan. 8 17-04 162 $295.00
Day 1: 3 5-05 Day 2: 5 11-15
56. Terry Kayser Ursa, Ill. 7 17-04 162 $295.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 2 3-13
58. Jason Sain Beechgrove, Tenn. 7 17-03 159 $295.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 2 5-01
59. Paul Mazzitelli Pittston, Pa. 8 16-15 157 $295.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 3 5-10
60. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 8 16-03 155 $295.00
Day 1: 3 6-06 Day 2: 5 9-13
61. Craig Dowling Many, La. 7 15-10 153
Day 1: 2 4-12 Day 2: 5 10-14
62. Kenneth Acornley Larksville, Pa. 7 15-05 151
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 2 4-11
63. Paul Noechel Lost Creek, W.Va. 6 14-01 149
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 1 2-00
64. Joe Conway Colorado Springs, Colo 8 13-13 147
Day 1: 3 5-09 Day 2: 5 8-04
65. Mark Hicks Millfield, Ohio 6 13-09 145
Day 1: 1 2-06 Day 2: 5 11-03
66. Gary Clark Groveland, Ill. 6 12-02 143
Day 1: 1 2-11 Day 2: 5 9-07
67. Mike Weiss Union Grove, Wisc. 6 12-00 141
Day 1: 1 2-02 Day 2: 5 9-14
68. Brent Broderick Oregonia, Ohio 6 11-15 139
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 1 1-10
69. Charles Hill Franklin, Ky. 6 11-13 137
Day 1: 2 3-13 Day 2: 4 8-00
70. Maurice Parent Taylorsville, N.C. 6 11-09 135
Day 1: 2 3-06 Day 2: 4 8-03
71. Kip Bodkin Rhome, Texas 5 11-08 133
Day 1: 2 4-10 Day 2: 3 6-14
72. Paul Kimball Glastonbury, Conn. 5 10-14 131
Day 1: 3 5-11 Day 2: 2 5-03
73. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 4 10-10 129
Day 1: 4 10-10 Day 2: 0 0-00
74. Matthew Lazaroff Mercer, Pa. 6 10-00 127
Day 1: 3 4-15 Day 2: 3 5-01
75. Ron Brown Mount Pleasant, S.C. 5 9-03 125
Day 1: 2 3-09 Day 2: 3 5-10
76. Tony Dadante Franklin, Tenn. 3 8-15 123
Day 1: 3 8-15 Day 2: 0 0-00
77. Rocky Cummings Emmet, Ark. 4 8-00 121
Day 1: 2 3-14 Day 2: 2 4-02
78. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 3 7-13 119
Day 1: 2 5-03 Day 2: 1 2-10
79. Brannon Jones Montgomery, Ala. 2 5-00 117
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 2 5-00
80. Ron Cherkas Des Moines, Iowa 2 4-02 115
Day 1: 1 2-01 Day 2: 1 2-01
81. Jeff Stoner Wellsville, Pa. 2 3-11 113
Day 1: 1 1-11 Day 2: 1 2-00
82. Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 1 1-11 111
Day 1: 1 1-11 Day 2: 0 0-00
83. Nathan Sulham Orange, Mass. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00
Day 3: Schwenkbeck Masters the Mississippi
Back to top
 FORT
MADISON, Iowa – Already committed to the 11-event, prestigious CITGO
Bassmaster Elite Series, Darrin Schwenkbeck decided in June to add the CITGO
Bassmaster Northern Tour circuit to his tournament angling schedule.
Schwenkbeck proved Saturday that his decision was a good one: He earned the
first win of his BASS career at the CITGO Bassmaster Northern Tour on the
Mississippi River with a three-day catch of 42 pounds, 12 ounces. His prize
was $17,700 in cash and a Triton boat rig with Mercury outboard worth
$45,000.
“Things are just starting to happen for me,” said Schwenkbeck, 38, a former
owner of a landscaping business he gave up about three years ago to
concentrate on fishing full-time. “It’s been a struggle, but I guess I had
the [lucky] horseshoe with me this week.”
Schwenkbeck took the Day 2 lead, moving up from the fourth position after
the first day of competition. Saturday, he held on handily for the win with
a final-day catch of 12 pounds, 7 ounces.
“Once I had a limit, I went to my key spot I’d saved to get that one big
bass,” he said.
He had a few uneasy moments Saturday before check-in and didn’t bring in a
five-fish limit. “I had one that was a ‘squeaker’ [suspected of not being of
legal length] so I decided to release it. I was scared to death that was the
wrong decision, that the fish had been OK after all, and that releasing it
would cost me the tournament.”
But Schwenkbeck prevailed without boating a limit. He said most of his fish
over the three days of the Mississippi River Tour competition fell for a
SPRO BronzEye frog he worked through shallow vegetation.
The Mississippi River win elevated Schwenkbeck’s standing in the Northern
Tour points race from 29th to first, much closer to a coveted berth in the
2007 CITGO Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 23-25, on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Ala.
The top three points finishers at the conclusion of the five-event Northern
Tour will qualify for the Classic.
To date, Schwenkbeck has made five top-50 finishes at Elite Series events
and sits in fifth place on the Toyota Rookie of the Year Standings. His
performance on the Elite circuit, coupled with a Tour-level win, bodes well
for his angling future.
Trailing Schwenkbeck was Aaron Jakub, 32, of Lincoln, Neb., and Jason
Williamson of Aiken, S.C., both with a total weight of 39 pounds, 10 ounces.
Jakub was awarded second place while Williamson finished third, based on a
tiebreaker.
Finishing fourth was fellow Elite Series pro Paul Hirosky of Guys Mills,
Pa., who had a total catch of 39-9. David Junk of Quincy, Ill., snagged
fifth place with 39-4, including a 5-2 bass for the Day 3 Purolator Big Bass
award and a $1,000 bonus.
In the co-angler division, the top prize of a Triton boat package valued at
$30,000 was won by Aaron Geheber, whose three-day total of 24-10 earned him
a win in the first Bassmaster event he’d ever fished. Geheber, a pipe fitter
from Manito, Ill., said he fishes the Mississippi River often with his
10-year-old daughter, Kaelynn.
Placing second in the co-angler division was Josh Kolbinsky of Lawrenceburg,
Ind., with 23-11. Rounding out the top five were Fred Dorsey of Swainsboro,
Ga., with 23 pounds even; Richard Favire Jr. of Winfield Park, N.J., with
22-14; and Chip Porche of Bixby, Okla., with 22-11.
The next stop on the CITGO Bassmaster Northern Tour circuit is Lake
Champlain, Aug. 17-19, in Plattsburgh, N.Y. The event will be the third of
five for the Northern Tour.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 14 42-12 310 $62,700.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 4 12-07
2. Aaron Jakub Lincoln, Neb. 15 39-10 292 $48,245.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 9-05 Day 3: 5 14-14
2. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 15 39-10 292 $33,245.00
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 12-04 Day 3: 5 14-08
4. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 15 39-09 285 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 14-13 Day 3: 5 12-01
5. David Junk Quincy, Ill. 15 39-04 280 $6,900.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 11-14 Day 3: 5 14-13
6. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 15 39-01 276 $6,720.00
Day 1: 5 13-15 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 11-07
7. Richie Eaves Nauvoo, Ill. 15 38-10 272 $3,835.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 12-14
8. James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 15 38-00 268 $2,950.00
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 13-13 Day 3: 5 12-12
9. Greg Roth Cambridge, Canada 15 37-04 264 $2,655.00
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 13-07
10. Todd Ary Moody, Ala. 15 36-14 260 $2,478.00
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 12-15
11. Rodney Hardwick Connersville, Ind. 15 36-12 257 $2,419.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 5 11-05
12. Kurt Johnson Cedar Rapids, Iowa 15 36-10 254 $2,360.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 5 12-01
13. Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 15 36-06 251 $2,301.00
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 10-05 Day 3: 5 14-06
14. John Chaffo Pittsburgh, Pa. 15 35-04 248 $2,242.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 11-00
15. Curt Samo Rochelle, Ill. 14 34-08 245 $2,183.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 10-08 Day 3: 5 12-15
16. Steven Bunt Wallkill, N.Y. 15 34-03 243 $2,124.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 5 10-08
17. Jess Salmon Milford, N.J. 15 34-00 241 $2,065.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 8-13 Day 3: 5 12-03
18. Jason Welch Royse City, Texas 15 33-15 239 $2,006.00
Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 10-08 Day 3: 5 13-01
19. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 15 33-12 237 $1,888.00
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 10-06 Day 3: 5 13-06
20. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 13 33-11 235 $1,770.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 3 6-14
21. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 15 33-08 233 $1,711.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 7-11 Day 3: 5 12-03
22. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 15 33-01 230 $1,622.50
Day 1: 5 9-07 Day 2: 5 12-12 Day 3: 5 10-14
22. Rogne Brown Kimball, Tenn. 15 33-01 230 $1,622.50
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 11-02 Day 3: 5 10-14
24. Art Ferguson III Saint Clair Shores, Mi 13 32-12 227 $1,534.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 3 7-05
25. Daryl Biron South Windsor, Conn. 15 32-09 225 $1,475.00
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 9-07 Day 3: 5 12-08
26. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 15 32-08 223 $1,416.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 11-12 Day 3: 5 10-07
27. Anre' De Villiers Goodwood, South Africa 14 32-07 221 $1,357.00
Day 1: 4 8-02 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 13-02
28. Brian Wilhoit Oxon Hill, Md. 15 32-05 219 $1,298.00
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 11-05 Day 3: 5 10-14
29. Jeremy Montoia Fort Collins, Colo. 13 31-14 217 $1,239.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 11-14 Day 3: 3 6-15
30. David Marion Cold Spring, N.Y. 15 30-15 215 $1,180.00
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 10-03 Day 3: 5 10-03
31. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 14 30-14 213 $1,151.00
Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 4 9-05
32. Darrin Olin Laharpe, Ill. 15 30-03 211 $1,121.00
Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 10-06 Day 3: 5 10-08
33. Randy McCarty Hagerhill, Ky. 13 30-00 208 $2,077.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 3 6-06
33. Frank Boothe Albuquerque, N.M. 11 30-00 213 $1,077.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 3 7-06 Day 3: 3 6-14
35. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 14 29-08 205 $1,033.00
Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 4 8-09
36. Pete Cherkas Des Moines, Iowa 13 28-11 203 $1,003.00
Day 1: 5 9-01 Day 2: 5 13-10 Day 3: 3 6-00
37. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 12 28-08 201 $974.00
Day 1: 3 6-09 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 4 8-03
38. Trent Masterson Ortonville, Mich. 12 28-06 199 $944.00
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 11-14 Day 3: 2 5-01
39. Gregory Dipalma Millville, N.J. 13 28-03 197 $915.00
Day 1: 4 8-12 Day 2: 5 11-09 Day 3: 4 7-14
40. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 11 28-02 195 $885.00
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 2 4-12 Day 3: 4 8-02
41. Craig Nels Baldwinsville, N.Y. 12 27-12 193 $885.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 9-14 Day 3: 2 4-01
42. John Kolinski Greenville, Wisc. 12 27-06 191 $885.00
Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 2 4-02
43. Tom Ondras Oak Forest, Ill. 13 26-13 189 $885.00
Day 1: 4 8-07 Day 2: 5 11-06 Day 3: 4 7-00
44. Monty Fralick Martin, S.D. 12 26-08 187 $885.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 2 3-10
45. Matt Hupp Gainesville4, Texas 11 26-05 185 $885.00
Day 1: 4 9-09 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 2 4-02
46. Lawren Wetzel Sharon, Canada 11 26-04 183 $885.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 12-02 Day 3: 1 1-12
47. Chad Ekroth Yankton, S.D. 13 25-05 181 $885.00
Day 1: 5 8-04 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 3 4-12
48. Thad Takes Center Point, Iowa 11 23-12 179 $885.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 11-06 Day 3: 1 1-04
49. Dave Parsons Yantis, Texas 11 22-02 177 $885.00
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 10-05 Day 3: 1 1-12
50. John Morris Robinson, Ill. 10 21-10 175 $885.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-15 Day 3: 0 0-00
Articles and images from BASS
Compiled by Brandon Shook
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