The Full Story

BASS Southern Tour: Lake Okeechobee, FL

Southern Tour Event # 1 of 5

Preview | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Preview: Bassmaster Southern Tour Season Kicks Off

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What’s at stake: $324,650 in cash and merchandise to the top 60 pro anglers. Co-anglers will compete for $68,800 in prizes.



The Pros Said It



“I’ve done well in the past here so I feel good going in, but it is pretty tough right now. The lake is all muddied up and finding those big fish is going to be a challenge, but catching a limit shouldn’t be a problem.” - 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series angler Terry Scroggins, 37, Palatka, Fla.



“I’m trying to stay away from the congested areas like Moonshine Bay, but I may have no choice, because the water is very dirty everywhere else.” - 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series angler Terry Segraves, 57, Kissimmee, Fla.



“The lake is actually fishing pretty well right now. It shouldn’t be a problem catching a limit for most of these anglers; the main problem is getting the good-sized fish.” - Mark Rizk, 42, Arab, Ala.



“You can find some clear water out here, but the trick is finding clear water where no one else is. I do see a lot of limits weighed in and the way to distinguish yourself is to flip and catch a big one.” - 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series angler Mark Rogers, 33, Naples, Fla.



The Strategy



Scroggins: Scroggins will concentrate on Moonshine Bay on the main lake. The water is relatively clear in this area and spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are two of the more effective strategies, he said.


Segraves: If it’s windy, Segraves will stick with Rat-L-Traps and chatterbaits. If the weather is calm, he will throw soft plastics and senkos.



Rizk: He has a variety of spots along the south and north ends of the massive fishery. He’s not committing to just one bait and will change it up until he finds something the fish will bite.



Rogers: Rogers will throw a variety of top-water baits and flip in search of the big fish. Like much of the field, he has located clear water that he likes in the Moonshine Bay area.
 

Day 1: Scroggins Leads in BASS Tour Season Opener

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OKEECHOBEE, Fla. -- When you visit Lake Okeechobee, it’s a good idea to bring your flipping stick, so it comes as no surprise that legendary flipper Terry Scroggins leads after Day 1 of the season-opening CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour on the Big “O.”

With 24 pounds, 5 ounces of bass, the Palatka, Fla., angler bested Alabamian Jimmy Mason by more than 2 pounds. But that’s not to say Mason’s 21 pounds, 13 ounces, isn’t enough to give him a shot at a top-of-the-standings finish tomorrow.

But he’ll have to fish hard to pull ahead of Scroggins, who typically excels at Florida fisheries — including a 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Tour win on Okeechobee.

“I guess you could say I am a pretty good flipper,” the 37-year-old Scroggins modestly said. “And out here, to catch the big ones you have to work that flipping stick.”

After the first day of the Jan. 26-28 event, Scroggins appeared sure about what he has to do over the next two days to win the tournament: “Obviously I am happy with my start and the lake really suits my style. I’ve just got to capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves.”

If Scroggins can swing the Okeechobee event, his confidence is more than likely to be sky-high as he heads into next month’s $1.2 million CITGO Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 24-26, on Florida’s famed Lake Tohopekaliga.

Today Scroggins estimated he caught nearly 40 keeper fish by flipping into mats and working a spinnerbait. He is keying in on reed-studded water nearly three feet deep. He said he has a few spots located throughout Moonshine Bay, a popular stop for Okeechobee anglers, and feels that his one honey hole will produce fish throughout the tournament.

Like much of the field, second-place Mason of Rogersville, Ala., also got results with the flipping stick, but the 32-year-old is versatile. He said he’s developed three successful patterns, all of which he used to boat a limit early in the day. His strategy includes keying in on the clear, protected water near Moonshine Bay.

“I caught a bunch of early keepers and this allowed me to expand on my water and try out some different things,” Mason said. “It was definitely a good day.”

The Day 1 weigh-in was highlighted by several fish in the 8- to 9-pound range. None was more impressive than Clark Reehm’s 9-pound, 12-ounce bass. It earned the Leesville, La., angler a $1,000 Purolator Big Bass premium.

Rounding out the top five on the boater side were New Yorker Randy Yager (19-2), South Carolina’s Marty Robinson (18-9) and Texan James Niggermeyer (17-10).

On the co-angler side, Georgian Jimmy Dudley (14-10) holds a slim margin over fellow Georgian Heath Pack (14-7) in the chase for a Triton boat package worth $30,000. Arkansas’s Bob Snyder (12-3), Virginia’s Randal Aldred (12-1) and Florida’s Charlie Townsel (9-8) round out the top five.

Day 1 Standings


Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$



1. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 24-05 305

Day 1: 5 24-05

2. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 5 21-13 295

Day 1: 5 21-13

3. Randy Yager Syracuse, N.Y. 5 19-02 290

Day 1: 5 19-02

4. Marty Robinson Greer, S.C. 5 18-09 285

Day 1: 5 18-09

5. James Niggemeyer Lindale, Texas 5 17-10 280

Day 1: 5 17-10

6. Derek Remitz North Branch, Minn. 5 15-09 276

Day 1: 5 15-09

7. Michael Goodman Nebo, N.C. 5 14-13 272

Day 1: 5 14-13

8. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 5 14-06 268

Day 1: 5 14-06

9. Sam Greer London, Ky. 5 14-04 264

Day 1: 5 14-04

10. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 5 14-02 258

Day 1: 5 14-02

10. Bobby Scharber Pulaski, Tenn. 5 14-02 258

Day 1: 5 14-02

12. Clark Reehm Leesville, La. 4 14-00 254 $1,000.00

Day 1: 4 14-00

13. James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 4 13-10 251

Day 1: 4 13-10

14. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 13-04 248

Day 1: 5 13-04

15. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 13-01 245

Day 1: 5 13-01

16. Terry Bloom Groveland, Fla. 5 12-15 242

Day 1: 5 12-15

16. Rodney Sorrell Stokesdale, N.C. 5 12-15 242

Day 1: 5 12-15

18. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 5 12-14 239

Day 1: 5 12-14

19. Brian Penso Houston, Texas 5 12-09 237

Day 1: 5 12-09

20. Brad Outersky Lone Jack, Mo. 5 12-08 235

Day 1: 5 12-08

21. John Gray Noblesville, Ind. 5 12-07 233

Day 1: 5 12-07

22. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 12-06 231

Day 1: 5 12-06

23. Bruce Brown Haughton, Ala. 5 12-02 228

Day 1: 5 12-02

23. Mike Robinson Acworth, Ga. 5 12-02 228

Day 1: 5 12-02

25. Frank Ippoliti Smithsburg, Md. 5 11-15 225

Day 1: 5 11-15

26. Tony Hogan Pensacola, Fla. 5 11-09 223

Day 1: 5 11-09

27. Thomas O'Bryant Cedar Grove, Tenn. 5 11-00 221

Day 1: 5 11-00

28. Mark Lamb West Palm Beach, Fla. 5 10-13 219

Day 1: 5 10-13

29. Michael Delvisco Greer, S.C. 5 10-12 217

Day 1: 5 10-12

30. Joe Clements Kissimmee, Fla. 5 10-10 215

Day 1: 5 10-10

31. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 5 10-08 212

Day 1: 5 10-08

31. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, Texas 5 10-08 212

Day 1: 5 10-08

33. Flint Fivecoait Somerset, Ky. 5 10-07 207

Day 1: 5 10-07

33. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 10-07 207

Day 1: 5 10-07

33. Kevin Marrs Melbourne, Fla. 5 10-07 207

Day 1: 5 10-07

36. Chris Daniels Panama City, Fla. 5 10-05 203

Day 1: 5 10-05

37. Randy Alexander London, Ky. 5 10-04 201

Day 1: 5 10-04

38. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 5 9-09 198

Day 1: 5 9-09

38. Patrick Pierce Jacksonville, Fla. 5 9-09 198

Day 1: 5 9-09

40. Ben Lee Lexington, S.C. 5 9-08 195

Day 1: 5 9-08

41. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 5 9-05 191

Day 1: 5 9-05

41. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, Fla. 5 9-05 191

Day 1: 5 9-05

41. Joseph Wood Live Oak, Fla. 5 9-05 191

Day 1: 5 9-05

44. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 5 9-04 187

Day 1: 5 9-04

45. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 5 9-03 184

Day 1: 5 9-03

45. Russ Osborne Orlando, Fla. 5 9-03 184

Day 1: 5 9-03

47. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 5 8-13 180

Day 1: 5 8-13

47. Nicholas Turner Jones, Ala. 5 8-13 180

Day 1: 5 8-13

49. Matt Amedeo Akron, Ohio 4 8-12 177

Day 1: 4 8-12

50. Tom Hamlin Lizella, Ga. 5 8-09 175

Day 1: 5 8-09

51. Robert Miley Miami, Fla. 5 8-08 173

Day 1: 5 8-08

52. Mike Balon Clewiston, Fla. 5 8-06 171

Day 1: 5 8-06

53. Brian Holder Gastonia, N.C. 5 8-05 169

Day 1: 5 8-05

54. A.E. Red Moore Graham, N.C. 5 8-04 167

Day 1: 5 8-04

55. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 5 8-03 165

Day 1: 5 8-03

56. Craig Dowling Many, La. 3 8-00 163

Day 1: 3 8-00

57. Fred Rigdon Belleview, Fla. 5 7-14 160

Day 1: 5 7-14

57. Ed Whaley Montgomery, Texas 5 7-14 160

Day 1: 5 7-14

59. Shane Voyles Blue Springs, Mo. 4 7-13 157

Day 1: 4 7-13

60. Curtis Lewis West Palm Beach, Fla. 5 7-12 155

Day 1: 5 7-12

61. James Conrad Alva, Fla. 5 7-11 152

Day 1: 5 7-11

61. Scott Mcgehee Madison, Miss. 5 7-11 152

Day 1: 5 7-11

63. Lee Hartley Buford, Ga. 4 7-09 149

Day 1: 4 7-09

64. James Anderson Miami, Fla. 5 7-08 147

Day 1: 5 7-08

65. Shawn Johnson Jacksonville, Fla. 5 7-07 144

Day 1: 5 7-07

65. Randy Weatherford Millbrook, Ala. 5 7-07 144

Day 1: 5 7-07

67. Cecil Douberly Lakeland, Fla. 5 7-06 141

Day 1: 5 7-06

68. Stanley Gunter Saluda, S.C. 5 7-05 137

Day 1: 5 7-05

68. Brady Nelson Palmetto, Fla. 5 7-05 137

Day 1: 5 7-05

68. Ronald Pierce Mountain Home, Ark. 4 7-05 137

Day 1: 4 7-05

71. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 5 7-02 132

Day 1: 5 7-02

71. Lloyd Willmouth Saint Cloud, Fla. 5 7-02 132

Day 1: 5 7-02

73. Howard Dotson Paintsville, Ky. 5 7-01 128

Day 1: 5 7-01

73. Harry Moore Valley, Ala. 5 7-01 128

Day 1: 5 7-01

75. Larry Jones Acworth, Ga. 5 6-14 125

Day 1: 5 6-14

76. Darrell Newman Bruceville, Texas 5 6-13 122

Day 1: 5 6-13

76. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 5 6-13 122

Day 1: 5 6-13

78. Harold Allen Shelbyville, Alaska 5 6-11 117

Day 1: 5 6-11

78. Dow Cox Jonesborough, Tenn. 5 6-11 117

Day 1: 5 6-11

78. Roger Camp St Cloud, Fla. 5 6-11 117

Day 1: 5 6-11

81. T R Andreas Kerrville, Texas 5 6-10 112

Day 1: 5 6-10

81. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 5 6-10 112

Day 1: 5 6-10

83. Sean Dassau Helena, Ala. 5 6-06 109

Day 1: 5 6-06

84. Mike Cox Huntsville, Ala. 5 6-05 106

Day 1: 5 6-05

84. Matthew Jones Spokane, Mo. 5 6-05 106

Day 1: 5 6-05

86. David Parsons Dothan, Ala. 5 6-04 103

Day 1: 5 6-04

87. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, Miss. 5 6-03 101

Day 1: 5 6-03

88. Danny Isenhart Fairview, Tenn. 5 6-01 98

Day 1: 5 6-01

88. Keith Rhodes Royal Palm Beach, Fla. 5 6-01 98

Day 1: 5 6-01

90. Micah Sepko Greer, S.C. 5 6-00 94

Day 1: 5 6-00

90. Todd Leibfreid Dade City, Fla. 3 6-00 94

Day 1: 3 6-00

92. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 3 5-15 91

Day 1: 3 5-15

93. Robert Morin Seymour, Tenn. 5 5-12 89

Day 1: 5 5-12

94. Mike Pickett Brandenburg, Ky. 4 5-10 87

Day 1: 4 5-10

95. Larry Gaines Valparaiso, Fla. 5 5-09 84

Day 1: 5 5-09

95. Patrick Kelly Guntersville, Ala. 5 5-09 84

Day 1: 5 5-09

97. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 5 5-07 81

Day 1: 5 5-07

98. Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 5 5-06 77

Day 1: 5 5-06

98. Robert Byrd Dallas, Texas 4 5-06 77

Day 1: 4 5-06

98. Jerry Gore Orlando, Fla. 4 5-06 77

Day 1: 4 5-06

98. Chris Hadden Frostproof, Fla. 4 5-06 77

Day 1: 4 5-06

102.Rich Patterson Windermere, Fla. 5 5-04 74

Day 1: 5 5-04

102.Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 3 5-04 74

Day 1: 3 5-04

104.James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 2 5-03 72

Day 1: 2 5-03

105.Raul Morineau Mexico City 03810, Mex 5 5-01 71

Day 1: 5 5-01

106.Chris Heath North Augusta, S.C. 4 4-14 70

Day 1: 4 4-14

107.Justin Schwier Okeechobee, Fla. 4 4-13 69

Day 1: 4 4-13

108.Marty Colley Ashville, Ala. 2 4-02 68

Day 1: 2 4-02

109.Ben Carroll Kissimmee, Fla. 2 4-01 67

Day 1: 2 4-01

110.Curtis A Reeves Riverdale, Ga. 3 3-10 66

Day 1: 3 3-10

111.John Wells Nashville, Tenn. 2 3-08 65

Day 1: 2 3-08

112.Donnie Hawks Galax, Va. 3 3-07 64

Day 1: 3 3-07

113.Steve Sennikoff Forney, Texas 2 3-04 63

Day 1: 2 3-04

114.Austin Banks Madison, Miss. 3 3-01 62

Day 1: 3 3-01

115.Richard Leigeber Cullman, Ala. 2 3-00 61

Day 1: 2 3-00

116.Dan Welch New Martinsville, W.Va 1 2-14 60

Day 1: 1 2-14

117.Tony Sapp Dallas, Ga. 2 2-12 59

Day 1: 2 2-12

118.Todd Kuhn North East, Md. 2 2-11 58

Day 1: 2 2-11

119.Tim Sisk Cherryville, N.C. 2 2-10 56

Day 1: 2 2-10

119.Marvin Ettredge Shreveport, La. 1 2-10 56

Day 1: 1 2-10

121.Ed Dunnaway Flowood, Miss. 2 2-07 55

Day 1: 2 2-07

122.Douglas Luper Alexandria, Va. 1 1-06 54

Day 1: 1 1-06

123.Shawn Rook Russellville , Ark. 1 0-15 53

Day 1: 1 0-15

124.Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg , Tenn. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

124.Darrell Collins Paintsville, Ky. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

124.Bobby Myers Brook Haven, Miss. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

124.Gary Pace Woodstock, Ga. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

124.Benjamin Petitpas Boynton Beach, Fla. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

124.John Wiggin Henderson, Nev. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00
 

Day 2: Niggemeyer Vaults into Tour Lead

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OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – James Niggemeyer, a guide on Texas bass-factory Lake Fork, tapped into his knowledge of home waters to jump from fifth place into the lead of the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour on Lake Okeechobee.

He’s not only leading, the 34-year-old was able to put more than 3 pounds between himself and Thursday’s leader, Terry Scroggins.

“This was very similar to Texas fishing,” Niggemeyer said. “I love to flip and pitch in heavy cover and that is just what you had to do today to succeed.”

With today’s bag of 23 pounds, he amassed a two-day total of 40 pounds, 10 ounces. If he can hold on to his 3-pound-plus lead in Saturday’s final day of competition, he will collect $26,100 in cash in addition to a fully-rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000.

Niggemeyer said he caught his fish by flipping a Lake Fork craw tube into cattails and mats, punching through the thickest cover with a 1-ounce tungsten weight.

This tournament marks the first visit for the Lindale, Texas, angler to Okeechobee, but a first in a BASS event would not be a new experience for him. Niggemeyer holds the title of a 2005 ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series tournament on Louisiana’s Red River.

Tomorrow, to achieve a second and more lucrative BASS victory, he must hold off Scroggins, who has proved he can be tough to beat on a Florida fishery.

“It’s just another day for me tomorrow and I plan to fish hard and stick to my guns,” Niggemeyer said. “But it would be so incredible to get this win.”

Scroggins, who won a 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Tour event on Okeechobee, used the word “wild” to describe his day: He boated his two biggest keepers in the last hour of competition, pulling his day’s catch to 12 pounds, 15 ounces — all while overcoming boat trouble.

“I had a wild last hour out there,” the Florida CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series pro said. “My boat had some problems on the way back and I had to get some help and rush in to get here in time. Right now, my boat is floating in the middle of the lake and I have to go get it.”

The Florida pro sits in second with 37 pounds, 4 ounces. Trailing Niggemeyer and Scroggins are North Carolina’s Rodney Sorrell (35-0), Floridian Mark Lamb (34-5) and South Carolina’s Marty Robinson (34-5).

As on Thursday, today’s action brought several impressive fish to the scales. Elite Series pro Eric Nethery’s 8-15 lunker was the $1,000 Purolator Big Bass of the day.

On the co-angler side, Floridian Bruce Kane leads the chase for a fully-rigged Triton boat valued at $30,000 with 21 pounds, 12 ounces of bass. Following Kane is Georgian Heath Pack (19-11), Floridian Joel Hazelbaker (17-10), Virginian Randal Aldred (17-5) and Mississippi’s Jerry Gordon (17-3).

Day 2 Standings

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$


1. James Niggemeyer Lindale, Texas 10 40-10 305

Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 23-00

2. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 10 37-04 300

Day 1: 5 24-05 Day 2: 5 12-15

3. Rodney Sorrell Stokesdale, N.C. 10 35-00 290

Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 22-01

4. Mark Lamb West Palm Beach, Fla. 10 34-05 282

Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 23-08

4. Marty Robinson Greer, S.C. 10 34-05 282

Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 15-12

6. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 8 33-10 276 $1,000.00

Day 1: 3 5-15 Day 2: 5 27-11

7. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 10 33-02 270

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 22-11

7. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 10 33-02 270

Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 11-05

9. Randy Yager Syracuse, N.Y. 10 31-10 264

Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 12-08

10. Clark Reehm Leesville, La. 9 28-14 260 $1,000.00

Day 1: 4 14-00 Day 2: 5 14-14

11. Sam Greer London, Ky. 9 28-02 257

Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 4 13-14

12. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 10 27-08 254

Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 15-02

13. Shawn Johnson Jacksonville, Fla. 10 27-05 251

Day 1: 5 7-07 Day 2: 5 19-14

14. Patrick Pierce Jacksonville, Fla. 10 26-05 246

Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 16-12

14. Brian Penso Houston, Texas 10 26-05 246

Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-12

16. Derek Remitz North Branch, Minn. 10 25-14 243

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 10-05

17. Mike Balon Clewiston, Fla. 10 23-14 241

Day 1: 5 8-06 Day 2: 5 15-08

18. Terry Bloom Groveland, Fla. 10 23-06 238

Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 10-07

18. Tony Hogan Pensacola, Fla. 9 23-06 238

Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 4 11-13

20. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 10 23-03 235

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 9-01

21. Donnie Hawks Galax, Va. 8 23-00 233

Day 1: 3 3-07 Day 2: 5 19-09

22. Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 8 22-12 231

Day 1: 3 5-04 Day 2: 5 17-08

23. Darrell Newman Bruceville, Texas 10 22-05 229

Day 1: 5 6-13 Day 2: 5 15-08

24. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 10 22-04 227

Day 1: 5 9-03 Day 2: 5 13-01

25. Bobby Scharber Pulaski, Tenn. 10 21-14 225

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 7-12

26. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 10 21-13 223

Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 8-09

27. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 10 20-14 221

Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 7-13

28. Thomas O'Bryant Cedar Grove, Tenn. 10 20-13 219

Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 9-13

29. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 10 20-12 217

Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 6-06

30. Chris Daniels Panama City, Fla. 10 20-10 215

Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 10-05

31. Curtis Lewis West Palm Beach, Fla. 10 20-08 213

Day 1: 5 7-12 Day 2: 5 12-12

32. Craig Dowling Many, La. 8 19-07 211

Day 1: 3 8-00 Day 2: 5 11-07

33. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, Miss. 10 19-06 209

Day 1: 5 6-03 Day 2: 5 13-03

34. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 9 19-04 207

Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 4 6-06

35. Frank Ippoliti Smithsburg, Md. 10 19-00 205

Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 7-01

36. Kevin Marrs Melbourne, Fla. 10 18-15 203

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 8-08

37. Randy Alexander London, Ky. 10 18-12 201

Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 8-08

38. James Conrad Alva, Fla. 10 18-11 199

Day 1: 5 7-11 Day 2: 5 11-00

39. Brady Nelson Palmetto, Fla. 10 18-09 197

Day 1: 5 7-05 Day 2: 5 11-04

40. Rich Patterson Windermere, Fla. 10 18-06 195

Day 1: 5 5-04 Day 2: 5 13-02

41. Mike Robinson Acworth, Ga. 6 18-05 193

Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 1 6-03

42. Cecil Douberly Lakeland, Fla. 10 18-04 191

Day 1: 5 7-06 Day 2: 5 10-14

43. Larry Jones Acworth, Ga. 10 18-00 188

Day 1: 5 6-14 Day 2: 5 11-02

43. Nicholas Turner Jones, Ala. 10 18-00 188

Day 1: 5 8-13 Day 2: 5 9-03

45. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 10 17-15 184

Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 7-07

45. Robert Miley Miami, Fla. 9 17-15 184

Day 1: 5 8-08 Day 2: 4 9-07

47. John Gray Noblesville, Ind. 10 17-13 179

Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 5-06

47. Tom Hamlin Lizella, Ga. 10 17-13 179

Day 1: 5 8-09 Day 2: 5 9-04

47. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 9 17-13 179

Day 1: 5 6-13 Day 2: 4 11-00

50. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 10 17-09 174

Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 8-04

50. Bruce Brown Haughton, Ala. 8 17-09 174 $1,087.50

Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 3 5-07

52. Sean Dassau Helena, Ala. 10 17-08 171 $870.00

Day 1: 5 6-06 Day 2: 5 11-02

53. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 10 17-06 169 $870.00

Day 1: 5 8-13 Day 2: 5 8-09

54. Brad Outersky Lone Jack, Mo. 7 17-02 167 $870.00

Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 2 4-10

55. Micah Sepko Greer, S.C. 10 17-01 165 $870.00

Day 1: 5 6-00 Day 2: 5 11-01

56. Ed Whaley Montgomery, Texas 10 16-12 162 $435.00

Day 1: 5 7-14 Day 2: 5 8-14

56. Flint Fivecoait Somerset, Ky. 9 16-12 162 $435.00

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 4 6-05

58. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, Texas 10 16-11 159 $435.00

Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 6-03

59. Ben Lee Lexington, S.C. 9 16-04 157 $435.00

Day 1: 5 9-08 Day 2: 4 6-12

60. Michael Delvisco Greer, S.C. 8 16-03 155 $435.00

Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 3 5-07

61. Joseph Wood Live Oak, Fla. 10 15-14 153

Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 6-09

62. Justin Schwier Okeechobee, Fla. 9 15-13 151

Day 1: 4 4-13 Day 2: 5 11-00

63. Patrick Kelly Guntersville, Ala. 10 15-11 147

Day 1: 5 5-09 Day 2: 5 10-02

63. Russ Osborne Orlando, Fla. 10 15-11 147

Day 1: 5 9-03 Day 2: 5 6-08

63. James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 6 15-11 147

Day 1: 4 13-10 Day 2: 2 2-01

66. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 10 15-09 143

Day 1: 5 9-04 Day 2: 5 6-05

67. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 10 15-03 139

Day 1: 5 5-07 Day 2: 5 9-12

67. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 10 15-03 139

Day 1: 5 7-02 Day 2: 5 8-01

67. Ed Dunnaway Flowood, Miss. 7 15-03 139

Day 1: 2 2-07 Day 2: 5 12-12

70. Scott Mcgehee Madison, Miss. 10 15-01 135

Day 1: 5 7-11 Day 2: 5 7-06

71. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 10 15-00 133

Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 5-07

72. Matthew Jones Spokane, Mo. 10 14-13 130

Day 1: 5 6-05 Day 2: 5 8-08

72. Michael Goodman Nebo, N.C. 5 14-13 130

Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 0 0-00

74. A.E. Red Moore Graham, N.C. 10 14-11 127

Day 1: 5 8-04 Day 2: 5 6-07

75. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, Fla. 8 14-00 125

Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 3 4-11

76. David Parsons Dothan, Ala. 10 13-15 123

Day 1: 5 6-04 Day 2: 5 7-11

77. Stanley Gunter Saluda, S.C. 10 13-09 119

Day 1: 5 7-05 Day 2: 5 6-04

77. Harry Moore Valley, Ala. 10 13-09 119

Day 1: 5 7-01 Day 2: 5 6-08

77. Lee Hartley Buford, Ga. 9 13-09 119

Day 1: 4 7-09 Day 2: 5 6-00

80. Brian Holder Gastonia, N.C. 8 13-08 115

Day 1: 5 8-05 Day 2: 3 5-03

81. Mike Cox Huntsville, Ala. 10 13-03 113

Day 1: 5 6-05 Day 2: 5 6-14

82. Larry Gaines Valparaiso, Fla. 10 13-02 111

Day 1: 5 5-09 Day 2: 5 7-09

83. James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 7 13-01 109

Day 1: 2 5-03 Day 2: 5 7-14

84. Roger Camp St Cloud, Fla. 10 12-15 106

Day 1: 5 6-11 Day 2: 5 6-04

84. John Wells Nashville, Tenn. 7 12-15 106

Day 1: 2 3-08 Day 2: 5 9-07

86. Robert Morin Seymour, Tenn. 10 12-14 103

Day 1: 5 5-12 Day 2: 5 7-02

87. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 10 12-10 101

Day 1: 5 6-10 Day 2: 5 6-00

88. Dow Cox Jonesborough, Tenn. 10 12-08 99

Day 1: 5 6-11 Day 2: 5 5-13

89. Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 10 12-00 95

Day 1: 5 5-06 Day 2: 5 6-10

89. T R Andreas Kerrville, Texas 10 12-00 95

Day 1: 5 6-10 Day 2: 5 5-06

89. Danny Isenhart Fairview, Tenn. 9 12-00 95

Day 1: 5 6-01 Day 2: 4 5-15

92. Robert Byrd Dallas, Texas 9 11-07 91

Day 1: 4 5-06 Day 2: 5 6-01

93. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 8 11-04 89

Day 1: 5 8-03 Day 2: 3 3-01

94. Mike Pickett Brandenburg, Ky. 8 11-03 87

Day 1: 4 5-10 Day 2: 4 5-09

95. Raul Morineau Mexico City 03810, Mex 10 11-02 84

Day 1: 5 5-01 Day 2: 5 6-01

95. Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 5 11-02 84

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 5 11-02

97. Matt Amedeo Akron, Ohio 6 10-15 81

Day 1: 4 8-12 Day 2: 2 2-03

98. Tim Sisk Cherryville, N.C. 5 10-13 79

Day 1: 2 2-10 Day 2: 3 8-03

99. Keith Rhodes Royal Palm Beach, Fla. 9 10-12 77

Day 1: 5 6-01 Day 2: 4 4-11

100.Joe Clements Kissimmee, Fla. 5 10-10 76

Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 0 0-00

101.James Anderson Miami, Fla. 8 10-09 75

Day 1: 5 7-08 Day 2: 3 3-01

102.Randy Weatherford Millbrook, Ala. 8 10-06 74

Day 1: 5 7-07 Day 2: 3 2-15

103.Chris Heath North Augusta, S.C. 8 10-05 73

Day 1: 4 4-14 Day 2: 4 5-07

104.Shane Voyles Blue Springs, Mo. 6 9-10 72

Day 1: 4 7-13 Day 2: 2 1-13

105.Todd Kuhn North East, Md. 7 9-07 70

Day 1: 2 2-11 Day 2: 5 6-12

105.Dan Welch New Martinsville, W.Va 6 9-07 70

Day 1: 1 2-14 Day 2: 5 6-09

107.Lloyd Willmouth Saint Cloud, Fla. 10 9-03 69

Day 1: 5 7-02 Day 2: 5 2-01

108.Richard Leigeber Cullman, Ala. 4 9-02 68

Day 1: 2 3-00 Day 2: 2 6-02

109.Ronald Pierce Mountain Home, Ark. 5 8-14 67

Day 1: 4 7-05 Day 2: 1 1-09

110.Jerry Gore Orlando, Fla. 7 8-11 66

Day 1: 4 5-06 Day 2: 3 3-05

111.Howard Dotson Paintsville, Ky. 6 8-09 65

Day 1: 5 7-01 Day 2: 1 1-08

112.Tony Sapp Dallas, Ga. 6 8-01 64

Day 1: 2 2-12 Day 2: 4 5-05

113.Todd Leibfreid Dade City, Fla. 4 7-15 63

Day 1: 3 6-00 Day 2: 1 1-15

114.Fred Rigdon Belleview, Fla. 5 7-14 62

Day 1: 5 7-14 Day 2: 0 0-00

115.Harold Allen Shelbyville, Alaska 6 7-11 60

Day 1: 5 6-11 Day 2: 1 1-00

115.Douglas Luper Alexandria, Va. 6 7-11 60

Day 1: 1 1-06 Day 2: 5 6-05

117.Marvin Ettredge Shreveport, La. 4 6-14 59

Day 1: 1 2-10 Day 2: 3 4-04

118.Austin Banks Madison, Miss. 6 6-12 58

Day 1: 3 3-01 Day 2: 3 3-11

119.Benjamin Petitpas Boynton Beach, Fla. 4 6-08 57

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 4 6-08

120.Curtis A Reeves Riverdale, Ga. 5 6-04 56

Day 1: 3 3-10 Day 2: 2 2-10

120.Steve Sennikoff Forney, Texas 3 6-04 56

Day 1: 2 3-04 Day 2: 1 3-00

122.Gary Pace Woodstock, Ga. 4 5-14 54

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 4 5-14

123.Chris Hadden Frostproof, Fla. 4 5-06 53

Day 1: 4 5-06 Day 2: 0 0-00

124.Ben Carroll Kissimmee, Fla. 3 5-00 52

Day 1: 2 4-01 Day 2: 1 0-15

125.Marty Colley Ashville, Ala. 2 4-02 51

Day 1: 2 4-02 Day 2: 0 0-00

126.Bobby Myers Brook Haven, Miss. 1 3-14 50

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 3-14

127.Shawn Rook Russellville, Ark. 2 3-04 49

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 2 3-04

128.Darrell Collins Paintsville, Ky. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00
 

Day 3: Lane Surges to Tour Victory

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OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – Less than two weeks ago, Chris Lane quit his job as a salesman so he could concentrate on fishing. The decision is starting to look like a good one: On Saturday, Lane won the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour on Lake Okeechobee.

Lane, of Winter Haven , Fla., dominated the final day of competition to put together the winning weight of 54 pounds, 12 ounces. He bested fellow Floridian Terry Scroggins by more than 6 pounds.

Lane said his decision to quit his job will allow him to fish the prestigious CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series next year. A BASS fishing career for Lane builds on a family tradition: His father, Robert, and two brothers, Arnie and Bobby, also fish BASS tournaments.

“This win means a whole lot to me,” the 30-year-old pro said. “For the past three months, I have been working non-stop to make my dream happen, and the money has been tight. But this win makes things easier on my family and me. It’s just a total blessing.”

Lane said he threw a Gambler cane toad to bring in most of his final-day weight of 21 pounds, 10 ounces. The prize bass of his bag, a 7-9 lunker, fell for a Gambler otter flipped into thick cover.

Although he lost a bass he estimated to be about 8 pounds, he was able to boat all the fish needed to win the $26,100 cash prize and a fully rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000.

Scroggins, whose total weight was 48 pounds, lamented that he couldn’t duplicate his first-day lead. The Palatka, Fla., native has made a name for himself on Florida fisheries, including a 2003 CITGO Bassmaster Tour win on Okeechobee, but Friday and Saturday, his spots didn’t produce.

“I should have listened to Chris (Lane) today because he told me what to do,” a frustrated Scroggins said. “But I fished all new water and couldn’t get them to bite.”

Still, Scroggins is considered a favorite in next month’s $1.2 million 2006 CITGO Bassmaster Classic. And there are 500,000 reasons for Scroggins to refocus and forget about his tough loss on the Big “O.”

“I hope it’s going to turn on to a flipping bite because, if so, I will be hard to beat,” the Elite Series pro said.

Behind Lane and Scroggins were Shawn Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla. (46-4), second-day leader James Niggemeyer of Lindale, Texas (45-6); and Mark Lamb of West Palm Beach, Fla. (44-11).

The Florida domination continued on the co-angler side. Bruce Kane of Sunny Isles, Fla., won a Triton boat prize valued at $30,000 with his 26 pounds, 14 ounces of bass. Following Kane was Georgian Heath Pack (24-15), Louisiana’s Mark Richard (24-1), and Floridians Robert Dice (23-0) and Phillip Lee (22-10).

Texan Brian Penso kicked the day off on an interesting note. The Houston, Texas, angler launched his boat mistakenly with another local tournament that was in close proximity. According to BASS tournament manager Chris Bowes, Penso sacrificed Saturday’s catch, but was still eligible for the prize money for his 39th place finish.

Day 3 Standings

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$



1. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 15 54-12 305 $71,100.00

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 22-11 Day 3: 5 21-10

2. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 15 48-00 300 $51,960.00

Day 1: 5 24-05 Day 2: 5 12-15 Day 3: 5 10-12

3. Shawn Johnson Jacksonville, Fla. 15 46-04 290 $32,610.00

Day 1: 5 7-07 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 18-15

4. James Niggemeyer Lindale, Texas 14 45-06 290 $25,000.00

Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 4 4-12

5. Mark Lamb West Palm Beach, Fla. 15 44-11 280 $8,700.00

Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 23-08 Day 3: 5 10-06

6. Patrick Pierce Jacksonville, Fla. 15 42-10 276 $6,960.00

Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 5 16-05

7. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 15 41-11 272 $5,655.00

Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 15-02 Day 3: 5 14-03

8. Rodney Sorrell Stokesdale, N.C. 15 41-06 268 $4,350.00

Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 22-01 Day 3: 5 6-06

9. Kevin Marrs Melbourne, Fla. 15 40-10 264 $3,915.00

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 8-08 Day 3: 5 21-11

10. Marty Robinson Greer, S.C. 15 40-08 258 $3,610.50

Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 6-03

10. Derek Remitz North Branch, Minn. 15 40-08 258 $3,610.50

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 10-05 Day 3: 5 14-10

12. Randy Yager Syracuse, N.Y. 15 38-07 254 $3,480.00

Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 12-08 Day 3: 5 6-13

13. Clark Reehm Leesville, La. 14 38-05 251 $5,393.00

Day 1: 4 14-00 Day 2: 5 14-14 Day 3: 5 9-07

14. Curtis Lewis West Palm Beach, Fla. 15 36-06 248 $3,306.00

Day 1: 5 7-12 Day 2: 5 12-12 Day 3: 5 15-14

15. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 12 35-10 245 $3,219.00

Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 11-05 Day 3: 2 2-08

16. Mike Balon Clewiston, Fla. 15 35-07 243 $3,132.00

Day 1: 5 8-06 Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 5 11-09

17. Tony Hogan Pensacola, Fla. 12 34-11 241 $4,045.00

Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 4 11-13 Day 3: 3 11-05

18. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 8 33-10 239 $3,958.00

Day 1: 3 5-15 Day 2: 5 27-11 Day 3: 0 0-00

19. Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 13 32-11 237 $2,784.00

Day 1: 3 5-04 Day 2: 5 17-08 Day 3: 5 9-15

20. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 15 32-05 235 $2,610.00

Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 7-13 Day 3: 5 11-07

21. Chris Daniels Panama City, Fla. 15 32-03 233 $2,523.00

Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 10-05 Day 3: 5 11-09

22. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 15 31-14 231 $2,436.00

Day 1: 5 9-03 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 5 9-10

23. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 15 31-03 228 $2,305.50

Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 8-09 Day 3: 5 9-06

23. Terry Bloom Groveland, Fla. 15 31-03 228 $2,305.50

Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 10-07 Day 3: 5 7-13

25. Sam Greer London, Ky. 11 31-01 225 $2,175.00

Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 4 13-14 Day 3: 2 2-15

26. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, Miss. 15 30-15 223 $2,088.00

Day 1: 5 6-03 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 5 11-09

27. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 15 30-05 221 $2,001.00

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 9-01 Day 3: 5 7-02

28. Nicholas Turner Jones, Ala. 15 29-06 219 $1,914.00

Day 1: 5 8-13 Day 2: 5 9-03 Day 3: 5 11-06

29. Donnie Hawks Galax, Va. 13 29-05 217 $1,827.00

Day 1: 3 3-07 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 6-05

30. Larry Jones Acworth, Ga. 15 29-00 215 $1,740.00

Day 1: 5 6-14 Day 2: 5 11-02 Day 3: 5 11-00

31. Thomas O'Bryant Cedar Grove, Tenn. 15 28-14 213 $1,697.00

Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 9-13 Day 3: 5 8-01

32. Craig Dowling Many, La. 13 28-10 211 $1,653.00

Day 1: 3 8-00 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 9-03

33. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 15 28-00 209 $1,610.00

Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 6-06 Day 3: 5 7-04

34. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 13 27-15 207 $1,566.00

Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 4 6-06 Day 3: 4 8-11

35. Randy Alexander London, Ky. 15 27-10 205 $1,523.00

Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 8-08 Day 3: 5 8-14

36. Brady Nelson Palmetto, Fla. 15 27-00 203 $1,479.00

Day 1: 5 7-05 Day 2: 5 11-04 Day 3: 5 8-07

37. James Conrad Alva, Fla. 15 26-11 201 $1,436.00

Day 1: 5 7-11 Day 2: 5 11-00 Day 3: 5 8-00

38. Frank Ippoliti Smithsburg, Md. 15 26-09 199 $1,392.00

Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 7-01 Day 3: 5 7-09

39. Brian Penso Houston, Texas 10 26-05 197 $1,349.00

Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 0 0-00

40. Robert Miley Miami, Fla. 14 26-03 195 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 8-08 Day 2: 4 9-07 Day 3: 5 8-04

41. Cecil Douberly Lakeland, Fla. 15 25-04 193 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 7-06 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 5 7-00

42. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 15 25-02 191 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 8-04 Day 3: 5 7-09

43. Darrell Newman Bruceville, Texas 12 24-15 189 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 6-13 Day 2: 5 15-08 Day 3: 2 2-10

44. Tom Hamlin Lizella, Ga. 15 24-12 187 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 8-09 Day 2: 5 9-04 Day 3: 5 6-15

45. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 14 24-06 185 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 7-07 Day 3: 4 6-07

46. Rich Patterson Windermere, Fla. 15 23-13 183 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 5-04 Day 2: 5 13-02 Day 3: 5 5-07

47. Bobby Scharber Pulaski, Tenn. 12 23-09 181 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 7-12 Day 3: 2 1-11

48. Mike Robinson Acworth, Ga. 9 22-12 179 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 1 6-03 Day 3: 3 4-07

49. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 11 21-07 177 $1,305.00

Day 1: 5 6-13 Day 2: 4 11-00 Day 3: 2 3-10

50. John Gray Noblesville, Ind. 11 19-01 175 $1,087.50

Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 5-06 Day 3: 1 1-04
 

Articles and images from BASS

Compiled by Brandon Shook