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BASS Southern Tour: Santee Cooper, SC

Southern Tour Event # 3 of 5

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3

Day 1: Tour Anglers Attack Santee Cooper

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MANNING, S.C. – Competing in the wake of the CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series event at Santee Cooper Reservoir, anglers in the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour got a shot at the productive fishery.

Thursday, the opening day of the April 6-8 Tour event, Alabama angler Boyd Duckett hauled in a limit that weighed in at 29 pounds, 2 ounces, giving him a commanding four-pound-plus lead over Texan James Niggemeyer.

While Duckett’s weight was impressive, it was a far cry from the weights brought in by Elite Series anglers just one week ago. Tour anglers had to deal with greater boat pressure and the downhill side of the incredible spawning wave Elite anglers keyed in on.

Gunning for his second BASS win, Duckett took advantage of a late afternoon sight-bite presented to him by luck of the draw: Because he was in the last flight of anglers to leave the ramp in the morning, he was able to fish later in the day. The 45-year-old said he caught all of his keeper fish on a crawdad-type lure, including an 8-13 lunker for Purolator Big Bass honors and the $1,000 premium.

Luck put him in the last flight, so perhaps the 45-year-old wasn’t off base when he gave some credit for his successful day to a pair of bright-red athletic shoes. Not wanting to jinx his chances of two more productive days, he said he will wear the shoes throughout the tournament, breaking his normal routine of switching shoes for each day of competition.

“After catching 29 pounds, I am wearing these babies tomorrow,” Duckett said of his lucky red shoes. “I didn’t catch my first fish until 10:30 a.m., but they moved back on the beds later in the day, and I took advantage.”

On Friday, Duckett won’t get his late-afternoon advantage because he’s scheduled to go out in the first flight. The Alabama pro said he will travel immediately to an 8-pounder he located at the end of the day on Lake Moultrie.

Similar to Duckett, Niggemeyer, who late last year was victorious at an ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series Tournament on the Red River in Louisiana, is targeting bedding fish on Lake Moultrie, sight-fishing with soft-plastic baits. Although he didn’t want to divulge specifics about his bait, he did say it is produced by Lake Fork Trophy Bait and Tackle, which is near Lake Fork, his hometown lake.

The recent tournament resume of the soft-spoken Niggemeyer shows few weaknesses. In addition to an ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series win in November 2005, he has two top-10 finishes thus far on the Tour, providing him with a lead in the all-important points race.

The next logical step for Niggemeyer is to qualify for and enter the Elite Series, the premier trail in bass fishing. The top five point leaders from each Tour automatically qualify for the Elite Series; the top three from each Tour also qualify for the 2007 CITGO Bassmaster Classic.

“To fish in the Classic and participate in the Elite Series is definitely a dream of mine,” said Niggemeyer, who recently had his first child, now a 6-month-old boy. “The financial commitment is very serious, but if you are confident in your skills, that is the way to go.”

Rounding out the top five on the pro side are Mississippi’s Cliff Pace (23-13); homegrown angler Cecil Wolfe (23-4) of Goose Creek, S.C.; and Floridian Patrick Pierce (19-10).

On the co-angler side, leading the chase for a Triton boat package valued at $30,000 is Georgia’s Marty Scoggins. His bag Thursday was two fish that weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces, giving him a 1-pound-plus lead over Texan Robert Kell (7-9) and Vermont’s Larry Butler (7-5). Scoggins, of Trion, Ga., took the Day 1 Purolator Big Bass honors with his 6-13 fish.

Pros are fishing for $324,650 and co-anglers are competing for $68,880. The champion pro will take home a fully rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000, plus $30,000 in cash. The champion co-angler will receive a Triton boat valued at $30,000.



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



1. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 5 29-02 305 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 29-02

2. James Niggemeyer Lindale, Texas 5 24-11 295

Day 1: 5 24-11

3. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 23-13 290

Day 1: 5 23-13

4. Cecil Wolfe Goose Creek, S.C. 5 23-04 285

Day 1: 5 23-04

5. Patrick Pierce Jacksonville, Fla. 5 19-10 280

Day 1: 5 19-10

6. J T Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 5 19-01 274

Day 1: 5 19-01

6. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 5 19-01 274

Day 1: 5 19-01

8. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 5 18-07 268

Day 1: 5 18-07

9. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 5 18-05 264

Day 1: 5 18-05

10. Matt Amedeo Akron, Ohio 5 18-01 260

Day 1: 5 18-01

11. Mike Robinson Acworth, Ga. 4 17-09 257

Day 1: 4 17-09

12. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 17-07 252

Day 1: 5 17-07

12. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, Texas 5 17-07 252

Day 1: 5 17-07

14. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 5 17-03 248

Day 1: 5 17-03

15. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 17-00 245

Day 1: 5 17-00

16. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 5 16-08 243

Day 1: 5 16-08

17. Ben Lee Lexington, S.C. 5 16-02 240

Day 1: 5 16-02

17. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, Fla. 5 16-02 240

Day 1: 5 16-02

19. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 5 16-00 237

Day 1: 5 16-00

20. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, Miss. 5 15-09 235

Day 1: 5 15-09

21. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 14-11 233

Day 1: 5 14-11

22. Matt Hupp Highland Village, Texa 5 14-09 231

Day 1: 5 14-09

23. Scott Mcgehee Madison, Miss. 5 14-03 229

Day 1: 5 14-03

24. Donnie Hawks Galax, Va. 3 14-02 227

Day 1: 3 14-02

25. Kevin Marrs Melbourne, Fla. 5 14-01 224

Day 1: 5 14-01

25. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 5 14-01 224

Day 1: 5 14-01

27. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 5 13-14 221

Day 1: 5 13-14

28. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 4 13-11 219

Day 1: 4 13-11

29. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 5 13-08 217

Day 1: 5 13-08

30. A.E. Red Moore Graham, N.C. 5 13-07 215

Day 1: 5 13-07

31. Russ Osborne Orlando, Fla. 3 13-06 213

Day 1: 3 13-06

32. Deryl Janzen Hemphill, Texas 3 13-03 211

Day 1: 3 13-03

33. Craig Dowling Many, La. 5 12-15 209

Day 1: 5 12-15

34. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 5 12-13 207

Day 1: 5 12-13

35. Raul Morineau Mexico City , Mexico 4 12-12 205

Day 1: 4 12-12

36. Cecil Douberly Lakeland, Fla. 5 12-11 202

Day 1: 5 12-11

36. Austin Banks Madison, Miss. 4 12-11 202

Day 1: 4 12-11

38. John Gray Noblesville, Ind. 3 12-07 199

Day 1: 3 12-07

39. Sergio Longas Caspe, Spain 4 12-04 195

Day 1: 4 12-04

39. Sean Dassau Helena, Ala. 3 12-04 195

Day 1: 3 12-04

39. Trad D Whaley Abbeville, S.C. 2 12-04 195

Day 1: 2 12-04

42. Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 5 12-03 191

Day 1: 5 12-03

43. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 3 11-15 189

Day 1: 3 11-15

44. Steve Sennikoff Forney, Texas 3 11-05 187

Day 1: 3 11-05

45. Joe Clements Kissimmee, Fla. 5 11-03 185

Day 1: 5 11-03

46. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 3 11-02 183

Day 1: 3 11-02

47. Michael Delvisco Greer, S.C. 5 11-00 181

Day 1: 5 11-00

48. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 5 10-15 179

Day 1: 5 10-15

49. Keith Rhodes Kissimmee, Fla. 4 10-14 176

Day 1: 4 10-14

49. Chris Daniels Panama City, Fla. 3 10-14 176

Day 1: 3 10-14

51. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 4 10-11 172

Day 1: 4 10-11

51. Ed Whaley Montgomery, Texas 4 10-11 172

Day 1: 4 10-11

53. Larry Gaines Valparaiso, Fla. 5 10-07 167

Day 1: 5 10-07

53. Tom Hamlin Lizella, Ga. 4 10-07 167

Day 1: 4 10-07

53. Rich Patterson Windermere, Fla. 4 10-07 167

Day 1: 4 10-07

56. John C. (Chuck) Howar Elloree, S.C. 5 10-00 163

Day 1: 5 10-00

57. Ben Carroll Kissimmee, Fla. 5 9-08 161

Day 1: 5 9-08

58. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 3 9-06 159

Day 1: 3 9-06

59. Randy Alexander London, Ky. 4 9-05 157

Day 1: 4 9-05

60. Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 3 9-03 155

Day 1: 3 9-03

61. Kenneth Young Maitland, Fla. 2 8-15 153

Day 1: 2 8-15

62. Michael Goodman Nebo, N.C. 4 8-13 151

Day 1: 4 8-13

63. Thomas O'Bryant Cedar Grove, Tenn. 4 8-09 149

Day 1: 4 8-09

64. Darrell Newman Bruceville, Texas 5 8-06 147

Day 1: 5 8-06

65. Clark Reehm Leesville, La. 3 8-01 145

Day 1: 3 8-01

66. Marvin Ettredge Shreveport, La. 3 7-10 143

Day 1: 3 7-10

67. Todd Bailey Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 2 7-09 140

Day 1: 2 7-09

67. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 2 7-09 140

Day 1: 2 7-09

69. Nicholas Turner Jones, Ala. 3 7-08 137

Day 1: 3 7-08

70. Harold Allen Shelbyville, Texas 3 7-01 134

Day 1: 3 7-01

70. Dow Cox Jonesborough, Tenn. 2 7-01 134

Day 1: 2 7-01

72. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 4 7-00 131

Day 1: 4 7-00

73. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 3 6-15 129

Day 1: 3 6-15

74. James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 3 6-11 127

Day 1: 3 6-11

75. Danny Isenhart Fairview, Tenn. 3 6-10 125

Day 1: 3 6-10

76. Shawn Johnson Jacksonville, Fla. 3 6-09 123

Day 1: 3 6-09

77. Randy Weatherford Millbrook, Ala. 3 6-08 120

Day 1: 3 6-08

77. Bobby Scharber Pulaski, Tenn. 2 6-08 120

Day 1: 2 6-08

79. Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 2 6-04 117

Day 1: 2 6-04

80. Johnny Urbon Laurens, S.C. 3 6-02 115

Day 1: 3 6-02

81. Randy Yager Syracuse, N.Y. 3 5-15 113

Day 1: 3 5-15

82. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 3 5-13 111

Day 1: 3 5-13

83. Micah Sepko Greer, S.C. 4 5-11 109

Day 1: 4 5-11

84. Curtis Lewis West Palm Beach, Fla. 2 5-10 107

Day 1: 2 5-10

85. Robert Morin Seymour, Tenn. 3 5-02 105

Day 1: 3 5-02

86. Patrick Kelly Guntersville, Ala. 3 5-01 103

Day 1: 3 5-01

87. Tim Sisk Cherryville, N.C. 2 4-12 101

Day 1: 2 4-12

88. Gary Pace Woodstock, Ga. 2 4-10 99

Day 1: 2 4-10

89. Robert Byrd Dallas, Texas 2 4-09 97

Day 1: 2 4-09

90. James Conrad Alva, Fla. 1 4-06 95

Day 1: 1 4-06

91. David Parsons Dothan, Ala. 2 4-05 93

Day 1: 2 4-05

92. Roger Camp St Cloud, Fla. 2 4-04 91

Day 1: 2 4-04

93. Robert Miley Miami, Fla. 2 4-00 89

Day 1: 2 4-00

94. James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 2 3-09 86

Day 1: 2 3-09

94. Dan Welch New Martinsville, W.Va 2 3-09 86

Day 1: 2 3-09

96. Lee Hartley Buford, Ga. 1 3-07 83

Day 1: 1 3-07

97. Todd Leibfreid Dade City, Fla. 1 3-05 81

Day 1: 1 3-05

98. Anthony Dumitras Winston, Ga. 1 2-10 78

Day 1: 1 2-10

98. John Wells Nashville, Tenn. 1 2-10 78

Day 1: 1 2-10

100.Stanley Gunter Saluda, S.C. 1 2-08 76

Day 1: 1 2-08

101.James Anderson Miami, Fla. 1 2-07 75

Day 1: 1 2-07

102.Mike Cox Huntsville, Ala. 2 2-05 74

Day 1: 2 2-05

103.Lloyd Willmouth Saint Cloud, Fla. 1 2-03 73

Day 1: 1 2-03

104.Douglas Luper Alexandria, Va. 1 2-02 72

Day 1: 1 2-02

105.Flint Fivecoait Somerset, Ky. 1 2-00 71

Day 1: 1 2-00

106.Richard Leigeber Cullman, Ala. 1 1-05 70

Day 1: 1 1-05

107.Kip Bodkin Rhome, Texas 1 1-04 69

Day 1: 1 1-04

108.Tony Hogan Pensacola, Fla. 1 0-15 68

Day 1: 1 0-15

108.Tony Sapp Dallas, Ga. 1 0-15 68

Day 1: 1 0-15

110.Mike Pickett Brandenburg, Ky. 1 0-00 56

Day 1: 1 0-00

110.Terry Bloom Groveland, Fla. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Frank Boothe Albaqueque, N.M. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Ron Brown Mount Pleasant, S.C. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Bruce Brown Haughton, Ala. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

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

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.H.D. Dotson Paintsville, Ky. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Ed Dunnaway Flowood, Miss. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Jerry Gore Orlando, Fla. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Sam Greer London, Ky. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Darrell Hicks Carrollton, Ga. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Brian Holder Gastonia, N.C. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Larry Jones Acworth, Ga. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Jim Langston Cameron, S.C. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Harry Moore Valley, Ala. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Brad Outersky Lone Jack, Mo. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.James Parker Slidell, La. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Phil Parker Suffolk, Va. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Brian Penso Houston, Texas 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Ronald Pierce Mountain Home, Ark. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Curtis A Reeves Riverdale, Ga. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

110.Shawn Rook Russellville, Ark. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00

 

Day 2: Texan Niggemeyer Seizes Tour Lead

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MANNING, S.C. – It’s always been a dream of Texan James Niggemeyer to fish in the CITGO Bassmaster Classic and to compete in the top level of Bassmaster competition, the CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series. If the 34-year-old can continue his recent success on the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour — he is currently leading the all-important points race — that dream soon will become reality.

With one competition day to go, the West-Coast transplant sits atop the Santee Cooper Tour standings with 50 pounds, 6 ounces — a commanding lead of 8-plus pounds over Alabama pro Boyd Duckett (42-5).

“I’m speechless at the thought of finishing the Tour well and qualifying for the Classic and the Elite Series,” said Niggemeyer, who moved from Glendale, Calif., to Lindale, Texas. “That would be a dream come true. Winning a Bassmaster event on top of all that would be icing on the cake.”

The top-five points leaders from each Tour automatically qualify for the Elite Series and the top three from each Tour also qualify for the 2007 CITGO Bassmaster Classic — accomplishments well within Niggemeyer’s reach if he can stay on the fast track he’s created for himself.

Starting with an ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series Tournament win on Red River in Louisiana late last year, Niggemeyer has been red-hot, registering two top-10 finishes on the first two Tour events of 2006.

At the Santee Cooper event, Niggemeyer has fished areas unique to the rest of the field, primarily keying in on vegetation. Although heavy boat traffic has been a hitch in many contenders’ game plans, including Niggemeyer’s, he continues to persevere.

Two days in a row, he has had a banner day despite starting with limited expectations. He is using a soft plastic bait produced by Lake Fork Trophy Bait and Tackle, which is near Lake Fork, his current hometown lake.

“Looking at my weights, it would seem like I am on a pile of fish,” Niggemeyer said. “But I only caught six keepers today and I feel blessed to be getting the big bites I have been getting.”

On Saturday, Niggemeyer said, he will have to search for new water because the weather forecast calls for heavy thunderstorms to pound the reservoir. If past performance is any indication, Niggemeyer will be able to find productive water.

Considering that Niggemeyer is not on a solid pattern, first-day leader Duckett could pull out a win with a magical day Saturday. Although the superstitious Duckett attributed much of his Thursday success to a pair of “lucky” bright-red athletic shoes, the Demopolis, Ala., pro said he will dig out a pair of sneakers he reserves for final days of competition. He apparently lost confidence in the red shoes after a disappointing Friday catch of 13 pounds, 3 ounces.

“Gerald Swindle says they look like 1963 Corvettes,” Duckett said, referring to what the quotable Elite pro said about his final-day shoes. “To tell you the truth, I wish I did a better job today, but tomorrow is another day and I will swing for the fences tomorrow.”

Much like Niggemeyer, Duckett, who owns a tanker-truck leasing business, said he will have to start over Saturday in his search for productive waters. The threatening weather conditions will force him to key in on extremely shallow water, he added, in an attempt to salvage a sight-bite.

“I have a shot and I’m certainly happy about that,” Duckett said. “Hopefully, I can find some nice areas and take this thing home tomorrow.”

Tour contenders have run into a bit of a down period on Santee Cooper Reservoir. Just last week, records were shattered at the CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series event, but with the lack of the spawning wave that hit for the Elite tournament and increasingly difficult weather conditions, the Tour pros have been unable to locate large bedding fish.

Rounding out Day 2’s top five pros were two South Carolina anglers, Cecil Wolfe (41-4) and Jason Williamson (41-1). In fifth is Mississippi’s Cliff Pace (39-11).

Purolator Big Bass honors were captured Friday by pro Craig Dowling of Many, La., with his 9-5 bass; and by co-angler Vernon Silver of Boutte, La., whose single fish Friday was a 5-14.

With a two-day total of 12 pounds, 6 ounces, Silver is leading on the co-angler side, where a Triton boat package valued at $30,000 is at stake. Two Palmetto State anglers, Glenn Kimbrell (11-5) and Billy Schwach (10-0), trail Silver.

For Saturday’s competition — the event’s final day — the field was cut to the top 50. Pros are fishing for a total purse of $324,650 and co-anglers are competing for $68,880. The champion pro will take home a fully rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000, plus $30,000 in cash. The champion co-angler will receive a Triton boat valued at $30,000.


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


1. James Niggemeyer Lindale, Texas 10 50-06 305

Day 1: 5 24-11 Day 2: 5 25-11

2. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 10 42-05 300

$1,000

Day 1: 5 29-02 Day 2: 5 13-03

3. Cecil Wolfe Goose Creek, S.C. 10 41-04 290

Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 18-00

4. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 10 41-01 285

Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 22-00

5. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 10 39-11 280

Day 1: 5 23-13 Day 2: 5 15-14

6. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 10 38-06 276

Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 20-15

7. Craig Dowling Many, La. 10 37-00 272

$1,000.00

Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 24-01

8. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 10 36-14 268

Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 18-09

9. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, Texas 10 35-03 264

Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 17-12

10. Thomas O'Bryant Cedar Grove, Tenn. 9 34-05 260

Day 1: 4 8-09 Day 2: 5 25-12

11. Ben Lee Lexington, S.C. 10 33-04 257

Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 17-02

12. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 10 32-06 254

Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 18-14

13. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 8 32-00 251

Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 3 15-00

14. Donnie Hawks Galax, Va. 8 31-02 248

Day 1: 3 14-02 Day 2: 5 17-00

15. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 10 31-01 245

Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 12-10

16. Patrick Pierce Jacksonville, Fla. 10 30-12 243

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 11-02

17. Russ Osborne Orlando, Fla. 6 30-11 241

Day 1: 3 13-06 Day 2: 3 17-05

18. John C. (Chuck) Howar Elloree, S.C. 10 29-10 238

Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 19-10

18. Matt Amedeo Akron, Ohio 9 29-10 238

Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 4 11-09

20. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 10 29-07 235

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 15-06

21. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 8 29-05 233

Day 1: 3 11-02 Day 2: 5 18-03

22. John Gray Noblesville, Ind. 8 28-15 231

Day 1: 3 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-08

23. J T Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 9 28-05 229

Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 4 9-04

24. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 10 28-00 227

Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 13-05

25. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, Miss. 8 27-13 225

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 3 12-04

26. Scott Mcgehee Madison, Miss. 10 27-04 222

Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-01

26. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 8 27-04 222

Day 1: 3 5-13 Day 2: 5 21-07

28. Chris Daniels Panama City, Fla. 8 26-10 219

Day 1: 3 10-14 Day 2: 5 15-12

29. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 10 26-06 217

Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 9-14

30. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 8 25-13 215

Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 3 8-10

31. Trad D Whaley Abbeville, S.C. 7 25-08 213

Day 1: 2 12-04 Day 2: 5 13-04

32. Sergio Longas Caspe, Spain 8 25-07 210

Day 1: 4 12-04 Day 2: 4 13-03

32. Mike Robinson Acworth, Ga. 7 25-07 210

Day 1: 4 17-09 Day 2: 3 7-14

34. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 8 25-03 207

Day 1: 3 9-06 Day 2: 5 15-13

35. Patrick Kelly Guntersville, Ala. 8 24-12 205

Day 1: 3 5-01 Day 2: 5 19-11

36. Ed Whaley Montgomery, Texas 9 24-07 203

Day 1: 4 10-11 Day 2: 5 13-12

37. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, Fla. 8 24-06 201

Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 3 8-04

38. Dow Cox Jonesborough, Tenn. 7 24-04 199

Day 1: 2 7-01 Day 2: 5 17-03

39. Randy Weatherford Millbrook, Ala. 8 23-03 197

Day 1: 3 6-08 Day 2: 5 16-11

40. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 8 22-12 195

Day 1: 3 11-15 Day 2: 5 10-13

41. A.E. Red Moore Graham, N.C. 8 22-09 193

Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 3 9-02

42. Larry Gaines Valparaiso, Fla. 10 21-14 190

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

42. Tom Hamlin Lizella, Ga. 9 21-14 190

Day 1: 4 10-07 Day 2: 5 11-07

44. Cecil Douberly Lakeland, Fla. 9 21-05 187

Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 4 8-10

45. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 7 20-14 185

Day 1: 4 13-11 Day 2: 3 7-03

46. Keith Rhodes Kissimmee, Fla. 7 20-08 183

Day 1: 4 10-14 Day 2: 3 9-10

47. Kevin Marrs Melbourne, Fla. 7 20-02 181

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 2 6-01

48. Michael Goodman Nebo, N.C. 7 19-12 179

Day 1: 4 8-13 Day 2: 3 10-15

49. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 7 19-01 177

Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 2 5-03

50. Matt Hupp Highland Village, Texa 7 18-14 175

Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 2 4-05

51. Sammy Burks Joplin, Mo. 5 18-10 173

$890.00

Day 1: 2 6-04 Day 2: 3 12-06

52. Sean Dassau Helena, Ala. 4 18-08 171

$890.00

Day 1: 3 12-04 Day 2: 1 6-04

53. Marvin Ettredge Shreveport, La. 8 18-06 169

$890.00

Day 1: 3 7-10 Day 2: 5 10-12

54. Steve Sennikoff Forney, Texas 6 17-11 167

$890.00

Day 1: 3 11-05 Day 2: 3 6-06

55. Clark Reehm Leesville, La. 6 17-08 165

$890.00

Day 1: 3 8-01 Day 2: 3 9-07

56. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 8 17-07 163

$445.00

Day 1: 4 10-11 Day 2: 4 6-12

57. Johnny Urbon Laurens, S.C. 7 17-03 161

$445.00

Day 1: 3 6-02 Day 2: 4 11-01

58. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 7 17-00 159

$445.00

Day 1: 3 6-15 Day 2: 4 10-01

59. Austin Banks Madison, Miss. 6 16-13 156

$445.00

Day 1: 4 12-11 Day 2: 2 4-02

59. Nicholas Turner Jones, Ala. 6 16-13 156

$445.00

Day 1: 3 7-08 Day 2: 3 9-05

61. Jack Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 5 16-00 153

Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

62. Dan Welch New Martinsville, W.Va 7 15-12 151

Day 1: 2 3-09 Day 2: 5 12-03

63. Gary Pace Woodstock, Ga. 6 15-11 149

Day 1: 2 4-10 Day 2: 4 11-01

64. Deryl Janzen Hemphill, Texas 5 15-08 147

Day 1: 3 13-03 Day 2: 2 2-05

65. Darrell Newman Bruceville, Texas 7 15-00 144

Day 1: 5 8-06 Day 2: 2 6-10

65. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 6 15-00 144

Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 1 2-03

67. Lloyd Willmouth Saint Cloud, Fla. 4 14-06 141

Day 1: 1 2-03 Day 2: 3 12-03

68. James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 6 14-05 139

Day 1: 3 6-11 Day 2: 3 7-10

69. Ben Carroll Kissimmee, Fla. 7 14-01 137

Day 1: 5 9-08 Day 2: 2 4-09

70. Joe Clements Kissimmee, Fla. 6 14-00 135

Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 1 2-13

71. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 8 13-14 133

Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 3 2-15

72. Randy Alexander London, Ky. 7 13-11 131

Day 1: 4 9-05 Day 2: 3 4-06

73. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 5 13-09 129

Day 1: 2 7-09 Day 2: 3 6-00

74. Bobby Scharber Pulaski, Tenn. 4 13-03 127

Day 1: 2 6-08 Day 2: 2 6-11

75. Raul Morineau Mexico City , Mexico 4 12-12 125

Day 1: 4 12-12 Day 2: 0 0-00

76. Richard Leigeber Cullman, Ala. 3 12-08 123

Day 1: 1 1-05 Day 2: 2 11-03

77. Randy Yager Syracuse, N.Y. 6 12-04 120

Day 1: 3 5-15 Day 2: 3 6-05

77. Stanley Gunter Saluda, S.C. 4 12-04 120

Day 1: 1 2-08 Day 2: 3 9-12

79. Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg , Tenn. 5 12-03 117

Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 0 0-00

80. Robert Morin Seymour, Tenn. 5 12-00 115

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

81. David Parsons Dothan, Ala. 7 11-12 113

Day 1: 2 4-05 Day 2: 5 7-07

82. Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 4 11-07 111

Day 1: 3 9-03 Day 2: 1 2-04

83. Sam Greer London, Ky. 3 11-01 109

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 11-01

84. Michael Delvisco Greer, S.C. 5 11-00 106

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

84. Danny Isenhart Fairview, Tenn. 4 11-00 106

Day 1: 3 6-10 Day 2: 1 4-06

86. James Opalecky Elk Grove, Calif. 4 10-14 103

Day 1: 2 3-09 Day 2: 2 7-05

87. Darrell Hicks Carrollton, Ga. 3 10-11 101

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 10-11

88. Lee Hartley Buford, Ga. 2 10-09 99

Day 1: 1 3-07 Day 2: 1 7-02

89. Rich Patterson Windermere, Fla. 4 10-07 97

Day 1: 4 10-07 Day 2: 0 0-00

90. Roger Camp St Cloud, Fla. 5 10-05 95

Day 1: 2 4-04 Day 2: 3 6-01

91. Mike Cox Huntsville, Ala. 7 10-03 93

Day 1: 2 2-05 Day 2: 5 7-14

92. Harold Allen Shelbyville, Texas 5 10-02 91

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

93. Micah Sepko Greer, S.C. 6 10-01 88

Day 1: 4 5-11 Day 2: 2 4-06

93. James Conrad Alva, Fla. 2 10-01 88

Day 1: 1 4-06 Day 2: 1 5-11

95. Harry Moore Valley, Ala. 5 10-00 85

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

96. Brian Holder Gastonia, N.C. 5 9-13 83

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 5 9-13

97. Terry Bloom Groveland, Fla. 5 9-07 80

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 5 9-07

97. Todd Bailey Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 3 9-07 80

Day 1: 2 7-09 Day 2: 1 1-14

99. Brad Outersky Lone Jack, Mo. 3 9-00 77

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 9-00

100.Kenneth Young Maitland, Fla. 2 8-15 76

Day 1: 2 8-15 Day 2: 0 0-00

101.Mike Pickett Brandenburg, Ky. 4 7-07 75

Day 1: 1 0-00 Day 2: 3 7-07

102.James Anderson Miami, Fla. 3 7-02 74

Day 1: 1 2-07 Day 2: 2 4-11

103.Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 4 7-00 73

Day 1: 4 7-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

104.Shawn Johnson Jacksonville, Fla. 3 6-09 72

Day 1: 3 6-09 Day 2: 0 0-00

105.Curtis Lewis West Palm Beach, Fla. 2 5-10 71

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

106.Tim Sisk Cherryville, N.C. 2 4-12 70

Day 1: 2 4-12 Day 2: 0 0-00

107.Robert Byrd Dallas, Texas 2 4-09 69

Day 1: 2 4-09 Day 2: 0 0-00

108.Ronald Pierce Mountain Home, Ark. 2 4-02 68

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

109.Robert Miley Miami, Fla. 2 4-00 67

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

110.Flint Fivecoait Somerset, Ky. 2 3-14 66

Day 1: 1 2-00 Day 2: 1 1-14

111.Douglas Luper Alexandria, Va. 2 3-12 65

Day 1: 1 2-02 Day 2: 1 1-10

112.Todd Leibfreid Dade City, Fla. 1 3-05 64

Day 1: 1 3-05 Day 2: 0 0-00

113.Shawn Rook Russellville, Ark. 1 3-03 63

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 3-03

114.Bruce Brown Haughton, Ala. 1 2-13 62

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

115.Anthony Dumitras Winston, Ga. 1 2-10 60

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

115.John Wells Nashville, Tenn. 1 2-10 60

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

117.Tony Sapp Dallas, Ga. 2 2-04 59

Day 1: 1 0-15 Day 2: 1 1-05

118.Kip Bodkin Rhome, Texas 1 1-04 58

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

119.Larry Jones Acworth, Ga. 1 1-03 57

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 1 1-03

120.Tony Hogan Pensacola, Fla. 3 0-15 56

Day 1: 1 0-15 Day 2: 2 0-00

121.Frank Boothe Albaqueque, N.M. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Ron Brown Mount Pleasant, S.C. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

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

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.H.D. Dotson Paintsville, Ky. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Ed Dunnaway Flowood, Miss. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Jerry Gore Orlando, Fla. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Jim Langston Cameron, S.C. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.James Parker Slidell, La. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Phil Parker Suffolk, Va. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Brian Penso Houston, Texas 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00

121.Curtis A Reeves Riverdale, Ga. 0 0-00 0

Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00
 

Day 3: Texan Niggemeyer Notches Second BASS Win

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MANNING, S.C. – Riding a red-hot wave of recent tournament fishing, James Niggemeyer added another BASS win — his second in the past six months — to his resume.

Saturday, at the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour at Santee Cooper Reservoir, Niggemeyer finished with 64 pounds, 5 ounces, outlasting South Carolina competitor Jason Williamson (62-10) by less than two pounds.

Weighing in last, Niggemeyer was a bundle of nerves. He wasn’t convinced his weight would be enough to overtake the 25-year-old Williamson. But, in the end, it was a 10-4 lunker that locked up the tournament win for the Lindale, Texas, pro.

“I am absolutely elated with this win,” Niggemeyer said, whose first BASS win occurred at a 2005 ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series tournament on the Red River in Louisiana. “I was on pins and needles for a while there and I just didn’t think I had it.

“That fish gave me the fight of a lifetime,” he continued. “It hit my bait on my second cast, and almost broke off multiple times. In the end, it was worth over $70,000 to me.”

For his win, Niggemeyer secured a prize lot valued at almost $75,000 — a Triton boat package worth $45,000 and nearly $30,000 cash.

A West Coast transplant originally from Glendale, Calif., Niggemeyer attributed much of his success to strategies learned on his current hometown fishery, Lake Fork. He said he sight-fished on Santee Cooper, a tactic he’s mastered, thanks to his many hours guiding on the Texas trophy bass fishery.

He said his key bait was a Baby Fork Craw in green pumpkin color made by Lake Fork Trophy Bait and Tackle, and the line he spooled was 20-pound and 25-pound.

With the win, Niggemeyer takes a powerful lead in the all-important Tour points race. The top-five points leaders from each Tour automatically qualify for the Elite Series, and the top three from each Tour also qualify for the 2007 CITGO Bassmaster Classic — accomplishments well within Niggemeyer’s reach if he can continue his current hot streak.

“If my finances line up, my ultimate goal is to fish in the Elite Series,” said the soft-spoken Texan, who just recently had his first child, now a six-month-old. “Making a living fishing is the ultimate dream and BASS is the place to do that with the Elite Series.”

Fearing crowded areas on all three days, Niggemeyer located water devoid of boat pressure. On the final day, he spent the majority of his day in an area buttressed by a major feeder creek; it was the spot that produced the 10-4 lunker. Not only enough to clinch the win, the huge fish gave him Purolator Big Bass Honors and the $1,000 premium.

Despite getting close but ultimately falling short, Aiken, S.C., pro Williamson said he has no regrets.

“I am 100 percent satisfied with my tournament,” Williamson said. “I didn’t lose a fish all week and considering my practice, I certainly didn’t think I would factor in the lead on the final day.”

At just 25 years old and in his first year of BASS action, the South Carolina angler said his focus now is the remaining two events on the CITGO Bassmaster Southern Tour: Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Ala., May 11-13; and Lake Lanier, Gainesville, Ga., Sept. 7-9.

Rounding out the top five on the pro side at Santee Cooper were the Day 1 leader, Alabama pro Boyd Duckett (59-7); Floridian Bryan Hudgins (59-4); and Goose Creek, S.C., pro Cecil Wolfe (57-3).

On the co-angler side, Palmetto State angler Glenn Kimbrell took home the Triton boat package valued at $30,000 after catching 20 pounds, 13 ounces. Kimbrell outlasted Michigan angler Josh Clark (17-5) and fellow South Carolina angler Albert Pieper (16-1).


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


1. James Niggemeyer Lindale, Texas 13 64-05 310

$73,700.00

Day 1: 5 24-11 Day 2: 5 25-11 Day 3: 3 13-15

2. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 15 62-10 295

$52,120.00

Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 22-00 Day 3: 5 21-09

3. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 15 59-07 295

$33,670.00

Day 1: 5 29-02 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 5 17-02

4. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 15 59-04 285

$25,000.00

Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 18-09 Day 3: 5 22-06

5. Cecil Wolfe Goose Creek, S.C. 15 57-03 280

$8,900.00

Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 18-00 Day 3: 5 15-15

6. John C. (Chuck) Howar Elloree, S.C. 15 54-04 276

$7,120.00

Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 19-10 Day 3: 5 24-10

7. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 15 54-02 272

$5,785.00

Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 20-15 Day 3: 5 15-12

8. Matt Amedeo Akron, Ohio 14 49-00 268

$4,450.00

Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 4 11-09 Day 3: 5 19-06

9. Craig Dowling Many, La. 14 48-13 264

$5,005.00

Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 24-01 Day 3: 4 11-13

10. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, Texas 13 46-12 260

$3,738.00

Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 3 11-09

11. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 15 46-08 257

$3,649.00

Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 13-05 Day 3: 5 18-08

12. Donnie Hawks Galax, Va. 12 46-06 254

$3,560.00

Day 1: 3 14-02 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 4 15-04

13. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 15 46-00 251

$3,471.00

Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 13-10

14. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 11 44-10 248

$3,382.00

Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 3 15-00 Day 3: 3 12-10

15. Thomas O'Bryant Cedar Grove, Tenn. 14 44-05 245

$3,293.00

Day 1: 4 8-09 Day 2: 5 25-12 Day 3: 5 10-00

16. Mike Robinson Acworth, Ga. 12 42-12 243

$3,204.00

Day 1: 4 17-09 Day 2: 3 7-14 Day 3: 5 17-05

17. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 13 41-14 241

$3,115.00

Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 3 8-10 Day 3: 5 16-01

18. Chris Daniels Panama City, Fla. 13 41-03 239

$3,026.00

Day 1: 3 10-14 Day 2: 5 15-12 Day 3: 5 14-09

19. J T Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 14 41-01 237

$2,848.00

Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 4 9-04 Day 3: 5 12-12

20. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 13 40-07 235

$2,670.00

Day 1: 3 9-06 Day 2: 5 15-13 Day 3: 5 15-04

21. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 12 40-00 233

$2,581.00

Day 1: 3 11-02 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 4 10-11

22. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 10 39-11 231

$2,492.00

Day 1: 5 23-13 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 0 0-00

23. Mark Rizk Arab, Ala. 15 39-06 229

$2,403.00

Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 9-14 Day 3: 5 13-00

24. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 14 38-12 227

$2,314.00

Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 4 7-11

25. Patrick Pierce Jacksonville, Fla. 12 38-01 225

$2,225.00

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 11-02 Day 3: 2 7-05

26. Tom Hamlin Lizella, Ga. 14 37-03 223

$2,136.00

Day 1: 4 10-07 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 5 15-05

27. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 11 36-02 221

$2,047.00

Day 1: 3 5-13 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 3 8-14

28. Ben Lee Lexington, S.C. 12 35-09 219

$1,958.00

Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 2 2-05

29. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 12 34-00 217

$1,869.00

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 2 4-09

30. Larry Gaines Valparaiso, Fla. 14 30-13 215

$1,780.00

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 11-07 Day 3: 4 8-15

31. Russ Osborne Orlando, Fla. 6 30-11 213

$1,736.00

Day 1: 3 13-06 Day 2: 3 17-05 Day 3: 0 0-00

32. Ed Whaley Montgomery, Texas 11 29-11 211

$1,691.00

Day 1: 4 10-11 Day 2: 5 13-12 Day 3: 2 5-04

33. Scott Mcgehee Madison, Miss. 11 29-00 209

$1,647.00

Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 1 1-12

34. John Gray Noblesville, Ind. 8 28-15 207

$1,602.00

Day 1: 3 12-07 Day 2: 5 16-08 Day 3: 0 0-00

35. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 11 28-06 205

$1,558.00

Day 1: 3 11-15 Day 2: 5 10-13 Day 3: 3 5-10

36. Patrick Kelly Guntersville, Ala. 9 28-01 203

$1,513.00

Day 1: 3 5-01 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 1 3-05

37. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, Miss. 8 27-13 201

$1,469.00

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 3 12-04 Day 3: 0 0-00

38. Dow Cox Jonesborough, Tenn. 8 27-12 199

$1,424.00

Day 1: 2 7-01 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 1 3-08

39. Kevin Marrs Melbourne, Fla. 9 27-10 197

$1,380.00

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 2 6-01 Day 3: 2 7-08

40. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, Fla. 9 27-07 195

$1,335.00

Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 3 8-04 Day 3: 1 3-01

41. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 9 26-14 193

$1,335.00

Day 1: 4 13-11 Day 2: 3 7-03 Day 3: 2 6-00

42. Trad D Whaley Abbeville, S.C. 7 25-08 191

$1,335.00

Day 1: 2 12-04 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 0 0-00

43. Sergio Longas Caspe, Spain 8 25-07 189

$1,335.00

Day 1: 4 12-04 Day 2: 4 13-03 Day 3: 0 0-00

44. A.E. Red Moore Graham, N.C. 9 25-04 187

$1,335.00

Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 3 9-02 Day 3: 1 2-11

45. Cecil Douberly Lakeland, Fla. 11 25-03 185

$1,335.00

Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 4 8-10 Day 3: 2 3-14

46. Randy Weatherford Millbrook, Ala. 9 25-00 183

$1,335.00

Day 1: 3 6-08 Day 2: 5 16-11 Day 3: 1 1-13

47. Keith Rhodes Kissimmee, Fla. 8 24-04 181

$1,335.00

Day 1: 4 10-14 Day 2: 3 9-10 Day 3: 1 3-12

48. Matt Hupp Highland Village, Texa 9 24-02 179

$1,335.00

Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 2 4-05 Day 3: 2 5-04

49. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 9 24-00 177

$1,335.00

Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 2 5-03 Day 3: 2 4-15

50. Michael Goodman Nebo, N.C. 8 23-12 175

$1,335.00

Day 1: 4 8-13 Day 2: 3 10-15 Day 3: 1 4-00
 

Articles and images from BASS

Compiled by Brandon Shook