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 BASS Elite Series: Clarks Hill, GA

Elite Series Event # 4 of 11

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

Preview: Elite Series Returns to Georgia's Clarks Hill Lake

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CELEBRATION, Fla. — Tiger Woods and the Masters competitors have just left Augusta, Ga., but there is another major sporting competition on the horizon scheduled for just north of hallowed Augusta in Evans, Ga. The Bassmaster Elite Series will bring its fourth tournament of the season - the Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon – to the Peach State April 19-22.

This time, instead of fairways and bunkers, the action will focus on underwater points and brushpiles on Clarks Hill Lake, a 39-mile-long impoundment located 22 miles north of Augusta. The 71,535-acre fishery, officially named the Strom Thurmond Reservoir, forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina.

Fishing fans can catch all of the action from the Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon on ESPN2 Saturday, April 29 at 9 a.m. ET.

Based on the Elite Series highly successful format - putting the nation’s best anglers on the top bass lakes at prime times of the year - and results so far in 2007 (the winners of all three events totaled more than 85 pounds), the big-bass tournaments are expected to continue at Clarks Hill.

“The fishing should be excellent,” said Jason Williamson, an Elite Series rookie from Aiken, S.C., who grew up fishing Clarks Hill. “This is one of the best times of the year to fish the lake and you’re going to see some big limits.

“I’m thinking it will take probably 85 pounds or more over four days to win this tournament. You’re going to really have to catch them to cash a check.”

This will be the third consecutive year that BASS’ top level of competition will visit Clarks Hill. The 108 Elite Series pros will visit a quality bass fishery highlighted by an explosion of blueback herring, a saltwater forage fish. Combined with the plentiful threadfin shad, both sources of baitfish provide an enormous food base for Clarks Hill bass.

Last May, Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C., posted his seventh BASS win with a four-day total of 71 pounds, 12 ounces. Hite’s success came fishing a ½-ounce jig in the Parksville area and Little River and King Creek areas located on the Georgia side of the impoundment.

Williamson, 26, emphasized that the bass in Clarks Hill will be in both spawning and post-spawn mode. As a result, top finishers are going to need to rely on a couple of different patterns and techniques — sight-fishing and topwater fishing.

“Because most of the spawning has finished, you’re not going to finish well just concentrating on one technique like sight-fishing,” Williamson said. “There will be some good topwater fishing as well.”

Clarks Hill is a renowned topwater lake. The degree of surface fishing usually depends on the activity of the blueback herring, which draw largemouth shallow and put them in a feeding mode.

“Now we’ve got this cold front that has come in and it’s really cold,” said Eric Nethery of Acworth, Ga. “But if the weather stabilizes during the tournament, the fishing should be good. It may be a situation where the fish will be spawning early in the week and then we’ll have to catch them some other way, like with topwater baits, later in the tournament.”

At stake in the fourth Elite stop of the season is a $100,000 top prize and valuable points in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. The Elite Series is a lucrative top-tier circuit featuring 108 highly credentialed tournament pros that have earned the opportunity to compete in 11 high-profile events and possibly qualify for the three Bassmaster Majors (which offer a first-place prize of $250,000).

Daily weigh-ins and launches will take place at Wildwood Park in Appling, Ga. Launches will begin at 6:50 a.m. ET and weigh-ins will begin at 3 p.m. ET.

 

Day 1: Casey Ashley Leads Elite Series Event on Clarks Hill

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EVANS, Ga. – After performing the national anthem to kick off the morning launch festivities at the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon event, pro Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., proved his fishing skills on Clarks Hill Lake by building a one-pound-plus lead over Mississippi’s Pete Ponds.

The 23-year-old Ashley, who is the youngest competitor in the 108-angler Elite field, boated 22 pounds, 6 ounces, persevering through what was considered a tough day by many of the top-performing pros. Ponds posted a total of 21 pounds, 1 ounce.

Fishing fans can see all of the on-the-water action from the fourth Elite Series event of the season Saturday, April 28 at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The winner of the event will take home a $100,000 top prize.

“I think maybe I should sing the national anthem at every tournament from now on,” Ashley said. “That provided me with a huge boost out there.”

Primarily working a customized jig in shallow water, the Elite rookie moved from “dam to dam” on the vast Clarks Hill reservoir and concentrated on a number of points. He attributed much of his success to the varied experience he has built on the lake over the years. His hometown of Donalds is within an hour of the fishery.

“The fishing will get better every day,” Ashley said, who currently is second in the Toyota Rookie of the Year race. “I have these fish patterned pretty well and the key to my success is the bait I am using.”

Unlike Ashley, Ponds concentrated on a few areas where he said the fish are “stacked in.” With no other competitors in his area, he believes he can continue to catch there over the course of the next three days of competition.

Using a lure supplied by a friend from Madison, his hometown in Mississippi, Ponds was wary because he has only one such lure. But the one-time BASS winner was still upbeat about his chances.

“I feel like I have a really good shot,” said the 47-year-old, who scored an 11th place on California’s Clear Lake at the previous Elite event. “I built some momentum from the last event and I feel like I am coming around.”

Rounding out the top five were Mike McClelland (20-9) of Bella Vista, Ark.; Chris Lane (20-6) of Winter Haven, Fla.; and Bryan Hudgins (19-11) of Orange Park, Fla.

Besides the top prize, pro anglers are also competing for points in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, the main qualifying avenue for the Bassmaster Classic.

In the co-angler division, Joe Buddin of Sumter, S.C., who posted a weight of 11 pounds, 9 ounces, established a four-ounce lead over Mike Harris of Watkinsville, Ga. The winner of the co-angler competition will receive a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000.



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



1. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 5 22-06 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 22-06

2. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 5 21-01

Day 1: 5 21-01

3. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 20-09

Day 1: 5 20-09

4. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 20-06

Day 1: 5 20-06

5. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 5 19-11

Day 1: 5 19-11

6. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 18-11 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 18-11

7. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 17-08

Day 1: 5 17-08

8. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 16-14

Day 1: 5 16-14

9. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 16-09

Day 1: 5 16-09

10. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 16-07

Day 1: 5 16-07

11. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 5 16-00

Day 1: 5 16-00

12. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 5 15-11

Day 1: 5 15-11

13. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 5 15-09

Day 1: 5 15-09

14. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohio 5 15-08

Day 1: 5 15-08

15. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 15-06

Day 1: 5 15-06

16. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 15-02

Day 1: 5 15-02

17. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 14-12

Day 1: 5 14-12

18. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 5 14-08

Day 1: 5 14-08

19. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 14-02

Day 1: 5 14-02

19. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 14-02

Day 1: 5 14-02

21. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 5 14-01

Day 1: 5 14-01

21. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 5 14-01

Day 1: 5 14-01

21. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 14-01

Day 1: 5 14-01

24. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 5 13-09

Day 1: 5 13-09

25. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 5 13-07

Day 1: 5 13-07

26. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 13-02

Day 1: 5 13-02

27. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 5 13-01

Day 1: 5 13-01

28. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 12-14

Day 1: 5 12-14

29. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 5 12-11

Day 1: 5 12-11

29. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 5 12-11

Day 1: 5 12-11

31. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville , Fla. 5 12-09

Day 1: 5 12-09

32. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 5 12-03

Day 1: 5 12-03

32. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 5 12-03

Day 1: 5 12-03

34. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 12-01

Day 1: 5 12-01

35. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 5 12-00

Day 1: 5 12-00

36. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 11-15

Day 1: 5 11-15

37. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 11-10

Day 1: 5 11-10

38. Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 5 11-09

Day 1: 5 11-09

38. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 5 11-09

Day 1: 5 11-09

40. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 11-07

Day 1: 5 11-07

41. Brent Chapman Moneta, Va. 5 11-05

Day 1: 5 11-05

42. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 4 11-01

Day 1: 4 11-01

43. James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 5 10-13

Day 1: 5 10-13

44. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 5 10-09

Day 1: 5 10-09

45. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 5 10-07

Day 1: 5 10-07

46. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 10-06

Day 1: 5 10-06

46. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 4 10-06

Day 1: 4 10-06

48. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 10-04

Day 1: 5 10-04

49. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 10-02

Day 1: 5 10-02

50. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 10-01

Day 1: 5 10-01

50. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 10-01

Day 1: 5 10-01

52. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 5 10-00

Day 1: 5 10-00

53. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 9-15

Day 1: 5 9-15

54. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 9-14

Day 1: 5 9-14

55. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 9-12

Day 1: 5 9-12

56. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 9-11

Day 1: 5 9-11

56. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 5 9-11

Day 1: 5 9-11

58. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 9-10

Day 1: 5 9-10

58. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 5 9-10

Day 1: 5 9-10

60. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 9-09

Day 1: 5 9-09

60. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas 5 9-09

Day 1: 5 9-09

62. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 9-08

Day 1: 5 9-08

63. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 5 9-07

Day 1: 5 9-07

64. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 9-05

Day 1: 5 9-05

65. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 9-04

Day 1: 5 9-04

66. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 9-03

Day 1: 5 9-03

67. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 9-00

Day 1: 5 9-00

67. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 9-00

Day 1: 5 9-00

69. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 4 8-14

Day 1: 4 8-14

70. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 8-13

Day 1: 5 8-13

71. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 8-12

Day 1: 5 8-12

72. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 4 8-09

Day 1: 4 8-09

73. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 4 8-07

Day 1: 4 8-07

74. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 8-04

Day 1: 5 8-04

75. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 8-02

Day 1: 5 8-02

76. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 8-00

Day 1: 5 8-00

77. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 7-15

Day 1: 5 7-15

78. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 7-14

Day 1: 5 7-14

78. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 7-14

Day 1: 5 7-14

80. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 7-13

Day 1: 5 7-13

80. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 7-13

Day 1: 5 7-13

82. Marty Stone Fayetteville , N.C. 5 7-11

Day 1: 5 7-11

82. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 4 7-11

Day 1: 4 7-11

84. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 7-09

Day 1: 5 7-09

85. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 5 7-04

Day 1: 5 7-04

86. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 7-01

Day 1: 5 7-01

86. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 7-01

Day 1: 5 7-01

88. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 6-13

Day 1: 5 6-13

89. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 6-09

Day 1: 5 6-09

90. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 4 6-06

Day 1: 4 6-06

91. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 3 6-01

Day 1: 3 6-01

91. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 3 6-01

Day 1: 3 6-01

93. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 4 6-00

Day 1: 4 6-00

94. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 3 5-12

Day 1: 3 5-12

95. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 5-10

Day 1: 5 5-10

96. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 2 5-07

Day 1: 2 5-07

97. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 3 5-05

Day 1: 3 5-05

98. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 3 5-01

Day 1: 3 5-01

99. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 3 5-00

Day 1: 3 5-00

100.Ken D Cook Lawton, Okla. 4 4-15

Day 1: 4 4-15

101.Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 2 4-13

Day 1: 2 4-13

102.Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 3 4-06

Day 1: 3 4-06

103.Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 3 4-03

Day 1: 3 4-03

104.James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 3 3-03

Day 1: 3 3-03

105.Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 2 3-00

Day 1: 2 3-00

106.Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 2 2-04

Day 1: 2 2-04

107.Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 0 0-00

Day 1: 0 0-00

 

Day 2: Chris Lane Moves to the Top

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EVANS, Ga. – Perhaps it was a good omen when Bassmaster Elite pro Chris Lane of Winter Haven, Fla., caught two fish right off the bat Friday – in one cast, his first of the day. That solid, five-pound start helped propel the 31-year-old into the lead at the Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon on Clarks Hill Lake, staying ahead of Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., by a mere two ounces.

Lane said his Friday catch of 17-9 was from a creek “loaded with fish.” The one-time BASS winner finished the day with a two-day total of 37-15.

Saturday, April 28 at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2, fishing fans can see all of the on-the-water action from the fourth Elite Series event of the season. The winner will take home a $100,000 top prize.

“The key is definitely my area,” Lane said, who moved up from fourth place. “It seems like I can throw almost anything and get a bite. It’s going to be interesting tomorrow [Saturday] because I might go for broke and see how much weight I can bring in.”

Lane said he’s been using a variety of baits, including a pencil popper that hooked two fish on his first cast of the day. Lizards, worms and a variety of topwater baits were also in his arsenal.

Lane, who is 37th in the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index, said he has seen virtually no boat traffic in his area and expects his spot to remain relatively quiet over the remainder of the four-day tournament.

“I’m in a good position,” said Lane. “But I can’t let off one little bit. These guys are the best in the world and if I falter, I don’t have a chance.”

Moving up one spot into second was McClelland. The four-time BASS winner said he was working a jig in shallow water, keying in on clay points with stumps.

“I’m within striking distance and you have to be happy with that,” McClelland said, who scored an Elite victory in June 2006 on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake. “The fish will have longer to rest with fewer anglers in the field and that should help me out.”

Rounding out the top five were Day 1 leader Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., in third with 36 pounds, 14 ounces; 2007 Toyota Rookie of the Year leader Derek Remitz of Madison, Ala., in fourth with 35 pounds, 9 ounces; and Pete Ponds of Madison, Miss., in fifth with 35 pounds, 7 ounces.

In the co-angler division, Alabama’s Joel Etheredge seized the Friday lead with a two-day total of 21 pounds even. He led fellow Alabamian Dave Elder (20-14) and Day 1 leader Joe Buddin of South Carolina (19-6). The winner of the co-angler competition will receive a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000.

The fields in both divisions were cut to the top 50 for Saturday’s competition.



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



1. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 10 37-15 305

Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 17-09

2. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 10 37-13 295

Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 17-04

3. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 10 36-14 295 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 14-08

4. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 10 35-09 285

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 20-00

5. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 10 35-07 280

Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 14-06

6. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 10 34-11 276

Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 15-00

7. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 10 33-12 272

Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 17-12

8. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 10 33-02 268

Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 17-07

9. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 10 31-13 264

Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 16-07

10. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 10 31-00 260

Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 17-09

11. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 10 30-11 257

Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 13-03

12. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 10 30-02 254

Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 13-04

13. John Crews Salem, Va. 10 29-09 251

Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-00

14. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 10 29-04 248 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 10-09

15. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 10 29-03 245

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

16. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 10 29-02 243

Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 17-11

17. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 10 28-07 241

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

18. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 10 27-11 239

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

19. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 10 27-10 237

Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 17-04

20. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 10 27-09 235

Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 15-06

21. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 10 27-02 232

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 13-00

21. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 10 27-02 232

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

23. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 10 27-00 229

Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 15-00

24. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 10 26-15 227

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

25. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 10 26-12 224

Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 17-03

25. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 8 26-12 224 $1,000.00

Day 1: 3 5-00 Day 2: 5 21-12

27. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 10 26-06 221

Day 1: 5 9-04 Day 2: 5 17-02

28. Brent Chapman Moneta, Va. 10 26-05 219 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 15-00

29. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 10 26-01 217

Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 11-09

30. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 10 25-14 215

Day 1: 5 7-15 Day 2: 5 17-15

31. James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 10 25-13 213

Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 15-00

32. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 10 25-05 211

Day 1: 5 7-04 Day 2: 5 18-01

33. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 10 24-15 209

Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 12-04

34. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 10 24-06 206

Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 14-02

34. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 9 24-06 206

Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 5 14-00

36. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 10 24-05 203

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 10-04

37. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 10 24-03 201

Day 1: 5 9-14 Day 2: 5 14-05

38. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 10 24-01 199

Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-07

39. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 10 23-14 196

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 9-12

39. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 10 23-14 196

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

41. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 10 23-13 192

Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 8-11

41. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 10 23-13 192

Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-12

43. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 10 23-12 188

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 9-11

43. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 10 23-12 188

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

45. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 10 23-10 185

Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 13-15

46. Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 10 23-09 183

Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-00

47. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 10 23-08 181

Day 1: 5 9-10 Day 2: 5 13-14

48. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 10 23-05 179

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

49. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 9 22-15 177

Day 1: 4 8-07 Day 2: 5 14-08

50. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 10 22-14 175

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

51. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 10 22-13 173

Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 12-12

52. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 10 22-10 170

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 8-09

52. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 10 22-10 170

Day 1: 5 9-08 Day 2: 5 13-02

54. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 10 22-09 167

Day 1: 5 8-00 Day 2: 5 14-09

55. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 9 22-07 165

Day 1: 4 7-11 Day 2: 5 14-12

56. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 10 22-06 163

Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 11-15

57. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 10 22-05 161

Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 9-10

58. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 10 22-03 158

Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 10-00

58. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 9 22-03 158

Day 1: 4 8-14 Day 2: 5 13-05

60. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 10 21-12 155

Day 1: 5 7-14 Day 2: 5 13-14

61. Ken D Cook Lawton, Okla. 9 21-07 153

Day 1: 4 4-15 Day 2: 5 16-08

62. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 10 21-03 151

Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 9-10

63. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 10 21-02 149

Day 1: 5 7-13 Day 2: 5 13-05

64. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 10 20-15 147

Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 8-14

65. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 9 20-14 145

Day 1: 4 11-01 Day 2: 5 9-13

66. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 10 20-09 143

Day 1: 5 8-13 Day 2: 5 11-12

67. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 10 20-07 141

Day 1: 5 9-12 Day 2: 5 10-11

68. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 9 20-06 139

Day 1: 4 8-09 Day 2: 5 11-13

69. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 8 20-01 137

Day 1: 3 5-05 Day 2: 5 14-12

70. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 10 19-15 135

Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 9-15

71. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 10 19-09 133

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

72. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 10 19-05 130

Day 1: 5 7-09 Day 2: 5 11-12

72. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 10 19-05 130

Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 9-03

74. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 10 19-03 127

Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 8-10

75. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 10 18-13 123

Day 1: 5 7-13 Day 2: 5 11-00

75. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 10 18-13 123

Day 1: 5 7-14 Day 2: 5 10-15

75. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 9 18-13 123

Day 1: 5 9-10 Day 2: 4 9-03

78. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas 10 18-11 119

Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 9-02

79. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 10 18-03 116

Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 8-14

79. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 8 18-03 116

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

81. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 10 18-00 113

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

82. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 9 17-15 111

Day 1: 4 6-00 Day 2: 5 11-15

83. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 10 17-11 109

Day 1: 5 7-01 Day 2: 5 10-10

84. Marty Stone Fayetteville, N.C. 10 17-07 106

Day 1: 5 7-11 Day 2: 5 9-12

84. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 8 17-07 106

Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 3 7-06

86. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 10 17-05 103

Day 1: 5 7-01 Day 2: 5 10-04

87. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 9 17-04 101

Day 1: 5 8-12 Day 2: 4 8-08

88. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 6 16-14 99

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

89. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 10 16-13 97

Day 1: 5 6-09 Day 2: 5 10-04

90. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 10 16-10 95

Day 1: 5 9-03 Day 2: 5 7-07

91. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 9 16-08 93

Day 1: 4 6-06 Day 2: 5 10-02

92. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 10 15-15 91

Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 6-04

93. Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 7 15-14 89

Day 1: 2 2-04 Day 2: 5 13-10

94. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 10 15-10 87

Day 1: 5 9-07 Day 2: 5 6-03

95. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 10 15-06 85

Day 1: 5 8-04 Day 2: 5 7-02

96. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 7 14-02 83

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

97. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 6 13-14 81

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

98. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 7 13-10 79

Day 1: 5 9-00 Day 2: 2 4-10

99. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 8 13-00 76

Day 1: 3 4-06 Day 2: 5 8-10

99. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 13-00 76

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

101.Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 7 12-06 75

Day 1: 5 8-02 Day 2: 2 4-04

102.Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 8 12-04 74

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

103.Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 7 11-12 73

Day 1: 3 6-01 Day 2: 4 5-11

104.James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 8 11-01 72

Day 1: 3 3-03 Day 2: 5 7-14

105.Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 8 10-07 71

Day 1: 3 4-03 Day 2: 5 6-04

106.Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 4 10-04 70

Day 1: 2 4-13 Day 2: 2 5-07

107.Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 5 9-10 69

Day 1: 3 6-01 Day 2: 2 3-09

 

Day 3: Chris Lane Builds Five-Pound Lead on Clarks Hill

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EVANS, Ga. – Chris Lane of Winter Haven, Fla., put together a commanding five-pound advantage at the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon on Clarks Hill Lake, pushing Pete Ponds of Madison, Miss., firmly into second place.

Lane held tight to his Friday lead with a Saturday catch of 18-13. The one-time BASS winner has focused on one creek all days of competition to produce a total of 56 pounds, 12 ounces.

“I am going to win or lose this tournament on that spot,” Lane said, who is vying for the event’s $100,000 top prize. “I plan to milk my area for all it is worth tomorrow and I feel I have an excellent shot.”

Saturday, April 28 at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2, fishing fans can see all of the on-the-water action from the fourth Elite Series event of the season.

Lane, 37th in the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index, steadily built his limit throughout the day and caught his biggest fish of the day at 1:30 p.m. – nearly a four-pounder on a swimbait. He had a variety of baits in his arsenal, including worms, swimbaits, lizards and topwaters.

The 31-year-old said he would throw a Smithwick Devil’s Horse, a wooden prop bait, to start off the tournament Sunday in honor of his grandfather, Bill, who helped him get his start in fishing. Lane said his grandfather used to give him a Devil’s Horse as a reward for doing well in school.

Finishing the day in second with 51-12, Ponds is optimistic about Sunday, the final day of the event.

“I certainly don’t mind being in second place,” the 47-year-old said. “I have plenty of fish left in my area and I feel pretty good about tomorrow.”

Ponds qualified for his second consecutive final-day cut. A one-time BASS winner who also scored an 11th place finish at last month’s Elite tournament on California’s Clear Lake, Ponds said he plans to work large baits in an attempt to entice bigger bass.

Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., slipped from second to third with 50 pounds, 8 ounces. Kevin Short of Mayflower, Ark., with 47 pounds, 4 ounces, was in fourth, moving up from ninth. Red-hot Toyota Rookie of the Year leader Derek Remitz of Madison, Ala., with 46 pounds, 4 ounces, slid to fifth from fourth.

Besides the top prize, pro anglers are also competing for points in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, the main qualifying avenue for the Bassmaster Classic. Current Angler of the Year leader Skeet Reese qualified for his fourth-straight final-day cut and will start Sunday in eighth position.

Moving up nearly 30 places into 10th was Californian Ish Monroe. The two-time BASS winner weighed a 19-pound, 12-ounce limit Saturday and qualified for his second final-day cut of the season.

The co-angler competition ended Saturday with Joe Buddin of Sumter, S.C., posting a three-day total of 29 pounds, 0 ounces, to take home the first-place co-angler prize of a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000. Buddin‘s winning weight was just three ounces more than the 28-13 of Sean Ravenscroft of North Augusta, S.C., who took second, thanks to his Saturday haul of 13-2.

Finishing third was Alabama’s Joel Etheredge, who was the Day 2 leader, with 27-11. In fourth was Georgia’s Tony Postell with 25-13 and in fifth was Alabama’s Dave Elder with 24-12.

Only the top 12 pros qualified for the final day of competition on Sunday.




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



1. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 15 56-12

Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 18-13

2. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 15 51-12

Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 14-06 Day 3: 5 16-05

3. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 15 50-08

Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 12-11

4. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 15 47-04

Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 15-07

5. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 15 46-04

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 10-11

6. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 15 46-03 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 9-05

7. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 15 45-03

Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 10-08

8. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 15 44-10

Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 17-00

9. John Crews Salem, Va. 15 44-05

Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 14-12

10. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 15 43-15 $2,000.00

Day 1: 5 9-14 Day 2: 5 14-05 Day 3: 5 19-12

11. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 15 43-14

Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 14-12

12. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 15 43-01

Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 12-12 Day 3: 5 13-14

13. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 15 42-12 251 $10,800.00

Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 17-07 Day 3: 5 9-10

14. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 15 42-08 248 $10,700.00

Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 13-04 Day 3: 5 12-06

15. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 13 42-07 245 $10,600.00

Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 3 8-11

16. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 15 41-14 243 $10,500.00

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

17. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 15 41-02 241 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 10-02

18. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 15 40-12 239 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 5 12-05

19. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 15 39-09 237 $11,500.00

Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 10-09 Day 3: 5 10-05

20. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 15 39-07 235 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 5 15-11

21. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 14 39-06 233 $10,250.00

Day 1: 4 8-07 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 16-07

22. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 15 39-04 231 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 9-12 Day 3: 5 15-06

23. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 15 39-02 228 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 9-09 Day 2: 5 17-03 Day 3: 5 12-06

23. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 15 39-02 228 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 13-13 Day 3: 5 12-03

25. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 14 38-12 225 $10,250.00

Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 5 14-06

26. James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 15 38-08 223 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 12-11

27. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 15 38-03 221 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 13-09 Day 3: 5 11-01

28. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 15 36-15 219 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 9-11 Day 3: 5 13-03

29. Brent Chapman Moneta, Va. 15 36-10 217 $11,000.00

Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 10-05

30. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 15 36-09 215 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 7-15 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 10-11

31. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 15 36-07 212 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 6-13 Day 2: 5 16-08 Day 3: 5 13-02

31. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 13 36-07 212 $11,000.00

Day 1: 3 5-00 Day 2: 5 21-12 Day 3: 5 9-11

33. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 13 36-04 209 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 3 5-09

34. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 15 35-15 207 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 15-06 Day 3: 5 8-06

35. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 15 35-03 205 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 9-10 Day 2: 5 13-14 Day 3: 5 11-11

36. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 15 35-01 203 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 7-04 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 9-12

37. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 15 35-00 200 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 9-11 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 11-06

37. Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 15 35-00 200 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 12-00 Day 3: 5 11-07

39. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 15 34-13 197 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 11-09 Day 3: 5 8-12

40. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 15 34-04 195 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 9-04 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 7-14

41. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 15 33-13 193 $10,000.00

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

42. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 15 33-01 190 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 8-11 Day 3: 5 9-04

42. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 15 33-01 190 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 9-15 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 9-03

44. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 13 33-00 187 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 3 5-14

45. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 13 32-10 185 $10,000.00

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

46. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 12 31-13 183 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 12-04 Day 3: 2 6-14

47. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 15 30-07 181 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 10-12 Day 3: 5 6-10

48. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 14 29-06 179 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 4 5-05

49. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 13 28-03 177 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 10-04 Day 3: 3 3-14

50. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 11 25-05 175 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 14-02 Day 3: 1 0-15

 

Day 4: McClelland Surges to Clarks Hill Victory

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EVANS, Ga. – Scoring his fifth BASS victory Sunday, Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., posted a four-day total of 70 pounds, 7 ounces, and overcame a six-pound-plus deficit to edge out Florida’s Chris Lane by more than one pound at the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Pride of Georgia presented by Evan Williams Bourbon on Clarks Hill Lake.

McClelland weighed in 19-15 on the final day of competition, while two-day leader Lane managed only 12-4.

The 39-year-old McClelland has now amassed over $650,000 in career earnings and scored his second victory in Elite Series competition, the most visible and prestigious fishing tournament circuit.

Fishing fans can see on-the-water action of McClelland’s victory on Saturday, April 28 at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2.

The win elevated McClelland from 30th to 10th in the points race, which determines the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, and from 14th into 13th place in the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index.

All four days of competition McClelland fished a jig in locations he had established during the three-day practice period. He said a rough practice almost caused him to abandon the jig, but fellow Elite pro Jeff Kriet of Oklahoma encouraged him to “fish his strengths” and stay with the jig.

“To be honest, I started the day fishing for second place,” said McClelland, who took home the $100,000 top prize. “But I got off to a decent start and around 10 a.m., I figured I would go for broke because I had a shot to win this tournament.

“After I won the Open Championship [in 2005], I felt I learned how to win a tournament again,” he added. “Now that I have won two events in this top level of competition, there is no way anyone can take away my credibility in this sport.”

With the victory purse in hand, McClelland and his wife, Stacy, are planning to shop for a new, larger home in the Bella Vista area.

It was Lane who was in a comfortable position heading into the final day of action, but the Winter Haven, Fla., angler’s “magic” spot couldn’t produce for a fourth consecutive day.

“I knew Mike had to catch a big limit to get close to me, and that is just what he did,” said the 31-year-old, who totaled 69 pounds, 0 ounces. “I feel happy that I put myself in position to win. My hat’s off to Mike for having a tremendous last day.”

In third, slipping from second, was Pete Ponds of Madison, Miss., with 66 pounds, 1 ounce; in fourth, moving up from ninth, was John Crews of Salem, Va., with 61 pounds, 1 ounce; and fifth was Toyota Rookie of the Year leader Derek Remitz of Madison, Ala., with 59 pounds, 9 ounces.

Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year points leader Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., finished sixth with 58 pounds, 12 ounces. The Angler of the Year program rewards the top-performing angler on the 11-event Bassmaster Elite Series circuit with a $125,000 top prize.

The next Bassmaster Elite Series event, the fifth of the season, is scheduled for Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, April 26-29.


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



1. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 20 70-07 305 $102,000.00

Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 12-11 Day 4: 5 19-15

2. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 20 69-00 305 $30,000.00

Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 18-13 Day 4: 5 12-04

3. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 20 66-01 290 $25,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 14-06 Day 3: 5 16-05 Day 4: 5 14-05

4. John Crews Salem, Va. 20 61-01 285 $18,000.00

Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 14-12 Day 4: 5 16-12

5. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 20 59-09 280 $17,000.00

Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 10-11 Day 4: 5 13-05

6. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 20 58-12 276 $15,500.00

Day 1: 5 10-06 Day 2: 5 17-04 Day 3: 5 17-00 Day 4: 5 14-02

7. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 20 58-06 272 $15,000.00

Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 10-08 Day 4: 5 13-03

8. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 20 57-09 273 $23,500.00

Day 1: 5 22-06 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 9-05 Day 4: 5 11-06

9. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 20 56-09 264 $14,000.00

Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 15-07 Day 4: 5 9-05

10. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 20 56-07 260 $13,500.00

Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 14-12 Day 4: 5 12-09

11. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 20 54-05 257 $12,500.00

Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 12-12 Day 3: 5 13-14 Day 4: 5 11-04

12. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 20 52-13 254 $14,300.00

Day 1: 5 9-14 Day 2: 5 14-05 Day 3: 5 19-12 Day 4: 5 8-14
 

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Compiled by Brandon Shook