The Full Story

BASS Elite Series: Clear Lake, CA

Elite Series Event # 3 of 11

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4

Day 1: Greg Gutierrez Takes the Lead at BASS Elite Series

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Red Bluff, Calif., Bassmaster Elite Series pro Greg Gutierrez weighed 32 pounds, 13 ounces of Clear Lake bass Thursday and leads the “Golden State Shootout presented by Evan Williams Bourbon” by four ounces over fellow Californian Ish Monroe of Hughson.

Fishing fans can view all of the on-the-water action on The Bassmasters on ESPN2 April 7 at 9 a.m. ET.

The 108 Elite pros lived up to the hefty expectations that started during the official practice period Monday. Only the top 50 will qualify to fish Saturday for the $100,000 top prize and all the anglers in the cutline Thursday weighed in over 20 pounds.

Gutierrez, who also serves as a California firefighter when he is not traveling to Elite Series events, flipped a jig and worked a swimbait to isolated rock piles on flats.

“I’m so excited right now, this lake is absolutely incredible,” the 45-year-old said. “I think there are more fish in my area too because every time I caught one, there were two or three chasing my bait.”

Gutierrez scored his only BASS victory in October of 2004 on California’s Lake Shasta. Gutierrez’s highest Bassmaster Elite Series finish thus far was a third-place showing at the Sooner Run in June of 2006 on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake.

His massive limit included a 10-pound largemouth bass which tied him with South Carolina’s Davy Hite for the Purolator Big Bass of the Day. The pair will split the $1,000 premium.

Placing in second was the 32-year-old Monroe, who has fished Clear Lake hundreds of times prior and used his extensive knowledge of California’s largest natural freshwater lake to his advantage. A two-time BASS winner, Monroe is primed for his third victory in little over a year.

“Everywhere I went, I caught fish,” Monroe said. “I know this lake like the back of my hand and it helped me today. I just led the fish into the boat.”

Monroe said he is relying on four techniques to catch his fish, but declined to state specifics of his productive patterns.

Rounding out the top five were Peter Thliveros of Jacksonville, Fla., in third with 28 pounds, 11 ounces; Elite Series rookie Jason Williamson of Aiken, S.C., in fourth with 28 pounds, 10 ounces; and Britt Myers of Mt. Holly, N.C., in fifth with 28 pounds, 9 ounces.

Other anglers in the top 15 were three-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam in a tie for seventh with 27 pounds, 8 ounces, and Aaron Martens, winner of the “Duel on the Delta presented by Mahindra Tractors” held last week in Stockton, Calif., in 15th with 26 pounds, 0 ounces.

Leading the co-angler division was Ron Tyson of Marrietta, Ga., who weighed 24 pounds, 1 ounce Thursday. Trailing Tyson for the top prize of a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000 were Californians Jim White of Westlake Village, with 23 pounds, 1 ounce and Ken Phillips of Antioch, with 22 pounds, 14 ounces.

Weigh-ins for the second day of the Golden State Shootout begin at 6:00 p.m. ET and can be viewed at www.espnoutdoors.com.



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



1. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 32-13 305 $1,500.00

Day 1: 5 32-13

2. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 32-09 295

Day 1: 5 32-09

3. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 28-11 290

Day 1: 5 28-11

4. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 5 28-10 285

Day 1: 5 28-10

5. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 5 28-09 280

Day 1: 5 28-09

6. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 27-13 276

Day 1: 5 27-13

7. Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 5 27-08 270

Day 1: 5 27-08

7. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 27-08 270

Day 1: 5 27-08

9. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 27-02 264

Day 1: 5 27-02

10. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 27-00 260

Day 1: 5 27-00

11. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 26-13 257

Day 1: 5 26-13

12. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 26-12 252

Day 1: 5 26-12

12. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 26-12 252

Day 1: 5 26-12

14. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 26-06 248

Day 1: 5 26-06

15. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 26-00 245

Day 1: 5 26-00

16. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 25-15 242 $500.00

Day 1: 5 25-15

16. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 5 25-15 242

Day 1: 5 25-15

18. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 5 25-08 239

Day 1: 5 25-08

19. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 25-00 237

Day 1: 5 25-00

20. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 24-11 235

Day 1: 5 24-11

21. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 5 24-07 233

Day 1: 5 24-07

22. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 24-06 231

Day 1: 5 24-06

23. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 5 23-11 229

Day 1: 5 23-11

24. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 23-06 227

Day 1: 5 23-06

25. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 23-05 225

Day 1: 5 23-05

26. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 23-04 223

Day 1: 5 23-04

27. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 23-03 221

Day 1: 5 23-03

28. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 23-01 219

Day 1: 5 23-01

29. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 22-12 217

Day 1: 5 22-12

30. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 5 22-08 215

Day 1: 5 22-08

31. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 22-05 213

Day 1: 5 22-05

32. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 22-04 211

Day 1: 5 22-04

33. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 5 22-02 209

Day 1: 5 22-02

34. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 22-00 207

Day 1: 5 22-00

35. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 5 21-15 205

Day 1: 5 21-15

36. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 21-14 202

Day 1: 5 21-14

36. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 21-14 202

Day 1: 5 21-14

38. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 5 21-13 199

Day 1: 5 21-13

39. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 21-12 197

Day 1: 5 21-12

40. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 21-10 195

Day 1: 5 21-10

41. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 5 21-09 193

Day 1: 5 21-09

42. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 21-03 191

Day 1: 5 21-03

43. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 5 21-02 189

Day 1: 5 21-02

44. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 21-01 187

Day 1: 5 21-01

45. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 20-13 185

Day 1: 5 20-13

46. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 5 20-12 183

Day 1: 5 20-12

47. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 20-07 180

Day 1: 5 20-07

47. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 20-07 180

Day 1: 5 20-07

49. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 5 20-04 177

Day 1: 5 20-04

50. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 20-01 175

Day 1: 5 20-01

51. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 20-00 171

Day 1: 5 20-00

51. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 20-00 171

Day 1: 5 20-00

51. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 20-00 171

Day 1: 5 20-00

54. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 19-15 167

Day 1: 5 19-15

55. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 19-12 165

Day 1: 5 19-12

56. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 5 19-11 162

Day 1: 5 19-11

56. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 19-11 162

Day 1: 5 19-11

58. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 19-10 157

Day 1: 5 19-10

58. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 5 19-10 157

Day 1: 5 19-10

58. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 19-10 157

Day 1: 5 19-10

61. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 5 19-07 153

Day 1: 5 19-07

62. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 19-04 151

Day 1: 5 19-04

63. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 5 19-00 149

Day 1: 5 19-00

64. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 5 18-14 146

Day 1: 5 18-14

64. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 18-14 146

Day 1: 5 18-14

66. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 5 18-13 142

Day 1: 5 18-13

66. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 18-13 142

Day 1: 5 18-13

68. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 5 18-09 138

Day 1: 5 18-09

68. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 5 18-09 138

Day 1: 5 18-09

70. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 18-08 135

Day 1: 5 18-08

71. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 18-05 132

Day 1: 5 18-05

71. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 5 18-05 132

Day 1: 5 18-05

73. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 18-03 129

Day 1: 5 18-03

74. Marty Stone Fayetteville , N.C. 5 18-02 127

Day 1: 5 18-02

75. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 17-15 125

Day 1: 5 17-15

76. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 5 17-12 123

Day 1: 5 17-12

77. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 5 17-06 121

Day 1: 5 17-06

78. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 5 17-05 119

Day 1: 5 17-05

79. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 5 17-03 116

Day 1: 5 17-03

79. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 5 17-03 116

Day 1: 5 17-03

81. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 5 17-01 113

Day 1: 5 17-01

82. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 5 17-00 111

Day 1: 5 17-00

83. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 5 16-15 109

Day 1: 5 16-15

84. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 5 16-14 105

Day 1: 5 16-14

84. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 16-14 105

Day 1: 5 16-14

84. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas 5 16-14 105

Day 1: 5 16-14

87. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 16-09 101

Day 1: 5 16-09

88. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 5 16-06 99

Day 1: 5 16-06

89. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 16-03 97

Day 1: 5 16-03

90. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 5 16-01 95

Day 1: 5 16-01

91. James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 5 16-00 93

Day 1: 5 16-00

92. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 15-14 90

Day 1: 5 15-14

92. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 5 15-14 90

Day 1: 5 15-14

94. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 15-08 87

Day 1: 5 15-08

95. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 15-06 84

Day 1: 5 15-06

95. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 5 15-06 84

Day 1: 5 15-06

97. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 5 15-05 81

Day 1: 5 15-05

98. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 5 15-04 78

Day 1: 5 15-04

98. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 5 15-04 78

Day 1: 5 15-04

100.James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 5 15-02 76

Day 1: 5 15-02

101.Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 14-15 75

Day 1: 5 14-15

102.Ken D Cook Lawton, Okla. 5 14-10 74

Day 1: 5 14-10

102.Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 14-10 74

Day 1: 5 14-10

104.Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 14-04 72

Day 1: 5 14-04

105.Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 5 13-09 71

Day 1: 5 13-09

106.Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 5 13-04 70

Day 1: 5 13-04

107.Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 13-00 68

Day 1: 5 13-00

107.Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 5 13-00 68

Day 1: 5 13-00

 

Day 2: Gutierrez Opens Up Huge Lead at Elite Series

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Greg Gutierrez of Red Bluff, Calif., opened up a sizable 10-pound plus lead at the Bassmaster Elite Series “Golden State Shootout presented by Evan Williams Bourbon” over Texan Kelly Jordon after posting his second consecutive five-fish limit of more than 30 pounds on California’s Clear Lake.

The 45-year-old Gutierrez caught 33 pounds, 13 ounces Friday and his two-day total of 66 pounds, 10 ounces puts him well on pace to break the four-day BASS tournament record for heaviest catch held by Florida’s Preston Clark with 115 pounds, 15 ounces. Clark achieved the record on South Carolina’s Santee Cooper Reservoir in an Elite Series tournament in April of 2006.

Fishing fans can see all of the on-the-water from the third Elite event of the season and if Gutierrez shatters the record Saturday, April 7 on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET. The field was cut to the top 50 anglers after Friday who will compete for a top prize of $100,000.

“I had a fantastic day today once again,” said Gutierrez. “From what I’m seeing, the weights should only get better over the next few days. I’m not really that focused on breaking the record, I just want to win this tournament.”

The three-time Classic qualifier said that he is throwing swimbaits and jigs to isolated rock piles on flats and will use the same pattern Saturday.

Gutierrez works as a full-time firefighter when he is not traveling to the 11 Bassmaster Elite Series events staged from March to September. If Gutierrez can hold on to his lead, he will score his second BASS victory. His first victory occurred on Lake Shasta in 2004.

Jordon poses the closest treat to Gutierrez and the five-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier moved up 25 places after an incredible 32-pound, 8-ounce limit. The Mineola, Texas, pro last won the “Capitol Clash” on the Potomac River in August of 2006 and is chasing his fifth BASS win.

“I had all of my weight by 9:30 this morning,” said Jordon, who kept details of his pattern close to the vest. “I’m covering a lot of water, and I am in the neighborhood of a lot of big fish. I just have to keep moving around and search for those big bites.”

Rounding out the top five were Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., in third with 54 pounds, 5 ounces; Peter Thliveros of Jacksonville, Fla., in fourth with 54 pounds, 2 ounces; and Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., who slipped to fifth place with 53 pounds, 0 ounces. The top 12 Elite pros will qualify to fish Sunday, the final day of competition.

Notable anglers qualifying for the top 50 cut were three-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam, who tied for sixth with 52 pounds, 6 ounces; 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion Boyd Duckett in eighth with 51 pounds, 11 ounces; and “Duel on the Delta presented by Mahindra Tractors” champion Aaron Martens tied for 30th with 46 pounds, 4 ounces.

Leading the co-angler division was Jim White of Westlake Village, Calif, who posted a 33-pound, 8-ounce limit for a two-day total of 56 pounds, 9 ounces, to move up one spot in the standings. Trailing were Bob Myskey of Nice, Calif, in second with 45 pounds, 14 ounces and Ron Tyson of Marietta, Ga., in third with 43 pounds, 8 ounces.

The champion co-angler takes home a Triton/Mercury boat rig valued at $25,000 and $1,000 in cash. The co-angler division competition will end Saturday.



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



1. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 10 66-10 310 $2,500.00

Day 1: 5 32-13 Day 2: 5 33-13

2. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 10 55-11 295

Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 32-08

3. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 10 54-05 290

Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 27-09

4. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 10 54-02 285

Day 1: 5 28-11 Day 2: 5 25-07

5. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 10 53-00 280

Day 1: 5 32-09 Day 2: 5 20-07

6. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 10 52-06 274

Day 1: 5 27-08 Day 2: 5 24-14

6. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 10 52-06 274

Day 1: 5 27-00 Day 2: 5 25-06

8. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 10 51-11 268

Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 27-04

9. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 10 51-03 264

Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 29-07

10. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 10 50-14 260

Day 1: 5 25-00 Day 2: 5 25-14

11. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 10 50-04 257

Day 1: 5 27-13 Day 2: 5 22-07

12. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 10 49-13 252

Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 29-13

12. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 10 49-13 252

Day 1: 5 28-10 Day 2: 5 21-03

14. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 10 49-04 248

Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 23-05

15. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 10 49-02 245

Day 1: 5 24-06 Day 2: 5 24-12

16. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 10 49-00 243 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 29-06

17. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 10 48-09 241

Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 26-05

18. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 10 48-08 239

Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 28-01

19. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 10 48-06 237

Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 28-07

20. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 10 48-05 235

Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 28-09

21. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 10 48-03 233

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 28-09

22. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 10 48-02 231

Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 29-02

23. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 10 48-00 229

Day 1: 5 27-02 Day 2: 5 20-14

24. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 9 47-14 227

Day 1: 5 28-09 Day 2: 4 19-05

25. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 10 47-12 225 $500.00

Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 21-13

26. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 10 47-04 223

Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 24-15

27. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 10 46-13 221

Day 1: 5 23-01 Day 2: 5 23-12

28. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 10 46-10 219

Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 22-15

29. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 10 46-07 217

Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 23-15

30. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 10 46-04 214

Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 29-03

30. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 10 46-04 214

Day 1: 5 26-00 Day 2: 5 20-04

32. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 10 46-03 211

Day 1: 5 25-08 Day 2: 5 20-11

33. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 10 45-13 209

Day 1: 5 26-06 Day 2: 5 19-07

34. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 10 45-11 207

Day 1: 5 26-13 Day 2: 5 18-14

35. Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 10 44-14 205

Day 1: 5 27-08 Day 2: 5 17-06

36. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 10 44-11 202

Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 24-11

36. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 10 44-11 202

Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 23-10

38. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 10 44-09 199

Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 21-03

39. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 10 44-05 196

Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 17-09

39. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 10 44-05 196

Day 1: 5 21-15 Day 2: 5 22-06

41. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 10 44-04 193

Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 26-15

42. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 10 44-02 191

Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 22-15

43. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 10 44-01 189

Day 1: 5 24-11 Day 2: 5 19-06

44. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 10 43-14 187

Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 21-02

45. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 10 43-12 185

Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 22-10

46. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 10 43-06 183

Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 24-14

47. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 10 42-09 181

Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 22-14

48. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 10 41-12 179

Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 19-14

49. James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 10 41-11 176

Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 26-09

49. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 10 41-11 176

Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 20-14

51. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 10 41-09 173

Day 1: 5 22-02 Day 2: 5 19-07

52. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 10 41-08 171

Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 19-10

53. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 10 41-02 168

Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 24-15

53. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 10 41-02 168

Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 21-02

55. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 10 41-01 165

Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 19-04

56. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 10 40-15 163

Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 26-05

57. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 10 40-08 161

Day 1: 5 20-12 Day 2: 5 19-12

58. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 10 40-05 159

Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 21-12

59. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 10 40-01 157

Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 18-01

60. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 10 40-00 155

Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 18-06

61. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 10 39-10 153

Day 1: 5 23-05 Day 2: 5 16-05

62. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 10 39-04 151

Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 20-15

63. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 10 39-01 149

Day 1: 5 21-09 Day 2: 5 17-08

64. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 10 38-15 146

Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 22-14

64. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 10 38-15 146

Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 21-12

66. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 10 38-14 143

Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 20-00

67. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 10 38-08 141

Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 15-04

68. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 10 38-04 139

Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 21-01

69. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 10 38-01 137

Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 18-00

70. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 10 38-00 135

Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 19-03

71. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 10 37-15 133

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 18-05

72. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 10 37-12 131

Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 18-08

73. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 10 37-09 129

Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 20-10

74. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 10 37-05 127

Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 17-14

75. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 10 37-04 125

Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 24-00

76. Ken D Cook Lawton, Okla. 10 37-01 123

Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 22-07

77. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 10 36-13 121

Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 17-02

78. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 10 36-12 119

Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 16-05

79. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 10 36-06 117

Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 18-03

80. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 10 36-02 115

Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 19-12

81. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 10 35-14 113

Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 20-15

82. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 10 35-13 111

Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 18-15

83. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 10 35-10 109

Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 17-14

84. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 10 35-09 107

Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 20-01

85. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 10 35-05 105

Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 16-12

86. Marty Stone Fayetteville , N.C. 10 35-01 103

Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 16-15

87. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 10 34-14 101

Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 16-09

88. John Crews Salem, Va. 10 34-13 99

Day 1: 5 17-15 Day 2: 5 16-14

89. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 10 34-10 96

Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 15-13

89. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 10 34-10 96

Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 18-01

91. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 10 34-09 93

Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 19-05

92. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 10 34-07 91

Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 19-01

93. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 10 34-02 89

Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 18-04

94. James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 10 33-02 87

Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 17-02

95. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 10 33-01 85

Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 15-11

96. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 10 32-15 83

Day 1: 5 20-04 Day 2: 5 12-11

97. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 10 32-00 81

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

98. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas 10 31-15 79

Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 15-01

99. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 10 31-04 77

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

100.Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 10 31-02 76

Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 15-14

101.Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 10 30-11 75

Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-05

102.Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 10 30-07 74

Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 13-09

103.Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 10 30-06 73

Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 11-08

104.Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 10 29-12 72

Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 16-12

105.Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 10 29-04 71

Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 13-06

106.Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 10 29-00 70

Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 15-07

107.Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 10 27-04 69

Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 13-00

108.Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 5 13-00 68

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


 

Day 3: Gutierrez Holds Slim Lead at Elite Series

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – Heading into Saturday’s action, Greg Gutierrez of Red Bluff, Calif., held a commanding 10-pound plus lead but the 45-year-old relinquished more than eight pounds of that lead to hard-charging Bassmaster Elite Series angler Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala. Gutierrez leads the 2006 Toyota Rookie of the Year Kennedy by more than one pound heading into the final day of action at the Golden State Shootout presented by Evan Williams Bourbon.

With a three-day total of 91 pounds, 14 ounces, Gutierrez, who serves as a firefighter when he is not traveling to Elite Series events, is within striking distance of the BASS record for four-day heaviest catch. The record is currently held by Florida’s Preston Clark with 115 pounds, 15 ounces and was set on South Carolina’s Santee Cooper Reservoir in April 2006.

Fishing fans can witness all of the big-bass action from California’s Clear Lake on ESPN2 Saturday April 7 at 9 a.m. ET.

“I think my area is starting to run out,” Gutierrez said, whose last BASS win came in California on Lake Shasta in 2004. “I have to change things up to win this tournament and the key to winning against this competition is to make adjustments.”

The two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, who is throwing a swimbait and working a jig slowly, brought in consecutive 30-pound plus limits during the first two days of competition. Despite posting another quality limit of more than 25 pounds Saturday, he ceded ground to both Kennedy and California’s Skeet Reese.

It was a quick start for Kennedy that propelled him into contention. The 2006 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year runner-up is working three different swimbaits and had more than 33 pounds of bass in his livewell by 7:30 a.m.

“This lake is awesome,” the 37-year-old said. “I kept running new water today [Saturday] and it seemed everywhere I stopped, I got them to bite. I have some areas that I am really confident in for tomorrow [Sunday] but I will still continue to look for new water.”

Just ounces behind Kennedy was Reese of Auburn, Calif., with 89 pounds, 12 ounces. The two-time BASS winner put himself in contention to win another BASS event with a 35-pound, 7-ounce limit Saturday. It has been a remarkable run for Reese of late as he has posted five top-10 finishes in his last six BASS events, including a second-place showing at the 2007 Bassmaster Classic.

“This is the biggest limit of my career,” the 37-year-old said. “I ran to my good areas today and I was hitting spots and just making a few casts before moving on. If I didn’t get a bite, I was gone to another spot. It worked great.”

Rounding out the top five were Jared Lintner of Arroyo Grande, Calif., in fourth with 79 pounds, 13 ounces; and Paul Elias of Laurel, Miss., in fifth with 79 pounds, 10 ounces.

The top 12 anglers moved on to fish Sunday and included 2006 Bassmaster Major winners: Scott Rook of Little Rock, Ark., in 11th with 74 pounds, 12 ounces; and Peter Thliveros of Jacksonville , Fla., in 12th with 74 pounds, 11 ounces.

In the co-angler division which ended Saturday, Jim White of Westlake Village, Calif., totaled 72 pounds, 9 ounces, over three days to take home the top prize of a Triton/Mercury boat rig valued at $50,000.

Finishing behind White were Ron Tyson of Marrietta, Ga., with 66 pounds, 2 ounces, and Bob Myskey of Nice, Calif., with 63 pounds, 5 ounces.

The tournament launch of the final day of the “Golden State Shootout presented by Evan Williams Bourbon” will begin Sunday from Lakeport’s Library Park at 6:50 a.m. PT. Viewers can see all the live action of the launch at www.espnoutdoors.com.

The weigh-in festivities will kick off with “Hooked Up” hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Tommy Sanders and Jerry McKinnis starting at 3 p.m. PT on www.espnoutdoors.com. After “Hooked Up”, live weigh-in action can also be seen on the site.


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



1. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 15 91-14 315 $2,500.00

Day 1: 5 32-13 Day 2: 5 33-13 Day 3: 5 25-04

2. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 15 90-04 295 $1,000.00

Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 29-13 Day 3: 5 40-07

3. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 15 89-12 290

Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 27-09 Day 3: 5 35-07

4. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 15 79-13 285

Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 29-07 Day 3: 5 28-10

5. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 15 79-10 280

Day 1: 5 23-01 Day 2: 5 23-12 Day 3: 5 32-13

6. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 15 78-12 276

Day 1: 5 27-13 Day 2: 5 22-07 Day 3: 5 28-08

7. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 15 76-14 272

Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 32-08 Day 3: 5 21-03

8. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 15 76-04 268

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 28-09 Day 3: 5 28-01

9. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 15 75-15 264

Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 29-02 Day 3: 5 27-13

10. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 15 75-01 260

Day 1: 5 25-08 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 28-14

11. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 15 74-12 257

Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 28-07 Day 3: 5 26-06

12. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville , Fla. 15 74-11 254

Day 1: 5 28-11 Day 2: 5 25-07 Day 3: 5 20-09

13. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 15 74-05 248 $10,700.00

Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 26-15 Day 3: 5 30-01

13. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 15 74-05 248 $10,700.00

Day 1: 5 28-10 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 24-08

13. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 15 74-05 248 $11,700.00

Day 1: 5 19-12 Day 2: 5 28-09 Day 3: 5 26-00

16. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 15 73-00 243 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 23-15 Day 3: 5 26-09

17. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 15 72-15 241 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 27-00 Day 2: 5 25-06 Day 3: 5 20-09

18. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 15 72-11 239 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 28-01 Day 3: 5 24-03

19. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 15 72-00 237 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 27-08 Day 2: 5 24-14 Day 3: 5 19-10

20. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 15 71-10 235 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 25-00 Day 2: 5 25-14 Day 3: 5 20-12

21. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 15 71-01 233 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 24-11 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 27-00

22. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 15 69-15 230 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 27-02 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 21-15

22. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 15 69-15 230 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 22-04 Day 2: 5 26-05 Day 3: 5 21-06

24. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 15 69-01 227 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 32-09 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 16-01

25. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 15 68-14 225 $10,250.00

Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 23-05 Day 3: 5 19-10

26. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 15 68-09 223 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 24-07 Day 2: 5 27-04 Day 3: 5 16-14

27. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 15 67-08 221 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 22-15 Day 3: 5 23-06

28. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 14 66-03 219 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 28-09 Day 2: 4 19-05 Day 3: 5 18-05

29. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 15 65-13 217 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 26-06 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 20-00

30. Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 15 65-09 215 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 27-08 Day 2: 5 17-06 Day 3: 5 20-11

31. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 15 65-07 213 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-15 Day 2: 5 22-06 Day 3: 5 21-02

32. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 15 65-06 211 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 23-11

33. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 15 65-04 209 $11,000.00

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 29-06 Day 3: 5 16-04

34. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 15 65-01 207 $10,500.00

Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 21-13 Day 3: 5 17-05

35. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 15 64-05 205 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 26-00 Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 5 18-01

36. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 15 64-02 203 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 22-12 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 20-04

37. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 15 63-04 201 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 18-15

38. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 15 63-03 199 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 24-11 Day 3: 5 18-08

39. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 15 62-14 197 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 24-06 Day 2: 5 24-12 Day 3: 5 13-12

40. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 15 62-13 195 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 23-11 Day 2: 5 22-15 Day 3: 5 16-03

41. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 15 61-12 193 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 17-03

42. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 15 61-08 191 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 22-05 Day 2: 5 24-15 Day 3: 5 14-04

43. James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 15 61-04 189 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 26-09 Day 3: 5 19-09

44. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 15 61-01 187 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 24-14 Day 3: 5 17-11

45. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 15 60-00 185 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 22-14 Day 3: 5 17-07

46. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 15 59-11 183 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 22-10 Day 3: 5 15-15

47. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 15 59-07 181 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 29-03 Day 3: 5 13-03

48. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 15 58-11 179 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 26-13 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 13-00

49. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 15 58-00 177 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-01 Day 2: 5 23-10 Day 3: 5 13-05

50. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 15 55-11 175 $10,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-14 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 13-15
 

Day 4: Kennedy Wins Elite Series; Shatters Record

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LAKEPORT, Calif. – In a record-setting performance on the Bassmaster Elite Series circuit, Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., bested Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., by more than five pounds at the “Golden State Shootout presented by Evan Williams Bourbon” on California’s Clear Lake.

The BASS record for the heaviest four-day catch had stood for just less than one year before the 37 year-old Kennedy demolished it after catching 122 pounds, 14 ounces of bass for his four-day total. Preston Clark of Palatka, Fla., set the weight record in April of 2006 at an Elite Series event on South Carolina’s Santee Cooper Reservoir.

Fishing fans can watch all of the record-breaking action from Clear Lake on Saturday, April 7 on ESPN2 at 9 a.m. ET.

“I can’t say anything more than this is absolutely awesome,” said the 2006 Toyota Rookie of the Year. “I never thought I could catch this much weight in a BASS tournament. It is amazing.”

Kennedy took home the $100,000 top prize for the third Elite stop of the season and also earned an additional $10,000 in contingency prizes for his daily catches on Saturday and Sunday.

It was Saturday that propelled Kennedy into contention for the victory. He caught a 40-pound, 7-ounce limit during the third day of competition and moved up from 12th place into second just behind California’s Greg Gutierrez. He followed up that performance with a 32-pound, 10-ounce limit on the final day - good for the heaviest limit of the day.

Kennedy caught the majority of his weighed bass on a row of docks in the southern arm of California’s largest natural freshwater lake. Like the majority of the top-12 who competed Sunday, the Elite Series pro worked a variety of swimbaits.

Finishing in a “disappointing” second was Reese. With six top-10 finishes in his last seven BASS events including a runner-up performance in the 2007 Bassmaster Classic, the 37-year-old has been in contention for his third BASS win a number of times.

“I’m shocked that I got beat,” said Reese. “I caught 117 pounds of fish for four days and I finished second. That is very frustrating.”

Reese also worked swimbaits throwing them to shallow flats that led to spawning grounds. After another strong performance, Reese holds the lead in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race- his overriding goal for the 2007 season is to win the award.

After leading the first three days of competition, 45-year-old Greg Gutierrez of Red Bluff, Calif., fell to third place with 108 pounds, 1 ounce. Rounding out the top five were Gerald Swindle of Hayden, Ala., in fourth with 105 pounds, 8 ounces; and John Murray of Phoenix, Ariz., in fifth with 103 pounds, 1 ounce. ‘



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



1. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 20 122-14 305 $110,000.00

Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 29-13 Day 3: 5 40-07 Day 4: 5 32-10

2. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 20 117-06 295 $30,000.00

Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 27-09 Day 3: 5 35-07 Day 4: 5 27-10

3. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 20 108-01 305 $27,500.00

Day 1: 5 32-13 Day 2: 5 33-13 Day 3: 5 25-04 Day 4: 5 16-03

4. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 20 105-08 285 $19,000.00

Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 28-09 Day 3: 5 28-01 Day 4: 5 29-04

5. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 20 103-01 280 $17,000.00

Day 1: 5 27-13 Day 2: 5 22-07 Day 3: 5 28-08 Day 4: 5 24-05

6. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 20 102-10 276 $15,500.00

Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 32-08 Day 3: 5 21-03 Day 4: 5 25-12

7. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 20 101-15 272 $15,000.00

Day 1: 5 23-01 Day 2: 5 23-12 Day 3: 5 32-13 Day 4: 5 22-05

8. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 20 99-04 268 $14,500.00

Day 1: 5 28-11 Day 2: 5 25-07 Day 3: 5 20-09 Day 4: 5 24-09

9. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 20 97-04 264 $14,000.00

Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 29-07 Day 3: 5 28-10 Day 4: 5 17-07

10. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 20 97-01 260 $13,500.00

Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 28-07 Day 3: 5 26-06 Day 4: 5 22-05

11. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 20 96-07 257 $12,500.00

Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 29-02 Day 3: 5 27-13 Day 4: 5 20-08

12. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 18 80-09 254 $12,300.00

Day 1: 5 25-08 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 28-14 Day 4: 3 5-08

 

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Compiled by Brandon Shook