|
|
The Full Story
BASS Elite
Series: Lake Erie, NY
Elite Series Event # 9 of 11
Day 1 | Day 2 |
Day 3 | Day 4
Day 1: Hirosky Takes Early Lead on Lake Erie
Back to top
BUFFALO – Taking advantage of his considerable experience on
massive Lake Erie, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Paul Hirosky of Guy Mills,
Pa., persevered through windy conditions Thursday to boat a limit of 21
pounds, 11 ounces, and lead the Empire Chase presented by Mahindra Tractors.
Hirosky, who leads Matt Reed of Madisonville, Texas, by a mere 5 ounces,
scored his lone BASS victory in 2005 on Erie in a Bassmaster Open event,
part of a qualifying circuit for the Elite Series. Despite a slow start, the
37-year-old eventually found his “sweet spot” and built his limit around 10
spots he located in practice.
Fishing fans can see all of the on-the-water action on The Bassmasters at 9
a.m. ET Saturday, July 28, on ESPN2.
“My original plan was to make a long run,” Hirosky said. “But with the rough
conditions I thought I would play it safe and stay close to the check-in
area.”
In all, Hirosky said he caught 12 keepers with a drop-shot rig. He said the
key to his success was a slow, methodical approach on top of rocky areas in
deep water.
“I had a great day,” said Hirosky, who has fished Erie hundreds of times.
“My familiarity with the fishery really helped me out there and I have the
confidence I need to do well.”
Unlike Hirosky, Reed took a calculated risk and is one of a contingent of
anglers making a long run southwest from the launch point on Erie. When Reed
arrived at his area more than 40 miles from the launch location, he caught
consecutive 4-pounders on his first two casts. He built his limit to nearly
20 pounds by 9:30 a.m., and headed back toward the launch site.
Despite sharing his honey hole with a host of other anglers, Reed, 45, said
the area has plenty of fish and should remain productive throughout the
four-day tournament. Reed was unsure, however, whether anglers would be able
to make the run in worse conditions.
“That area is so awesome. You can catch fish all day there,” said the
one-time BASS winner. “It’s a rough ride though, and my back doesn’t feel
all that great right now.”
Just one ounce behind Reed was Kevin Langill (21-5) of Terrell, N.C.
Rounding out the top-five were 2004 Toyota Rookie of the Year Greg Hackney
of Gonzales, La., with 21 pounds, 2 ounces, and one-time BASS winner Kevin
Wirth of Crestwood, Ky., with 21 pounds, 0 ounces.
With only three events remaining that affect the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster
Angler of the Year race, leader Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., put himself
in position to maintain his lead with a solid 24th-place showing. But
two-time Bassmaster Classic Kevin VanDam is close behind in a tie for 26th.
Heading into the Empire Chase, Reese held a slim 12-point lead over VanDam.
The new standings will be tabulated after the tournament.
Meanwhile, Robert Suhr of Roscommon, Mich., led the co-angler division in
the chase for a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000 with 20
pounds, 1 ounce. Local favorite Randy Bell of Hamburg, N.Y., trailed with 19
pounds, 9 ounces, and Canadian Bill Wray was third with 18 pounds, 13
ounces.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 21-11 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11
2. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 21-06 295
Day 1: 5 21-06
3. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 21-05 290
Day 1: 5 21-05
4. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 21-02 285
Day 1: 5 21-02
5. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 21-00 280
Day 1: 5 21-00
6. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 20-13 276
Day 1: 5 20-13
7. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 5 20-10 272 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10
8. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 20-08 268
Day 1: 5 20-08
9. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 20-01 264
Day 1: 5 20-01
10. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, FL 5 19-15 260
Day 1: 5 19-15
11. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 19-08255.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
11. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 19-08255.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
13. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 19-04 251
Day 1: 5 19-04
14. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 19-03 248
Day 1: 5 19-03
15. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 19-02 245
Day 1: 5 19-02
16. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 5 18-12 242
Day 1: 5 18-12
16. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 18-12 242
Day 1: 5 18-12
18. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 18-10 239
Day 1: 5 18-10
19. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 18-07 236
Day 1: 5 18-07
19. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 18-07 236
Day 1: 5 18-07
21. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 18-05 233
Day 1: 5 18-05
22. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 18-03 231
Day 1: 5 18-03
23. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 18-02 229
Day 1: 5 18-02
24. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 18-01 227
Day 1: 5 18-01
25. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 17-10 225
Day 1: 5 17-10
26. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira , KS 5 17-08 222
Day 1: 5 17-08
26. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 17-08 222
Day 1: 5 17-08
28. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 17-05 219
Day 1: 5 17-05
29. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 5 17-01 217
Day 1: 5 17-01
30. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 17-00 215
Day 1: 5 17-00
31. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 16-13 213
Day 1: 5 16-13
32. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 16-11 211
Day 1: 5 16-11
33. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 16-07 209
Day 1: 5 16-07
34. Dave Smith Del City, OK 5 16-04 206
Day 1: 5 16-04
34. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 16-04 206
Day 1: 5 16-04
36. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 16-03 203
Day 1: 5 16-03
37. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 16-02 200
Day 1: 5 16-02
37. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 16-02 200
Day 1: 5 16-02
39. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 16-00 197
Day 1: 5 16-00
40. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 15-15 195
Day 1: 5 15-15
41. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, FL 5 15-13 192
Day 1: 5 15-13
41. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 15-13 192
Day 1: 5 15-13
43. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 15-12 189
Day 1: 5 15-12
44. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 15-10 187
Day 1: 5 15-10
45. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 15-09 184
Day 1: 5 15-09
45. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 15-09 184
Day 1: 5 15-09
47. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 15-08 180
Day 1: 5 15-08
47. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 15-08 180
Day 1: 5 15-08
49. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
49. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
49. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
52. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 15-05 171
Day 1: 5 15-05
53. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 15-03 168
Day 1: 5 15-03
53. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 15-03 168
Day 1: 5 15-03
55. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 15-01 165
Day 1: 5 15-01
56. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 14-15 163
Day 1: 5 14-15
57. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 5 14-13 160
Day 1: 5 14-13
57. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 14-13 160
Day 1: 5 14-13
59. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 5 14-12 157
Day 1: 5 14-12
60. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 14-11 154
Day 1: 5 14-11
60. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 14-11 154
Day 1: 5 14-11
62. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 14-10 151
Day 1: 5 14-10
63. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, TX 5 14-09 149
Day 1: 5 14-09
64. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 14-07 147
Day 1: 5 14-07
65. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 5 14-05 145
Day 1: 5 14-05
66. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 14-02 142
Day 1: 5 14-02
66. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 14-02 142
Day 1: 5 14-02
68. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 14-00 138
Day 1: 5 14-00
68. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 14-00 138
Day 1: 5 14-00
70. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 5 13-13 134
Day 1: 5 13-13
70. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 4 13-13 134
Day 1: 4 13-13
72. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 13-11 130
Day 1: 5 13-11
72. John Crews Salem, VA 5 13-11 130
Day 1: 5 13-11
74. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 13-10 127
Day 1: 5 13-10
75. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, CA 5 13-09 125
Day 1: 5 13-09
76. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 13-04 121
Day 1: 5 13-04
76. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 13-04 121
Day 1: 5 13-04
76. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 5 13-04 121
Day 1: 5 13-04
79. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 13-03 117
Day 1: 5 13-03
80. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 5 13-01 115
Day 1: 5 13-01
81. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 13-00 113
Day 1: 5 13-00
82. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 4 12-15 111
Day 1: 4 12-15
83. Keith Phillips Calera, AL 5 12-13 108
Day 1: 5 12-13
83. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 12-13 108
Day 1: 5 12-13
85. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 12-11 105
Day 1: 5 12-11
86. Ken Brodeur Niantic, CT 5 12-03 103
Day 1: 5 12-03
87. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 12-00 100
Day 1: 5 12-00
87. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 4 12-00 100
Day 1: 4 12-00
89. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 5 11-15 97
Day 1: 5 11-15
90. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, TX 5 10-15 95
Day 1: 5 10-15
91. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 10-11 93
Day 1: 5 10-11
92. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 4 10-06 91
Day 1: 4 10-06
93. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 10-04 89
Day 1: 5 10-04
94. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 4 10-00 87
Day 1: 4 10-00
95. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 5 09-07 84
Day 1: 5 09-07
95. William Smith Jr. Somerset, KY 3 09-07 84
Day 1: 3 09-07
97. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 3 09-04 81
Day 1: 3 09-04
98. Mark Rogers Naples, FL 4 09-03 79
Day 1: 4 09-03
99. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 3 07-15 77
Day 1: 3 07-15
100. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 3 07-05 76
Day 1: 3 07-05
101. Charlie Youngers Geneva, FL 3 05-12 75
Day 1: 3 05-12
102. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 2 04-13 74
Day 1: 2 04-13
103. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 2 04-12 73
Day 1: 2 04-12
104. Marty Stone Fayetteville , NC 2 04-11 71.5
Day 1: 2 04-11
104. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 2 04-11 71.5
Day 1: 2 04-11
106. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, FL 1 02-06 70
Day 1: 1 02-06
107. Lee Bailey Boaz, AL 1 01-12 69
Day 1: 1 01-12
108. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
Day 2: Day 2 of Elite Series Event on Lake Erie
Canceled
Back to top
BUFFALO – Due to unsafe weather conditions and in the best
interest of all concerned, BASS announced today the second day of tournament
action, scheduled for Friday, July 20, for the Bassmaster Elite Series’
Empire Chase presented by Mahindra Tractors has been canceled. The
tournament will continue Saturday, July 21 and conclude Sunday, July 22 as
scheduled.
The full field of 108 anglers will fish Saturday with the top 12 qualifying
for the final day of action on Sunday. The final 12 anglers will compete for
a $100,000 top prize. The co-angler competition will end Saturday with the
champion of that division receiving a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at
$50,000.
The Empire Chase tournament is the ninth of 11 events on the Bassmaster
Elite Series. Elite anglers are building points in the Toyota Tundra
Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, the main qualifying avenue for the
Bassmaster Classic. A list of the tournament standings after the first day
of action is listed below.
Day 3: Evers Leads Going Into Final day on Lake
Erie
Back to top
BUFFALO – Despite describing smallmouth bass fishing as one
of his weaknesses, Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., did his best to dispel the
notion, boating 21 pounds, 4 ounces, of Lake Erie smallmouth Saturday to
build his two-day total to 41 pounds, 13 ounces, at the Empire Chase
presented by Mahindra Tractors.
Evers wrestled the lead from Day 1 leader Paul Hirosky of Guys Mills, Pa.,
and now holds a slim lead of 3 ounces over Kentucky’s Kevin Wirth. Hirosky
is 4 ounces behind in third.
The tournament, originally scheduled for four days, was shortened to three
after Friday’s cancellation due to unsafe conditions. Fishing fans can see
all of the on-the-water action and the winner of the $100,000 top prize on
The Bassmasters at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, July 28, on ESPN2.
Evers, 32, has scored three BASS victories but has yet to win a Bassmaster
Elite Series event. With a win, he would bring his career BASS earnings to
more than $1 million, joining 18 other BASS anglers in the prestigious club.
“This would be a huge win,” Evers said. “I don’t consider fishing for
smallmouth one of my strengths and yet I have had a great week. This would
be a huge blessing if I could hold on.”
Though Evers declined to discuss specifics of his pattern, he said he was
fishing offshore, concentrating on shoals that have subtle differences.
“This is a phenomenal fishery,” Evers said. “I can’t wait to get back next
year.”
With the tournament shortened to three days, weights among the top 12
qualifiers, who advance to Sunday’s final day of competition, are close.
Terry Butcher, Evers’ brother-in-law, is less than 4 pounds behind the lead
in 12th place, still within striking distance.
Leading the pack of followers was Wirth. The ex-Kentucky Derby jockey said
he would stick with the same strategy he utilized the prior two days.
Concentrating on 38 to 40 feet of water, the 45-year-old, whose birthday was
Friday, caught six keepers with a drop-shot rig.
Despite catching his second consecutive 20-pound limit, Wirth was concerned
that fish were leaving his spots. Still, he plans to rotate Sunday between
the same 4 to 6 locations he visited Saturday.
“I felt I got lucky to entice quality bites,” said Wirth, a one-time BASS
winner. “But I don’t have much else that I can go to and I feel like I could
eke out a win with the same strategy.”
Hirosky slipped to third but remains just ounces behind. He had boat trouble
early in the morning and lost a significant portion of his fishing day. But
he was able to compensate by making a longer run on Erie and enticing some
quality bites later in the day.
“I’m on the fish to win,” said Hirosky, who won a Bassmaster Open, a
qualifying tour event for the Elite Series, in 2005 on Erie. “If I get the
right bites, I have just as good a chance as anybody else.”
In fourth was John Murray of Phoenix, with 40 pounds, 13 ounces. Tied for
fifth were Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., and Jami Fralick of Martin, S.D.,
with 40 pounds, 0 ounces.
Just outside the top-12 cut was Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif. Heading into
the tournament, Reese led Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., by just 12
points in the season-long Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year
standings.
The two will remain tight as Reese posted a 13th-place finish in the Empire
Chase and VanDam was close behind in 16th. The standings will be tabulated
after the final day of action Sunday.
The final two Elite Series events of 2007, which affect the Angler of the
Year race, will be held at the Potomac River in August and Lake Tohopekaliga
in September. Both anglers have fared well at the final locations.
In the co-angler competition, which ended Saturday, Robert Suhr of
Roscommon, Mich., won a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000 with a
two-day total of 38 pounds, 3 ounces. Trailing Suhr were home-state favorite
David Ottman of Oswego, N.Y., with 37 pounds, 3 ounces and Tony Sprague of
Lincoln, Neb., with 36 pounds, 11 ounces.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 41-13 305
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 21-00
2. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 10 41-10 295
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 20-10
3. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 10 41-09 295 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 19-14
4. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 40-13 285
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 21-05
5. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 10 40-00 278
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 21-13
5. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 40-00 278
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 18-14
7. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 39-08 272
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 19-07
8. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 10 39-07 268
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 20-04
9. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 39-04 264
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 18-12
10. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 10 39-00 260
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 20-09
11. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 10 38-14 257 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 18-04
12. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 10 38-04 254
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 19-15
13. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 37-13 251 $10,800.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 19-12
14. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 37-09246.5 $10,650.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 18-07
14. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 10 37-09246.5 $10,650.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 21-07
16. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 37-08 243 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 20-00
17. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 37-06 241 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 20-11
18. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 37-05 239 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 15-15
19. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 10 36-12 237 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 20-09
20. Dave Smith Del City, OK 10 36-10 235 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 20-06
21. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 10 36-08 233 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 17-00
22. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 36-06 231 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 21-07
23. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 35-15 229 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 19-08
24. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 35-13 227 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 19-09
25. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 10 35-12 225 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 18-11
26. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 35-10 223 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 18-13
27. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 10 35-09 221 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 20-02
28. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, FL 10 35-01 219 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 15-02
29. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 34-15 216 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 20-05
29. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 10 34-15 216 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 15-11
31. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 10 34-12 212 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 19-03
31. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 34-12 212 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 17-04
33. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 10 34-07 208 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 19-00
33. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 34-07 208 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 16-13
35. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 10 34-01 205 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 20-07
36. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 34-00 203 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-12 Day 2: 5 18-04
37. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 10 33-14 200 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-05 Day 2: 5 12-09
37. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 33-14 200 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-01
39. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 10 33-13 197 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 18-10
40. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 10 33-12 195 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 15-00
41. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 33-11 193 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 15-04
42. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 10 33-08 191 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 16-03
43. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 10 33-07 189 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 17-07
44. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 33-06 187 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 19-04
45. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 32-15 185 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 16-13
46. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 32-13 183 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 17-05
47. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 32-12 181 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 17-15
48. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, TX 10 32-10 179 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 18-01
49. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 32-04 176 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 17-13
49. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 10 32-04 176 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 17-15
51. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 10 32-01 173
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 18-13
52. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 10 31-15 171
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 18-12
53. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, CA 10 31-14 169
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 18-05
54. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 10 31-13 167
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 18-13
55. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 10 31-12 165
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 16-03
56. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 31-05 163
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 16-10
57. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 10 31-03 161
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 17-08
58. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 30-14 158
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 13-14
58. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 10 30-14 158
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 18-01
60. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 30-13 155
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 14-14
61. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 30-10 153
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 16-10
62. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 10 30-08 151
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 16-11
63. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 10 30-06 149
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-09
64. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 10 29-14 147
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 15-12
65. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 9 29-13 145
Day 1: 4 12-15 Day 2: 5 16-14
66. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 8 29-09 143
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 3 10-13
67. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 10 29-07 141
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 14-00
68. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 10 29-03 139
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 13-14
69. Keith Phillips Calera, AL 10 29-02 136
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 16-05
69. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, FL 10 29-02 136
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 13-05
71. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 9 28-12 133
Day 1: 4 13-13 Day 2: 5 14-15
72. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 10 28-11 131
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 15-07
73. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 10 28-10 129
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 16-11
74. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 10 28-09 127
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 12-15
75. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 10 28-04 125
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 13-03
76. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 28-01 122
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 14-01
76. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 9 28-01 122
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 4 12-09
78. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 10 27-13 119
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-10
79. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 10 27-09 117
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 12-13
80. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 27-07 115
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 14-12
81. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, TX 10 27-05 113
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 16-06
82. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 7 27-01 111 $1,000.00
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 5 22-06
83. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 10 26-14 109
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 13-10
84. Ken Brodeur Niantic, CT 10 26-07 107
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 14-04
85. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 25-14 105
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 15-10
86. Alton Jones Waco, TX 10 25-10 103
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 10-15
87. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 8 25-06 100
Day 1: 5 18-10 Day 2: 3 06-12
87. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 7 25-06 100
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 5 20-11
89. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 10 25-05 97
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 14-10
90. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 9 25-02 95
Day 1: 4 12-00 Day 2: 5 13-02
91. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 9 24-15 93
Day 1: 4 10-00 Day 2: 5 14-15
92. Mark Rogers Naples, FL 9 24-14 91
Day 1: 4 09-03 Day 2: 5 15-11
93. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 9 24-09 89
Day 1: 4 10-06 Day 2: 5 14-03
94. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 8 24-04 87
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 5 16-15
95. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 8 23-10 85
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 3 05-08
96. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 9 23-09 83
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 4 10-08
97. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 8 22-15 81
Day 1: 3 07-15 Day 2: 5 15-00
98. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 10 22-08 79
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 10-08
99. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 8 21-07 77
Day 1: 3 09-04 Day 2: 5 12-03
100. John Crews Salem, VA 7 20-11 76
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 2 07-00
101. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 7 19-06 75
Day 1: 2 04-13 Day 2: 5 14-09
102. Charlie Youngers Geneva, FL 8 18-15 74
Day 1: 3 05-12 Day 2: 5 13-03
103. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, FL 6 18-05 73
Day 1: 1 02-06 Day 2: 5 15-15
104. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 9 16-13 72
Day 1: 5 09-07 Day 2: 4 07-06
105. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 15-00 71
Day 1: 2 04-12 Day 2: 3 10-04
106. Lee Bailey Boaz, AL 6 14-04 70
Day 1: 1 01-12 Day 2: 5 12-08
107. William Smith Jr. Somerset, KY 3 09-07 69
Day 1: 3 09-07 Day 2: 0 00-00
108. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 1 02-08 68
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 1 02-08
Day 4: Evers Takes Fourth BASS Victory on Lake
Erie
Back to top
BUFFALO – Saving his best for last, Edwin Evers of Talala,
Okla., boated the heaviest limit of the tournament, 23 pounds, 14 ounces, of
Lake Erie smallmouth bass Sunday, to outlast a hard-charging Kotaro Kiriyama
of Moody, Ala., by 4 pounds at the Empire Chase presented by Mahindra
Tractors.
Evers, 32, totaled 65 pounds, 7 ounces, over the course of the tournament,
which was shortened from four days to three because of inclement weather, to
win his first Bassmaster Elite Series event and the $100,000 top prize. With
the victory, the four-time BASS winner has totaled more than $1 million in
career earnings – the 19th BASS angler to accomplish that feat.
Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Empire Chase
on The Bassmasters at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, July 28, on ESPN2.
“This is one of the most awesome days in my whole life,” Evers said of the
final day. “This is unbelievable. To tell you the truth, I didn’t even
really know if I won it, even though I had such a great day.”
Ironically, Evers doesn’t consider fishing for smallmouth as one of his
strengths. With the victory, the versatile Oklahoma pro expanded his skill
set.
Throughout the tournament, Evers drop-shotted a green pumpkin Yum Houdini
worm in 36 to 42 feet of water. During the first day of competition, Evers
scored a sixth-place finish despite motor trouble that cost him some of his
fishing day. Saturday, he took over the lead with a 21-pound limit, and he
closed the deal Sunday with the big limit.
Kiriyama totaled 61 pounds, 7 ounces, of smallmouth and posted the best
Elite Series finish of his career. The 36-year-old keyed on areas that were
filled with shad, primarily working a worm. He was traveling farther from
the launch site than any of the other competitors, trekking almost 60 miles
each day.
“Today was a beautiful day,” said Kiriyama, who notched his fifth
second-place finish in BASS competition. “The key to my success was
adjusting to the weather. I had my areas all to myself and we don’t
experience that too often.”
In third was John Murray of Phoenix, with 60 pounds, 8 ounces. In fourth was
Terry Butcher, also of Talala, with 60 pounds, 3 ounces. Butcher shared an
area with Evers, his brother in law, for much of the tournament but left the
area to Evers on the final day.
In fifth was Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., with 59 pounds, 15 ounces.
Hackney’s limit included a 5-pound, 10-ounce smallmouth that earned
Purolator Big Bass Honors for the day.
Thursday’s leader Paul Hirosky, of Guy Mills, Pa., slipped to eighth with 58
pounds, 1 ounce.
After the ninth Elite event of 2007, the season-long points races remain
tight. Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year leader Skeet Reese of
Auburn, Calif., increased his lead to 20 points over two-time Bassmaster
Classic champ Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich. In the Toyota Rookie of the
Year race, two 2007 Elite winners, Derek Remitz of Madison, Ala., and Casey
Ashley of Donalds, S.C., are battling it out. Remitz, who won the
season-opening event on Texas’ Lake Amistad leads Ashley by 30 points.
The next tournament for the 51 qualifying anglers from the 108-angler Elite
Series is the Bassmaster Memorial presented by Evan Williams Bourbon July
26-29 in Syracuse, N.Y. The next Elite Series event is set for Aug. 9-12 on
the Potomac River out of LaPlata, Md. The 11th and final Elite event of the
season is scheduled for Sept. 13-16 on Florida’s Lake Tohopekaliga.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 15 65-07 $109,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-13 Day 2: 5 21-00 Day 3: 5 23-10
2. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 15 61-07 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 22-03
3. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 15 60-08 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 19-11
4. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 15 60-03 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 19-15 Day 3: 5 21-15
5. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 15 59-15 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-02 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 19-15
6. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 15 59-01 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 20-01
7. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 15 58-01 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 20-10 Day 3: 5 16-07
8. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 15 57-14 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 19-14 Day 3: 5 16-05
9. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 15 55-09 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 16-01
10. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 15 55-08 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 16-10
11. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 15 51-12 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 21-13 Day 3: 5 11-12
12. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 13 48-08 $12,300.00
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 20-04 Day 3: 3 9-01
Articles and images from BASS
Compiled by Brandon Shook
 |