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Hackney Takes Day 1 Lead At Bassmaster Central Open On Arkansas River
MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Louisiana pro Greg Hackney knows June isn’t exactly a generous month on the Arkansas River, but locating a key spot in practice put him in position to catch a five-bass limit that weighed 18 pounds, 1 ounce for the Day 1 lead of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open.
Greg Hackney, of Gonzales, La., is leading after Day 1 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open at Arkansas River with 18 pounds, 1 ounce.
Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.
“I didn’t get a lot of bites, but they were all good ones,” Hackney said. “I caught seven and I culled twice, but they were all quality bites. Even the ones I culled were nice ones. Honestly, I put a lot of pressure on the place because I needed to know if I needed to go back.
“I pretty much stayed on it all day long and caught everything that bit. I thought the potential was there to catch 20 pounds one day. I didn’t expect it to hold up for multiple days.”
Considering that he had about 30 competitors within sight and most were fishing techniques other than his, Hackney opted to hold his cards low. He did mention that he’s fishing a 20-yard stretch of hard bottom within a larger area.
“It’s a shallow spot that has a lot of deep water around it and lots of bait,” Hackney said. “Today, the key to this spot was [that] there was a lot of shad and they were big. I caught one big one there in practice.
“This morning, I said ‘I’ll stop and hit it and I have time to fish it, and if I decide I want to lock, I’ll have time to do both.’ I caught a big striper, then a 4-pounder pretty quick and then, by the time I needed to lock, I had three, so I spent the rest of the day grinding it.”
With his weight in the livewell by about 12:30 p.m., Hackney said he feels confident he caught most of what the spot had to offer, at least for the day. He caught his fish on moving baits and pitching baits.
“I went there thinking the reaction baits were going to be the deal, but after it was all said and done, I ended up weighing two on a reaction bait and three on a slow bait,” he said. “It was a small area, so I could fish through it pretty quickly with a reaction bait and then turn around and fish back through it with a slow bait.”
Dakota Ebare of Bluff Dale, Texas, is in second place with 15-12. Locking down to the Kerr pool proved stressful for him — even after a slow start.
“I was nervous about [the locking decision] all day,” Ebare said. “Even though I was due in at 3:40, I had it in my mind that I had to catch ‘em quick just to prove to myself that I can do it tomorrow, when I’ll have a short day.
“It took a lot of perseverance to keep the train on the tracks because that pressure got to me. I only had two fish, and while I was running to one of my best spots, I was praying for peace of mind. I pulled up to my next spot and caught my biggest one of the day — about 4 1/2 pounds.”
Noting that he missed two big-fish opportunities, Ebare said he was targeting a particular type of structure where current was key. He caught his bass on a mix of moving baits and slower presentations.
“During practice, they had been biting better in the morning and then you’d get a lull in the middle of the day, but I was very fortunate to get the quality bites I did today between 10:30 and 12,” Ebare said. “I sat at the lock for two and a half hours. I should have been fishing, but I was so nervous about getting into the lock as soon as it opened.”
Daisuke Aoki of Minamitsuru-gun Yamanashi, Japan is in third place with 15-3. Aoki devoted his fishing hours to the Neosho River, where he targeted rock and wood with a ChatterBait and a Texas-rigged beaver-style bait. Aoki said he caught fish all day, but his morning produced most of his weight.
Anthony Dumitras of Winston, Ga., is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 5-10 largemouth.
Bassmaster Elite pros Dale Hightower and Lee Livesay fished their way into the Top 10. Hightower shares a fourth-place tie with John Garrett, while Livesay is ninth.
William Young of Livingston, Texas, leads the co-angler division with 10-11.
Dakota Sparks of Denham Springs, La., holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 4-8 largemouth.
Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6 a.m. CT at Three Forks Harbor. The weigh-in will be held back at the harbor at 1 p.m.
The event is hosted by Visit Muskogee and Three Forks Harbor.
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Basspro.com
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Yamaha
2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Carhartt, Huk Performance Fishing, Mossy Oak Fishing, Rapala
About B.A.S.S.
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2020 Basspro.com Central Open at Arkansas River 6/18-6/20
Arkansas River, Muskogee OK.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 18-01 200
Day 1: 5 18-01
2. Dakota Ebare Bluff Dale, TX 5 15-12 199
Day 1: 5 15-12
3. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 5 15-03 198
Day 1: 5 15-03
4. John Garrett Union City, TN 5 15-00 197
Day 1: 5 15-00
4. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 5 15-00 197
Day 1: 5 15-00
6. Caleb Gibson Locust Grove, OK 5 14-12 195
Day 1: 5 14-12
7. Terry Luedtke Burton, TX 5 13-14 194
Day 1: 5 13-14
8. Mark Watson Midlothian, TX 4 13-14 193
Day 1: 4 13-14
9. Lee Livesay Gladewater, TX 5 13-11 192
Day 1: 5 13-11
10. Allan Nail Sand Springs, OK 5 13-04 191
Day 1: 5 13-04
11. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 5 13-02 190
Day 1: 5 13-02
11. Larry Puckett Decatur, TX 5 13-02 190
Day 1: 5 13-02
13. John Hunter Jr Simpsonville, KY 5 13-00 188
Day 1: 5 13-00
14. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 12-15 187
Day 1: 5 12-15
15. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 12-10 186
Day 1: 5 12-10
15. Shonn Goodwin Moore, OK 5 12-10 186
Day 1: 5 12-10
17. Chris Jones Bokoshe, OK 5 12-10 184
Day 1: 5 12-10
18. Darold Gleason Many, LA 5 12-06 183
Day 1: 5 12-06
18. Cody Huff Ava, MO 5 12-06 183
Day 1: 5 12-06
20. Lance Crawford Broken Bow, OK 5 12-01 181
Day 1: 5 12-01
21. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 4 11-15 180
Day 1: 4 11-15
22. Mike Rhinehart Atkins, AR 5 11-13 179
Day 1: 5 11-13
23. Justin Margraves Diana, TX 5 11-09 178
Day 1: 5 11-09
24. Spike Stoker Stephenville, TX 5 11-09 177
Day 1: 5 11-09
25. Bryan New Belmont, NC 5 11-08 176
Day 1: 5 11-08
26. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 11-04 175
Day 1: 5 11-04
26. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 5 11-04 175
Day 1: 5 11-04
28. Jeff Lugar Cross Junction, VA 5 11-03 173
Day 1: 5 11-03
28. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 11-03 173
Day 1: 5 11-03
30. Greg Vance Delhi, IA 4 11-01 171
Day 1: 4 11-01
31. Billy Billeaud Lafayette, LA 5 10-13 170
Day 1: 5 10-13
31. Steven Caldwell Whitesboro, TX 5 10-13 170
Day 1: 5 10-13
33. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 5 10-10 168
Day 1: 5 10-10
34. Jeff Bridges Prosper, TX 3 10-10 167
Day 1: 3 10-10
35. Cody Ryan Greaney Manchaca, TX 4 10-08 166
Day 1: 4 10-08
36. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 3 10-04 165
Day 1: 3 10-04
37. Cody Bird Granbury, TX 4 10-03 164
Day 1: 4 10-03
38. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 10-02 163
Day 1: 5 10-02
39. Lucas Bradley Flippin, AR 5 09-14 162
Day 1: 5 09-14
40. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 4 09-08 161
Day 1: 4 09-08
41. Kyle Dorsett Odenville, AL 5 09-07 160
Day 1: 5 09-07
42. Mark Goines Shady Point, OK 4 09-07 159
Day 1: 4 09-07
43. Rodney Richards Ardmore, OK 5 09-03 158
Day 1: 5 09-03
44. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 4 09-03 157
Day 1: 4 09-03
45. Randy Qualls Streetman, TX 5 09-02 156
Day 1: 5 09-02
46. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 09-00 155
Day 1: 5 09-00
47. Austin Cranford Oklahoma City, OK 4 09-00 154
Day 1: 4 09-00
48. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 4 08-15 153
Day 1: 4 08-15
48. Drew Sloan Scurry, TX 4 08-15 153
Day 1: 4 08-15
50. Bo Keith III Haughton, LA 5 08-14 151
Day 1: 5 08-14
51. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 3 08-10 150
Day 1: 3 08-10
52. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 5 08-09 149
Day 1: 5 08-09
52. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 08-09 149
Day 1: 5 08-09
54. Terry Adams Berwick, LA 4 08-08 147
Day 1: 4 08-08
54. Paul Browning Pecos, TX 4 08-08 147
Day 1: 4 08-08
56. Brandon Mcdonald Longview, TX 3 08-07 145
Day 1: 3 08-07
57. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 4 08-06 144
Day 1: 4 08-06
58. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 2 08-05 143
Day 1: 2 08-05
59. Matt Pangrac Broken Arrow, OK 4 08-04 142
Day 1: 4 08-04
60. Larry Jenkins Leesburg, TX 3 08-04 141
Day 1: 3 08-04
61. Brent Homan Graham, TX 4 08-03 140
Day 1: 4 08-03
62. Floyd Teat Valley Mills, TX 5 08-02 139
Day 1: 5 08-02
63. Andy Ortega Odessa, TX 4 08-00 138
Day 1: 4 08-00
64. Justin Prisock Robinson, TX 3 08-00 137
Day 1: 3 08-00
65. James Biggs Euless, TX 4 07-15 136
Day 1: 4 07-15
65. Jed Holt Livingston, TX 4 07-15 136
Day 1: 4 07-15
67. Travis Franks Lake Charles, LA 4 07-14 134
Day 1: 4 07-14
68. Josh Bragg Jacksonville, AL 4 07-08 133
Day 1: 4 07-08
69. Justin Hallmark Bertram, TX 3 07-07 132
Day 1: 3 07-07
70. John Hammersmith Branson, MO 3 07-05 131
Day 1: 3 07-05
71. Steve Sennikoff Edgewood, TX 2 07-05 130
Day 1: 2 07-05
72. Billy McDonald Greenwood, IN 4 07-03 129
Day 1: 4 07-03
72. Chandler Stewart Waco, TX 4 07-03 129
Day 1: 4 07-03
74. Terry Peacock Royse City, TX 3 07-03 127
Day 1: 3 07-03
75. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 3 07-01 126
Day 1: 3 07-01
76. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 2 07-01 125
Day 1: 2 07-01
77. Brian Potter Claremore, OK 3 07-00 124
Day 1: 3 07-00
78. Edwin Baker Gilmer, TX 3 06-15 123
Day 1: 3 06-15
79. Theron Caldwell Decatur, TX 3 06-13 122
Day 1: 3 06-13
80. Keith Surber Longview, TX 4 06-11 121
Day 1: 4 06-11
81. Lance Rose Pipe Creek, TX 4 06-10 120
Day 1: 4 06-10
82. Joey Cifuentes III Clinton, AR 3 06-07 119
Day 1: 3 06-07
83. Matthew Nobile Sorrento, LA 2 06-07 118
Day 1: 2 06-07
84. Marshall Hughes Hemphill, TX 3 06-05 117
Day 1: 3 06-05
85. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 2 06-03 116
Day 1: 2 06-03
86. Todd Castledine Nacogdoches, TX 3 05-14 115
Day 1: 3 05-14
86. John Vogt Boerne, TX 3 05-14 115
Day 1: 3 05-14
88. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 2 05-14 113
Day 1: 2 05-14
89. Neels Beneke Amanzimtoti SOUTH AFRIC 3 05-13 112
Day 1: 3 05-13
90. John Nofire Tahlequah, OK 3 05-11 111
Day 1: 3 05-11
91. Anthony Dumitras Winston, GA 1 05-10 110
Day 1: 1 05-10
92. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 3 05-09 109
Day 1: 3 05-09
93. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 3 05-08 108
Day 1: 3 05-08
94. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 3 05-07 107
Day 1: 3 05-07
95. Matthew Robertson Kuttawa, KY 3 05-05 106
Day 1: 3 05-05
96. Shawn Temple Krugerville, TX 2 05-04 105
Day 1: 2 05-04
97. Robert Parkison Marshall, TX 2 05-03 104
Day 1: 2 05-03
98. Clark Reehm Elm Groove, LA 2 05-02 103
Day 1: 2 05-02
99. Sheldon Collings Grove, OK 3 05-01 102
Day 1: 3 05-01
100. Chance Woodard Paris, TX 2 05-00 101
Day 1: 2 05-00
101. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 3 04-15 100
Day 1: 3 04-15
102. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 3 04-15 99
Day 1: 3 04-15
103. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 1 04-14 98
Day 1: 1 04-14
104. Logan Latuso Gonzales, LA 2 04-12 97
Day 1: 2 04-12
105. Chris Bailey Eddy, TX 1 04-11 96
Day 1: 1 04-11
106. Trey Swindle Cleveland, AL 1 04-08 95
Day 1: 1 04-08
107. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 2 04-07 94
Day 1: 2 04-07
107. Chad Mrazek Montgomery, TX 2 04-07 94
Day 1: 2 04-07
109. Cody Hahner Wausau, WI 2 04-06 92
Day 1: 2 04-06
110. Allan Glasgow Ashville, AL 3 04-05 91
Day 1: 3 04-05
111. Toby Hartsell Afton, OK 2 04-02 90
Day 1: 2 04-02
111. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 2 04-02 90
Day 1: 2 04-02
113. Jake Biram Tulsa, OK 2 04-01 88
Day 1: 2 04-01
113. Josh Douglas Isle, MN 2 04-01 88
Day 1: 2 04-01
115. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 1 04-01 86
Day 1: 1 04-01
116. Brad Knight Lancing, TN 2 04-00 85
Day 1: 2 04-00
116. Brian Post Janesville, WI 2 04-00 85
Day 1: 2 04-00
118. Shaun Haag Montgomery, TX 2 03-15 83
Day 1: 2 03-15
118. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 2 03-15 83
Day 1: 2 03-15
120. Jake Boomer Spokane Valley, WA 2 03-14 81
Day 1: 2 03-14
120. Brett King Kinta, OK 2 03-14 81
Day 1: 2 03-14
122. Mark Hicks Glouster, OH 2 03-12 79
Day 1: 2 03-12
123. Taylor Smith Spokane Valley, WA 2 03-12 78
Day 1: 2 03-12
124. Gary Hall Wardville, OK 2 03-11 77
Day 1: 2 03-11
125. Kyle Hogg Hewitt, TX 1 03-11 76
Day 1: 1 03-11
126. Brandon Linney Tahlequah, OK 2 03-10 75
Day 1: 2 03-10
127. James Davis Jr Ferriday, LA 2 03-08 74
Day 1: 2 03-08
128. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 1 03-08 73
Day 1: 1 03-08
128. Bryant Smith Roseville, CA 1 03-08 73
Day 1: 1 03-08
130. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 2 03-07 71
Day 1: 2 03-07
131. Tommy Durham Whitney, TX 2 03-06 70
Day 1: 2 03-06
131. Johnny Grice Arp, TX 2 03-06 70
Day 1: 2 03-06
133. Troy O’Rourke Bentonville, AR 1 03-06 68
Day 1: 1 03-06
134. Hunter Denmark Saraland, AL 1 03-05 67
Day 1: 1 03-05
135. Ernie Stumpf III Frisco, TX 2 03-04 66
Day 1: 2 03-04
136. Ron Wells Claremore, OK 1 03-03 65
Day 1: 1 03-03
137. David Gillham Heath, TX 1 03-02 64
Day 1: 1 03-02
138. Cameron Mattison Bossier City, LA 1 03-00 63
Day 1: 1 03-00
139. Bill Watts Beaumont, TX 1 02-12 62
Day 1: 1 02-12
140. Bill McNutt Henry, IL 1 02-11 61
Day 1: 1 02-11
140. Blake Whatley Harleton, TX 1 02-11 61
Day 1: 1 02-11
142. Travis Ledford Tuttle, OK 1 02-09 59
Day 1: 1 02-09
142. Bart Stanisz Brookeland, TX 1 02-09 59
Day 1: 1 02-09
144. Jake Rossi Columbus, OH 1 02-08 57
Day 1: 1 02-08
145. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 1 02-07 56
Day 1: 1 02-07
145. Matt Looney Coweta, OK 1 02-07 56
Day 1: 1 02-07
145. Dalton Warrington Tishimingo , OK 1 02-07 56
Day 1: 1 02-07
148. Wayne Hall Cottonwood, AZ 1 02-06 53
Day 1: 1 02-06
149. Brandon Ackerson Afton, OK 1 02-04 52
Day 1: 1 02-04
149. Beau Browning Hot Springs National Pa 1 02-04 52
Day 1: 1 02-04
151. James Caldemeyer Gilmer, TX 1 02-02 50
Day 1: 1 02-02
152. Jerod Hawkes Eagle Pass, TX 1 02-01 49
Day 1: 1 02-01
152. Spencer Lambert West Monroe, LA 1 02-01 49
Day 1: 1 02-01
154. Brad Shuflin Windsor , CO 1 02-00 47
Day 1: 1 02-00
155. Zach Goutremout Chaumont, NY 1 01-15 46
Day 1: 1 01-15
155. Levi Wiget Lakewood Ranch, FL 1 01-15 46
Day 1: 1 01-15
157. Chris Johnson Edmond, OK 1 01-14 44
Day 1: 1 01-14
157. Bruce Parsons Arbela, MO 1 01-14 44
Day 1: 1 01-14
157. Marc Schilling Shady Shores, TX 1 01-14 44
Day 1: 1 01-14
157. Greg Yates Oak Point, TX 1 01-14 44
Day 1: 1 01-14
161. Kazuki Kitajima Corinth, TX 1 01-13 40
Day 1: 1 01-13
162. Wes Logan Springville, AL 1 01-08 39
Day 1: 1 01-08
162. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 1 01-08 39
Day 1: 1 01-08
164. Chancy Walters West Des Moines, IA 2 00-00 37
Day 1: 2 00-00
165. Richard Ballard Sulphur, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Casey Bennett Waco, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Caleb Black Mcalester, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. RJ Chandler Jr. Vinton, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Billy Cline Argyle, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Jim Dillard West Monroe, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Ricky Elliott Spring, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Grant Galloway Houlka, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Joseph Hardy Hewitt, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Alex Heintze Denham Springs, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Branden Hollingshead Azle, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Masayuki Matsushita Tokoname-Shi JAPAN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Charles Mayberry Tahlequah, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Lucas Mcdaniel Indianapolis, IN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Cody Morrison Collinsville, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Tommy Murray Bedford, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Chad Randles Elkhorn, NE 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Jerry Riddle Jr Summit, MS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Billy Smith Sr Montgomery, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Kylie Sparks Denham Spgs, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. James Stricklin Fort Smith, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Doug Vahrenberg Higginsville, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Dirk Wenzlaff Frisco, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
165. Trait Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 40 487 1134-08
———————————-
40 487 1134-08
2020 Basspro.com Central Open at Arkansas River 6/18-6/20
Arkansas River, Muskogee OK.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. William Young Livingston, TX 3 10-11 200
Day 1: 3 10-11
2. Connor Rushing Pride, LA 3 08-09 199
Day 1: 3 08-09
3. Bill Black Mcalester, OK 3 07-14 198
Day 1: 3 07-14
4. Matt Gnoth Sharon, KS 3 07-08 197
Day 1: 3 07-08
5. Clarence Schwarz Irving, TX 3 07-06 196
Day 1: 3 07-06
6. Joe Lee Midlothian, TX 3 07-01 195
Day 1: 3 07-01
7. Kerry Trent Dodge City, KS 2 07-01 194
Day 1: 2 07-01
8. Dustin Keys Nevada, MO 3 07-00 193
Day 1: 3 07-00
9. Jenny Nevans Dayton, TN 2 07-00 192
Day 1: 2 07-00
10. Keith Eddleman Buda, TX 3 06-15 191
Day 1: 3 06-15
10. Albert Hudson Austin, TX 3 06-15 191
Day 1: 3 06-15
12. Kevin Nunley Joelton, TN 3 06-14 189
Day 1: 3 06-14
13. James Boyett Mountain Home, AR 3 06-09 188
Day 1: 3 06-09
14. Steven Gilliam Blanchard, OK 3 06-05 187
Day 1: 3 06-05
15. Noel Allen Jr Brandon, MS 3 06-04 186
Day 1: 3 06-04
16. Colton Anders Burton, TX 3 06-00 185
Day 1: 3 06-00
17. Randy Baskins Owasso, OK 3 05-15 184
Day 1: 3 05-15
18. Jessie Ayers Antlers, OK 2 05-15 183
Day 1: 2 05-15
19. Guy Stiegelmeyer Cortez, CO 3 05-14 182
Day 1: 3 05-14
20. Tommy Abel Inola, OK 2 05-14 181
Day 1: 2 05-14
21. Blaine Sparks Walker, LA 2 05-10 180
Day 1: 2 05-10
21. Scotty Walton Oklahoma City, OK 2 05-10 180
Day 1: 2 05-10
23. David Gibson Red Oak, TX 2 05-08 178
Day 1: 2 05-08
24. Clayton Eslick Gilroy, CA 3 05-07 177
Day 1: 3 05-07
25. Billy Wilson Highland Village, TX 3 05-05 176
Day 1: 3 05-05
26. Billy Messer Spartanburg, SC 2 05-05 175
Day 1: 2 05-05
26. Toby Wallace Tolar, TX 2 05-05 175
Day 1: 2 05-05
28. David Fischer Broken Arrow, OK 3 05-04 173
Day 1: 3 05-04
29. Robert Paxton Jr Flower Mound, TX 2 05-04 172
Day 1: 2 05-04
30. Jon Brazeal Eucha, OK 2 05-01 171
Day 1: 2 05-01
30. Steven Hatch Long Beach, MS 2 05-01 171
Day 1: 2 05-01
32. Troy Enmeier Enid, OK 3 05-00 169
Day 1: 3 05-00
33. Michael McCollum Wimberley, TX 2 04-14 168
Day 1: 2 04-14
34. Michael Zierath Flower Mound, TX 2 04-12 167
Day 1: 2 04-12
35. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 2 04-09 166
Day 1: 2 04-09
36. Leroy Mcdonald Jr Blanchard, OK 2 04-08 165
Day 1: 2 04-08
37. Dakota Sparks Denham Springs, LA 1 04-08 164
Day 1: 1 04-08
38. Steven Doolittle Chelsea, OK 2 04-07 163
Day 1: 2 04-07
39. Johnny Ramos Odessa, TX 2 04-05 162
Day 1: 2 04-05
40. Austin Archer Anniston, AL 2 04-04 161
Day 1: 2 04-04
40. Jordan Clayton Wichita Falls, TX 2 04-04 161
Day 1: 2 04-04
42. Brent Breznik Borger, TX 2 04-03 159
Day 1: 2 04-03
42. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 2 04-03 159
Day 1: 2 04-03
44. Ethen Preston Tower City, ND 2 04-01 157
Day 1: 2 04-01
45. Ray Helveston Powderly, TX 1 04-00 156
Day 1: 1 04-00
45. Joseph Shaw Madison, WI 1 04-00 156
Day 1: 1 04-00
47. Daniel Travis The Colony, TX 2 03-14 154
Day 1: 2 03-14
48. Lee Deboer Mckinney, TX 1 03-13 153
Day 1: 1 03-13
49. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 2 03-11 152
Day 1: 2 03-11
49. Allen Mcglothlin Anadarko, OK 2 03-11 152
Day 1: 2 03-11
51. Domonick Poullard Houston, TX 1 03-10 150
Day 1: 1 03-10
52. Brandon Clayton Haslet , TX 2 03-09 149
Day 1: 2 03-09
52. Michael Leach Conroe, TX 2 03-09 149
Day 1: 2 03-09
54. Frank Williams Saint Charles, MO 2 03-08 147
Day 1: 2 03-08
55. Jerad Perry Marshall, TX 1 03-08 146
Day 1: 1 03-08
56. Cory Richard Carencro, LA 1 03-06 145
Day 1: 1 03-06
57. Dusty Rhoades Gravelly, AR 2 03-04 144
Day 1: 2 03-04
58. Lonnie Miller Broken Arrow, OK 2 03-03 143
Day 1: 2 03-03
59. Darrell Hille Springfield, TN 2 03-03 142
Day 1: 2 03-03
60. Sam Chapman Norman, OK 2 03-01 141
Day 1: 2 03-01
61. John Goebel Lumberton, TX 1 03-01 140
Day 1: 1 03-01
62. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 1 03-00 139
Day 1: 1 03-00
63. Clinton Tapley North Richland Hills, T 1 02-15 138
Day 1: 1 02-15
64. Brandon Beaver Durant, OK 1 02-12 137
Day 1: 1 02-12
65. John Makerney Sawyer, OK 1 02-09 136
Day 1: 1 02-09
65. Corey Theriot Lake Charles, LA 1 02-09 136
Day 1: 1 02-09
67. Leslie Brandenburg Springfield, MO 1 02-08 134
Day 1: 1 02-08
67. Brandon Winter Bruce, MS 1 02-08 134
Day 1: 1 02-08
69. Russell Baca Sherman, TX 1 02-07 132
Day 1: 1 02-07
69. Keith Glasby Ovilla, TX 1 02-07 132
Day 1: 1 02-07
69. David Keith Haughton, LA 1 02-07 132
Day 1: 1 02-07
72. Dylan Smith Midlothian, TX 1 02-06 129
Day 1: 1 02-06
73. David Booth Erin, TN 1 02-05 128
Day 1: 1 02-05
73. Bert Petrie St. Paul, TX 1 02-05 128
Day 1: 1 02-05
75. John Connell Marion, IL 1 02-04 126
Day 1: 1 02-04
76. Cameron Naquin Gray, LA 1 02-03 125
Day 1: 1 02-03
76. Jacob Roark Plattsmouth, NE 1 02-03 125
Day 1: 1 02-03
78. Edward Bean Johnsburg, IL 1 02-02 123
Day 1: 1 02-02
78. Walter Tucker Osceola, MO 1 02-02 123
Day 1: 1 02-02
78. Kyle Vandever Rathdrum, ID 1 02-02 123
Day 1: 1 02-02
81. Brent Shimanek Fort Worth, TX 1 02-01 120
Day 1: 1 02-01
82. Mike Silagi Tulsa, OK 1 02-00 119
Day 1: 1 02-00
83. Bob Burgess Millington, TN 1 01-15 118
Day 1: 1 01-15
84. Shawn Koscheski Talala, OK 1 01-14 117
Day 1: 1 01-14
85. Mark Cowart Kearney, MO 1 01-13 116
Day 1: 1 01-13
85. Eric Pinter Little Rock, AR 1 01-13 116
Day 1: 1 01-13
85. Bobby Shockley Springfield, MO 1 01-13 116
Day 1: 1 01-13
88. Yo Howard Bolingbrook, IL 1 01-12 113
Day 1: 1 01-12
89. Curtis Melvin Brookeland, TX 1 01-11 112
Day 1: 1 01-11
90. Gary Mcniel Frisco, TX 1 00-12 111
Day 1: 1 00-12
91. Hayden Heck Lufkin, TX 2 00-00 110
Day 1: 2 00-00
91. Mark Shadowens Kiefer, OK 2 00-00 110
Day 1: 2 00-00
93. Nathan Adams House Springs, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Ruben Arevalos Poth, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Steven Baskins Owasso, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Gary Bates Athens, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Larry Beauboeuf Bossier City, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. John Benoit Pollock, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Bud Biram Tulsa, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Isaac Booth Washburn, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Adam Boyd Humble, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Noah Boyett Mountain Home, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Kurt Bundick Hillsboro, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Shawn Callins Mangum, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Morris Collins Fairfield, OH 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Clayton Coppin Muskogee, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. John Cummings Alexander, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Christopher Dagley Scurry, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Adam Deakin Winsor, CO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Carson Denmark Malcolm, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. George Dirgo Rosamond, CA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Todd Drury Haslet, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Justin Gray Rowlett, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Jered Grooms Ada, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Brent Haggard Gans, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Brian Hamaker Huntsville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Allen Heston Little Elm, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Brad Hollowell Azle, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. John Horton Collinsville, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Bill Hudson Norman, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Terry Humphrey Muskogee, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Chris Jeffery Sedan, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Kerry Jones Sand Springs, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Gary Kaehler Strawn, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Paul Keys III Nevada, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Sieg Kilby Kilgore, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Will Major Port Allen, LA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
93. Darrin Mallow Kansas, OK 0
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Connell Claims Bonus Bucks at Toyota Heavy Hitters
Dustin Connell left the Big Toho Marina boat ramp with a little pep in his step after realizing he’d won another $3,000 from Toyota Bonus Bucks for his 7th place finish at Toyota Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Florida.
Connell out competed several other Major League Fishing pros sharing his primary spot after tapping into a unique pattern with a soft plastic jerkbait. The Favorite Rods pro let his weightless soft jerkbait “wash” in the current to keep his presentation as natural as possible due to the fishing pressure in his area.
Connell tricked enough scoreable bass to advance through his Qualifying and Knockout Rounds. This technique has helped the former U of Alabama college fishing standout win a lot of money on the Coosa River over the years.
Hauling his boat with a Toyota tow vehicle is another thing that’s won Connell a pile of money since purchasing a Tundra in January of 2017.
“Man, I love my Tundra and I love Bonus Bucks,” Connell said with a big smile. “Pretty much my entire family drives Toyota vehicles and I couldn’t be happier that I followed suit.
“Toyota makes a super dependable truck that I can rely on everyday. I’ve put 138,000 miles on my truck, with a boat in tow for probably 100,000 of those, and I’ve never had a single problem. Tows like a dream and puts money in my pocket to boot!”
Connell estimates he’s accumulated an incredible $10,000 in winnings from the Bonus Bucks program in a little over three years as a professional angler. Fortunately for you, the rewards of Bonus Bucks are available to more than just pros like Connell; there are hundreds of sanctioned tournaments for anglers of all levels.
And you don’t have to win a tournament to take the Bonus Bucks prize; you just have to be the highest placing program participant. For more information on the program and a complete list of eligible events follow this link: https://www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/. Register for FREE through the website, or you can dial (918) 742-6424, ask for Kendell or Chip, and they’ll be happy to help out.
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Gross Earns First Bassmaster Elite Series Victory On Lake Eufaula
EUFAULA, Ala. — After a week of constant adjustments, everything came together perfectly for on Championship Saturday.
Buddy Gross, of Chickamauga, Ga., has won the 2020 DEWALT Bassmaster Elite at Lake Eufaula with a four-day total of 84 pounds, 8 ounces
Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
The Bassmaster Elite Series rookie, fishing only his second event on the trail, caught a tournament-best five-bass limit that weighed 27 pounds, 11 ounces and sprang from 10th place to a victory in the DEWALT Bassmaster Elite at Lake Eufaula with a four-day total of 84-8. He earned $100,000 and one of the coveted blue trophies that comes with every Elite Series win.
Instead of the usual routine of being handed the trophy by Elite Series Tournament Director Trip Weldon, Gross received the prize onstage from his family due to strict social distancing measures in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It doesn’t get much better than that,” Gross said. “This is something you dream of as a kid because B.A.S.S. is the epitome of fishing — just the staple of the fishing world. To dream about something like this, and then for it to happen so early in my career, is amazing.”
Gross, who lives in Chickamauga, Ga., made two scouting trips to Lake Eufaula before the event. Each trip, the weather was so rough that he spent all of his time just idling around and marking brushpiles.
During those two trips, he said he marked over 300 of the man-made structures that are so prominent on the fishery.
But when he showed up for the official practice period on Sunday, some of the brush he had marked was gone — presumably washed away by flooding in the area. However, Gross said new brushpiles had already been put in place since his most recent visit.
“I didn’t want to spend time fishing phantom waypoints,” Gross said. “So, I had to start marking those places off the list where brushpiles had washed away. Then as I was doing that, I found brushpiles in places where there weren’t any back before the off-limits period just 35 or 40 days ago.
“The people in this town must be part beaver or something. I’ve never been to a place with so many brushpiles.”
Gross started his week probing the brush with a Zoom Swimmer in the Tennessee shad color and a 5-inch Natural Light Scottsboro Swimmer. That netted him just 16-14 on Day 1 and left him in 43rd place.
The next day, he made possibly his most important adjustment of the week.
“On the second day of the tournament, I switched over to a jig,” he said. “First cast, I got bit. Second cast, I got bit. It was just consecutive. Every brushpile I went to it probably increased my bites by 50 or 60 percent.”
The magic lure was a prototype bullethead jig from Nichols Lures with a green pumpkin Zoom Super Chunk trailer. It allowed him to catch 20-7 on Day 2, 19-8 on Day 3 and then the monster bag of 27-11 during Saturday’s final round.
On Saturday, another slight logistical adjustment was necessary for him to find the quality of fish he needed to jump from 10th place and surpass Alabama pro Scott Canterbury who entered the day with more than a 4-pound lead.
“I had started off fishing new brush this morning, just places I hadn’t fished,” Gross said. “On the deeper ones, I just didn’t get bit.”
Then he moved to an area with shallower brush in Pataula Creek.
“On the first shallow brushpile I fished, I hung one and lost it,” he said. “Then on the second one, I caught a 6-13 that was my biggest fish of the day. I said right then, ‘This is gonna be the deal all day.’
“My best brushpiles today were the ones in 5 1/2 to 6 feet.”
The season has been one of ironic twists for Gross.
Considered one of the best anglers on Lake Chickamauga, he was deeply disappointed when Elite Series tournaments scheduled for that fishery were cancelled in February and then again in April. He thought that might be his best chance for a win this season, but Eufaula helped take the sting out of those two curves thrown to the professional fishing world — first by flooding on the Tennessee River and then by the COVID-19 outbreak.
This week, Gross wouldn’t have even qualified for Saturday’s final Top 10 if North Carolina pro Shane LeHew hadn’t been penalized several ounces for weighing in dead fish and then 2 pounds for accidentally making a cast with six bass in his livewell.
Crazy things also happened to Gross on the water.
“The first day of the tournament, I was running brushpiles so fast that I was fishing with my lifejacket on,” he said. “I had a 7-pounder at the boat, and I reeled my lanyard up into my reel. That fish was out there jumping, so I tried to just muscle through it. All that did was make it worse.
“That fish eventually got off — and I thought [for] sure that would cost me a lot. But I guess when something is meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
Canterbury caught 19-3 and finished less than a pound back with 83-9. Georgia pro Drew Benton weighed in 24-8 — the second-biggest bag of the event — and placed third with 82-4.
Texas pro Chris Zaldain took home Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the week honors with a 7-5 largemouth.
South Carolina’s Brandon Cobb finished third, earning an additional $3,000 for being the highest-placing entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and Jamie Hartman took home $2,000 for being the second-highest placing entrant.
2020 DEWALT Bassmaster Elite At Lake Eufaula Title Sponsor: DEWALT
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Yamaha
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Carhartt, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Mossy Oak Fishing, Rapala
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Conservation Partners: Huk, AFTCO
2020 DEWALT Bassmaster Elite At Lake Eufaula Local Host: Eufaula Barbour Chamber of Commerce
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and The Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, new Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
| 2020 DEWALT Bassmaster Elite at Lake Eufaula 6/10-6/13 Lake Eufaula, Eufaula AL. (PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4 |
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Lakepoint State Park Hosts B.A.S.S. Nation Clean-Up Challenge
EUFAULA, Ala. — Just hours before the DEWALT Bassmaster Elite at Lake Eufaula crowns its champion, volunteers spread out along the shores of Lake Eufaula to collect trash as part of the B.A.S.S. Nation Clean-Up Challenge sponsored by AFTCO and Huk.
“I love this lake and fish here a lot, so I hate to see trash around the area,” said volunteer Cal Culpepper, a 2018 member of the Bassmaster High School All-American team who now fishes for the University of Montevallo. “We also want to keep tournaments coming to Eufaula, and I worry that seeing litter at the weigh-in site will deter events from coming back.”
Led by Darrel High, the Youth and High School Director for the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, volunteers from Headland High School, Zion Chapel High School, Harris County (Ga.) High School and the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation collected bags of trash from the shoreline of Lakepoint State Park, site of daily takeoffs and weigh-ins for the Elite Series event.
Harris County High School parent Dawn Culpepper felt it was important to have young anglers participate in the clean up efforts. “This teaches kids that there’s more than just fishing. They have to learn about conservation and protecting the source.”
Conservation efforts are a cornerstone of the B.A.S.S. tradition, and leading efforts to collect litter can have a sizable impact on the waterways the organization and its fans frequent.
“B.A.S.S. was founded on three things: tournament fishing competition, youth participation and conservation,” B.A.S.S. Conservation Director Gene Gilliland said. “(B.A.S.S. Founder) Ray Scott used to always talk about the three-legged stool. This is one of the legs, and it doesn’t get talked about a lot.”
Bags of plastic bottles, cans, paper and plastic trash, styrofoam, umbrellas, shoes and even a water gun were collected in the clean-up effort.
“One of the things that we want to try to do is to improve the resource anytime we have a chance,” Gilliland said. “An event like this builds camaraderie between those participating. It builds goodwill with the communities that host our events.
“Most importantly, it helps us leave the venue better than we found it.”
The latest information on B.A.S.S. conservation efforts can be found on their group Facebook page or at Bassmaster.com.
2020 DEWALT Bassmaster Elite At Lake Eufaula Title Sponsor: DEWALT
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Yamaha
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Carhartt, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Mossy Oak Fishing, Rapala
2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Conservation Partners: AFTCO, Huk
2020 DEWALT Bassmaster Elite At Lake Eufaula Local Host: Eufaula Barbour Chamber of Commerce
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and The Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, new Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
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Repeat Runaway Reels Jordan Lee a $200,000 Pay Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2020 (Kissimmee, Fla.) Major League Fishing concluded their first live event today since pausing midseason to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. 28-year-old Jordan Lee won both the Toyota Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo Title and the Berkley Big Bass Bonus for $200,000 in total winnings. This marks the second Bass Pro Tour Title for Lee on the Kissimmee Chain. MLF Rookie Bryan Thrift took second place, earning a $40,000 paycheck with a total weight of 33 pounds, three ounces. This inaugural Heavy Hitters event featured a three-pound minimum weight for scorable bass, the highest minimum scorable weight in the history of competitive bass fishing. The 2020 Bass Pro Tour season is set to continue July 10-15 on Lake Champlain.
Berkley Pro Jordan Lee scored 52 pounds, nine ounces of largemouth in a single day featuring a three-pound minimum scorable weight, the highest standard in any bass tournament. He finished 19 pounds, six ounces ahead of second place but never stopped looking for the next big bass offshore bouncing between crankbait and finesse worm. This win marks Lee’s second on the Kissimmee Chain in as many years; Lee won the inaugural Bass Pro Tour event in January 2019 on Lake Toho.
“Toho has been good to me,” said Lee as the clock wound down in the third Period. “It’s hard to find those places, it wasn’t easy; but with the right equipment, I was able to make it happen. It was pretty cool to win the first-ever event last year, and then come back. I had some good memories down here; the Kissimmee Chain has been good to me as of late.”
As the clock ran down to zero, securing his victory, a teary Lee thanked fans for tuning in.
“I want to thank our fans, everyone who have watched and supported us this week, that’s what drives us. We really, really appreciate your support,” said Lee, a resident of Cullman, Ala. “It’s been a blast out here on Toho. Thanks for tuning in; I hope you learned something. It was a dream day out here.”
Second-place finisher Bryan Thrift kept pace with Lee but found fewer scorable bass at the three-pound minimum. Thrift ended the day with seven scorable largemouth totaling 33 pounds, three ounces. While five of those were caught on a jig, Thrift told fans he approached today’s Championship Round with a three-bait strategy.
“I was fishing a lot of grass patches and isolated patches of hydrilla, so I came with a three-pronged approach today,” Thrift toldMLFNOW! viewers after lines-out. “I would brush a swim jig over the area, then hit it with a crankbait before dragging a worm through it. I caught a lot of my fish this week on a Damiki 12-inch, skinny worm that I cut down by two inches.”
After winning $25,000 earlier in the week for a nine-pound, two-ounce catch, General Tire pro Mark Rose finished third with 21 pounds, 14 ounces, 30 pounds behind Lee. The Memphis-area pro was disappointed with the results but not with his effort.
“I’m not disappointed in my performance. I felt like I fished the best I could and tried to honor God in the process,” said Rose before offering words of encouragement to fans. “I’m thankful to MLF for coming out with this Heavy Hitters deal. In this fishing game, you’ve gotta keep it in perspective: you’re going to finish at the top, the bottom, and anywhere in between. Stay focused and learn from your mistakes.”
With the added challenge of the three-pound minimum weight for scorable bass, two anglers went scoreless: Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Gary Klein and reigning MLF General Tire World Champion Jacob Wheeler. A zero-weight showcases how tough the fishing was on Toho today. Klein scored seven fish over three pounds in yesterday’s Knockout Round to make it into the Championship Round. Wheeler, who in the first rounds only had five of his 17 fish under three pounds, told MLFNOW! viewers that his score did not reflect his effort.
“I’ve been working all day, just not been getting a lot accomplished,” said Wheeler, a resident of Harrison, Tenn. “I probably caught more fish today than any other single day. I caught eight or nine two-pounders today. The big ones like to sit on isolated stuff. For me, that’s what I’ve been doing all day long, trying to get a big one.”
MLF Co-Founder Boyd Duckett, who worked with League staff to develop the Heavy Hitters format, said the three-pound minimum scorable weight is a game-changer for competitive bass fishing.
“Our Heavy Hitters event has set the bar higher than any other tournament in the history of bass fishing,” said Duckett. “Fans want to see the best pros do extraordinary things and this is the highest bar ever set in our sport.”
The Top Ten finished the Championship Round of Toyota Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo as follows:
| Place | Angler | One-Day Total Weight | One-Day Total Fish | Largest Fish Today |
| 1 | Jordan Lee | 52-09 | 12 | 7-04 |
| 2 | Bryan Thrift | 33-03 | 7 | 6-11 |
| 3 | Mark Rose | 21-14 | 5 | 5-01 |
| 4 | Justin Lucas | 19-15 | 5 | 4-05 |
| 5 | Skeet Reese | 17-12 | 5 | 3-13 |
| 6 | Zack Birge | 13-08 | 4 | 3-09 |
| 7 | Dustin Connell | 10-11 | 3 | 4-09 |
| 8 | Adrian Avena | 8-01 | 2 | 4-08 |
| 9 | Gary Klein | — | 0 | — |
| 10 | Jacob Wheeler | — | 0 | — |
For complete results, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com, Bass Pro Tour, Results.
In addition to the traditional payout schedule based on finishing order, Toyota Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo bonused the angler for the biggest bass caught in each Group. The two-day Qualifying Rounds (June 7-10) paid a $25,000 big bass bonus ($50,000 total) to Mark Rose and Brent Ehrler respectively. The Knockout Round on day five (June 11), featured a $50,000 big bass bonus to Michael Neal, while the Championship Round (June 12) bonused winner Jordan Lee with a $100,000 big bass bonus, on top of his Stage Title $100,000 prize.
In response to the shortened season, MLF revised the payout schedule for Toyota Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo to include all 80 anglers: 1st $100,000; 2nd $40,000; 3rd $15,000; 4th $13,000; 5th $12,000; 6th $11,000; 7th $10,000; 8th $9,000; 9th $8,000; 10th$7,000; 11th – 20th $6,000; 21st – 40th $5,000; 41st – 80th $4,000. Each competitor is guaranteed a $4,000 check.
Toyota Heavy Hitters presented by Venmo on the Kissimmee Chain will air on Discovery Channel as six, two-hour original episodes beginning August 15, 2020. For additional details, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com/tv-schedule.
Due to inflexible television production deadlines, MLF was forced to shorten the 2020 Bass Pro Tour after an 80-day, midseason pause to minimize the spread of COVID-19. MLF fans can tune-in to MLFNOW! to watch the final stage of the 2020 Bass Pro Tour July 10-15. The Evinrude Stage Five presented by Covercraft is currently scheduled on Lake Champlain, hosted Experience Vermont.
About Major League Fishing
Founded in 2011, Major League Fishing (MLF) brings the high-intensity sport of competitive bass fishing into America’s living rooms on Outdoor Channel, Discovery, CBS, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel, and on-demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). The Bass Pro Tour consists of eight events and a championship streamed live on www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and MOTV.
In late 2019 MLF acquired FLW, which expands their portfolio to include the world’s largest grassroots fishing organization, including the strongest five-fish format professional bass fishing tour, the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, as well as the Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine, and Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI, and High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing.
For more information on the league and anglers, visit www.MajorLeagueFishing.com and follow MLF on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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