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Missouri Brothers Win Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship On Norfork Lake
The Govreau brothers Brett (left) and Beau of US Anglers Choice team trail earn a victory at the 2017 Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Norfork Lake with a two-day total weight of 26 pounds, 2 ounces.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Freezing temperatures made catching bass extremely difficult Thursday during the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship.
But brothers Brett and Beau Govreau of St. Louis, Mo., stayed hot on the second and final day of team competition on Norfork Lake. Entering Day 2 in second place with a five-bass limit of 14 pounds, 5 ounces, they followed on Thursday with another limit that weighed 11-13.
That gave the Govreaus a two-day total of 26-2 and helped them win the tournament that attracted 162 of the finest tandems from team trails covering 33 states, as well as Canada and Australia.
The Govreaus fish on the US Anglers Choice team trail. Ryan Butler and Dustin Lippe of the Joe Bass team trail placed second overall in team competition with a two-day total of 24-12, and the father/son duo of Robbie Dodson Jr. and Robert Dodson Sr. finished third with 24-10.
With the win, the Govreau brothers collected a Nitro Z20 and Mercury 225 Pro XS boat/motor package valued at $41,995, including a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance electronics. The duo also will be honored at the annual Bassmaster Classic Night of Champions in March.
But besides merchandise and prestige, there’s an even bigger prize within reach for the Top 6. The remaining anglers had their weights zeroed after Thursday’s weigh-in, and now they’ll compete individually in another two-day competition. The angler with the heaviest total weight in that portion of the tournament will earn the final spot in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods to be held on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell March 16-18.
It’s a lot to absorb, but the six men will have to do so quickly. Launch in the solo tournament is set for 6:45 a.m. CT on Friday.
The Govreaus decided to fish new water on Thursday, despite their success on the first day. They were tight-lipped about how they caught their fish in the team competition, but did say it’s not a particular area that is producing.
“We ran a little bit of the same water we did on Wednesday, but didn’t get a bite there,” Brett, 38, said. “It’s the way we’re fishing, not an area. It’s a pattern.”
Beau, 36, said his older brother located the bass they caught the past two days, so he’ll run new water to find his own bass for the next two days. He certainly can be proficient (Beau won the Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Central Regional presented by Magellan Outdoors in April on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozark).
Whatever they have in mind for the next two days, both brothers hope the fishing is easier than it was on Thursday.
“It was really tough out there,” Beau said. “It was cold, and we were battling the wind all day. It was not easy by any means.”
Still, the struggle was well worth the result.
Butler, of Blue Eye, Mo., and Lippe, who lives in Lampe, Mo., won $11,000 for the second-place finish. The Dodsons, both of Harrison Ark., won $8,000. Like the Govreaus, all four have a chance to fish their way into the Bassmaster Classic with a solid showing Friday and Saturday.
Flannagan Fife of the Arkansas Bass Team won the inaugural Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Arkansas’ DeGray Lake in 2014. He and his new partner, Cody Davis, finished fourth on Norfork Lake with a two-day total of 24-2.
The big bass of the tournament went to the Dodsons who boated a 6-pounder bass on Thursday. Matthew Rittman had the big bass (5-0) on Day 1. Both awards come with a $500 prize.
Friday’s weigh-in will begin at 2:45 p.m. at the 101 Boat Dock.
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the tournament.
2017 Bassmaster Team Championship Title Sponsor: Toyota Bonus Bucks
2017 Bassmaster Team Championship Premier Sponsors: Skeeter Boats, Yamaha, Huk, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Shell Rotella, Power-Pole, Mercury, Nitro Boats
2017 Bassmaster Team Championship Supporting Sponsors: Carhartt, Phoenix Boats, Shimano, T-H Marine, Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures, Academy Sports + Outdoors
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 500,000-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), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship
12/6/2017 – 12/7/2017
Lake Norfork – 101 Boat Dock – Mountain Home, AR
STANDINGS BOATER DAY 2
Name # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz # Fish # Live Lbs – Oz
1 Brett Govreau – Beau Govreau US Anglers Choice 5 5 11-13 10 10 26- 2
2 Ryan Butler – Dustin Lippe Joe Bass 5 5 13- 6 10 10 24-12
3 Robbie Dodson Jr – Robert Dodson Sr Joe Bass 5 5 15- 2 10 10 24-10
4 Flannagan Fife – Cody Davis Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 12- 7 10 10 24- 2
5 David Mulkey – Sean Mulkey Joe Bass 5 5 8-11 10 10 23-14
6 Doyle Epperson – Joshua Muse NTBA 5 5 11- 8 10 10 23-12
7 Richard Bowling – Mickey Ballard NTBA 5 5 12- 8 10 10 23-11
8 Rick Johnston – Connor Cunningham Ozark Mountain TT 5 5 14- 5 10 10 23- 6
9 Doug Brownridge – David Chong Renegade Bass Team Trail 5 5 12- 9 10 10 23- 5
10 Barron Adams – Trevor Prince Chattanooga Bass Association 5 5 9-12 10 10 22-14
11 Teddy Bogard – Brandon Rhoden Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 10- 9 10 10 22-12
12 Wayne Dixon – Jared Allen Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 10-12 10 10 22-12
13 Keith Allen – Jeffery Montgomery Angler Nation 5 5 9- 9 10 10 22-10
14 Randy Brickell – Spencer Shuffield Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 12-13 10 10 21-15
15 Bryce Kalen – Bryan Kalen IN BN Team Trail 5 5 12- 4 10 10 21-11
16 Mark McDonnel – Quincy Houchin Arkansas Bass Team 5 5 11- 7 10 10 21- 7
17 Joe Wieberg – Walon Kleffner Joe Bass 5 5 12- 2 10 10 21- 6
18 Matt Green – Justin Nunley Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 11-13 10 10 21- 1
19 Kelly Power – Mark Wiese Jr Ozark Mountain Team Trail 5 5 11- 3 10 10 20-12
20 Ed Young – Joe Penzo Joe Bass 5 5 10- 0 10 10 20- 5
21 Roger Waters – Larry Brooks Anglers In Action 5 4 8-10 10 9 19-15
22 Shawn Freeman – Justin Hayden Ozark Mountain 5 5 8-12 10 10 19-14
23 Mark Cox – Brian Stacy Morristown Marine 5 5 10-14 10 10 19-11
24 Lyle Armstrong – Mitchell Armstrong Anglers in Action 5 5 10-15 9 9 19- 7
25 Ashton Laird – Daniel Urbino Upstate Angelrs 5 5 10- 4 9 9 18-10
26 Jesse Riemersma – David Riemersma West Michigan Bass 5 5 8- 0 10 10 18- 9
27 Greg Bent – Brian Gottfried Upstate Anglers 5 5 11- 1 8 8 18- 5
28 Dave Frost – Nick Manfredo FL BN Team Trail 5 5 8- 7 10 10 18- 5
29 Chuck Austin III – Frank Sinn US Anglers Choice 5 5 8-11 10 10 18- 5
30 Dean Silvester – Mark Ferguson Australia BASS Nation 5 5 8-10 10 10 18- 3
31 Tim Garner – Martin Villa Priority James River Series 5 5 10- 3 10 10 18- 2
32 Steve Barnett – Jack Levert Renegade Bass 5 5 12-12 8 8 17- 9
33 Joey Nania – Zeke Gossett Tracker Nitro Big Bucks Buddy Trail 5 5 10- 4 9 9 17- 8
34 Jeffrey Woods – Dennis Phelps Weekend Warrior Bass Series 3 3 8- 4 8 8 17- 8
35 Ty Faber – John Gardner Ultimate Bass Team Tour 4 4 8- 5 9 9 17- 8
36 Brandon Hoppert – Lucas Knotts Cheat Lake Anglers 5 5 8- 8 10 10 17- 7
37 Michael Slocki – John Hawley Bassmania Team Trail 5 5 10-15 9 9 17- 6
38 Allan Glasgow – George Crain Fishers of Men 5 5 9- 1 9 9 17- 3
39 Jason Vance – Roger Mikels US Anglers Choice 5 5 9-15 9 9 16-14
40 William Samples – Tom Campagna Anglers Choice 4 4 7-14 9 9 16- 7
41 Marc Wagy – Joshua Wagy VA Elite 70 5 5 8- 1 9 9 16- 6
42 William Pioch – JJ Dickens WV BN Buddy Trail 5 5 9- 5 9 9 16- 4
43 Cory Steckler – Ronnie Kane Ozark Mountain 5 5 8- 2 10 10 16- 4
44 Matthew Farrabee – Mark Mounts Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 5 5 10- 2 9 9 16- 3
45 Brian Thompson – Eric Hammond Joe Bass 5 5 12- 5 7 7 15-15
46 Christopher Risner – Tim Eaton West Michigan Bass 5 5 10- 0 8 8 15-15
47 Rickey Knight – Torrey Jones Alabama Bass Trail 3 3 7- 1 8 8 15-14
48 Ryan Claypool – Kyle Claypool Upstate Anglers 5 5 6-11 10 10 15- 9
49 Nick Deering – Conner Petropoulos Maine BN – Man vs Bass 5 5 6- 1 10 10 15- 4
50 Dustin Neat – Mark Wethington NTBA 5 5 7-11 9 9 15- 4
51 Marty Torrence – JC Warrington Media Bass 2 2 4- 2 7 7 14-14
52 Joe Lee – Jimbo Harris Tennesee Team Trail 5 5 7-13 10 10 14-14
53 Matt McCoy – Terry McWilliams IN BN Team Trail 5 5 10-11 8 8 14-13
54 Jay Hulsey – Bob King Joe Bass 3 3 5-12 8 8 14- 6
55 Rusty Darnell – Tim Newberry Sr Joe Bass Team Trail 2 2 4- 2 7 7 14- 5
56 Jonathan Spivey – Derick Livingston Carolina Bass Challenge 5 5 5-13 10 10 14- 5
57 Elisa Bernstein – Samuel Lauzon Renegade Bass 2 2 3- 8 7 7 14- 4
58 Blake Riddle – John Wilson Fishers of Men 3 3 4- 4 8 8 14- 3
59 Gale Brown – Darrell Brown KS BN Team Trail 4 4 7-15 8 8 14- 1
60 Cory Hartfield – Eddie Levin Ohio BASS Nation Team Trail 4 4 6- 4 9 9 14- 1
61 Greg Blair – Robert Shackelford Joe Bass 4 4 7- 2 8 8 14- 1
62 Hunter Hamilton – Kyle Smith Morristown Marine Team Trail 4 4 5-10 9 9 13-15
63 Marc Czachowski – Mike Purse Joe Bass 1 1 1- 1 6 6 13-14
64 Kyle Welcher – Chris Haynes Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 11- 7 6 6 13-14
65 Jason Talbot – Dan Hattabaugh Ultimate Bass Team Tour 3 3 3- 2 8 8 13-14
66 Erhardt Tulgestka Jr – Ted Prisbe MI BN Team Trail 2 2 4- 5 7 7 13-14
67 Broc Lindauer – Jakob Calkin Ultimate Bass Team Tour 5 5 7-12 8 8 13-13
68 Mike Brueggen – Jim Caulum IA BN Team Trail 2 2 4- 4 7 7 13-12
69 Mitch Mitchell – Candler McCollum Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 9- 2 7 7 13-10
70 Peter Owen – Mike Deal NH BN Team Trail 5 5 7-13 9 9 13- 6
71 Tad Dowker – Jeremiah Steffen West Michigan Bass 3 3 4-13 8 7 13- 5
72 Martin Elshout – Mark Price Fishers of Men 5 5 8- 7 8 8 13- 0
73 Tim Goad – Mark Williams Anglers Choice 3 3 9- 9 5 5 12-15
74 Cody George – Josh Prince Morristown Marine 3 3 5- 4 7 7 12-10
75 Mike McCullers – Jason Shockley Alabama Bass Trail 2 2 3-13 7 7 12- 9
76 Matthew Rittman – Jason Daily FL BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 3 3 12- 6
77 Todd Buckingham – Chris Beaudrie KY BN Team Trail 3 3 3- 7 8 8 12- 4
78 Dennis Chavez – Donnie Coleman Jr Ultimate Bass Team Trail 3 3 7- 5 6 6 12- 2
79 Marvin Olive – Melvin Thompson Ozark Mountain 4 4 7- 5 7 7 12- 1
80 Jason Smith – Chaz McMahan Alabama Bass Trail 5 5 11-14 5 5 11-14
81 Bobby Loyd – Jeff Moseley Ozark Mountain 3 3 6- 7 6 6 11-11
82 Forrest Brown – Chris Van Houten BBT Bass R Us 5 5 9- 7 7 7 11-10
83 Michael Hyrtle – Jack Morgan Bassmania 4 4 5- 3 8 8 11- 6
84 Matt Hicks – John Bomar Anglers Choice 1 1 1- 5 6 6 11- 3
85 Carlton Newhouse – Cameron Newhouse Anglers Choice 3 3 5-11 8 8 11- 3
86 Scott Hinds – Aaron Watson ME BN – Man vs Bass 1 1 2- 4 3 3 10-15
87 Sam Wooten – Jay Mitchell Media Bass 4 4 7-10 6 6 10-13
88 Austin Weaver – Pride Weaver Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 5 5 10-11
89 Ben Jacobi – Curtis Callahan Jr Priority James River Series 4 4 6- 2 7 7 10- 7
90 Rick Camp – Jamie Hatcher Chattanooga Bass Association 3 3 5- 9 6 6 10- 6
91 David Craft – Stoney Johnson Chattanooga Bass Association 1 1 2- 4 5 5 9-14
92 Jason Lee – A-Jay Smith Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 5 5 9- 8
93 Gregory Lewis – Stephen Dement NTBA 2 2 3-14 6 6 9- 8
94 Ed Loughran III – Chris Morrison Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 5 5 9- 7
95 Allen Williford – Austin Moore IL BN Team Trail 4 4 6-15 5 5 9- 4
96 Shannon Denson – Doug Perkins Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 5 5 9- 1
97 Keith Mayfield – Daryl Adams Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 5 5 8-14
98 Tim Hurst – Mark McCaig Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 4 4 8-13
99 Mike Crowther – Allen Bratton Ultimate Team Tour 3 3 5- 2 5 5 8-13
100 Jacob Coverdale – Bobby Smith Delaware BN Team Trail 1 1 2- 2 4 4 8- 4
101 Douglas Polasek – Ty Nguyen West Michigan Bass 3 3 6- 3 4 4 8- 2
102 Raymond Trudeau – Fred George FL BN Team Trail 2 2 4-12 4 4 7-14
103 Rob Messenger Jr – John Levesque New Hampshire BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 3 3 7-12
104 Craig Powers – Edward Baker Tennessee Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 5 5 7-10
105 John Kleinoeder – John Collins Great Lakes Largemouth Series 2 2 3- 2 6 6 7-10
106 Scott Clift – Ashley Medley Joe Bass TT 0 0 0- 0 5 5 7- 8
107 Alan Agnoli – Fred Boettjer FL BN Team Trail 3 3 5- 8 4 4 7- 8
108 Greg Ault – Huey Applegate Arkansas Bass Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 4 4 7- 4
108 Thomas McMillan – Tom Stinson Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 4 4 7- 4
110 Brian Shook – Randy Tolbert Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 4 4 7- 2
111 Tom Haynes – George Toalson Angler Nation 0 0 0- 0 3 3 6- 9
112 Keith Carney – Christopher Beeson Texas BN Team Trail 3 3 5- 9 4 4 6- 9
113 Kelly Robinette – Billy Lane Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 5 5 6- 7
114 Jeff Bonner – Steve Coggin Media Bass 2 2 3- 3 4 4 6- 7
115 Ryan Hubler – Ryan Fingleton West Michigan Bass 1 1 1-13 3 3 6- 3
116 Andrus Kung – Evan Kung Bassmania 0 0 0- 0 3 3 6- 0
117 James Holencik – George Holencik Western PA Team Bass Series 2 2 5-14 2 2 5-14
118 Curtis Talbott – Craig Wright Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 3 3 5-11
119 Clint Harrison II – Jessie Harrison Morristown Marine Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 3 3 5- 9
120 Trent Bowles – Robert McDonald Anglers Choice 2 2 3- 7 3 3 5- 8
121 Trey McGuire – Jon Richardson Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 3 3 5- 6
122 Roger Hughes – Waynes Hughes Anglers in Action 1 1 1-12 2 2 4-10
123 Mark Thompson – Jim Smith Joe Bass TT 0 0 0- 0 3 3 4- 9
124 Bryan Humphreys – Maurice Oakes Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 2 2 4- 5
125 Danny Lavoie – Todd Mahoney Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 2 2 4- 1
126 John McCurdy – Jack McCurdy Joe Bass 1 1 2- 3 2 2 4- 1
127 Bryan Baker – Darren Baker Joe Bass 2 2 3-15 2 2 3-15
128 Leidy Clark – Rickey West Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3-12
129 Matt Robertson – Wendell Anderson Priority James River Series 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 9
130 Dylan Dew – Randy Fox Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 1 1 1- 0 2 2 3- 9
131 Tim Carmouche – Cary Beard Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 8
131 Ryan Hovatter – Bryson Grimes Cheat Lake Anglers 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 8
133 Joshua Hubbard – Tom Catlin IL BN Team Trail 2 2 3- 7 2 2 3- 7
134 Jeff Gee – Steve Majewski US Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 4
135 David Perry – Randy Shirley Ultimate Bass Team Tour 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 1
135 Travis Salo – Garret Seppala NH BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 2 2 3- 1
137 Justin Harris – Dell Mettlen Jr KS BN TT 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2-11
138 Kyle Kempkers – Brett Haveman BBT Bass R Us 0 0 0- 0 2 2 2- 9
139 Jason Hodge – Lonnie Bowlin AC Tournament Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 4
139 Kris Von Ahn – John Von Ahn Joe Bass 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 4
141 Ken Walters – Jason Beasley Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 3
142 William Goots – James Ward Anglers Choice 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 1
142 Robert Paxton – Steven Caldwell Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 1
142 Shane Pope – Joel Lee Dockside Marine Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 2- 1
145 Jason Walcott – Jimmy Vanden Berg Jr BBT Bass R Us 1 1 1-15 1 1 1-15
146 Jack Womack – Kathy Womack Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1-14
147 Kelly Pratt – Charles Rackley James River Priority 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1-13
148 James Nuckols – Doug Plemons Morristown Marine 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1-11
149 Michael Mcknight – Brian Delf IA BN Team Trail 1 1 1- 8 1 1 1- 8
149 Stephen Rogers – Jimmy Rogers Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1- 8
151 Jason Smith – Sam Spruill Fishers of Men 0 0 0- 0 1 1 1- 0
152 Ronald Cancilla – Leo Cancilla Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Aaron Davis – Matthew Sewell Media Bass 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Ronald Foley – Dan Corbin NTBA 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Brant Grimm – Bobby Drinnon Morristown Marine 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Logan Johnson – Jeremy Christian Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Matthew Klinker – Dusty Chaulk MA BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Jerry McCafferty – Josh Benford Alabama Bass Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Jack Miller – Curt Ferri Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Richard Schultz – Richard Schultz Keystone Bass Buddy Circuit 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Eric Silverstrim – Joe Johnson TN BN Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
152 Lee Sisson – Michael Nicknadarvich Lakeland Bassmasters Team Trail 0 0 0- 0 0 0 0- 0
TOTALS
Day # Fish # Live Lbs-Oz # Limits
1 519 518 996- 3 62
2 414 413 819- 2 56
BIG BASS
Day Name City, State Lbs-Oz
1 Matthew Rittman – Starke, FL 5- 7
2 Robbie Dodson Jr – Harrison, AR 6- 0
Indiana Resident Wins Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Ultimate Truck Giveaway
Mike Richmer of Sellersburg, Ind., won the 2017 Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Ultimate Truck Giveaway, a prize value worth more than $44,000.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An Indiana man and father of three entered the Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Ultimate Truck Giveaway more than 50 times. And it goes to show, the dedication paid off.
Mike Richmer of Sellersburg, Ind., who is a process technician for Beach Mold and Tool, won a 2017 Toyota Tundra in blazing blue pearl with genuine Toyota accessories.
He also was awarded items from B&W Trailer Hitches, Covercraft, Volant and Yakima, plus a $4,000 cash allowance. The total prize value was more than $44,000.
“I was leaving work on a typical Monday afternoon, ready to go home, and I saw the email stating I won,” said Richmer. “I couldn’t believe it. I showed it to my wife, who also entered a few times, and she didn’t get that email. So I called the contact number, and I was shocked to find out that I really did win.”
Richmer is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking. The Toyota Tundra will be the ultimate tow vehicle for his camper.
“I entered every day,” he said. “I really wanted to win the truck.” He plans to take it on many camping trips with his family.
In addition to the sweepstake’s grand prize, five runner-ups received a $200 gift card to Advance Auto Parts.
For more information on Bassmaster sweepstakes, visit Bassmaster.com/sweepstakes.
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 500,000-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), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Despite Engine Problems, Father/Son Team Takes Early Lead In National Team Bass Fishing Championship
The father-son duo of David and Sean (pictured) Mulkey of the Joe Bass team trail lead on the first day of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship on Norfork Lake with 15 pounds, 3 ounces.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. — Some bass tournament anglers like to run and gun, and others like to methodically work a spot looking for the right bites.
David and Sean Mulkey of the Joe Bass team trail in Missouri had no choice — they were forced to stay in one spot on Wednesday during the first round of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship. Their boat broke down during the first hour of fishing, and they had no other option than to remain where they were and hope for the best.
The father-son tandem found the bass they needed, and they now lead the two-day national team fishing championship taking place on Norfork Lake in northern Arkansas.
The Mulkeys, who reside in Ash Grove, Mo., boated a five-bass limit that weighed 15 pounds, 3 ounces. That total gave them an edge over brothers Brett and Beau Govreau of St. Louis, Mo. who are in second place with five bass totaling 14-5.
In all, 162 two-person teams (324 anglers) from 33 states and two foreign countries (Canada and Australia) are taking part in the team championship on 22,000-acre Norfork Lake. Each qualified for the event as one of the top performing teams on their local tournament trails this season.
The Mulkeys made the best of what could have been a frustrating day after their motor “blew up” while running in open water shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday.
“We started losing power,” David said. “My son heard it blow. We started fishing right where we were. We couldn’t do much else.”
While the elder Mulkey was bent over the outboard assessing the damage, 21-year old Sean hooked a 4-pounder. Soon after, he added another 4-pounder to the livewell, and David followed with a 3-pounder of his own. Though their bite slowed from that point, they landed two more keepers later in the day to reach their limit.
The Mulkeys relied on their trolling motor to cover a half-mile radius of water all day long. Luckily for them, they broke down less than a mile from the launch and were able to easily navigate back in time for weigh-in.
“I had no idea we would be leading this tournament after having the motor blow up early in the morning like that,” David said after the Day 1 weigh-in was complete. “It could have been bad. But the spot we fished, my son caught a 3-9 there in practice. We knew it had bass on it.”
Now, the issue is finding a boat to use for the second day of the team championship. The Mulkeys planned to spend the evening trying to secure another vessel or fix their motor in time for Thursday’s 6:45 a.m. launch.
The Govreau brothers fish with U.S. Anglers Choice team trail, and they located quality fish during practice. They found them again in the same spot on Wednesday despite a 40-degree temperature drop during the past 48 hours. The Govreaus said they will head to new water on Thursday. The high temperature is expected to be 38 degrees in Mountain Home.
“Same technique, but different area,” Brett Govreau said. “What we found is just as good, if not better than, what we were fishing. It’s hard to stay on one spot in what could be a four-day tournament.”
There’s a lot at stake in this championship. The winning duo will receive a Nitro Z20 and Mercury 225 Pro XS boat/motor package valued at $41,995. The prize includes a Minn Kota trolling motor and Lowrance electronics.
But the victors’ spoils bring much more than just prizes. There are bragging rights that go with being the top tournament trail team of the year, as well as the chance to rub elbows with the biggest names in professional bass fishing when they are recognized at the annual Bassmaster Classic Night of Champions.
The final spot in the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is on the line too. The six anglers who compose the Top 3 teams after the team portion of the tournament is complete Thursday will fish individually for a Classic berth. Each of that sextet of surviving anglers will have his weight zeroed after Thursday’s weigh-in, and the angler with the heaviest two-day total caught Friday and Saturday will head for the Classic on South Carolina’s Lake Hartwell in March.
Georgia’s Barron Adams and Trevor Prince of the Chattanooga Bass Association are in third place with 13-2. They finished third in last year’s team championship.
Keith Allen and Jeffery Montgomery of Angler Nation (Oklahoma) are fourth with 13-1, and Marc Czachowski and Mike Purse of Joe Bass in Missouri are fifth with 12-13.
Thursday’s launch will begin at 6:45 a.m. CT from the 101 Boat Dock and weigh-in will begin at 2:45 p.m. from the same location.
The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.
2017 Bassmaster Team Championship Title Sponsor: Toyota Bonus Bucks
2017 Bassmaster Team Championship Premier Sponsors: Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha, Huk, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Shell Rotella, Power-Pole, Mercury
2017 Bassmaster Team Championship Supporting Sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Phoenix Boats, Shimano, T-H Marine, Advance Auto Parts, Livingston Lures
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 500,000-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), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 45 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
How Raymarine RealVision 3D™ & CHIRP SideVision™ Reveals Key Structure
WILSONVILLE, OR (December 5, 2017): Since its launch at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2017, Raymarine’s game-changing Axiom units with RealVision 3D technology have been shaking up the marine electronics industry.
The introduction of Axiom Pro at ICAST 2017 did much to further the excitement, offering anglers and boaters a built-in 1kW offshore CHIRP sonar and Raymarine’s fast and intuitive HybridTouch™ user experience. Blazing quad-core performance and Lighthouse 3 operating system represent the most advanced navigational and fish-finding multifunction displays on the water.
As you’ll see in the video, Raymarine RealVision 3D provides users a unique look at what’s below the waterline. Revealing structure, cover, fish, and forage in the three-dimensional space, RealVision 3D is the closest thing to draining a lake and walking around… all without the extra expense and hassle of a black box or additional transducer.
Watch as Raymarine’s Jim McGowan demonstrates how Raymarine’s leading-edge sonar technologies clearly define structure and fish—and how running SideVision split-screen view in tandem can lead to even more precise fish-finding and boat positioning.
Prices for the Raymarine Axiom MFD Series range from $649.99 to $3349.99. Axiom Pro models start at $2,299.99 USD and are available from Raymarine’s authorized dealer network. For more information, visit www.raymarine.com/axiom and www.raymarine.com/axiompro.
Grundéns adds Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Hank Cherry to Ambassador Team
Dec 4, 2017 (Poulsbo, WA) – Grundéns, producer of the world’s leading foul weather gear, announces today the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Hank Cherry to its ambassador team. Cherry is an Elite Series Angler from Lincolnton, NC., and a veteran of more than 60 Bassmaster entries. In his 7-year career, Cherry has qualified for 4 trips to the Bassmaster Classic, was the 2013 Elite Series Rookie of the year, 2013 Elite Series Toyota All-Star Champion and 2012 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open Champion (Smith Lake).
“Grundéns is excited to work closely with Hank Cherry, says Grundéns CMO Mat Jackson. “Developing gear to meet the needs of anglers that rely on it to perform at their best is what we do best. Hank’s performance on the Bassmaster circuit and his credibility in the space will help us continue to broaden our product offering. His passion for the sport is obvious and we look forward to supporting his success in 2018.”
Well known in the commercial and recreational saltwater categories, Grundéns will begin exploring the freshwater market in 2018. The introduction of their existing lines of technical waterproof and sun protection apparel to an audience of freshwater anglers will provide a basis for further product development. Cherry will provide Grundéns an angler to highlight their current lineup, and explore new styles built around his style of fishing.
I am excited to be the first angler to represent Grundéns in the bass fishing community,” said Cherry. “I have always respected the brand and its high-quality products so it made the decision to partner with them easy. With the Bassmaster Classic on my home turf in 2018, I have high hopes for a strong finish and providing some great exposure to the brands that support me.
Along with Grundéns, Cherry is sponsored by Livingston Lures, V&M Baits, Bass Mafia, ABU Gracia, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Elite Tungsten, Costa, Pline, Power Pole, TH Marine. He can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/HCFishing/
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ABOUT GRUNDÉNS: Carl A. Grundén began producing traditional waterproof oilskins in 1911 for the fishermen of the North Sea in Grundsund, Sweden. Material shortages during World War I forced the company to close but in 1926 Grundéns Regnklader AB was founded, and has been producing quality gear ever since. Today, the brand operates globally from Boras, Sweden and Poulsbo, Washington. Learn more at grundens.com.