This seat is RESERVED
Local McClelland takes his place at the head of the Table
By Deb Johnson
BRANSON, Mo. — Mike McClelland, an Ozarks lakes angler since he was 8 years old, took his time this week before he stepped into the limelight in the April 3-6 A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Table Rock Lake.
After the first day of competition, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Bella Vista, Ark., was in 12th place. In Friday’s second round, McClelland found surer footing — and a better size of bass. He pushed up into fourth place.
And then he made his biggest move. McClelland grabbed Saturday’s lead by weighing 17 pounds, 9 ounces for a three-day total of 49-13 and an almost 4-pound lead.
“It was fine for me to start in 12th. As a ‘local,’ you’re going to get so much more attention if you are leading,” McClelland said. “I kind of like to stay behind the scenes as much as I can and just let it happen.”
