Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., takes the lead on the first day of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Havasu presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, bringing 20 pounds, 7 ounces to the scales on Thursday.
May 7, 2015
Edwin Evers Leads First Round Of Lake Havasu Elite Series Bass Tournament
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LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – The wind was blowing hard across Lake Havasu before daylight Thursday, and it only got worse throughout the day as it sometimes pushed 30 miles per hour.
But big gusts and even bigger waves weren’t enough to keep the scenic fishery on the California-Arizona border from showing just how far it’s come.
Oklahoma pro Edwin Evers caught five bass that weighed 20 pounds, 7 ounces to take the Day 1 lead in the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Havasu presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels. He was one of 20 anglers to bring at least 16-0 to the scales on a day when many elected to fish close to the launch site instead of making rough journeys along the Colorado River.
Phoenix, Ariz., pro John Murray was second with 19-8. He was followed by Matthew Herren of Ashville, Ala., with 18-9; Randall Tharp of Port St. Joe, Fla., with 18-3; and Mike Kernan of Wylie, Texas, with 18-2.
“It was a great day, but I wasn’t really doing anything special,” Evers said. “It’s not like I’ve got one area I can go into and find a big school of fish. I’m going to have to fish new water all week, and hopefully find more fish like I caught today. The fish are out there, but it’s going to be a week of adjustments, for sure.”
A 20-pound bag was once considered virtually impossible on Havasu, but anglers raved Thursday about the lake’s metamorphosis. Murray, who has been fishing Havasu for three decades, said he once enjoyed fishing tournaments on the lake because he knew it wouldn’t take much to win.
He said things are different now.
“I’m fishing techniques I don’t normally fish, actually a technique that I used to win a tournament on this lake 23 years ago,” Murray said. “I’ve been fishing this lake since 1985. Back then, it took about 10 pounds to win here. I’m fishing the same spots now and just catching bigger fish.”
Murray said he believes the size of the bass on Havasu began improving when quagga mussels appeared during the early 1990s.
Quaggas are an invasive Ukrainian species that most believe were accidentally introduced into the lake. The mussels often settle in massive colonies that can block water intakes and affect municipal water supplies, causing billions of dollars in damage.
But Murray said the quaggas actually jumpstarted Havasu’s fish growth.
“Quagga mussels kicked the food chain into high gear,” Murray said. “Divers say the crawdads are all over the bottom, and the redear (sunfish) are growing to world-record size now. Before the quaggas showed up, fish this size just weren’t here.”
While some anglers were bothered by the high winds Thursday, others, like Murray, said it actually helped their cause on a lake as clear as Havasu.
“The wind is why they bite,” Murray said. “If we didn’t have the wind today, it would have been a battle – at least for my stuff. I saw the weather forecast, and I geared my tackle for the wind.”
If the forecast is correct and the wind is much lighter for Friday’s second round, Murray said he might have to use some new tricks to further his success. Tharp and other pros said it isn’t likely to have much effect on their tactics either way.
“I really only saw one other angler doing what I’m doing,” said Tharp, who needed the good day after finishing 61st, 84th and 98th in the first three Elite Series events of the season. “I caught my fish early and then spent most of the day running new water, looking for something I could use the rest of the week. I actually got three bites this afternoon and didn’t set the hook.
“I know it does for some, but I honestly don’t believe the wind makes any difference for what I’m doing.”
The tournament will resume with take-off at 6:15 a.m. Friday from Lake Havasu State Park. Weigh-in is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. back at the park, with only the Top 52 anglers advancing to Saturday.
2015 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Havasu presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels 5/7-5/10
Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City AZ.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 20-07 100
Day 1: 5 20-07
2. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 19-08 99
Day 1: 5 19-08
3. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 18-09 98
Day 1: 5 18-09
4. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 18-03 97
Day 1: 5 18-03
5. Mike Kernan Wylie, TX 5 18-02 96
Day 1: 5 18-02
6. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 17-15 95
Day 1: 5 17-15
7. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 17-13 94
Day 1: 5 17-13
8. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 17-12 93
Day 1: 5 17-12
9. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 17-08 92
Day 1: 5 17-08
10. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 17-06 91
Day 1: 5 17-06
11. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 16-11 90
Day 1: 5 16-11
11. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 16-11 90
Day 1: 5 16-11
11. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 16-11 90
Day 1: 5 16-11
14. David Williams Maiden, NC 5 16-08 87
Day 1: 5 16-08
15. Casey Scanlon Lanexa, KS 5 16-07 86
Day 1: 5 16-07
16. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 5 16-05 85
Day 1: 5 16-05
17. Kevin Hawk Guntersville, AL 5 16-04 84
Day 1: 5 16-04
18. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 5 16-03 83
Day 1: 5 16-03
18. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 16-03 83
Day 1: 5 16-03
20. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 16-00 81
Day 1: 5 16-00
21. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 15-15 80
Day 1: 5 15-15
22. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 15-14 79
Day 1: 5 15-14
23. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 5 15-12 78
Day 1: 5 15-12
23. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 15-12 78
Day 1: 5 15-12
25. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 15-10 76
Day 1: 5 15-10
26. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 15-09 75
Day 1: 5 15-09
26. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 15-09 75
Day 1: 5 15-09
28. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 15-07 73
Day 1: 5 15-07
29. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 15-06 72
Day 1: 5 15-06
30. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 5 15-05 71
Day 1: 5 15-05
30. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 15-05 71
Day 1: 5 15-05
30. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 15-05 71
Day 1: 5 15-05
33. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 15-04 68
Day 1: 5 15-04
33. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 15-04 68
Day 1: 5 15-04
35. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 15-02 66
Day 1: 5 15-02
35. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 15-02 66
Day 1: 5 15-02
37. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 15-01 64
Day 1: 5 15-01
38. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 14-12 63
Day 1: 5 14-12
38. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 14-12 63
Day 1: 5 14-12
40. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 14-11 61
Day 1: 5 14-11
41. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 14-09 60
Day 1: 5 14-09
41. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 14-09 60
Day 1: 5 14-09
43. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 14-08 58
Day 1: 5 14-08
44. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 14-07 57
Day 1: 5 14-07
45. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 14-07 56
Day 1: 5 14-07
46. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 14-06 55
Day 1: 5 14-06
46. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 14-06 55
Day 1: 5 14-06
46. David Smith Del City, OK 5 14-06 55
Day 1: 5 14-06
49. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 14-06 52
Day 1: 5 14-06
50. Chad Pipkens Holt, MI 5 14-05 51
Day 1: 5 14-05
50. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 14-05 51
Day 1: 5 14-05
52. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 14-01 49
Day 1: 5 14-01
53. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 13-15 48
Day 1: 5 13-15
54. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 13-14 47
Day 1: 5 13-14
54. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 5 13-14 47
Day 1: 5 13-14
56. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, IL 5 13-11 45
Day 1: 5 13-11
57. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 13-10 44
Day 1: 5 13-10
57. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 13-10 44
Day 1: 5 13-10
59. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 13-09 42
Day 1: 5 13-09
60. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 13-08 41
Day 1: 5 13-08
61. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 5 13-07 40
Day 1: 5 13-07
61. Jared Miller Norman, OK 5 13-07 40
Day 1: 5 13-07
63. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 13-05 38
Day 1: 5 13-05
64. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 13-03 37
Day 1: 5 13-03
65. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 12-15 36
Day 1: 5 12-15
66. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 12-15 35
Day 1: 5 12-15
67. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 12-14 34
Day 1: 5 12-14
68. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 12-12 33
Day 1: 5 12-12
68. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 5 12-12 33
Day 1: 5 12-12
70. Jordan Lee Vinemont, AL 5 12-09 31
Day 1: 5 12-09
70. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 12-09 31
Day 1: 5 12-09
72. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 12-08 29
Day 1: 5 12-08
73. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 12-07 28
Day 1: 5 12-07
74. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 12-06 27
Day 1: 5 12-06
74. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 12-06 27
Day 1: 5 12-06
76. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 12-03 25
Day 1: 5 12-03
77. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 12-02 24
Day 1: 5 12-02
77. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 5 12-02 24
Day 1: 5 12-02
77. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 12-02 24
Day 1: 5 12-02
80. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 12-00 21
Day 1: 5 12-00
81. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 11-15 20
Day 1: 5 11-15
82. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 5 11-09 19
Day 1: 5 11-09
82. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 11-09 19
Day 1: 5 11-09
84. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 11-05 17
Day 1: 5 11-05
85. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 4 11-03 16
Day 1: 4 11-03
86. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 11-02 15
Day 1: 5 11-02
87. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 5 10-15 14
Day 1: 5 10-15
87. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 10-15 14
Day 1: 5 10-15
89. Nate Wellman Newaygo, MI 5 10-10 12
Day 1: 5 10-10
90. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 10-05 11
Day 1: 5 10-05
91. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 4 10-05 10
Day 1: 4 10-05
92. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 10-02 9
Day 1: 5 10-02
93. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 4 10-01 8
Day 1: 4 10-01
94. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 09-09 7
Day 1: 5 09-09
95. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 4 09-08 6
Day 1: 4 09-08
96. Chris Zaldain San Jose, CA 4 08-14 5
Day 1: 4 08-14
97. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 4 08-06 4
Day 1: 4 08-06
98. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 08-04 3
Day 1: 5 08-04
98. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 08-04 3
Day 1: 5 08-04
100. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 3 07-05 1
Day 1: 3 07-05
101. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 3 07-04 0
Day 1: 3 07-04
102. James Elam Tulsa, OK 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
103. Matt Lee Auburn , AL 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
104. Byron Velvick Boenre, TX 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
105. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 3 06-00 0
Day 1: 3 06-00
106. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
107. Joseph Sancho New Windsor, NY 3 05-08 0
Day 1: 3 05-08
108. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 2 05-07 0
Day 1: 2 05-07
109. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 3 04-11 0
Day 1: 3 04-11
110. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 2 04-02 0
Day 1: 2 04-02
111. Stephen Longobardi Northford, CT 2 03-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15
112. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03
——————————
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 93 524 1457-04
——————————
93 524 1457-04
