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Give the Gift of St. Croix Pride and Handcrafted Performance

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December 4, 2020

Give the Gift of St. Croix Pride and Handcrafted Performance

Save up to 40% off retail pricing plus free shipping on select, retired St. Croix Rod models during St. Croix’s Holiday Sales Event, December 4^th through the 20th

PARK FALLS, Wisc. (December 4, 2020) – St. Croix rods deliver distinct advantages on the water. This year, give the anglers on your list what they really want… St. Croix pride and handcrafted performance. Whether shopping for others or taking advantage of deep savings to add to your personal rod collection, St. Croix has anglers covered with our special two-week Holiday Sales Event, starting this Friday, December 4th and running through the 20th.

It’s our way of saying “Thank You and Happy Holidays”, and a sure-fire way for you to make the anglers on your shopping list smile. The fast-approaching online-only sale will offer incredible savings of up to 40% off a great selection of retired St. Croix rods, plus FREE SHIPPING on orders shipping inside the continental US! All retired St. Croix models available during the Holiday Sales Event are brand new rods backed by the St. Croix warranty, but are no longer being manufactured.

St. Croix’s Holiday Sales Event will run from 7:00 AM CDT on Friday, December 4^th through 10:00 PM CDT Sunday, December 20^th. Shoppers at www.stcroixrods.com/collections/rod-shopper can take 40% off select retired Avid Salmon & Steelhead and Wild River rods; 40% off select retired Sole fly rods; 30% off retired Mojo Inshore and Tidemaster rods; and 25% off retired Mojo Ice, Triumph, Triumph Salmon & Steelhead, Triumph Surf, Triumph Travel and Reign rods!

Additionally, St. Croix is extending it’s popular Black Friday deals on NEW Reign / Daiwa reel combos and full-cork Eyecon combos!

Sale prices start at just $38 for ice rods, $68 for freshwater rods, $91 for saltwater rods, $174 for flyrods and $119 for rod and reel combos. From trout to tarpon, online shoppers will find phenomenal deals on them all. But don’t be late; St. Croix Holiday Sales Event prices are limited to available stock.

SHOP NOW

#CROIXGEAR

Like the rods? You’ll love our lifestyle apparel. Save 25% off retail prices on select sweatshirts during the St. Croix Holiday Sales Event!

Felix’s Fall Run Secures Bassmaster Rookie Of The Year Honors

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December 4, 2020

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Felix’s Fall Run Secures Bassmaster Rookie Of The Year Honors

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Austin Felix of Eden Prairie, Minn., has won the 2020 Elite Series Rookie of the Year title.

Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.

December 4, 2020

Felix’s Fall Run Secures Bassmaster Rookie Of The Year Honors

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A strong run through rescheduled tournaments gave Bassmaster Elite Series pro Austin Felix a shot at winning the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, and although disappointed his fortunes fell short, the native of Eden Prairie, Minn., is proud to have accomplished his initial goal of winning Elite Series Rookie of the Year.

“Rookie of the Year is really special because you get one shot at it. You don’t get a do-over,” Felix said. “It’s bittersweet to be that close to AOY, but I’ll get a shot at it next year.”

Felix might have won this year and swept the season awards if not for subpar first and last events.

“I knew I dug myself a bit of a hole,” Felix said of his 64th-place finish in the season opener on the St. Johns River, “but I’ve been thinking about ROY the whole season.”

Well-versed at clear-water fishing, Felix banked on making a move when the Elite Series headed north to smallmouth waters at the St. Lawrence River (25th), Lake Champlain (18th) and Lake St. Clair (13th). Those finishes pushed him into the Top 15 in AOY standings, but Felix never displayed his trademark consistency.

“I had one stellar day and one mediocre day where I let it get away from me,” Felix said. “It seemed like the third day I’d catch them again, but I could never climb up into that Top 10. I underperformed up north, not making any Top 10s.

“It wasn’t until tournaments on Santee Cooper and Chickamauga Lake that I was able to put two good days together to have a good event. After the smallmouth tournaments, I was at the point of just trying not to give back all the points I gained up north. Fortunately, the fall fishing played into my hand a lot more than I thought it would.”

The COVID-19 pandemic forced B.A.S.S. to move four events to fall, previously unexplored territory for the Elites. Elite Series tournaments on Lake Guntersville, Santee Cooper Lakes, Chickamauga Lake and Lake Fork were moved to times requiring the anglers to figure out the current conditions, not rely on past patterns. Felix began the run with a 40th on Guntersville but maintained his position in the points race.

“What I was most afraid of was Santee Cooper. To be fortunate enough to find that group of offshore fish that allowed me to coast to a solid limit every day, it was really exciting,” said Felix, who competed for the title and ended up fourth.

That finish moved him to sixth in the AOY standings. Felix followed it with a fifth at Chickamauga Lake that put him just five points behind the AOY leader heading into the season’s final event on Lake Fork. While there was a great chance, it wasn’t to be on Fork, where Felix finished 68th and dropped to seventh overall. He could only get a handful of bites each day in practice on the famed Texas fishery, “but it deteriorated over the tournament — I just couldn’t get it done.”

What he did get done is put himself beside the names of previous ROYs like Drew Cook, Jake Whitaker, Drew Benton, Brandon Card and 2020 Bassmaster Classic Champion Hank Cherry. Felix totaled 651 points to top Kyle Welcher (639) and Lake Eufaula champion Buddy Gross (638). Japan’s Taku Ito, who led the AOY standings for a short time at midseason, finished fourth with 606.

“This rookie class has been incredibly talented,” Felix said. “It took Buddy Gross two tournaments to win his first blue trophy. Kyle Welcher proved to everybody that he isn’t just a YouTube kid. He caught the biggest fish of the year. All we had to do was go to New York and Taku made himself a viral sensation. Any one of those guys would have totally deserved this.”

Felix refined his fishing acumen while crossing the county competing for the University of Minnesota (he won an FLW College National Championship in 2014), FLW and Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens events.

“I was under this false impression that local knowledge was key at every lake, which is totally not the case,” said Felix. “It showed me that by doing some research and understanding how regional fish react, you can compete even if you don’t know where every brushpile is.”

Now, Felix is confident that he can go to new places, or at new times, and have a decent shot at discovering a pattern and competing.

“I think that with my angling repertoire, different techniques that I’m confident and comfortable with, I’m going to be able to figure out something they’re going to bite if I can just find the fish,” he said. “I’ve become more comfortable regionally, and I felt like I’ve learned a lot to try to compete across the country.”

Admittedly more of a consistent angler than the guy who wins big tournaments, Felix said he’s working on learning how to finish. Felix is ready to prep his new Phoenix boat and himself for the 2021 season. He’s already thinking about “how I can improve on last year. As soon as the season’s over, I take a few days off and I’m ready to start again.”

And this year, Felix will be starting the season with a title that will follow for the rest of his career: 2020 Bassmaster Elite Rookie of the Year.

Arizona’s Uribe Leads Day One of Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland

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December 4, 2020

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Arizona’s Uribe Leads Day One of Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland

Toyota Series Western Division Pro Leads by 4-Ounce Margin in Competition for $235,000

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BURNSIDE, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2020) – A tournament field of 221 boats – each featuring a pro and a co-angler – began their three-day competition for a top cash award of up to $235,000 at the Toyota Series Championship on Lake Cumberland, in Burnside, Kentucky,

Thursday.

Pro angler Joe Uribe, Jr. of Surprise, Arizona, weighed a five-bass limit totaling 16 pounds, 2 ounces to take the early lead after Day One of the three day event. Uribe now holds a slim 4-ounce lead over pro Nick Ratliff of Vine Grove, Kentucky, who caught five bass weighing 15 pounds, 14 ounces, to end the day in second place. The no-entry fee bass-fishing championship, hosted by the Somerset Tourist & Convention Commission and the Burnside Tourism Commission, features the top 25 pros and top 25 co-anglers from each of the eight Toyota Series divisions and tournament winners, the highest finishing boater and co-angler from each regional at the All-American, the College Fishing National Champions and second-place team, and the top pros and co-anglers from the FLW International Division.

Hailing from the Western Division, Uribe set the pace in the championship Thursday and added another mark to his sterling record, having only finished outside of the top six in the Western Division Angler of the Year points standings twice in the past 10 years. Though success has been lacking at the championships, he’s overdue to show off on a national stage, and a tough lake with smallmouths and rock could be just the fix.

“I’m so glad to be out here – this lake is beautiful,” said Uribe. “We made a long run to our first spot and stuck it out, fishing slow and thorough. I only got six bites all day, but I made them count.”

Uribe credits his lead on Day One to covering large amounts of water.

“I threw moving baits and covered a lot of water. I looked at different pieces on the bank – bank transitions – just something a little bit different. I found a creek in practice that I thought looked really good, with a lot of variations of structure and depth and immediately felt comfortable where I was and fished that area all day.

“I only had two days of practice, but everything just clicked and I started getting bit right away. I literally had one rod on the deck – I was winding a crankbait, making a lot of casts and continuously moving.”

For a tournament with more than 220 boats on the water, Uribe said his location was relatively quiet.

“There were maybe five boats in the area I was fishing. I’m looking forward to going back out there tomorrow – the weather has been brutal and it’s supposed to rain tomorrow. Hopefully that ends up being a good thing.”

Uribe attributed his success to the fact that he never stops practicing.

“I made a couple stops on the way back and caught a couple. I’m going to practice again tomorrow during the competition and if I’m fortunate enough to make the Top 10, I’ll be practicing again on Saturday.”

The top 20 pros after Day One on Lake Cumberland are:

1^st:       Joe Uribe, Jr., Surprise, Ariz., five bass, 16-2
2^nd:      Nick Ratliff, Vine Grove, Ky., five bass, 15-14
3^rd:       Chris Malone, Ironton, Ohio, five bass, 15-3
4^th:       Greg Bohannan, Bentonville, Ark., five bass, 14-13
5^th:       Kip Carter, Mansfield, Ga., five bass, 14-7
6^th:       Will Beutjer, Athens, Ala., five bass, 14-5
7^th:       Dakota Ebare, Denham Springs, La., five bass, 14-1
8^th:       Ryan Davidson, Branchland, W.Va., five bass, 13-13
9^th:       Jacob Wheeler, Harrison, Tenn., five bass, 13-12
10^th:     Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif., five bass, 13-11
11^th:     Cameron Lineback, Mount Airy, N.C., five bass, 13-8
12^th:     R.M. Couch, Jr., Ocala, Fla., five bass, 13-4
13^th:     Jason Meninger, Saint Augustine, Fla., five bass, 13-3
14^th:     Cody Bird, Granbury, Texas, four bass, 13-2
14^th:     Chris Fiore, Midlothian, Va., five bass, 13-2
16^th:     Drew Boggs, Lebanon, Tenn., five bass, 13-0
17^th:     Eric Olliverson, Lampe, Mo., five bass, 12-15
18^th:     Jonathan Bowling, Harriman, Tenn., five bass, 12-12
19^th:     Michael Caruso, Peoria, Ariz., five bass, 12-10
20^th:     Jason Wilson, Lincolnton, N.C., five bass, 12-7

For a full list of results visit FLWFishing.com.

Don White of Columbus, Mississippi, leads the co-angler division with five bass weighing 12 pounds even, followed by Mark Svendsen of Doraville, Georgia, who weighed three bass totaling 11-10, securing second-place. Co-anglers are competing for a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard.

The top 20 co-anglers after Day One on Lake Cumberland are:

1^st:       Don White, Columbus, Miss., five bass, 12-0
2^nd:      Mark Svendsen, Doraville, Ga., three bass, 11-10
3^rd:       Casey Taylor, Smithville, Tenn., five bass, 10-8
4^th:       Kevin Hesson, Seneca, Pa., four bass, 10-1
5^th:       Jason Hinger, Timberlake, N.C., five bass, 10-0
6^th:       Mario Riojas, Blanchard, Okla., five bass, 9-13
7^th:       Rachel Uribe, Long Beach, Calif., four bass, 9-8
8^th:       Travis Otto, Jefferson City, Mo., four bass, 9-4
9^th:       Justin Kimmel, Athens, Ga., three bass, 9-3
10^th:     Josh Lockard, Somerset, Ky., four bass, 8-10
10^th:     Jarvis Ellis, Albany, Ga., three bass, 8-10
12^th:     Rob Crane, Fairview Heights, Ill., five bass, 7-9
13^th:     Andrew Wiley, Joppa, Md., five bass, 7-6
14^th:     Early Whitaker, Iron City, Ga., three bass, 7-5
15^th:     Aaron Seay, El Cajon, Calif., three bass, 7-4
16^th:     Eric Wild, Brooklyn, Mich., four bass, 6-10
17^th:     Derek Brown, Charlottesville, Va., three bass, 6-4
18^th:     Michael Leach, Shenandoah, Texas, two bass, 6-0
18^th:     Leo Reiter, Greenup, Ill., three bass, 6-0
20^th:     Randy Forbes, Pleasant Plain, Ohio, two bass, 5-12

Anglers will take off daily at 7:30 a.m. EST from the General Burnside Island State Park, at 8801 S. Highway 27, in Burnside. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 2:30 p.m. each day. Attendance is limited to competing anglers, family and essential staff. Fans are encouraged to follow the event online through the “FLW Live” weigh-in broadcasts and daily coverage at FLWFishing.com.

The full field of anglers will compete on Days One and Two of the event, with only the top 10 boaters and top 10 co-anglers continuing to the third and final day. The 2020 Toyota Series champions will be determined by the heaviest three-day total weight.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Local Knowledge Helps Walker Grab Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake

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December 4, 2020

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Local Knowledge Helps Walker Grab Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake

Jacob Walker of Alabaster, Ala., is leading after Day 1 of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake with 17 pounds, 4 ounces.

Photo by Andy Crawford/B.A.S.S

December 3, 2020

Local Knowledge Helps Walker Grab Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake

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COLUMBIANA, Ala. — Local angler Jacob Walker said he’s very familiar with Lay Lake, and he needed every bit of that knowledge to catch a limit of 17 pounds, 4 ounces and grab the Day 1 lead of the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open.

“The way it is right now, you have to run from one end to the other,” said Walker, who lives in nearby Alabaster, Ala. “You can’t count anything out, that’s for sure.”

Noting that he was on a pure run-and-gun game plan, Walker said he fished between 40 and 50 spots Thursday. He fished efficiently and didn’t sit long on any one place.

“I was catching some out of the grass when the wind blew, and I bounced around to (several) other spots,” Walker said. “I probably had 20 rods on my deck. It was all junk fishing.

“I came into this tournament expecting to do that. It’s been like this the last three months.”

The sharp cold spell that moved into the area early in the week sent temperatures plunging. Overnight lows dipped into the lower 20s and even dropped a little snow on the lake.

Thursday was a little warmer, but Friday’s rainy outlook suggests another cold front on the way.

Meteorological fluctuations typically impact fishing, but Walker said this week’s weather is less than favorable. His biggest bass was a 4-7 largemouth, but he said he wasn’t able to leverage the lake’s potential.

“I think this weather is hurting me more than helping me; it’s hard to catch a big largemouth right now,” he said. “I got fortunate and caught one good one today. I had four spotted bass and one largemouth.

“I’m a largemouth fisherman. That’s what I do, so I’d much rather catch them.”

Walker said he threw a broad array of baits and ended up catching his weight fish on three of them.

“I caught plenty more on other baits, so you gotta keep them honest,” he said. “It was mostly reaction baits for me; I was staying on the move.

“The stuff I’m fishing is pretty fast, so if I sit down and fish (an area) for 30 minutes, I’ll probably make 25 to 30 casts. Sometimes, if I feel like they’re there, I might make 50 casts or more.”

Across the board, wind exposure was the most important factor for each of Walker’s spots. Wind pushes bait into areas, and that gave Walker confidence he would find hungry bass.

“I knew the bait was there,” he said. “It was blown in there by the wind. Some of it is affected by current, but most of it’s the wind.

“As the day goes on, the wind picks up. But we caught ’em all day. My better bites were later in the day and I have a later boat number tomorrow, so that might help me out.”

Keith Carson of DeBary, Fla., is in second place with 16-10. Recognizing a familiar scenario helped him excel in his first Lay Lake appearance.

“I’m just running everything and fishing like I would in Florida,” he said. “When I saw the grass, I knew how to fish it. I caught a lot of fish on a deeper ledge in 11 to 12 feet, but still really close to the grassline.”

Noting that he fished deep and shallow spots, Carson said he caught all of his bass on reaction baits. Covering water to find tight areas of productivity was his strategy.

“There’s a lot of dead water out there,” Carson said. “I caught a 5-11 and then I caught my second-biggest fish on back-to-back casts. They’re all grouped up when you hit them.”

Clint Miller of Jemison, Ala., is in third with 16-3. Despite struggling with the weather conditions, he found two big opportunities and capitalized on one of them.

“I caught them today, but it was tough,” Miller said. “I lucked out and caught a big one (6-0). But without him, I would have had 11 or 12 pounds.”

Miller caught his big fish at 8:30 and lost one around 4 1/2 at 11. Targeting brush, he caught all of his fish on a 1/4-ounce shaky head with a green pumpkin finesse worm.

“I caught them fishing my strength and fishing slow,” Miller said.

Miller is in the lead for Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors with his 6-0.

Alex Prince of Blue Ridge, Ga., leads the co-angler division with 7-13.

Cody Shry of Pinehurst, Texas, holds the Phoenix Boats Big Bass lead among co-anglers with a 4-0.

Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Eastern Open standings with 729 points, followed by Justin Atkins with 709. Pat Schlapper is third with 706, while Joshua Stracner is fourth with 699 and Bryan New is fifth with 696.

New also leads the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year standings with 1,341 points.

Friday’s takeoff is scheduled for 6:15 a.m. CT from Beeswax Park. The weigh-in will be held at the park at 2:15 p.m.

The tournament is being hosted by Discover Shelby, AL.

2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake 12/3-12/5
Lay Lake, Shelby County AL.
(BOATER) Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Jacob Walker Alabaster, AL 5 17-04 200
Day 1: 5 17-04
2. Keith Carson Debary, FL 5 16-10 199
Day 1: 5 16-10
3. Clint Miller Jemison, AL 5 16-03 198
Day 1: 5 16-03
4. Wyatt Burkhalter Coker, AL 5 16-02 197
Day 1: 5 16-02
5. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 5 15-14 196
Day 1: 5 15-14
6. Samuel Fish Calera, AL 5 15-08 195
Day 1: 5 15-08
7. Jared Turnbloom Calera, AL 5 15-05 194
Day 1: 5 15-05
8. Andy Wicker Pomaria, SC 5 14-12 193
Day 1: 5 14-12
9. Matt Vanzant Sylacauga, AL 5 14-09 192
Day 1: 5 14-09
10. Bryan New Belmont, NC 5 14-06 191
Day 1: 5 14-06
11. Jon Canada Helena, AL 5 14-04 190
Day 1: 5 14-04
12. Andy Chappell Warrior, AL 5 13-15 189
Day 1: 5 13-15
13. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 13-14 188
Day 1: 5 13-14
14. Brian Latimer Belton, SC 5 13-11 187
Day 1: 5 13-11
15. Joey Nania Cropwell, AL 5 13-09 186
Day 1: 5 13-09
15. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 5 13-09 186
Day 1: 5 13-09
17. Barry Brandt Jr. Newport News, VA 5 13-06 184
Day 1: 5 13-06
18. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 5 13-04 183
Day 1: 5 13-04
18. Adam Neu Forestville, WI 5 13-04 183
Day 1: 5 13-04
20. Jason Burroughs Hodges, SC 5 13-02 181
Day 1: 5 13-02
21. Denny Fiedler Wabasha, MN 5 13-01 180
Day 1: 5 13-01
21. Derek Lehtonen Woodruff, SC 5 13-01 180
Day 1: 5 13-01
21. Alex Sherrill Clanton, AL 5 13-01 180
Day 1: 5 13-01
24. James Meers Rome, GA 5 12-14 177
Day 1: 5 12-14
25. Freddy Palmer Estill Springs, TN 5 12-11 176
Day 1: 5 12-11
26. Chris Payne Vance, AL 5 12-10 175
Day 1: 5 12-10
27. Scott Pellegrin Chippewa Falls, WI 5 12-09 174
Day 1: 5 12-09
27. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 5 12-09 174
Day 1: 5 12-09
29. Teb Jones Hattiesburg, MS 5 12-08 172
Day 1: 5 12-08
30. Cameron Smith Wareham, MA 5 12-07 171
Day 1: 5 12-07
31. Cole Drummond Effingham, SC 5 12-06 170
Day 1: 5 12-06
31. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 12-06 170
Day 1: 5 12-06
33. Greg Mansfield Olathe, KS 5 12-04 168
Day 1: 5 12-04
34. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 12-03 167
Day 1: 5 12-03
34. Kenneth Malone Columbiana, AL 5 12-03 167
Day 1: 5 12-03
36. Josh Herren Ashville, AL 5 12-02 165
Day 1: 5 12-02
37. Tyler Caton Clanton, AL 5 12-01 164
Day 1: 5 12-01
38. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 5 12-00 163
Day 1: 5 12-00
39. Randall Carter Maplesville, AL 5 11-14 162
Day 1: 5 11-14
40. Jarrett Brown Montevallo, AL 5 11-13 161
Day 1: 5 11-13
41. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 3 11-12 160
Day 1: 3 11-12
42. Spencer Peters Knoxville, TN 5 11-11 159
Day 1: 5 11-11
43. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 5 11-10 158
Day 1: 5 11-10
44. Todd Castledine Nacogdoches, TX 5 11-09 157
Day 1: 5 11-09
45. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 5 11-08 156
Day 1: 5 11-08
46. Jacob Foutz Charleston, TN 5 11-04 155
Day 1: 5 11-04
47. Shane Horton Wilsonville , AL 5 11-03 154
Day 1: 5 11-03
48. Wesley Gore Clanton, AL 5 11-02 153
Day 1: 5 11-02
49. Randy Blaukat Joplin, MO 5 11-01 152
Day 1: 5 11-01
50. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 5 11-00 151
Day 1: 5 11-00
50. Alex Redwine Blue Ash, OH 5 11-00 151
Day 1: 5 11-00
52. Andy Hribar Lakeville, MN 5 10-14 149
Day 1: 5 10-14
53. Garrett Dixon Citronelle, AL 5 10-13 148
Day 1: 5 10-13
53. Chandler Stewart Waco, TX 5 10-13 148
Day 1: 5 10-13
53. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 5 10-13 148
Day 1: 5 10-13
56. Bryce Matthews Olanta, SC 5 10-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-12
56. Chad Smith Minnetonka, MN 5 10-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-12
56. Chris Wooten West Point, MS 5 10-12 145
Day 1: 5 10-12
59. Kyle Austin Ridgeville, SC 5 10-11 142
Day 1: 5 10-11
59. Cody Detweiler Orlando, FL 5 10-11 142
Day 1: 5 10-11
61. Greg Alexander Hebron, MD 5 10-10 140
Day 1: 5 10-10
61. Josh Hubbard Braidwood, IL 5 10-10 140
Day 1: 5 10-10
63. Matthew Mccarthy Marysville, OH 5 10-09 138
Day 1: 5 10-09
63. Scott Siller Milwaukee, WI 5 10-09 138
Day 1: 5 10-09
63. JT Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 10-09 138
Day 1: 5 10-09
66. Caiden Sinclair Wilsonville, AL 5 10-08 135
Day 1: 5 10-08
67. Stephen Morella Townshend, VT 5 10-07 134
Day 1: 5 10-07
67. J T Russell Mccala, AL 5 10-07 134
Day 1: 5 10-07
69. Bo Hunter Gardendale, AL 5 10-06 132
Day 1: 5 10-06
70. Dustin Reneau Mckinney, TX 5 10-05 131
Day 1: 5 10-05
70. Chad Schroeder Lowndesboro, AL 5 10-05 131
Day 1: 5 10-05
72. Zeke Gossett Pell City, AL 5 10-01 129
Day 1: 5 10-01
72. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 5 10-01 129
Day 1: 5 10-01
72. Trevor Prince Blue Ridge, GA 5 10-01 129
Day 1: 5 10-01
75. Kopeland Rosser Helena, AL 5 09-15 126
Day 1: 5 09-15
76. Justin Hamner Foley, AL 5 09-14 125
Day 1: 5 09-14
76. Lance Rose Pipe Creek, TX 5 09-14 125
Day 1: 5 09-14
78. Dave Turner Crystal River, FL 5 09-11 123
Day 1: 5 09-11
79. Daisuke Aoki Minamitsurugun Yamanash 5 09-10 122
Day 1: 5 09-10
80. Randy Elliott Severn, MD 5 09-09 121
Day 1: 5 09-09
80. Timmy Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 5 09-09 121
Day 1: 5 09-09
82. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 5 09-08 119
Day 1: 5 09-08
83. Randy Huffman Charleston, WV 5 09-07 118
Day 1: 5 09-07
84. Matt Lee Bremen, AL 4 09-07 117
Day 1: 4 09-07
85. Joel Bowden Sylacauga, AL 5 09-05 116
Day 1: 5 09-05
86. Alex Wetherell Middletown, CT 5 09-04 115
Day 1: 5 09-04
87. Tyler Ellis Battlefield, MO 5 09-03 114
Day 1: 5 09-03
87. Barry Wilson Birmingham, AL 5 09-03 114
Day 1: 5 09-03
89. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 5 09-01 112
Day 1: 5 09-01
89. Caleb Gibson Locust Grove, OK 5 09-01 112
Day 1: 5 09-01
89. Ronald Ryals Jr Live Oak, FL 5 09-01 112
Day 1: 5 09-01
92. Michael Bradford Scottsboro, AL 5 09-00 109
Day 1: 5 09-00
93. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 08-13 108
Day 1: 5 08-13
93. Brandon Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 5 08-13 108
Day 1: 5 08-13
95. Justin Barnes Monroeville, AL 5 08-12 106
Day 1: 5 08-12
96. Hall Hobbs Wilsonville, AL 5 08-11 105
Day 1: 5 08-11
96. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 5 08-11 105
Day 1: 5 08-11
98. Johnny McCombs Morris, AL 5 08-07 103
Day 1: 5 08-07
99. Allen Brooks Canton, GA 5 08-06 102
Day 1: 5 08-06
99. Garrett Rose Pipecreek, TX 5 08-06 102
Day 1: 5 08-06
101. Mark Pappas Dandridge, TN 5 08-05 100
Day 1: 5 08-05
102. Henry Mcpherson Mountain Brk, AL 5 08-04 99
Day 1: 5 08-04
102. Clint Nail Sterrett, AL 5 08-04 99
Day 1: 5 08-04
104. Dj Ellis Crestview, FL 5 08-02 97
Day 1: 5 08-02
105. Jonathan Carter Glenburn, ME 5 07-15 96
Day 1: 5 07-15
106. Gregg Fogner Conway, SC 5 07-14 95
Day 1: 5 07-14
107. Stephen Perry Pike Road, AL 3 07-14 94
Day 1: 3 07-14
108. Hunter Sales Blaine, TN 5 07-13 93
Day 1: 5 07-13
109. Bob Behrle Hoover, AL 5 07-11 92
Day 1: 5 07-11
110. Cam Sterritt Newfields, NH 5 07-10 91
Day 1: 5 07-10
111. Garrett Rocamora Lithia, FL 3 07-10 90
Day 1: 3 07-10
112. Anthony Goggins Clanton, AL 5 07-09 89
Day 1: 5 07-09
112. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 07-09 89
Day 1: 5 07-09
112. Jake Rossi Columbus, OH 5 07-09 89
Day 1: 5 07-09
115. Eric Johnson Kingston, MA 5 07-07 86
Day 1: 5 07-07
116. John Maner Falkville, AL 5 07-06 85
Day 1: 5 07-06
117. Parker Mott Winter Garden, FL 5 07-04 84
Day 1: 5 07-04
117. Andrew Upshaw Tulsa, OK 5 07-04 84
Day 1: 5 07-04
119. Scott Patton Paris, TN 5 07-03 82
Day 1: 5 07-03
120. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 07-02 81
Day 1: 5 07-02
121. Larry Franks Jr. Wilsonville, AL 4 07-00 80
Day 1: 4 07-00
122. Brandt Tumberg Moore, SC 5 06-15 79
Day 1: 5 06-15
123. Tyler Berger Delaware, OH 5 06-14 78
Day 1: 5 06-14
124. David Parsons Dothan, AL 5 06-13 77
Day 1: 5 06-13
124. Chris Peters Birchwood, TN 5 06-13 77
Day 1: 5 06-13
126. Brandon Mccombs Mc Calla, AL 3 06-13 75
Day 1: 3 06-13
127. Mark Duerr West Allis, WI 4 06-09 74
Day 1: 4 06-09
128. Gus Kneidinger Prospect, PA 3 06-08 73
Day 1: 3 06-08
129. Matt Mattingly Gravel Switch, KY 5 06-07 72
Day 1: 5 06-07
129. Jeremy Maye Windsor, VA 5 06-07 72
Day 1: 5 06-07
129. Whitney Stephens Waverly, OH 5 06-07 72
Day 1: 5 06-07
132. Connor Macdougall Bremerton, WA 5 06-05 69
Day 1: 5 06-05
133. Tommy Williams Shepherdsville, KY 5 06-04 68
Day 1: 5 06-04
134. Cj Knight Sylacauga, AL 3 06-00 67
Day 1: 3 06-00
135. Jerry Gallogly Jr North Tazewell, VA 4 05-13 66
Day 1: 4 05-13
136. Denis Karachopan Rocky Point, NY 4 05-11 65
Day 1: 4 05-11
137. Kameron Harbin Abbeville, SC 5 05-07 64
Day 1: 5 05-07
138. Lance Owen Greer, SC 3 05-07 63
Day 1: 3 05-07
139. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 3 05-02 62
Day 1: 3 05-02
140. Colby Robertson Summerfield, FL 4 05-01 61
Day 1: 4 05-01
141. Ryan Branch Chelsea, AL 3 04-14 60
Day 1: 3 04-14
142. Joe Thompson Clayton, GA 3 04-12 59
Day 1: 3 04-12
143. Trevor Topken Warwick, NY 2 04-12 58
Day 1: 2 04-12
144. Ronnie Getz Sunman, IN 4 04-11 57
Day 1: 4 04-11
145. Frank Ramsey Spring Grove, IL 2 04-11 56
Day 1: 2 04-11
146. Rich Mcbride Calera, AL 3 04-10 55
Day 1: 3 04-10
146. Luke Plunkett Pinson, AL 3 04-10 55
Day 1: 3 04-10
148. Robert Gibson Niota, TN 2 04-07 53
Day 1: 2 04-07
149. Cassidy Evans Huntsville, AL 2 04-03 52
Day 1: 2 04-03
149. Ken Iyobe Tokoname, Aichi JAPAN 2 04-03 52
Day 1: 2 04-03
151. Joel Willert Prior Lake, MN 3 03-15 50
Day 1: 3 03-15
152. Noah Godwin Clanton, AL 3 03-05 49
Day 1: 3 03-05
153. Tucker Smith Birmingham, AL 2 02-11 48
Day 1: 2 02-11
154. Shawn Hendrix Sharpsburg, GA 2 02-03 47
Day 1: 2 02-03
155. Cole Dodson GARDENDALE, AL 2 02-02 46
Day 1: 2 02-02
156. Cody Bertrand Dyer, IN 1 01-06 45
Day 1: 1 01-06
157. Kenny Mittelstaedt Minnetonka, MN 1 00-12 44
Day 1: 1 00-12
158. Chris Kingree Inverness, FL 4 00-00 43
Day 1: 4 00-00
159. Jason Casteel Winter Garden, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. David Gaston Sylacauga, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. Richard Reeger Gastonia, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
159. Andrew Thomasson Dublin, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 126 722 1487-08
———————————-
126 722 1487-08

2020 Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake 12/3-12/5
Lay Lake, Shelby County AL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Alex Prince Blue Ridge, GA 3 07-13 200
Day 1: 3 07-13
2. Steve Robbins Piketon, OH 3 07-10 199
Day 1: 3 07-10
3. Cody Shry Pinehurst, TX 3 07-08 198
Day 1: 3 07-08
4. Robert Bruguiere Mechanicsville, VA 3 07-02 197
Day 1: 3 07-02
4. Don Harvey Franklin, TN 3 07-02 197
Day 1: 3 07-02
6. John Goul Philadelphia, MS 3 07-01 195
Day 1: 3 07-01
7. Greg Secord Salem, SC 3 06-15 194
Day 1: 3 06-15
8. Shawn Spaeth Cadott, WI 3 06-14 193
Day 1: 3 06-14
9. Angela Mayo Maiden, NC 3 06-13 192
Day 1: 3 06-13
9. Parker Vincent Deatsville, AL 3 06-13 192
Day 1: 3 06-13
11. Jim Laster Newnan, GA 3 06-10 190
Day 1: 3 06-10
11. Bailey Rothrock Monticello, IN 3 06-10 190
Day 1: 3 06-10
13. Rodney Graham Childersburg, AL 3 06-09 188
Day 1: 3 06-09
13. Randy Woodley Harvest, AL 3 06-09 188
Day 1: 3 06-09
15. Kelvin Young Guntersville, AL 3 06-08 186
Day 1: 3 06-08
16. Connor Graham Minneapolis, MN 3 06-02 185
Day 1: 3 06-02
17. Brian Rothrock Monticello, IN 3 05-15 184
Day 1: 3 05-15
18. Jeffery Strong Sharpsburg, GA 3 05-14 183
Day 1: 3 05-14
19. Mike Scroggins Wilsonville, AL 3 05-13 182
Day 1: 3 05-13
20. Harold Addison Columbia, SC 3 05-12 181
Day 1: 3 05-12
20. Caz Anderson Hayesville, NC 3 05-12 181
Day 1: 3 05-12
22. Dustin Williamson Aiken, SC 3 05-10 179
Day 1: 3 05-10
23. Neal Wisinski Stevens Point, WI 3 05-08 178
Day 1: 3 05-08
24. Craig Congleton Rockford, MI 3 05-06 177
Day 1: 3 05-06
24. Cody Stahl Griffin, GA 3 05-06 177
Day 1: 3 05-06
26. Tyler Harless HELENA, AL 3 05-05 175
Day 1: 3 05-05
27. Bill Bruce Hendersonville, TN 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Travis Culbreth Columbia, AL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Josh Dees Mt. Olive, AL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Randal Griffice Bessemer, AL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
27. Dawson Wisner Green Cv Spgs, FL 3 05-03 174
Day 1: 3 05-03
32. Mike Anderson Harlem, GA 3 05-02 169
Day 1: 3 05-02
33. Kibbee Mccoy Knoxville, TN 3 05-01 168
Day 1: 3 05-01
33. Ronald Young New Braunfels, TX 3 05-01 168
Day 1: 3 05-01
35. Skyler Anderson Harlem, GA 3 05-00 166
Day 1: 3 05-00
36. Scott Corliss Northwood, NH 2 05-00 165
Day 1: 2 05-00
37. Chris Bridges Clinton, MO 3 04-15 164
Day 1: 3 04-15
38. Mark Westrick Hastings, PA 2 04-14 163
Day 1: 2 04-14
39. David Booth Erin, TN 3 04-12 162
Day 1: 3 04-12
40. Jay Przekurat Stevens Point, WI 3 04-11 161
Day 1: 3 04-11
40. Sam Sobieck New Prague, MN 3 04-11 161
Day 1: 3 04-11
42. Steve Lindsey Bayou La Batre, AL 2 04-11 159
Day 1: 2 04-11
43. Levi Allgeier Bardstown, KY 3 04-10 158
Day 1: 3 04-10
44. Carl Hunter Snellville, GA 3 04-09 157
Day 1: 3 04-09
45. Logan Stewart Nashville, TN 3 04-08 156
Day 1: 3 04-08
45. Todd Wagman Winter Garden, FL 3 04-08 156
Day 1: 3 04-08
47. Max Mcgee Louisville, MS 3 04-07 154
Day 1: 3 04-07
48. Phil Dodds Hixson, TN 2 04-04 153
Day 1: 2 04-04
49. Jon Jezierski Troy, MI 3 04-03 152
Day 1: 3 04-03
49. Jacob Novak Clear Lake, MN 3 04-03 152
Day 1: 3 04-03
49. Chuck Thurlow Auburn, AL 3 04-03 152
Day 1: 3 04-03
52. Russell Hoyle Newton, NC 3 04-02 149
Day 1: 3 04-02
53. Adam Traugh Gilroy, CA 3 04-01 148
Day 1: 3 04-01
54. Buddy Elston Jr. Odenville, AL 2 04-00 147
Day 1: 2 04-00
54. Scott Waters Saint Cloud, FL 2 04-00 147
Day 1: 2 04-00
56. Jason Reaves Montague, TX 3 03-15 145
Day 1: 3 03-15
56. Daniel Valois Gomez Coral Springs FL VENEZU 3 03-15 145
Day 1: 3 03-15
58. Andrew Packard Fresno, CA 3 03-14 143
Day 1: 3 03-14
59. Wendell Edgil Winfield, AL 2 03-13 142
Day 1: 2 03-13
60. Jeff Queen Catawba, NC 3 03-12 141
Day 1: 3 03-12
60. Ken Sharkey Spring Lake, MI 3 03-12 141
Day 1: 3 03-12
62. Randy Tallhamer Parkersburg, WV 2 03-12 139
Day 1: 2 03-12
63. Jack Alexander Mountain Brook, AL 3 03-11 138
Day 1: 3 03-11
64. Stacey Jefferson Conway, SC 3 03-10 137
Day 1: 3 03-10
65. Ashley Bishop Chesapeake, VA 3 03-09 136
Day 1: 3 03-09
66. Bert Seitz Chelsea, AL 2 03-09 135
Day 1: 2 03-09
67. Kai Barnett Wilsonville, AL 3 03-08 134
Day 1: 3 03-08
68. Kent Duchaine Fort Gaines, GA 2 03-08 133
Day 1: 2 03-08
69. Tanner Plumlee Gadsden, TN 1 03-07 132
Day 1: 1 03-07
70. Burley Langford Jr. S.Chesterfield, VA 3 03-06 131
Day 1: 3 03-06
71. Steven Kellam Dry Ridge, KY 3 03-05 130
Day 1: 3 03-05
71. Bryden Mugleston Mount Juliet, TN 3 03-05 130
Day 1: 3 03-05
73. Todd Mowery Munford, TN 3 03-02 128
Day 1: 3 03-02
74. Ralph Pierce Prattville, AL 2 02-15 127
Day 1: 2 02-15
75. Hayden Marbut Vestavia, AL 2 02-14 126
Day 1: 2 02-14
76. Lucas Bradley Gadsden, AL 2 02-13 125
Day 1: 2 02-13
76. Ralph Gibson Locust Grove, OK 2 02-13 125
Day 1: 2 02-13
78. Jason Beasley Millbrook, AL 1 02-13 123
Day 1: 1 02-13
79. Michael Elrod Cropwell, AL 1 02-12 122
Day 1: 1 02-12
80. Brad Hoff Brooks, GA 3 02-11 121
Day 1: 3 02-11
81. Todd Young Perryville, KY 2 02-11 120
Day 1: 2 02-11
82. Bradley Brooks Easley, SC 1 02-11 119
Day 1: 1 02-11
83. Chris Newton Whitesboro, NY 2 02-09 118
Day 1: 2 02-09
84. Eric Davis Athens, AL 3 02-08 117
Day 1: 3 02-08
85. Jeff Keever Tignall, GA 2 02-08 116
Day 1: 2 02-08
86. Josh Morse Apopka, FL 1 02-08 115
Day 1: 1 02-08
87. Joe Eubanks Marietta, GA 2 02-05 114
Day 1: 2 02-05
87. Rick Williams Jr Sandston, VA 2 02-05 114
Day 1: 2 02-05
89. Luke Kerstetter Brookfield, WI 1 02-04 112
Day 1: 1 02-04
90. William Maddox Trussville, AL 1 02-03 111
Day 1: 1 02-03
91. Isaac Booth Washburn, TN 2 02-02 110
Day 1: 2 02-02
91. Michael Schrader North Attleboro, MA 2 02-02 110
Day 1: 2 02-02
93. Grant Hopson Hartselle, AL 1 02-02 108
Day 1: 1 02-02
94. Lee Means Madison, AL 2 02-01 107
Day 1: 2 02-01
95. Charles Harris Athens, AL 1 02-01 106
Day 1: 1 02-01
96. Paul Scharf Sr Tampa, FL 1 02-00 105
Day 1: 1 02-00
97. Eric Carroll Gaylesville, AL 2 01-15 104
Day 1: 2 01-15
97. Roy Hurst Jr Birmingham, AL 2 01-15 104
Day 1: 2 01-15
99. Caleb Dennis Childersburg, AL 1 01-15 102
Day 1: 1 01-15
99. Ryan Fronina Mohrsville, PA 1 01-15 102
Day 1: 1 01-15
99. Chip Stith Piscataway, NJ 1 01-15 102
Day 1: 1 01-15
102. Darren Ashley Calhoun Falls, SC 2 01-13 99
Day 1: 2 01-13
102. Grover Jones Jr Starr, SC 2 01-13 99
Day 1: 2 01-13
104. Steven Slaughter Roanoke, TX 2 01-11 97
Day 1: 2 01-11
105. Mitch Van Ert Watertown, WI 1 01-11 96
Day 1: 1 01-11
106. Zack Barrera Morriston, FL 1 01-08 95
Day 1: 1 01-08
107. John Connell Marion, IL 1 01-05 94
Day 1: 1 01-05
107. Doug Johnson Prattville, AL 1 01-05 94
Day 1: 1 01-05
107. Steve Legg Vincent, OH 1 01-05 94
Day 1: 1 01-05
110. Rick Hamer Charleston, WV 1 01-04 91
Day 1: 1 01-04
111. Ryan Godsey Chickamauga, GA 1 01-00 90
Day 1: 1 01-00
111. Jonathan Majors Chelsea, AL 1 01-00 90
Day 1: 1 01-00
113. Lonny Peryer Sparta, MO 1 00-15 88
Day 1: 1 00-15
113. Justin Thomas Panama City, FL 1 00-15 88
Day 1: 1 00-15
115. John Hatfield Panama City, FL 1 00-14 86
Day 1: 1 00-14
116. Daniel Istik Cranberry Twp, PA 3 00-00 85
Day 1: 3 00-00
117. Jon Brazeal Eucha, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Steve Deyton Forest City, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Barney Edens Midland, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Jim Ford Magnolia, AR 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Mark Guhne Hixson, TN 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Mason Gunter Newnan, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Ray Hill Lake City, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Yo Howard Bolingbrook, IL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Chris Jones Birmingham, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Deandrae Kimbrough Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Jon Lawson Cartersville, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Harry Linsinbigler IV Dover, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Greg Mauldin Archdale, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Billy Messer Spartanburg, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Waylon Mullis Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Caleb Scott Sylacauga, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Andy Semonco Chester, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
117. Jacob Thompkins Myrtle Beach, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 65 273 452-01
———————————-
65 273 452-01

B.A.S.S. Announces Long-Awaited 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule

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December 3, 2020

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B.A.S.S. Announces Long-Awaited 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule

The Bassmaster Elite Series will open its nine-event 2021 season on Florida’s scenic St. Johns River.

Photo by James Overstreet/B.A.S.S.

December 3, 2020

B.A.S.S. Announces Long-Awaited 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After the shortest offseason break in the trail’s 16-year history, B.A.S.S. officials announced Thursday that the Bassmaster Elite Series will open its 2021 tournament slate Feb. 11-14 on the St. Johns River in Florida.

The season-opener will begin just over three months after the final event of a 2020 schedule that was reworked due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a much later finish than usual.

“We’re as excited about this schedule as any that we’ve ever put together for the Elite Series,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “It features a good mix of venues that have become fixtures for B.A.S.S. and a few we’ve been to before but haven’t visited in a while.”

The St. Johns River falls into the category of a fixture, with B.A.S.S. having visited the picturesque fishery 22 times for major events since 1973, including three times during the past five seasons.

Connecticut pro Paul Mueller won a weather-shortened event in 2020 with a three-day total of 47-6, and events in 2016 and 2019 were won by Missouri legend Rick Clunn. Each of Clunn’s victories allowed him to break his own record for the oldest angler to claim an Elite Series trophy.

Whether the St. Johns weights are eye-popping usually depends on the finicky Florida weather and which stage of the spawn the bass are in. Regardless, big largemouth will be the target.

From Florida, the season will shift north Feb. 25-28 to Knoxville, Tenn., which has played host to two fantastic major B.A.S.S. events the past four seasons, including the record-breaking 2019 Bassmaster Classic. Like that Classic, the 2021 event will take place on the Tennessee River where largemouth and smallmouth will both likely come into play.

“Knoxville was thrilled to host the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2017,” said Chad Culver, senior director of the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. “It was the first time B.A.S.S. had been here since 1981. That event led to Knoxville hosting the 2019 Bassmaster Classic – the largest in event history.

“Needless to say, we could not be more excited to welcome B.A.S.S. back to the waters of Knoxville and East Tennessee.”

Elite Series action will pause for the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, which is set for March 19-21 on Lake Ray Roberts near Fort Worth, Texas. Then the schedule will resume April 8-11 on another Texas fishery, the Sabine River in Orange.

Trips to the Sabine often see anglers targeting narrow canals where largemouth are the prize. While the winning weights are sometimes small, the weigh-in crowds are some of the largest B.A.S.S. sees anywhere. The 2013 Elite on the Sabine drew 33,000 spectators — the second-largest crowd in Elite Series history.

B.A.S.S. has visited the Sabine four times for major tournaments, including the 2018 Elite Series event that was won by Louisiana pro Greg Hackney.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Bassmaster and are looking forward to another great event that promotes both the great sport of bass fishing as well as the great area of Orange County, Texas,” said Orange County Judge John Gothia.

Elite Series pros Brandon Cobb, Garrett Paquette and Patrick Walters each earned a Century Belt — 100 pounds in a four-day event — on Lake Fork in 2019 and 2020 respectively, and more anglers hope to join their ranks when the Elite field heads back to the fishery April 22-25.

After their stops in Texas, the Elites will embark on a midseason Alabama swing, visiting Neely Henry Lake in Gadsden May 6-9, Lake Guntersville in Scottsboro May 20-23 and Pickwick Lake in Florence June 10-13. Though all in one state, each fishery will offer vastly different scenarios.

The trip to Lake Guntersville will mark the 26th time B.A.S.S. has visited the famed fishery, making it the second most popular destination in B.A.S.S. history behind only Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Texas. The “Big G” has earned its place in sportfishing history, ranking No. 2 on Bassmaster Magazine’s list of Best Bass Lakes of the Decade. Guntersville hosted two B.A.S.S. events in 2020 alone, including the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, which was won by North Carolina pro Hank Cherry.

“We are excited and honored to host the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series in Scottsboro. We recognize and appreciate the tremendous impact fishing has on our economy, tourism and quality of life, particularly a tournament of the stature and exposure of a Bassmaster Elite,” said Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy.

Pickwick is a 43,100-acre Tennessee River impoundment where a mixture of largemouth and smallmouth are often brought to the scales, while Neely Henry is an 11,200-acre Coosa River lake full of healthy spotted bass.

B.A.S.S. visited Pickwick six times for major events in the past — and just this year, the lake was the site of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship in November. Neely Henry has hosted B.A.S.S. only three times for major events, including the Basspro.com Bassmaster Central Open that was held on the lake in October.

As warm weather takes hold across the country, the Elites will make what has become an annual swing to the north with a visit to Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vt., July 8-11, and a stop in the scenic Village of Waddington, N.Y., for a season-ending tournament on the St. Lawrence River July 15-18.

B.A.S.S. has held 13 major events on Champlain, including four of the last five seasons. Idaho veteran Brandon Palaniuk won the 2020 Elite on Champlain with just over 80 pounds.

The trip to the St. Lawrence will mark the 21st time B.A.S.S. has visited the Upstate New York smallmouth paradise, which took the top spot in 2019 on Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes list.

St. Lawrence tournaments always feature big bass — Canadian pro Chris Johnston won the 2020 Elite event there with a four-day total of 97-8 — and big crowds. A 2013 visit to Waddington drew an Elite Series-record 36,200 fans.

“We here in St. Lawrence County and the Village and Town of Waddington are very excited to be part of the B.A.S.S. family,” said Janet Otto Cassada, president of North County Events. “Our area looks forward to holding our next Elite event in July 2021. Our hopes are that we have COVID behind us and can show everyone that Waddington and St. Lawrence County is where the world comes to fish.”

“There are some venues that have become regular stops for B.A.S.S. the past few years, and it’s obvious why,” Akin said. “They are known by everyone as some of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. But it’s also nice to revisit our past a little bit with trips to lakes like Pickwick and Neely Henry.

“It should all make for a fantastic season.”

For the first time in history, all nine Bassmaster Elite Series events as well as the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk will feature live television coverage on the FOX Sports platforms. Visit Bassmaster.com for more details.

2021 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule

Feb. 11-14, AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, Palatka, Fla.
Feb. 25-28, Tennessee River, Knoxville, Tenn.
March 19-21, Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, Lake Ray Roberts, Fort Worth, Texas
April 8-11, Sabine River, Orange, Texas
April 22-25, Lake Fork, Emory, Texas
May 6-9, Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, Ala.
May 20-23, Lake Guntersville, Scottsboro, Ala.
June 10-13, Pickwick Lake, Florence, Ala.
July 8-11, Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vt.
July 15-18, St. Lawrence River, Waddington, N.Y.
Aug. 19-22, Make-up date

Dale Wilson’s Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report for December 2020

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December 3, 2020

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Dale Wilson’s Smith Mountain Lake Fishing Report for December 2020

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE FISHING REPORT
December 2020
DALE WILSON’S
SML GUIDE SERVICE
PHONE NO: 540-297-5650 / 540-874-4950
www.captaindalewilson.us

Captain Dale with a huge largemouth bass!

Fishing will be good the next several weeks as the water temperature has fallen and will be in the 50s. Most species of fish will become more active as the water temperature cools. Look for striper fishing to continue to improve. The baitfish are in shallow water in the back of the creeks and deep in the lower end.

Largemouth bass:
Fishing should improve this month. Best lures will be jerk baits, drop shot rigs, crank baits, shaky heads, spoons, spinner baits, Carolina rigs and plastic worms. Most largemouth bass will be caught on points, rock piles, brush piles and docks. Best depths will be from the surface to 30 feet. Bass will be caught both deep and shallow. Points, rocks, stumps and brush piles are key factors to finding them. Practice catch and release.

Smallmouth bass:
Fishing for smallmouth should be good this month. Best areas will be rocks, ledges, humps and main channel points. Best lures will be Ned rigs, hair jigs, drop shot rigs, crank baits, jerk baits and Carolina rigs. Best areas will be in the mid- to the lower sections of the lake. Smallmouth bass will feed heavily on crawfish this month. Cloudy days are good times to try. Light line will increase chances of catching, and night fishing will be fair.

Striped bass:
Fishing will be good. Stripers will be caught in the mid- to upper sections of the lake and in the larger creeks. Best lures will be swim baits, jigging spoons and Zoom flukes fished on ¼- to ½-ounce lead heads. The best depths will be from near the surface to 60 feet. Vertical jigging is a good method to catch stripers. Try to find areas with the largest concentrations of baitfish. Fishing at night will be fair, and some stripers will surface early morning and late afternoon this month. Live bait fished on planer boards and down lines are also good methods to try.

Crappie:
Fishing for crappie will be good this month. They will be found 5 to 15 feet, and the best areas will be in the main creeks around docks, fallen trees, stumps and brush piles in the mid- to upper parts of the lake. Small live minnows and 1½- to 2-inch tubes or shad-shaped plastic lures fished on 1/32 to 1/16 ounce lead heads will work best to catch them.

Tips of the month:
Fishing should improve as the water cools. Fishing in the early morning, late afternoon and at night are usually the best times to fish. Try fishing after dark on warm nights. Wear a life jacket and never fish alone at night. Also, keep running lights on after dark. Remember to practice catch and release and take a kid fishing.

The Fall into Winter Crankbait: Seek and Find with the Lipless Crankbait by Bruce Callis

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December 2, 2020

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The Fall into Winter Crankbait:
Seek and Find with the Lipless Crankbait
by Bruce Callis

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Winter is on it’s way, we can’t stop that. As the water cools further, the largemouth bass make that transaction from fall feeding and start to make the move to their winter haunts. The throw anything and catch bass starts to die down and fishing starts to get tough again. But knowing where to find them and what to throw helps us make for a fun day on the water.

As the bass pull out and start their move, we need to start looking for those locations that are high percentage areas. Secondary points and main lake points will be prime locations. As the bass move out of the shallows, look to find a ditch or channel that leads out to deeper water, then you can follow it out. Good electronics and mapping are keys. Study the map to find areas that look prime and your electronics to define the areas.

While there are a lot of baits you can use to search for the bass, a crankbait is my prime choice. While there are plenty of options, one that I will always have tied on is the lipless crankbait. Why lipless you ask? It’s simple. I can fish the lipless at any depth and at any speed. I can bring it up a point or or work it down a drop. If there is still grass in the area, I can work it over the grass, just ticking the top. I can swim it along the edge of the grass and not worry about getting fouled up on any irregularities in the edges that may jut out.

My prime choice is the SPRO Aruku Shad and the Wameku Shad is right there with it. I try to match the prevalent bait choice, whether it be blue back herring, sunfish, or thread fin shad. I will always have an Aruku Shad Chrome with Blue Back tied on, as it seems to always work anywhere, but I don’t get locked into just the one paint scheme. Nor do I get locked into just one sound and action.

I may have 2 different rods rigged with the Aruku Shads and 2 with Wameku Shads. And I will use them at each spot to try and determine what action and sound is most productive and what paint scheme is most productive. You can find a school of them sometimes holding in an area sometimes. And you have them dialed in for a while, only to have the action die down. They may very well still be there, but have become accustomed to what you are throwing. That is when I will throw the same color but in a different action and sound. If this doesn’t work, I will switch the color scheme and see if that will fire them up again.

If you can see them on your electronics, never give up. Switch out for another color and be ready for the action to fire back up. That is the secret, keep looking and changing as the conditions and action changes. Move along the channel or ditch and change boat position on the points. As the bass move, you need to be ready to do the same. Now go catch a new personal best.

MLF announces New Toyota Series Wild Card Division, Upcoming BIG5 Priority Entry Dates

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December 2, 2020

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MLF announces New Toyota Series Wild Card Division, Upcoming BIG5 Priority Entry Dates

Priority Entry Dates Just in Time for the Holidays with an Additional Qualification Opportunity to the Toyota Series Championship and $235,000 Top Payout

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BENTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2020) – Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today the new Toyota Series Wild Card Division, a second-chance opportunity for Toyota Series pros and co-anglers to advance to the 2021 Toyota Series Championship – and the shot at winning up to $235,000 cash – along with upcoming entry dates, a perfect gift for the holiday season.

Anglers who fish all three regular-season events in any of the six Toyota Series divisions – Central, Northern, Plains, Southern, Southwestern and Western – and finish

in the top 25 qualify for the no-entry-fee Toyota Series Championship. With the introduction of the new Wild Card Division, anglers can fish four or more tournaments in any combination of the six Toyota Series divisions and keep their three highest finishes, meaning pros and co-anglers now have three ways to qualify – win a tournament, finish in the top 25 in any of the six divisions, or finish in the top 12 in the new Wild Card Division by fishing four or more tournaments and counting the best three. Wild Card Division ties will be resolved by the highest finish in a tournament.

Entry dates for the MLF Toyota Series and each of the MLF BIG5 circuits were announced earlier this fall with each circuit’s 2021 schedule, however most of the priority entry dates will open over the next two weeks. With these new advancement opportunities for Toyota Series anglers, and a variety of options for anglers across all circuits, ‘tis the season to be fishing. Be sure to enter early with a co-angler or boater/pro counterpart to secure your spot in the field.

The 2021 entry dates for each MLF BIG5 circuit are:

Toyota Series:

December 2 – Priority entry for all anglers who fished a full division of the 2020 Toyota Series or a full division of the 2020 Phoenix Bass Fishing League.
December 3 – Priority entry for TBF members.

December 4 – Open entry for all other anglers.
Pros and co-anglers entering by the entry/balance deadline for each tournament and providing a counterpart (with membership numbers who have not yet been confirmed in the tournament) will be given priority.

Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine:

December 7 – Cowboy, Gator, Hoosier and Music City divisions.
December 8 – Bulldog, Bama, Illini, Mississippi and Volunteer divisions.
December 9 – Buckeye, Choo Choo, Great Lakes, Mountain and Ozark divisions.
December 10 – Arkie, LBL, North Carolina, Northeast and Okie divisions.
December 11 – Michigan, Piedmont, Savannah River, Shenandoah and South Carolina divisions.

Boaters and co-anglers entering by the priority deadline for each tournament and providing a counterpart (with membership numbers) will be given top priority.

Abu Garcia College Fishing presented by YETI:

December 14 – Priority entry for teams from school clubs represented in the 2020 College Fishing National Championship.
December 15 – Open entry for all other teams.

High School Fishing presented by Favorite Fishing:

December 2 – Open entry for all teams.

Check out the tournament schedules and register at FLWFishing.com or by calling (270) 252-1000.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the Toyota Series on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Bassmaster Opens Angler Of The Year Battle Wraps Up At Lay Lake

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December 2, 2020

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Bassmaster Opens Angler Of The Year Battle Wraps Up At Lay Lake

Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., is leading the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year race heading into the last event of the season.

Photo by B.A.S.S.

December 2, 2020

Bassmaster Opens Angler Of The Year Battle Wraps Up At Lay Lake

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COLUMBIANA, Ala. — The Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year race concludes this week as anglers compete Dec. 3-5 at the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Open at Lay Lake, the final event of the 2020 season. Not only will the overall Angler of the Year be crowned but 12 anglers will also earn coveted invitations to the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series.

The overall Opens AOY title will be determined by combined points for anglers competing in both the Central and Eastern Opens. This season, each Opens division had four events, with three ways to qualify for the Elite Series invitations. The Top 4 from both the Central and Eastern Divisions get invites, along with the Top 4 overall anglers in the points standings.

At Lay Lake, everyone is gunning for the winner’s trophy, which brings with it a berth in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. To fish the Classic, the winning angler must have competed in the previous Eastern Open events held at the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lake Hartwell and Cherokee Lake.

Anglers are also contending for the available Elite Series invitations as the Falcon Rods Bassmaster Opens Angler of the Year race concludes. Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., leads the race with 1179 points. Marc Frazier of Newnan, Ga., (1158) is second. The rest of the Top 6 includes Kissimmee champion Bryan New of Belmont, N.C., (1150); Cherokee Lake winner Matt Robertson of Kuttawa, Ky., (1148); Justin Atkins of Florence, Ala., (1143); and KJ Queen of Catawba, N.C., (1111). All of them have expressed interest in accepting an invitation.

Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C., leads the Eastern Opens Division with 581 points. Walters is double-qualified as a current Bassmaster Elite angler, leaving the door open for another angler to earn an Elite spot. Josh Stracner of Vandiver, Ala., (580), is second and Pat Schlapper of Eleva, Wis., (550) is third. Schlapper has already earned an Elite Series invitation as winner of the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, opening another invitation from the Eastern Division. Scott Martin of Clewiston, Fla., (541), whose season goal is qualifying for the Elite Series, is fourth. Rounding out the Eastern Division Top 6 are Timmy Thompkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C. (532) and Atkins (526). As it currently stands, Stracner, Martin, Thompkins and Atkins would qualify for the Elite Series from the Eastern Division.

The Bassmaster Central Opens season ended on Lewisville Lake in Texas. Christie claimed the top spot in the Central Division with 719 points, while Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., finished just three points behind in second. Japan’s Kenta Kimura and Frazier also finished in the Top 4. Christie and Frazier are double-qualified from the higher priority overall AOY points, meaning as the points currently stand those invitations would likely go to Darold Gleason of Many, La., who finished fifth, and sixth-place finisher Paul Browning of Morrilton, Ark.

The points standings have the potential to change daily depending on how far apart contenders land in the daily standings. Some can jump others based on good or poor performances.

Unlike other recent events, the anglers might be treated to a true fall bite at Lay Lake, as opposed to the challenging fall transition conditions occurring over the last two months.

Lay Lake’s surface temperatures are expected to keep fish activity consistent throughout the tournament. Some anglers reported water temps in the low 60s on the Coosa River system. The tournament week forecast calls for daytime highs in the low 50s and nighttime lows in the low 30s. Add it all up, including predicted rainfall, and Lay Lake could have the temperatures and water color favorable for fall bass fishing on the Coosa River.

The tournament is being hosted by Discover Shelby, AL and fans can follow the action — including live coverage on Saturday, Dec. 5 — at Bassmaster.com.

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, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Mossy Oak Fishing, Rapala

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, 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), TV show, radio show, 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, 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 presented by Huk.

Owen Jepsen takes the ABA win on Lake Russell

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December 2, 2020

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Owen Jepsen takes the ABA win on Lake Russell

Twenty-two anglers competed in the 2021 season opener for AFT D25. The weather started out with temps around 70 degrees with a brief rain shower before blast off and remained mostly cloudy throughout the day. The bite was tough for all but as usual someone figures out a way to catch a few good ones.

When the day ended and the scales closed it was Owen Jepsen of Liberty, SC who took the win with a limit weighing in at 10.08lbs. Owen reported catching fish on a variety of baits but a shakey head rig sealed the deal for him. Owen also won the big fish honors of the event with a spotted bass that weighed in at 3.64lbs. He took home the 1st Place prize money of $559 + $126 1st Place Option Pot + $110 for Big Fish honors for total earnings of $795.

James Stone of Lowndesville, SC finished second with a five fish limit weighing in at 8.34lbs. James earned $331 for second place + $86 2nd Place in the Option Pot for total earnings of $417.

Zach Green of Elberton, GA was third place with a limit crossing the scales at 6.90lbs worth $108 in prize money.

Bryan Waddell of Taylors, SC rounded out the last money spot with a limit weighing in at 6.79lbs worth $79 in prize money.

5th Place – John Risconsin – 6.42lbs
6th Place – Chris Brown – 6.31lbs
7th Place – Scott Reeves – 6.28lbs
8th Place – Andy Lake – 6.19lbs
9th Place – Jonathon Webb – 6.18lbs
10th Place – Grover Jones – 5.84lbs

The next event in Division 25 will be November 22nd , 2020 on Clarks Hill Lake launching from the Dorn Boating Facility located in McCormick, SC .

These anglers earn valuable points toward the divisional angler of the year title. The points champion from each division will compete in the annual American Bass Anglers BPSFT Angler of The Year Final Round at the BPSFT Championship. In addition, the top 500 anglers from the various divisions will earn the right to compete in the three-day ABA, BPSFT National Championship tournament.

The Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour offers low cost, close to home bass tournaments that are designed for the weekend angler. All anglers fish for both money and points. The points advance the angler to their divisional championship and the top 500 anglers in the US are invited to the Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour National Championship.

About American Bass Anglers – American Bass Anglers is committed to providing low cost, close to home tournaments for the weekend angler while offering an upward path for individual angler progression. For more information about American Bass Anglers and all their bass tournament trails visit www.americanbassanglers.com

American Bass Anglers is sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Tracker Boats, MotorGuide, Garmin, T-H Marine, Abu Garcia, Berkley, Engel Coolers, Lucas Oil, Maui Jim, Optima Batteries and Power-Pole. Mailing address: American Bass Anglers, Inc, PO Box 475, Athens, AL 35612 PH (256) 232-0406.

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Local Knowledge Helps Walker Grab Lead At Bassmaster Eastern Open On Lay Lake

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MLF announces New Toyota Series Wild Card Division, Upcoming BIG5 Priority Entry Dates

Bassmaster Opens Angler Of The Year Battle Wraps Up At Lay Lake

Owen Jepsen takes the ABA win on Lake Russell

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