Wind and Cold Weather Challenge Bassmaster Elite Anglers on Clear Lake
Golden State Shootout Presented by Evan Williams Completes the Bassmaster Elite Series Western Run
What’s at stake: $673,150 in cash to the top 50 Elite pros and valuable points towards qualifying in the Bassmaster Majors and the race for the Bassmaster Angler of the Year award. The top 50 co-anglers compete for $122, 250 in cash and merchandise.
Telecast: The “Golden State Shootout presented by Evan Williams” will be aired on The Bassmasters on April 7 at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2.
The Pros Said It
“It’s my favorite lake and it’s been really good the last few months. This weather has been near 70 and 80 degrees the last few weeks, but now it’s freezing at night and it’s only been in the high 50’s. But, I still think it’s going to take close to 100 pounds to win it. The average bass here is probably around three pounds, so you’ll see a lot of really nice limits, but it’s going to be a little harder to get the bigger fish. I’ve had seven bites in seven casts so they’re snapping. It’s a really good, firm bite right now.”- 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series Duel on the Delta champion and 2000 BASS California Invitational winner on Clear Lake, ranked eighth on the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index Aaron Martens, 34, Leeds, Ala.
“The bite is pretty wide open right now. I think there are going to be a lot of weights in the 15 to 18-pound range and 21 pounds a day to make the cut to the top 12. I’ve caught them on just about everything I’ve tried, but with the way the wind is blowing right now it’s keeping everyone concentrated in the same areas. My main concern right now is finding something I can have all to myself. It’s not a sight bite which I think has surprised people and I think the predominant lure that’s going to be fished is a swimbait. I think the pros are going to have a blast fishing here and if the wind dies down, it will be nice.”– Bassmaster Elite Series pro ranked 45th on the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index, Fred Roumbanis, 28, Auburn, Calif.
“Right now it’s really, really windy. It’s really blowing out there and the lake is really rough. I’ve caught a lot of fish but not great big fish. The wind has really hampered anything and everything you want to do. You can’t fish the banks and you can’t see what you’re doing, but the weights are still going to be huge. These are the fattest fish I’ve ever seen in my life, and I think you better have more than 20 pounds a day to win. ” – Seven-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier ranked ninth on the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index, Edwin Evers, 32, Talala, Okla.
The Strategy
Martens: Martens described the lake as very sensitive and said that his strategy will depend on the weather conditions such as wind and water temperature. If it’s nasty and cold he will stick to a few small selected areas, but if it warms up, he will cover a lot of water. He is fishing a variety of lures and says he will have 10 different rods on deck.
Roumbanis: Roumbanis said that getting a big bite early is going to be key for him on Clear Lake. He plans to throw a large swimbait early and then use a variety of lures throughout the day to reach a 20-pound limit. He said he’s got 10 different rods on deck each tied with different baits suited to the different areas he will visit.
Evers: Evers plans to continually search for new water and develop his pattern throughout the tournament. Evers plans to fish a variety of lures including a swimbait that will play a large part of his strategy and a YUM Vibra King tube.
Location
and Field
Golden State Shootout – Bassmaster Elite Series
Clear Lake
Lakeport, Calif.
March 29 – April 1
Field
108 pros, 108 co-anglers
Cut to top 50 after Day 2
Cut to top 12 pro anglers after Day 3
Launch
Library Park
222 Park Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
6:50 a.m. PT
Weigh-in
Library Park
222 Park Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
3 p.m. PT
Background
Previous BASS events
2005 Bassmaster Western Open
2004 Bassmaster Western Open
2003 Bassmaster Western Open
2003 BASS California Showdown
2002 Bassmaster Western Open
2000 BASS California Invitational
Previous winners on lake
49-15, Jared Lintner, 2005
48-14, Zachary Thompson, 2004
48-14, Mark Tyler, 2003
38-2, Alton Jones, 2003
67-15, Aaron Martens, 2002
83-5, Byron Velvick, 2000
Heaviest winning weight
83-5, Byron Velvick, 2000
Lowest winning weight
38-2, Alton Jones, 2003
Weather
Temperature
72 degrees
Lake level
6.08 ft. above mean sea level
Bassmaster Elite Series Schedule
The Western Run
#1 March 8-11 Battle on the Border - Lake Amistad, Del Rio, Texas
#2 March 22-25 Duel in the Delta - California Delta, Stockton, Calif.
#3 March 29 – April 1 Golden State Shootout – Clear Lake, Lakeport, Calif.
The Southern Swing
#4 April 19-22 Pride of Georgia – Clarks Hill Lake, Evans, Ga.
#5 May 26-29 Southern Challenge – Lake Guntersville, Guntersville , Ala.
#6 June 7-10 Blue Ridge Brawl – Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Va.
The Turn
#7 June 21-24 Sooner Run - Grand Lake, Grove, Okla.
The Northern Run
#8 July 12-15 Champion’s Choice - Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
#9 July 19-22 Empire Chase – Lake Erie/Niagara River, Buffalo, N.Y.
The Final Charge
#10 Aug. 9-12 Capitol Clash - Potomac River, Charles County, Md.
#11 Sept. 13-16 Sunshine Showdown – Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, Fla.
Local sponsors: Local sponsors include the city Lakeport Chamber of Commerce.
Bassmaster Elite Series sponsors: Sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series include Toyota Tundra, Purolator, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Berkley, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide and Costa Del Mar.
2007 Duel in the Delta - Duel in the Delta Pro Points After California Delta, Stockton, Calif. Ending 03-25-2007, Day 4
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Place Name St Pts
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1 Derek Remitz Texas 610
2 Kevin VanDam Mich. 556
3 Skeet Reese Calif. 549
4 Jared Lintner Calif. 522
5 Stephen Browning Ark. 513
6 BRENT CHAPMAN Kan. 509
7 Jeff Kriet Okla. 498
8 Mark Tyler Okla. 489
9 Tommy Biffle Okla. 476
10 FRED ROUMBANIS Calif. 470
11 John Crews Va. 468
12 Aaron Martens Ala. 465
13 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 462
14 Steve Kennedy Ala. 453
15 Greg Hackney La. 451
16 Ishama Monroe Calif. 449
17 Alton Jones Texas 445
18 Chris Lane Fla. 435
19 Todd Faircloth Texas 430
20 Ben Matsubu Texas 424
21 Bill Lowen Ohio 420
22 Denny Brauer Mo. 416
23 Davy Hite S.C. 413
23 Matthew Sphar N.Y. 413
25 Cliff Pace Miss. 410
26 Dean Rojas Texas 409
27 Scott Rook Ark. 406
27 Scott Campbell Mo. 406
29 Bradley Hallman Okla. 402
30 Ken Brodeur Conn. 395
31 James Charlesworth Fla. 385
32 BRYAN HUDGINS Fla. 380
33 Greg Gutierrez Calif. 375
33 Morizo Shimizu Calif. 375
35 Mike McClelland Ark. 370
36 Brian Snowden Mo. 368
37 Mark Menendez Ky. 365
38 Terry Scroggins Fla. 364
38 Takahiro Omori Texas 364
40 Jeff Connella La. 358
40 CHARLIE HARTLEY Ohio 358
42 Russ Lane Ala. 357
43 Britt Myers S.C. 356
43 Dave Wolak N.C. 356
45 John Murray Ariz. 347
46 Kevin Short Ark. 346
47 Gary Klein Texas 344
47 Bernie Schultz Fla. 344
49 Edwin Evers Okla. 342
50 Kenyon Hill Okla. 341
51 Kevin Wirth Ky. 339
52 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 338
53 Matt Reed Texas 337
54 Marty Stone N.C. 335
55 Ken Cook Okla. 334
56 Kevin Langill N.C. 330
57 MARTY ROBINSON S.C. 329
58 CASEY ASHLEY S.C. 326
59 James Niggemeyer Texas 325
60 Jimmy Mize Ark. 320
61 Rick Morris Va. 312
62 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 310
63 Jami Fralick S.D. 307
64 Gerald Swindle Ala. 306
64 Mark Tucker Mo. 306
66 Grant Goldbeck Md. 303
67 Paul Hirosky Pa. 300
68 Rick Clunn Mo. 299
69 Mike Wurm Ark. 298
70 Lee Bailey Ala. 294
71 Darrin Schwenkbeck Md. 292
72 Zell Rowland Texas 288
73 MATT AMEDEO Ohio 287
74 Jason Quinn S.C. 286
75 Timmy Horton Ala. 285
76 Shaw Grigsby, Jr Fla. 284
77 Steve DANIEL Fla. 283
78 RAY SEDGWICK S.C. 281
79 Kurt Dove Va. 279
80 Preston Clark Fla. 276
81 JEREMY STARKS W.Va. 274
81 GLENN DELONG Ohio 274
83 Kelly Jordon Texas 270
84 Paul Elias Miss. 267
85 RICK ASH Pa. 264
86 Randy Howell Ala. 262
87 James Kennedy La. 255
88 Guy Eaker N.C. 250
89 Mark Rogers Fla. 249
89 Pete Ponds Miss. 249
91 JASON WILLIAMSON S.C. 245
92 KOTARO KIRIYAMA Ala. 232
93 DAVE SMITH Okla. 228
94 BILL SMITH Ky. 221
95 Peter Thliveros Fla. 217
96 Elton Luce Jr Texas 216
97 Byron VELVICK Texas 212
98 Boyd Duckett Ala. 208
98 Doc Merkin Ill. 208
100 Keith Phillips Ala. 199
101 Frank Scalish Ohio 190
102 Jim Murray Ga. 188
103 Charlie Youngers Fla. 184
104 Bradley Stringer Texas 180
105 ERIC NETHERY Ga. 163
106 Jon Bondy Canada 162
107 Terry Butcher Okla. 149
108 JIMMY MASON Ala. 143
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation Nation annually. Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has for nearly 40 years.
stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and support to its nearly 530,000 members. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
For Immediate Release
March 28, 2007
Mercury Marine Women’s Bassmaster Tour Presented by Triton Boats Pros Tackle Lake Dardanelle
BASS Anglers Looking to Establish Patterns on Arkansas Fishery
What’s at stake: $88,940 in cash and merchandise to the top 25 pros and valuable points towards qualifying for the Mercury Marine Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Toyota championship and winning the Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year title. The top 25 co-anglers compete for $47,040 in cash and merchandise.
The Pros Said It
“We’re supposed to have some rain come in and it might muddy up some of the backwaters where some of the bed fish are but that won’t matter to me. I’m not relying on the bed fish at all. They’re not really locked on. There’s been a lot of pressure on them. The only way you can catch them is know where they are and back way off them and throw at them.” Juanita Robinson, Highlands, Texas, winner of the season-opening WBT event at Lake Amistad and leader of the Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year standings.
“I think there’s a lot of fish being caught. It’s really good here at Dardanelle right now. It’s rained all day today, and it hasn’t rained in quite awhile. I’m not sure how it’s going to affect the fishing. I wish it had just stayed the way it was because everything’s been pretty good. It seems that at Dardanelle every year practice goes very well and then the weather typically doesn’t cooperate with me on this river. Maybe this time of year it won’t affect me that much.” Tammy Richardson, Amity, Ark., 17th in Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year standings and winner of two WBT events in 2006.
“I found a lot of fish, but I think everybody else found the same fish. They’ve been biting really good the past few days. It’s one of those things that you don’t know where to start because they’re biting everywhere. Whether that holds up for the tournament is another thing.” Betty Stahl, Guntersville, Ala., seventh in Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year standings.
“The first day was awesome and I couldn’t ask for a better day. The second day was a little bit different pattern than what I used on the first day and then I went back to what I was doing the first day and I caught more. Today it was a little slower and I had to start hunting and prowling. I’m not sure if the storm has pushed them out or what. I had to go out deeper than what I had been and finally found them.” Robinette Fox, Hot Springs, Ark., eighth in Toyota Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year standings.
The Strategy
Robinson: Robinson expects a good tournament and that it will take about 50 pounds or more to win. She is fishing grass beds in shallow water and stumps and wood along the grass bed. She is using crankbaits, lizards and Carolina rigs.
Richardson: Richardson said she has some bedding fish located if she needs them, but is going to avoid targeting them. “They’re everywhere and you don’t have to look hard to find them,” she said. She has a couple of other patterns she is using but did not want to discuss specifics. “I think there are several things working and you’ll see some good fish brought in.”
Stahl: The Alabama pro predicted 48 pounds to win the tournament. “I’ve heard that they’re on beds, but the ones I’ve caught look like post-spawn. I’ve seen a few beds but haven’t seen any active fish on them.” She has been catching bass on plastics and Rat-L Traps. “I think everybody’s pretty much doing the same thing,” she said.
Fox: Fox said her main lure right now is a plastic which she thinks a lot of people are throwing. Her biggest bites have come on a crankbait but she also caught some on a jig. “I’m going to have to do some thinking about what I want to tie on. The crankbait and soft plastic are my confident baits right now,” she said. Fox is shooting for 15 to 20 pounds per day said she thinks that’s what it’s going to take to win.
Mercury Marine Women’s Bassmaster Tour Presented by Triton Boats
Lake Dardanelle
Russellville, Ark.
Mar. 29-31
Field
Cut to top 25 after Day 2
Launch and Weigh-in
7 a.m./3 p.m. CT
Lake Dardanelle State Park
Background
Previous BASS events
2006, Mercury Marine Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Triton Boats
2006, ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Weekend Series licensed by American Bass Anglers
2005, Bassmaster Elite 50
2005, ESPN Outdoors Weekend Series
2004, Bassmaster Elite 50
Previous winners on lake
29-9, Dianna Clark, 2006
20-8, Greg Carpenter
58-9, Davy Hite
19-5, Kevin Short
56-13, Randy Howell
Weather
Temperature
65 degrees, rain
Lake level
337.97 above mean sea level
2007 Mercury Marine Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Triton Boats
Feb. 8-10 Lake Amistad Del Rio, Texas (Juanita Robertson)
March 29-31 Lake Dardanelle Russellville, Ark.
May 3-5 Lake Guntersville Guntersville, Ala.
June 14-16 Kentucky Lake Gilbertsville, Ky.
Sept. 20-22 Red River Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Local sponsors: State of Arkansas and Russellville A&P Commission
Women’s Bassmaster Tour sponsors: Include Mercury Marine, Triton Boats, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide, Advance Auto Parts and Plano.