LA CROSSE, Wis. (May 17, 2004) - The 2004 Bass Fishing League Great Lakes Division tournament season kicked off Saturday on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, and Joe Marchese of Silver Lake claimed the win thanks to a five-bass catch weighing 16 pounds, 11 ounces. He bested 166 Boater Division competitors to earn $4,370 and 200 points. The win was Marchese's first career victory.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Richie Eaves of Nauvoo, Ill. (five bass, 15 pounds, $2,185); Jim Maloney of Hampshire, Ill. (five bass, 14 pounds, 13 ounces, $1,486); Chris Cox of Appleton (five bass, 14 pounds, 11 ounces, $1,136); and Jeff Benson of Holmen (five bass, 13 pounds, 9 ounces, $961).
Eaves earned a $500 bonus from Ranger Boats as the highest-finishing participant in the Ranger Cup incentive program. Tim Brogan of Arpin claimed Boater Division big-bass honors and $830 thanks to a 4-pound, 9-ounce bass.
Derek Meier of Bellevue, Iowa, earned $2,185 as the Co-angler Division winner thanks to a five-bass catch that weighed 12 pounds, 2 ounces. He edged past 166 Co-angler Division competitors to claim the win.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Randy Govier of Fennimore (five bass, 11 pounds, 14 ounces, $1,092); Brad Kauffman of Onalaska (five bass, 11 pounds, 3 ounces, $743); Marvin Miller of Bettendorf, Iowa (five bass, 10 pounds, 8 ounces, $568); and Matthew Hargarten of Schaumburg, Ill. (five bass, 10 pounds, 7 ounces, $481).
Rick Colgan of Onalaska earned $415 as the Co-angler Division big-bass winner with a 4-pound, 7-ounce bass.
The Great Lakes Division's next stop will be June 5 on the Mississippi River near Clinton, Iowa. Each BFL division features four one-day events followed by a two-day Super Tournament to round out the regular season. The top 30 Great Lakes Division boaters and co-anglers based on year-end points standings will advance to the Kentucky Lake regional near Gilbertsville, Ky., Oct. 12-16, where they will compete against Choo Choo, Hoosier and Michigan division anglers for a slot in the 2005 All-American.