BUFFALO - The day started off slow for Matt Reed of Madisonville, Texas, at the Empire Chase, but one quick, late-morning string of five fish was enough to convince him to head in for the day with four hours to spare. With his limit of 23 pounds, 3 ounces of Lake Erie smallmouth bass, Reed took the Day 1 lead Thursday at the 10th 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series bass fishing tournament.
Reed is aiming for the $100,000 first-place prize in the four-day tournament as well as valuable points in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. For the honor of the Empire Chase trophy, he'll have to fight off second-place Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., who had 22 pounds, 0 ounces Thursday, and Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J. Martens and Iaconelli are former Bassmaster Anglers of the Year - Martens in 2005, Iaconelli in 2006.
More than the trophy is at stake at the Empire Chase, as the drama of the 2008 Bassmaster Angler of the Year race continues to build. With just one event remaining after Buffalo, Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, who is in second place in the AOY title race, is eighth after Day 1 with and 20-1. He again closed the gap between himself and leader Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., in the Trail to the Trophy. VanDam is 32nd at the Empire Chase after weighing in 16-11.
The winner of the AOY race will receive $250,000 and the points will also determine the brunt of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic qualifiers. The top 36 Elite pros will qualify for the Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La. Also derived from the AOY points will be the first 84 qualifiers for the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series roster.
With choppy conditions and powerful wind gusts, much of the 106-angler Elite field of pros struggled to find the smallmouth bite on the first day. But Reed persevered, catching his five around 11 a.m. and calling it a day.
"That was the first five I caught today," Reed said. "It took me a while to catch them, but when I do get a bite, it's the one you want.
"You can't hide on Erie, you're in it. I don't know anywhere I can go where I won't be affected by the wind. The wind had just about gotten to the point I was going to have trouble fishing anyway."
On Thursday, Reed worked one of three groups of schooling fish that he found in deep water during practice.
"There's a bunch of them there, but they won't bite," he said. "I'm seeing a lot of fish, but I'm not catching a lot. They made me crazy, OK? Last year, if I saw the same thing, they would bite like piranhas."
Martens said the waves where he was hit about 5 feet, and he struggled with a boat that broke down while he fished in 40 to 60 feet of water.
Despite the rough conditions on the giant lake, Iaconelli said he was at the right depth at the right time Thursday. From roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., he got his best bites of the day.
"When the waves get this big, everything seems exaggerated," Iaconelli said. "A mile seems like 20 miles; that's what you've got to deal with out here. If the wind shifts and it gets rainy, I feel like I've got enough places that I can keep running the pattern that I'm running, so I'm excited."
With a victory, Reed would earn $100,000, adding to his Big Bass honors and a $1,000 premium Thursday after his big fish weighed in at 5-10. Reed, 46, last won a BASS event in 2004: the Bassmaster Open on the Ohio River.
Rounding out the top five: 2007 Empire Chase winner Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., in fourth with 21-3, and Kotaro Kiriyama of Moody, Ala., in fifth with 20-15.
In the co-angler division, Brad Brodnicki of Buffalo leads the chase for the $25,000 top prize with 13 pounds, 2 ounces. Trailing Brodnicki are fellow local angler Tim Creighton, with 13-0, and South Carolina's Marcos Malucelli, with 12-11.
Daily tournament launches and weigh-ins will take place at the NFTA Small Boat Harbor, 111 Fuhrmann Blvd. Launches begin at 8 a.m. ET and weigh-ins at 5 p.m.
Before Saturday's weigh-in, activities for fans at the park include Bassmaster University's "Ask the Experts," a Beginner Fishing Class, Skeeter boat demo rides and the Purolator Big Bass Fan $1,000 Giveaway.
Empire Chase
2008 Empire Chase 7/31-8/3
Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 23-03 305 $2,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-03
2. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 22-00 295
Day 1: 5 22-00
3. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 21-06 290
Day 1: 5 21-06
4. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 21-03 285
Day 1: 5 21-03
5. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 20-15 280
Day 1: 5 20-15
6. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 20-05 276
Day 1: 5 20-05
7. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 20-02 272
Day 1: 5 20-02
8. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 20-01 268
Day 1: 5 20-01
9. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 19-11 264
Day 1: 5 19-11
10. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 19-09 260
Day 1: 5 19-09
11. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 5 19-08 257
Day 1: 5 19-08
12. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 19-07 254
Day 1: 5 19-07
13. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 5 19-01 251
Day 1: 5 19-01
14. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 19-00 248
Day 1: 5 19-00
15. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 18-15 244
Day 1: 5 18-15
15. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 18-15 244
Day 1: 5 18-15
17. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 18-14 241
Day 1: 5 18-14
18. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 5 18-11 239
Day 1: 5 18-11
19. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 18-10 236
Day 1: 5 18-10
19. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 18-10 236
Day 1: 5 18-10
21. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 18-09 232
Day 1: 5 18-09
21. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 18-09 232
Day 1: 5 18-09
23. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 18-08 229
Day 1: 5 18-08
24. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 18-06 227
Day 1: 5 18-06
25. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 18-03 225
Day 1: 5 18-03
26. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 17-14 223
Day 1: 5 17-14
27. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 17-11 221
Day 1: 5 17-11
28. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 17-09 219
Day 1: 5 17-09
29. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 17-07 217
Day 1: 5 17-07
30. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 16-15 214
Day 1: 5 16-15
30. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 16-15 214
Day 1: 5 16-15
32. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 16-11 211
Day 1: 5 16-11
33. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 16-10 209
Day 1: 5 16-10
34. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 5 16-09 206
Day 1: 5 16-09
34. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 5 16-09 206
Day 1: 5 16-09
36. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 16-04 203
Day 1: 5 16-04
37. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 16-03 201
Day 1: 5 16-03
38. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 16-00 199
Day 1: 5 16-00
39. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 15-15 197
Day 1: 5 15-15
40. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 15-13 194
Day 1: 5 15-13
40. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 15-13 194
Day 1: 5 15-13
42. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 5 15-10 190
Day 1: 5 15-10
42. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 5 15-10 190
Day 1: 5 15-10
44. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 15-09 186
Day 1: 5 15-09
44. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 15-09 186
Day 1: 5 15-09
46. John Crews Salem, VA 5 15-06 183
Day 1: 5 15-06
47. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 15-03 180
Day 1: 5 15-03
47. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 15-03 180
Day 1: 5 15-03
49. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 15-01 177
Day 1: 5 15-01
50. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 14-14 175
Day 1: 5 14-14
51. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 14-13 173
Day 1: 5 14-13
52. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 14-11 171
Day 1: 5 14-11
53. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 14-08 168
Day 1: 5 14-08
53. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 5 14-08 168
Day 1: 5 14-08
55. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 14-07 165
Day 1: 5 14-07
56. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 14-06 163
Day 1: 5 14-06
57. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 14-03 161
Day 1: 5 14-03
58. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 14-02 159
Day 1: 5 14-02
59. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 14-01 157
Day 1: 5 14-01
60. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 13-12 155
Day 1: 5 13-12
61. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 13-10 152
Day 1: 5 13-10
61. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 13-10 152
Day 1: 5 13-10
63. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 13-09 149
Day 1: 5 13-09
64. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 13-01 147
Day 1: 5 13-01
65. Billy Brewer Bruceville, TX 5 12-15 143
Day 1: 5 12-15
65. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 12-15 143
Day 1: 5 12-15
65. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 12-15 143
Day 1: 5 12-15
68. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 12-14 139
Day 1: 5 12-14
69. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 5 12-13 137
Day 1: 5 12-13
70. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 12-12 135
Day 1: 5 12-12
71. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 12-11 133
Day 1: 5 12-11
72. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 12-09 131
Day 1: 5 12-09
73. David Sherrer Shreveport, LA 5 12-08 129
Day 1: 5 12-08
74. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, TX 5 12-05 127
Day 1: 5 12-05
75. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 12-01 124
Day 1: 5 12-01
75. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 5 12-01 124
Day 1: 5 12-01
77. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 12-00 121
Day 1: 5 12-00
78. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 11-15 118
Day 1: 5 11-15
78. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 5 11-15 118
Day 1: 5 11-15
80. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 11-13 115
Day 1: 5 11-13
81. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 11-12 112
Day 1: 5 11-12
81. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 11-12 112
Day 1: 5 11-12
83. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 11-10 109
Day 1: 5 11-10
84. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 11-09 107
Day 1: 5 11-09
85. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 11-04 104
Day 1: 5 11-04
85. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 11-04 104
Day 1: 5 11-04
87. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 11-03 101
Day 1: 5 11-03
88. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 10-13 99
Day 1: 5 10-13
89. Jay Fuller Kingston, OK 5 10-06 97
Day 1: 5 10-06
90. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 3 10-05 95
Day 1: 3 10-05
91. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 10-02 93
Day 1: 5 10-02
92. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 09-15 91
Day 1: 5 09-15
93. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 3 09-13 89
Day 1: 3 09-13
94. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 09-05 87
Day 1: 5 09-05
95. Jason Quinn York, SC 5 09-04 85
Day 1: 5 09-04
96. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 09-00 83
Day 1: 5 09-00
97. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 08-08 81
Day 1: 5 08-08
98. David Smith Del City, OK 4 08-03 79
Day 1: 4 08-03
99. Morizo Shimizu Osaka, CA 4 07-04 77
Day 1: 4 07-04
100. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 3 06-10 76
Day 1: 3 06-10
101. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 1 03-14 75
Day 1: 1 03-14
102. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 2 02-08 74
Day 1: 2 02-08
103. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 2 02-06 73
Day 1: 2 02-06
104. Pat Golden High Point, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
104. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
104. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 05-10 $1,000.00
Day
1 Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 23-03 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 497 1500-05
----------------------------------
95 497 1500-05
2008 Empire Chase 7/31-8/3
Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brad Brodnicki Buffalo, NY 3 13-02 0
Day 1: 3 13-02
2. Tim Creighton Buffalo, NY 3 13-00 0
Day 1: 3 13-00
3. Marcos Malucelli Fort Mill, SC 3 12-11 0
Day 1: 3 12-11
4. Russ Licata Lancaster, NY 3 12-10 0
Day 1: 3 12-10
5. Frank Tully Saint Albans, VT 3 12-08 0
Day 1: 3 12-08
5. Shawn Maynor Talala, OK 3 12-08 0
Day 1: 3 12-08
7. George Acord Lancaster, PA 3 12-05 0
Day 1: 3 12-05
8. Vance E Manchester Wakefield, MA 3 12-01 0
Day 1: 3 12-01
9. Joe Lucarelli New Hampton, NH 3 11-15 0
Day 1: 3 11-15
10. Alton Jones Jr. Woodway, TX 3 11-10 0
Day 1: 3 11-10
11. Jason Seaton Martinsville, IN 3 11-08 0
Day 1: 3 11-08
12. Mike McGrath Niagara Falls, NY 3 11-05 0
Day 1: 3 11-05
13. Brendan Walsh Niagara Falls, NY 3 11-02 0
Day 1: 3 11-02
14. Craig Daino Central Square, NY 3 11-00 0
Day 1: 3 11-00
14. Dane Odom Irmo, SC 3 11-00 0
Day 1: 3 11-00
16. Frank Campbell Niagara Falls, NY 3 10-15 0
Day 1: 3 10-15
17. Dave Elder Tuscaloosa, AL 3 10-12 0
Day 1: 3 10-12
18. Charles Love Franklinville, NY 3 10-10 0
Day 1: 3 10-10
18. Joel Etheredge Springville, AL 3 10-10 0
Day 1: 3 10-10
18. Marvin Stith Piscataway, NJ 3 10-10 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 10-10
21. Scott Kahabka Batavia, NY 3 10-08 0
Day 1: 3 10-08
21. Greg Hackman Sturgis, MI 3 10-08 0
Day 1: 3 10-08
21. Ted Barth Bolivar, NY 3 10-08 0
Day 1: 3 10-08
24. Jason Root Fostoria, OH 3 10-05 0
Day 1: 3 10-05
25. Barry Schultz Lockport, NY 3 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 10-04
25. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, AL 3 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 10-04
27. Troy Sprague Lincoln, NE 3 10-03 0
Day 1: 3 10-03
28. David Ottman Oswego, NY 3 10-02 0
Day 1: 3 10-02
29. Sean Ritchie Winston, GA 3 10-01 0
Day 1: 3 10-01
30. Jason Putman Cicero, NY 3 10-00 0
Day 1: 3 10-00
30. Marlon Whoolery Fairchance, PA 3 10-00 0
Day 1: 3 10-00
32. John Bernard Washington, PA 3 09-15 0
Day 1: 3 09-15
33. Larry C Butler New Haven, VT 3 09-13 0
Day 1: 3 09-13
34. Timothy Braun Buffalo, NY 3 09-11 0
Day 1: 3 09-11
35. Thomas Jobson New Paltz, NY 3 09-10 0
Day 1: 3 09-10
36. John Hayes Sherwood Park ALBERTA C 3 09-09 0
Day 1: 3 09-09
37. Lance Peck Tulsa, OK 3 09-06 0
Day 1: 3 09-06
38. Matt Burch Oakdale, MN 3 09-04 0
Day 1: 3 09-04
38. Jim McDevitt Eldon, MO 3 09-04 0
Day 1: 3 09-04
40. Frank Miller Nanticoke, PA 3 09-03 0
Day 1: 3 09-03
40. Robert Suhr Roscommon, MI 3 09-03 0
Day 1: 3 09-03
40. Harry Parten Sweet Water, AL 3 09-03 0
Day 1: 3 09-03
43. Mike Frazier Clermont, FL 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01
43. Jeff Hippert Hamburg, NY 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01
45. Ed Labuda Niagara Falls, NY 3 08-14 0
Day 1: 3 08-14
46. William Clute Hogansburg, NY 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-13
46. Mark Heatwole Harrisonburg, VA 3 08-13 0
Day 1: 3 08-13
48. Larry Triplett Parker, CO 3 08-10 0
Day 1: 3 08-10
49. George Fiorille Moravia, NY 3 08-08 0
Day 1: 3 08-08
49. Al Odom Irmo, SC 3 08-08 0
Day 1: 3 08-08
51. Paul Pagnato Vienna, VA 3 08-07 0
Day 1: 3 08-07
52. Randy Bell Hamburg, NY 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06
53. Ronnie Tyson Marietta, GA 3 08-05 0
Day 1: 3 08-05
54. Lee Sisson Winter Haven, FL 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 3 08-03
54. George Mcgrady Carnegie, PA 3 08-03 0
Day 1: 3 08-03
56. Ivan C Morris Virginia Beach, VA 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01
56. Jim Staszewski West Gardiner, ME 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01
56. Darin Doll York, PA 3 08-01 0
Day 1: 3 08-01
59. Ron Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 3 08-00 0
Day 1: 3 08-00
59. Stephen Schneider Selden, NY 3 08-00 0
Day 1: 3 08-00
61. Josh Giran Elizabeth, PA 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
61. Steve Lucarelli Meredith, NH 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
63. Mark Kratz Syracuse, NY 3 07-14 0
Day 1: 3 07-14
64. Mike Kavajecz Kaukauna, WI 2 07-13 0
Day 1: 2 07-13
65. Harry Potts Ozark, AL 3 07-12 0
Day 1: 3 07-12
66. John Burns Cortland, NY 3 07-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-11
66. Peter Typer Port Colborne CANADA 3 07-11 0
Day 1: 3 07-11
68. Donald Hallock Friendship, NY 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
68. Keith Kavajecz Kaukauna, WI 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
70. Blake Suhr Roscommon, MI 3 07-06 0
Day 1: 3 07-06
71. Jonathan Else Elysburg, PA 3 07-03 0
Day 1: 3 07-03
71. Dave Dickherber Lake Saint Louis, MO 3 07-03 0
Day 1: 3 07-03
73. Tim Miles Frederick, MD 3 07-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-02
74. Bill Valberg London ONTARIO CANADA 3 07-00 0
Day 1: 3 07-00
75. Andy Jenkins Elkhart, IN 3 06-13 0
Day 1: 3 06-13
76. Rob Browe Kendall, NY 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
76. Preston Crum Nokesville, VA 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
76. Steven Pratt Corfu, NY 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
79. Joseph Fonzi Gasport, NY 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
79. Richard Scherer Sheboygan Falls, WI 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
79. Scott Deitrich Berrysburg, PA 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
82. Andy Bylander New Richmond, WI 2 06-09 0
Day 1: 2 06-09
83. Gary Domian Pittsburgh, PA 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08
84. Richard Marasciulo Lancaster, NY 3 06-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-07
85. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, AL 3 06-04 0
Day 1: 3 06-04
86. Taylor Hale Preston, MD 3 06-02 0
Day 1: 3 06-02
86. Larry Baer Elizabethtown, PA 3 06-02 0
Day 1: 3 06-02
88. Larry Mazur Lancaster, NY 3 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-13
89. Douglas Hammond South Westerlo, NY 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
90. Tom Eason Jeffersonville, IN 2 05-03 0
Day 1: 2 05-03
91. Mike Kirkley Gastonia, NC 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-10
91. Joseph Pacholec Moosic, PA 3 04-10 0
Day 1: 3 04-10
93. John Mason Appleton, NY 3 04-09 0
Day 1: 3 04-09
93. Lane Wright Loganville, GA 3 04-09 0
Day 1: 3 04-09
95. Timothy Lavelle Moosic, PA 3 04-08 0
Day 1: 3 04-08
96. Brian Kelly Liverpool, NY 3 04-02 0
Day 1: 3 04-02
97. Richard Hyde Fulton, NY 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10
98. Jim Swope Lees Summit, MO 1 01-05 0
Day 1: 1 01-05
99. Chris Episcopo Canonsburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Tom Frink Simi Valley, CA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. John Galida Butler, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Matthew Leavell Tuscaloosa, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Bob Melanson Springfield, MA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Richard Metz Buffalo, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Todd Schell Harrisburg, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Garry Steiner Ochelata, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Marvin Stith Piscataway, NJ 05-07 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 93 287 841-02
----------------------------------
93 287 841-02