WADDINGTON, N.Y. — Giant limits of smallmouth bass exceeded expectations during Thursday’s opening round of competition as Matt Lee of Guntersville, Ala., weighed a tremendous 27-pound, 12-ounce limit of smallmouth bass to take an early lead at the Bassmaster Elite tournament at St. Lawrence River. Lee’s staggering limit, anchored by a behemoth 6-plus-pound smallmouth, is the heaviest single-day smallmouth limit in Bassmaster Elite Series history.
With so many big smallies coming in, it’s worth mentioning that a four-day total consisting of only smallmouth topping the 100-pound mark has never been caught during an Elite Series event. New records could be set at Waddington this week, as 52 five-bass limits exceeding the 20-pound mark were brought to the scales Thursday. That’s an unprecedented number — and nothing short of impressive.
A first-place prize of $100,000 will go to the winner after four days of competition — and since Lee has never claimed an Elite Series victory, he is looking to expand his lead during Friday’s second round. He can also earn more valuable points in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. This tournament marks the conclusion of the 2018 regular Elite Series season. The Top 50 anglers in the points race will advance to the AOY Championship scheduled for mid-September on Georgia’s Lake Chatuge.
“What an amazing day,” Lee said. “Things literally went perfectly for me today, and that seldom happens in this sport. On every spot I fished today I caught a big one, and plenty of them. It was amazing.”
Lee has the lead by over a pound, and he is confident the bite will stay consistent if the forecasted weather also remains consistent.
“For some reason, I have a better batting average on fisheries that turn into slugfests,” Lee said. “I don’t know why that is, but you won’t hear me complain about it. I can’t say duplicating today’s weight is possible, but from what I saw today, it’s certainly not impossible. I’m excited to get back out there and make it happen.”
Tennessee veteran pro David Walker also enjoyed a fantastic day that produced a five-bass limit that weighed 26-8.
“I really don’t know what to say. I absolutely can’t believe that happened,” Walker said. “That was, without a doubt, the best day of smallmouth fishing I’ve ever had. I’m so happy.”
Just like Lee, Walker’s day went perfectly.
“So many times in this sport, things happen beyond your control that affect the outcome of your time on the water,” he said. “Not today. Every decision I made worked out, and I really hope my luck continues into tomorrow.”
Second-year pro Tyler Carriere of Louisiana will begin Friday’s round in third place after weighing 26 pounds of smallmouth.
“I knew catching a big limit over 20 pounds was possible after my practice,” he said. “But today was certainly beyond my expectations. My bite lasted all day long, and I was able to make a key upgrade in the afternoon to help push my weight up another pound. I’m very happy with the results, and I'm ready for tomorrow.”
Arizona’s Josh Bertrand and Scott Rook of Arkansas tied for fourth place with 25-11.
Competition will resume Friday morning with takeoff beginning at 6:15 a.m. ET at Whittaker Park in Waddington, N.Y., and weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. at the same location.
2018 Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River 8/23-8/26
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 27-12 110
Day 1: 5 27-12
2. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 26-08 109
Day 1: 5 26-08
3. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 26-00 108
Day 1: 5 26-00
4. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 5 25-11 107
Day 1: 5 25-11
4. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 25-11 107
Day 1: 5 25-11
6. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 25-07 105
Day 1: 5 25-07
7. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 25-00 104
Day 1: 5 25-00
8. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 24-13 103
Day 1: 5 24-13
8. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 24-13 103
Day 1: 5 24-13
10. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 5 24-09 101
Day 1: 5 24-09
11. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 24-04 100
Day 1: 5 24-04
12. Mike McClelland Bentonville, AR 5 24-01 99
Day 1: 5 24-01
13. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 24-00 98
Day 1: 5 24-00
14. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 23-14 97
Day 1: 5 23-14
15. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 23-13 96
Day 1: 5 23-13
16. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 23-12 95
Day 1: 5 23-12
17. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 23-04 94
Day 1: 5 23-04
18. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 23-04 93
Day 1: 5 23-04
19. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 23-03 92
Day 1: 5 23-03
20. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 5 23-02 91
Day 1: 5 23-02
21. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 5 22-15 90
Day 1: 5 22-15
22. Ott DeFoe Blaine, TN 5 22-14 89
Day 1: 5 22-14
22. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 22-14 89
Day 1: 5 22-14
24. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 22-10 87
Day 1: 5 22-10
24. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 22-10 87
Day 1: 5 22-10
26. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 22-09 85
Day 1: 5 22-09
26. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 22-09 85
Day 1: 5 22-09
28. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 22-06 83
Day 1: 5 22-06
29. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 22-04 82
Day 1: 5 22-04
30. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 22-03 81
Day 1: 5 22-03
31. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 22-00 80
Day 1: 5 22-00
32. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 21-14 79
Day 1: 5 21-14
33. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 21-14 78
Day 1: 5 21-14
34. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 21-11 77
Day 1: 5 21-11
34. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 21-11 77
Day 1: 5 21-11
36. Alton Jones Jr. Waco, TX 5 21-11 75
Day 1: 5 21-11
37. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 21-10 74
Day 1: 5 21-10
38. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 21-10 73
Day 1: 5 21-10
39. Roy Hawk Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 5 21-06 72
Day 1: 5 21-06
39. Jonathon VanDam Gobles, MI 5 21-06 72
Day 1: 5 21-06
41. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 21-04 70
Day 1: 5 21-04
42. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 21-01 69
Day 1: 5 21-01
43. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 20-15 68
Day 1: 5 20-15
44. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 20-11 67
Day 1: 5 20-11
45. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 20-09 66
Day 1: 5 20-09
46. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 20-07 65
Day 1: 5 20-07
47. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 20-07 64
Day 1: 5 20-07
48. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 5 20-05 63
Day 1: 5 20-05
49. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 20-03 62
Day 1: 5 20-03
49. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 5 20-03 62
Day 1: 5 20-03
49. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 20-03 62
Day 1: 5 20-03
52. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 20-01 59
Day 1: 5 20-01
53. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 19-15 58
Day 1: 5 19-15
54. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 19-11 57
Day 1: 5 19-11
55. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 19-10 56
Day 1: 5 19-10
56. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 19-08 55
Day 1: 5 19-08
57. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 19-07 54
Day 1: 5 19-07
57. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 19-07 54
Day 1: 5 19-07
59. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 19-04 52
Day 1: 5 19-04
60. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 19-03 51
Day 1: 5 19-03
61. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 19-01 50
Day 1: 5 19-01
62. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 18-11 49
Day 1: 5 18-11
63. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 18-10 48
Day 1: 5 18-10
64. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 5 18-09 47
Day 1: 5 18-09
65. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 18-07 46
Day 1: 5 18-07
66. Fred Roumbanis Russellville, AR 5 18-06 45
Day 1: 5 18-06
67. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 18-05 44
Day 1: 5 18-05
68. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 18-05 43
Day 1: 5 18-05
69. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 18-04 42
Day 1: 5 18-04
70. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 5 18-03 41
Day 1: 5 18-03
71. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 18-02 40
Day 1: 5 18-02
72. Fletcher Shryock Dennison, OH 5 18-01 39
Day 1: 5 18-01
73. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 17-15 38
Day 1: 5 17-15
73. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 17-15 38
Day 1: 5 17-15
75. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 5 17-12 36
Day 1: 5 17-12
76. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 17-12 35
Day 1: 5 17-12
77. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 17-08 34
Day 1: 5 17-08
78. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 17-06 33
Day 1: 5 17-06
78. Shin Fukae Palestine TX JAPAN 5 17-06 33
Day 1: 5 17-06
78. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 17-06 33
Day 1: 5 17-06
81. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 17-03 30
Day 1: 5 17-03
82. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 17-01 29
Day 1: 5 17-01
83. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 16-15 28
Day 1: 5 16-15
84. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 16-13 27
Day 1: 5 16-13
85. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 16-12 26
Day 1: 5 16-12
86. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 16-02 25
Day 1: 5 16-02
86. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 16-02 25
Day 1: 5 16-02
88. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 16-01 23
Day 1: 5 16-01
89. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 15-11 22
Day 1: 5 15-11
90. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 15-08 21
Day 1: 5 15-08
91. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 15-03 20
Day 1: 5 15-03
92. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 15-02 19
Day 1: 5 15-02
93. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 15-00 18
Day 1: 5 15-00
94. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 14-14 17
Day 1: 5 14-14
95. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 14-10 16
Day 1: 5 14-10
96. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 14-08 15
Day 1: 5 14-08
97. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 14-04 14
Day 1: 5 14-04
98. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 14-02 13
Day 1: 5 14-02
99. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 13-06 12
Day 1: 5 13-06
100. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 13-00 11
Day 1: 5 13-00
101. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 4 12-11 10
Day 1: 4 12-11
102. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 12-10 9
Day 1: 5 12-10
103. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 3 12-08 8
Day 1: 3 12-08
104. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 12-03 7
Day 1: 5 12-03
105. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 12-02 6
Day 1: 5 12-02
106. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 11-05 5
Day 1: 5 11-05
107. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 104 527 2081-10
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104 527 2081-10