DEL RIO, Texas - Only 24 years old and a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie, Madison, Ala., pro Derek Remitz bested 107 of the world's best anglers Sunday by winning the "Battle on the Border" with a four-day total of 111 pounds, 7 ounces.
Remitz won the season-opening bass fishing tournament on Texas' Lake Amistad by nearly eight pounds over 2006 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli, who finished second with 103 pounds, 11 ounces.
Iaconelli and Remitz were two of four anglers to post a four-day total weight of more than 100 pounds.
"I am excited to think I'll be watching myself on ESPN2," Remitz said. "I watch The Bassmasters every weekend, so I think it will be a little surreal to see myself on the program."
For all four days of competition, Remitz worked a 3/4-ounce Omega football jig on flats next to underwater bluffs. He said he found eight or nine areas in a productive practice period and exclusively fished those areas during the competition.
Remitz quietly moved up the leaderboard after finishing in 37th place after the first day of competition. He posted three consecutive limits weighing more than 29 pounds. His final-day weight of 31 pounds, 6 ounces was the heaviest.
He earned $100,000 with the win, doubling his total BASS earnings. The rookie qualified for the 2007 Series via his first-place points finish in the 2006 Bassmaster Northern Tour. He recently moved from Texas to Alabama to be more centrally located to travel to the 11 events in 2007.
"This is the way you want to start off," said Remitz, who scored the Big Bass on Sunday, an 8-11 lunker. "This is absolutely unbelievable. I guess this will sink in during the next few days but it hasn't hit me yet."
Despite missing out on his sixth BASS win, Iaconelli was satisfied with his runner-up finish on famed Amistad.
"I did the best I could do in this event," the 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion said. "I just got beat. I'm pretty satisfied with my finish, though. Anytime I can do well in one of the early-season events, it's almost a bonus for me."
Iaconelli worked two baits the entire tournament; a Berkley PowerBait Beast thrown to trees, and a swimbait around trees.
Rounding out the top five were Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., with 101 pounds, 10 ounces in third; Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, with 100 pounds, 5 ounces in fourth; and Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., with 90 pounds, 13 ounces. 2006 "Battle on the Border" champion Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., finished sixth with 87 pounds, 13 ounces.
2007 Battle on the Border Pro 03/08-03/11
Lake Amistad, Del Rio, Texas
PRO Division Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Derek Remitz Madison, Ala. 20 111-07 310 $102,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 29-07 Day 3: 5 30-07 Day 4: 5 31-06
2. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 20 103-11 295 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 27-09 Day 2: 5 24-08 Day 3: 5 24-03 Day 4: 5 27-07
3. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 20 101-10 300 $34,000.00
Day 1: 5 36-10 Day 2: 5 16-06 Day 3: 5 24-02 Day 4: 5 24-08
4. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 20 100-05 285 $20,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 20-08 Day 3: 5 36-07 Day 4: 5 25-04
5. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 20 90-13 280 $17,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-08 Day 2: 5 24-08 Day 3: 5 17-04 Day 4: 5 22-09
6. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 20 87-13 276 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 25-02 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 23-06 Day 4: 5 21-04
7. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 20 87-09 272 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-15 Day 2: 5 22-01 Day 3: 5 21-13 Day 4: 5 17-12
8. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 20 87-02 268 $14,500.00
Day 1: 5 29-11 Day 2: 5 20-14 Day 3: 5 20-11 Day 4: 5 15-14
9. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 19 86-05 264 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-02 Day 2: 5 21-07 Day 3: 5 20-05 Day 4: 4 19-07
10. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 20 80-02 260 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 19-08 Day 3: 5 23-13 Day 4: 5 13-06
11. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 20 80-00 257 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 26-14 Day 2: 5 21-04 Day 3: 5 18-15 Day 4: 5 12-15
12. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 20 77-14 254 $12,300.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 27-10 Day 3: 5 20-03 Day 4: 5 10-13
---------------------------CUTLINE DAY 3----------------------------------
13. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 15 66-07 250 $10,750.00
Day 1: 5 27-00 Day 2: 5 21-12 Day 3: 5 17-11
13. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 15 66-07 250 $10,750.00
Day 1: 5 26-02 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 20-12
15. John Crews Salem, Va. 15 66-04 245 $10,600.00
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 23-00 Day 3: 5 20-00
16. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 15 65-13 243 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 30-12 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 5 19-03
17. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 15 65-08 241 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 36-00 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 13-01
18. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 14 65-01 239 $10,500.00
Day 1: 4 14-15 Day 2: 5 28-00 Day 3: 5 22-02
19. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 15 64-05 237 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 10-05 Day 2: 5 33-02 Day 3: 5 20-14
20. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 15 64-02 235 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 26-05 Day 3: 5 17-05
21. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 15 63-01 233 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 28-03 Day 2: 5 20-06 Day 3: 5 14-08
22. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 15 62-14 231 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-12 Day 3: 5 22-07
23. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 15 62-04 229 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 23-01 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 18-00
24. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 15 61-11 227 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 23-11 Day 3: 5 18-01
25. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 15 61-05 225 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 28-07 Day 2: 5 17-11 Day 3: 5 15-03
26. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 15 61-03 223 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 27-04 Day 3: 5 15-15
27. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 14 60-15 221 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-09 Day 2: 5 25-14 Day 3: 4 8-08
28. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 15 60-02 218 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 22-13 Day 3: 5 23-01
28. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 12 60-02 218 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-00 Day 2: 4 20-14 Day 3: 3 13-04
30. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 15 58-12 215 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 16-14 Day 3: 5 22-14
31. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 15 58-11 213 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 16-07 Day 3: 5 19-12
32. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 15 58-05 211 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 26-12 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 12-00
33. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 15 58-01 209 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-12 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 16-04
34. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 15 57-07 207 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04 Day 2: 5 24-05 Day 3: 5 13-14
35. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 15 57-03 204 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 21-01 Day 3: 5 15-15
35. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 15 57-03 204 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-00 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 20-02
37. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 15 54-15 201 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 22-12 Day 3: 5 16-10
38. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 15 54-11 199 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 22-02 Day 3: 5 14-07
39. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 15 54-08 197 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 18-01
40. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 15 54-03 195 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-14 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 18-05
41. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 15 54-02 193 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 17-13
42. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 15 54-00 191 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-03 Day 2: 5 12-01 Day 3: 5 16-12
43. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 15 53-10 189 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 24-02 Day 3: 5 14-12
44. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 15 53-05 187 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 22-07 Day 3: 5 11-12
45. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 15 51-05 185 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 22-05 Day 3: 5 11-10
46. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 15 50-11 183 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-14 Day 2: 5 21-00 Day 3: 5 11-13
47. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 15 50-00 181 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-15 Day 2: 5 13-10 Day 3: 5 13-07
48. Ken D Cook Lawton, Okla. 15 49-06 179 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 28-15 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 8-02
49. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 13 47-07 177 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 3 10-04
50. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 15 47-00 175 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 9-03
----------------------- CUTLINE DAY 2--------------------------------
51. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 10 35-09 173
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 13-00
52. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 10 34-14 171
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 15-07
53. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 10 34-13 169
Day 1: 5 17-00 Day 2: 5 17-13
54. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 10 34-10 167
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 20-05
55. Marty Stone Fayetteville, N.C. 10 34-09 165
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 13-03
56. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 10 34-02 163
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 16-14
57. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 10 33-12 160
Day 1: 5 25-11 Day 2: 5 8-01
57. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 10 33-12 160
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 5 21-00
59. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 33-06 157
Day 1: 5 33-06 Day 2: 0 0-00
60. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 10 33-05 155
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 11-11
61. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 10 33-04 153
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 16-14
62. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 9 33-03 151
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 4 16-05
63. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 9 32-14 149
Day 1: 5 26-04 Day 2: 4 6-10
64. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 10 32-11 147
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 14-09
65. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 10 32-04 145
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 16-09
66. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 10 31-14 143
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 18-06
67. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 10 31-10 140
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 15-03
67. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 10 31-10 140
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 15-10
69. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 10 31-09 137
Day 1: 5 20-00 Day 2: 5 11-09
70. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 9 31-00 135
Day 1: 4 13-04 Day 2: 5 17-12
71. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 9 30-14 133
Day 1: 4 13-07 Day 2: 5 17-07
72. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 10 30-10 131
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 17-06
73. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas 10 30-04 129
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 16-12
74. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 10 30-03 127
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 19-01
75. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 10 29-15 125
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 14-06
76. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 10 29-06 122
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 12-00
76. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 9 29-06 122
Day 1: 4 11-14 Day 2: 5 17-08
78. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 10 29-02 119
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 15-08
79. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 10 28-12 116
Day 1: 5 19-15 Day 2: 5 8-13
79. Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 10 28-12 116
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 14-07
81. Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 9 28-02 113
Day 1: 4 8-11 Day 2: 5 19-07
82. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 10 27-15 111
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 17-04
83. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 10 27-14 109
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 14-02
84. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 10 27-11 107
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 12-04
85. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 10 27-08 105
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 16-14
86. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 10 27-04 103
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 16-09
87. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 10 27-03 101
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 13-12
88. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 10 26-12 99
Day 1: 5 6-15 Day 2: 5 19-13
89. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 10 26-09 97
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 12-04
90. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 7 25-10 95
Day 1: 2 8-02 Day 2: 5 17-08
91. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 10 25-09 93
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 13-06
92. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 10 25-07 91
Day 1: 5 8-04 Day 2: 5 17-03
93. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 8 25-02 89
Day 1: 4 17-05 Day 2: 4 7-13
94. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 9 24-05 87
Day 1: 4 14-14 Day 2: 5 9-07
95. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 10 24-04 84
Day 1: 5 9-05 Day 2: 5 14-15
95. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 10 24-04 84
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 12-15
97. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 8 23-12 81
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 3 5-11
98. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 7 23-06 79
Day 1: 4 12-10 Day 2: 3 10-12
99. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 10 22-01 77
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 11-08
100.Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 6 20-09 76
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 1 3-06
101.Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 10 20-02 75
Day 1: 5 8-11 Day 2: 5 11-07
102.James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 8 19-12 74
Day 1: 4 7-02 Day 2: 4 12-10
103.Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 10 18-08 73
Day 1: 5 8-03 Day 2: 5 10-05
104.Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 6 17-03 72
Day 1: 4 12-07 Day 2: 2 4-12
105.Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 8 16-04 71
Day 1: 3 7-04 Day 2: 5 9-00
106.Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 7 14-13 70
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 2 3-09
107.Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 7 14-12 69
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 2 3-04
108.James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 7 11-15 68
Day 1: 3 5-07 Day 2: 4 6-08
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day 1: Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 12-07 $1,000.00
Day 2: Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 8-12 $1,000.00
Day 3: Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 10-11 $1,000.00
Day 4: Derek Remitz Madison, Ala. 8-11 $1,000.00
Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 12-07 $1,000.00
Day 1: Stephen Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 36-10 $1,000.00
Day 2: Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 33-02 $1,000.00
Day 3: Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 36-07 $1,000.00
Day 4: Derek Remitz Madison, Ala. 31-06 $1,000.00
Stephen Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 36-10 $8,000.00
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 523 1965-01
2 95 512 1810-09
3 47 245 895-04
4 11 59 242-09
----------------------------------
248 1339 4913-07
-------------------------------------------
2007 Elite Series - Battle on the Border
Pro Points After Lake Amistad, Del Rio, Texas
Ending 03-11-2007, Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Derek Remitz Texas 310
2 Steve Kennedy Ala. 300
3 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 295
4 Todd Faircloth Texas 285
5 Kevin VanDam Mich. 280
6 Ishama Monroe Calif. 276
7 Davy Hite S.C. 272
8 Edwin Evers Okla. 268
9 Skeet Reese Calif. 264
10 Ken Brodeur Conn. 260
11 Jeff Kriet Okla. 257
12 John Murray Ariz. 254
13 Dean Rojas Texas 250
13 Jared Lintner Calif. 250
15 John Crews Va. 245
16 Terry Scroggins Fla. 243
17 Scott Campbell Mo. 241
18 Tommy Biffle Okla. 239
19 Fred Roumbanis Calif. 237
20 Mark Tyler Okla. 235
21 Cliff Pace Miss. 233
22 Brian Snowden Mo. 231
23 Brent Chapman Kan. 229
24 Matthew Sphar N.Y. 227
25 Alton Jones Texas 225
26 Stephen Browning Ark. 223
27 Gary Klein Texas 221
28 Grant Goldbeck Md. 218
28 Jami Fralick S.D. 218
30 Shaw Grigsby, Jr Fla. 215
31 Steve Daniel Fla. 213
32 Charlie Hartley Ohio 211
33 Gerald Swindle Ala. 209
34 Jason Quinn S.C. 207
35 Mark Menendez Ky. 204
35 Ben Matsubu Texas 204
37 Kevin Langill N.C. 201
38 Britt Myers S.C. 199
39 Paul Hirosky Pa. 197
40 Jimmy Mize Ark. 195
41 Scott Rook Ark. 193
42 Greg Hackney La. 191
43 Bill Lowen Ohio 189
44 Denny Brauer Mo. 187
45 Bradley Hallman Okla. 185
46 Jeff Connella La. 183
47 Greg Gutierrez Calif. 181
48 Ken Cook Okla. 179
49 Bryan Hudgins Fla. 177
50 Randy Howell Ala. 175
51 Timmy Horton Ala. 173
52 Chris Lane Fla. 171
53 Ray Sedgwick S.C. 169
54 Matt Reed Texas 167
55 Marty Stone N.C. 165
56 Russ Lane Ala. 163
57 Rick Clunn Mo. 160
57 Paul Elias Miss. 160
59 Kevin Short Ark. 157
60 Aaron Martens Ala. 155
61 Kevin Wirth Ky. 153
62 Guy Eaker N.C. 151
63 Takahiro Omori Texas 149
64 Dave Wolak N.C. 147
65 Bill Smith Ky. 145
66 Darrin Schwenkbeck Md. 143
67 Mark Rogers Fla. 140
67 Jason Williamson S.C. 140
69 Kotaro Kiriyama Ala. 137
70 Doc Merkin Ill. 135
71 RICK ASH Pa. 133
72 James Charlesworth Fla. 131
73 Byron Velvick Texas 129
74 Mike McClelland Ark. 127
75 Morizo Shimizu Calif. 125
76 Pete Ponds Miss. 122
76 Keith Phillips Ala. 122
78 Kelly Jordon Texas 119
79 Kurt Dove Va. 116
79 Kenyon Hill Okla. 116
81 Jim Murray Ga. 113
82 Dave Smith Okla. 111
83 Frank Scalish Ohio 109
84 Mike Wurm Ark. 107
85 Bernie Schultz Fla. 105
86 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 103
87 Mark Tucker Mo. 101
88 Casey Ashley S.C. 99
89 Lee Bailey Ala. 97
90 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 95
91 Preston Clark Fla. 93
92 Jon Bondy Canada 91
93 Boyd Duckett Ala. 89
94 Zell Rowland Texas 87
95 Peter Thliveros Fla. 84
95 Marty Robinson S.C. 84
97 Terry Butcher Okla. 81
98 Bradley Stringer Texas 79
99 Rick Morris Va. 77
100 Matt Amedeo Ohio 76
101 Glenn Delong Ohio 75
102 James Kennedy La. 74
103 Elton Luce Jr Texas 73
104 Eric Nethery Ga. 72
105 Jimmy Mason Ala. 71
106 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 70
107 Charlie Youngers Fla. 69
108 James Niggemeyer Texas 68