DEL RIO, Texas - Steve Kennedy entered the practice period for the "Battle on the Border" on Texas' Lake Amistad never having caught a bass with a swimbait. The 2006 Rookie of the Year showed Thursday that he is a quick learner, effectively working the swimbait on his way to 36 pounds, 10 ounces and the lead at the season-opening Bassmaster Elite Series bass fishing tournament.
"This is just absolutely awesome," the Auburn, Ala., pro said. "My hands have been shaking all day. This is a tremendous fishery."
Though Kennedy had a banner day, he finished with only a 10-ounce lead over rookie Scott Campbell, whose 36 pounds, 0 ounces, put him in second.
Kennedy got off to a quick start, boating 30 pounds by 9 a.m., primarily by working the swimbait, taking advantage of overcast skies, and focusing on staging fish in 5 to 8 feet of water. He used a variety of different lures in isolated areas the remainder of the day to upgrade his weight.
Kennedy said he has several areas he feels will be productive throughout the competition. Many are spots he fished in 2006 during his fifth-place finish at the season-opener on Amistad.
The 37-year-old pro has been on a tear since joining the ranks in 2006. He narrowly missed out on the 2006 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Award, which was won by New Jersey's Mike Iaconelli. Less than two weeks ago, Kennedy scored an eighth-place finish at the 2007 Bassmaster Classic on Lay Lake in Alabama.
"One of my goals this year is to contend for the Angler of the Year," Kennedy said. "I feel very good about my fishing right now and I think I can duplicate my success of last year."
Campbell of Springfield, Mo., is looking to establish himself in his rookie season. He said he came to Amistad looking to make the top-50 cut and compete through Saturday, but after what he called a "fantastic" day, he felt he was in position go for the top-12 cut for Sunday's finale.
"This is pretty surreal to accomplish this in my first Elite Series tournament," Campbell said. "I am freaking out right now."
Campbell's limit was anchored by a 12-7 lunker that took Big Bass Honors and the $1,000 premium. Like Kennedy, he targeted pre-spawn fish with a swimbait, catching 20 pounds within 45 minutes after launching his boat.
Rounding out the top five were Arkansas' Kevin Short (33-6), Florida's Terry Scroggins (30-12) and Oklahoma's Edwin Evers (29-11). Although Scroggins sits about six pounds out of the lead, the 38-year-old has momentum: Last weekend he won the Bassmaster Southern Open on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and the week before scored a seventh-place finish in the Classic.
"When things are going well, it just feels like you can't do anything wrong," Scroggins said.
Anglers out to catch the top five included 2006 Toyota Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli with 27-9 for ninth place; three-time Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam with 26-8 for 14th place; and 2006 "Battle on the Border" winner Ish Monroe who tied for 21st with 25-2.
Minnesota's Joe Barnett led the co-angler division with 24 pounds, 12 ounces. over Alabama's Jimmy Sparks (23-7) and Texan David Stewart (23-2).
2007 Battle on the Border Pro
03/08-03/11
Lake Amistad, Del Rio Texas (
PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 36-10 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 36-10
2. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 5 36-00 295 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 36-00
3. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 33-06 290
Day 1: 5 33-06
4. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 5 30-12 285
Day 1: 5 30-12
5. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 29-11 280
Day 1: 5 29-11
6. Ken D Cook Lawton, Okla. 5 28-15 276
Day 1: 5 28-15
7. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 28-07 272
Day 1: 5 28-07
8. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 5 28-03 268
Day 1: 5 28-03
9. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 27-09 264
Day 1: 5 27-09
10. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 5 27-00 260
Day 1: 5 27-00
11. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 26-14 257
Day 1: 5 26-14
12. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 26-12 254
Day 1: 5 26-12
13. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 26-09 251
Day 1: 5 26-09
14. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 26-08 248
Day 1: 5 26-08
15. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 26-04 245
Day 1: 5 26-04
16. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 26-02 243
Day 1: 5 26-02
17. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 5 26-00 241
Day 1: 5 26-00
18. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 25-15 239
Day 1: 5 25-15
19. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 25-11 237
Day 1: 5 25-11
20. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 25-03 235
Day 1: 5 25-03
21. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 25-02 232
Day 1: 5 25-02
21. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 25-02 232
Day 1: 5 25-02
23. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 23-07 229
Day 1: 5 23-07
24. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 23-04 227
Day 1: 5 23-04
25. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 5 23-01 225
Day 1: 5 23-01
26. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 22-15 223
Day 1: 5 22-15
27. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 22-09 221
Day 1: 5 22-09
28. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 22-08 219
Day 1: 5 22-08
29. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 21-13 217
Day 1: 5 21-13
30. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 5 21-12 215
Day 1: 5 21-12
31. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 21-10 213
Day 1: 5 21-10
32. Marty Stone Fayetteville, N.C. 5 21-06 211
Day 1: 5 21-06
33. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 20-14 209
Day 1: 5 20-14
34. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 20-11 207
Day 1: 5 20-11
35. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, Fla. 5 20-09 205
Day 1: 5 20-09
36. Mark Tyler Vian, Okla. 5 20-08 203
Day 1: 5 20-08
37. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, Texas 5 20-03 200
Day 1: 5 20-03
37. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 5 20-03 200
Day 1: 5 20-03
39. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 20-01 197
Day 1: 5 20-01
40. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 20-00 195
Day 1: 5 20-00
41. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 19-15 192
Day 1: 5 19-15
41. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 5 19-15 192
Day 1: 5 19-15
43. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 19-07 189
Day 1: 5 19-07
44. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 19-04 186
Day 1: 5 19-04
44. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 5 19-04 186
Day 1: 5 19-04
46. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 19-02 183
Day 1: 5 19-02
47. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 19-00 180
Day 1: 5 19-00
47. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 19-00 180
Day 1: 5 19-00
49. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 18-02 175
Day 1: 5 18-02
49. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 5 18-02 175
Day 1: 5 18-02
49. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 5 18-02 175
Day 1: 5 18-02
52. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 5 18-01 171
Day 1: 5 18-01
53. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 18-00 169
Day 1: 5 18-00
54. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 5 17-14 167
Day 1: 5 17-14
55. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 5 17-06 164
Day 1: 5 17-06
55. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 5 17-06 164
Day 1: 5 17-06
57. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 4 17-05 161
Day 1: 4 17-05
58. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 17-04 159
Day 1: 5 17-04
59. Matt Amedeo Clinton, Ohio 5 17-03 157
Day 1: 5 17-03
60. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 17-00 155
Day 1: 5 17-00
61. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 5 16-14 152
Day 1: 5 16-14
61. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 16-14 152
Day 1: 5 16-14
63. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 16-07 149
Day 1: 5 16-07
64. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 16-06 147
Day 1: 5 16-06
65. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 5 16-00 145
Day 1: 5 16-00
66. William Smith Somerset, Ky. 5 15-11 143
Day 1: 5 15-11
67. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 15-09 140
Day 1: 5 15-09
67. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 15-09 140
Day 1: 5 15-09
69. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 15-07 137
Day 1: 5 15-07
70. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 4 14-15 135
Day 1: 4 14-15
71. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 4 14-14 133
Day 1: 4 14-14
72. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 5 14-12 131
Day 1: 5 14-12
73. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 14-05 127
Day 1: 5 14-05
73. Kurt Dove Fairfax, Va. 5 14-05 127
Day 1: 5 14-05
73. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 14-05 127
Day 1: 5 14-05
76. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 5 14-04 123
Day 1: 5 14-04
77. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 5 13-12 121
Day 1: 5 13-12
78. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 13-10 119
Day 1: 5 13-10
79. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 13-08 116
Day 1: 5 13-08
79. Byron Velvick Del Rio, Texas 5 13-08 116
Day 1: 5 13-08
81. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 13-07 112
Day 1: 5 13-07
81. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 4 13-07 112
Day 1: 4 13-07
83. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 5 13-04 108
Day 1: 5 13-04
83. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 4 13-04 108
Day 1: 4 13-04
85. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 12-12 105
Day 1: 5 12-12
86. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 4 12-10 103
Day 1: 4 12-10
87. Eric Nethery Acworth, Ga. 4 12-07 101
Day 1: 4 12-07
88. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 12-03 99
Day 1: 5 12-03
89. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 4 11-14 97
Day 1: 4 11-14
90. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 5 11-08 95
Day 1: 5 11-08
91. Marty Robinson Landrum, S.C. 5 11-05 93
Day 1: 5 11-05
92. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 11-04 91
Day 1: 5 11-04
93. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 11-02 89
Day 1: 5 11-02
94. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 10-11 86
Day 1: 5 10-11
94. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 5 10-11 86
Day 1: 5 10-11
96. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 10-10 83
Day 1: 5 10-10
97. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 5 10-09 81
Day 1: 5 10-09
98. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 10-05 79
Day 1: 5 10-05
99. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 9-05 77
Day 1: 5 9-05
100.Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 5 8-11 76
Day 1: 5 8-11
100.Jim Murray Arabi, Ga. 4 8-11 76
Day 1: 4 8-11
102.Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 5 8-04 74
Day 1: 5 8-04
103.Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 8-03 73
Day 1: 5 8-03
104.Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 2 8-02 72
Day 1: 2 8-02
105.Jimmy Mason Rogersville, Ala. 3 7-04 71
Day 1: 3 7-04
106.James Kennedy Lacombe, La. 4 7-02 70
Day 1: 4 7-02
107.Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 5 6-15 69
Day 1: 5 6-15
108.James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 3 5-07 68
Day 1: 3 5-07
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 12-07 $1,000.00
Day
1 Stephen Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 36-10 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 523 1965-01
----------------------------------
95 523 1965-01
2007 Battle on the Border
CO 03/08-03/11 Lake Amistad, Del Rio Texas
(NON-BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Joe Barnett Fergus Falls, Minn. 5 24-12 0
Day 1: 5 24-12
2. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 5 23-07 0
Day 1: 5 23-07
3. David Stewart Cedar Park, Texas 5 23-02 0
Day 1: 5 23-02
4. Allen Burkhalter Columbus, Ga. 5 21-09 0
Day 1: 5 21-09
5. Dennis Lala Goliad, Texas 5 20-15 0
Day 1: 5 20-15
6. Bryan Talmadge Pell City, Ala. 5 20-00 0
Day 1: 5 20-00
7. Frederic Jullian Beziers, France 5 18-10 0
Day 1: 5 18-10
8. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, Ariz. 5 17-10 0 $500.00
Day 1: 5 17-10
9. Todd Lee Jasper, Ala. 5 17-09 0
Day 1: 5 17-09
10. Franco Vallejos Albuquerque, N.M. 5 17-02 0
Day 1: 5 17-02
11. Wayne Lindgren Minneapolis, Minn. 5 16-06 0
Day 1: 5 16-06
12. Ron Tyson Marrietta, Ga. 5 16-03 0
Day 1: 5 16-03
13. Bret Myers Keller, Texas 5 16-01 0
Day 1: 5 16-01
14. Javier Guillen Tarragona 43004, Spain 5 16-00 0
Day 1: 5 16-00
15. Mark Banks West Falls, N.Y. 5 15-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10
16. Seiji Kato Outsu, Japan 5 15-07 0
Day 1: 5 15-07
17. Richard Urban Del Rio, Texas 5 14-04 0
Day 1: 5 14-04
18. Russell Lohman Pineville, La. 5 13-10 0
Day 1: 5 13-10
19. Randy Caddell Andrews, Texas 5 13-09 0
Day 1: 5 13-09
20. Kirk Lizama Oakdale, Calif. 5 13-05 0
Day 1: 5 13-05
21. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 4 13-03 0
Day 1: 4 13-03
22. Justin Baldasano San Jose, Calif. 4 12-09 0
Day 1: 4 12-09
23. Alexander Meza Merced, Calif. 5 12-08 0
Day 1: 5 12-08
24. Greg Perkins San Antonio, Texas 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
24. Gary Miller Kearney, Mo. 3 11-10 0
Day 1: 3 11-10
26. Eric Peck Williamsburg, Mich. 4 11-08 0
Day 1: 4 11-08
27. Richard Garlock Alexandria, N.Y. 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
28. Kevin Booty Dequincy, La. 3 11-04 0
Day 1: 3 11-04
29. Mike Power Canyon Lake, Texas 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
30. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 4 10-14 0
Day 1: 4 10-14
31. Troy Enmeier Enid, Okla. 5 10-13 0
Day 1: 5 10-13
32. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 4 10-11 0
Day 1: 4 10-11
33. Matthew Weaver Sweetwater, Texas 5 10-10 0
Day 1: 5 10-10
34. Jason Baird Gypsum, Kan. 3 10-09 0
Day 1: 3 10-09
35. Dennis Whitaker Branson, Mo. 5 10-08 0
Day 1: 5 10-08
36. Ron Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 3 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 10-07
37. Brad Young Artesia, N.M. 3 10-05 0
Day 1: 3 10-05
38. Al Odom Irmo, S.C. 4 10-04 0
Day 1: 4 10-04
38. Jimmy Swindle Gardendale, Ala. 3 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 10-04
40. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 4 10-03 0
Day 1: 4 10-03
41. Eric Engels Amarillo, Texas 3 10-01 0
Day 1: 3 10-01
42. Albert Hudson Austin, Texas 5 9-14 0
Day 1: 5 9-14
43. Scot Hutten Winter Haven, Fla. 2 9-09 0
Day 1: 2 9-09
44. Mark Child Mansfield, Texas 5 9-05 0
Day 1: 5 9-05
44. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 3 9-05 0
Day 1: 3 9-05
46. Mike Frazier Clermont, Fla. 4 8-13 0
Day 1: 4 8-13
46. Matthew Leavell Vicksburg, Miss. 3 8-13 0
Day 1: 3 8-13
48. Fred Myers Bloomington, Ill. 4 8-12 0
Day 1: 4 8-12
49. Richard Lindgren Lakeville, Minn. 4 8-11 0
Day 1: 4 8-11
50. Jason Dudek Excelsior, Minn. 4 8-08 0
Day 1: 4 8-08
51. Mikal Orr Amarillo, Texas 3 8-05 0
Day 1: 3 8-05
52. Allen Ruddick Las Cruces, N.M. 4 8-04 0
Day 1: 4 8-04
52. George Holloway Del Rio, Texas 3 8-04 0
Day 1: 3 8-04
54. Scott Flannery Plano, Texas 2 7-15 0
Day 1: 2 7-15
55. Clark Franklin Midland, Texas 4 7-14 0
Day 1: 4 7-14
55. David Kilgore Jasper, Ala. 4 7-14 0
Day 1: 4 7-14
57. David Doty Cottage Grove, Minn. 3 7-11 0
Day 1: 3 7-11
58. Eugene Burgett Dalton City, Ill. 3 7-07 0
Day 1: 3 7-07
58. Anthony Hall San Jose, Calif. 2 7-07 0
Day 1: 2 7-07
60. Adam McAndrews Santa Clara, Calif. 3 7-06 0
Day 1: 3 7-06
61. Bryan Hoffman Andrews, Texas 3 7-04 0
Day 1: 3 7-04
62. Bob Coleman Washington, Mo. 4 7-02 0
Day 1: 4 7-02
63. Eulon Lee Montgomery, Ala. 3 7-01 0
Day 1: 3 7-01
64. Ron Castle Del Rio, Texas 4 7-00 0
Day 1: 4 7-00
65. Bill Adams Exeter, Calif. 2 6-10 0
Day 1: 2 6-10
66. Dave Elder Tuscaloosa, Ala. 3 6-07 0
Day 1: 3 6-07
67. Dwight Dickerson Tomball, Texas 3 6-06 0
Day 1: 3 6-06
68. Gil Phillips Alba, Texas 2 6-04 0
Day 1: 2 6-04
69. Judith Hart Greenville, Texas 2 6-03 0
Day 1: 2 6-03
70. Bill Trinkle San Antonio, Texas 2 5-15 0
Day 1: 2 5-15
70. Thomas Wang Saratoga, Calif. 2 5-15 0
Day 1: 2 5-15
72. Scott Hamel Stockton, Kan. 3 5-14 0
Day 1: 3 5-14
72. David Meza San Jose, Calif. 2 5-14 0
Day 1: 2 5-14
74. John Basinger Slaton, Texas 2 5-12 0
Day 1: 2 5-12
75. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 3 5-11 0
Day 1: 3 5-11
76. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 3 5-10 0
Day 1: 3 5-10
77. Michael Vintges Tyler, Texas 3 5-03 0
Day 1: 3 5-03
78. Michael Snapp Lago Vista, Texas 1 5-02 0
Day 1: 1 5-02
79. Kurt Heil Wellman, Texas 2 4-15 0
Day 1: 2 4-15
80. Travis Manson Green Bay, Wisc. 2 4-13 0
Day 1: 2 4-13
81. Jay Curtis Hobbs, N.M. 2 4-03 0
Day 1: 2 4-03
82. Sean Layman Monahans, Texas 2 4-02 0
Day 1: 2 4-02
83. Dennis Andersen Wellington, Fla. 2 4-00 0
Day 1: 2 4-00
84. Jerry Mcvey Stewartsville, Mo. 2 3-14 0
Day 1: 2 3-14
84. William Morrison Odessa, Texas 2 3-14 0
Day 1: 2 3-14
86. Mike Blaha Salina, Kan. 2 3-12 0
Day 1: 2 3-12
87. Dennis Bald Poteet, Texas 2 3-11 0
Day 1: 2 3-11
87. Johnny Graham Tulsa, Okla. 2 3-11 0
Day 1: 2 3-11
89. Mary Delgado Tampa, Fla. 2 3-05 0
Day 1: 2 3-05
90. Billy Garrett El Paso, Texas 2 2-15 0
Day 1: 2 2-15
90. Jack Oliver Mckinney, Texas 2 2-15 0
Day 1: 2 2-15
92. Danny Montgomery Ft Worth, Texas 1 2-05 0
Day 1: 1 2-05
93. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 1 2-02 0
Day 1: 1 2-02
94. Jimmy Curtis Hobbs, N.M. 1 2-00 0
Day 1: 1 2-00
95. Chad Kallina San Marcos, Texas 5 1-15 0
Day 1: 5 1-15
96. Rick Hellenbrand Portage, Wisc. 1 1-14 0
Day 1: 1 1-14
97. David Burlington Universal City, Texas 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
98. Randall Coyle Mauriceville, Texas 1 1-12 0
Day 1: 1 1-12
99. Bill Milton Searcy, Ark. 1 1-10 0
Day 1: 1 1-10
99. James Whitman Ozark, Ala. 1 1-10 0
Day 1: 1 1-10
101.Dennis Hamel Plainville, Kan. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
101.Paul Hottman Wakarusa, Kan. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
101.Chad McVey Olathe, Kan. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
104.Michael Bass Austin, Texas 1 1-03 0
Day 1: 1 1-03
105.Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
105.Joseph Deoliveira Saint Petersburg, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
105.Michael Hollinhead Crestview, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, Ariz. 9-14 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 22 339 931-12
----------------------------------
22 339 931-12