CHARLES COUNTY, Md. - Overcast skies and scattered rainstorms made for much better fishing than anticipated on the opening day of the Capitol Clash bass fishing tournament on the Potomac River.
Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Kevin Langill, from Terrell, N.C., led the way with a five-fish limit weighing 18 pounds, 1 ounce for a 4-ounce advantage over Oklahoma veteran Tommy Biffle.
Most of the 102 anglers said they caught more fish and bigger fish Thursday compared to what they had during the three days of practice leading up to the tournament.
Kelly Jordon of Mineola, Texas, was third with 17-9, followed by Bernie Schultz of Gainesville, Fla., and Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., who were tied for fourth at 17-6. Four-time Bassmaster Classic winner Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo., was sixth at 16-13. The top pro wins $100,000.
Langill, who had fished the Potomac only once before -- as a co-angler -- said he stumbled on a promising pattern during practice.
"I picked up on a little deal," the 34-year-old Langill said. "I'm fishing main river grass beds, really isolated cover way off the bank that other people are overlooking. It seems the bigger fish come off these isolated areas.
"I've got guys fishing in front of me and behind me, but none of them are fishing where I am."
Biffle, the winner of the Elite Series tournament held on Oneida Lake last month, said the change in weather conditions from hot and sunny to wet and cloudy made him change his tactics.
"I had a slow practice," Biffle said, who joined the BASS millionaire's club in career earnings after his Oneida victory. "I had one place with a lot of bites and I thought they were small fish, but I went there to see if I could catch a limit. As soon as I got there, I changed baits [from what he used in practice] and caught all big fish. I had 10 or 12 fish and I didn't catch any that weren't keepers."
Jordon had the Purolator Big Bass of the Day at 5-12. Schultz was right behind him with a 5-10 that he caught on a HeadBanger buzzbait that he designed for Hildebrandt. Schultz also caught fish on a Dean Rojas Frog and a 5-inch Senko.
"It was a shock to me, believe me," said Schultz of the size of his stringer. "I would expect today to be a bonus day compared to what we saw in practice."
Virginian Mark Letosky led the co-angler standings with three fish weighing 10-11. Mike Frazier of Florida was second at 9-14, followed by Marty Scoggins of Georgia at 9-11, James Funk of Virginia at 9-2 and Josh Kolbinsky of Indiana at 8-14. The top co-angler after Saturday wins a Triton boat package valued at $45,000.
2006 Capitol Clash Pro 08/10-08/13
Potomac River, Charles County Md.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 18-01 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01
2. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 17-13 295
Day 1: 5 17-13
3. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 17-09 290 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-09
4. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 17-06 282
Day 1: 5 17-06
4. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 17-06 282
Day 1: 5 17-06
6. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 16-13 276
Day 1: 5 16-13
7. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 16-10 272
Day 1: 5 16-10
8. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 16-05 268
Day 1: 5 16-05
9. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 15-15 264
Day 1: 5 15-15
10. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 5 15-13 260
Day 1: 5 15-13
11. Gerald Swindle Warrioir, Ala. 5 15-09 257
Day 1: 5 15-09
12. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 15-01 254
Day 1: 5 15-01
13. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 14-08 251
Day 1: 5 14-08
14. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 14-06 248
Day 1: 5 14-06
15. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 14-05 245
Day 1: 5 14-05
16. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 5 13-12 243
Day 1: 5 13-12
17. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 13-10 240
Day 1: 5 13-10
17. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 5 13-10 240
Day 1: 5 13-10
19. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 13-09 237
Day 1: 5 13-09
20. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 13-06 234
Day 1: 5 13-06
20. Rick Morris Vigginia Beach, Va. 5 13-06 234
Day 1: 5 13-06
22. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 13-03 231
Day 1: 5 13-03
23. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 13-01 229
Day 1: 5 13-01
24. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 13-00 227
Day 1: 5 13-00
25. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 12-15 225
Day 1: 5 12-15
26. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 5 12-14 223
Day 1: 5 12-14
27. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 12-09 221
Day 1: 5 12-09
28. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 12-07 219
Day 1: 5 12-07
29. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 12-05 216
Day 1: 5 12-05
29. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 12-05 216
Day 1: 5 12-05
31. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 5 12-04 213
Day 1: 5 12-04
32. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 12-03 210
Day 1: 5 12-03
32. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 12-03 210
Day 1: 5 12-03
34. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 5 12-01 207
Day 1: 5 12-01
35. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 11-14 205
Day 1: 5 11-14
36. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 11-12 203
Day 1: 5 11-12
37. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 11-11 200
Day 1: 5 11-11
37. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 5 11-11 200
Day 1: 5 11-11
39. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 11-08 197
Day 1: 5 11-08
40. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 5 11-06 195
Day 1: 5 11-06
41. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 11-00 193
Day 1: 5 11-00
42. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 10-15 191
Day 1: 5 10-15
43. Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 5 10-12 189
Day 1: 5 10-12
44. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 10-11 187
Day 1: 5 10-11
45. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 10-10 185
Day 1: 5 10-10
46. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 5 10-07 181
Day 1: 5 10-07
46. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 10-07 181
Day 1: 5 10-07
46. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 5 10-07 181
Day 1: 5 10-07
49. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 10-06 177
Day 1: 5 10-06
50. Jarrett Edwards Page, Ariz. 5 10-03 174
Day 1: 5 10-03
50. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 10-03 174
Day 1: 5 10-03
52. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 9-13 171
Day 1: 5 9-13
53. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 9-08 168
Day 1: 5 9-08
53. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 9-08 168
Day 1: 5 9-08
55. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 5 9-05 165
Day 1: 5 9-05
56. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 9-02 163
Day 1: 5 9-02
57. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 4 9-01 161
Day 1: 4 9-01
58. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 5 9-00 159
Day 1: 5 9-00
59. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 8-13 157
Day 1: 5 8-13
60. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 8-11 155
Day 1: 5 8-11
61. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 8-08 153
Day 1: 5 8-08
62. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 5 8-06 150
Day 1: 5 8-06
62. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 8-06 150
Day 1: 5 8-06
64. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 8-01 147
Day 1: 5 8-01
65. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 4 7-15 145
Day 1: 4 7-15
66. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 4 7-12 143
Day 1: 4 7-12
67. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 7-11 141
Day 1: 5 7-11
68. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 5 7-10 139
Day 1: 5 7-10
69. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 4 7-09 137
Day 1: 4 7-09
70. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 7-08 135
Day 1: 5 7-08
71. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 7-02 132
Day 1: 5 7-02
71. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 3 7-02 132
Day 1: 3 7-02
73. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 5 7-01 129
Day 1: 5 7-01
74. Vince Hurtado Waterford, Calif. 5 6-11 127
Day 1: 5 6-11
75. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 6-10 124
Day 1: 5 6-10
75. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 5 6-10 124
Day 1: 5 6-10
77. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 3 6-09 121
Day 1: 3 6-09
78. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 4 6-06 119
Day 1: 4 6-06
79. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 4 6-05 117
Day 1: 4 6-05
80. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 3 6-04 115
Day 1: 3 6-04
81. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 3 6-03 113
Day 1: 3 6-03
82. Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 3 6-02 111
Day 1: 3 6-02
83. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 6-01 109
Day 1: 5 6-01
84. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 4 5-15 107
Day 1: 4 5-15
85. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 3 5-09 105
Day 1: 3 5-09
86. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 3 5-06 103
Day 1: 3 5-06
87. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 3 5-03 101
Day 1: 3 5-03
88. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 3 5-00 99
Day 1: 3 5-00
89. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 3 4-12 97
Day 1: 3 4-12
90. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 3 4-11 95
Day 1: 3 4-11
91. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 3 4-04 93
Day 1: 3 4-04
92. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 3 4-00 91
Day 1: 3 4-00
93. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 2 3-14 88
Day 1: 2 3-14
93. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 2 3-14 88
Day 1: 2 3-14
95. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 3 3-13 85
Day 1: 3 3-13
96. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 1 3-12 83
Day 1: 1 3-12
97. David Gliebe Benton, Ky. 1 3-10 81
Day 1: 1 3-10
98. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 3 3-09 79
Day 1: 3 3-09
99. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 1 2-05 77
Day 1: 1 2-05
100.Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 1 2-03 76
Day 1: 1 2-03
101.Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 2 1-12 75
Day 1: 2 1-12
102.Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Big Bass
Day
1 Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5-12 $1,000.00
Day
1 Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 18-01 $1,000.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 72 443 994-15
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72 443 994-15 2006 Capitol Clash NB 08/10-08/13
Potomac Ricer, Charles County Md.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Mark Letosky Warrenton, Va. 3 10-11 0
Day 1: 3 10-11
2. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 3 9-14 0
Day 1: 3 9-14
3. Marty Scoggins Trion, Ga. 3 9-11 0
Day 1: 3 9-11
4. James Funk Portsmouth, Va. 3 9-02 0
Day 1: 3 9-02
5. Josh Kolbinsky Lawrenceburg, Ind. 3 8-14 0
Day 1: 3 8-14
6. Ian Dunevant Baltimore, Md. 3 8-10 0
Day 1: 3 8-10
7. Donald Muir Nottingham, Md. 3 8-09 0
Day 1: 3 8-09
8. Mark Finley Palmyra, Va. 3 8-08 0
Day 1: 3 8-08
8. Chuck Solley Glen Burnie, Md. 3 8-08 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 8-08
10. Richard Roselle La Plata, Md. 3 8-06 0
Day 1: 3 8-06
10. Christopher Wyer Stafford, Va. 3 8-06 0
Day 1: 3 8-06
12. Mike Kenny Rockville, Md. 3 8-01 0
Day 1: 3 8-01
13. Michael Schmeltzer Akron, Ohio 3 7-11 0
Day 1: 3 7-11
14. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 3 7-09 0
Day 1: 3 7-09
14. Tom Mclean Reston, Va. 2 7-09 0
Day 1: 2 7-09
16. Wesley Hood Annandale, Va. 3 7-07 0
Day 1: 3 7-07
17. Chuck Rife Townsend, Del. 3 7-06 0
Day 1: 3 7-06
18. Ron Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 3 7-05 0
Day 1: 3 7-05
19. Andy Montgomery Grover, N.C. 3 7-04 0
Day 1: 3 7-04
20. Mike Acord Lancaster, Pa. 3 6-13 0
Day 1: 3 6-13
21. Ricky Bodsford Richmond, Va. 3 6-10 0
Day 1: 3 6-10
22. Kris Grice Woodbridge, Va. 3 6-06 0
Day 1: 3 6-06
22. Chad Hicks Rockville, Va. 3 6-06 0
Day 1: 3 6-06
24. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
24. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
26. Vic Hofer Chesapeake, Va. 3 6-02 0
Day 1: 3 6-02
27. Art Edsall Dunkirk, Md. 3 6-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-00
27. Jeff Williamson Kent, Ohio 3 6-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-00
29. Patrick Brown Swainsboro, Ga. 3 5-14 0
Day 1: 3 5-14
29. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 3 5-14 0
Day 1: 3 5-14
31. Rex Johnsonbaugh Altoona, Pa. 3 5-10 0
Day 1: 3 5-10
31. Craig Townsend Mount Holly, N.J. 3 5-10 0
Day 1: 3 5-10
33. Andrew Kuboff Poland, Ohio 3 5-09 0
Day 1: 3 5-09
34. Pat Eichmann Nancy, Ky. 3 5-08 0
Day 1: 3 5-08
35. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 2 5-07 0
Day 1: 2 5-07
36. David Printz Bryans Road, Md. 2 5-06 0
Day 1: 2 5-06
37. Scott Hale Wheelersburg, Ohio 2 5-03 0
Day 1: 2 5-03
38. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 3 5-02 0
Day 1: 3 5-02
39. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, Ariz. 3 5-00 0
Day 1: 3 5-00
39. Richard Witushynsky Gettysburg, Pa. 3 5-00 0
Day 1: 3 5-00
41. Mike Phillips Clayton, Del. 3 4-15 0
Day 1: 3 4-15
42. Tony Pratt Paso Robles, Calif. 3 4-14 0
Day 1: 3 4-14
43. Allan Engelmeyer Severn, Md. 3 4-12 0
Day 1: 3 4-12
43. Louis Kish Goshen, Conn. 3 4-12 0
Day 1: 3 4-12
45. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 3 4-09 0
Day 1: 3 4-09
46. Steve Tosh Modesto, Calif. 3 4-06 0
Day 1: 3 4-06
47. Tony Fraser Woodbridge, Va. 3 4-05 0
Day 1: 3 4-05
47. Daniel Williams Roanoke, Va. 3 4-05 0
Day 1: 3 4-05
47. Steven Demko Sterling, Va. 2 4-05 0
Day 1: 2 4-05
50. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 3 4-04 0
Day 1: 3 4-04
50. Anthony Roberts Virginia Beach, Va. 3 4-04 0
Day 1: 3 4-04
50. W.T. (William) Curd Chesterfield, Va. 2 4-04 0
Day 1: 2 4-04
53. Brian Wright Partlow, Va. 2 4-03 0
Day 1: 2 4-03
54. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 2 4-00 0
Day 1: 2 4-00
55. Michael Hammer Greenpond, N.J. 3 3-14 0
Day 1: 3 3-14
55. Jason Sherwood Damascus, Md. 3 3-14 0
Day 1: 3 3-14
57. Bill Adams Exeter, Calif. 3 3-13 0
Day 1: 3 3-13
57. Timothy Jones Baltimore, Md. 2 3-13 0
Day 1: 2 3-13
59. Geoffrey Evans Turnersville, N.J. 2 3-10 0
Day 1: 2 3-10
60. Tim Love Blairs, Va. 3 3-06 0
Day 1: 3 3-06
60. Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 2 3-06 0
Day 1: 2 3-06
62. Richard Addy Mechanicsville, Va. 3 3-05 0
Day 1: 3 3-05
62. Paul Morton Knightdale, N.C. 3 3-05 0
Day 1: 3 3-05
62. David Woodall Angier, N.C. 2 3-05 0
Day 1: 2 3-05
65. Bernard Springer Burke, Va. 2 3-04 0
Day 1: 2 3-04
66. Eddie Matteson Farmington, Mich. 1 3-03 0
Day 1: 1 3-03
67. Matt Amedeo Akron, Ohio 2 3-02 0
Day 1: 2 3-02
68. Bryan Miller Chesterfield, Va. 2 3-01 0
Day 1: 2 3-01
69. Lance Peck Tulsa, Okla. 3 2-14 0
Day 1: 3 2-14
69. Bruce Freeman Street, Md. 2 2-14 0
Day 1: 2 2-14
71. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 3 2-13 0
Day 1: 3 2-13
72. Douglas Mayo Odenton, Md. 2 2-12 0
Day 1: 2 2-12
73. Timothy Mick Chester, Va. 3 2-11 0
Day 1: 3 2-11
74. Chad Scroggs Temple Hills, Md. 3 2-10 0
Day 1: 3 2-10
75. Robert Vogelsang Jessup, Md. 2 2-07 0
Day 1: 2 2-07
76. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 2 2-03 0
Day 1: 2 2-03
76. Jeff Kashuba Stroudsburg, Pa. 1 2-03 0
Day 1: 1 2-03
78. Richard Nolan Ballston Spa, N.Y. 2 2-00 0
Day 1: 2 2-00
79. D J Bishop Verona, Pa. 1 1-15 0
Day 1: 1 1-15
80. Steven Brinster Highland Lakes, N.J. 1 1-14 0
Day 1: 1 1-14
81. Danny Lee Shanz Adamstown, Md. 2 1-13 0
Day 1: 2 1-13
82. Wayne Hauser Winston-Salem, N.C. 2 1-12 0
Day 1: 2 1-12
83. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 1 1-11 0
Day 1: 1 1-11
83. Walter Stringer Tallassee, Ala. 1 1-11 0
Day 1: 1 1-11
85. Michael Bass Austin, Texas 1 1-10 0
Day 1: 1 1-10
86. Shawn Huwar Fredericksburg, Va. 2 1-09 0
Day 1: 2 1-09
87. Joseph Brister Immokalee, Fla. 1 1-07 0
Day 1: 1 1-07
88. Bradley Glotfelty Brandywine, Md. 1 1-04 0
Day 1: 1 1-04
89. Danny Barrow Rocky Mountain, N.C. 1 1-00 0
Day 1: 1 1-00
90. Jimmy Swindle Gardendale, Ala. 1 0-12 0
Day 1: 1 0-12
91. Lee King Chesapeake, Va. 1 0-11 0
Day 1: 1 0-11
92. Vic Gauzza Fort Washington, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Doug Larson Suffolk, Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Steve Lozinsky Highland, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Doug Luper Alexandria, Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Jim Pearson Zellwood, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Jeffery Phipps Hughesville, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Richard Reed Front Royal, Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. William Sanders Baltimore, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Robert Sansone South Riding, Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Daniel Setteducati East Stroudsburg, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
92. Jock Waple Ashburn, Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Big Bass
Day
1 Chuck Solley Glen Burnie, Md. 5-02 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 56 226 436-06
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56 226 436-06