COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. - An armada of more than 30 spectator boats watched Davy Hite dominate the hard-to-tame Clarks Hill Lake for the third consecutive bass fishing tournament day on Saturday. At the end of Day 3, the Ninety Six, S.C. resident - who lives just 40 minutes from the sprawling reservoir and has fished it more than 150 times - had 56 pounds, 1 ounce, as well as a six-plus-pound lead over Norman, Okla., angler and Day 1 leader Kenyon Hill (49-12).
Spurred on by a rally of enthusiastic hometown cheers at the weigh-in and a myriad of spectator boats on the water, Hite has kept the lead with a vintage pattern he developed at a 1983 BASS Federation Nation team tournament, putting him one step closer to the Pride of Augusta's $100,000 top prize.
"All of these fans and the local support just feels great," Hite said, who has amassed more than $1 million in BASS tournament earnings. "I fished very patient today and I am happy with my production, but tommorrow is another day."
Hite has credited his choice of bait as the most important factor in enticing the Clarks Hill bass, but for obvious reasons, has kept the details all to himself. "I am going to tie that bait on once again tommorrow," Hite said, brimming with confidence. "It's funny how I try to keep the details hidden and all of the sudden, I see other guys fishing with the same bait. Word always gets around somehow."
Hite, who turns 41 on May 18, already is one of the most decorated anglers in BASS history. His resume includes two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles and a 1999 Bassmaster Classic title, but the angler credits a 1996 Classic folly - in which he finished second - as the driving force behind his success.
"I found out that winning opportunities don't come around often so you have to capitalize and really focus," he said.
While Hite has built a commanding lead, it is far from insurmountable. The nearest challenger, Hill, has stuck with a run-and-gun type pattern over the course of three days. Hill found a productive area but failed to execute on Friday, falling to sixth place. He recovered nicely on Saturday with a 18-pound bag.
Simplifying his approach, Hill remained patient Saturday using slow-moving baits.
"I had a terrible day yesterday," Hill said. "I didn't make the right adjustments, but I simplified my tackle and just went fishing today."
Meanwhile, 1981 Kentucky Derby jockey Kevin Wirth sat in third place with 47-6. The annual Run for the Roses takes place tonight, but the 1981 Mythical Ruler rider had his sights set on a different crown.
"I am still in this thing," Wirth said, despite trailing by more than 8 pounds. "If I am fishing in the tournament, I always have a chance."
Also qualifying for the Elite 12 and fishing on Sunday are Palmetto State's Jason Quinn (44-14); Oklahoma's Jeff Reynolds (44-7); Virginia's John Crews (43-13); Michael Iaconelli (43-6), winner of the last Elite Series event; Missouri's Mark Tucker (43-0); 1993 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gary Klein (42-14); Floridian Peter Thliveros (41-3); Alabama's Randy Howell (40-11); and Californian Jared Lintner (40-4).
On the co-angler side, the Palmetto State's Howard Halcomb held on to a Day 2 lead to capture the coveted title and a Triton boat package valued at $45,000 on Saturday with a three-day weight of 24-8.Halcomb beat out North Carolina's Gary Abernethy (21-11) and the Peach State's Ed Amos (21-5).
2006 Pride of Augusta Pro 05/04-05/07
Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County Ga.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 15 56-01 310
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 15-07
2. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 15 49-12 300 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 9-15 Day 3: 5 18-00
3. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 15 47-06 290
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 10-02 Day 3: 5 16-10
4. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 15 44-14 285
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 12-10
5. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 15 44-07 280
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 5 10-09
6. John Crews Salem, Va. 15 43-13 276
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 5 9-03
7. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 15 43-06 272 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 18-02
8. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 15 43-00 268
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 13-12
9. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 15 42-14 264
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 11-02
10. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville , Fla. 15 41-03 260
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 12-14
11. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 15 40-11 257 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 10-11 Day 3: 5 17-14
12. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 15 40-04 254
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 10-15
13. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 15 40-03 251 $10,800.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 9-15 Day 3: 5 14-13
14. Gerald Swindle Warrioir, Ala. 15 40-00 248 $10,700.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 12-13 Day 3: 5 16-08
15. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 15 39-13 245 $10,600.00
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 13-07 Day 3: 5 15-02
16. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 15 39-07 243 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 7-06 Day 3: 5 16-00
17. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 15 39-06 241 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 9-03 Day 3: 5 16-12
18. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 15 38-15 239 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 11-13 Day 3: 5 8-03
19. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 15 38-10 237 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 14-07
20. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 15 38-07 234 $10,375.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 10-09 Day 3: 5 10-08
20. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 15 38-07 234 $10,375.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 14-07 Day 3: 5 12-01
22. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 14 38-03 231 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 21-09 Day 2: 5 9-05 Day 3: 4 7-05
23. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 14 37-13 229 $11,250.00
Day 1: 4 13-15 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 9-11
24. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 12 37-04 227 $12,250.00
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 21-10 Day 3: 2 1-13
25. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 14 36-14 225 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 16-12 Day 3: 4 8-11
26. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 15 36-06 223 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 10-14 Day 3: 5 10-02
27. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 15 36-05 221 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 15-13 Day 3: 5 8-14
28. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 15 35-10 219 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 9-05
29. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 15 35-09 216 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 9-09
29. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 15 35-09 216 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 11-07
31. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 15 35-03 213 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 12-03 Day 3: 5 12-05
32. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 15 35-00 211 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 9-08 Day 3: 5 13-04
33. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 15 34-12 209 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 8-09 Day 2: 5 15-05 Day 3: 5 10-14
34. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 15 34-09 206 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 6-06 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 11-03
34. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 15 34-09 206 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 10-09
36. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 15 33-09 203 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 14-08 Day 3: 5 7-15
37. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 14 33-05 201 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 4 9-11
38. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 12 32-13 199 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 17-08 Day 3: 2 2-11
39. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 15 32-12 197 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 12-14 Day 3: 5 9-02
40. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 15 32-04 195 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 10-13 Day 3: 5 6-08
41. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 15 32-02 192 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 11-00 Day 3: 5 9-12
41. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 13 32-02 192 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 14-15 Day 3: 3 5-09
43. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 15 31-10 189 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 5 9-03
44. Brooks Rogers Quitman, Texas 12 31-02 187 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 9-01 Day 2: 4 13-04 Day 3: 3 8-13
45. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 15 30-15 185 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 9-10 Day 3: 5 8-14
46. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 12 30-06 183 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 8-15 Day 3: 2 5-12
47. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 15 27-09 181 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 7-15 Day 3: 5 5-14
48. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 11 26-04 179 $10,000.00
Day 1: 4 8-13 Day 2: 5 13-02 Day 3: 2 4-05
49. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 11 22-05 177 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 11-03 Day 3: 1 0-15
50. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 15 22-04 175 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 10-07 Day 3: 5 1-01
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 6-11 $1,000.00
2 Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 7-06 $1,000.00
3 Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 6-05 $1,000.00
Busch Heavyweight
Day
1 Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 21-13 $1,000.00
2 Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 21-10 $1,000.00
3 Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 18-02 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 85 484 1143-13
2 77 460 1012-05
3 40 227 522-09
----------------------------------
202 1171 2678-11
2006 Pride of Augusta NB 05/04-05/07
Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County Ga.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Howard Halcomb Graniteville, S.C. 9 24-08 0 $45,000.00
Day 1: 3 6-08 Day 2: 3 9-03 Day 3: 3 8-13
2. Gary Abernethy Skyland, N.C. 9 21-11 0 $25,000.00
Day 1: 3 6-01 Day 2: 3 7-01 Day 3: 3 8-09
3. Ed Amos Dalton, Ga. 7 21-05 0 $10,500.00
Day 1: 1 5-13 Day 2: 3 5-08 Day 3: 3 10-00
4. Bart Blackburn North Augusta, S.C. 9 18-01 0 $5,000.00
Day 1: 3 6-11 Day 2: 3 4-08 Day 3: 3 6-14
5. Jerry Shawver St Augustine, Fla. 9 17-11 0 $4,000.00
Day 1: 3 7-06 Day 2: 3 6-09 Day 3: 3 3-12
6. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 9 17-10 0 $3,000.00
Day 1: 3 6-03 Day 2: 3 6-14 Day 3: 3 4-09
7. Jon Stringfield Evans, Ga. 6 17-08 0 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 10-07 Day 2: 2 2-13 Day 3: 1 4-04
8. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 8 17-05 0 $1,900.00
Day 1: 3 2-14 Day 2: 3 7-14 Day 3: 2 6-09
8. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 7 17-05 0 $1,900.00
Day 1: 3 8-04 Day 2: 3 6-11 Day 3: 1 2-06
10. Wesley Story Grovetown, Ga. 9 17-01 0 $1,600.00
Day 1: 3 6-00 Day 2: 3 4-13 Day 3: 3 6-04
11. Daniel Roberts Hephzibah, Ga. 7 16-08 0 $1,400.00
Day 1: 1 1-03 Day 2: 3 6-08 Day 3: 3 8-13
12. Charles Fulghum Aiken, S.C. 7 16-05 0 $1,300.00
Day 1: 1 3-14 Day 2: 3 5-11 Day 3: 3 6-12
13. John Yarbrough Columbia, S.C. 9 16-04 0 $1,200.00
Day 1: 3 6-04 Day 2: 3 3-08 Day 3: 3 6-08
14. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 7 15-14 0 $1,100.00
Day 1: 1 1-02 Day 2: 3 7-02 Day 3: 3 7-10
15. Derrick Bridges Greenville, S.C. 6 15-07 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 7-09 Day 2: 2 5-14 Day 3: 1 2-00
16. Chris Gould Martinez, Ga. 8 15-04 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 6-05 Day 2: 2 3-11 Day 3: 3 5-04
17. David Rush Summerville, S.C. 8 15-00 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 4-15 Day 2: 2 3-05 Day 3: 3 6-12
17. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 7 15-00 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 1 2-08 Day 2: 3 8-08 Day 3: 3 4-00
19. Chris Heath North Augusta, S.C. 7 14-09 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 2 1-15 Day 2: 2 5-12 Day 3: 3 6-14
20. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 8 14-08 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 5-03 Day 2: 2 2-10 Day 3: 3 6-11
21. Al Odom Irmo, S.C. 8 14-03 0 $900.00
Day 1: 2 4-13 Day 2: 3 5-03 Day 3: 3 4-03
22. David Clark Edwardsburg, Mich. 6 14-02 0 $1,400.00
Day 1: 3 12-13 Day 2: 1 1-05 Day 3: 2 0-00
23. Mike Kirkley Charlotte, N.C. 6 14-00 0 $900.00
Day 1: 3 9-02 Day 2: 1 2-05 Day 3: 2 2-09
24. Donald Miller Martinez, Ga. 7 13-11 0 $900.00
Day 1: 3 6-04 Day 2: 2 3-01 Day 3: 2 4-06
25. Bob Sanders Ulmer, S.C. 8 13-06 0 $900.00
Day 1: 3 4-06 Day 2: 2 3-02 Day 3: 3 5-14
26. Sean Ravenscroft North Augusta, S.C. 8 13-05 0
Day 1: 3 7-02 Day 2: 2 2-01 Day 3: 3 4-02
26. Bradley Johns Jacksonville, Fla. 8 13-05 0
Day 1: 3 3-12 Day 2: 2 3-13 Day 3: 3 5-12
28. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 7 13-03 0
Day 1: 1 1-05 Day 2: 3 6-14 Day 3: 3 5-00
29. David Whyte Augusta, Ga. 7 13-02 0
Day 1: 3 6-04 Day 2: 3 5-11 Day 3: 1 1-03
29. Scott Bussey Grovetown, Ga. 4 13-02 0 $500.00
Day 1: 1 1-03 Day 2: 3 11-15 Day 3: 0 0-00
31. Steven Williams Columbus, Miss. 8 13-01 0
Day 1: 3 7-11 Day 2: 2 1-15 Day 3: 3 3-07
32. David Hendrick Cherryville, N.C. 9 12-15 0
Day 1: 3 3-08 Day 2: 3 3-07 Day 3: 3 6-00
33. Dennis Andersen Wellington, Fla. 7 12-11 0
Day 1: 1 3-11 Day 2: 3 4-07 Day 3: 3 4-09
34. William Davis Sumter, S.C. 8 12-05 0
Day 1: 3 3-08 Day 2: 3 6-09 Day 3: 2 2-04
35. Craig Sowinski Martinez, Ga. 8 11-15 0
Day 1: 3 4-11 Day 2: 3 4-09 Day 3: 2 2-11
35. Sammy Landrum Appling, Ga. 7 11-15 0
Day 1: 2 4-08 Day 2: 3 5-07 Day 3: 2 2-00
37. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 9 11-12 0
Day 1: 3 3-07 Day 2: 3 4-08 Day 3: 3 3-13
38. Johnny Urbon Laurens, S.C. 6 11-10 0
Day 1: 3 3-13 Day 2: 3 7-13 Day 3: 0 0-00
38. L. E. Clark Palatka, Fla. 6 11-10 0
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 7-03 Day 3: 3 4-07
40. Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 4 11-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-06 Day 2: 1 3-12 Day 3: 0 0-00
41. Travis Allen Greenwood, S.C. 7 11-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-03 Day 2: 3 3-11 Day 3: 1 1-02
42. Billy Black Evans, Ga. 6 10-14 0
Day 1: 2 3-07 Day 2: 3 6-05 Day 3: 1 1-02
43. Nick Chinuntdet Powder Springs, Ga. 6 10-12 0
Day 1: 3 3-08 Day 2: 3 7-04 Day 3: 0 0-00
44. Craig Degrenier Lawrenceville, Ga. 7 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 6-03 Day 2: 2 2-05 Day 3: 2 1-15
45. Bill Williams Corbin, Ky. 5 10-04 0
Day 1: 1 3-02 Day 2: 2 3-14 Day 3: 2 3-04
46. Tony Postell Appling, Ga. 5 10-02 0
Day 1: 2 5-03 Day 2: 1 1-15 Day 3: 2 3-00
47. Dennis Henderson Ware Shoals, S.C. 7 10-01 0
Day 1: 3 4-04 Day 2: 3 5-00 Day 3: 1 0-13
48. Barry Moss North Augusta, S.C. 6 9-12 0
Day 1: 3 4-13 Day 2: 3 4-15 Day 3: 0 0-00
49. James Anderson Miami, Fla. 6 9-04 0
Day 1: 3 4-00 Day 2: 2 3-03 Day 3: 1 2-01
50. Pat (David) Ellis North Augusta, S.C. 4 8-01 0
Day 1: 1 1-08 Day 2: 3 6-09 Day 3: 0 0-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 David Clark Edwardsburg, Mich. 7-14 $500.00
2 Scott Bussey Grovetown, Ga. 7-09 $500.00
3 Ed Amos Dalton, Ga. 6-04 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 44 194 348-01
2 41 190 345-13
3 26 106 198-13
----------------------------------
111 490 892-11