COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. - With a six-plus-pound lead heading into the final day of the Bassmaster Elite Series' Pride of Augusta, the bass fishing tournament was Davy Hite's to lose.
But the Ninety Six, S.C., resident fished a rock-steady final day, pulling in a limit of 15 pounds, 11 ounces to outlast closest competitor and Norman, Okla., angler Kenyon Hill. Hite took the tournament with a total of 71-12.
Although Hite utilized a productive pattern he developed at a 1983 BASS Federation Nation tournament almost exclusively during Days 2 and 3, it was a completely different pattern that led to his clinching the final day.
Hite, anticipating heavy cloud cover and gloomy skies on Sunday, switched his bait from a ½-ounce, brown-colored jig used on the first three days of competition to 4- and 5-inch swimbaits that mirrored the blueback herring that bass feed on at Clarks Hill this time of year.
"When you have a big lead like I did heading into the final day, you tend to panic if you don't get a limit early," Hite said, avoiding the behavior that often plagues amateur anglers. "So, even though I had developed that pattern earlier and utilized it effectively, I had the courage to put that rod down."
The tournament victory and handsome payoff signal yet another significant achievement in the month of May for the 1999 Bassmaster Classic champion. He will turn 41 on May 18 and won a Bassmaster Elite 50 tournament in May of 2005 on Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark., pocketing $100,000.
"My wife brought up how I do well in May not too long ago and I don't know what it is," Hite said. "I just wish I could fish like I do in May all the time."
Clarks Hill holds a special place in Hite's heart, as the sprawling fishery is just 40 minutes from his current residence and he has fished it more than 150 times. With the hometown connection, Hite's seventh BASS tournament win has special significance, the angler said.
"This is a cherished victory," said Hite, who embraced his youngest son, 9-year-old Peyton, when he won. "I see tons of faces in the crowd that I know and the hometown crowd is so supportive that it makes this win extra special."
Although Hill finished in a distant second, he had no regrets about the tournament. His run-and-gun approach netted him 62 pounds, 15 ounces of bass over the four days and he only lost one fish in the tournament.
"I had an awesome tournament," the Oklahoman said. "I fished as well as I know how to fish and I am ready to go for the rest of the year, especially the upcoming Major (Bassmaster Memorial, May 18-21; Fort Worth, Texas)."
Hill caught the biggest bass of the day, a 6-14 largemouth, that earned him the Purolator Big Bass of the Day and the $1,000 premium. The Bag of the Day went to Lake Wylie, S.C. resident Jason Quinn with a 15-12 limit.
Rounding out the top 12 was Quinn (60-10) in third; 1983 Kentucky Derby jockey Kevin Wirth (59-12) in fourth; Alabama's Randy Howell (58-7) in fifth; Missouri's Mark Tucker (57-0) in sixth; Californian Jared Lintner (55-7) in seventh; Floridian Peter Thliveros (55-2) in eighth; Oklahoman Jeff Reynolds (54-5) in ninth; Virginian John Crews (54-4) in 10th; 1993 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gary Klein (53-9) in 11th; and 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli (53-2) in 12th.
The top BASS anglers will visit Eagle Mountain Lake and Lake Worth in Texas on May 18-21 for the Bassmaster Memorial, which will award the winner $250,000 cash. The tournament will receive same-day coverage on ESPN2 on May 21 at 7 p.m. ET.
2006 Pride of Augusta Pro 05/04-05/07
Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County, Ga.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 20 71-12 315 $100,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 15-07 Day 4: 5 15-11
2. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 20 62-15 300 $32,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 9-15 Day 3: 5 18-00 Day 4: 5 13-03
3. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 20 60-10 290 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-09 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 12-10 Day 4: 5 15-12
4. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 20 59-12 285 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10 Day 2: 5 10-02 Day 3: 5 16-10 Day 4: 5 12-06
5. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 20 58-07 280 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 10-11 Day 3: 5 17-14 Day 4: 5 17-12
6. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 20 57-00 276 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 13-12 Day 4: 5 14-00
7. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 20 55-07 272 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 10-15 Day 4: 5 15-03
8. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 20 55-02 268 $14,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 12-14 Day 4: 5 13-15
9. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 20 54-05 264 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 16-10 Day 3: 5 10-09 Day 4: 5 9-14
10. John Crews Salem, Va. 20 54-04 260 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 15-14 Day 3: 5 9-03 Day 4: 5 10-07
11. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 20 53-09 257 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 5 11-02 Day 4: 5 10-11
12. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 20 53-02 254 $13,300.00
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 18-02 Day 4: 5 9-12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
4 Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 6-14 $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
4 Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 15-12 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 85 484 1143-13
2 77 460 1012-05
3 40 227 522-09
4 12 60 158-10
----------------------------------
214 1231 2837-05
2006 Pride of Augusta Co-angler 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Purolator 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
2006 Columbia County, GA - Pride of Augusta Pro Points After
Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County, Ga. Ending 05-07-2006, Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 1296
2 Greg Hackney La. 1238
3 John Crews Va. 1233
4 Steve Kennedy Ala. 1228
5 Dean Rojas Ariz. 1222
6 Gerald Swindle Ala. 1221
7 Kelly Jordon Texas 1176
8 Denny Brauer Mo. 1165
9 Kevin Wirth Ky. 1154
10 Jason Quinn S.C. 1146
11 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 1139
12 Terry Scroggins Fla. 1127
13 Aaron Martens Ala. 1119
14 Skeet Reese Calif. 1089
15 Mike Wurm Ark. 1082
16 Takahiro Omori Texas 1081
17 Tim Horton Ala. 1056
18 Russ Lane Ala. 1037
19 Kevin VanDam Mich. 1031
20 Peter Thliveros Fla. 1026
21 Mark Tucker Mo. 1013
22 Bill Lowen Ohio 1005
23 Gary Klein Texas 1000
24 Jared Lintner Calif. 995
25 Ishama Monroe Calif. 994
26 Edwin Evers Okla. 988
27 Kenyon Hill Okla. 979
28 William Smith, Jr Ky. 966
29 Alton Jones Texas 962
29 John Murray Ariz. 962
31 Preston Clark Fla. 956
32 Jimmy Mize Ark. 952
33 Matt Reed Texas 951
34 Zell Rowland Texas 943
35 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 942
36 Rick Clunn Mo. 941
37 Shaw Grigsby, Jr Fla. 938
38 Davy Hite S.C. 929
39 Todd Faircloth Texas 917
39 Randy Howell Ala. 917
39 Terry Butcher Okla. 917
42 Mark Tyler Ariz. 900
43 Bernie Schultz Fla. 897
44 Brooks Rogers Texas 893
45 Lee Bailey Ala. 886
46 Scott Rook Ark. 882
47 Mike McClelland Ark. 881
48 Jeff Kriet Okla. 873
49 Jarrett Edwards Ariz. 869
49 Stephen Browning Ark. 869
51 Ray Sedgwick S.C. 868
52 Tommy Biffle Okla. 862
53 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 858
54 Steve Daniel Fla. 856
55 Bradley Hallman Okla. 854
56 Britt Myers N.C. 853
57 Fred Roumbanis Calif. 849
58 Greg Gutierrez Calif. 848
59 Darrin Schwenkbeck Md. 830
60 Pete Ponds Miss. 822
61 Dave Wolak Pa. 817
62 Mark Menendez Ky. 804
63 Jon Bondy Canada 795
64 Paul Hirosky Pa. 785
65 Morizo Shimizu Calif. 779
66 Byron Velvick Nev. 778
67 Kevin Langill N.C. 773
67 Kotaro Kiriyama Ala. 773
69 Terry Segraves Fla. 749
70 Dave Smith Okla. 748
71 Mike Reynolds Calif. 747
72 Chris Lane Fla. 734
73 Jeff Connella La. 727
74 Paul Elias Miss. 722
74 Chad Brauer Mo. 722
76 Ken Cook Okla. 721
77 Brent Chapman Kan. 717
78 Marty Stone N.C. 705
79 Charlie Hartley Ohio 696
80 Bradley Stringer Texas 694
81 Jami Fralick S.D. 692
82 Keith Phillips Ala. 691
83 Bink Desaro Idaho 689
84 Vince Hurtado Calif. 688
85 Mike O'Shea Calif. 680
86 Kurt Dove Va. 673
86 Elton Luce Jr Texas 673
88 Joe Thomas Ohio 655
89 Rick Morris Va. 639
89 Kevin Short Ark. 639
89 Guy Eaker N.C. 639
92 Grant Goldbeck Md. 615
93 David Gliebe Ky. 592
94 Rick Ash Pa. 582
95 Mark Rogers Fla. 565
95 Charlie Youngers Fla. 565
97 Frank Scalish Ohio 552
98 Robert Hamilton Jr Tenn. 551
99 Charlie Weyer Calif. 547
100 Brian Snowden Mo. 539
101 Jimmy Houston Okla. 534
102 Doc Merkin Ill. 489
102 Randy Yarnall Pa. 489
104 Ken Brodeur Conn. 459
105 Conrad Picou La. 390
106 Dustin Wilks N.C. 151
2006 Horizon Award
After Columbia County, GA ending 05-07-2006, Day 4
---------------------------------------------------------
Place Name 2005 Finish 2006 Standings
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Denny Brauer 113 8
2 Brooks Rogers 139 44
3 Stephen Daniel 147 54
4 Yusuke Miyazaki 118 35
5 Fred Roumbanis 133 57
6 Ray Sedgwick 123 51
7 Bradley Stringer 151 80
8 Bink Desaro 149 83
9 Matt Reed 96 33
9 John Murray 92 29
11 Dean Rojas 67 5
11 Gary Klein 85 23
13 Grant Goldbeck 152 92
14 Peter E Thliveros 79 20
14 Kelly Jordon 66 7
16 Shaw E Grigsby, Jr 95 37
16 Byron Velvick 124 66
18 Pete Ponds 112 60
19 Elton Luce Jr 135 86
20 Gerald Swindle 53 6
21 Mike O'Shea 127 85
22 Randy Yarnall 141 102
23 Randy Howell 74 39
24 Ken Cook 110 76
25 Jason Quinn 43 10
26 Kenyon Hill 57 27
27 Zell Rowland 63 34
28 Charlie Weyer 122 99
28 Russell Lane 41 18
30 Joe Thomas 109 88
30 Terry Butcher 60 39
30 Mike McClelland 68 47
33 Mike Wurm 32 15
33 Takahiro Omori 33 16
35 John Crews 19 3
35 Davy Hite 54 38
35 Chad Brauer 90 74
35 Jimmy Houston 117 101
39 Jeff Reynolds 23 11
40 Stephen Browning 57 49
40 Morizo Shimizu 73 65
42 Michael Iaconelli 8 1
43 Kevin Wirth 14 9
43 Mark Rogers 100 95
45 Greg Hackney 5 2
45 Todd Faircloth 42 39
47 Mark Tyler 44 42
47 Lee Bailey 47 45
2006 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
After Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County, GA ending 05-07-2006, Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Steve Kennedy Ala. 1228
2 Bill Lowen Ohio 1005
3 Jared Lintner Calif. 995
4 William Smith, Jr Ky. 966
5 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 858
6 Bradley Hallman Okla. 854
7 Britt Myers N.C. 853
8 Darrin Schwenkbeck Md. 830
9 Jon Bondy Canada 795
10 Paul Hirosky Pa. 785
11 Kevin Langill N.C. 773
12 Chris Lane Fla. 734
13 Jeff Connella La. 727
14 Jami Fralick S.D. 692
15 Keith Phillips Ala. 691
16 Vince Hurtado Calif. 688
17 Kurt Dove Va. 673
18 Rick Ash Pa. 582
19 Doc Merkin Ill. 489
20 Ken Brodeur Conn. 459
21 Conrad Picou La. 390
Busch Heavy-Weight
After Columbia County, GA ending 05-07-2006, Day 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Place Name Body Of Water Day lbs-Ozs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Preston Clark Santee Cooper Reservoir, 1 39-06
2 Ishama Monroe Lake Amistad, Texas 3 34-01
3 Aaron Martens Santee Cooper Reservoir, 4 32-10
4 Mike Wurm Santee Cooper Reservoir, 3 32-04
5 Kevin Wirth Santee Cooper Reservoir, 2 31-15
6 Jimmy Mize Lake Amistad, Texas 2 31-14
7 Ken Cook Lake Amistad, Texas 1 31-10
8 Fred Roumbanis Lake Amistad, Texas 4 28-01
9 Greg Hackney Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas 1 22-02
10 Michael Iaconelli Lake Guntersville, Ala. 2 22-01