COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. - A pair of crafty veterans sit atop the leaderboard after Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series' Pride of Augusta bass fishing tournament on Clarks Hill Lake. Capitalizing on a productive and early top-water bite, Norman, Okla., angler Kenyon Hill vaulted to the head of the class after catching 21 pounds, 13 ounces on the first day. Hill holds a slight 4-ounce margin over closest competitor and fellow veteran Floridian Steve Daniel (21-9).
Employing a run-and-gun style, Hill stopped at every point that looked productive, made a few casts and then moved on if he didn't find a bite. The 41-year-old caught 20 keeper-size bass, he said.
"I burned up a lot of fuel today and at nearly $3 a gallon, that is an expensive deal," the affable Hill joked. "I learned a lot about the fishery today and I just hope to eliminate the places that didn't produce."
Like most of the field, Hill used top water lures early in the morning but, playing it close to the vest, he would not reveal his choice of lure. "I don't want to let the cat out of the bag early," said Hill, "I will let you know more on Sunday."
Hill, who has fished BASS since 1986, has amassed nearly $600,000 in total winnings. The Elite Series champion prize money of $100,000 would significantly boost his total.
Daniel, a BASS veteran of 23 years, also took advantage of an early top water bite on his way to his five-bass limit. "It was just a great day, a really fun day," he said. "I used jerk baits and top water baits and just went power fishing, which is the style I perform best."
Daniel reached way back in the tackle box for his top water bait of choice, a Bagley Bang-O-Lure plug. He estimated the lure is close to 30 years old, but it produces whenever the top water bite is on, according to Daniel. He boated the majority of his keeper fish on the vintage lure.
Rounding out the top five were ex-Kentucky Derby jockey Kevin Wirth (20-10), followed by South Carolina's Jason Quinn (20-9) and Davy Hite (20-1).
On the co-angler side, Michigan's David Clark (12-13) leads in the chase for a fully-rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000, followed by the Peach State's Jon Stringfield (10-7) and North Carolina's Mike Kirkley (9-2).
2006 Pride of Augusta Pro 05/04-05/07
Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County Ga.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 21-13 305
Day 1: 5 21-13
2. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 21-09 295
Day 1: 5 21-09
3. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 20-10 290
Day 1: 5 20-10
4. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 5 20-09 285
Day 1: 5 20-09
5. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 20-01 280
Day 1: 5 20-01
6. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 18-15 276
Day 1: 5 18-15
7. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 18-12 272
Day 1: 5 18-12
8. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 5 17-09 268
Day 1: 5 17-09
9. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 17-06 264
Day 1: 5 17-06
10. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 17-04 260
Day 1: 5 17-04
11. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 16-12 257
Day 1: 5 16-12
12. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 16-01 254
Day 1: 5 16-01
13. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 15-11 251
Day 1: 5 15-11
14. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 5 15-07 248
Day 1: 5 15-07
15. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 5 15-06 245
Day 1: 5 15-06
16. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 15-05 243
Day 1: 5 15-05
17. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 14-15 241
Day 1: 5 14-15
18. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 14-10 239
Day 1: 5 14-10
19. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 14-00 237
Day 1: 5 14-00
20. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 4 13-15 235
Day 1: 4 13-15
21. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 5 13-13 233
Day 1: 5 13-13
22. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 13-12 231
Day 1: 5 13-12
23. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 13-11 228
Day 1: 5 13-11
23. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 5 13-11 228
Day 1: 5 13-11
25. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 5 13-09 225
Day 1: 5 13-09
26. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 13-07 223
Day 1: 5 13-07
27. Vince Hurtado Waterford, Calif. 5 13-04 220
Day 1: 5 13-04
27. Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 5 13-04 220
Day 1: 5 13-04
29. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 13-01 217
Day 1: 5 13-01
30. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 12-10 215
Day 1: 5 12-10
31. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 12-07 213
Day 1: 5 12-07
32. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 5 12-05 211
Day 1: 5 12-05
33. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 12-04 209
Day 1: 5 12-04
34. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 12-02 205
Day 1: 5 12-02
34. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 12-02 205
Day 1: 5 12-02
34. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 12-02 205
Day 1: 5 12-02
37. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 11-15 200
Day 1: 5 11-15
37. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 5 11-15 200
Day 1: 5 11-15
39. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 11-10 196
Day 1: 5 11-10
39. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 11-10 196
Day 1: 5 11-10
41. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 11-09 193
Day 1: 5 11-09
42. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 5 11-08 190
Day 1: 5 11-08
42. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 5 11-08 190
Day 1: 5 11-08
44. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 11-07 187
Day 1: 5 11-07
45. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 5 11-06 183
Day 1: 5 11-06
45. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 11-06 183
Day 1: 5 11-06
45. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 5 11-06 183
Day 1: 5 11-06
48. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 11-04 178
Day 1: 5 11-04
48. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 5 11-04 178
Day 1: 5 11-04
50. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 11-03 175
Day 1: 5 11-03
51. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 11-02 170
Day 1: 5 11-02
51. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 11-02 170
Day 1: 5 11-02
51. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 5 11-02 170
Day 1: 5 11-02
51. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 11-02 170
Day 1: 5 11-02
55. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 5 10-13 165
Day 1: 5 10-13
56. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 10-12 162
Day 1: 5 10-12
56. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 10-12 162
Day 1: 5 10-12
58. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 10-11 158
Day 1: 5 10-11
58. Gerald Swindle Warrioir, Ala. 5 10-11 158
Day 1: 5 10-11
60. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 10-04 155
Day 1: 5 10-04
61. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 5 10-03 153
Day 1: 5 10-03
62. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 5 10-01 150
Day 1: 5 10-01
62. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 10-01 150
Day 1: 5 10-01
64. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 10-00 147
Day 1: 5 10-00
65. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 5 9-12 144
Day 1: 5 9-12
65. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 5 9-12 144
Day 1: 5 9-12
67. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 9-09 141
Day 1: 5 9-09
68. Brooks Rogers Quitman, Texas 5 9-01 138
Day 1: 5 9-01
68. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 4 9-01 138
Day 1: 4 9-01
70. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 9-00 132
Day 1: 5 9-00
70. David Gliebe Benton, Ky. 5 9-00 132
Day 1: 5 9-00
70. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 9-00 132
Day 1: 5 9-00
70. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 3 9-00 132
Day 1: 3 9-00
74. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 4 8-13 127
Day 1: 4 8-13
75. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 8-12 125
Day 1: 5 8-12
76. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 5 8-11 123
Day 1: 5 8-11
77. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 8-09 120
Day 1: 5 8-09
77. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 5 8-09 120
Day 1: 5 8-09
79. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 4 8-08 117
Day 1: 4 8-08
80. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 5 8-07 115
Day 1: 5 8-07
81. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 5 8-03 113
Day 1: 5 8-03
82. Conrad Picou Scott, La. 5 7-13 110
Day 1: 5 7-13
82. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 4 7-13 110
Day 1: 4 7-13
84. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 7-12 107
Day 1: 5 7-12
85. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 3 7-10 105
Day 1: 3 7-10
86. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 2 7-04 103
Day 1: 2 7-04
87. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 5 7-01 100
Day 1: 5 7-01
87. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 5 7-01 100
Day 1: 5 7-01
89. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 5 6-08 97
Day 1: 5 6-08
90. Charlie Youngers Oviedo, Fla. 5 6-07 95
Day 1: 5 6-07
91. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 6-06 93
Day 1: 5 6-06
92. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 5 5-14 91
Day 1: 5 5-14
93. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 5-12 88
Day 1: 5 5-12
93. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 2 5-12 88
Day 1: 2 5-12
95. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 2 5-10 85
Day 1: 2 5-10
96. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 4 5-09 83
Day 1: 4 5-09
97. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 4 5-06 81
Day 1: 4 5-06
98. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 4 3-15 78
Day 1: 4 3-15
98. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 3 3-15 78
Day 1: 3 3-15
100.Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 2 3-11 76
Day 1: 2 3-11
101.Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 4 3-07 75
Day 1: 4 3-07
102.Jarrett Edwards Page, Ariz. 3 3-01 74
Day 1: 3 3-01
103.Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 2 2-12 73
Day 1: 2 2-12
104.Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 1 1-14 72
Day 1: 1 1-14
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 85 484 1143-13
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85 484 1143-13
2006 Pride of Augusta NB 05/04-05/07
Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County Ga.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. David Clark Edwardsburg, Mich. 3 12-13 0
Day 1: 3 12-13
2. Jon Stringfield Evans, Ga. 3 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 10-07
3. Mike Kirkley Charlotte, N.C. 3 9-02 0
Day 1: 3 9-02
4. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 3 8-04 0
Day 1: 3 8-04
5. Steven Williams Columbus, Miss. 3 7-11 0
Day 1: 3 7-11
6. Derrick Bridges Greenville, S.C. 3 7-09 0
Day 1: 3 7-09
7. Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 3 7-06 0
Day 1: 3 7-06
7. Jerry Shawver St Augustine, Fla. 3 7-06 0
Day 1: 3 7-06
9. Sean Ravenscroft North Augusta, S.C. 3 7-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-02
10. Bart Blackburn North Augusta, S.C. 3 6-11 0
Day 1: 3 6-11
11. Howard Halcomb Graniteville, S.C. 3 6-08 0
Day 1: 3 6-08
12. Chris Gould Martinez, Ga. 3 6-05 0
Day 1: 3 6-05
13. Donald Miller Martinez, Ga. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
13. David Whyte Augusta, Ga. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
13. John Yarbrough Columbia, S.C. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
16. Travis Allen Greenwood, S.C. 3 6-03 0
Day 1: 3 6-03
16. Craig Degrenier Lawrenceville, Ga. 3 6-03 0
Day 1: 3 6-03
16. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 3 6-03 0
Day 1: 3 6-03
19. Gary Abernethy Skyland, N.C. 3 6-01 0
Day 1: 3 6-01
20. Wesley Story Grovetown, Ga. 3 6-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-00
21. Ed Amos Dalton, Ga. 1 5-13 0
Day 1: 1 5-13
22. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 3 5-03 0
Day 1: 3 5-03
22. Richard Bradshaw Augusta, Ga. 2 5-03 0
Day 1: 2 5-03
22. Tony Postell Appling, Ga. 2 5-03 0
Day 1: 2 5-03
25. Ralph Barbee Evans, Ga. 3 5-02 0
Day 1: 3 5-02
26. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 3 5-01 0
Day 1: 3 5-01
27. David Rush Summerville, S.C. 3 4-15 0
Day 1: 3 4-15
28. Barry Moss North Augusta, S.C. 3 4-13 0
Day 1: 3 4-13
28. Al Odom Irmo, S.C. 2 4-13 0
Day 1: 2 4-13
30. Craig Sowinski Martinez, Ga. 3 4-11 0
Day 1: 3 4-11
31. Lane Wright Loganville, Ga. 3 4-10 0
Day 1: 3 4-10
32. Kerry Partain Elberton, Ga. 3 4-08 0
Day 1: 3 4-08
32. Sammy Landrum Appling, Ga. 2 4-08 0
Day 1: 2 4-08
34. Bob Sanders Ulmer, S.C. 3 4-06 0
Day 1: 3 4-06
35. Dennis Henderson Ware Shoals, S.C. 3 4-04 0
Day 1: 3 4-04
36. Mike Barron Midland, Texas 3 4-03 0
Day 1: 3 4-03
37. James Anderson Miami, Fla. 3 4-00 0
Day 1: 3 4-00
38. Ed O'Neal Evans, Ga. 2 3-14 0
Day 1: 2 3-14
38. Charles Fulghum Aiken, S.C. 1 3-14 0
Day 1: 1 3-14
40. Johnny Urbon Laurens, S.C. 3 3-13 0
Day 1: 3 3-13
41. Bradley Johns Jacksonville, Fla. 3 3-12 0
Day 1: 3 3-12
42. Dennis Andersen Wellington, Fla. 1 3-11 0
Day 1: 1 3-11
42. Frank Picha Akron, Ohio 1 3-11 0
Day 1: 1 3-11
44. Michael Head Johnson City, Tenn. 3 3-10 0
Day 1: 3 3-10
45. Wayne Pomeroy Wellington, Fla. 2 3-09 0
Day 1: 2 3-09
46. Nick Chinuntdet Powder Springs, Ga. 3 3-08 0
Day 1: 3 3-08
46. William Davis Sumter, S.C. 3 3-08 0
Day 1: 3 3-08
46. David Hendrick Cherryville, N.C. 3 3-08 0
Day 1: 3 3-08
49. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 3 3-07 0
Day 1: 3 3-07
49. Billy Black Evans, Ga. 2 3-07 0
Day 1: 2 3-07
51. Billy Pitts Greenwood, S.C. 3 3-04 0
Day 1: 3 3-04
52. Bill Williams Corbin, Ky. 1 3-02 0
Day 1: 1 3-02
53. Charles Bowman Kernersville, N.C. 3 3-01 0
Day 1: 3 3-01
53. Kenny Sapp Social Circle, Ga. 2 3-01 0
Day 1: 2 3-01
55. Bill Mallett N Augusta, Ga. 2 3-00 0
Day 1: 2 3-00
56. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 3 2-14 0
Day 1: 3 2-14
56. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 1 2-14 0
Day 1: 1 2-14
58. Marvin Hughes Ft Gordon, Ga. 2 2-13 0
Day 1: 2 2-13
59. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 3 2-11 0
Day 1: 3 2-11
59. Charles Harris Appling, Ga. 2 2-11 0
Day 1: 2 2-11
59. William Todd Elmvale, Canada 1 2-11 0
Day 1: 1 2-11
62. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 1 2-08 0
Day 1: 1 2-08
63. Jim Capps Thomasville, Ga. 2 2-07 0
Day 1: 2 2-07
64. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 3 2-06 0
Day 1: 3 2-06
65. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 2 2-02 0
Day 1: 2 2-02
66. Richard Coldiron Somerset, Ky. 1 2-00 0
Day 1: 1 2-00
67. Chris Heath North Augusta, S.C. 2 1-15 0
Day 1: 2 1-15
68. Donald Canova Marietta, Ga. 2 1-14 0
Day 1: 2 1-14
68. Jason Goude Georgetown, S.C. 2 1-14 0
Day 1: 2 1-14
70. Jason Sowinski Evans, Ga. 2 1-13 0
Day 1: 2 1-13
71. Steve Denton Science Hill, Ky. 1 1-10 0
Day 1: 1 1-10
72. William O'Dell Hodges, S.C. 1 1-09 0
Day 1: 1 1-09
73. Pat (David) Ellis North Augusta, S.C. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
73. Bill Huston Sunset, S.C. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
75. Mark Shaw Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla 1 1-07 0
Day 1: 1 1-07
76. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 1 1-05 0
Day 1: 1 1-05
76. Chris Tanner Sandersville, Ga. 1 1-05 0
Day 1: 1 1-05
78. Scott Bussey Grovetown, Ga. 1 1-03 0
Day 1: 1 1-03
78. Daniel Roberts Hephzibah, Ga. 1 1-03 0
Day 1: 1 1-03
78. Phil Sanders Hoschton, Ga. 1 1-03 0
Day 1: 1 1-03
81. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 1 1-02 0
Day 1: 1 1-02
82. Jeff Cloud Pampa, Texas 1 1-00 0
Day 1: 1 1-00
82. Tony Tokar Lincolnton, Ga. 1 1-00 0
Day 1: 1 1-00
84. Brad Smith Clarks Hill, S.C. 1 0-15 0
Day 1: 1 0-15
85. Bill Adams Exeter, Calif. 1 0-14 0
Day 1: 1 0-14
85. Andre Yancy Martinez, Ga. 1 0-14 0
Day 1: 1 0-14
87. Rob Whisenant Aiken, S.C. 1 0-13 0
Day 1: 1 0-13
88. Dennis Smith Evans, Ga. 1 0-12 0
Day 1: 1 0-12
89. David Dill N Augusta, S.C. 1 0-11 0
Day 1: 1 0-11
90. Allen Burkhalter Columbus, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Robert Byrum Charlotte, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. L. E. Clark Palatka, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Mitchell Cook Drexel, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. William Crompton Evans, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Mary Delgado Tampa, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Dennis Flynn Cleveland, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Brent Jackson North Augusta, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Scott Mcgregor Warrenville, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Sam Mize Muscle Shoals, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. JP Perkins Columbus, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Richard Phillips Asheville, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. Walter Stringer Tallassee, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. John Vanderwerf Atlantic Beach, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
90. John Winkler Evans, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 44 194 348-01
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44 194 348-01