MANNING, S.C. - Preston Clark, who took the Santee Cooper Showdown bass fishing tournament on Santee Cooper Reservoir on Sunday with a record-breaking 115 pounds, 15 ounces, said he won the event because of an unlikely aid: Bassmaster magazine. This was Clark's first visit to the productive reservoir and to prepare, the 41-year-old researched the waters by reading an issue of Bassmaster that documented a similar win by Kelly Jordon in 2004.
The legwork catapulted the Palatka, Fla., pro to his unprecedented four-day total weight, which was enough to win the tournament and the $100,000 top prize as well as shatter the BASS record for the heaviest four-day catch by more than 7 pounds.
Clark's record-breaking day can be seen on The Bassmasters on ESPN2 Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m. ET.
"I was thinking of bringing that edition on stage with me because it certainly contributed to this win," said Clark, who captured his first BASS win on Sunday. "I am still new to the sport at this level and this win really cements my career for my sponsors, my family and me."
Clark's total demolished the BASS record for four-day heaviest catch - 108-12 set by Dean Rojas in 2001 on Florida's Lake Tohopekaliga. It also cemented Clark's status as one of the top sight-fishermen on the Elite circuit.
Clark used a push-pole to locate bedding fish, but then backed off so he wouldn't spook the fish. He long-casted into lily pads and vegetation with a pumpkin-colored Zoom Big Critter Craw, a bait he used exclusively. With a ¼ ounce sinker, he targeted holes in lilies and dense vegetation for the big strikes.
The angler is in an enviable position, holding two of the most sought-after BASS records. In February, Clark recorded the largest fish ever caught in Bassmaster Classic competition, an 11-10 lunker that fell for the same craw he used at this tournament.
But the record was not Clark's first concern. After all of his research and unwavering work, it was the healthy $100,000 check the angler most appreciated.
"I have a lot of additional responsibilities coming in the near future," Clark said, referring to his wife, Katrina, who is pregnant with triplets and due in October. "We also recently decided to purchase a house, but a good deal of this money will go to college tuition."
Often referred to as the "bridesmaid" because of his three consecutive second-place Bassmaster Classic finishes, Aaron Martens of Alabama sat in a familiar place in the standings Sunday. The 2005 Bassmaster Angler of the Year made a valiant charge - moving up from 10th place on Saturday - but it wasn't enough and Martens landed in second with a total of 108-4. Martens started the tournament slow, but hit a sweet spot on the final day, catching 32-10.
"I found a really nice area at the very end," Martens said, who just missed breaking the BASS four-day record by 8 ounces. "I am upset with myself that I didn't go there earlier in the week; I think I left a few 30-pound bags in the water," Martens said.
"I'm long overdue and one of these days I am going to win one of these."
In what appeared to be a growing trend at BASS tournaments, weights were nearly unbelievable as six anglers pulled in more than 100 pounds, including third-place Californian Skeet Reese (108-0) and past BASS record-holder Rojas of Arizona (102-10).
Rounding out the 12 were Alabama's Steve Kennedy (104-2) in fourth; Texan and 2004 Santee Cooper winner Kelly Jordon (103-3); Rojas (102-10); Floridian Terry Scroggins (99-11); Kentucky's Kevin Wirth (99-3); Virginia's John Crews (96-3); Idaho's Bink Desaro (94-0); Lone Star Shootout event winner Greg Hackney (91-13); and Arkansas' Mike Wurm (86-10).
Hackney is now averaging 41 pounds, three ounces of bass per tournament and holds a slight seven-ounce advantage over VanDam going into the next event at Lake Guntersville, April 20-23.
"My favorite lake used to be Clear Lake," Reese said. "But I think it is time for a new favorite and Santee is it. Does anyone have any property for sale here?"
2006 Santee Cooper Showdown Pro 03/30-04/02
Santee Cooper Reservoir, Manning S.C.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 20 115-15 320 $101,500.00
Day 1: 5 39-06 Day 2: 5 29-05 Day 3: 5 23-15 Day 4: 5 23-05
2. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 20 108-04 295 $31,500.00
Day 1: 5 22-13 Day 2: 5 27-06 Day 3: 5 25-07 Day 4: 5 32-10
3. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 20 108-00 290 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 29-12 Day 2: 5 30-03 Day 3: 5 23-02 Day 4: 5 24-15
4. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 20 104-02 285 $19,000.00
Day 1: 5 23-06 Day 2: 5 31-13 Day 3: 5 27-13 Day 4: 5 21-02
5. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 20 103-03 280 $17,500.00
Day 1: 5 31-15 Day 2: 5 31-10 Day 3: 5 14-13 Day 4: 5 24-13
6. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 20 102-10 276 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 25-09 Day 2: 5 31-11 Day 3: 5 20-07 Day 4: 5 24-15
7. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 20 99-11 272 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 33-06 Day 2: 5 27-12 Day 3: 5 18-12 Day 4: 5 19-13
8. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 20 99-03 268 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 27-06 Day 2: 5 31-15 Day 3: 5 21-07 Day 4: 5 18-07
9. John Crews Salem, Va. 20 96-03 264 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 29-09 Day 2: 5 29-04 Day 3: 5 17-11 Day 4: 5 19-11
10. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 19 94-00 260 $13,500.00
Day 1: 5 22-08 Day 2: 5 28-15 Day 3: 4 20-13 Day 4: 5 21-12
11. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 20 91-13 257 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 21-09 Day 2: 5 25-11 Day 3: 5 31-03 Day 4: 5 13-06
12. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 20 86-10 254 $13,800.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 27-11 Day 3: 5 32-04 Day 4: 5 12-05
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 9-02 $500.00
1 Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 9-02 $500.00
2 Conrad Picou Scott, La. 10-00 $1,000.00
3 Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 8-13 $500.00
3 Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 8-13 $500.00
4 Stephen Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 7-12 $1,000.00
Big Bass of Tournament
Conrad Picou Scott, La. 10-00 $1,000.00
Busch Heavyweight
Day
1 Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 39-06 $1,000.00
2 Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 31-15 $1,000.00
3 Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 32-04 $1,000.00
4 Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 32-10 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 82 460 1797-02
2 93 497 2060-00
3 41 230 913-01
4 12 60 257-02
----------------------------------
228 1247 5027-05
2006 Santee Cooper Showdown CO 03/30-04/02
Santee Cooper Reservoir, Manning S.C.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 9 34-11 315 $45,500.00
Day 1: 3 16-08 Day 2: 3 9-08 Day 3: 3 8-11
2. Lance Peck Tulsa, Okla. 9 33-03 295 $25,500.00
Day 1: 3 13-00 Day 2: 3 4-02 Day 3: 3 16-01
3. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 8 29-07 290 $10,000.00
Day 1: 3 11-09 Day 2: 3 13-03 Day 3: 2 4-11
4. John Proctor Conway, S.C. 7 28-13 285 $5,000.00
Day 1: 3 8-12 Day 2: 3 11-14 Day 3: 1 8-03
5. Stephen Williams Columbus, Miss. 8 25-15 0 $4,000.00
Day 1: 3 7-11 Day 2: 2 6-15 Day 3: 3 11-05
6. William Todd Elmvale, Canada 9 24-07 276 $3,000.00
Day 1: 3 8-12 Day 2: 3 8-09 Day 3: 3 7-02
7. Lutz Spika Stamford, Conn. 8 23-13 272 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 4-02 Day 2: 3 8-10 Day 3: 3 11-01
8. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 7 23-11 268 $2,000.00
Day 1: 1 1-06 Day 2: 3 9-10 Day 3: 3 12-11
9. Billy Schwach Charleston, S.C. 9 23-01 264 $1,800.00
Day 1: 3 6-09 Day 2: 3 10-03 Day 3: 3 6-05
10. Jason Glen Wilson Bessemer City, N.C. 7 23-00 260 $1,600.00
Day 1: 2 10-15 Day 2: 3 8-14 Day 3: 2 3-03
11. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 6 22-08 257 $1,400.00
Day 1: 1 2-01 Day 2: 2 6-01 Day 3: 3 14-06
12. Earle Atkinson Florence, S.C. 8 22-03 254 $1,300.00
Day 1: 2 5-06 Day 2: 3 6-04 Day 3: 3 10-09
13. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 7 20-11 251 $1,200.00
Day 1: 1 2-06 Day 2: 3 6-14 Day 3: 3 11-07
14. Rodney Wrenn Bonneau, S.C. 8 20-08 248 $1,100.00
Day 1: 3 8-00 Day 2: 2 2-09 Day 3: 3 9-15
15. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 7 19-14 245 $1,000.00
Day 1: 1 1-00 Day 2: 3 11-14 Day 3: 3 7-00
16. Steve Galberaith Alpharetta, Ga. 7 19-09 243 $1,000.00
Day 1: 2 6-04 Day 2: 3 7-05 Day 3: 2 6-00
17. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 7 18-12 241 $1,000.00
Day 1: 1 4-02 Day 2: 3 5-06 Day 3: 3 9-04
18. Richard Baker Montoursville, Pa. 5 18-09 239 $1,000.00
Day 1: 1 1-15 Day 2: 3 8-01 Day 3: 1 8-09
19. Gary Abernethy Skyland, N.C. 6 18-07 237 $1,000.00
Day 1: 2 4-04 Day 2: 3 12-08 Day 3: 1 1-11
20. Lane Wright Loganville, Ga. 7 17-12 235 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 7-01 Day 2: 3 8-14 Day 3: 1 1-13
21. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 4 17-11 233 $900.00
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 13-03 Day 3: 1 4-08
22. Kevin Cunningham Farmingdale, N.Y. 6 17-09 230 $900.00
Day 1: 3 7-08 Day 2: 3 10-01 Day 3: 0 0-00
22. Jeffrey Prisza Wyandotte, Mich. 4 17-09 230 $900.00
Day 1: 1 6-10 Day 2: 3 10-15 Day 3: 0 0-00
24. James Anderson Miami, Fla. 6 17-05 227 $900.00
Day 1: 3 9-06 Day 2: 3 7-15 Day 3: 0 0-00
25. Marty Scoggins Trion, Ga. 6 16-14 225 $900.00
Day 1: 1 2-01 Day 2: 3 8-15 Day 3: 2 5-14
26. Johnny Houser Bishopville, S.C. 5 16-06 223
Day 1: 1 3-01 Day 2: 3 9-09 Day 3: 1 3-12
27. Bobby Fleming Luray, Va. 5 15-10 221
Day 1: 2 4-11 Day 2: 2 8-11 Day 3: 1 2-04
28. Joe Buddin Sumter, S.C. 6 15-08 219
Day 1: 1 2-03 Day 2: 3 9-02 Day 3: 2 4-03
29. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 8 15-06 217
Day 1: 2 4-15 Day 2: 3 4-14 Day 3: 3 5-09
30. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 5 15-04 215
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 10-02 Day 3: 2 5-02
31. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 5 14-08 213
Day 1: 1 2-15 Day 2: 2 4-13 Day 3: 2 6-12
32. Bill Wilson Lexington, S.C. 6 14-01 211
Day 1: 3 7-14 Day 2: 2 4-10 Day 3: 1 1-09
33. Mitchell Cook Drexel, N.C. 6 13-14 209
Day 1: 3 7-11 Day 2: 0 0-00 Day 3: 3 6-03
34. Ron Parks Lexington, N.C. 4 13-08 207
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 11-09 Day 3: 1 1-15
35. Deron Donohoo Sumter, S.C. 4 13-04 205
Day 1: 1 4-07 Day 2: 3 8-13 Day 3: 0 0-00
36. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 6 13-03 203
Day 1: 3 8-01 Day 2: 1 1-15 Day 3: 2 3-03
37. Larry Triplett Parker, Colo. 5 12-13 201
Day 1: 1 1-03 Day 2: 3 9-06 Day 3: 1 2-04
38. Larry Summey Clermont, Fla. 5 12-12 199
Day 1: 2 3-14 Day 2: 3 8-14 Day 3: 0 0-00
39. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 6 12-09 197
Day 1: 3 7-14 Day 2: 3 4-11 Day 3: 0 0-00
40. Robert Vogelsang Jessup, Md. 5 12-06 195
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 9-09 Day 3: 2 2-13
41. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 6 12-05 193
Day 1: 1 1-01 Day 2: 3 7-02 Day 3: 2 4-02
42. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 6 12-04 191
Day 1: 2 4-00 Day 2: 3 5-09 Day 3: 1 2-11
43. Bob Sanders Ulmer, S.C. 3 11-08 189
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 11-08 Day 3: 0 0-00
44. Frank Picha Akron, Ohio 4 10-12 187
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 9-08 Day 3: 1 1-04
45. Johnny Urbon Laurens, S.C. 5 10-04 185
Day 1: 2 4-03 Day 2: 3 6-01 Day 3: 0 0-00
46. Grady Allen Columbia, S.C. 5 9-15 183
Day 1: 1 2-01 Day 2: 3 7-14 Day 3: 1 0-00
47. Richard Harris Pittsgrove, N.J. 2 9-11 181 $500.00
Day 1: 1 1-15 Day 2: 1 7-12 Day 3: 0 0-00
48. Billy Hutton Eaton, Ohio 4 8-11 179
Day 1: 1 1-09 Day 2: 3 7-02 Day 3: 0 0-00
49. Bob Tarlton Lake City, Fla. 4 8-04 177
Day 1: 3 6-11 Day 2: 1 1-09 Day 3: 0 0-00
50. Allen Burkhalter Columbus, Ga. 3 8-00 175
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 3 8-00 Day 3: 0 0-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 8-04 $500.00
2 Richard Harris Pittsgrove, N.J. 7-12 $500.00
3 Lance Peck Tulsa, Okla. 8-10 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 18 118 307-0
2 43 176 479-10
3 15 78 233-15
----------------------------------
76 372 1020-13
2006 Manning, SC - Santee Cooper Showdown Pro Points
After Santee Cooper Lakes, Manning, S.C. Ending 04-02-2006, Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Greg Hackney La. 857
2 Dean Rojas Ariz. 825
3 John Crews Va. 749
4 Terry Scroggins Fla. 733
5 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 732
6 Steve Kennedy Ala. 725
7 Takahiro Omori Texas 712
8 Kelly Jordon Texas 700
9 Ishama Monroe Calif. 699
9 Skeet Reese Calif. 699
11 Gerald Swindle Ala. 691
12 Aaron Martens Ala. 689
13 Preston Clark Fla. 683
13 Bill Lowen Ohio 683
15 Denny Brauer Mo. 681
16 Jason Quinn S.C. 675
17 Randy Howell Ala. 671
18 Mike Wurm Ark. 666
19 Kevin Wirth Ky. 648
20 Matt Reed Texas 642
21 Russ Lane Ala. 641
22 Tim Horton Ala. 639
23 Stephen Browning Ark. 634
24 Edwin Evers Okla. 630
25 Jarrett Edwards Ariz. 629
26 Gary Klein Texas 622
27 Bernie Schultz Fla. 615
28 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 611
29 John Murray Ariz. 598
30 Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Fla. 582
31 Ray Sedgwick S.C. 581
32 Mark Tyler Ariz. 580
33 Terry Butcher Okla. 575
34 Kevin VanDam Mich. 571
35 Lee Bailey Ala. 567
35 Paul Hirosky Pa. 567
35 Jeff Kriet Okla. 567
38 William Smith, Jr Ky. 562
39 Mark Menendez Ky. 557
40 Jimmy Mize Ark. 551
41 Robert Hamilton Jr Tenn. 549
42 Brooks Rogers Texas 547
43 Bradley Hallman Okla. 546
44 Mike McClelland Ark. 538
45 Zell Rowland Texas 535
46 Darrin Schwenkbeck Md. 531
47 Tommy Biffle Okla. 527
47 Peter E Thliveros Fla. 527
49 Jared Lintner Calif. 524
50 Pete Ponds Miss. 516
51 Rick Clunn Mo. 513
52 Dave Smith Okla. 512
53 Todd Faircloth Texas 511
54 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 505
55 Mike Reynolds Calif. 490
56 Fred Roumbanis Calif. 485
57 Kenyon Hill Okla. 484
58 Terry Segraves Fla. 483
58 Marty Stone N.C. 483
60 Dave Wolak Pa. 475
61 Britt Myers N.C. 473
62 Mark Tucker Mo. 467
63 Ken Cook Okla. 466
64 Mike O'Shea Calif. 462
64 Kotaro Kiriyama Ala. 462
66 Greg Gutierrez Calif. 457
67 Steve Daniel Fla. 452
68 Vince Hurtado Calif. 450
69 Chris Lane Fla. 446
70 Scott Rook Ark. 445
71 Bradley Stringer Texas 441
72 Morizo Shimizu Calif. 429
73 Bink Desaro Idaho 425
74 Byron Velvick Nev. 424
75 Charlie Hartley Ohio 423
76 Paul Elias Miss. 421
77 Brent Chapman Kan. 416
77 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 416
79 Alton Jones Texas 414
80 Kevin Short Ark. 413
81 Keith Phillips Ala. 408
82 Jon Bondy Canada 403
83 Davy Hite S.C. 397
84 Kevin Langill N.C. 395
84 Jeff Connella La. 395
86 Mark Rogers Fla. 381
87 Joe Thomas Ohio 379
88 Grant Goldbeck Md. 371
89 Kurt Dove Va. 369
90 Chad Brauer Mo. 360
91 David Gliebe Ky. 347
92 Rick Ash Pa. 342
93 Brian Snowden Mo. 341
94 Elton Luce Jr Texas 339
94 Charlie Youngers Fla. 339
96 Charlie Weyer Calif. 330
97 Rick Morris Va. 327
98 Randy Yarnall Pa. 316
99 Jimmy Houston Okla. 311
100 Guy Eaker N.C. 305
101 Doc Merkin Ill. 287
102 Ken Brodeur Conn. 278
103 Jami Fralick S.D. 277
104 Frank Scalish Ohio 268
105 Conrad Picou La. 227
106 Dustin Wilks N.C. 151
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
2006 Tournament Year
After Manning, SC ending 04-02-2006, Day 4
Place Angler Name City State Total Points
1 Stephen Kennedy Auburn Ala. 725
2 Bill Lowen Cincinnati Ohio 683
3 Paul Hirosky Guys Mills Pa. 567
4 William Smith, Jr Somerset Ky. 562
5 Bradley Hallman Norman Okla. 546
6 Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring Md. 531
7 Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande Calif. 524
8 Britt Myers Mt. Holly N.C. 473
9 Vince Hurtado Waterford Calif. 450
10 Chris Lane Winter Haven Fla. 446
11 Jeremy Starks Charleston W.Va. 416
12 Keith Phillips Calera Ala. 408
13 Jon Bondy Windsor CAN 403
14 Kevin Langill Terrell N.C. 395
14 Jeff Connella Bentley La. 395
16 Kurt Dove Warrenton Va. 369
17 Rick Ash Pottstown Pa. 342
18 Doc Merkin Downers Grove Ill. 287
19 Ken Brodeur Niantic Conn. 278
20 Jami Fralick Martin S.D. 277
21 Conrad Picou Scott La. 227
Busch Heavyweight
2006 Tournament Year
After Manning, SC ending 04-02-2006
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Mark Tyler Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas 3 21-13
11 Greg Hackney Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas 4 20-08
12 Takahiro Omori Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas 2 20-06
2006 Horizon Award
2006 After Manning, SC ending 04-02-2006, Day 4
---------------------------------------------------------
Place Name 2005 Finish 2006 Standings
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Denny Brauer 113 15
2 Brooks Rogers 139 42
3 Ray Sedgwick 123 31
4 Stephen Daniel 147 67
4 Bradley Stringer 151 71
6 Fred Roumbanis 133 56
7 Matt Reed 96 20
7 Bink Desaro 149 73
9 Shaw E Grigsby, Jr 95 30
9 Dean Rojas 67 2
11 Grant Goldbeck 152 88
11 Yusuke Miyazaki 118 54
13 John Murray 92 29
13 Mike O'Shea 127 64
15 Pete Ponds 112 50
16 Gary Klein 85 26
17 Kelly Jordon 66 8
18 Randy Howell 74 17
19 Byron Velvick 124 74
20 Ken Cook 110 63
21 Randy Yarnall 141 98
22 Gerald Swindle 53 11
23 Elton Luce Jr 135 94
24 Robert Hamilton Jr 75 41
24 Stephen Browning 57 23
26 Peter E Thliveros 79 47
27 Jason Quinn 43 16
27 Terry Butcher 60 33
29 Charlie Weyer 122 96
29 Takahiro Omori 33 7
31 Mike McClelland 68 44
32 Joe Thomas 109 87
33 Russell Lane 41 21
34 Zell Rowland 63 45
34 Jimmy Houston 117 99
36 John Crews 19 3
37 Mike Wurm 32 18
37 Mark Rogers 100 86
39 Ishama Monroe 22 9
40 Mark Tyler 44 32
40 Lee Bailey 47 35
42 Bernie Schultz 34 27
43 Greg Hackney 5 1
44 Michael Iaconelli 8 5
45 Preston Clark 15 13
46 Kotaro Kiriyama 65 64
46 Morizo Shimizu 73 72