MANNING, S.C. - Preston Clark has made a name for himself as a big-fish specialist of sorts. The Palatka, Fla., Elite angler knows how to capitalize on a grand-scale sight-bite on an extremely productive reservoir, and he did just that on Thursday, bringing 39 pounds, 6 ounces to the scales at the 'Santee Cooper Showdown' bass fishing tournament, taking a commanding 4-pound lead over Texan Alton Jones.
In addition to Clark's gigantic bag, more than 40 Elite anglers each brought more than 20 pounds to the scales. All of the action can be seen on The Bassmasters on ESPN2 Saturday, April 8, at 10 a.m. ET.
Clark is somewhat of a rookie in BASS tournament action. He isn't registered on the Bassmaster Elite Series Power Index yet because he has not fished the mandatory 12 qualifying events. Still, Clark is a force to be reckoned with. He showed his big-bass prowess at the 2006 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Tohopekaliga, where he set the record for biggest fish ever caught at bass fishing's most major event, an 11-10 lunker.
But it was another record on Clark's mind Thursday. With 18 pounds in the boat after his first two casts, the BASS record for heaviest single-day catch - currently 45-2 and held by Dean Rojas of Arizona - was certainly within reach.
"I started to think how awesome it would be to hold the Classic record and take over Rojas' record," said Clark. "I fell short, but it was a lot of fun and it qualifies as the biggest bag I have ever caught."
Although Clark didn't set the record, his limit was more than enough to qualify for the third heaviest single-day catch in BASS tournament history.
Much like the Bassmaster Classic, where Clark ultimately finished in sixth, the 41-year-old used a push-pole - commonly used in saltwater fishing - to search for bedding fish. Clark moved through the water with the pole and then backed off, throwing lengthy casts into the beds.
Clark also secured the award, earning him a $1,000 bonus.
"I was so excited with my day that I came in about 45 minutes early to make sure I wasn't going to be late," Clark said. "I really put that Triton livewell to the test with all of those monster fish and it passed with flying colors."
It is not often that a 35-6 bag puts an angler anywhere but first place, but Alton Jones of Texas found himself in second behind Clark on Thursday. Jones' banner day, which won him fifth place on the list of BASS heaviest single-day catches, was aided by a key bait he found early in the day. Jones also took an additional $1,000 for the Big Bass for his 10-1 lunker.
"Within 30 minutes of launch, I got that bite," Jones said. "The female bit my bait and I knew I had found the trick to enticing those females. In a big-weight tournament like this, catching those females is imperative."
Following Clark and Jones in third was Clark's former fishing partner Terry Scroggins of Florida (33-6); Oklahoman Bradley Hallman (32-5); and Texan Kelly Jordon (31-15).
Leading the co-anglers in a race for a fully-rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000 was Californian Tom Frink with a limit of 16-8. Behind him is Oklahoma's Lance Peck (13-0) and Alabama's Charlie Raia (11-9).
After the first two days of practice, Santee Cooper had yet to show its true colors, and big bass were hard to come by. But a warming trend significantly increased the water temperature and brought an abundance of lunkers to the forefront. "Get ready for tomorrow because there should be some huge ones brought to the scales again," said Jordon.
2006 Santee Cooper Showdown Pro 03/30-04/02
Santee Cooper Reservoir, Manning S.C.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 39-06 305
Day 1: 5 39-06
2. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 35-06 295
Day 1: 5 35-06
3. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 33-06 290
Day 1: 5 33-06
4. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 5 32-05 285
Day 1: 5 32-05
5. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 31-15 280
Day 1: 5 31-15
6. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 29-12 276
Day 1: 5 29-12
7. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 29-09 272
Day 1: 5 29-09
8. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 5 27-11 268
Day 1: 5 27-11
9. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 27-08 264
Day 1: 5 27-08
10. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 27-06 260
Day 1: 5 27-06
11. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville , Fla. 5 27-01 257
Day 1: 5 27-01
12. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 26-06 254
Day 1: 5 26-06
13. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 26-05 251
Day 1: 5 26-05
14. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 26-02 248
Day 1: 5 26-02
15. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 5 25-09 245
Day 1: 5 25-09
16. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 24-10 243
Day 1: 5 24-10
17. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 5 23-15 241
Day 1: 5 23-15
18. Bill Lowen Cincinnati, Ohio 5 23-09 239
Day 1: 5 23-09
19. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 5 23-08 237
Day 1: 5 23-08
20. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 23-06 235
Day 1: 5 23-06
21. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 5 23-03 233
Day 1: 5 23-03
22. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 23-00 231
Day 1: 5 23-00
23. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 22-13 229
Day 1: 5 22-13
24. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 22-12 227
Day 1: 5 22-12
25. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 22-09 225
Day 1: 5 22-09
26. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 5 22-08 223
Day 1: 5 22-08
27. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 5 22-02 221
Day 1: 5 22-02
28. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 21-11 219
Day 1: 5 21-11
29. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 21-09 217
Day 1: 5 21-09
30. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 21-08 214
Day 1: 5 21-08
30. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 21-08 214
Day 1: 5 21-08
32. Robert Hamilton Jr Nashville, Tenn. 5 21-07 210
Day 1: 5 21-07
32. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 21-07 210
Day 1: 5 21-07
34. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 21-06 207
Day 1: 5 21-06
35. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 21-01 205
Day 1: 5 21-01
36. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 20-12 203
Day 1: 5 20-12
37. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 20-11 199
Day 1: 5 20-11
37. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 20-11 199
Day 1: 5 20-11
37. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 20-11 199
Day 1: 5 20-11
40. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 20-08 195
Day 1: 5 20-08
41. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 20-06 193
Day 1: 5 20-06
42. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 5 19-14 191
Day 1: 5 19-14
43. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 19-09 189
Day 1: 5 19-09
44. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 5 19-06 187
Day 1: 5 19-06
45. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 5 18-15 185
Day 1: 5 18-15
46. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 18-12 183
Day 1: 5 18-12
47. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 5 18-11 181
Day 1: 5 18-11
48. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 5 18-09 178
Day 1: 5 18-09
48. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 18-09 178
Day 1: 5 18-09
50. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 18-00 175
Day 1: 5 18-00
51. Jarrett Edwards Page, Ariz. 5 17-15 173
Day 1: 5 17-15
52. Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 5 17-12 171
Day 1: 5 17-12
53. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 5 17-10 169
Day 1: 5 17-10
54. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 4 17-09 167
Day 1: 4 17-09
55. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 5 17-07 165
Day 1: 5 17-07
56. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 4 17-06 163
Day 1: 4 17-06
57. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 5 17-05 161
Day 1: 5 17-05
58. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 17-02 159
Day 1: 5 17-02
59. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 17-00 157
Day 1: 5 17-00
60. Vince Hurtado Waterford, Calif. 5 16-14 155
Day 1: 5 16-14
61. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 16-12 153
Day 1: 5 16-12
62. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 16-10 149
Day 1: 5 16-10
62. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 16-10 149
Day 1: 5 16-10
62. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 16-10 149
Day 1: 5 16-10
65. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 5 16-08 145
Day 1: 5 16-08
66. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 16-07 143
Day 1: 5 16-07
67. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 16-04 141
Day 1: 5 16-04
68. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 16-00 139
Day 1: 5 16-00
69. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 15-12 137
Day 1: 5 15-12
70. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 5 15-07 135
Day 1: 5 15-07
71. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 5 15-05 133
Day 1: 5 15-05
72. Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 5 15-03 131
Day 1: 5 15-03
73. David Gliebe Benton, Ky. 5 15-02 129
Day 1: 5 15-02
74. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 15-01 127
Day 1: 5 15-01
75. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 14-06 124
Day 1: 5 14-06
75. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 14-06 124
Day 1: 5 14-06
77. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 14-05 121
Day 1: 5 14-05
78. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 5 13-14 119
Day 1: 5 13-14
79. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 13-08 117
Day 1: 5 13-08
80. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 5 13-04 115
Day 1: 5 13-04
81. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 3 12-05 113
Day 1: 3 12-05
82. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 11-12 111
Day 1: 5 11-12
83. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 4 11-00 109
Day 1: 4 11-00
84. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 10-14 107
Day 1: 5 10-14
85. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 5 10-11 105
Day 1: 5 10-11
86. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 5 10-06 103
Day 1: 5 10-06
87. Brooks Rogers Quitman, Texas 3 10-01 101
Day 1: 3 10-01
88. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 10-00 99
Day 1: 5 10-00
89. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 3 8-10 97
Day 1: 3 8-10
90. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 2 8-02 95
Day 1: 2 8-02
91. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 3 7-06 93
Day 1: 3 7-06
92. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 3 6-13 91
Day 1: 3 6-13
93. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 2 5-14 89
Day 1: 2 5-14
94. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 2 5-09 87
Day 1: 2 5-09
95. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 2 5-03 85
Day 1: 2 5-03
96. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 3 4-15 82
Day 1: 3 4-15
96. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 2 4-15 82
Day 1: 2 4-15
98. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 2 4-07 79
Day 1: 2 4-07
99. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 3 4-01 77
Day 1: 3 4-01
100.Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 2 3-11 76
Day 1: 2 3-11
101.Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 1 3-05 75
Day 1: 1 3-05
102.Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 2 1-15 74
Day 1: 2 1-15
103.Conrad Picou Scott, La. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
103.Charlie Youngers Oviedo, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 83 465 1832-08
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83 465 1832-08
2006 Santee Cooper Showdown CO 03/30-04/02
Santee Cooper Reservoir, Manning S.C.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 3 16-08 305
Day 1: 3 16-08
2. Lance Peck Tulsa, Okla. 3 13-00 295
Day 1: 3 13-00
3. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 3 11-09 290
Day 1: 3 11-09
4. Jason Glen Wilson Bessemer City, N.C. 2 10-15 285
Day 1: 2 10-15
5. James Anderson Miami, Fla. 3 9-06 280
Day 1: 3 9-06
6. John Proctor Conway, S.C. 3 8-12 274
Day 1: 3 8-12
6. William Todd Elmvale, Canada 3 8-12 274
Day 1: 3 8-12
8. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 3 8-01 268
Day 1: 3 8-01
9. Rodney Wrenn Bonneau, S.C. 3 8-00 264
Day 1: 3 8-00
10. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 3 7-14 258
Day 1: 3 7-14
10. Bill Wilson Lexington, S.C. 3 7-14 258
Day 1: 3 7-14
12. Mitchell Cook Drexel, N.C. 3 7-11 252
Day 1: 3 7-11
12. Stephen Williams Columbus, Miss. 3 7-11 0
Day 1: 3 7-11
14. Kevin Cunningham Farmingdale, N.Y. 3 7-08 248
Day 1: 3 7-08
15. Larry Whittington Purlear, N.C. 3 7-07 245
Day 1: 3 7-07
16. Lane Wright Loganville, Ga. 3 7-01 243
Day 1: 3 7-01
17. Bob Tarlton Lake City, Fla. 3 6-11 241
Day 1: 3 6-11
18. Jeffrey Prisza Wyandotte, Mich. 1 6-10 239
Day 1: 1 6-10
19. Billy Schwach Charleston, S.C. 3 6-09 237
Day 1: 3 6-09
20. Steve Galberaith Alpharetta, Ga. 2 6-04 235
Day 1: 2 6-04
21. Earle Atkinson Florence, S.C. 2 5-06 232
Day 1: 2 5-06
21. Robert Pasionek Newport News, Va. 2 5-06 232
Day 1: 2 5-06
23. Rex Johnsonbaugh Altoona, Pa. 3 5-02 229
Day 1: 3 5-02
24. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 2 4-15 227
Day 1: 2 4-15
25. Bobby Fleming Luray, Va. 2 4-11 225
Day 1: 2 4-11
26. Deron Donohoo Sumter, S.C. 1 4-07 223
Day 1: 1 4-07
27. Gary Abernethy Skyland, N.C. 2 4-04 221
Day 1: 2 4-04
28. Johnny Urbon Laurens, S.C. 2 4-03 218
Day 1: 2 4-03
28. Raul Morineau Mexico City, Mexico 1 4-03 218
Day 1: 1 4-03
30. Lutz Spika Stamford, Conn. 2 4-02 214
Day 1: 2 4-02
30. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 1 4-02 214
Day 1: 1 4-02
32. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 2 4-00 211
Day 1: 2 4-00
33. Phil Gebert Columbia, S.C. 1 3-15 209
Day 1: 1 3-15
34. Larry Summey Clermont, Fla. 2 3-14 206
Day 1: 2 3-14
34. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 1 3-14 206
Day 1: 1 3-14
36. Jeff Cloud Pampa, Texas 2 3-13 203
Day 1: 2 3-13
37. William Adams Exeter, Calif. 2 3-12 201
Day 1: 2 3-12
38. Wayne Pomeroy Wellington, Fla. 2 3-07 199
Day 1: 2 3-07
39. Otto David Jefferson Valley, N.Y. 1 3-06 197
Day 1: 1 3-06
40. Johnny Houser Bishopville, S.C. 1 3-01 195
Day 1: 1 3-01
41. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 1 2-15 193
Day 1: 1 2-15
42. Walter Stringer Tallassee, Ala. 1 2-13 191
Day 1: 1 2-13
43. Clint Pack Gable, S.C. 2 2-11 189
Day 1: 2 2-11
44. Mario Colangelo Charleston, S.C. 1 2-09 186
Day 1: 1 2-09
44. Bill Williams Corbin, Ky. 1 2-09 186
Day 1: 1 2-09
46. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 1 2-06 183
Day 1: 1 2-06
47. Jim Pearson Zellwood, Fla. 1 2-05 181
Day 1: 1 2-05
48. Joe Buddin Sumter, S.C. 1 2-03 178
Day 1: 1 2-03
48. Tim Sisk Cherryville, N.C. 1 2-03 178
Day 1: 1 2-03
50. Steven Oliver Westminster, Calif. 2 2-02 175
Day 1: 2 2-02
51. Grady Allen Columbia, S.C. 1 2-01 171
Day 1: 1 2-01
51. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 1 2-01 171
Day 1: 1 2-01
51. Marty Scoggins Trion, Ga. 1 2-01 171
Day 1: 1 2-01
54. Jerry Savage Columbus, Miss. 1 2-00 167
Day 1: 1 2-00
55. Richard Baker Montoursville, Pa. 1 1-15 164
Day 1: 1 1-15
55. Richard Harris Pittsgrove, N.J. 1 1-15 164
Day 1: 1 1-15
57. Dan Welch New Martinsville, W.Va 1 1-13 161
Day 1: 1 1-13
58. Billy Hutton Eaton, Ohio 1 1-09 159
Day 1: 1 1-09
59. David Lindsay Lexington, S.C. 1 1-06 156
Day 1: 1 1-06
59. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 1 1-06 156
Day 1: 1 1-06
61. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 1 1-03 152
Day 1: 1 1-03
61. Larry Triplett Parker, Colo. 1 1-03 152
Day 1: 1 1-03
63. Jeffrey Brooks Lake Worth, Fla. 1 1-01 149
Day 1: 1 1-01
64. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 1 1-00 147
Day 1: 1 1-00
65. Robert Evans Elkhart, Ind. 1 0-15 145
Day 1: 1 0-15
66. Keith Sykes Clintwood, Va. 1 0-13 143
Day 1: 1 0-13
67. Dennis Andersen Wellington, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Marc Arnold Kingsport, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Allen Burkhalter Columbus, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. James Butler Clarksville, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Dennis Flynn Cleveland, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Gerald Foster Seneca, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Wayne Hauser Winston-Salem, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. James H Hayden Fayetteville, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. David Hill Fayetteville, W.Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Brian Holder Gastonia, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Bill Huston Sunset, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Mike Kirkley Charlotte, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Louis Kish Goshen, Conn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Bill Logsdon Ozark, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Eddie Matteson Farmington, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Edward Matthews Columbia, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Bill Mccray Pikeville, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Sam Mize Muscle Shoals, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Ed O'Neal Evans, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Larry Parker Lake City, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Ron Parks Lexington, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Eric Peck Williamsburg, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Brian Penso Houston, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Jp Perkins Columbus, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Frank Picha Akron, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Bob Sanders Ulmer, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Edwin Seagraves Greensboro, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. Robert Vogelsang Jessup, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
67. John Yarbrough Columbia, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 18 118 307-04
----------------------------------
18 118 307-04