BUFFALO - Taking advantage of his considerable experience on massive Lake Erie, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Paul Hirosky of Guy Mills, Pa., persevered through windy conditions Thursday to boat a limit of 21 pounds, 11 ounces, and lead the Empire Chase bass fishing tournament on Lake Erie.
Hirosky, who leads Matt Reed of Madisonville, Texas, by a mere 5 ounces, scored his lone BASS victory in 2005 on Erie in a Bassmaster Open event, part of a qualifying circuit for the Elite Series. Despite a slow start, the 37-year-old eventually found his "sweet spot" and built his limit around 10 spots he located in practice.
"My original plan was to make a long run," Hirosky said. "But with the rough conditions I thought I would play it safe and stay close to the check-in area."
In all, Hirosky said he caught 12 keepers with a drop-shot rig. He said the key to his success was a slow, methodical approach on top of rocky areas in deep water.
"I had a great day," said Hirosky, who has fished Erie hundreds of times. "My familiarity with the fishery really helped me out there and I have the confidence I need to do well."
Unlike Hirosky, Reed took a calculated risk and is one of a contingent of anglers making a long run southwest from the launch point on Erie. When Reed arrived at his area more than 40 miles from the launch location, he caught consecutive 4-pounders on his first two casts. He built his limit to nearly 20 pounds by 9:30 a.m., and headed back toward the launch site.
Despite sharing his honey hole with a host of other anglers, Reed, 45, said the area has plenty of fish and should remain productive throughout the four-day tournament. Reed was unsure, however, whether anglers would be able to make the run in worse conditions.
"That area is so awesome. You can catch fish all day there," said the one-time BASS winner. "It's a rough ride though, and my back doesn't feel all that great right now."
Just one ounce behind Reed was Kevin Langill (21-5) of Terrell, N.C. Rounding out the top-five were 2004 Toyota Rookie of the Year Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., with 21 pounds, 2 ounces, and one-time BASS winner Kevin Wirth of Crestwood, Ky., with 21 pounds, 0 ounces.
With only three events remaining that affect the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, leader Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., put himself in position to maintain his lead with a solid 24th-place showing. But two-time Bassmaster Classic Kevin VanDam is close behind in a tie for 26th. Heading into the Empire Chase, Reese held a slim 12-point lead over VanDam. The new standings will be tabulated after the tournament.
Meanwhile, Robert Suhr of Roscommon, Mich., led the co-angler division in the chase for a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000 with 20 pounds, 1 ounce. Local favorite Randy Bell of Hamburg, N.Y., trailed with 19 pounds, 9 ounces, and Canadian Bill Wray was third with 18 pounds, 13 ounces.
2007 Empire Chase 7/19-7/22
Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 21-11 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11
2. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 21-06 295
Day 1: 5 21-06
3. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 21-05 290
Day 1: 5 21-05
4. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 21-02 285
Day 1: 5 21-02
5. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 21-00 280
Day 1: 5 21-00
6. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 20-13 276
Day 1: 5 20-13
7. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 5 20-10 272 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-10
8. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 20-08 268
Day 1: 5 20-08
9. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 20-01 264
Day 1: 5 20-01
10. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, FL 5 19-15 260
Day 1: 5 19-15
11. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 19-08255.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
11. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 19-08255.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
13. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 19-04 251
Day 1: 5 19-04
14. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 19-03 248
Day 1: 5 19-03
15. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 19-02 245
Day 1: 5 19-02
16. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 5 18-12 242
Day 1: 5 18-12
16. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 18-12 242
Day 1: 5 18-12
18. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 18-10 239
Day 1: 5 18-10
19. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 18-07 236
Day 1: 5 18-07
19. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 18-07 236
Day 1: 5 18-07
21. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 18-05 233
Day 1: 5 18-05
22. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 18-03 231
Day 1: 5 18-03
23. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 18-02 229
Day 1: 5 18-02
24. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 18-01 227
Day 1: 5 18-01
25. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 17-10 225
Day 1: 5 17-10
26. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira , KS 5 17-08 222
Day 1: 5 17-08
26. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 17-08 222
Day 1: 5 17-08
28. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 17-05 219
Day 1: 5 17-05
29. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 5 17-01 217
Day 1: 5 17-01
30. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 17-00 215
Day 1: 5 17-00
31. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 16-13 213
Day 1: 5 16-13
32. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 16-11 211
Day 1: 5 16-11
33. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 16-07 209
Day 1: 5 16-07
34. Dave Smith Del City, OK 5 16-04 206
Day 1: 5 16-04
34. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 16-04 206
Day 1: 5 16-04
36. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 16-03 203
Day 1: 5 16-03
37. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 16-02 200
Day 1: 5 16-02
37. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 16-02 200
Day 1: 5 16-02
39. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 16-00 197
Day 1: 5 16-00
40. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 15-15 195
Day 1: 5 15-15
41. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, FL 5 15-13 192
Day 1: 5 15-13
41. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 15-13 192
Day 1: 5 15-13
43. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 15-12 189
Day 1: 5 15-12
44. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 15-10 187
Day 1: 5 15-10
45. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 15-09 184
Day 1: 5 15-09
45. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 15-09 184
Day 1: 5 15-09
47. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 15-08 180
Day 1: 5 15-08
47. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 15-08 180
Day 1: 5 15-08
49. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
49. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
49. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 15-07 175
Day 1: 5 15-07
52. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 15-05 171
Day 1: 5 15-05
53. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 15-03 168
Day 1: 5 15-03
53. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 15-03 168
Day 1: 5 15-03
55. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 15-01 165
Day 1: 5 15-01
56. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 14-15 163
Day 1: 5 14-15
57. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 5 14-13 160
Day 1: 5 14-13
57. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 14-13 160
Day 1: 5 14-13
59. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 5 14-12 157
Day 1: 5 14-12
60. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 14-11 154
Day 1: 5 14-11
60. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 14-11 154
Day 1: 5 14-11
62. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 14-10 151
Day 1: 5 14-10
63. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, TX 5 14-09 149
Day 1: 5 14-09
64. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 14-07 147
Day 1: 5 14-07
65. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 5 14-05 145
Day 1: 5 14-05
66. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 14-02 142
Day 1: 5 14-02
66. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 14-02 142
Day 1: 5 14-02
68. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 14-00 138
Day 1: 5 14-00
68. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 14-00 138
Day 1: 5 14-00
70. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 5 13-13 134
Day 1: 5 13-13
70. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 4 13-13 134
Day 1: 4 13-13
72. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 13-11 130
Day 1: 5 13-11
72. John Crews Salem, VA 5 13-11 130
Day 1: 5 13-11
74. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 13-10 127
Day 1: 5 13-10
75. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, CA 5 13-09 125
Day 1: 5 13-09
76. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 13-04 121
Day 1: 5 13-04
76. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 13-04 121
Day 1: 5 13-04
76. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 5 13-04 121
Day 1: 5 13-04
79. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 13-03 117
Day 1: 5 13-03
80. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 5 13-01 115
Day 1: 5 13-01
81. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 13-00 113
Day 1: 5 13-00
82. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 4 12-15 111
Day 1: 4 12-15
83. Keith Phillips Calera, AL 5 12-13 108
Day 1: 5 12-13
83. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 12-13 108
Day 1: 5 12-13
85. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 12-11 105
Day 1: 5 12-11
86. Ken Brodeur Niantic, CT 5 12-03 103
Day 1: 5 12-03
87. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 12-00 100
Day 1: 5 12-00
87. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 4 12-00 100
Day 1: 4 12-00
89. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 5 11-15 97
Day 1: 5 11-15
90. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, TX 5 10-15 95
Day 1: 5 10-15
91. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 10-11 93
Day 1: 5 10-11
92. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 4 10-06 91
Day 1: 4 10-06
93. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 10-04 89
Day 1: 5 10-04
94. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 4 10-00 87
Day 1: 4 10-00
95. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 5 09-07 84
Day 1: 5 09-07
95. William Smith Jr. Somerset, KY 3 09-07 84
Day 1: 3 09-07
97. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 3 09-04 81
Day 1: 3 09-04
98. Mark Rogers Naples, FL 4 09-03 79
Day 1: 4 09-03
99. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 3 07-15 77
Day 1: 3 07-15
100. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 3 07-05 76
Day 1: 3 07-05
101. Charlie Youngers Geneva, FL 3 05-12 75
Day 1: 3 05-12
102. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 2 04-13 74
Day 1: 2 04-13
103. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 2 04-12 73
Day 1: 2 04-12
104. Marty Stone Fayetteville , NC 2 04-11 71.5
Day 1: 2 04-11
104. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 2 04-11 71.5
Day 1: 2 04-11
106. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, FL 1 02-06 70
Day 1: 1 02-06
107. Lee Bailey Boaz, AL 1 01-12 69
Day 1: 1 01-12
108. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 06-04 $1,000.00
Day
1 Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 21-11 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 90 499 1566-12
----------------------------------
90 499 1566-12
2007 Empire Chase 7/19-7/22
Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Robert Suhr Roscommon, MI 5 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 20-01
2. Randy Bell Hamburg, NY 5 19-09 0
Day 1: 5 19-09
3. Bill Wray Welland CANADA 5 18-13 0
Day 1: 5 18-13
4. Greg Hackman Sturgis, MI 5 18-07 0
Day 1: 5 18-07
5. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, AZ 5 18-06 0
Day 1: 5 18-06
6. Troy Sprague Lincoln, NE 5 18-01 0
Day 1: 5 18-01
7. Harry Potts Ozark, AL 5 17-13 0 $500.00
Day 1: 5 17-13
8. Andrew Jenkins Elkhart, IN 5 17-03 0
Day 1: 5 17-03
9. Timothy Braun Buffalo, NY 5 17-02 0
Day 1: 5 17-02
9. Bill Spence St Albans, VT 5 17-02 0
Day 1: 5 17-02
11. Robert Green Jamestown, NY 5 16-06 0
Day 1: 5 16-06
12. Lance Peck Tulsa, OK 5 16-05 0
Day 1: 5 16-05
13. Timothy Creighton Buffalo, NY 5 16-02 0
Day 1: 5 16-02
14. Jim McDevitt Eldon, MO 5 15-13 0
Day 1: 5 15-13
15. Wes Hood Annandale, VA 5 15-11 0
Day 1: 5 15-11
16. Chris Rosica West Milford, NJ 5 15-10 0
Day 1: 5 15-10
17. Brendan Walsh Niagara Falls, NY 5 15-09 0
Day 1: 5 15-09
18. John Voyles Petersburg, IN 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
18. Les Howey St Catharines ONTARIO C 5 15-03 0
Day 1: 5 15-03
20. Peter Typer Pt Colborne CANADA 5 15-01 0
Day 1: 5 15-01
21. Mike Frazier Clermont, FL 5 14-13 0
Day 1: 5 14-13
22. Bill Valberg London ONTARIO CANADA 5 14-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-12
23. David Ottman Oswego, NY 5 14-11 0
Day 1: 5 14-11
24. Brad Brodnicki Buffalo, NY 5 14-08 0
Day 1: 5 14-08
25. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, AL 5 14-05 0
Day 1: 5 14-05
26. Rick Weatherill Campbellville ONTARIO C 5 14-03 0
Day 1: 5 14-03
27. Terry Jones Buffalo, NY 5 13-15 0
Day 1: 5 13-15
27. Jim Tedesco Niagara Falls ONTARIO C 5 13-15 0
Day 1: 5 13-15
29. Kevin Hesson Polk, PA 5 13-14 0
Day 1: 5 13-14
30. Otto David Jefferson Valley, NY 5 13-13 0
Day 1: 5 13-13
31. Preston Crum Nokesville, VA 5 13-12 0
Day 1: 5 13-12
32. Tom Chopin St Catharines ONTARIO C 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
32. Jason Root Fostoria, OH 5 13-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-11
34. William Clute Hogansburg, NY 5 13-10 0
Day 1: 5 13-10
35. Jason Putman Cicero, NY 5 13-05 0
Day 1: 5 13-05
36. Charles Waldorf Angola, NY 5 13-04 0
Day 1: 5 13-04
37. Johnny Graham Tulsa, OK 5 13-03 0
Day 1: 5 13-03
38. Michael Hollinhead Crestview, FL 5 12-15 0
Day 1: 5 12-15
39. Craig Daino Central Square, NY 5 12-14 0
Day 1: 5 12-14
40. George Fiorille Moravia, NY 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
40. Dennis Banik Hammond, IN 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
42. Anthony Vargo Pittsburgh, PA 5 12-06 0
Day 1: 5 12-06
43. Steve Pratt Corfu, NY 5 12-01 0
Day 1: 5 12-01
44. Sean Ritchie Winston, GA 4 12-00 0
Day 1: 4 12-00
45. Peter Dirado Holland, NY 5 11-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-15
46. Steve Voros Springfield ONTARIO CAN 5 11-14 0
Day 1: 5 11-14
47. Dan Kaszubski North Tonawanda, NY 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10
48. Lawrence Lagesse Manteno, IL 4 11-09 0
Day 1: 4 11-09
49. Ron Chapman Lake Quivira , KS 5 11-08 0
Day 1: 5 11-08
49. Scott Huffman Fonthill CANADA 3 11-08 0
Day 1: 3 11-08
51. James Hill Ozark, AL 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
51. Barry Schultz Lockport, NY 4 11-04 0
Day 1: 4 11-04
53. James Whitman Ozark, AL 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
54. Eric Peck Williamsburg, MI 5 11-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-01
54. Joseph Fonzi Gasport, NY 3 11-01 0
Day 1: 3 11-01
56. Frank Tully St Albans, VT 5 10-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-15
57. Jeffrey Stahl Angola, NY 4 10-13 0
Day 1: 4 10-13
58. Harry Wert Lewisburg, PA 4 10-01 0
Day 1: 4 10-01
59. Dave Stahura Lackawanna, NY 4 09-11 0
Day 1: 4 09-11
60. Al Odom Irmo, SC 5 09-10 0
Day 1: 5 09-10
61. Jeff Criger Fordland, MO 5 09-04 0
Day 1: 5 09-04
62. Larry Mazur Lancaster, NY 4 09-00 0
Day 1: 4 09-00
63. Mike Elkins Kalamazoo, MI 3 08-10 0
Day 1: 3 08-10
64. Bob Evans Elkhart, IN 3 08-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09
65. Tim Lybrand Wilson, NC 5 08-08 0
Day 1: 5 08-08
66. Greg Roth Cambridge ONTARIO CANAD 2 08-06 0
Day 1: 2 08-06
67. Marty Scoggins Trion, GA 3 07-12 0
Day 1: 3 07-12
68. Mark Banks West Falls, NY 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
69. Joel Etheredge Springville, AL 4 07-05 0
Day 1: 4 07-05
70. Mike Mcgrath Niagara Falls, NY 2 06-14 0
Day 1: 2 06-14
71. Brandon Pedigo Lawton, OK 4 06-13 0
Day 1: 4 06-13
72. Lutz Spika Stamford, CT 2 06-11 0
Day 1: 2 06-11
73. Ed Labuda Niagara Falls, NY 4 06-10 0
Day 1: 4 06-10
74. Gaspare Costabile Niagara Falls ONTARIO C 3 06-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-09
75. Bob Melanson Springfield, MA 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08
76. Kyle Schuchard Essex ONTARIO CANADA 4 06-07 0
Day 1: 4 06-07
77. Walter Stringer Jr. Tallassee, AL 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
78. Eulon Lee Jr. Montgomery, AL 3 06-04 0
Day 1: 3 06-04
78. Tim Wharton Fulton, NY 3 06-04 0
Day 1: 3 06-04
80. Mark Heatwole Harrisonburg, VA 2 06-02 0
Day 1: 2 06-02
81. Frank Campbell Niagara Falls, NY 3 05-15 0
Day 1: 3 05-15
81. James Jones Pinson, AL 2 05-15 0
Day 1: 2 05-15
83. Donald Bishop Verona, PA 2 05-10 0
Day 1: 2 05-10
84. Travis Green Grand Blanc, MI 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06
85. Scott Scroger Batavia, NY 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
85. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, AL 2 05-05 0
Day 1: 2 05-05
85. Michael Hooper Mountain View, AR 2 05-05 0
Day 1: 2 05-05
88. Steve Smith Tonawanda, NY 2 04-12 0
Day 1: 2 04-12
89. David Morrissette South Hadley, MA 2 04-10 0
Day 1: 2 04-10
90. Bill Johnson Grayling, MI 2 04-06 0
Day 1: 2 04-06
91. Jason Luszcak Palos Hills, IL 1 04-03 0
Day 1: 1 04-03
92. Melinda Mize-Hooper Ben Lomond, AR 2 03-14 0
Day 1: 2 03-14
92. Frank Mealer Irondale, AL 1 03-14 0
Day 1: 1 03-14
94. Alvaro Rodriguez Clarence, NY 2 03-10 0
Day 1: 2 03-10
95. Doug Kirkbride Beaver Falls, NY 2 03-05 0
Day 1: 2 03-05
96. Jerauld Smith Harmonsburg, PA 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03
97. Bob JR Deuel Bath, NY 1 02-10 0
Day 1: 1 02-10
98. Richard Hyde Fulton, NY 1 02-02 0
Day 1: 1 02-02
99. Jim Staszewski West Gardiner, ME 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. John Wentzell Columbia, SC 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Rick Kazmierczak Orchard Park, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Tony Nigro Alexander, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Joseph Pacholec Moosic, PA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Mary Delgado Tampa, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Cliff Howland Valley Falls, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Jimmy Swindle Gardendale, AL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Rick Heavern Amherst, NY 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. David Burks Fordland, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Harry Potts Ozark, AL 05-07 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 54 389 1067-07
----------------------------------
54 389 1067-07