SANDUSKY, Ohio - Joe Balog of Harrison Township, Mich., took the Day 1 lead in the Bassmaster Northern Tour bass fishing tournament on Lake Erie with 23 pounds, 12 ounces of largemouth bass, besting second-place holder Paul Noechel of Lost Creek, W.Va., by more than 8 pounds.
Heavy winds and high waves plagued anglers on Thursday, the first day of the three-day event. Several said they were forced to give up on planned runs to key water and instead stayed inside Sandusky Bay, which offered more protection. But Balog was one of the few who braved the open water and made a long run. He said his destination was near the Canadian border.
"I've been fishing here since 1988 and this is the toughest day I've ever fished," said the 32-year-old, who estimated he's fished more than 100 tournaments on Lake Erie. But while the conditions were difficult, he said the fishing was phenomenal.
"This time of year, the fish get on deep structure and start going deep for the winter," he said. "The fish are feeding for the fall. The key is to get the bait vertical. Once it's down there, you just wait."
Balog said he targeted rockpiles, going 28 to 32 feet deep with a drop-shot rig to bring in his five-fish limit.
Noechel, 50, finished the first day in second place with a limit of largemouth that weighed 15 pounds, 7 ounces. He may be a West Virginia native, but he considers Lake Erie his home water because he makes the trip to Erie eight to 10 times a year. Noechel said that during practice earlier in the week, he focused on locating an area he felt would produce a limit no matter how badly weather might kick up the water on Thursday.
"The key is to fish very, very slowly," he said. "I can't emphasize that enough. I'm fishing a Senko and dead-sticking it."
Joe Cox, 20, of DeBary, Fla., held third place with a limit of largemouth bass weighing 14 pounds, 10 ounces. He was one of only 13 pros who brought a limit to the scales on Thursday. In fourth was Sam Lashlee of Camden, Tenn., with 13-12. In fifth was Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jami Fralick of Martin, S.D., with 12-14.
On the co-angler side, Mark Harcharik of Cleveland, Ohio, led on Day 1 with 13 pounds. Included in his limit was a 4-10 largemouth that took Big Bass co-angler honors and earned him a $400 bonus. Trailing Harcharik were Craig Schmidt of Columbus, Neb., with 8-9; Brad Brodnicki of Buffalo, N.Y., with 8-6; Lee Pilz of Wawaka, Ind., with 6-14; and John Terry of Mansfield, Ohio, with 6-7.
Anglers on the pro side are vying for a first-place payout of $30,000 in cash and a Triton boat rig worth $45,000. Co-anglers are up against each other for a top prize of a Triton boat package valued at $30,000. Total payout for the tournament is $324,650 in cash and merchandise to the top 60 pros; the top 50 co-anglers share a payout of $68,800 in prizes.
The field cuts to the top 50 anglers and top 50 co-anglers for Saturday's competition.
2006 Northern 4 - Sandusky BO 10/05-10/07 Lake Erie/Sandusky Bay, Sandusky, Ohio
PRO Division Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Joe Balog Harrison Township, Mich. 5 23-12 305
Day 1: 5 23-12
2. Paul Noechel Lost Creek, W.Va. 5 15-07 295
Day 1: 5 15-07
3. John Cox DeBary, Fla. 5 14-10 290
Day 1: 5 14-10
4. Sam Lashlee Camden, Tenn. 5 13-12 285
Day 1: 5 13-12
5. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 5 12-14 280
Day 1: 5 12-14
6. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 5 12-03 276
Day 1: 5 12-03
7. Derek Remitz Hemphill, Texas 5 11-08 270
Day 1: 5 11-08
7. John Kolinski Greenville, Wisc. 4 11-08 270
Day 1: 4 11-08
9. Travis Rulle Huntsville, Ala. 5 10-07 264
Day 1: 5 10-07
10. Brent Broderick Oregonia, Ohio 5 10-03 260
Day 1: 5 10-03
11. Dave Parsons Yantis, Texas 5 10-02 257
Day 1: 5 10-02
12. Tony Dadante Derby, N.Y. 5 10-01 254
Day 1: 5 10-01
13. Jason Welch Royse City, Texas 3 9-15 251 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 9-15
14. Chris Daves Hopewell, Va. 5 8-15 248
Day 1: 5 8-15
15. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 8-14 245
Day 1: 5 8-14
16. Bryan Coates Amherst, Ohio 4 8-07 243
Day 1: 4 8-07
17. Brannon Jones Montgomery, Ala. 3 8-03 241
Day 1: 3 8-03
18. David Hovanec Unionville, N.Y. 3 7-12 239
Day 1: 3 7-12
19. Monty Fralick Martin, S.D. 3 7-09 237
Day 1: 3 7-09
20. Steven Clapper Lima, Ohio 3 7-01 235
Day 1: 3 7-01
21. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 2 6-14 233
Day 1: 2 6-14
22. Ray Brazier Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 3 6-08 231
Day 1: 3 6-08
23. John Chaffo Pittsburgh, Pa. 2 6-03 229
Day 1: 2 6-03
24. Rodney Hardwick Connersville, Ind. 3 6-02 225
Day 1: 3 6-02
24. Chris King S Amherst, Ohio 2 6-02 225
Day 1: 2 6-02
24. Jason Sain Beechgrove, Tenn. 2 6-02 225
Day 1: 2 6-02
27. Paul Mazzitelli Pittston, Pa. 2 5-08 221
Day 1: 2 5-08
28. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 2 5-01 219
Day 1: 2 5-01
29. Gregory Dipalma Millville, N.J. 2 4-14 216
Day 1: 2 4-14
29. Charlie Hill Franklin, Ky. 2 4-14 216
Day 1: 2 4-14
31. Rogne Brown Kimball, Tenn. 1 4-10 213
Day 1: 1 4-10
32. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, Fla. 2 4-07 211
Day 1: 2 4-07
33. Steven Bunt Wallkill, N.Y. 1 4-01 208
Day 1: 1 4-01
33. Aaron Jakub Lincoln, Neb. 1 4-01 208
Day 1: 1 4-01
35. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 2 4-00 205
Day 1: 2 4-00
36. Ken Baumgardner Monongahela, Pa. 1 3-15 203
Day 1: 1 3-15
37. Paul Kimball Glastonbury, Conn. 1 3-14 201
Day 1: 1 3-14
38. Dave Hayward Sylvania, Ohio 1 3-13 199
Day 1: 1 3-13
39. Craig Dowling Many, La. 2 3-12 197
Day 1: 2 3-12
40. Lawren Wetzel Sharon, Canada 1 3-09 195
Day 1: 1 3-09
41. Art Ferguson Saint Clair Shores, Mi 1 3-07 193
Day 1: 1 3-07
42. Tom Moleski Elkhart, Ind. 1 3-02 191
Day 1: 1 3-02
43. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 1 3-01 188
Day 1: 1 3-01
43. Nate Wellman Jenison, Mich. 1 3-01 188
Day 1: 1 3-01
45. Garrett Green Bracebridge, Canada 1 2-12 185
Day 1: 1 2-12
46. Rocky Cummings Emmet, Ark. 1 2-10 182
Day 1: 1 2-10
46. Matthew Lazaroff Mercer, Pa. 1 2-10 182
Day 1: 1 2-10
48. Mike Desforges Burlington, Canada 1 2-05 179
Day 1: 1 2-05
49. Dave Rochette Bracebridge, Canada 1 2-04 177
Day 1: 1 2-04
50. Ron Brown Mount Pleasant, S.C. 1 1-15 174
Day 1: 1 1-15
50. Jeremy Montoya Fort Collins, Colo. 1 1-15 174
Day 1: 1 1-15
52. Louis Iribarren Port Jervis, N.Y. 1 1-14 171
Day 1: 1 1-14
53. Greg Roth Cambridge, Canada 1 1-12 169
Day 1: 1 1-12
54. Kenneth Acornley Larksville, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. David Barnes Weeks Mills, Maine 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Daryl Biron South Windsor, Conn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Kip Bodkin Rhome, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Frank Boothe Albuquerque, N.M. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Joe Conway Colorado Springs, Colo 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Gaspare Costabile Niagara Falls, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Glenn Delong Bellville, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Simon Frost St Catharines, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Patrick Goodman White Pigeon, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Mark Hicks Millfield, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Thomas Kessell Pocahantas, Ark. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Royce Madden High Point, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. David Marion Cold Spring, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Craig Nels Baldwinsville, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Dick Parker Amherst, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Nick Radtke New Hampton, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Justin Riley Woodbine, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Mike Weiss Union Grove, Wisc. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Brian Wilhoit Oxon Hill, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Purolator Big Bass
Day
1 Jason Welch Royse City, Texas 5-12 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 13 136 354-05
----------------------------------
13 136 354-05
2006 Northern 4 - Sandusky NB 10/05-10/07 Lake Erie/Sandusky Bay, Sandusky Ohio
Co-Angler Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Mark Harcharik Cleveland, Ohio 3 13-00 305 $400.00
Day 1: 3 13-00
2. Craig (Steven) Schmid Columbus, Neb. 3 8-09 295
Day 1: 3 8-09
3. Brad Brodnicki Buffalo, N.Y. 3 8-06 290
Day 1: 3 8-06
4. Lee Pilz Wawaka, Ind. 3 6-14 285
Day 1: 3 6-14
5. John Terry Mansfield, Ohio 3 6-07 280
Day 1: 3 6-07
6. Del Smith Castalia, Ohio 3 6-04 276
Day 1: 3 6-04
7. Ashley Hayes Rockvale, Tenn. 3 6-01 272
Day 1: 3 6-01
8. Stephen Barrett Kirkfield, Canada 3 5-15 268
Day 1: 3 5-15
9. Olexiy Luchnikov Brooklyn, N.Y. 2 5-14 264
Day 1: 2 5-14
10. Mark Dairy Nevada, Ohio 3 5-04 260
Day 1: 3 5-04
11. Stephen Schneider Selden, N.Y. 2 5-01 257
Day 1: 2 5-01
12. Timothy Macknair Rices Landing, Pa. 2 4-14 254
Day 1: 2 4-14
13. Thomas Fowler Jefferson, Pa. 2 4-12 251
Day 1: 2 4-12
14. Chuck Lee South Bend, Ind. 2 4-10 246
Day 1: 2 4-10
14. Larry Wagner Crown Point, Ind. 2 4-10 246
Day 1: 2 4-10
16. Charles Robison Allison Park, Pa. 2 4-07 242
Day 1: 2 4-07
16. Valeri Timofeev East Stroudsburg, Pa. 2 4-07 242
Day 1: 2 4-07
18. George Fister Lake Charles, La. 2 4-06 239
Day 1: 2 4-06
19. Lee Hannah Grandville, Mass. 2 4-04 236
Day 1: 2 4-04
19. Thomas Landish Monongahela, Pa. 1 4-04 236
Day 1: 1 4-04
21. Dan Shafer Clayton, Ohio 1 3-15 233
Day 1: 1 3-15
22. David Dominoski Mechanicsburg, Pa. 1 3-10 231
Day 1: 1 3-10
23. Trudy Noechel Lost Creek, W.Va. 1 3-08 229
Day 1: 1 3-08
24. Richard Favire Winfield Park, N.J. 1 3-07 227
Day 1: 1 3-07
25. Mark Frickman Grand Ledge, Mich. 1 3-03 225
Day 1: 1 3-03
26. Michael Sills Oakland, Maine 1 3-02 223
Day 1: 1 3-02
27. Bob Day North Ridgeville, Ohio 1 3-00 221
Day 1: 1 3-00
28. Bill Rea Greenfield, Ohio 1 2-11 219
Day 1: 1 2-11
29. Phillip Justus Batavia, N.Y. 1 2-10 217
Day 1: 1 2-10
30. Richard Strubell Huddleston, Va. 1 2-09 215
Day 1: 1 2-09
31. Paul Benjamin Hobart, Ind. 1 2-07 210
Day 1: 1 2-07
31. Steven Brinster Highland Lakes, N.J. 1 2-07 210
Day 1: 1 2-07
31. Earl Purcell Granville, Mass. 1 2-07 210
Day 1: 1 2-07
31. Stephen Weising Marblehead, Ohio 1 2-07 210
Day 1: 1 2-07
35. Scott Heston Sugar Grove, Ohio 1 2-05 204
Day 1: 1 2-05
35. Kris Thornton Osceola, Ind. 1 2-05 204
Day 1: 1 2-05
37. Jack Palmer Hopkinsville, Ky. 1 2-02 201
Day 1: 1 2-02
38. Neil Howard Salem, Ind. 1 1-15 199
Day 1: 1 1-15
39. Ivan Malecki Pittsburgh, Pa. 1 1-14 197
Day 1: 1 1-14
40. Bob Howard Colorado Springs, Colo 1 1-12 195
Day 1: 1 1-12
41. Tom Beale Rochester Hills, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Gary Besmer East Islip, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. John Black Monclova, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Mikhail Borashko W Bloomfield, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Larry Bryant Goodlettsville, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Daniel Burkitt Waverly, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. John Butvilas Cicero, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Todd Caddy Carnegie, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Dick Carney Seward, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Michael Copper Eaton, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Johnny Denny Lancaster, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Fred Eber Ingleside, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Alonzo Evans East Hartford, Conn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Joshua Fiedler Clear Spring, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Bradley Fields Morgantown, W.Va. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. James Gargis Mishawaka, Ind. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Craig Gipe Lancaster, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Travis Green Grand Blanc, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Jerry Jackson Piketon, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Andrew Jenkins Elkhart, Ind. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Tony Johnson Westerville, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Jim Kline Hagerstown, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Tony Kyriazes Chicago, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Steve Linville Harrison, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Eric Loos Glen Ellyn, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. JUSTIN Malone Morgan, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Jim McDevitt Eldon, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Lee Nelson Mather, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Scott Outen Glen Burnie, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Dave Reminga Grand Rapids, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Joe Ritzenthaler Sandusky, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Shane Shafer Lewisburg, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Dave Shepherd Portsmouth, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Dennis Staley Tillsonburg, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Andy Starner Dover, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Kenneth Strimple Fairport, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Chip Swindell Bluffton, Ind. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Jim Tedesco Niagara Falls, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Jake Thomas Iowa Falls, Iowa 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Peter Typer Pt Colborne, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Justin Walker Markham, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
41. Lee Winkler Cincinnati, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Purolator Big Bass
Day
1 Mark Harcharik Cleveland, Ohio 4-10 $400.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 9 68 172-01
----------------------------------
9 68 172-01