GROVE, Okla. - Relying on his typical "helter-skelter" approach and covering abundant water on picturesque Grand Lake, Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., caught a 21-pound, 11-ounce limit Thursday to lead Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Marty Robinson of Landrum, S.C., by more than 1 pound at the Sooner Run bass fishing tournament.
Perhaps the most dominant angler in professional fishing, VanDam already has scored one victory this year, at Alabama's Lake Guntersville. His focus for the rest of the season is turned to the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. He is in second place, trailing California's Skeet Reese.
"When I fish, I am trying to effectively control all the variables that I can," said VanDam, who is looking to clinch his fourth AOY title. "I have had some ups and downs this year, but if I finish well, I have a real shot at the Angler of the Year."
Despite the lead, VanDam said he was never in a "comfort zone" Thursday and used most of his competition day to practice for the remainder of the tournament. The 39-year-old said he caught the majority of his weight just hours after launching.
VanDam said the fishery is much different than it was a year ago. The change allowed VanDam to catch fish with a spinnerbait and buzzbait, two lures he prefers.
"There are a number of ways to catch them out here," said VanDam, who is the BASS all-time money winner with more than $2 million in career earnings. "But it will be hard to duplicate things from day to day. The angler who will win this event needs to be versatile."
Robinson, who finished second, is following in the footsteps of rookie Elite anglers who have been successful this year. First, Derek Remitz won the season-opening event on Texas' Lake Amistad. Just two weeks ago, Casey Ashley, the youngest angler in the field, was victorious at Virginia's Smith Mountain Lake.
Like most of the field, Robinson targeted shallow fish early in the morning and then focused on the deep bite later in the afternoon. He worked 30 to 35 points to catch 20 pounds, 0 ounces.
"The big fish come on the first few casts to the points," said Robinson, who moved into the top five for the first time. "I feel if I stick with the same pattern tomorrow, I can bring in another solid limit."
Tied for third with 19 pounds, 8 ounces, were 2006 Bassmaster Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J., and Ben Matsubu of Hemphill, Texas. Remitz, an Elite rookie from Madison, Ala., was fifth with 19 pounds, 1 ounce.
2006 Sooner Run champion Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., was 11th with 17 pounds, 15 ounces.
In the co-angler division, Texan Michael Vintges led the field competing for a Triton/Mercury boat package valued at $50,000. He weighed in 17 pounds, 11 ounces. Trailing Vintges were homestate anglers David Herman with 16 pounds, 7 ounces, and Kelly Banks with 15 pounds, 13 ounces.
2007 The Sooner Run 6/21-6/24
Grand Lake, Grove OK.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 21-11 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-11
2. Marty Robinson Landrum, SC 5 20-00 295
Day 1: 5 20-00
3. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 19-08287.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
3. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 19-08287.5
Day 1: 5 19-08
5. Derek Remitz Hemphill, TX 5 19-01 280
Day 1: 5 19-01
6. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 19-00 276
Day 1: 5 19-00
7. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 18-09 272
Day 1: 5 18-09
8. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 18-08 268 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-08
9. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 18-06 264
Day 1: 5 18-06
10. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 18-04 260
Day 1: 5 18-04
11. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 17-15 257
Day 1: 5 17-15
12. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 17-13 254
Day 1: 5 17-13
13. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 17-12 251
Day 1: 5 17-12
14. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 17-10 248
Day 1: 5 17-10
15. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 17-07 244
Day 1: 5 17-07
15. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 17-07 244
Day 1: 5 17-07
17. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 16-15 241
Day 1: 5 16-15
18. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 16-13 239
Day 1: 5 16-13
19. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 16-09 237
Day 1: 5 16-09
20. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 16-08 235
Day 1: 5 16-08
21. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 16-07 233
Day 1: 5 16-07
22. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 16-06 231
Day 1: 5 16-06
23. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, FL 5 16-04 228
Day 1: 5 16-04
23. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 16-04 228
Day 1: 5 16-04
25. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 16-00 225
Day 1: 5 16-00
26. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 15-15 223
Day 1: 5 15-15
27. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 15-14 221
Day 1: 5 15-14
28. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 15-12 219
Day 1: 5 15-12
29. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 15-11 217
Day 1: 5 15-11
30. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 5 15-08 214
Day 1: 5 15-08
30. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 15-08 214
Day 1: 5 15-08
32. Lee Bailey Boaz, AL 5 15-07 211
Day 1: 5 15-07
33. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 15-05 209
Day 1: 5 15-05
34. John Crews Salem, VA 5 15-04 206
Day 1: 5 15-04
34. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, CA 5 15-04 206
Day 1: 5 15-04
36. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 15-00 203
Day 1: 5 15-00
37. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 14-15 199
Day 1: 5 14-15
37. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 5 14-15 199
Day 1: 5 14-15
37. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 14-15 199
Day 1: 5 14-15
40. Ishama Monroe Hughson, CA 5 14-14 195
Day 1: 5 14-14
41. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 14-12 193
Day 1: 5 14-12
42. James Charlesworth Saint Cloud, FL 5 14-11 191
Day 1: 5 14-11
43. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 5 14-10 189
Day 1: 5 14-10
44. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 14-09 186
Day 1: 5 14-09
44. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 14-09 186
Day 1: 5 14-09
46. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 14-08 183
Day 1: 5 14-08
47. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 14-05 180
Day 1: 5 14-05
47. Bradley Stringer Huntington, TX 5 14-05 180
Day 1: 5 14-05
49. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 14-04 176
Day 1: 5 14-04
49. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 14-04 176
Day 1: 5 14-04
51. Chris Lane Winter Haven, FL 5 14-02 173
Day 1: 5 14-02
52. Ken Brodeur Niantic, CT 5 14-01 170
Day 1: 5 14-01
52. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 14-01 170
Day 1: 5 14-01
54. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, NC 5 13-15 167
Day 1: 5 13-15
55. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 13-13 165
Day 1: 5 13-13
56. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 5 13-11 163
Day 1: 5 13-11
57. Dave Smith Del City, OK 5 13-10 160
Day 1: 5 13-10
57. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 13-10 160
Day 1: 5 13-10
59. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 13-06 155
Day 1: 5 13-06
59. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 13-06 155
Day 1: 5 13-06
59. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 13-06 155
Day 1: 5 13-06
62. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 13-01 151
Day 1: 5 13-01
63. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 5 13-00 147
Day 1: 5 13-00
63. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 13-00 147
Day 1: 5 13-00
63. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 13-00 147
Day 1: 5 13-00
66. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 12-15 142
Day 1: 5 12-15
66. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 12-15 142
Day 1: 5 12-15
68. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 12-14 139
Day 1: 5 12-14
69. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 12-13 137
Day 1: 5 12-13
70. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 12-12 135
Day 1: 5 12-12
71. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 12-08 133
Day 1: 5 12-08
72. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, MD 5 12-07 130
Day 1: 5 12-07
72. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 12-07 130
Day 1: 5 12-07
74. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 5 12-05 127
Day 1: 5 12-05
75. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 12-01 125
Day 1: 5 12-01
76. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 5 12-00 123
Day 1: 5 12-00
77. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 5 11-13 121
Day 1: 5 11-13
78. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, TX 5 11-12 119
Day 1: 5 11-12
79. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 11-11 117
Day 1: 5 11-11
80. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 11-08 114
Day 1: 5 11-08
80. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 11-08 114
Day 1: 5 11-08
82. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 11-07 111
Day 1: 5 11-07
83. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 11-05 109
Day 1: 5 11-05
84. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 11-02 107
Day 1: 5 11-02
85. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 10-14 104
Day 1: 5 10-14
85. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, TX 5 10-14 104
Day 1: 5 10-14
87. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 10-13 101
Day 1: 5 10-13
88. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 10-10 99
Day 1: 5 10-10
89. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 10-09 95
Day 1: 5 10-09
89. William Smith Jr. Somerset, KY 5 10-09 95
Day 1: 5 10-09
89. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 5 10-09 95
Day 1: 5 10-09
92. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, FL 5 10-06 90
Day 1: 5 10-06
92. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 10-06 90
Day 1: 5 10-06
94. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 10-05 87
Day 1: 5 10-05
95. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 10-01 85
Day 1: 5 10-01
96. Mark Rogers Naples, FL 5 10-00 83
Day 1: 5 10-00
97. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, CA 5 09-15 81
Day 1: 5 09-15
98. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 09-13 79
Day 1: 5 09-13
99. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 09-09 77
Day 1: 5 09-09
100. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 09-08 76
Day 1: 5 09-08
101. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 09-06 75
Day 1: 5 09-06
102. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 09-00 73.5
Day 1: 5 09-00
102. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 4 09-00 73.5
Day 1: 4 09-00
104. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 4 07-15 72
Day 1: 4 07-15
105. Charlie Youngers Geneva, FL 2 07-09 71
Day 1: 2 07-09
106. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 3 07-05 70
Day 1: 3 07-05
107. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 3 06-07 69
Day 1: 3 06-07
108. Keith Phillips Calera, AL 2 03-13 68
Day 1: 2 03-13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 05-14 $1,000.00
Day
1 Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 21-11 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 102 528 1480-02
----------------------------------
102 528 1480-02
2007 The Sooner Run 6/21-6/24
Grand Lake, Grove OK.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Michael Vintges Tyler, TX 5 17-11 0
Day 1: 5 17-11
2. David Herman Mcalester, OK 5 16-07 0
Day 1: 5 16-07
3. Kelly Banks Ramona, OK 5 15-13 0
Day 1: 5 15-13
4. Kelly Dougherty Broken Arrow, OK 5 15-04 0
Day 1: 5 15-04
5. David Stewart Cedar Park, TX 5 15-01 0
Day 1: 5 15-01
6. Bryan Talmadge Pell City, AL 5 14-12 0
Day 1: 5 14-12
7. Larry Triplett Parker, CO 5 14-07 0
Day 1: 5 14-07
8. David Hale Grove, OK 4 13-10 0
Day 1: 4 13-10
9. Carlton Simmons Enid, OK 5 13-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-01
10. Mark Child Mansfield, TX 5 12-13 0
Day 1: 5 12-13
11. Clayton Coppin Muskogee, OK 5 12-07 0
Day 1: 5 12-07
12. Scott Ventimiglia Kansas City, MO 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
13. Robert Heath Wellsville, KS 5 11-06 0
Day 1: 5 11-06
14. Robert Reedy Rose Bud, AR 5 11-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-04
15. Benjamin Jackson Broken Arrow, OK 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
16. Matthew Leavell Vicksburg, MS 5 10-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-15
17. Mike Williams Delhi, LA 5 10-13 0
Day 1: 5 10-13
18. Ronnie Manrose Ozark, MO 5 10-12 0
Day 1: 5 10-12
19. Jacob McConnell Bella Vista, AR 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-07
19. Rodney McClelland Springdale, AR 5 10-07 0
Day 1: 5 10-07
21. Mike Hitt Anderson, MO 5 10-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-01
22. Chad Kallina San Marcos, TX 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00
22. Dave Dickherber Lake Saint Louis, MO 4 10-00 0
Day 1: 4 10-00
24. Mike Jones Noel, MO 5 09-14 0
Day 1: 5 09-14
25. Harry Parten Columbiana, AL 5 09-13 0
Day 1: 5 09-13
26. Les Williams Mcalester, OK 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12
26. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, AL 5 09-12 0
Day 1: 5 09-12
28. Shannon Mcclelland Bella Vista, AR 4 09-09 0
Day 1: 4 09-09
29. Ron Hummingbird Broken Arrow, OK 5 09-08 0
Day 1: 5 09-08
30. Derrick Wright Chanute, KS 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 5 09-06
30. Art Hines Joplin, MO 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 5 09-06
30. Darryl Hanks Pineville, MO 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 5 09-06
33. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 09-05 0
Day 1: 5 09-05
34. Joel Etheredge Springville, AL 5 08-14 0
Day 1: 5 08-14
35. Gil Phillips Alba, TX 5 08-13 0
Day 1: 5 08-13
35. Ron Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 4 08-13 0
Day 1: 4 08-13
37. Jake Tudor Broken Arrow, OK 5 08-11 0
Day 1: 5 08-11
37. Jeff Criger Fordland, MO 4 08-11 0
Day 1: 4 08-11
39. Raymond Renfroe Delaware, OK 4 08-07 0
Day 1: 4 08-07
40. James Hill Ozark, AL 5 08-05 0
Day 1: 5 08-05
41. Judith Hart Greenville, TX 4 08-01 0
Day 1: 4 08-01
42. Ryan Ledbetter Sand Springs, OK 4 07-15 0
Day 1: 4 07-15
42. Mike Frazier Clermont, FL 4 07-15 0
Day 1: 4 07-15
44. Bill Milton Searcy, AR 3 07-14 0
Day 1: 3 07-14
45. Scott Phillips Collinsville, OK 4 07-11 0
Day 1: 4 07-11
46. Larry Wecker Norfolk, NE 4 07-05 0
Day 1: 4 07-05
47. Howard Stephens Columbia, SC 5 07-04 0
Day 1: 5 07-04
48. Michael Gill Bixby, OK 3 07-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-02
48. Gary Miller Kearney, MO 3 07-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-02
50. Travis Cockburn Marion, IL 4 07-01 0
Day 1: 4 07-01
50. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, AZ 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
50. James Jones Pinson, AL 3 07-01 0
Day 1: 3 07-01
53. Jimmy Swindle Gardendale, AL 4 06-15 0
Day 1: 4 06-15
54. Jack Dixon Wichita, KS 3 06-12 0
Day 1: 3 06-12
55. David Reavis Sand Springs, OK 2 06-09 0
Day 1: 2 06-09
56. Jason Fox Bixby, CO 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08
57. Michael Bass Austin, TX 4 06-05 0
Day 1: 4 06-05
57. Bill Dowding Newalla, OK 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
59. Frank Mealer Irondale, AL 4 06-04 0
Day 1: 4 06-04
60. Scott Darragh Dallas, TX 3 06-03 0
Day 1: 3 06-03
60. Brian Hanes Bernice, OK 3 06-03 0
Day 1: 3 06-03
62. David Evans Afton, OK 3 05-15 0
Day 1: 3 05-15
63. Harry Tharp Southlake, TX 3 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-13
63. Randy Hill Bixby, OK 3 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-13
65. David Clark Edwardsburg, MI 4 05-12 0
Day 1: 4 05-12
66. Glenn Barberee Crestview, FL 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
66. Brandon Pedigo Lawton, OK 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
68. Brian Brandon Elgin, TX 2 05-06 0
Day 1: 2 05-06
68. Eulon Lee Jr. Montgomery, AL 1 05-06 0 $500.00
Day 1: 1 05-06
70. Jack Burnett Miami, OK 3 05-00 0
Day 1: 3 05-00
71. John Settle Larned, KS 2 04-12 0
Day 1: 2 04-12
72. Gary Biggs Mounds, OK 2 04-06 0
Day 1: 2 04-06
73. Brian Sarson Ava, MO 2 04-03 0
Day 1: 2 04-03
74. Harry Potts Ozark, AL 3 04-01 0
Day 1: 3 04-01
75. Rahl Williams Mulvane, KS 2 03-15 0
Day 1: 2 03-15
76. Ron Rhodes Broken Arrow, OK 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11
76. Charles Wright Grove, OK 2 03-11 0
Day 1: 2 03-11
78. John Basinger Slaton, TX 2 03-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-09
79. Kevin Savely Liberal, KS 2 03-05 0
Day 1: 2 03-05
80. Dave Elder Tuscaloosa, AL 2 03-03 0
Day 1: 2 03-03
81. Bill Maggs Justin, TX 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 2 03-02
81. Michael Imler Coloma, MI 2 03-02 0
Day 1: 2 03-02
83. Danny Hickman Stroud, OK 2 03-01 0
Day 1: 2 03-01
83. Thomas Tysdal Lawton, OK 1 03-01 0
Day 1: 1 03-01
85. Gary Bolser Washington, OK 2 02-14 0
Day 1: 2 02-14
86. Joe Perkins Owasso, OK 2 02-13 0
Day 1: 2 02-13
87. Justin Titus Broken Arrow, OK 1 02-06 0
Day 1: 1 02-06
88. James Whitman Ozark, AL 1 02-03 0
Day 1: 1 02-03
89. Terry Canady Skiatook, OK 1 02-00 0
Day 1: 1 02-00
90. Justin McClelland Bella Vista, AR 1 01-14 0
Day 1: 1 01-14
91. Paul Hottman Wakarusa, KS 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13
91. Kenny O'Malley Tulsa, OK 1 01-13 0
Day 1: 1 01-13
93. Mary Delgado Tampa, FL 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11
93. Justin Filarski Joplin, MO 1 01-11 0
Day 1: 1 01-11
95. Matthew Kyles Catoosa, OK 1 01-08 0
Day 1: 1 01-08
96. James Marion Tulsa, OK 1 01-05 0
Day 1: 1 01-05
96. Matthew Waller Augusta, KS 1 01-05 0
Day 1: 1 01-05
98. Dennis Whitaker Branson, MO 1 01-04 0
Day 1: 1 01-04
99. Kent Caulfield Cherryvale, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Marty Scoggins Trion, GA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Mark Leach Bartlesville, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Jerry Mcvey Stewartsville, MO 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. John Hayes Sherwood Park ALBERTA C 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Eric Engels Amarillo, TX 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Tom Steeper Broken Arrow, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. Michael Hollinhead Crestview, FL 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
99. David Underwood Broken Arrow, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Eulon Lee Jr. Montgomery, AL 05-06 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 35 336 721-15
----------------------------------
35 336 721-15