GILBERTSVILLE, Ky. - It was a deep-water struggle for the 102 Bassmaster Elite Series anglers fishing the bass fishing tournament on Kentucky Lake, but in the end, a proven angler and two-time Bassmaster Classic champion came out on top.
Using his experience fishing on the Great Lakes, 38-year old Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., reeled in 18 pounds, 9 ounces of bass to take the Day 1 lead of the Bluegrass Brawl on Kentucky Lake. It is the first time VanDam has led a tournament since Day 2 of the second Elite Series event back in March.
But while VanDam - generally considered the best power fisherman in the world - made his rise to the top look easy on Thursday, he admitted that bringing in his five-bass limit was tough. "It was an all-day fight to get five bites," said VanDam. VanDam boated five keepers early and was culling by 8:30 a.m. This, he said, was key because it helped an angler who can easily make 1,000 casts in a day calm down and fish slower.
"This lake has the potential for a 24-pound bag," said VanDam, who fished deep-water ledges with big crankbaits and jigs. "Just pull up on the right place and you'll find it."
As the current BASS all-time money winner, VanDam sits just less than $4,000 away from surpassing the $2 million mark in earnings. He needs a finish of 50th or better to hit the goal.
Three-time Classic qualifier Jeff Kreit of Ardmore, Okla., was just 9 ounces behind VanDam with 18 pounds. Kreit, 37, caught 20 keepers and stuck to deep, offshore ledges on Kentucky Lake. With 10 solid locations to run to tomorrow, Kreit said he is confident he'll get quality bites on Day 2. "When I'm throwing offshore I feel like I've got 50 (bass) looking at me," said Kreit. "The trick is getting them to bite."
Six-time Classic qualifier Randy Howell was in fourth with 17-13. A self-described sight-fisherman, the Springville, Ala., pro culled 10 bass fishing deep ledges on Lake Barkley, throwing both Carolina rigs and Gulp! Shaky Worms.
"This kind of fishing is my weakest, so I'm real excited with my day," said Howell. "This is the tournament I was worried about and I hope I can keep it up tomorrow."
Eleventh-place Kevin Wirth of Crestwood, Ky., had 16-2 and led the charge of the Bluegrass anglers on Day 1. He had four key areas on Kentucky Lake and fished with a variety of lures, but said timing was the most important factor in his day.
"If you've got the right variables, you can catch them every cast," said the seven-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. "This tournament is really going to come down to timing."
The top 50 pros will move on to Day 3 following Friday's weigh-in and only the top 12 will fish Day 4 on Sunday.
Co-angler Richard Coldiron of Somerset, Ky., led his category with a total of 12-14. Co-anglers will fish two more days and are competing for a fully rigged Triton boat with a Mercury outboard valued at $45,000.
Elite Series anglers are vying for $673,150 in cash to the top 50 pros and valuable points towards qualifying in the Bassmaster Majors, Bassmaster Classic and the race for the Bassmaster Angler of the Year award. The top 25 co-anglers compete for $115,400 in cash and merchandise.
2006 Bluegrass Brawl Pro 06/15-06/18
Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Dam Village Ky.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 18-09 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09
2. Jeff Kreit Ardmore, Okla. 5 18-00 295
Day 1: 5 18-00
3. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 17-15 290
Day 1: 5 17-15
4. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 17-13 285
Day 1: 5 17-13
5. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 17-12 280
Day 1: 5 17-12
6. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 17-09 276
Day 1: 5 17-09
7. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 5 17-08 272
Day 1: 5 17-08
8. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 17-03 268
Day 1: 5 17-03
9. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 16-11 264
Day 1: 5 16-11
10. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 16-09 260
Day 1: 5 16-09
11. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 16-02 257
Day 1: 5 16-02
12. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 5 16-01 254 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-01
13. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 5 15-07 251
Day 1: 5 15-07
14. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 15-06 248
Day 1: 5 15-06
15. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 5 15-03 244
Day 1: 5 15-03
15. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 5 15-03 244
Day 1: 5 15-03
17. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 5 14-14 241
Day 1: 5 14-14
18. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 5 14-13 239
Day 1: 5 14-13
19. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 14-11 237
Day 1: 5 14-11
20. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 14-01 235
Day 1: 5 14-01
21. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 14-00 233
Day 1: 5 14-00
22. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 13-12 230
Day 1: 5 13-12
22. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 13-12 230
Day 1: 5 13-12
24. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 13-09 227
Day 1: 5 13-09
25. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 13-08 225
Day 1: 5 13-08
26. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 13-06 223
Day 1: 5 13-06
27. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 13-05 221
Day 1: 5 13-05
28. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 5 13-02 219
Day 1: 5 13-02
29. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 13-00 216
Day 1: 5 13-00
29. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 13-00 216
Day 1: 5 13-00
31. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 5 12-13 213
Day 1: 5 12-13
32. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 5 12-12 211
Day 1: 5 12-12
33. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 12-09 208
Day 1: 5 12-09
33. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 12-09 208
Day 1: 5 12-09
35. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 12-08 205
Day 1: 5 12-08
36. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 12-07 201
Day 1: 5 12-07
36. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 12-07 201
Day 1: 5 12-07
36. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 12-07 201
Day 1: 5 12-07
39. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 12-06 197
Day 1: 5 12-06
40. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 12-05 195
Day 1: 5 12-05
41. Gerald Swindle Warrioir, Ala. 5 12-04 192
Day 1: 5 12-04
41. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 12-04 192
Day 1: 5 12-04
43. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 4 12-02 189
Day 1: 4 12-02
44. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 12-01 187
Day 1: 5 12-01
45. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 5 12-00 185
Day 1: 5 12-00
46. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 11-15 183
Day 1: 5 11-15
47. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 11-14 181
Day 1: 5 11-14
48. Vince Hurtado Waterford, Calif. 4 11-13 179
Day 1: 4 11-13
49. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 11-07 177
Day 1: 5 11-07
50. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 11-04 175
Day 1: 5 11-04
51. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 3 11-01 173
Day 1: 3 11-01
52. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 10-15 171
Day 1: 5 10-15
53. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 10-14 169
Day 1: 5 10-14
54. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 4 10-12 167
Day 1: 4 10-12
55. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 5 10-10 164
Day 1: 5 10-10
55. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 10-10 164
Day 1: 5 10-10
57. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 4 10-09 161
Day 1: 4 10-09
58. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 5 10-06 159
Day 1: 5 10-06
59. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 10-05 157
Day 1: 5 10-05
60. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 10-04 155
Day 1: 5 10-04
61. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 10-03 153
Day 1: 5 10-03
62. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 3 10-01 151
Day 1: 3 10-01
63. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 10-00 149
Day 1: 5 10-00
64. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 9-06 147
Day 1: 5 9-06
65. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 9-04 144
Day 1: 5 9-04
65. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 9-04 144
Day 1: 5 9-04
67. Jarrett Edwards Page, Ariz. 5 9-02 140
Day 1: 5 9-02
67. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 5 9-02 140
Day 1: 5 9-02
69. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 3 9-01 137
Day 1: 3 9-01
70. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 4 8-15 135
Day 1: 4 8-15
71. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 4 8-13 133
Day 1: 4 8-13
72. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 4 8-11 131
Day 1: 4 8-11
73. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 3 8-09 129
Day 1: 3 8-09
74. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 4 8-02 127
Day 1: 4 8-02
75. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 4 8-01 125
Day 1: 4 8-01
76. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 4 7-02 123
Day 1: 4 7-02
77. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 3 7-01 121
Day 1: 3 7-01
78. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 2 6-06 119
Day 1: 2 6-06
79. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 3 6-03 117
Day 1: 3 6-03
80. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 3 5-12 115
Day 1: 3 5-12
81. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 2 5-09 113
Day 1: 2 5-09
82. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 3 5-04 111
Day 1: 3 5-04
83. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 3 5-02 108
Day 1: 3 5-02
83. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 2 5-02 108
Day 1: 2 5-02
85. Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 2 5-01 105
Day 1: 2 5-01
86. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 3 4-15 101
Day 1: 3 4-15
86. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 2 4-15 101
Day 1: 2 4-15
86. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 2 4-15 101
Day 1: 2 4-15
89. David Gliebe Benton, Ky. 2 4-13 97
Day 1: 2 4-13
90. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 2 4-02 94
Day 1: 2 4-02
90. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 2 4-02 94
Day 1: 2 4-02
92. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 2 3-14 91
Day 1: 2 3-14
93. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 2 3-12 89
Day 1: 2 3-12
94. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 2 3-07 87
Day 1: 2 3-07
95. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 1 3-04 85
Day 1: 1 3-04
96. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 1 1-12 83
Day 1: 1 1-12
97. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
97. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
97. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
97. Brooks Rogers Quitman, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
97. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
97. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
97. Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Big Bass
Day
1 Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 6-09 $1,000.00
Day
1 Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 18-09 $1,000.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 62 406 1051-08
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62 406 1051-08 2006 Bluegrass Brawl NB 06/15-06/18
Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Dam Village Ky.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Richard Coldiron Somerset, Ky. 3 12-14 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 12-14
2. Greg Perkins San Antonio, Texas 3 11-11 0
Day 1: 3 11-11
3. Douglas R Logsdon Benton, Ky. 3 11-06 0
Day 1: 3 11-06
4. David Stevens Eddyville, Ky. 3 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 10-04
5. Tom Heintz Waterloo, Ill. 3 9-12 0
Day 1: 3 9-12
6. Wesley Hood Annandale, Va. 3 9-00 0
Day 1: 3 9-00
7. Jeff Seaberg Mount Prospect, Ill. 3 8-15 0
Day 1: 3 8-15
8. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 3 8-13 0
Day 1: 3 8-13
9. David Mangelsdorf Barnhart, Mo. 3 8-09 0
Day 1: 3 8-09
9. Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 2 8-09 0
Day 1: 2 8-09
11. Brian Elder Lebanon, Tenn. 3 8-08 0
Day 1: 3 8-08
12. Ted Malin Lexington, Ky. 3 8-04 0
Day 1: 3 8-04
13. John Degroate Joliet, Ill. 3 8-03 0
Day 1: 3 8-03
14. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 3 7-14 0
Day 1: 3 7-14
15. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 3 7-09 0
Day 1: 3 7-09
16. Patrick Brown Swainsboro, Ga. 3 7-07 0
Day 1: 3 7-07
17. Marty Scoggins Trion, Ga. 3 7-05 0
Day 1: 3 7-05
18. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, Ariz. 3 7-03 0
Day 1: 3 7-03
19. Bill Adams Exeter, Calif. 3 7-01 0
Day 1: 3 7-01
20. Allen Rix Creal Springs, Ill. 3 7-00 0
Day 1: 3 7-00
21. Stephen Longsworth Teutopolis, Ill. 3 6-14 0
Day 1: 3 6-14
21. Bryan Rupe Mayfield, Ky. 3 6-14 0
Day 1: 3 6-14
21. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 2 6-14 0
Day 1: 2 6-14
24. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 3 6-13 0
Day 1: 3 6-13
25. Scott Ventimiglia Kansas City, Mo. 3 6-11 0
Day 1: 3 6-11
25. Robert Mills Graysville, Tenn. 2 6-11 0
Day 1: 2 6-11
27. Brian Runyon Mc Arthur, Ohio 3 6-08 0
Day 1: 3 6-08
28. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 3 6-07 0
Day 1: 3 6-07
29. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 3 6-05 0
Day 1: 3 6-05
29. Bill Huston Sunset, S.C. 3 6-05 0
Day 1: 3 6-05
31. Steven Oliver Westminster, Calif. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
32. Charles Hardin Winslow, Ind. 3 6-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-00
32. Rick Seidel Washington, Ind. 3 6-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-00
34. Greg Hackman Sturgis, Mich. 2 5-12 0
Day 1: 2 5-12
35. Thomas Warren Bolingbrook, Ill. 3 5-08 0
Day 1: 3 5-08
35. William Pickard Portland, Tenn. 2 5-08 0
Day 1: 2 5-08
37. Clifford Vancanneyt Iuka, Miss. 2 5-05 0
Day 1: 2 5-05
38. Robert Reedy Rose Bud, Ark. 3 5-00 0
Day 1: 3 5-00
39. Bob Guzek Valparaiso, Ind. 2 4-12 0
Day 1: 2 4-12
40. Steven Earle Saint Peters, Mo. 2 4-09 0
Day 1: 2 4-09
41. Dave Elder Tuscaloosa, Ala. 2 4-07 0
Day 1: 2 4-07
42. Eric Peck Williamsburg, Mich. 2 4-06 0
Day 1: 2 4-06
43. Dwight Baker Brownsburg, Ind. 2 4-03 0
Day 1: 2 4-03
44. Anthony Reynolds Monticello, Ky. 2 4-01 0
Day 1: 2 4-01
45. Bruce Andrews Lake Forest, Ill. 2 3-15 0
Day 1: 2 3-15
45. Wade Grooms Bonneau, S.C. 2 3-15 0
Day 1: 2 3-15
47. Sam Mize Muscle Shoals, Ala. 1 3-13 0
Day 1: 1 3-13
48. Joel Etheredge Springville, Ala. 2 3-10 0
Day 1: 2 3-10
48. Russell Phillips Poplar Bluff, Mo. 2 3-10 0
Day 1: 2 3-10
50. Jonathon Shafer Scotts, Mich. 2 3-09 0
Day 1: 2 3-09
51. Tony Pratt Paso Robles, Calif. 2 3-03 0
Day 1: 2 3-03
52. Craig Degrenier Lawrenceville, Ga. 1 2-15 0
Day 1: 1 2-15
53. Brian Beatty Mount Juliet, Tenn. 1 2-14 0
Day 1: 1 2-14
54. Brent Broderick Oregonia, Ohio 1 2-12 0
Day 1: 1 2-12
55. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 1 2-11 0
Day 1: 1 2-11
56. Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 1 2-08 0
Day 1: 1 2-08
56. Mark Noland Schaumburg, Ill. 1 2-08 0
Day 1: 1 2-08
58. John Ater Manchester, Tenn. 1 2-05 0
Day 1: 1 2-05
58. Wayne Hauser Winston-Salem, N.C. 1 2-05 0
Day 1: 1 2-05
60. Warren Houston Punta Gorda, Fla. 1 2-03 0
Day 1: 1 2-03
60. Airick La Pratt Chicago, Ill. 1 2-03 0
Day 1: 1 2-03
60. Dan Mullens Sciotoville, Ohio 1 2-03 0
Day 1: 1 2-03
63. John Clark Dayton, Ohio 1 2-02 0
Day 1: 1 2-02
63. Lowell Lide Braidwood, Ill. 1 2-02 0
Day 1: 1 2-02
65. Joe Foley Maineville, Ohio 1 2-01 0
Day 1: 1 2-01
66. Mike Heinold Valparaiso, Ind. 1 2-00 0
Day 1: 1 2-00
66. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 1 2-00 0
Day 1: 1 2-00
66. Albert Hudson Austin, Texas 1 2-00 0
Day 1: 1 2-00
66. Eddie Matteson Farmington, Mich. 1 2-00 0
Day 1: 1 2-00
70. Keith Sykes Clintwood, Va. 1 1-15 0
Day 1: 1 1-15
70. Bruce Weller Benton, Ky. 1 1-15 0
Day 1: 1 1-15
72. Tommy Stinnett Sikeston, Mo. 1 1-14 0
Day 1: 1 1-14
73. Rodney Hunt Murray, Ky. 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
73. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
73. Chris Snow Mcminnville, Tenn. 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
73. Bill Williams Corbin, Ky. 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
77. Jess Salmon Milford, N.J. 1 1-12 0
Day 1: 1 1-12
78. Kevin Pyle Du Quoin, Ill. 1 1-11 0
Day 1: 1 1-11
78. Walter Stringer Tallassee, Ala. 1 1-11 0
Day 1: 1 1-11
80. Jason Luszcak Palos Hills, Ill. 1 1-10 0
Day 1: 1 1-10
81. Mike Williams Delhi, La. 1 1-09 0
Day 1: 1 1-09
82. Ronald Reeder Murphysboro, Ill. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
83. Jeffrey Adkins Lexington, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Danny Barksdale Ashland City, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Michael Blackwell Cordova, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Jerry Breuel Taylorville, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Larry Bryant Goodlettsville, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Travis Cockburn Marion, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Larry Coleman St Anne, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Mary Delgado Tampa, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Tim Dungan Cinncinati, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Bruce Freeman Street, Md. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Emmett Ray Gentry Gilbertsville, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Roger Kirby Owensboro, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. John Oconnell Channahon, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Doug Ramsey Somerset, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Corey Sandschafer Teutopolis, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
83. Dina Trevathan Ledbetter, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
101.Jeff Cloud Pampa, Texas 0 -1-00 0
Day 1: 0 -1-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Purolator Big Bass
Day
1 Richard Coldiron Somerset, Ky. 5-00 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 32 164 403-08
----------------------------------
32 164 403-08