SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Elite angler Lee Bailey of Boaz, Ala., ascended to the top of the leaderboard on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series' Empire Chase bass fishing tournament on Oneida Lake. The 44-year-old brought in a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds, 6 ounces, and was less than 2 pounds ahead of second-place angler Tommy Biffle of Oklahoma.
Unlike most other anglers, Bailey focused his efforts on catching largemouth bass, by far a minority to the overwhelming number of smallmouth in Oneida Lake.
Getting off to a quick start was key to Bailey's lead as he reported having 15 pounds of bass within the first 30 minutes of competition. He found the fish shallow around docks and the little wood there is in the water.
"After I practiced, I knew I'd be able to catch 18 pounds on the first day," said Bailey, who has amassed more than $250,000 in BASS career earnings. "But I also know there's not too many largemouth left in this lake and I'll have to go after the smallies later in the week."
The Connecticut native said Oneida was somewhat of a homecoming for him, as he was schooled on the large, clear waters of the northeast. If Bailey can manage a win here, it would be the first for the two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier since he took a BASS tournament on Table Rock Lake in Missouri in 1997.
The Empire Chase is the first tournament in this season's "Northern Swing" and is the first time anglers are fishing primarily for smallmouth bass. The species is so plentiful in Oneida Lake that the athletes - including accomplished pros Gary Klein and Aaron Martens (tied for 12th) and Rick Clunn (21st place)- complained about wasting precious time continuously culling.
With anglers catching so many fish of similar size and weight - only 2 pounds separate fifth place from 15th - anglers predict this Elite Series tournament will be decided by a matter of ounces. "Mark my words," said Klein. "This will be a tournament of ounces. Just 1 pound here could mean the difference of 40 places in the standings."
Rounding out the top five were Alton Jones of Texas and Ken Cook of Oklahoma tied for third (16-10); and Yusuke Miyazki of Texas in fifth with 16-9.
Co-anglers also pulled in a majority of smallmouths on Thursday. Empire State angler Larry Lafaver of Watertown led the field with 9-1. The top 25 co-anglers are competing for $115,400 in cash and merchandise. Their three-day competition ends on Saturday, when the winner gets a fully rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000.
Elite Series anglers are vying for $673,150 in cash to the top 50 Elite pros and points towards qualifying in the Bassmaster Majors, Bassmaster Classic and the race for the Bassmaster Angler of the Year award.
2006 Empire Chase Pro 07/06-07/09
Lake Oneida, Syracuse N.Y.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 5 18-06 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-06
2. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 16-12 295 $500.00
Day 1: 5 16-12
3. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 5 16-10 288
Day 1: 5 16-10
3. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 16-10 288
Day 1: 5 16-10
5. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 5 16-09 280
Day 1: 5 16-09
6. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 5 16-02 276
Day 1: 5 16-02
7. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 15-08 272
Day 1: 5 15-08
8. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 15-07 266
Day 1: 5 15-07
8. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 15-07 266
Day 1: 5 15-07
10. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 15-06 260
Day 1: 5 15-06
11. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 5 15-05 257
Day 1: 5 15-05
12. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 15-04 252
Day 1: 5 15-04
12. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 5 15-04 252
Day 1: 5 15-04
14. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 5 14-13 248
Day 1: 5 14-13
15. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 5 14-09 245
Day 1: 5 14-09
16. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 5 14-08 243
Day 1: 5 14-08
17. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 5 14-04 241
Day 1: 5 14-04
18. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 14-00 239
Day 1: 5 14-00
19. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 5 13-15 237
Day 1: 5 13-15
20. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 13-13 235 $500.00
Day 1: 5 13-13
21. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 5 13-11 233
Day 1: 5 13-11
22. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 5 13-10 230
Day 1: 5 13-10
22. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 5 13-10 230
Day 1: 5 13-10
24. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 5 13-08 227
Day 1: 5 13-08
25. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 5 13-05 225
Day 1: 5 13-05
26. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 5 13-04 221
Day 1: 5 13-04
26. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 5 13-04 221
Day 1: 5 13-04
26. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 5 13-04 221
Day 1: 5 13-04
29. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 5 13-02 216
Day 1: 5 13-02
29. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 13-02 216
Day 1: 5 13-02
31. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 5 13-01 213
Day 1: 5 13-01
32. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 5 13-00 211
Day 1: 5 13-00
33. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 5 12-15 208
Day 1: 5 12-15
33. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 5 12-15 208
Day 1: 5 12-15
35. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 5 12-13 205
Day 1: 5 12-13
36. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 12-12 202
Day 1: 5 12-12
36. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 5 12-12 202
Day 1: 5 12-12
38. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 5 12-11 196
Day 1: 5 12-11
38. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 5 12-11 196
Day 1: 5 12-11
38. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 12-11 196
Day 1: 5 12-11
38. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 5 12-11 196
Day 1: 5 12-11
42. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 12-10 191
Day 1: 5 12-10
43. Vince Hurtado Waterford, Calif. 5 12-09 189
Day 1: 5 12-09
44. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 5 12-08 187
Day 1: 5 12-08
45. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 5 12-07 185
Day 1: 5 12-07
46. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 5 12-06 183
Day 1: 5 12-06
47. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 12-05 180
Day 1: 5 12-05
47. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 5 12-05 180
Day 1: 5 12-05
49. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 5 12-04 177
Day 1: 5 12-04
50. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 12-03 173
Day 1: 5 12-03
50. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 5 12-03 173
Day 1: 5 12-03
50. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 5 12-03 173
Day 1: 5 12-03
53. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 5 12-02 169
Day 1: 5 12-02
54. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 5 12-01 165
Day 1: 5 12-01
54. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 5 12-01 165
Day 1: 5 12-01
54. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 5 12-01 165
Day 1: 5 12-01
57. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 5 12-00 159
Day 1: 5 12-00
57. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 5 12-00 159
Day 1: 5 12-00
57. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 12-00 159
Day 1: 5 12-00
60. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 11-15 155
Day 1: 5 11-15
61. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 11-14 152
Day 1: 5 11-14
61. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 5 11-14 152
Day 1: 5 11-14
63. Rick Ash Pottstown, Pa. 5 11-13 149
Day 1: 5 11-13
64. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 5 11-12 147
Day 1: 5 11-12
65. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 11-11 144
Day 1: 5 11-11
65. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 5 11-11 144
Day 1: 5 11-11
67. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 5 11-10 140
Day 1: 5 11-10
67. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 11-10 140
Day 1: 5 11-10
69. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 5 11-08 137
Day 1: 5 11-08
70. Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 5 11-07 135
Day 1: 5 11-07
71. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 5 11-06 131
Day 1: 5 11-06
71. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 5 11-06 131
Day 1: 5 11-06
71. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 5 11-06 131
Day 1: 5 11-06
74. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 5 11-05 125
Day 1: 5 11-05
74. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 5 11-05 125
Day 1: 5 11-05
74. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 5 11-05 125
Day 1: 5 11-05
77. Jarrett Edwards Page, Ariz. 5 11-04 121
Day 1: 5 11-04
78. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 5 11-03 119
Day 1: 5 11-03
79. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 5 11-01 117
Day 1: 5 11-01
80. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 5 10-15 114
Day 1: 5 10-15
80. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 5 10-15 114
Day 1: 5 10-15
82. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 5 10-14 111
Day 1: 5 10-14
83. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 5 10-12 109
Day 1: 5 10-12
84. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 5 10-11 107
Day 1: 5 10-11
85. David Gliebe Benton, Ky. 5 10-09 105
Day 1: 5 10-09
86. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 5 10-08 102
Day 1: 5 10-08
86. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 5 10-08 102
Day 1: 5 10-08
88. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 5 10-07 99
Day 1: 5 10-07
89. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 10-03 95
Day 1: 5 10-03
89. John Crews Salem, Va. 5 10-03 95
Day 1: 5 10-03
89. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 5 10-03 95
Day 1: 5 10-03
92. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 5 10-02 91
Day 1: 5 10-02
93. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 5 10-01 89
Day 1: 5 10-01
94. Gerald Swindle Warrioir, Ala. 5 9-14 87
Day 1: 5 9-14
95. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 5 9-12 85
Day 1: 5 9-12
96. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 5 9-10 83
Day 1: 5 9-10
97. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 9-08 81
Day 1: 5 9-08
98. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 5 9-01 79
Day 1: 5 9-01
99. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 5 8-14 77
Day 1: 5 8-14
100.Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 2 4-10 76
Day 1: 2 4-10
101.Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 2 4-03 75
Day 1: 2 4-03
102.Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 2 2-12 74
Day 1: 2 2-12
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 4-14 $500.00
1 Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 4-14 $500.00
Day
1 Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 18-06 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 501 1249-01
----------------------------------
99 501 1249-012006 Empire Chase NB 07/06-07/09
Lake Oneida, Syracuse N.Y.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Larry Lafaver Watertown, N.Y. 3 9-01 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 9-01
2. Craig Terpening North Syracuse, N.Y. 3 8-10 0
Day 1: 3 8-10
3. Andy Jenkins Elkhart, Ind. 3 8-09 0
Day 1: 3 8-09
4. Matthew Martin Lafayette, N.Y. 3 8-02 0
Day 1: 3 8-02
5. Dominic Digirolamo Belmont, N.Y. 3 8-01 0
Day 1: 3 8-01
6. Tony Faraci Troy, N.Y. 3 8-00 0
Day 1: 3 8-00
6. Steve Tosh Modesto, Calif. 3 8-00 0
Day 1: 3 8-00
8. Craig Daino Central Square, N.Y. 3 7-15 0
Day 1: 3 7-15
8. Jesse Herbert Pennellville, N.Y. 3 7-15 0
Day 1: 3 7-15
10. Richard Garlock Alexandria, N.Y. 3 7-14 0
Day 1: 3 7-14
10. Steve Pratt Corfu, N.Y. 3 7-14 0
Day 1: 3 7-14
12. Michael Cusano Clay, N.Y. 3 7-13 0
Day 1: 3 7-13
12. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 3 7-13 0
Day 1: 3 7-13
12. Jim Staszewski West Gardiner, Maine 3 7-13 0
Day 1: 3 7-13
15. Carl Luther Rochester, N.Y. 3 7-12 0
Day 1: 3 7-12
15. Jonathan Vandam Kalamazoo, Mich. 3 7-12 0
Day 1: 3 7-12
17. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 3 7-11 0
Day 1: 3 7-11
18. David Paul New London, Conn. 3 7-10 0
Day 1: 3 7-10
18. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 3 7-10 0
Day 1: 3 7-10
18. Craig Nels Baldwinsville, N.Y. 3 7-10 0
Day 1: 3 7-10
21. Ian Renfrew Phoenix, N.Y. 3 7-09 0
Day 1: 3 7-09
21. Craig Townsend Mount Holly, N.J. 3 7-09 0
Day 1: 3 7-09
23. Mark Frickman Grand Ledge, Mich. 3 7-08 0
Day 1: 3 7-08
23. Anthony Savino Marlboro, N.Y. 3 7-08 0
Day 1: 3 7-08
23. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 3 7-08 0
Day 1: 3 7-08
23. Mike Williams Delhi, La. 3 7-08 0
Day 1: 3 7-08
27. Bill Huston Sunset, S.C. 3 7-07 0
Day 1: 3 7-07
27. Thomas Logue Tyndall, S.D. 3 7-07 0
Day 1: 3 7-07
29. Wes Hood Annandale, Va. 3 7-05 0
Day 1: 3 7-05
29. David Norton Athens, Pa. 3 7-05 0
Day 1: 3 7-05
31. Donald Bishop Verona, Pa. 3 7-04 0
Day 1: 3 7-04
31. Mike Graham Jamestown, N.Y. 3 7-04 0
Day 1: 3 7-04
31. David Benham Lenox, Mass. 3 7-04 0
Day 1: 3 7-04
34. Jim Dence Pulaski, N.Y. 3 7-03 0
Day 1: 3 7-03
35. Kevin Cunningham Farmingdale, N.Y. 3 7-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-02
35. David Livingston Scottsville, N.Y. 3 7-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-02
35. James Matthews Camden, N.Y. 3 7-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-02
35. Thomas Monica Bridgeport, N.Y. 3 7-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-02
35. Rich Thomas Mansillon, Ohio 3 7-02 0
Day 1: 3 7-02
40. Ron Bergman Phoenix, N.Y. 3 7-01 0
Day 1: 3 7-01
40. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 3 7-01 0
Day 1: 3 7-01
42. Louis Kish Goshen, Conn. 3 7-00 0
Day 1: 3 7-00
43. Tom Frink Simi Valley, Calif. 3 6-14 0
Day 1: 3 6-14
43. Justin Martens Lancaster, Calif. 3 6-14 0
Day 1: 3 6-14
43. Daren Scott Liverpool, N.Y. 3 6-14 0
Day 1: 3 6-14
46. Larry C Butler New Haven, Vt. 3 6-13 0
Day 1: 3 6-13
46. Richard Hyde Fulton, N.Y. 3 6-13 0
Day 1: 3 6-13
48. Mary Delgado Tampa, Fla. 3 6-12 0
Day 1: 3 6-12
48. Lawrence Laclair Hannibal, N.Y. 3 6-12 0
Day 1: 3 6-12
50. Del Smith Castalia, Ohio 3 6-11 0
Day 1: 3 6-11
51. Scott Putnam East Chatham, N.Y. 3 6-10 0
Day 1: 3 6-10
51. Jack Wright Philadelphia, Pa. 3 6-10 0
Day 1: 3 6-10
53. Gary Haraguchi Brentwood, Calif. 3 6-09 0
Day 1: 3 6-09
53. Timothy Harris Tyrone, Pa. 3 6-09 0
Day 1: 3 6-09
53. Sam Mize Muscle Shoals, Ala. 3 6-09 0
Day 1: 3 6-09
56. Karl Cook Watertown, N.Y. 3 6-08 0
Day 1: 3 6-08
56. Peter Dirado Holland, N.Y. 3 6-08 0
Day 1: 3 6-08
58. Andrew Dick Wilmington, Del. 3 6-07 0
Day 1: 3 6-07
58. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 3 6-07 0
Day 1: 3 6-07
58. Howard Stephens Columbia, S.C. 3 6-07 0
Day 1: 3 6-07
61. Bruce Freeman Street, Md. 3 6-06 0
Day 1: 3 6-06
62. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 3 6-05 0
Day 1: 3 6-05
63. Jeff Kashuba Stroudsburg, Pa. 3 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-04
64. Stephen Gould Kalamazoo, Mich. 3 6-03 0
Day 1: 3 6-03
64. Charles Prichard Brewerton, N.Y. 3 6-03 0
Day 1: 3 6-03
66. Ed Pitlak Norwood, N.J. 3 6-02 0
Day 1: 3 6-02
66. Bob Popp Oswego, N.Y. 3 6-02 0
Day 1: 3 6-02
66. Jason Putnam Cicero, N.Y. 3 6-02 0
Day 1: 3 6-02
69. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 3 5-15 0
Day 1: 3 5-15
70. Detlef Barth Bolivar, N.Y. 3 5-14 0
Day 1: 3 5-14
70. Derrick Bigford Cicero, N.Y. 3 5-14 0
Day 1: 3 5-14
70. Pete Rice Gansevoort, N.Y. 3 5-14 0
Day 1: 3 5-14
73. Tony Pratt Paso Robles, Calif. 3 5-13 0
Day 1: 3 5-13
74. John Foster Everett, Mass. 3 5-12 0
Day 1: 3 5-12
75. Marty McTamney Philadelphia, Pa. 3 5-11 0
Day 1: 3 5-11
75. Tom Pavlot Utica, N.Y. 3 5-11 0
Day 1: 3 5-11
77. George Fiorille Moravia, N.Y. 3 5-10 0
Day 1: 3 5-10
78. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 3 5-09 0
Day 1: 3 5-09
79. Robert Suhr Roscommon, Mich. 3 5-08 0
Day 1: 3 5-08
80. Tim Wharton Fulton, N.Y. 3 5-06 0
Day 1: 3 5-06
81. Walter Stringer Tallassee, Ala. 3 5-05 0
Day 1: 3 5-05
82. Wayne Hauser Winston-Salem, N.C. 3 5-04 0
Day 1: 3 5-04
82. Jason Luszcak Palos Hills, Ill. 3 5-04 0
Day 1: 3 5-04
84. Bill Adams Exeter, Calif. 3 5-03 0
Day 1: 3 5-03
85. Daniel Nagle Pine Grove, Pa. 3 5-02 0
Day 1: 3 5-02
86. David Mclaughlin Massapequa, N.Y. 2 4-14 0
Day 1: 2 4-14
87. George Kyriacos Rockland, Mass. 3 4-13 0
Day 1: 3 4-13
88. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 3 4-11 0
Day 1: 3 4-11
89. Rick Billman Williamsport, Pa. 3 4-07 0
Day 1: 3 4-07
90. Robert Vogelsang Jessup, Md. 2 3-15 0
Day 1: 2 3-15
91. Alvaro Rodriguez Clarence, N.Y. 2 3-14 0
Day 1: 2 3-14
92. Bill Knapp Lee Center, N.Y. 2 3-08 0
Day 1: 2 3-08
93. Michael Carl Bethlehem, Pa. 1 2-15 0
Day 1: 1 2-15
94. David Guichard Nashua, N.H. 2 2-11 0
Day 1: 2 2-11
95. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 1 2-07 0
Day 1: 1 2-07
96. Dick Bean Sayre, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
96. John Fiore Groton, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
96. Richard Green Greenfield Center, N.Y 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
96. Mike Kaproth Ithaca, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
96. Eddie Matteson Farmington, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
96. Richard Nolan Ballston Spa, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
96. James Tierney Lock, N.Y. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Larry Lafaver Watertown, N.Y. 3-13 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 88 276 622-02
----------------------------------
88 276 622-02