LEESBURG, Fla. - Jan. 12, 2003 - California's Skeet Reese won the biggest event of his professional career Sunday as he rallied for victory in the season-opening Bassmaster Tour Showdown.
"I couldn't ask for more," said Reese. "I've always wanted to win one of these big paychecks for the last five years on the tour and I really didn't think it would come this week."
Reese led after day two of the four-day tournament after which the full field of anglers was cut to 12. Reese was dead last after Saturday's semi-finals but rolled with five fish that weighed 9 pounds, 5 ounces for a two-day total of 15-2, just 7 ounces more than runner-up David Walker of Tennessee.
"I had more bites today than Saturday, they were just smaller fish," said Walker, who led after day three.
With the victory, Reese collected a $100,000 payday as well as the Busch B.A.S.S. Angler of the year points lead. A specially designed leader's life vest and a $1,000 bonus were also awarded to Reese by presenting sponsor Anheuser-Busch.
In his young career, 33-year-old Reese has enjoyed good success, including a victory in the B.A.S.S. Open circuit, but until Sunday has never finished higher than third on the big tour.
"I've got a good track record, but I've never considered myself one of the key figures in the sport because I don't have a major title under my belt and this is just a great stepping stone for me," said Reese. "Angler of the Year is still the number one goal in my life and whether I'll achieve it or not, I don't know."
Texan Jason Barber finished third in the event with a two-day total of 13-8 while Gerald Swindle claimed fourth place with 12-15. Virginia's Woo Daves posted a top five finish with 12-8 and local crowd favorite Jim Bitter, who lives in nearby Fruitland Park, brought in 11-0 in weekend action.
Reese caught his limit on Sunday on a 4-inch junebug finesse worm and a quarter-ounce chartreuse crankbait.