KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. - Skeet Reese found a pattern that played to his strengths Thursday at Table Rock Lake and led the first day of competition in The Rock, the final bass fishing tournament of the Bassmaster Elite Series season.
The Auburn, Calif., angler, 37, who is seeking his first BASS win of the season, caught a five-fish limit weighing 15 pounds, 10 ounces to lead in the battle for the $100,000 top prize.
Fishing fans can watch the action of the Table Rock event on ESPN2 on Saturday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. ET.
Morning fog delayed the start of fishing by nearly two hours, forcing many of the 102 anglers to change their plans of attack for the day. While many of the competitors brought in bags containing smallmouth and spotted bass, Reese caught all largemouth bass.
"This lake has kind of showed me up every time I've been here so I got a little redemption today," said Reese, who finished in 70th place at Table Rock in 2005 and 67th in 2004. "I fished some of my strengths today and that was shallow-water power fishing."
Experiencing a late-season surge, Reese nearly secured his third BASS win at the Capitol Clash on the Potomac River in August, but Texan Kelly Jordon prevailed over Reese by a slim 6-ounce margin.
Kevin Short of Mayflower, Ark., who finished third in the recent Bassmaster Legends, continued his own late-season charge with a five-fish haul of 14-1 for second place.
"I needed a surge about five tournaments ago but you take it when you can get it," said Short, who also did not want to discuss his tactics. "I'd like to see a little bit of wind (Friday). I was really surprised I caught them as well as I did (Thursday) with no wind."
Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, had the third-highest total on Thursday at 13-9, followed by Bill Lowen of Cincinnati, Ky., with 13-3 and Guy Eaker of Cherryville, N.C., with 13-2.
Angler of the Year leader Mike Iaconelli was tied for 26th Thursday with 7-0. Iaconelli is on pace to win the $125,000 award if he finishes strongly in the season-ending event. Iaconelli's closest competitor, Steve Kennedy, sits in 43rd place. Kevin VanDam, who entered the day in fourth place in the AOY standings, sits in 10th place in the tournament and could make a serious run at the title with a strong Day 2.
On the co-angler side, Wisconsin's Keith Kavajecz led the way at 7-6, followed by Arkansas' Shannon McClelland with 7-1 and Texan Michael Bass with 7-0. The champion co-angler, determined on Saturday, will take home a fully rigged Triton boat valued at $45,000.
All anglers will fish again on Thursday, with the field cut to 50 for Saturday's competition. Only the Elite 12 anglers will fish on Sunday.
2006 The Rock Pro 09/14-09/17
Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City Mo.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 15-10 305
Day 1: 5 15-10
2. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 5 14-01 295
Day 1: 5 14-01
3. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 13-09 290
Day 1: 5 13-09
4. Bill Lowen North Bend, Ohio 5 13-03 285
Day 1: 5 13-03
5. Guy Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 4 13-02 280
Day 1: 4 13-02
6. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 5 12-11 276
Day 1: 5 12-11
7. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 5 12-07 270
Day 1: 5 12-07
7. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 12-07 270
Day 1: 5 12-07
9. William Smith, Jr Somerset, Ky. 5 11-09 264
Day 1: 5 11-09
10. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 11-04 260
Day 1: 5 11-04
11. Byron Velvick Boulder City, Nev. 5 10-08 257
Day 1: 5 10-08
12. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 3 10-07 254
Day 1: 3 10-07
13. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 5 10-05 251
Day 1: 5 10-05
14. Charlie Weyer West Hills, Calif. 4 9-14 248
Day 1: 4 9-14
15. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 3 9-12 245
Day 1: 3 9-12
16. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, Ohi 4 9-11 243
Day 1: 4 9-11
17. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 4 9-09 241
Day 1: 4 9-09
18. Terry Scroggins Palatka, Fla. 5 9-07 239
Day 1: 5 9-07
19. Jon Bondy Windsor, Canada 4 9-03 237
Day 1: 4 9-03
20. Ken Brodeur Niantic, Conn. 3 8-13 235
Day 1: 3 8-13
21. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 4 8-10 233
Day 1: 4 8-10
22. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, Pa. 4 8-04 231
Day 1: 4 8-04
23. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, Ill. 3 7-09 229
Day 1: 3 7-09
24. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 3 7-08 227
Day 1: 3 7-08
25. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 3 7-03 225
Day 1: 3 7-03
26. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 3 7-00 221
Day 1: 3 7-00
26. Preston Clark Palatka, Fla. 3 7-00 221
Day 1: 3 7-00
26. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, N.J. 3 7-00 221
Day 1: 3 7-00
29. John Crews Salem, Va. 3 6-10 216
Day 1: 3 6-10
29. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 3 6-10 216
Day 1: 3 6-10
31. Gerald Swindle Warrioir, Ala. 3 6-09 213
Day 1: 3 6-09
32. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 3 6-08 211
Day 1: 3 6-08
33. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 3 6-07 208
Day 1: 3 6-07
33. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 2 6-07 208
Day 1: 2 6-07
35. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 3 6-06 205
Day 1: 3 6-06
36. Ishama Monroe Hughson, Calif. 2 6-05 203
Day 1: 2 6-05
37. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 3 6-04 201
Day 1: 3 6-04
38. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 3 6-00 199
Day 1: 3 6-00
39. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 3 5-15 197
Day 1: 3 5-15
40. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 3 5-11 195
Day 1: 3 5-11
41. Vince Hurtado Waterford, Calif. 2 5-04 193
Day 1: 2 5-04
42. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 2 5-01 191
Day 1: 2 5-01
43. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 2 4-14 189
Day 1: 2 4-14
44. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 2 4-03 187
Day 1: 2 4-03
45. Mike O'Shea Westlake Village, Cali 2 4-02 185
Day 1: 2 4-02
46. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 2 4-00 182
Day 1: 2 4-00
46. Jason Quinn York, S.C. 2 4-00 182
Day 1: 2 4-00
48. Lee Bailey Boaz, Ala. 2 3-14 178
Day 1: 2 3-14
48. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 2 3-14 178
Day 1: 2 3-14
50. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 2 3-13 173
Day 1: 2 3-13
50. Mark Rogers Naples, Fla. 2 3-13 173
Day 1: 2 3-13
50. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 2 3-13 173
Day 1: 2 3-13
53. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 2 3-12 169
Day 1: 2 3-12
54. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 2 3-09 167
Day 1: 2 3-09
55. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 2 3-07 164
Day 1: 2 3-07
55. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 2 3-07 164
Day 1: 2 3-07
57. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 2 3-06 160
Day 1: 2 3-06
57. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 2 3-06 160
Day 1: 2 3-06
59. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 2 3-05 157
Day 1: 2 3-05
60. Keith Phillips Calera, Ala. 1 3-00 155
Day 1: 1 3-00
61. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, Texas 1 2-14 152
Day 1: 1 2-14
61. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu, Ariz. 1 2-14 152
Day 1: 1 2-14
63. Jarrett Edwards Page, Ariz. 1 2-13 149
Day 1: 1 2-13
64. Jeremy Starks Charleston, W.Va. 1 2-12 147
Day 1: 1 2-12
65. Peter E Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 1 2-09 145
Day 1: 1 2-09
66. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 1 2-07 143
Day 1: 1 2-07
67. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 1 2-06 141
Day 1: 1 2-06
68. Morizo Shimizu Murrieta, Calif. 1 2-05 139
Day 1: 1 2-05
69. Kevin Langill Terrell, N.C. 1 2-04 137
Day 1: 1 2-04
70. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 1 2-02 134
Day 1: 1 2-02
70. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 1 2-02 134
Day 1: 1 2-02
72. Britt Myers Mt. Holly, N.C. 1 2-01 131
Day 1: 1 2-01
73. Bink Desaro Boise, Idaho 1 1-15 128
Day 1: 1 1-15
73. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, Calif. 1 1-15 128
Day 1: 1 1-15
75. Darrin Schwenkbeck Silver Spring, Md. 1 1-14 125
Day 1: 1 1-14
76. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 1 1-13 123
Day 1: 1 1-13
77. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, Mo. 1 1-12 121
Day 1: 1 1-12
78. David Gliebe Benton, Ky. 1 1-11 118
Day 1: 1 1-11
78. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 1 1-11 118
Day 1: 1 1-11
80. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 1 1-10 115
Day 1: 1 1-10
81. Kurt Dove Warrenton, Va. 1 1-09 113
Day 1: 1 1-09
82. Ken Cook Lawton, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Chris Lane Winter Haven, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Mike Reynolds Modesto, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Fred Roumbanis Auburn, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Bradley Stringer Huntington, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Mark Tyler Scottsdale, Ariz. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Dave Wolak Warrior Run, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Randy Yarnall Womelsdorf, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
82. Charlie Youngers Geneva, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 12 209 486-12
----------------------------------
12 209 486-12
2006 The Rock NB 09/14-09/17
Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City Mo.
(CO-ANGLER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Keith Kavajecz Kaukauna, Wisc. 3 7-06 0
Day 1: 3 7-06
2. Shannon Mcclelland Bella Vista, Ark. 3 7-01 0
Day 1: 3 7-01
3. Michael Bass Austin, Texas 3 7-00 0
Day 1: 3 7-00
4. Brad Outersky Pleasant Hill, Mo. 3 6-12 0
Day 1: 3 6-12
5. Greg Hackman Sturgis, Mich. 3 6-09 0
Day 1: 3 6-09
6. James Hill Ozark, Ala. 3 6-06 0
Day 1: 3 6-06
7. Jerry Mcvey Stewartsville, Mo. 3 6-00 0
Day 1: 3 6-00
8. Art Hines Joplin, Mo. 2 5-05 0
Day 1: 2 5-05
9. Scot Hutten Winter Haven, Fla. 2 5-02 0
Day 1: 2 5-02
10. Gary Haraguchi Brentwood, Calif. 2 4-00 0
Day 1: 2 4-00
10. Chris Koester Winston Salem, N.C. 2 4-00 0
Day 1: 2 4-00
12. Ron Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 2 3-13 0
Day 1: 2 3-13
13. Steve Tosh Modesto, Calif. 2 3-10 0
Day 1: 2 3-10
14. Charlie Raia Gardendale, Ala. 1 2-10 0
Day 1: 1 2-10
15. Scott Ventimiglia Kansas City, Mo. 1 2-08 0
Day 1: 1 2-08
16. Shawn Omalley Oswego, Ill. 1 2-07 0
Day 1: 1 2-07
17. Mike McNutt Ballwin, Mo. 1 2-06 0
Day 1: 1 2-06
18. Doug Borer Lincoln, Neb. 1 2-04 0
Day 1: 1 2-04
19. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, Ala. 1 2-03 0
Day 1: 1 2-03
20. Joseph Dorcy Smithfield, Mo. 1 2-02 0
Day 1: 1 2-02
20. Tom Heintz Waterloo, Ill. 1 2-02 0
Day 1: 1 2-02
22. Dwight Baker Brownsburg, Ind. 1 2-01 0
Day 1: 1 2-01
22. Keith Haislip Saint Charles, Mo. 1 2-01 0
Day 1: 1 2-01
22. Jay Mcnamara Roseville, Minn. 1 2-01 0
Day 1: 1 2-01
25. Mark Wakefield Rudy, Ark. 1 1-15 0
Day 1: 1 1-15
26. Jeff Cloud Pampa, Texas 1 1-14 0
Day 1: 1 1-14
26. Robert Pinney Stilwell, Kan. 1 1-14 0
Day 1: 1 1-14
28. Steve Pate Saint Jacob, Ill. 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
28. Ken Peaker Edwards, Mo. 1 1-13 0
Day 1: 1 1-13
30. Kent Baker Overland Park, Kan. 1 1-12 0
Day 1: 1 1-12
31. Glenn Barberee Crestview, Fla. 1 1-11 0
Day 1: 1 1-11
32. Bob Eads Springville, Ind. 1 1-09 0
Day 1: 1 1-09
32. Al Odom Irmo, S.C. 1 1-09 0
Day 1: 1 1-09
34. Pat Brainerd Wichita, Kan. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
34. Derrick Wright Chanute, Kan. 1 1-08 0
Day 1: 1 1-08
36. Michael Widener Neosho, Mo. 1 1-04 0
Day 1: 1 1-04
37. Bill Adams Exeter, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Bruce Andrews Lake Forest, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mark Beadies Creve Coeur, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Roger Beadle Mattawan, Mich. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Donald Bishop Verona, Pa. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Michael Blackwell Cordova, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Michael Bogdanowicz Garden City, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Loel Brandstrom New Brighton, Minn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Joe Bray Horseshoe Bay, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Rick Brewer Danville, Ky. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. John Butvilas Cicero, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Tom Callahan Olathe, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Scott Campbell Springfield, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Lee Chapman San Diego, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Brad Christy Jefferson City, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Larry Coleman St Anne, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Darin Compton Cheney, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mary Delgado Tampa, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mike Dowdy Trinidad, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Todd Eggers Smithville, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mike Frazier Orlando, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Alex Haines Rogers, Ark. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Dennis Hamel Plainville, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Wayne Hauser Winston-Salem, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. William Hostettler Chilton, Wisc. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Roger Howell Clayton, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. James Jones Pinson, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Tom Kavajecz Kaukauna, Wisc. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Ken Keirsey Owasso, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Todd Kimbrell Elkland, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Jim Lewis Dodge City, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Russ Malmsbury Galena, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mark Martin Ozark, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Todd McClure El Dorado, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Frank Mealer Irondale, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Gary Miller Kearney, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Jimmy Miller Madison, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mike Orzell Fort Collins, Colo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Harry Parten Columbiana, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Greg Perkins San Antonio, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Russell Phillips Poplar Bluff, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Harry Potts Ozark, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Tony Pratt Paso Robles, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Dan Sallaz Raymore, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Richard Scherer Sheboygan Falls, Wisc. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Brian Schliesman Irving, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Paul Schoenberger St Peters, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Rich Seals Bentonville, Ark. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. John Settle Larned, Kan. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Gene Shuffler Washington, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, Ariz. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Jeremy Sorensen Fremont, Neb. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Walter Stringer Tallassee, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Jimmy Swindle Gardendale, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Jim Thompson Blue Eye, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Richard Urban Del Rio, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Clifford Vancanneyt Iuka, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. John Vanderwerf Atlantic Beach, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Greg Webster Camdenton, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Dennis Whitaker Branson, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
37. Mike Williams Delhi, La. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
--------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 7 56 117-15
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7 56 117-15