ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (April 27, 2009) - Gary Clark of Sheridan, Ark., won the Bass Fishing League Arkie Division bass fishing tournament on DeGray Lake Saturday with a five-bass catch weighing 19 pounds, 9 ounces. The victory earned Clark $4,127 and placed him one step closer to qualifying for the Kentucky/Barkley Lakes Regional Championship in Gilbertsville, Ky., Oct. 15-17, where he could ultimately win a new Ranger boat and a Chevy truck.
"It was a good day, all day. I had a plan," Clark said. "I couldn't have written it any better."
Clark caught his limit sight-fishing throwing a Reactions Innovations Sweet Beaver. Clark said he heard the announcer say the top weight was 16-6 and knew then he had a chance for the win with at least 19 pounds in his bag.
Rounding out the top five boaters are Martin Whitaker of Hensley, Ark. (five bass, 16-12, $2,064); Daniel Kweekul of North Little Rock, Ark. (five bass, 16-9, $1,377); Ashley James of Benton, Ark. (five bass, 16-6, $963) and Kyle Henderson of Redfield, Ark. (four bass, 15-11, $825).
Clark took home the Boater Division Big Bass award, earning $575 for a 6-pound, 15-ounce bass he caught.
Keeton Blaylock of Benton, Ark., earned $2,064 as the co-angler winner Saturday thanks to four bass weighing 12 pounds, 4 ounces.
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Tommy McCullar of Benton, Ark. (five bass, 11-14, $1,032); Chris Whitfield of Mountainburg, Ark. (five bass, 11-11, $688); John Teem of North Little Rock, Ark. (four bass, 9-7, $482); and Gary Whigham of Alma, Ark. (three bass, 9-2, $413).
James Walters of Dover, Ark., earned $287 as the co-angler Big Bass winner after catching a 5-pound, 1-ounce bass.
The next Arkie Division event will be held on Greers Ferry in Greers Ferry, Ark., May 9.