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A Smallmouth Sticker from the “Bass Chaplain”
Chris Wells doesn’t have to be out here. He could just as easily stay home and pastor a church full time in South Carolina.
Instead, he combines a passion for our Savior and bass fishing to serve as our Chaplain, traveling the country ministering to a bunch of us hairy legged sinners with silly raccoon tan lines on our faces from the Costa glasses we wear constantly.
Not long ago, with little or no funding for travel and groceries, he’d sleep in his truck – just to be here – for us.
You know, Us — the traveling circus of all things pro bass fishing, that includes dudes like me that probably say too many cuss words and drink too many beers sometimes, while wondering what crankbait to tie on for the first cast of the morning.
When I think about his dedication and commitment, it brings extreme humility – and jumpy tear ducts.
Two days ago, here at Lake Champlain, Chris Wells hunted me down on the boat dock while I was interviewing Team Toyota’s Matt Arey at 6:30 a.m. and said, “I don’t mean to interrupt, but I’ve got something special for Guck.”
He had seen my post two weeks ago about wanting more decals for my Yeti water jug and brought me his own “The Bass Chaplain Chris Wells” decal, complete with a smallmouth bass on it.
It Made My Day.
Cool decals make a Yeti jug look better, but far more importantly, souls like Chris Wells make humans better.
I often watch the short sermons he posts from his home on the facebooks, and I Love to hear him pray on the loudspeaker before we play the National Anthem at sunrise minutes prior to tournament blast-off.
I remember at Lake Fork, Texas he prayed, “Lord, our world is filled with uncertainty, but we can find peace knowing there is absolutely nothing uncertain about You.”
Bam!
Simple. Profound. Goosebumps.
Thank goodness, he no longer sleeps in his truck, but he dang sure ain’t getting rich out here delivering the word in boat ramp parking lots.
A raffle he conducts to win a Free bass boat goes far in providing funding – check it out at www.ChrisWells.org, and follow his page here on facebook too, please.
And please know, his own life is not without strife. His wife Pam is battling cancer. Put her in your prayers.
Still, he is out here, riding along with pro anglers as a Bassmaster Marshall, sharing the Word, and handing out cool decals to hairy legged flippin and pitchin fools like me.
We may have raccoon eye tan lines on our faces, but thanks to “The Bass Chaplain” I believe we’ve got better perspective in our minds and increased accountability in our hearts.
Thanks so much for all you do, “Preach.”
The post A Smallmouth Sticker from the “Bass Chaplain” appeared first on Bass365.com.
Schmitt Maintains Lead At Bassmaster Elite Event On Lake Champlain
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — To hear Bryan Schmitt talk there isn’t a single bass left in Lake Champlain. They’re all gone. Just vanished.
But don’t buy any of it for a second.
Bryan Schmitt, of Deale, Md., is leading after Day 3 of the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a three-day total of 62 pounds, 4 ounces. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
The perennially pessimistic Maryland pro caught another big limit Saturday — this time five bass that weighed 19 pounds, 4 ounces — to increase his three-day total to 62-4 and maintain his lead at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
He’ll lead a field of 10 qualifying anglers into Championship Sunday with a chance to claim his first Elite Series victory and a $100,000 first-place prize. But of course, he sounded less than confident about his chances.
“I don’t even know how we got it done today, to be honest with you,” Schmitt said. “Tomorrow’s the day. Whoever catches the big bag tomorrow. It’s still anybody’s tournament.”
Schmitt, who has been either first or second all week long, said he spent Saturday’s semifinal round fishing the same areas he fished the first two days. The areas produced big bites, but Schmitt had big bass break his line twice and he admitted he was starting to feel a bit defeated.
After going to an area where he knew he could catch some small fish “just to calm down,” he revisited more familiar areas and put together the bulk of his weight with largemouth.
“I can’t get my smallmouth to go,” Schmitt said. “Yesterday, they were there but it was too rough to fish for them. Today, they were just gone, not even there. I saw one or two fish on my electronics, but I’m not even sure they were smallmouth because they wouldn’t bite.”
Schmitt’s five-bass limit included three largemouth and two smallmouth. Those two smallies came late in the day after he had abandoned his largemouth pattern.
“I caught a 4-pound largemouth that made me feel a lot better, but I started feeling like my largemouth were just burned,” he said. “So, after I caught that 4-pounder, I went smallmouth fishing and caught two that helped me upgrade.
“I really feel in my heart that the largemouth won’t hold up tomorrow. I need to make the smallmouth bite.”
Schmitt entered the day with a lead of 2 1/2 pounds over his closest competition, and that lead stayed virtually the same as Texas pro Chris Zaldain moved into second place with a three-day total of 59-13 — just 2 pounds, 7 ounces back of Schmitt.
Zaldain stuck with his strategy of targeting small schools of alewives and the big smallmouth that were chasing them. But with the change in weather conditions — from cloudy and overcast the first two days to bright sunshine Saturday — he had a harder time staying on top of his fish.
Noticeably absent for the latter part of the day were the birds that had guided him to those baitfish the first two rounds.
“My bird activity only lasted about 45 minutes today,” Zaldain said. “This is my first time fishing an alewife-driven tournament, but it was kind of what I expected. It’s like a shad spawn down South. Once those clouds disappear, the bait kind of dissipates.”
Even with the short window, bird activity led Zaldain to one mega-school of smallmouth that helped him put most of his weight in the livewell. He said that school was far away from any of the waypoints he marked during practice or the first two days of competition.
Though many anglers had been wishing for sun all week, Zaldain believed the bluebird skies were to blame for a day that wasn’t quite as action-packed as the previous two.
“It hurt my numbers for sure,” he said. “The size is still there. There are still a lot of 3 3/4- to 4 1/4-pounders up there. But when it got slick and sunny, I could see a lot of them on my electronics following my bait that wouldn’t commit.
“With it being sunny, it gives them a lot of time to examine that bait.”
The biggest mover of the day was Texas pro Keith Combs who caught 20-14 and jumped from 16th into third with a three-day mark of 58-10.
Combs, who is known for catching giant largemouth, weighed in a bag of five smallmouth Saturday anchored by a gorgeous 5-pounder that claimed Phoenix Boats Big Bass honors for the day.
“A 5-even is rare on this place, so that was big,” Combs said. “It was a great day, but it was frustrating at the same time because minutes before I caught that 5, I saw another 5 behind my bait that wouldn’t commit to it.
“That stretch had some big ones. I could have had a huge bag.”
Minnesota pro Seth Feider caught 18-7 and stayed in sixth place for a second straight day with 57-9. With his fourth Top 10 of the season now assured, Feider has 697 points in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race and holds a 50-point lead over South Carolina pro Patrick Walters.
The Top 10 remaining anglers will takeoff for Championship Sunday at 7 a.m. ET from Plattsburgh City Marina. Weigh-in will be held back at the marina at 3 p.m.
Live coverage can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET.
The event is being hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Bass Pro Shops, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Marathon, Rapala
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Conservation Partner: AFTCO
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain Local Hosts: City of Plattsburgh, Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 7/8-7/11
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 15 62-04 100
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-05 Day 3: 5 19-04
2. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 15 59-13 99
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-11 Day 3: 5 19-07
3. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 15 58-10 98 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 18-13 Day 3: 5 20-14
4. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 15 58-08 97
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 20-04
5. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 15 58-04 96
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 17-15
6. Seth Feider New Market, MN 15 57-09 95 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 18-07
7. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 15 57-08 94
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 21-02 Day 3: 5 17-00
8. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 15 57-00 93
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 19-13
9. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 15 57-00 92
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-04 Day 3: 5 18-14
10. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 15 56-13 91
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-00 Day 3: 5 17-14
11. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 15 56-12 90 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-03 Day 3: 5 18-04
12. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 15 56-10 89 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 20-03
13. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 15 56-04 88 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 20-00
14. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 15 56-01 87 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 19-13 Day 3: 5 16-01
15. Carl Jocumsen Queensland AUSTRALIA 15 56-00 86 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 18-04 Day 3: 5 17-07
16. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 15 55-14 85 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-15 Day 3: 5 18-10
17. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 15 55-13 84 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 20-09 Day 3: 5 17-11
18. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 15 55-08 83 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 19-01 Day 3: 5 18-12
19. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 15 55-04 82 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 17-02
20. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 15 55-01 81 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 17-12 Day 3: 5 17-15
21. Kenta Kimura Osaka JAPAN 15 55-01 80 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-05 Day 3: 5 18-11
22. John Cox Debary, FL 15 55-00 79 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 17-07 Day 3: 5 20-03
23. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 15 54-14 78 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 17-04
24. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 15 54-10 77 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 18-01 Day 3: 5 19-14
25. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 15 54-01 76 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 18-03
26. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 15 54-01 75 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 5 17-15
27. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 15 54-00 74 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-06 Day 3: 5 16-10
28. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 15 53-08 73 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 15-06
29. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 15 53-06 72 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 17-09 Day 3: 5 17-04
30. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 15 53-03 71 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 14-06
31. Taku Ito Chiba JAPAN 15 52-13 70 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 17-02 Day 3: 5 15-04
32. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 15 52-12 69 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-00 Day 3: 5 17-10
33. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 15 52-02 68 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 17-03
34. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 15 52-02 67 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-13 Day 3: 5 16-00
35. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-11 66 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 18-08 Day 3: 5 17-01
36. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 15 51-05 65 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 17-00 Day 3: 5 14-13
37. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 15 50-08 64 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-00 Day 3: 5 14-04
38. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 15 50-07 63 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 15-13 Day 3: 5 16-08
39. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 15 50-04 62 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 18-03 Day 3: 5 15-11
40. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 15 49-11 61 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 15-03
41. David Fritts Lexington, NC 15 48-12 60 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 19-07 Day 3: 5 12-09
42. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 15 48-11 59 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 12-08
43. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 15 48-10 58 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-12 Day 3: 5 14-01
44. Frank Talley Temple, TX 13 42-07 57 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-14 Day 3: 3 07-12
45. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 12 40-08 56 $11,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 15-00 Day 3: 2 06-03
———————————————————————–
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,000.00
2 Seth Feider New Market, MN 05-11 $1,000.00
3 Keith Combs Huntington, TX 05-00 $1,000.00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 94 472 1633-14
2 94 470 1570-11
3 43 220 760-03
———————————-
231 1162 3964-12
The post Schmitt Maintains Lead At Bassmaster Elite Event On Lake Champlain appeared first on Bass365.com.
Disappears into the Water Column
Cypress, CA (July 9, 2021) – Monofilament is dead. The original nylon based, single thread fishing line was standard issue for decades…was. But a revolution started in saltwater with the introduction of fluorocarbon. It was narrower diameter, didn’t stretch or float, resisted abrasion, better transmitted strikes, reduced line memory, cast further, and most importantly, was less visible to fish. Freshwater anglers now embrace its performance, too.
Daiwa’s new premium Samurai J-Fluoro Hidden Concept unseen by fish.
A couple years back, Daiwa tipped the fluorocarbon line market on its ear with the launch of Samurai J-Fluoro®, a superior Japanese developed and manufactured fishing line. And now, Daiwa changes the paradigm in fluorocarbon again with Samurai J-Fluoro® Hidden Concept.
Aggregating all the principal features of the original Samurai J-Fluoro – narrow diameter, low-stretch, abrasion resistance, no float, minimal memory, strike indicating and long casting – the new Samurai J-Fluoro Hidden Concept takes perceptibility to a new tier, virtually eliminating its visual presence in the water column.
Even though conventional fluorocarbon line reduces refraction, say compared to old school monofilament, light is still able to travel down the filament, causing a degree of illumination. Not so with Samurai J-Fluoro Hidden Concept. The ingeniously cultivated line is constructed with technologically advanced color blending, with a repeating sequence of four shades of brown and green. The stealth coloration negates refraction and light traveling through the line, while fading into the background.
Whereas traditional clear fluorocarbon gets high-marks for its performance in clear water, Samurai J-Fluro Hidden Concept takes the lead in all other water conditions. And, honestly, how often do you fish in oxygen clear water? Most bodies of water, including coastal regions, present some degree of coloration. Tints range from murky backwaters to brackish stain to just minimally tinted water. In all instances, Samurai J-Fluro Hidden Concept excels, the breakup of green and brown shades camouflaging the line.
There’s another benefit, too. Underwater environments aren’t linear, either, meaning nothing in a fish’s natural world starts at the surface and travels to the bottom on a straight line. Samurai J-Fluoro Hidden Concept’s breakup pattern doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, but rather blends seamlessly by breaking up against waterscapes.
It’s said that “a system is only as good as the weakest link.” Don’t let your fishing line be that weak link. Daiwa’s Samurai J-Fluoro stands to be the strongest link in your system, as well as the stealthiest.
Daiwa Samurai J-Fluoro Hidden Concept is available in 220-yard filler spools from $23.99 – $54.99 and 1,000 yard bulk spools from $64.99 – $199.99, and weights ranging from 2-25lb test.
Daiwa Samurai J-Fluoro Hidden Concept Features:
- Color Blending Technology
- Camouflaged
- Four Sequential/Repeating Shades of Green and Brown
- Low Diameter
- Sinking
- Abrasion Resistant
- Low Stretch
- Ultra-Sensitive
- Long-Casting
- Low Memory
|
For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, call Daiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: [email protected]. The URL for Daiwa’s web site is daiwa.us |
The post Disappears into the Water Column appeared first on Bass365.com.
Zaldain Playing Hurt
After dropping 19-pounds of Lake Champlain smallmouth on the scales to sit in 3rd place after Day 2 at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite, you’d never know that Chris Zaldain is fishing with a terrible ankle sprain.
Light rains in the area Wednesday night and early Thursday morning soaked boat carpets and called for anglers to dress in raingear and rubber boots on Day 1 of competition, and that made for soggy and slick conditions inside bass boats.
“I stepped down from the back deck after putting a fish in the livewell, and my foot landed right on a pair of wet pliers laying on the floor. And man, in those rubber boots that was like stepping on a greased railroad track,” reflects Zaldain.
“I swear my ankle rolled to 90-degrees. My ride along Marshall said it looked horrific — he thought I broke it, it swelled immediately,” he adds.
As far as he knows nothing is broken. But it’s a darn good thing Zaldain’s dad had the wisdom to send Chris and his siblings to Emergency Response Team school back in his hometown of San Jose, California, where he learned about CPR, and yes, taping sprained ankles.
“Thanks to Dad, I knew how to wrap a support bandage around it. And of course, I’m icing it a ton, and taking Ibuprofen,” he says.
Ironically, Zaldain is staying in a rent home this week owned by a medical pathologist, trained to treat the cause and effect of disease and injuries.
So, between his own emergency medical knowledge, that of his renter, and the pain-killing adrenalin of catching fat limits of smallmouth on a flutter spoon, he’ll march on in search of his first Elite Series victory battered …but far from beaten.
The post Zaldain Playing Hurt appeared first on Bass365.com.
Another Mixed Bag Lifts Schmitt Into Lead In Elite Series Event At Lake Champlain
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Bryan Schmitt has insisted two days in a row that big smallmouth will be the key this week if he wins the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain.
But he just keeps catching big largemouth.
Bryan Schmitt, of Deale, Md., is leading after Day 2 of the 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain with a two-day total of 43 pounds. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S.
The second-year Elite Series pro from Deale, Md., caught a five-bass limit Friday that weighed 21 pounds, 5 ounces and moved from second place into the lead with a two-day total of 43-0.
Once again, his bag was anchored by a big largemouth — this time a 4-15.
“I’ve burnt my largies down,” Schmitt said. “I got some lucky bites today. They happened on some places that I like fishing, but I know they were lucky bites.”
One of those lucky bites came late in the day and helped him upgrade into the lead.
“I pulled up on a spot this afternoon and made a cast with a spybait,” he said. “As I was reeling it in, something boiled out beside me and a baitfish jumped out of the water. I cast over there and caught a 4-pound smallmouth.
“That, to me, is very lucky. Little things like that have been happening for me this week.”
Besides good fortune, Schmitt has also benefited from the generosity of fellow Elite Series competitor John Crews.
The Virginia pro and founder of Missile Baits gave Schmitt a “goody bag” that was filled with Quiver Worms in the green pumpkin flash color. Schmitt said both species have been eating the worms when conditions will allow.
The smallmouth he expected to rely on Friday let him down, partly because of wind that blew much harder than it did on Thursday.
“My spot that I caught three big smallmouth off of yesterday, it was very rough and I couldn’t fish it the way I wanted to,” he said. “I still saw them on my (Garmin) LiveScope, but I just couldn’t do it right.
“Tomorrow, if it’s calm, I’m really going to have to make that happen.”
Like every angler in the field, Schmitt is also hoping for more sunshine during Saturday’s semifinal round. He said it would play a big role in making both species of bass more predictable.
“Sunlight and shade position my largemouth,” he said. “These big isolated clumps that I’m fishing, they’re going to be on them instead of roaming all around. It can maybe be better, but we don’t know.
“I’ve really got to catch some smallmouth tomorrow to keep it going.”
Schmitt can’t afford to slip with Pennsylvania pro Destin DeMarion just behind him in second with 40-8 and Texas pro Chris Zaldain in third with 40-6. Another Texas pro, Lee Livesay, is fourth with 40-5, while Canadian Jeff Gustafson is fifth with 40-0.
DeMarion, who caught 19-6 despite technical difficulties Thursday, got things straightened out and added 21-2 to his total Friday.
“I started where I caught my biggest largemouth yesterday and didn’t really do anything,” DeMarion said. “I started running some other stuff and ended up catching my biggest fish of the day right after I left that spot. I was pretty pumped.”
Though it was his second choice, the spot produced a solid limit of 17 pounds. Then as DeMarion was running new water, he caught enough big largemouth to cull up to his final mark of 21-2.
His bag included three smallmouth in the 4-pound range, one near 3 1/4 and a 5-pound largemouth.
“It was a blast,” he said. “A lot of people are starting with smallmouth and moving in when they see a good spot for largemouth. But I’m kind of bucking the trend and fishing for largemouth first. Then I’m using smallmouth to cull out the smaller largemouth.”
After noticing smallmouth were feeding on giant alewives, Zaldain has been using two of the baits he’s always most dangerous with — a big swimbait and a flutter spoon. They helped him 20-11 Thursday and 19-11 Friday.
“On the third day of practice, I realized they were keyed in on some really big baitfish — and that perked me up,” Zaldain said. “It’s kind of the same thing as Southern swimbait fishing when they’re keyed in on big gizzard shad. It’s the same thing up here with them eating 6- and 7-inch alewives.”
Zaldain said the bass he’s catching aren’t relating to structure. Instead, they’re roaming around chasing baitfish, and he’s using his electronics — plus the tell-tale signs of nature — to stay near them.
“I’ve got waypoints dropped on them, but they’re dropped more for the area than they are for a specific rock or a boulder,” he said. “I see birds working. I see signs of baitfish busting.
“That’s where my waypoints are, but the fish are never in the same area twice.”
The Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the day, a 5-11 largemouth, was caught by Minnesota pro Seth Feider. With a Friday bag of 19-7 Friday, Feider is now in sixth place with a two-day total of 39-2.
With 697 points, Feider now holds a solid lead in the race for Bassmaster Angler of the Year over South Carolina pro Patrick Walters (640) and Oklahoma pro Jason Christie (628). Christie suffered a 2-pound penalty Friday for making a cast with six bass in his livewell.
Feider said he believes he might be one good day away from locking up the title.
“I think if I can catch 19 or 20 pounds tomorrow, it’ll just about be done,” he said. “If I can do that, I think it would take a breakdown or a disqualification or something like that the rest of the way to keep it from happening.
“If it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”
The Top 45 remaining anglers will resume competition Saturday with takeoff scheduled for 7 a.m. ET from Plattsburgh City Marina. Weigh-in will be held back at the marina at 3 p.m.
After Saturday’s round, only the Top 10 pros will advance to Championship Sunday with a chance at the $100,000 first-place prize.
Live coverage for each day of the event can be streamed on Bassmaster.com and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is being hosted by the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau.
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Bass Pro Shops, Garmin, Huk Performance Fishing, Marathon, Rapala
2021 Bassmaster Elite Series Conservation Partner: AFTCO
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain Local Hosts: City of Plattsburgh, Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain 7/8-7/11
Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bryan Schmitt Deale, MD 10 43-00 100
Day 1: 5 21-11 Day 2: 5 21-05
2. Destin DeMarion Grove City, PA 10 40-08 99
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 21-02
3. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 40-06 98
Day 1: 5 20-11 Day 2: 5 19-11
4. Lee Livesay Longview, TX 10 40-05 97
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 20-00
5. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 10 40-00 96
Day 1: 5 20-03 Day 2: 5 19-13
6. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 39-02 95 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-11 Day 2: 5 19-07
7. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 38-15 94
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 20-00
8. Buddy Gross Chickamauga, GA 10 38-13 93
Day 1: 5 21-13 Day 2: 5 17-00
9. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TN AUSTRALIA 10 38-09 92
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 18-04
10. Drew Cook Cairo, GA 10 38-08 91
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 19-03
11. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 38-04 90
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 20-01
12. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 10 38-02 89
Day 1: 5 21-00 Day 2: 5 17-02
13. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 38-02 88
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 20-09
14. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 10 38-02 87
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 19-07
15. Justin Hamner Northport, AL 10 38-02 86
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 19-04
16. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 37-12 85
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 18-13
17. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 37-10 84
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 17-09
18. Taku Ito Chiba 277-0862 JAPAN 10 37-09 83
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 17-02
19. KJ Queen Catawba, NC 10 37-06 82
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 19-06
20. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 10 37-04 81
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-15
21. Austin Felix Eden Prairie, MN 10 37-03 80
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 19-01
22. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 37-02 79
Day 1: 5 19-06 Day 2: 5 17-12
23. Matt Robertson Kuttawa, KY 10 36-12 78
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 19-01
24. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 36-08 77
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 17-00
25. Chris Johnston Otonabee Ontario CANADA 10 36-07 76
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 19-06
26. Kenta Kimura Osaka OK JAPAN 10 36-06 75
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 18-05
27. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 36-04 74
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-00
27. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 10 36-04 74
Day 1: 5 18-00 Day 2: 5 18-04
29. David Fritts Lexington, NC 10 36-03 72
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 19-07
30. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 36-03 71
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-11
31. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 36-02 70
Day 1: 5 17-04 Day 2: 5 18-14
32. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 36-02 69
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 17-09
33. Brandon Card Salisbury, NC 10 36-02 68
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 17-13
34. Chad Pipkens Dewitt, MI 10 35-14 67
Day 1: 5 19-01 Day 2: 5 16-13
35. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 35-02 66
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 19-00
36. Drew Benton Blakely, GA 10 34-15 65
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 19-07
37. John Cox Debary, FL 10 34-13 64
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 17-07
38. Cody Hollen Beaverton, OR 10 34-12 63
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 18-01
39. Frank Talley Temple, TX 10 34-11 62
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-14
40. Marc Frazier Newnan, GA 10 34-10 61
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 18-08
41. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 34-09 60
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 18-12
42. Gregory DiPalma Millville, NJ 10 34-09 59
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 18-03
43. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 10 34-08 58
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-13
44. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 10 34-05 57 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 15-00
45. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 33-15 56
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 15-13
46. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 33-15 55 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 16-06
47. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 33-13 54 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 17-04
48. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 33-12 53 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 16-01
49. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 10 33-10 52 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 15-01
50. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 33-10 51 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 15-15
51. Wes Logan Springville, AL 10 33-09 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 17-00
52. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 33-08 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 18-10
53. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 33-08 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-06
54. Joshua Stracner Vandiver, AL 10 33-07 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 17-04
55. Mike Huff London, KY 10 33-06 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 17-01
56. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 10 33-05 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 15-12
57. Darold Gleason Many, LA 10 33-04 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-12
58. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 33-03 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 16-00
59. Bryan New Belmont, NC 10 33-02 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 19-11
60. Hunter Shryock Ooltewah, TN 10 33-02 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 15-15
61. Pat Schlapper Eleva, WI 10 33-02 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 16-09
62. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 32-15 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 16-07
63. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 32-14 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-08 Day 2: 5 14-06
64. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 32-11 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 15-02
65. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 32-11 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 16-12
66. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 32-07 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 17-05
67. Caleb Kuphall Mukwonago, WI 10 32-07 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 15-04
68. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 32-07 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 15-11
69. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 32-04 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 17-07
70. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 10 32-03 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 15-15
71. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 32-00 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 13-14
72. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 32-00 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 13-15
73. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 32-00 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 14-14
74. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 10 32-00 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 15-02
75. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 31-09 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 14-07
76. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 31-09 25
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 16-06
77. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 31-07 24
Day 1: 5 14-01 Day 2: 5 17-06
78. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 31-04 23
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 16-13
79. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 31-02 22
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 13-11
80. Bob Downey Hudson, WI 10 31-00 21
Day 1: 5 17-06 Day 2: 5 13-10
81. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 30-12 20
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 13-09
82. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 30-05 19
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 15-11
83. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 30-02 18
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 15-05
84. Justin Atkins Florence, AL 10 30-00 17
Day 1: 5 19-10 Day 2: 5 10-06
85. Kyle Welcher Opelika, AL 10 29-10 16
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 12-14
86. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 29-07 15
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 14-10
87. Scott Martin Clewiston, FL 10 28-03 14
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 11-08
88. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 10 26-15 13
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-01
89. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 10 26-13 12
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 14-11
90. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 26-01 11
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 12-10
91. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 10 24-15 10
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 11-01
92. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 24-15 9
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 11-03
93. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 10 22-10 8
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 04-14
94. Derek Hudnall Denham Springs, LA 5 16-11 7
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 0 00-00
95. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 7 16-04 6
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 5 11-03
———————————————————————–
PHOENIX BOATS BIG BASS
Day
1 Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 05-15 $1,000.00
2 Seth Feider New Market, MN 05-11 $1,000.00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 94 472 1633-14
2 94 470 1570-11
———————————-
188 942 3204-09
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