GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Self-proclaimed river rat Bill Lowen found himself right at home in the Cooper River Friday and leveraged his current-born insights to catch a limit of bass weighing 13 pounds, 15 ounces and take the lead on Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay.
After catching 13-4 during Thursday’s opening round, Lowen has a two-day weight of 27-3.
Lowen, who grew up fishing the Ohio River, made a nearly 100-mile run south and avoided the broad rice fields that have seen significant traffic this week. Instead, he targeted a 3/4-mile stretch where he focused on creek channels with marsh drains and current that helped optimize his bite.
“Yesterday, they were on the deep channel swings; today they were on the shallow swings,” Lowen said. “It’s either going to be one or the other. You just have to figure it out fast enough which one they’re on. And tidal fish are notorious for — if that’s what they’re doing — every single one of them is doing it.
“It seems like those two hours before the low tide is the real deal. I saw a lot of 2 1/2-pounders in practice, and I haven’t seen very many of those in the tournament, so they’re still hiding in there somewhere.”
With the tide falling upon his arrival, Lowen started catching fish almost immediately. His fortune shifted significantly around 11 a.m. ET when he caught a 5-pounder.
A spinnerbait produced all of his bites. Lowen said presentation speed and covering just the right amounts of water were the keys to his success.
“You have to fish thorough, but you have to fish fast to cover water in that four-hour timeframe (available fishing time after accounting for round-trip travel and fuel stop),” he said. “Some of the guys in the area, I feel, are fishing too fast. They want my spinnerbait up high in the water column and they want it slow.
“If I burn it along, I won’t get a bite. But if I just fish it slow and float it around that grass, they’ll flush it like a toilet bowl. After making that long run, you get over there and for the first hour you almost have to make yourself slow down because you’re going so fast. As soon as I started slowing down is when I started catching them.”
Notably, Lowen cut his day short to allow for the long return and any complications from the increasingly windy weather. The time cushion proved beneficial for Lowen and his Xpress Boats teammate Harvey Horne, who ran out of gas and needed a ride to the weigh-in.
Horne had bounced back from a dismal opening round — one bass for just 1-16 — by catching 15-10 Friday and desperately needed to weigh his fish and gain valuable points in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race.
“He was telling me to go on and go, but I wasn’t going to leave him,” Lowen said. “I put him and his fish in my boat and we came in early.”
In second place, Oklahoma angler Luke Palmer added 12-6 to his Day 1 bag of 14-2 and gained one spot with his total weight of 26-8. He ran to the Cooper River and returned to the same spot he fished on Day 1.
Again, slow presentations with soft plastics produced his bites.
“The spot is in a canal and it’s just a ridge with hydrilla that has 4 feet of water on one side and 7 on the other,” Palmer said. “I’m still trying to figure if fish I’m on are coming or going.
“This may be a spot they’re hitting on their way out of the creek. We still have fish spawning because I caught one off a bed today. Hopefully, that ridge will reload and I can get one more day out of it. If I can get lucky and catch 12 pounds out of it, I’d be tickled to death. I’d lay up and go fish another area on the final day, but I’m going to swing on them tomorrow.”
In third place, Lee Livesay made a big move from 44th place on Day 1 by catching 17-3 and pushing his two-day weight to 24-14. The Texas angler ran to the Cooper River and targeted alligator grass and hyacinth inside the hydrilla lines — a scenario many were overlooking.
Two different reaction baits produced his fish.
“There are some guys catching them out of hydrilla, but the bigger ones are suspended under the mats of gator grass and hyacinth,” Livesay said. “There might be 8 to 9 feet of depth where the mats are, and the bass are 6 inches underneath them. The winning fish are in there because I’m seeing them every day.
“I had a bunch of big ones miss my bait (Thursday). I should have had 20 pounds, but they were missing it. Today, I had three big ones eat it.”
Rounding out the Top 5 are Jason Williamson with 24-6 and Jesse Tacoronte with 24-5.
Florida angler Koby Kreiger leads the $1,500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award competition with a 6-8 largemouth.
Daily takeoffs will occur at 7 a.m. ET out of Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex, and weigh-ins are scheduled at the same location beginning at 3:15 p.m. ET each day.
2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2019 Bassmaster Elite At Winyah Bay Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Talon, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Abu Garcia, Berkley
2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Carhartt, Lowrance, Mossy Oak Fishing, T-H Marine, Academy Sports + Outdoors
Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay Host Sponsor: Georgetown County
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. 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 510,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), 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 Open 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 and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
2019 Bassmaster Elite at Winyah Bay 4/11-4/14
Winyah Bay, Georgetown SC.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 27-03 100
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 13-15
2. Luke Palmer Coalgate, OK 10 26-08 99
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 12-06
3. Lee Livesay Gladewater, TX 10 24-14 98
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 17-03
4. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 24-06 97
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 08-11
5. Jesse Tacoronte Kissimmee, FL 10 24-05 96
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 13-07
6. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 10 23-13 95
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 12-07
7. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 8 23-09 94
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 3 08-01
8. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 9 23-04 93
Day 1: 4 08-10 Day 2: 5 14-10
9. Cory Johnston Cavan CANADA 10 22-14 92
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 11-12
10. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 22-12 91
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 10-06
11. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 22-00 90
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 09-02
12. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 21-11 89
Day 1: 5 09-10 Day 2: 5 12-01
13. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 10 21-10 88
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 11-15
14. Koby Kreiger Alva, FL 10 21-06 87
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 12-11
15. Patrick Walters Summerville, SC 10 21-04 86
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 10-00
16. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 10 21-02 85
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 13-07
17. Rob Digh Denver, NC 10 20-14 84
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 11-01
18. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 10 20-14 83
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 10-00
19. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 20-12 82
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 08-15
20. Tyler Rivet Raceland, LA 10 20-07 81
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 10-08
21. Chris Johnston Peterborough Ontario CA 10 20-05 80
Day 1: 5 07-01 Day 2: 5 13-04
22. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 10 20-03 79
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 09-10
23. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 20-01 78
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 12-12
24. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 19-11 77
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 11-01
25. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 19-08 76
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 07-07
26. Scott Canterbury Odenville, AL 10 19-00 75
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 07-01
27. Shane LeHew Catawba, NC 9 19-00 74
Day 1: 4 07-05 Day 2: 5 11-11
28. Mike Huff Corbin, KY 10 18-15 73
Day 1: 5 07-06 Day 2: 5 11-09
29. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 6 18-11 72
Day 1: 1 03-01 Day 2: 5 15-10
30. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 18-07 71
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 08-00
31. Dale Hightower Mannford, OK 10 18-07 70
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 09-02
32. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 18-01 69
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 5 07-08
33. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 10 18-00 68
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 07-05
34. Garrett Paquette Canton, MI 7 17-15 67
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 2 05-07
35. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 10 17-15 66
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 08-06
36. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 17-09 65 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 08-00
37. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 10 17-07 64 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 08-02
38. Seth Feider New Market, MN 10 17-07 63 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 08-10
39. Drew Cook Midway, FL 9 17-06 62 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 4 09-01
40. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 17-06 61 $5,000.00
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 08-08
41. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 17-04 60 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 07-05
42. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 17-04 59 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-11 Day 2: 5 09-09
43. Matt Arey Shelby, NC 10 17-04 58 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-15 Day 2: 5 08-05
44. Harvey Horne Bella Vista, AR 6 17-00 57 $2,500.00
Day 1: 1 01-06 Day 2: 5 15-10
45. Greg DiPalma Millville, NJ 9 17-00 56 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 4 05-15
46. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 10 16-12 55 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-10 Day 2: 5 08-02
47. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 16-10 54 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-02 Day 2: 5 08-08
48. Randy Pierson Oakdale, CA 10 16-09 53 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 08-01
49. Ed Loughran III Richmond, VA 10 16-06 52 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-04 Day 2: 5 10-02
50. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 10 15-15 51 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-11 Day 2: 5 09-04
51. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 7 15-14 50 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 04-00 Day 2: 5 11-14
52. Brad Whatley Bivins, TX 10 15-13 49 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 5 08-06
53. Derek Hudnall Baton Rouge, LA 10 15-06 48 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 08-07
54. Quentin Cappo Prairieville, LA 10 15-02 47 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-05 Day 2: 5 08-13
55. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 9 15-00 46 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 4 05-03
56. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 10 14-13 45 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-07 Day 2: 5 08-06
57. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 8 14-12 44 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 05-13 Day 2: 4 08-15
58. Clark Wendlandt Leander, TX 10 14-12 43 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-09 Day 2: 5 08-03
59. Jeff Gustafson Keewatin Ontario CANADA 10 14-11 42 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 06-14
60. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 9 14-01 41 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 4 06-15
61. Brandon Cobb Greenwood, SC 10 13-15 40 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 05-08
62. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 10 13-10 39 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 5 07-07
63. David Fritts Lexington, NC 9 13-10 38 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 4 06-11
64. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 10 13-09 37 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 08-03 Day 2: 5 05-06
65. Chris Zaldain Fort Worth, TX 10 13-04 36 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-08 Day 2: 5 06-12
66. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 9 13-00 35 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 04-11 Day 2: 5 08-05
67. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 10 12-12 34 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 06-03 Day 2: 5 06-09
68. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 9 11-09 33 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 07-02 Day 2: 4 04-07
69. Gary Clouse Winchester, TN 6 10-03 32 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 04-09 Day 2: 4 05-10
70. Jay Yelas Lincoln City, OR 7 09-10 31 $2,500.00
Day 1: 5 05-12 Day 2: 2 03-14
71. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 09-09 30 $2,500.00
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 09-09
72. Frank Talley Temple, TX 7 09-06 29 $2,500.00
Day 1: 4 06-01 Day 2: 3 03-05
73. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 07-07 28 $2,500.00
Day 1: 2 03-03 Day 2: 3 04-04
74. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 3 05-01 27 $2,500.00
Day 1: 1 01-09 Day 2: 2 03-08
75. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 3 04-05 26 $2,500.00
Day 1: 3 04-05 Day 2: 0 00-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 62 342 631-04
2 60 347 674-12
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122 689 1306-00
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