Grigsby slaps more than 29 pounds of bass on scales for Bassmaster Elite Series Sunshine Showdown lead
Category: press release
Mar 11th, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Mar 11th, 2011 at 12:00 AM
TAVARES, Fla. – The bag required to hold Shaw Grigsby’s Friday catch at the Sunshine Showdown was so heavy, he had to have help toting it from the docks to the official check-in station. Few who witnessed the lugging of the shoulder-popping bag had any doubts that Grigsby had done very well for himself.
Minus the water drained from the bag, the bass weighed 29 pounds, 8 ounces, and Grigsby was leading with a two-day total of 43-15. He was more than 8 pounds in front of Kevin VanDam, who remained consistent with a Friday catch of 18-3 for 35-12 over two days.
The field was cut to 50 for Saturday’s round of the Bassmaster Elite Series season opener on the Harris Chain, with the final on Sunday, when the winner will claim $100,000 and instant qualification for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
It was a great showing near home for the Gainesville, Fla., pro, who lifted his 10-pound anchor fish for the crowd. Grigsby, whose eight Bassmaster wins include two in his home state, later related how he landed the lunker while he was sight-fishing in an area shared with two other Elite pros.
“I just spotted her and she was a real tough female. I didn’t mess with the male, and just kept working on her,” Grigsby said. “Finally she got flustered and smacked it, and I set the hook and fought her around. I’d barely hooked her. She was just hanging by a thread.”
It was his 7-pounder that snapped his rod. Both were fish he first saw Friday, thanks to a weather change that brought sunny skies, enabling him to see the fish.
“It was catch one here, one there, another hour and catch another,” Grigsby said. “All in the same area.”
It was an area Grigsby shared with first-day leader Pat Golden, who slipped to fourth with 31-10 for the two days.
For Golden, his day was all about the big one that bit his bait in half, but would not take the hook.
“I worked that fish for about 45 minutes,” he said. “For some reason or another, she tasted the bait, and she just started cutting big circles and spooked off. It was weird; I guess she didn’t like my tube bait.”
Golden likes his chances for tomorrow in the same canal.
“It’s apparent we’re in a good area,” he said. “Both me and Shaw are catching them, and we should tomorrow, too.”
VanDam, more than 8 pounds behind, said he changed his entire approach on Friday, but he ended much the same, with 18-3 compared to 17-9 on Thursday.
“But it worked out,” said VanDam, who last month won the Bassmaster Classic, his fourth Classic title and 20th Bassmaster tournament win. “I had a much better day as far as getting bit. I was pretty excited about that; I wanted to have something no matter what the conditions were. My area of yesterday had 4-foot waves today. I had to totally change areas and my approach.
“I can’t compete with that right there,” he said, pointing to Grigsby’s 29-8, “but I’m going to do the best I can.”
Browning, slipping one place to third, was satisfied with his day.
“I’m hoping some of these sight fishermen are going to run out,” said the pro from Hot Springs, Ark. “That’s going to be the big thing for me to win this thing.”
Rounding out the top five was Chris Lane of Alabama, who grew up fishing Florida waters. He tapped into that knowledge to lift himself from 13th place.
“Do I need to go sight-fishing? That is my big question,” he said. “I’m saying no. [I will] see if I can’t just keep grinding it out and get another 15 to 17 pounds on Saturday.”
2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Lowrance, Luck “E” Strike, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ramada
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications – Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times – comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
DAY 2 STANDINGS- SUNSHINE SHOWDOWN
2011 Sunshine Showdown – Tavares, FL 03/10-03/13 Harris Chain Of Lakes, Tavares Fla.
(PRO Division) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Shaw Grigsby Gainesville, Fla. 10 43-15
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 29-08
2. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 10 35-12
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 18-03
3. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 10 34-05
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 14-08
4. Pat Golden High Point, N.C. 10 31-10
Day 1: 5 20-07 Day 2: 5 11-03
5. Chris Lane Guntersville, Ala. 10 31-06
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 17-01
6. James Niggemeyer Van, Texas 10 31-02
Day 1: 5 11-06 Day 2: 5 19-12
7. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, Fla. 10 29-13
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 12-04
8. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, La. 9 29-10
Day 1: 4 13-05 Day 2: 5 16-05
9. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, S.C. 10 29-04
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 18-12
10. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, Ga. 10 29-01
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 11-09
11. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, Ala. 10 28-14
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 14-12
12. Casey Ashley Donalds, S.C. 10 28-10
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 16-04
13. Matt Greenblatt Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 10 28-06
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 18-03
14. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 10 28-03
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 16-10
15. Ott Defoe Knoxville, Tenn. 10 28-02
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 14-02
16. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, Md. 6 28-02
Day 1: 1 1-01 Day 2: 5 27-01
17. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 10 26-15
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 12-06
18. Jonathon Vandam Kalamazoo, Mich. 10 26-05
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 12-07
19. Jami Fralick Martin, S.D. 10 26-04
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 11-10
20. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, Idaho 8 25-13
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 3 11-07
21. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 10 25-10
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 14-03
22. Jason Williamson Aiken, S.C. 10 25-08
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 10-07
23. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 8 24-14
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 3 5-01
24. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 10 24-12
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 13-11
25. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, N.J. 10 24-10
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 12-10
26. Ben Parker Springville, Tenn. 10 24-09
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-06
27. Zell Rowland Austin, Texas 10 23-14
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-04
28. Cliff Pace Petal, Miss. 10 23-12
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 10-03
29. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, Calif. 10 23-10
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 11-02
30. Clark Reehm Lufkin, Texas 10 23-08
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 6-06
31. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, Kan. 10 23-06
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 10-08
32. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, Okla. 10 23-04
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 9-01
33. Marty Robinson Lyman, S.C. 7 23-03
Day 1: 3 11-03 Day 2: 4 12-00
34. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, Mo. 10 22-11
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 8-08
35. Peter Thliveros St Augustine, Fla. 10 22-09
Day 1: 5 9-01 Day 2: 5 13-08
36. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 10 22-08
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 10-10
37. Keith Poche Troy, Ala. 9 22-03
Day 1: 4 6-00 Day 2: 5 16-03
38. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 9 22-03
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 4 11-00
39. Aaron Martens Leeds, Ala. 10 21-11
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 10-02
40. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, N.C. 10 21-06
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 10-11
41. Steve Kennedy Auburn, Ala. 10 21-04
Day 1: 5 8-03 Day 2: 5 13-01
42. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 10 21-03
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 9-03
43. Edwin Evers Talala, Okla. 10 21-01
Day 1: 5 9-12 Day 2: 5 11-05
44. Lee Sisson Winter Haven, Fla. 8 20-13
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 3 6-09
45. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 10 20-12
Day 1: 5 9-00 Day 2: 5 11-12
46. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, Ark. 10 20-12
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 9-13
47. Davy Hite Ninety Six, S.C. 10 20-11
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 9-11
48. Bill Lowen Brookville, Ind. 10 20-06
Day 1: 5 7-07 Day 2: 5 12-15
49. Mark Davis Mount Ida, Ark. 10 20-05
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 9-00
50. Dean Alexander Florence, Texas 9 20-05
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 4 8-03
51. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, Ariz 10 20-04 0
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 9-01
52. Randy Howell Springville, Ala. 10 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 9-07
53. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, Texas 9 20-01 0
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 4 6-14
54. John Crews Salem, Va. 10 19-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 8-14
55. Nate Wellman Newaygo, Mich. 10 19-11 0
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 8-15
56. Travis Manson Green Bay, Wisc. 10 19-03 0
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 6-03
57. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 10 19-01 0
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 8-01
58. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 10 18-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 8-13
59. Matt Reed Madisonville, Texas 10 18-13 0
Day 1: 5 9-03 Day 2: 5 9-10
60. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, S.C. 9 18-13 0
Day 1: 5 9-02 Day 2: 4 9-11
61. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 9 18-11 0
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 4 6-08
62. Keith Combs Del Rio, Texas 10 18-08 0
Day 1: 5 9-14 Day 2: 5 8-10
63. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, S.C. 8 18-06 0
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 3 6-00
64. Bradley Roy Lancaster, Ky. 10 18-05 0
Day 1: 5 9-00 Day 2: 5 9-05
65. Jeff Connella Bentley, La. 10 18-04 0
Day 1: 5 9-06 Day 2: 5 8-14
66. Russ Lane Prattville, Ala. 9 18-03 0
Day 1: 4 5-08 Day 2: 5 12-11
67. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 9 18-02 0
Day 1: 4 7-06 Day 2: 5 10-12
68. Kelly Jordon Palestine, Texas 10 18-01 0
Day 1: 5 9-03 Day 2: 5 8-14
69. Greg Hackney Gonzales, La. 10 18-00 0
Day 1: 5 7-03 Day 2: 5 10-13
70. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, N.C. 10 17-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 7-11
71. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 10 17-14 0
Day 1: 5 8-06 Day 2: 5 9-08
72. James Stricklin Jasper, Texas 9 17-09 0
Day 1: 5 9-15 Day 2: 4 7-10
73. Pete Ponds Madison, Miss. 7 17-08 0
Day 1: 2 4-08 Day 2: 5 13-00
74. Gerald Swindle Warrior, Ala. 9 17-05 0
Day 1: 4 6-04 Day 2: 5 11-01
75. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, Ark. 10 17-00 0
Day 1: 5 7-10 Day 2: 5 9-06
76. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 9 17-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 4 6-01
77. Kevin Short Mayflower, Ark. 10 16-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 6-14
78. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 8 16-11 0
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 3 2-14
79. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, Ala. 4 15-10 0
Day 1: 3 13-15 Day 2: 1 1-11
80. Matt Herren Trussville, Ala. 8 15-09 0
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 3 4-12
81. Russell Parrish Riesel, Texas 9 15-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-09 Day 2: 4 4-13
82. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 7 15-02 0
Day 1: 5 7-10 Day 2: 2 7-08
83. Craig Schuff Watauga, Texas 7 14-15 0
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 2 3-13
84. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 8 14-12 0
Day 1: 5 9-06 Day 2: 3 5-06
85. Bradley Hallman Norman, Okla. 7 14-09 0
Day 1: 2 5-03 Day 2: 5 9-06
86. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, Okla. 7 14-02 0
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 2 2-14
87. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 8 13-15 0
Day 1: 4 9-14 Day 2: 4 4-01
88. Chad Griffin Cresson, Texas 7 13-12 0
Day 1: 5 9-02 Day 2: 2 4-10
89. Ish Monroe Hughson, Calif. 9 13-05 0
Day 1: 4 6-06 Day 2: 5 6-15
90. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, Ala. 8 12-11 0
Day 1: 5 9-01 Day 2: 3 3-10
91. Terry Butcher Talala, Okla. 8 11-11 0
Day 1: 5 7-13 Day 2: 3 3-14
92. David Smith Del City, Okla. 6 10-08 0
Day 1: 1 0-10 Day 2: 5 9-14
93. Bobby Lane Lakeland, Fla. 5 9-04 0
Day 1: 3 6-01 Day 2: 2 3-03
94. Brent Broderick Oregonia, Ohio 4 8-13 0
Day 1: 3 3-05 Day 2: 1 5-08
95. Paul Elias Laurel, Miss. 6 7-08 0
Day 1: 3 3-05 Day 2: 3 4-03
96. Morizo Shimizu Osaka, Japan 4 7-05 0
Day 1: 2 3-10 Day 2: 2 3-11
97. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, La. 5 6-04 0
Day 1: 3 3-09 Day 2: 2 2-11
98. Ryan Said Wixom, Mich. 5 5-11 0
Day 1: 4 4-06 Day 2: 1 1-05
99. Derek Remitz Grant, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00 Day 2: 0 0-00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 79 453 1052-09
2 68 427 981-12
———————————-
147 880 2034-05