South Carolina’s Williamson Hangs on to Slim Lead at Smith Mountain Lake Bassmaster Elite Series Event
Category: press release
Apr 16th, 2010 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Apr 16th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
HUDDLESTON, Va. – The good news for Jason Williamson: The Wagener, S.C., pro was able to hold off a bevy of hard-charging competitors and cling to a slim lead at the Evan Williams Bourbon Blue Ridge Brawl. The bad news: Red-hot Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., tapped into Smith Mountain Lake Friday for another 17-plus pound day, which was enough to move into second, just 5 ounces off Williamson’s 36-11 pace.
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| Jason Williamson holds onto the lead by only five ounces over Skeet Reese. (Photo Courtesy of BASS) |
Save for a debacle at the 2010 Classic, Reese has been on fire. He missed out on victory at the first tournament of the Elite season on the California Delta by one ounce, finishing second. At the next event on Clear Lake, he posted a top-five finish. Add in another stellar finish this week and Reese will hold a commanding lead in the 2010 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, which he labeled as his “ultimate goal”.
On the other end of the spectrum is Williamson, who struggled on the California swing, finishing in 64th and 87th. But things can change quickly in a hurry on the Elite Series and Williamson, 29, has put himself in prime position to score his second Elite Series victory.
“It’s just really a grind out there,” said Williamson. “My primary area is getting thin and the bigger bass are getting harder to come by. I’m just fortunate I cashed in on opportunities Thursday.”
Coverage of the Brawl will be featured on The Bassmasters on Sunday, May 2 at 9 a.m. ET. Additionally, Bassmaster.com will follow the event each day with BASSCast, BASSCam, real-time leaderboards during weigh-ins, photo galleries, daily results, and Hooked Up with ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. Live, streaming video will be carried by ESPN3.com.
Again focusing on bed fish in a protected creek, Williamson wasn’t able to duplicate his Thursday success. But he scrounged up enough weight, 14-2, to justify a repeat visit to the area Saturday.
A few elements attributed to the drop in weight for Williamson, he said. One, the pollen was dense in his area Friday and made sight fishing more difficult. Additionally, the onslaught of multiple contenders in the creek made for slim pickings.
The bass that he targeted were a bit deeper – in four to five feet of water. Williamson said the key to finding the bigger bass was identifying the warmer water. To that end, Williamson strictly focused on a pocket that warmed up to 64 degrees. Other pockets within his area registered a cool 58 degrees and Williamson said, to no surprise, that the bigger bass were relating to the warmer water.
Saturday could shake things up considerably. The forecast calls for windy, cloudy conditions and Williamson, and the majority of the field, might be scrambling to put together a plan B.
“If it gets cloudy and windy, then I will have to tie on a swimbait,” said Williamson. “But my area is protected so the wind shouldn’t bother me much. We’ll just have to see what it’s like tomorrow (Saturday).”
Buoyed by a 5-pounder boated in the last five minutes, the 2007 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Reese brought 18-13 to the scales, Friday’s second-heaviest limit. In a similar refrain to the rest of the field, he called his day “a grind”.
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| Skeet Reese sits in second place after two days. (Photo Courtesy of BASS) |
Throughout the tournament, Reese, the 2009 Bassmaster Classic champion, has played a game of addition and subtraction, continuing to eliminate unproductive water while identifying new areas that he will visit over the weekend. While he hasn’t had a difficult time finding spawning bass, it has been exceedingly difficult to get them to bite.
But Reese is in a comfort zone on Smith Mountain and his past performance here, a fourth in 2007 and a ninth in 2009, certainly indicates that. Though thousands of miles from his California residence, Reese says Smith Mountain reminds him of his home fishery, Clear Lake. Reese grew up fishing docks on Clear, a dominant feature here. But despite all the good vibes this week, Reese didn’t have a picture-perfect day.
“What I weighed in today doesn’t represent how my day went and how I fished,” said Reese, who totaled 36-6 over two days. “I should have had more than 20 pounds and I really struggled to get the big bites in the boat.”
Sticking to third was shallow-water specialist Terry Scroggins of Palatka, Fla., with 35-2. Right behind Scroggins in fourth was Marty Robinson of Lyman, S.C., with 35-1. Slipping from third to fifth was Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., with 35-0.
Local favorite John Crews of Salem, Va., made the biggest move of the day, jumping from a tie for 68th to 12th with the biggest limit of the day of 19 pounds, 2 ounces.
Other notables safely in the cutline, and fishing Saturday, were 2008 Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones (13th), Jason Quinn of York, S.C. (16th) and Elite rookie Byron Haseotes (26th).
The top 47 all moved on to fish Saturday. Only the top 12 will qualify for the final day of competition on Saturday. Full standings can be found below.
Smith Mountain Lake out of Huddleston, Va., is the 2010 Elite Series’ third stop. Pros are competing for a $100,000 first-place prize. They also will be after points to qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason in July, when the $200,000 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year contest will play out in Alabama. Points also count towards elusive berths in the 2011 Bassmaster Classic.
All spectator activities are free and open to the public, including the launches and weigh-ins at Parkway Marina, 16918 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104. Takeoff is set for 6:30 a.m. ET; weigh-ins will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Special events for kids include a Saturday tournament, “Fish Like the Pros,” and Saturday and Sunday activities hosted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. Also for young fans is the Toyota Kids Casting Challenge.
Local sponsors are the counties of Franklin and Bedford. Click here for Smith Mountain Lake information.
Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter and Yamaha.
Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Lowrance and Triton Boats
About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and its expansive tournament structure while championing efforts to connect directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
As the flagship offering of ESPN Outdoors, the Bassmaster brand and its considerable multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer; comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com, ESPNOutdoors.com and ESPN360.com, and ESPN2 television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
BASS oversees the prestigious Bassmaster Tournament Trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, BASS Federation Nation and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
BASS offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
DAY 2 SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE ELITE STANDINGS
2010 Moneta, VA 4/15-4/18
Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta VA.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 36-11 310
Day 1: 5 22-09 Day 2: 5 14-02
2. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 36-06 295
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 18-13
3. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 35-02 290
Day 1: 5 19-13 Day 2: 5 15-05
4. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 35-01 285
Day 1: 5 19-02 Day 2: 5 15-15
5. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 10 35-00 280
Day 1: 5 21-07 Day 2: 5 13-09
6. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 33-14 276
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 15-08
7. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 33-14 272
Day 1: 5 17-03 Day 2: 5 16-11
8. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 32-10 268
Day 1: 5 15-08 Day 2: 5 17-02
9. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 31-12 264
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 16-15
10. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 31-09 260
Day 1: 5 16-07 Day 2: 5 15-02
11. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 31-08 257
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 15-03
12. John Crews Salem, VA 10 31-07 254
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 19-02
13. Alton Jones Waco, TX 10 30-14 251
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 15-00
14. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 30-03 248
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 11-10
15. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 10 30-03 245
Day 1: 5 16-01 Day 2: 5 14-02
16. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 10 29-15 243
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 11-04
17. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 10 29-15 241
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 14-04
18. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 29-10 239
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 13-13
19. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 10 29-09 237
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 5 11-08
20. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 29-09 235
Day 1: 5 16-08 Day 2: 5 13-01
21. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 29-07 233
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 11-13
22. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 29-03 231
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 12-02
23. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 10 29-03 229
Day 1: 5 16-03 Day 2: 5 13-00
24. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 28-15 227
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 14-03
25. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 28-14 225
Day 1: 5 15-15 Day 2: 5 12-15
26. Byron Haseotes Centerville, MA 10 28-06 223
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 15-02
27. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 10 28-05 221
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 15-08
28. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 28-03 219
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 15-12
29. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 28-03 217
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 14-10
30. Keith Poche Troy, AL 10 28-01 215
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-14
31. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 27-15 213
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 11-06
32. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 10 27-15 211
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 12-06
33. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 27-15 209
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 13-05
34. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 27-15 207
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 13-08
35. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 27-11 205
Day 1: 5 16-11 Day 2: 5 11-00
36. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 10 27-05 203
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 12-06
37. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 27-05 201
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-11
38. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 27-03 199
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 5 12-05
39. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 27-00 197
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 12-06
40. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 26-15 195
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 13-03
41. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 10 26-12 193
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 16-01
42. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 26-11 191
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 12-04
43. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 10 26-09 189
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 11-13
44. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 26-06 187
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 11-12
45. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 10 26-05 185
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 12-14
46. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 10 26-04 183
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 11-09
47. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 10 26-04 181
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 13-06
48. Zell Rowland Austin, TX 10 26-00 179
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 14-02
49. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 25-13 177
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 13-05
50. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 10 25-13 175
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-09
51. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 25-12 173
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 11-02
52. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 25-11 171
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 12-02
53. Vince Fulks Purcell, OK 10 25-11 169
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 12-08
54. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 25-10 167
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 12-11
55. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 10 25-06 165
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 13-13
56. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 25-05 163
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 10-08
57. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 10 25-04 161
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 10-07
58. Pat Golden High Point, NC 10 25-04 159
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 13-05
59. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 25-02 157
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 12-11
60. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 10 25-00 155
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 11-10
61. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 24-15 153
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 11-08
62. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 24-15 151
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 12-04
63. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 10 24-13 149
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 14-15
64. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 24-12 147
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 5 12-07
65. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 24-09 145
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 13-05
66. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 24-08 143
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 13-09
67. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 24-05 141
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 10-10
68. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 10 24-04 139
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 11-05
69. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 24-03 137
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 11-13
70. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 24-01 135
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 09-00
71. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 10 23-14 133
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 10-09
72. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 10 23-12 131
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 13-08
73. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 10 23-10 129
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 5 13-13
74. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 23-10 127
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-00
75. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 10 23-08 125
Day 1: 5 08-06 Day 2: 5 15-02
76. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 10 23-02 123
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 11-03
77. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 10 22-15 121
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 12-02
78. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 9 22-11 119
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 4 12-01
79. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 22-07 117
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 08-14
80. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 22-05 115
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 13-05
81. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 9 22-04 113
Day 1: 4 08-15 Day 2: 5 13-05
82. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 10 22-02 111
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 11-04
83. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 7 21-05 109
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 2 05-12
84. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 9 19-09 107
Day 1: 4 08-12 Day 2: 5 10-13
85. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 9 19-05 105
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 4 06-05
86. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 8 18-11 103
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 3 06-14
87. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 8 18-08 101
Day 1: 3 09-10 Day 2: 5 08-14
88. Matt Greenblatt Palm Beach Gardens, FL 8 17-13 99
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 3 04-12
89. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 7 17-10 97
Day 1: 2 01-09 Day 2: 5 16-01
90. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 8 15-05 95
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 3 06-10
91. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 6 13-05 93
Day 1: 3 06-10 Day 2: 3 06-11
92. David Smith Del City, OK 7 12-12 91
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 5 08-01
93. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 3 06-14 89
Day 1: 1 03-06 Day 2: 2 03-08
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 86 449 1264-00
2 85 449 1162-03
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171 898 2426-03