Tennessee’s David Walker steps ahead by 14 ounces at Bassmaster Elite Series
Category: press release
Jun 17th, 2011 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jun 17th, 2011 at 12:00 AM
DECATUR, Ala. – David Walker, who fished a major circuit for years before leaving it to join the Bassmaster Elite Series this season, says everyone believes he’s won a major tournament in his career, but that’s not true.
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David Walker (Photo BassFIRST)
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Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., came closer Friday to filling that hole in his history by taking the lead with 35 pounds, 3 ounces, in the Elite Series season finale on Wheeler Lake, the June 16-19 Dixie Duel.
Walker has work ahead of him. He is 14 ounces ahead of Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., who ended the day with 34-5. A superfocused Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., determined to win the event and score a Bassmaster Classic berth, moved into third from 19th with 33-2 after two days.
First-day leader Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn., slipped to fourth place with 32-13. Bradley Roy of Lancaster, Ky., popped up from 13th place into fifth with 32-11.
Walker’s decision to fish the Elite Series had a lot to do with his desire to compete once again in a Bassmaster Classic. He’s appeared in six Classics, but not since 2006. Coming into the Wheeler event, he was 46th in points, and needs to move up about 10 ticks. Thanks to double-qualifiers, the cutline hovers at 37th place.
“A chance to win a big tournament has just followed along with my Classic goal,” Walker, 46, said. “I’ve never had a major tournament win. I’ve won other stuff, but not an Elite tournament, not an FLW Tour tournament. I’ve come close – too many times.”
On Wheeler, he and Reese have been courteously sharing “one little area” over the first two days of competition, Walker said. At one point Friday he moved off to fish another spot.
“That paid off pretty good – but then he (Reese) had it to himself and that helped him out that much more,” Walker said.
Reese bagged 19-5 to Walker’s 17-1.
Walker is concerned that their spot – a ledge – won’t continue to produce, or not produce enough for two anglers.
“But there’s obviously a lot of fish there, and it’s held up so far,” Walker said.
He said he’s fishing clean, his limits are happening early for him, and his biggest fish was about a 4-pounder.
Hackney outfished both Walker and Reese on Friday. His sack went 19-9 on the scales, but he had started the day in 11th place, so had to make up ground to take second place.
“I think the biggest thing for me today was the weather,” Hackney said. “I caught my big fish today just before that bad weather hit this morning. They were aggressive and active. Then I stayed away from my primary stuff and went looking. I have to be careful not to burn up my fish.”
He said he shared water Friday with about 20 other anglers, but is working it slightly differently to get the better bite. With the field cut in half for Saturday’s competition, Hackney said he’s counting on having the area more to himself.
Like Walker and Reese, Hackney’s focus at the Dixie Duel is to earn enough points to qualify for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
“That’s the main objective, my main goal this week, and today will pull me forward on that,” Hackney said.
A win means not only the $100,000 first-place prize, but an instant-in for the 2012 Classic. Unless they fall hard sometime over the final two days of Duel competition, Walker and Hackney are now in a position to get to the Classic via the Elite points system. Reese isn’t. Lacking enough points, he must win at Wheeler to get to the Classic via the Elite Series.
The 2012 Classic is scheduled for the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La., the same venue where Reese won his Classic title in 2009.
“Winning here is my only option,” Reese said. “I spent the week fishing out (offshore), looking for a way to win. I didn’t think you could win it fishing the bank, but obviously there’s some big stringers coming in from the shallows.”
In the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, leader Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., came close to closing. But his nearest challengers in points, Oklahoma’s Edwin Evers and Alabama’s Steve Kennedy, both made the cut to compete on Saturday. With a mathematically possible chance still existing for either Evers or Kennedy to overtake him, VanDam must wait another day to see if he will win his fourth consecutive title and seventh of his career.
VanDam was in sixth place in the Dixie Duel after Friday, and he’s out for the event win. He’s 4-1 behind leader Walker.
“I’d like to be in contention to win this thing,” he said. “You do that, and the other (the points race) takes care of itself.”
The big bass of Friday was caught by Tim Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala., a 6-4. He said he caught it on a Bomber No. 7 Switchback Shad in the purple darter finish. Horton’s fish is in contention for the Berkley Big Bass of the Tournament bonus of $500.
The Saturday field will be 51 boats instead of 50 because of a four-way tie at 22 pounds, 7 ounces. After tie-breakers were applied per the Elite Series rules, John Murray of Phoenix, Ariz., was the last in, and will fish Saturday as the 51st qualifier.
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.
Media Contact: Melissa J. Dixon at 407-566-2295 or [email protected]
DAY 2 STANDINGS- DIXIE DUEL
2011 Dixie Duel – Decatur, AL 6/16-6/19
Wheeler Lake, Decatur AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 35-03 305
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 17-01
2. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 34-05 295
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 19-09
3. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 33-02 290
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 19-05
4. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 32-13 290
Day 1: 5 18-06 Day 2: 5 14-07
5. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 32-11 280
Day 1: 5 14-10 Day 2: 5 18-01
6. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 31-02 276
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-12
7. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 8 28-14 272
Day 1: 5 18-01 Day 2: 3 10-13
8. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 28-09 268
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 13-08
9. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 10 27-15 264
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 16-02
10. Travis Manson De Pere, WI 10 27-05 260
Day 1: 5 16-02 Day 2: 5 11-03
11. Kelly Jordon Palestine, TX 10 26-13 257
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 12-02
12. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 26-09 254
Day 1: 5 16-06 Day 2: 5 10-03
13. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 26-05 251
Day 1: 5 09-04 Day 2: 5 17-01
14. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 10 26-05 248
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 11-12
15. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 26-03 245
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 12-15
16. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 25-15 243
Day 1: 5 07-08 Day 2: 5 18-07
17. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 10 25-15 241
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 12-12
18. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 25-14 239
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 12-09
19. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 25-14 237
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 11-12
20. James Stricklin Texarkania, TX 10 25-12 235
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 14-04
21. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 25-10 233
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 11-10
22. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 10 25-09 231
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 11-02
23. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 25-04 229
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 13-12
24. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 25-02 227
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 12-14
25. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 25-01 225
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 14-14
26. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 10 24-13 223
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 11-00
27. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 24-12 221
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 11-08
28. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 10 24-11 219
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 07-06
29. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 24-10 217
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 13-05
30. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 10 24-09 215
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 13-06
31. Keith Poche Troy, AL 10 24-06 213
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-12
32. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 10 24-04 211
Day 1: 5 11-12 Day 2: 5 12-08
33. Nate Wellman Newaygo, MI 10 24-04 209
Day 1: 5 12-10 Day 2: 5 11-10
34. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 24-03 207
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 12-05
35. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 24-02 205
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 09-06
36. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 24-02 203
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 13-14
37. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 10 24-00 201
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 13-14
38. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 10 23-13 199
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 11-15
39. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 10 23-10 197
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 10-07
40. Jason Quinn Lake Wylie, SC 10 23-09 195
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 5 11-07
41. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 23-06 193
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 10-08
42. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 23-05 191
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 09-01
43. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 23-01 189
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 5 12-00
44. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 22-15 187
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 10-09
45. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 22-14 185
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 10-05
46. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 10 22-11 183
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 06-13
47. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 22-09 181
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 11-01
48. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 22-08 179
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 10-14
49. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 22-07 177
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 08-11
50. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 22-07 175
Day 1: 5 13-07 Day 2: 5 09-00
51. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 22-07 175
Day 1: 5 09-00 Day 2: 5 13-07
52. Pat Golden High Point, NC 10 22-07 171
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 11-12
53. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 10 22-05 169
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 10-10
54. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 21-15 167
Day 1: 5 08-07 Day 2: 5 13-08
55. Grant Goldbeck Boerne, TX 10 21-11 165
Day 1: 5 09-11 Day 2: 5 12-00
56. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 10 21-10 163
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 11-12
57. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 21-10 161
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 11-10
58. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 21-09 159
Day 1: 5 07-05 Day 2: 5 14-04
59. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 10 21-08 157
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 10-05
60. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 21-08 155
Day 1: 5 07-13 Day 2: 5 13-11
61. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 10 21-07 153
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 11-14
62. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 10 20-09 151
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 07-10
63. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 20-09 149
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 11-00
64. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 20-08 147
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 12-00
65. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 20-08 145
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 11-07
66. Alton Jones Waco, TX 10 20-07 143
Day 1: 5 08-08 Day 2: 5 11-15
67. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 20-07 141
Day 1: 5 08-13 Day 2: 5 11-10
68. John Crews Salem, VA 10 20-06 139
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 12-01
69. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 10 20-06 137
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 07-01
70. Russell Parrish Riesel, TX 10 20-05 135
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 07-07
71. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 20-04 133
Day 1: 5 08-01 Day 2: 5 12-03
72. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 10 20-04 131
Day 1: 5 08-11 Day 2: 5 11-09
73. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 10 20-02 129
Day 1: 5 11-04 Day 2: 5 08-14
74. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 10 20-01 127
Day 1: 5 06-06 Day 2: 5 13-11
75. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 10 19-09 125
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 10-04
76. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 19-02 123
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 09-01
77. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 18-15 121
Day 1: 5 09-06 Day 2: 5 09-09
78. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 10 18-12 119
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 08-04
79. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 10 18-12 117
Day 1: 5 09-01 Day 2: 5 09-11
80. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 10 18-05 115
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 08-06
81. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 18-01 113
Day 1: 5 10-02 Day 2: 5 07-15
82. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 17-07 111
Day 1: 5 10-00 Day 2: 5 07-07
83. Zell Rowland Austin, TX 10 17-04 109
Day 1: 5 09-05 Day 2: 5 07-15
84. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 17-04 107
Day 1: 5 08-09 Day 2: 5 08-11
85. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 10 17-02 105
Day 1: 5 07-03 Day 2: 5 09-15
86. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 10 17-02 103
Day 1: 5 07-09 Day 2: 5 09-09
87. Dean Alexander Georgetown, TX 10 17-00 101
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 5 10-00
88. Matt Greenblatt Port St Lucie, FL 10 16-13 99
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 07-15
89. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 16-11 97
Day 1: 5 06-15 Day 2: 5 09-12
90. Clark Reehm Lufkin, TX 10 16-10 95
Day 1: 5 08-14 Day 2: 5 07-12
91. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 10 16-07 93
Day 1: 5 08-05 Day 2: 5 08-02
92. David Smith Del City, OK 10 16-02 91
Day 1: 5 07-07 Day 2: 5 08-11
93. Lee Sisson Winter Haven, FL 9 16-01 89
Day 1: 4 07-04 Day 2: 5 08-13
94. Ben Parker Springville, TN 8 14-12 87
Day 1: 3 04-00 Day 2: 5 10-12
95. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 10 14-08 85
Day 1: 5 05-15 Day 2: 5 08-09
96. Craig Schuff Watauga, TX 10 13-13 83
Day 1: 5 07-15 Day 2: 5 05-14
97. Ryan Said Wixom, MI 7 12-09 81
Day 1: 5 07-00 Day 2: 2 05-09
98. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 10 12-06 79
Day 1: 5 05-12 Day 2: 5 06-10
99. Morizo Shimizu Matsugaoka JAPAN 6 09-05 77
Day 1: 1 01-14 Day 2: 5 07-07
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 488 1093-05
2 97 490 1114-05
———————————-
193 978 2207-10