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Texan Janet Parker Leads by 11 Ounces at Women’s Bassmaster Tour Event on Ouachita River

Category: press release

 Apr 23rd, 2009 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Apr 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 AM

WEST MONROE, La. – Janet Parker of Little Elm, Texas, nailed the first-day lead with 10 pounds, 14 ounces of largemouth bass at the Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour tournament on the Ouachita River.

On a day that challenged most of the anglers – only 10 pros had five-fish limits – Parker led by just 11 ounces. Danalee Lofton of Little Rock, Ark., posted 10-3, the only other angler to boat more than 10 pounds.

Also in the top five after Thursday was Laura Gober of Pendergrass, Ga., with 8-14. Gober’s WBT record includes a come-from-behind victory in 2007 in Louisiana on the Red River.

Closest to Gober were Meta Burrell of Fort Worth, Texas, with 7-9, and four-time WBT champion Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., who had 7-8.

Even the leader was somewhat disappointed in her opening-day catch.

“The quality of fish that I found today was not what I was catching in practice, but fortunately I could pick up the smaller fish today in the spots I found in pre-fishing,” Parker said. “During practice, I caught a 6, a 5 and a 4, so I know they’re there.”

She had her five-fish limit Thursday by about 10:30 a.m., then turned back all five by 1 p.m. as she culled to upgrade her weight.

Revealing only that she locked into one pattern that worked in several places, Parker said she’s “keeping it simple” and plans to repeat her first-day strategy.

Lofton landed in second place even though she was one short of a limit after losing a fish. An anchor largemouth of 4-11 helped make up for the one that got away.

“Everything I caught today was pre-spawn,” she said. “I’m fishing a unique pattern, and it’s dependent on one area, but it’s a large area.”

The water level fluctuations that caught many of the anglers off guard “aren’t bothering me at all,” said Lofton.

In the three-day event, pros are after a top prize of a $55,000 Triton/Mercury boat package. They’re also earning points that count toward qualifying for the Oct. 16-18 Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La. From the championship one angler will emerge as the Toyota Tundra Women’s Bassmaster Tour Angler of the Year, and earn a Toyota Tundra and a berth in the 2010 Bassmaster Classic out of Birmingham, Ala. set for Feb. 19-21, 2010.

As winner of the season opener on Alabama’s Neely Henry Lake, Martin-Wells of Bainbridge, Ga., led the Angler of the Year points race going into the Ouachita competition. She was among those stumped by the up-and-down water levels.

“The fish are moving back and forth and it’s hard to stay on them,” she said, comparing Thursday with the previous practice days. “Today the fish were so far back in the woods in some places, you can’t get to them.”

Co-angler Terri Bittner of McKinleyville, Calif., led her division with 6-5. Right behind her in the contest for a $25,000 Triton/Mercury rig were Gail Wood of Russellville, Ark., with 4-8 and Sherry Melton of Monterey, Tenn., with 4-5.

Live coverage of the WBT weigh-ins will continue at Bassmaster.com through Saturday, the tournament’s final day. Real-time leaderboards and live, streaming video will begin at 2:45 p.m. CT. Extensive photo galleries, standings and daily coverage also are available at Bassmaster.com.

Fans are invited to attend the daily launches through Saturday at 7:15 a.m. CT at Lazarre Park at Hamilton and Thompson streets in West Monroe, La., and the 3:30 p.m. daily weigh-ins at the Academy Sports + Outdoors store at 111 Constitution Drive in West Monroe. The WBT anglers also will be available to meet fans and sign autographs. All events are free and open to the public.

The local sponsor of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour stop on the Ouachita River is the Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Sponsors of the Women’s Bassmaster Tour
Title Sponsor: Academy Sports + Outdoors. Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Marine. Supporting Sponsors: Ramada,Triton Boats, LaserLure and Legend Boats.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for BASS and ESPN Outdoors latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos and more.

About BASS
For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.

BASS also 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.

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Media Contact: Doug Grassian, (407) 566-2216 or [email protected]

2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour – WBT #2
04/23-04/25 Ouachita River, West Monroe La.
Professionals Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Janet Parker Little Elm, Texas 5 10-14 305
Day 1: 5 10-14
2. Danalee Lofton Little Rock, Ark. 4 10-03 295
Day 1: 4 10-03
3. Laura Gober Pendergrass, Ga. 5 8-14 290
Day 1: 5 8-14
4. Meta Burrell Fort Worth, Texas 5 7-09 285
Day 1: 5 7-09
5. Pam Martin-Wells Bainbridge, Ga. 5 7-08 280
Day 1: 5 7-08
6. Sheri Glasgow Muskogee, Okla. 5 6-13 276
Day 1: 5 6-13
7. Lucy Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 5 6-10 272
Day 1: 5 6-10
8. Debra Hengst San Antonio, Texas 3 6-03 268
Day 1: 3 6-03
9. Lori Masters Nashville, Tenn. 5 6-00 264
Day 1: 5 6-00
9. Juanita Robinson Highlands, Texas 5 6-00 264
Day 1: 5 6-00
11. Mary DiVincenti Clinton, La. 4 5-14 257
Day 1: 4 5-14
12. Kathy Womack Trussville, Ala. 3 5-14 254
Day 1: 3 5-14
13. Lynda Gessner Foristell, Mo. 5 5-10 251
Day 1: 5 5-10
14. Debra Petrowski Arlington, Texas 2 5-10 248
Day 1: 2 5-10
15. Judy Wong Many, La. 5 5-08 245
Day 1: 5 5-08
16. Karen Savik Minneapolis, Minn. 2 5-06 243
Day 1: 2 5-06
17. Teri Neal Cumming, Ga. 3 5-01 241
Day 1: 3 5-01
18. Dianna Clark Bumpus Mills, Tenn. 3 4-10 239
Day 1: 3 4-10
19. Paula Alexander Lincolnton, Ga. 4 4-09 237
Day 1: 4 4-09
20. Cindy Hill Smyrna, Tenn. 3 4-06 235
Day 1: 3 4-06
21. Patti Campbell Waxahachie, Texas 4 4-02 233
Day 1: 4 4-02
22. Mary Croft Bedford, Va. 3 4-01 231
Day 1: 3 4-01
23. Terri Elkins Red Oak, Texas 3 3-08 229
Day 1: 3 3-08
24. Melinda Mize Ben Lomond, Ark. 3 3-06 227
Day 1: 3 3-06
25. Tami Kashiwabara London, Ark. 3 3-03 225
Day 1: 3 3-03
26. Michelle Armstrong Denver, N.C. 2 3-00 223
Day 1: 2 3-00
26. Christena Baugh Benton, Ark. 2 3-00 223
Day 1: 2 3-00
28. Sandi Karnes Livingston, Texas 2 2-10 219
Day 1: 2 2-10
29. Cheryl LaLumandier Saint Charles, Mo. 2 2-05 217
Day 1: 2 2-05
30. Lisa Johnson Centre, Ala. 2 2-02 215
Day 1: 2 2-02
30. Tammy Richardson Amity, Ark. 2 2-02 215
Day 1: 2 2-02
32. Lila Bass Austin, Texas 1 2-02 211
Day 1: 1 2-02
32. Lisa Craig Chandler, Texas 1 2-02 211
Day 1: 1 2-02
34. Audrey McQueen Eagar, Ariz. 2 2-01 207
Day 1: 2 2-01
34. Keri Schieber Cumming, Ga. 2 2-01 207
Day 1: 2 2-01
36. Bridget Allen Philadelphia, Pa. 2 2-00 203
Day 1: 2 2-00
37. Jennifer Nevans Dayton, Tenn. 1 2-00 201
Day 1: 1 2-00
38. Cindy Van Horn Athens, Texas 2 1-15 199
Day 1: 2 1-15
38. Kali Weatherford Athens, Texas 2 1-15 199
Day 1: 2 1-15
40. Helen Gordon Flower Mound, Texas 1 1-12 195
Day 1: 1 1-12
41. Jan Heavener Sherwood, Ark. 2 1-11 193
Day 1: 2 1-11
42. Debbie Kemp Emory, Texas 1 1-11 191
Day 1: 1 1-11
43. BJ Carson Inola, Okla. 2 1-08 189
Day 1: 2 1-08
43. Laura Heflin Topeka, Kan. 2 1-08 189
Day 1: 2 1-08
45. Marsha Gipson Bigelow, Ark. 1 1-08 185
Day 1: 1 1-08
46. Heather Broom Sylva, N.C. 1 1-06 183
Day 1: 1 1-06
47. Robinette Fox Hot Springs, Ark. 1 0-15 181
Day 1: 1 0-15
47. Jo Dee Lake Helena, Ala. 1 0-15 181
Day 1: 1 0-15
49. Robbie Hartline Foristell, Mo. 1 0-13 177
Day 1: 1 0-13
50. Kathi Hurst Ripley, Miss. 1 0-12 175
Day 1: 1 0-12
51. Emily Shaffer Mount Juliet, Tenn. 1 0-11 173
Day 1: 1 0-11
52. Christiana Bradley Bealeton, Va. 1 0-10 171
Day 1: 1 0-10
53. Secret York Benton, Ky. 3 0-00 169
Day 1: 3 0-00
54. Robin Babb Livingston, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Kim Bain-Moore Alabaster, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Deb Doyal Oakdale, La. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Kat Ealey Moody, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Susan Gregory Kiln, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Mary Hencken Belmont, N.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Kris McClendon Spicewood, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Diane Phillips Tyler, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Linda Redford Blue Eye, Mo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Linda Sands Cullman, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Kim Stapp Ringgold, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
54. Pat White Pleasanton, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
———————————————————————–

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 10 141 194-09
———————————-
10 141 194-09

2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour – WBT #2
04/23-04/25 Ouachita River, West Monroe La.
Co-Anglers Standings Day 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Terri Bittner Mckinleyville, Calif. 4 6-05 305
Day 1: 4 6-05
2. Gail Wood Russellville, Ark. 3 4-08 295
Day 1: 3 4-08
3. Sherry Melton Monterey, Tenn. 3 4-05 290
Day 1: 3 4-05
4. Katie Hogan Bon Aqua, Tenn. 2 3-13 285
Day 1: 2 3-13
5. Lisa Diehl Pittsburg, Pa. 4 3-08 280
Day 1: 4 3-08
6. Charlotte Frazier Dallas, Texas 2 3-07 276
Day 1: 2 3-07
7. Teri Cindric Hermitage, Tenn. 3 3-06 272
Day 1: 3 3-06
8. Barbara Gaskins Suffolk, Va. 3 3-05 268
Day 1: 3 3-05
9. Kat Arnold Shreveport, La. 2 3-02 264
Day 1: 2 3-02
10. Jill Matheis Jasper, Ind. 2 2-15 260
Day 1: 2 2-15
11. Cheryl Buelow Pollock, La. 3 2-04 257
Day 1: 3 2-04
12. Donna Newberry Van Buren, Ark. 2 2-04 254
Day 1: 2 2-04
13. Colleen McKay Worcester, Mass. 2 1-14 251
Day 1: 2 1-14
14. Linda Owens Brandon, Miss. 2 1-13 248
Day 1: 2 1-13
15. Karol Whitehurst Winnsboro, Texas 1 1-12 245
Day 1: 1 1-12
16. Pam Chism Cabot, Ark. 1 1-11 243
Day 1: 1 1-11
17. Linda Walker Beebe, Ark. 1 1-08 241
Day 1: 1 1-08
18. Cynthia Bryan Farmerville, La. 1 1-07 239
Day 1: 1 1-07
18. Kim Petrowski Arlington, Texas 1 1-07 239
Day 1: 1 1-07
20. Monica Altman Angier, N.C. 1 1-06 235
Day 1: 1 1-06
21. Melissa Bond Albuquerque, N.M. 1 1-05 233
Day 1: 1 1-05
22. Susan Dameron Chattanooga, Tenn. 1 1-01 231
Day 1: 1 1-01
23. Renee Gumbrecht Oakhurst, N.J. 1 0-15 229
Day 1: 1 0-15
23. Nancy Oliver Arnaudville, La. 1 0-15 229
Day 1: 1 0-15
25. Denese Freeman Lawton, Okla. 1 0-13 225
Day 1: 1 0-13
26. Susan Wild St Petersburg, Fla. 1 0-13 223
Day 1: 1 0-13
27. Martha Goodfellow Simpsonville, S.C. 1 0-12 221
Day 1: 1 0-12
27. Trish Levitt Albuquerque, N.M. 1 0-12 221
Day 1: 1 0-12
27. Judy Pate Benton, La. 1 0-12 221
Day 1: 1 0-12
27. Bonnie Ward Snohomish, Wash. 1 0-12 221
Day 1: 1 0-12
31. Debbie Pegoli Loveland, Ohio 1 0-11 213
Day 1: 1 0-11
32. Katie Ellis Gulfport, Miss. 1 0-10 211
Day 1: 1 0-10
32. Barbara Ferge Somerville, Tenn. 1 0-10 211
Day 1: 1 0-10
34. Linda Berry Madison, N.C. 3 0-00 207
Day 1: 3 0-00
35. Neva Brown Lufkin, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Jane Brunner Byhalia, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Bertha Cavakis Amity, Ark. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Caprice Cherry Bienville, La. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Lesley Childers Anderson, S.C. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Debra Cook Gardendale, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Dawn Dudek Posen, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Nancy Dugas Huntsville, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Vicki Henderson Ashdown, Ark. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Patty Houston Prattville, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Patti James Dayton, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Sharon Lawson Red Bank, Tenn. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Lesli Lively Grapeland, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Kim Martin Clayton, Ind. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Christine Martin Commerce City, Colo. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Kim Mendoza Garland, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. DeLynn Montez Trinity Center, Calif. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Petra Ramsey El Paso, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Jennifer Rice Grant, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Donna Rutledge Orland Park, Ill. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Elizabeth Sanders Brandon, Miss. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Diane Smith Fayetteville, Ga. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Cheryl Sprayberry Lehigh Acres, Fla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Lori Steele Tulsa, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Sharron Stone Coldspring, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Cynthia Tayloe Lufkin, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Sabrina Thompson Humble, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Gerry Threadgill Livingston, Texas 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Jada Tidmore Union Grove, Ala. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Kala Wright Spiro, Okla. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
35. Inez Zeagler West Monroe, La. 0 0-00 0
Day 1: 0 0-00
———————————————————————–

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 0 59 66-13
———————————-
0 59 66-13