Matt Herren came into this week’s Bassmaster Elite at Bull Shoals/Norfork, with a free-wheeling attitude.
“My motto for the week is just to fly by the seat of my pants,” Herren said. “Since we’re fishing two different lakes, I figure that’s all you can really do.”
So far, the strategy has worked very well.
Herren caught five bass Thursday on Norfork Lake that weighed 17 pounds and took the lead in the first-of-its-kind, two-lake Elite Series event. His catch was bolstered by a 6-pound, 1-ounce largemouth that bit during the final minutes.
In an unusual format, the 108 Bassmaster Elite Series anglers will divide their time between two nearby Ozarks lakes near Mountain Home. After competing today on Norfork, the full field moves to Bull Shoals for Friday’s round, after which the field is cut to 50 anglers, who will again compete on Bull Shoals. The Top 12 anglers after Saturday will return to Norfork for the final round.
Herren feels confident now as the tournament shifts to Bull Shoals Lake for the next two rounds before coming back for Championship Sunday on Norfork.
“I just had a really fortunate day,” Herren said. “I got on something early and had a good limit of fish. But with about 15 minutes left in my day, I caught a 6-1. It was kind of an out-of-the-blue fish, but I’ll take it.”
Herren was already off to a good start, with five bass that he estimated would have weighed about 14 pounds. But with the day winding down — and the next two rounds scheduled for a different lake 20 miles away — he desperately wanted to add a kicker fish.
So he decided to make a quick stop on the only place he’d seen a big bass in practice.
“I listened to that little voice that said, ‘Go do it,’” Herren joked. “I pulled in there, and it happened ‘bam’ — just that fast.”
The big fish helped Herren separate slightly from a Top 5 that includes Kentucky pro Mark Menendez with 16-12, Californian Chris Zaldain with 16-2, Alabamian Keith Poche with 15-13 and Florida pro Randall Tharp with 15-8.
Menendez said it was an early 4-pounder that sparked his good first round.
“I got a good bite this morning, and it slowed me down,” he said. “I just got really thorough in an area and managed to get three of those better-quality bites during the day.
“I caught a 4 1/4-pounder late in the day that culled a 2-pounder, and that helped a whole bunch.”
Although he said he’s all for fishing new venues, Menendez made it clear that he’s not a fan of the split format. He believes there will be an element of luck involved for whoever lands in the winner’s spot Sunday.
“I could find the winners on Norfork, not catch them at Bull Shoals, and fall completely out,” he said. “That’s an element we’ve never had to deal with.
“I’m looking at this as four separate tournaments. Each day is a one-day event, and I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth.”
On the flip side, Zaldain said the format really suits the “run-and-gun” style of fishing he prefers. He had no fear of pressuring the fish hard at Norfork on Day 1, knowing his best spots will have two days to rest before he returns.
“I fished all new water today and established a pattern with a bait I have a lot of confidence in,” Zaldain said. “It’s a winding-type bait, and I literally had a look at over 20 pounds today. I had a lot of big ones come up and push it out of the way.
“I’m really, really looking forward to getting back out there on Day 4 — hopefully.”
The tournament will continue Friday and Saturday, with take-offs at 6:15 a.m. CT from Bull Shoals Boat Dock. Sunday’s take-off will be at 6:15 a.m. from Lake Norfork Marina.
Daily weigh-ins will be held at 3:45 p.m. on the campus of Arkansas State University in Mountain Home.
2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Toyota, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, Berkley, GoPro, Huk
2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Power-Pole, Rapala, Shell Rotella, Shimano, Academy Sports + Outdoors, A.R.E. Truck Caps, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels
About B.A.S.S.
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The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Nation, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Costa Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.
2016 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Norfork – Bull Shoals 4/21-4/24
Lake Norfork/Bull Shoals, Mountain Home AR.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 17-00 110
Day 1: 5 17-00
2. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 16-12 109
Day 1: 5 16-12
3. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 16-02 108
Day 1: 5 16-02
4. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 15-13 107
Day 1: 5 15-13
5. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 15-08 106
Day 1: 5 15-08
6. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 14-14 105
Day 1: 5 14-14
7. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 14-12 104
Day 1: 5 14-12
8. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 14-00 103
Day 1: 5 14-00
9. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 13-13 102
Day 1: 5 13-13
10. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-12 101
Day 1: 5 13-12
11. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 13-10 100
Day 1: 5 13-10
12. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 13-07 99
Day 1: 5 13-07
13. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 13-05 98
Day 1: 5 13-05
14. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 13-04 97
Day 1: 5 13-04
15. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 5 12-14 96
Day 1: 5 12-14
16. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 12-13 95
Day 1: 5 12-13
16. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 12-13 95
Day 1: 5 12-13
18. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 12-10 93
Day 1: 5 12-10
18. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 12-10 93
Day 1: 5 12-10
20. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 5 12-09 91
Day 1: 5 12-09
21. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 5 12-08 90
Day 1: 5 12-08
22. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 12-07 89
Day 1: 5 12-07
23. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 12-06 88
Day 1: 5 12-06
24. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 12-02 87
Day 1: 5 12-02
25. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 12-00 86
Day 1: 5 12-00
26. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 5 11-15 85
Day 1: 5 11-15
26. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 11-15 85
Day 1: 5 11-15
26. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 5 11-15 85
Day 1: 5 11-15
26. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 11-15 85
Day 1: 5 11-15
26. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 11-15 85
Day 1: 5 11-15
31. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 11-13 80
Day 1: 5 11-13
31. Casey Scanlon Rocky Mount, MO 5 11-13 80
Day 1: 5 11-13
33. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 11-12 78
Day 1: 5 11-12
33. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 11-12 78
Day 1: 5 11-12
33. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 5 11-12 78
Day 1: 5 11-12
36. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 11-11 75
Day 1: 5 11-11
37. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 5 11-10 74
Day 1: 5 11-10
38. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 5 11-09 73
Day 1: 5 11-09
38. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 11-09 73
Day 1: 5 11-09
40. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 11-08 71
Day 1: 5 11-08
41. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 11-06 70
Day 1: 5 11-06
41. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 11-06 70
Day 1: 5 11-06
43. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 11-05 68
Day 1: 5 11-05
43. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 11-05 68
Day 1: 5 11-05
43. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 11-05 68
Day 1: 5 11-05
43. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 5 11-05 68
Day 1: 5 11-05
47. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 11-05 64
Day 1: 5 11-05
48. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 11-04 63
Day 1: 5 11-04
49. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 11-01 62
Day 1: 5 11-01
49. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 11-01 62
Day 1: 5 11-01
49. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 11-01 62
Day 1: 5 11-01
52. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 11-00 59
Day 1: 5 11-00
53. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 10-13 58
Day 1: 5 10-13
54. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 10-12 57
Day 1: 5 10-12
54. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 10-12 57
Day 1: 5 10-12
54. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 10-12 57
Day 1: 5 10-12
57. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 10-11 54
Day 1: 5 10-11
58. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 10-09 53
Day 1: 5 10-09
58. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 10-09 53
Day 1: 5 10-09
60. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 10-08 51
Day 1: 5 10-08
60. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 10-08 51
Day 1: 5 10-08
62. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 10-07 49
Day 1: 5 10-07
62. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 10-07 49
Day 1: 5 10-07
64. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 10-06 47
Day 1: 5 10-06
65. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 5 10-05 46
Day 1: 5 10-05
65. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 10-05 46
Day 1: 5 10-05
67. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 5 10-04 44
Day 1: 5 10-04
68. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 10-03 43
Day 1: 5 10-03
69. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 10-02 42
Day 1: 5 10-02
70. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 09-15 41
Day 1: 5 09-15
70. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 09-15 41
Day 1: 5 09-15
72. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 09-14 39
Day 1: 5 09-14
72. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 09-14 39
Day 1: 5 09-14
74. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 09-13 37
Day 1: 5 09-13
74. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 09-13 37
Day 1: 5 09-13
76. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 5 09-12 35
Day 1: 5 09-12
77. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 09-11 34
Day 1: 5 09-11
78. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 09-10 33
Day 1: 5 09-10
79. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 09-09 32
Day 1: 5 09-09
80. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 09-06 31
Day 1: 5 09-06
81. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 09-00 30
Day 1: 5 09-00
82. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 08-15 29
Day 1: 5 08-15
83. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 08-13 28
Day 1: 5 08-13
84. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 5 08-13 27
Day 1: 5 08-13
85. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 5 08-11 26
Day 1: 5 08-11
86. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 4 08-08 25
Day 1: 4 08-08
87. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 08-02 24
Day 1: 5 08-02
88. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 4 08-02 23
Day 1: 4 08-02
89. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 4 08-00 22
Day 1: 4 08-00
90. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 4 07-15 21
Day 1: 4 07-15
91. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 5 07-05 20
Day 1: 5 07-05
92. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 4 07-03 19
Day 1: 4 07-03
93. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 5 07-00 18
Day 1: 5 07-00
94. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 4 07-00 17
Day 1: 4 07-00
95. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 3 06-12 16
Day 1: 3 06-12
96. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 4 06-11 15
Day 1: 4 06-11
97. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 3 06-09 14
Day 1: 3 06-09
98. David Williams Newton, NC 4 06-04 13
Day 1: 4 06-04
99. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 3 06-04 12
Day 1: 3 06-04
100. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 3 06-01 11
Day 1: 3 06-01
101. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 3 05-06 10
Day 1: 3 05-06
102. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 3 05-04 9
Day 1: 3 05-04
103. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 2 05-04 8
Day 1: 2 05-04
104. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 2 04-15 7
Day 1: 2 04-15
105. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 2 04-05 6
Day 1: 2 04-05
106. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 2 03-15 5
Day 1: 2 03-15
107. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 1 02-04 4
Day 1: 1 02-04
108. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 1 01-15 3
Day 1: 1 01-15
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 88 500 1125-13
———————————-
88 500 1125-13
By: Helen White, Bassmaster
