Brad Weese has a 3-pound lead going into the final day of competition at the Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Mid-Atlantic Divisional.
Anywhere else but the Monongahela River makes it a shaky lead at best. Thursday, the Maryland angler added 9 pounds, 7 ounces to his overall weight equaling 13-7.
Friday, Weese merely needs to repeat today’s performance to possibly win the tournament. That won’t be easy to do. Mark Garner, Wednesday’s leader with 6-11, caught nothing today and dropped to 11th place.
“I’m not sure that I can do this again tomorrow,” Weese acknowledged. “I’m not that confident based on the water conditions.”
Those are just as unpredictable as the leaderboard. The water is getting muddier and higher from the influx of locally heavy rainfall along the river system. The bass also seem to be slow at catching up to those changing conditions.
“I’m only spending 10 minutes on a spot,” Weese said. “For me, it’s all about covering water.”
With the run-and-gun approach Weese is using two lure types that he understandably declined to mention.
Weese confirmed rising water that shut down unexpectedly in his areas might have impacted his fishing.
“Some current is good but nothing at all stops the bite,” he said.
Weese already has an award to take home, win or lose. As Day 2 leader he won the Livingston Lures Leader Award valued at $250.
The tournament box scores demonstrate just how tough is the fishing. Thursday, only two limits of five bass crossed the scales, besting yesterday’s count of one limit. Thus far, Mark Garner has the biggest bass of the tournament weighing 4-9.
Winning the overall tournament is only one of several goals. Another high honor is qualifying for bass club angling’s premier event. The highest finishing angler from each of six competing states advances to the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Championship Nov. 5-7 on the Ouachita River out of Monroe, La.
Another goal in this tournament is finishing atop the six state teams in the competition. Leading that race is Maryland with 61 pounds, 2 ounces. Virginia is next with 57-10, and West Virginia holds down third place with 51-13. Pennsylvania is fourth with 44-1, while New Jersey is fifth with 41-5. Delaware is in sixth place with 28-1.
The winning state team will take home a Skeeter/Yamaha boat, motor, trailer and accessories package valued at $33,340.
The state scores get a boost with the weights caught by two-angler high school teams. Each state sent its state champions to hone their tournament skills at a higher level. Currently, the top high school team is Jacob Jones and Austin Gaab from Montoursville, Pa., with 4 pounds, 9 ounces.
Stay tuned to Bassmaster.com during the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Mid-Atlantic Divisional for daily live coverage.
2015 B.A.S.S. Nation Title Sponsor: Old Milwaukee
2015 B.A.S.S. Nation Premier Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, GoPro, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2015 B.A.S.S. Nation Supporting Sponsors: A.R.E. Accessories, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Huk, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Nationwide, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries, Shimano
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines, Bassmaster website, television show, social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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 presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, 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.
2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Mid-Atlantic Divisional 6/17-6/17
Monongahela River, Fairmont WV.
(ANGLER) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brad Weese Petersburg, WV (MD) 7 13-07 0
2. Brian Harold McGaheysville, VA (VA) 5 09-15 0
3. Chris Smith Burlington, NJ (NJ) 7 09-05 0
4. Jeff Lugar Cross Junction, VA (VA) 5 08-12 0
5. Daniel Rodriguez Monkton, MD (MD) 7 08-03 0
6. Samuel Bounds Charleston, WV (WV) 3 07-15 0
7. Rick Svoboda Cockeysville , MD (MD) 6 07-15 0
8. Chad Brinegar Berkeley Springs, WV (W 5 07-04 0
9. Tony Keller Charleston, WV (WV) 4 07-01 0
10. Joshua Hall Gordonsville, VA (VA) 4 06-14 0
11. Mark Garner Bridgeport, WV (WV) 3 06-11 0
12. Jeremy Mathias Monrovia, MD (MD) 5 06-11 0
13. Tyler Farmer Lynchburg, VA (VA) 4 06-08 0
14. Ken Thompson Roaring Spring, PA (PA) 6 06-08 0
15. Tyler Webb Glen Daniel, WV (WV) 5 06-04 0
16. Daniel Gray Butler, PA (PA) 5 05-11 0
17. Mike Wallace Highland Lakes, NJ (NJ) 5 05-10 0
18. JJ Dickens Beaver, WV (WV) 3 05-08 0
19. Michael McMahon Hackettstown, NJ (NJ) 4 05-08 0
20. Cliff Humpreys Philadelphia, PA (NJ) 5 05-08 0
21. Chad Shutty Northern Cambria, PA (P 4 05-06 0
22. Matt Becker Finleyville, PA (PA) 4 05-05 0
23. Hunter Axt Bedford, VA (VA) 4 05-04 0
24. JT Fitzgerald Lincoln, DE (DE) 3 05-04 0
25. Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD (MD) 3 05-01 0
26. HS- Jones / Gaab Montoursville, PA (PA) 3 04-09 0
27. Kurt Mitchell Milford, DE (DE) 3 04-03 0
28. Mike Morris Dover, DE (DE) 3 04-02 0
29. HS- Thens / Graves III Syria, VA (VA) 3 04-01 0
30. Larry Iden McHenry, MD (MD) 4 04-01 0
31. Jim Embrey Belle, WV (WV) 2 03-15 0
31. Rob Tipton Williamstown, NJ (NJ) 2 03-15 0
33. Bryant Copley Altavista, VA (VA) 3 03-15 0
34. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE (DE) 3 03-08 0
35. Brett Quader Marriottsville, MD (MD) 2 03-07 0
35. HS- McColsky / Winegardner Swanton, MD (MD) 2 03-07 0
37. Rick Hansen Monroeville, PA (PA) 3 03-07 0
38. Wayne Burchett Pulaski, VA (VA) 2 03-05 0
39. Mike McDonald Randleman, NC (VA) 2 03-05 0
40. Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ (NJ) 2 03-04 0
41. HS- Buthusiem / Stevenson Westampton, NJ (NJ) 2 03-03 0
42. Darin Doll Jacobus, PA (PA) 2 03-02 0
43. Ed Riley Woodbine, MD (MD) 2 02-14 0
44. James Dingess Barboursville, WV (WV) 2 02-12 0
45. Mike Granieri Linwood, NJ (NJ) 2 02-12 0
46. Dale Glessner Latrobe, PA (PA) 2 02-10 0
47. John Jeddry White Hall, MD (MD) 1 02-10 0
48. Randy Waterman Keysville, VA (VA) 2 02-09 0
49. Grae Buck Perkiomenville, PA (PA) 2 02-08 0
50. Bobby Smith Laurel, DE (DE) 2 02-03 0
51. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE (DE) 1 02-03 0
52. Tyler Judd Timonium, MD (MD) 1 02-02 0
53. Tony Axt Bedford, VA (VA) 2 02-01 0
53. Rick McNulty Johnstown, PA (PA) 2 02-01 0
55. Jason Vaughn Bridgeville, DE (DE) 2 02-00 0
56. Josh Rhoades Newark, DE (DE) 1 01-14 0
57. Shelton Walters Felton, DE (DE) 1 01-13 0
58. HS- Fulks / Eckels Cecil, PA (WV) 1 01-11 0
59. Timothy Boothe Beaver, WV (WV) 1 01-09 0
60. Jesse Magee Williamstown, NJ (NJ) 1 01-05 0
61. Eric McNulty Fallston, MD (MD) 1 01-04 0
62. Mark Ochkie California, PA (WV) 1 01-03 0
62. Franco Totani Bethlehem, PA (PA) 1 01-03 0
64. Ray Tweedy Appomattox, VA (VA) 1 01-01 0
65. Tony Kibler Milford, DE (DE) 1 00-15 0
65. Scott Weiland Saddle Brook, NJ (NJ) 1 00-15 0
67. John Hansen Street, MD (PA) 2 00-14 0
68. Ken Baumgardner Monongahela, PA (PA) 1 00-13 0
69. Jim Fields Camden, DE (DE) 0 00-00 0
69. Tommy Ford Leslie, WV (WV) 0 00-00 0
69. Guyowen Hall Martinsburg, WV (MD) 0 00-00 0
69. Jeff Mandes Smyrna, DE (DE) 0 00-00 0
69. Matt Martin Bumpass, VA (VA) 0 00-00 0
69. Robert Osman Maspeth, NY (NJ) 0 00-00 0
69. Mark Schafer Williamstown, NJ (NJ) 0 00-00 0
69. John Serge Philadelphia, PA (NJ) 0 00-00 0
69. Carlos Smith Jr Cool Ridge, WV (WV) 0 00-00 0
69. HS- Lowery / Smyk Milton, DE (DE) 0 00-00 0
———————————————————————–
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 1 101 144-02
2 2 95 139-14
———————————-
3 196 284-00
TEAM STANDINGS Day 2
———————————-
State Lbs-Oz
1 MARYLAND 61-02
2 VIRGINIA 57-10
3 WEST VIRGINIA 51-13
4 PENNSYLVANIA 44-01
5 NEW JERSEY 41-05
6 DELAWARE 28-01
INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS Day 2
———————————————————————–
DELAWARE
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 JT Fitzgerald Lincoln, DE 3 05-04 0
2 Kurt Mitchell Milford, DE 3 04-03 0
3 Mike Morris Dover, DE 3 04-02 0
4 Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 3 03-08 0
5 Bobby Smith Laurel, DE 2 02-03 0
6 Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 1 02-03 0
7 Jason Vaughn Bridgeville, DE 2 02-00 0
8 Josh Rhoades Newark, DE 1 01-14 0
9 Shelton Walters Felton, DE 1 01-13 0
10 Tony Kibler Milford, DE 1 00-15 0
11 Jim Fields Camden, DE 0 00-00 0
11 Jeff Mandes Smyrna, DE 0 00-00 0
11 HS- Lowery / Smyk Milton, DE 0 00-00 0
MARYLAND
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Brad Weese Petersburg, WV 7 13-07 0
2 Daniel Rodriguez Monkton, MD 7 08-03 0
3 Rick Svoboda Cockeysville , MD 6 07-15 0
4 Jeremy Mathias Monrovia, MD 5 06-11 0
5 Brian Trieschman Ellicott City, MD 3 05-01 0
6 Larry Iden McHenry, MD 4 04-01 0
7 Brett Quader Marriottsville, MD 2 03-07 0
7 HS- McColsky / Winegardner Swanton, MD 2 03-07 0
9 Ed Riley Woodbine, MD 2 02-14 0
10 John Jeddry White Hall, MD 1 02-10 0
11 Tyler Judd Timonium, MD 1 02-02 0
12 Eric McNulty Fallston, MD 1 01-04 0
13 Guyowen Hall Martinsburg, WV 0 00-00 0
NEW JERSEY
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Chris Smith Burlington, NJ 7 09-05 0
2 Mike Wallace Highland Lakes, NJ 5 05-10 0
3 Michael McMahon Hackettstown, NJ 4 05-08 0
4 Cliff Humpreys Philadelphia, PA 5 05-08 0
5 Rob Tipton Williamstown, NJ 2 03-15 0
6 Joe Sodora Garfield, NJ 2 03-04 0
7 HS- Buthusiem / Stevenson Westampton, NJ 2 03-03 0
8 Mike Granieri Linwood, NJ 2 02-12 0
9 Jesse Magee Williamstown, NJ 1 01-05 0
10 Scott Weiland Saddle Brook, NJ 1 00-15 0
11 Robert Osman Maspeth, NY 0 00-00 0
11 Mark Schafer Williamstown, NJ 0 00-00 0
11 John Serge Philadelphia, PA 0 00-00 0
PENNSYLVANIA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Ken Thompson Roaring Spring, PA 6 06-08 0
2 Daniel Gray Butler, PA 5 05-11 0
3 Chad Shutty Northern Cambria, PA 4 05-06 0
4 Matt Becker Finleyville, PA 4 05-05 0
5 HS- Jones / Gaab Montoursville, PA 3 04-09 0
6 Rick Hansen Monroeville, PA 3 03-07 0
7 Darin Doll Jacobus, PA 2 03-02 0
8 Dale Glessner Latrobe, PA 2 02-10 0
9 Grae Buck Perkiomenville, PA 2 02-08 0
10 Rick McNulty Johnstown, PA 2 02-01 0
11 Franco Totani Bethlehem, PA 1 01-03 0
12 John Hansen Street, MD 2 00-14 0
13 Ken Baumgardner Monongahela, PA 1 00-13 0
VIRGINIA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Brian Harold McGaheysville, VA 5 09-15 0
2 Jeff Lugar Cross Junction, VA 5 08-12 0
3 Joshua Hall Gordonsville, VA 4 06-14 0
4 Tyler Farmer Lynchburg, VA 4 06-08 0
5 Hunter Axt Bedford, VA 4 05-04 0
6 HS- Thens / Graves III Syria, VA 3 04-01 0
7 Bryant Copley Altavista, VA 3 03-15 0
8 Wayne Burchett Pulaski, VA 2 03-05 0
9 Mike McDonald Randleman, NC 2 03-05 0
10 Randy Waterman Keysville, VA 2 02-09 0
11 Tony Axt Bedford, VA 2 02-01 0
12 Ray Tweedy Appomattox, VA 1 01-01 0
13 Matt Martin Bumpass, VA 0 00-00 0
WEST VIRGINIA
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Total $$$
1 Samuel Bounds Charleston, WV 3 07-15 0
2 Chad Brinegar Berkeley Springs, WV 5 07-04 0
3 Tony Keller Charleston, WV 4 07-01 0
4 Mark Garner Bridgeport, WV 3 06-11 0
5 Tyler Webb Glen Daniel, WV 5 06-04 0
6 JJ Dickens Beaver, WV 3 05-08 0
7 Jim Embrey Belle, WV 2 03-15 0
8 James Dingess Barboursville, WV 2 02-12 0
9 HS- Fulks / Eckels Cecil, PA 1 01-11 0
10 Timothy Boothe Beaver, WV 1 01-09 0
11 Mark Ochkie California, PA 1 01-03 0
12 Tommy Ford Leslie, WV 0 00-00 0
12 Carlos Smith Jr Cool Ridge, WV 0 00-00 0
By: Helen White, Bassmaster
