After claiming second with a 17-plus-pound limit of bass in the first round of the Plano Bassmaster Elite at the Mississippi River presented by Favorite Fishing Thursday, Knoxville, Tenn., angler Ott DeFoe predicted he would catch one more limit at least that big — and that would be it.
Today he backpedaled on the last part of that prediction, but he validated the first. His 17-pound, 11-ounce collection of five largemouth pushed his two-day total to 35-2 and a sizable (for this fishery), nearly 2-pound lead over his nearest competitor.
“Another catch like that one is possible, but I don’t think you can get more than that,” he said Thursday.
Today, after catching a 6-1 largemouth and four other heavy bass, all but one from one hot spot — under horrible fishing conditions — he changed his tune.
“After today, I know those fish are there,” DeFoe said. “I feel like it’s got more potential. They’re there.”
The big bass, currently leading for the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award, hit late in the day, with less than 30 minutes of fishing time remaining.
Jordan Lee of Grant, Ala., moved up a notch into second with a total of 33-4 after putting on a frog-fishing seminar for viewers of the Bassmaster LIVE program on Bassmaster.com. Lee caught bass after bass on the topwater baits early in the day, just before a broad band of severe thunderstorms settled on the Mississippi River valley. He sought cover under a picnic pavilion during the worst of the storm, and when the rain let up enough, he went right back to the spot and caught his biggest bass of the day, a 4-pounder.
Lee described the two places he’s fishing as small, maybe 50-yard stretches, as “perfect little spots.” He’s hoping they will hold up for two more days of competition, but he isn’t sure.
Seth Feider of Bloomington, Minn., rocketed into third with the heaviest limit of the day, 19-5. The young pro said the nasty weather today caused bigger bass to turn on for him, and he’s disappointed predictions are for more comfortable weather Saturday and Sunday.
He wants to win, of course, but perhaps more than that, Feider is hoping to qualify for the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship to be held next week on Mille Lacs Lake in his home state. He currently ranks 52nd in Angler of the Year points, two spots below the cut.
“I’ve got to make it past the turn,” he said. “I’ve got to make it to Mille Lacs. It’s the best lake in the world.”
Reigning GEICO Bassmaster Classic champion Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., remained in fourth with 30-12, and Alton Jones of Lorena, Texas, another former Classic champion, is tied for fifth with David Mullins of Mound Carmel, Tenn., with 30-7.
The Top 50 competitors here will compete again Saturday, and the field will be cut to 12 for Championship Sunday. Among those eliminated from the Plano Bassmaster Elite today, some will drive a few hours to await the start of the $1 million Toyota Angler of the Year Championship at Onamia, Minn. Some on the bubble will have to wait around to see if they remain in the Top 50 in AOY rankings by the end of this week, and the remainder will be headed home, their season at an end.
The tournament will resume Saturday with takeoff from Veterans Freedom Park at 6:15 a.m. CT. The weigh-in will be held back at the park at 3:15 p.m. The Bassmaster Elite Series Expo will be open at 10:30 a.m. at Freedom Park.
2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha, GoPro, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury
2016 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, Power-Pole, Rapala, Shell Rotella, Shimano, Academy Sports + Outdoors, A.R.E. Truck Caps, Carhartt
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines, Bassmaster website, television show (The Bassmasters), 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, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan, 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 Plano Bassmaster Elite at the Mississippi River presented by Favorite Fishing 9/8-9/11
Mississippi River, La Crosse WI.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts
1. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 10 35-02 110
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 17-11
2. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 10 33-04 109
Day 1: 5 17-02 Day 2: 5 16-02
3. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 10 32-06 108
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 19-05
4. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 30-12 107
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 13-15
5. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 10 30-07 106
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 15-12
6. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 30-07 105
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 15-11
7. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 30-06 104
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 12-12
8. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 29-14 103
Day 1: 5 14-08 Day 2: 5 15-06
9. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 10 29-12 102
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 13-03
10. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 10 29-07 101
Day 1: 5 14-13 Day 2: 5 14-10
11. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 29-02 100
Day 1: 5 12-13 Day 2: 5 16-05
12. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 29-00 99
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-12
13. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 10 28-09 98
Day 1: 5 15-04 Day 2: 5 13-05
14. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 28-05 97
Day 1: 5 15-09 Day 2: 5 12-12
15. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 28-03 96
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 14-11
16. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 28-02 95
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 11-14
17. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 28-00 94
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 12-14
18. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 28-00 93
Day 1: 5 14-09 Day 2: 5 13-07
19. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 10 27-12 92
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 15-09
20. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 27-12 91
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 14-01
21. Fred Roumbanis London, AR 10 27-03 90
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 14-10
22. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 10 27-02 89
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 13-13
23. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 27-01 88
Day 1: 5 14-07 Day 2: 5 12-10
24. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 27-01 87
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 13-12
25. Shane Lineberger Lincolnton, NC 10 27-00 86
Day 1: 5 12-14 Day 2: 5 14-02
26. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 10 27-00 85
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 13-07
27. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 26-15 84
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 13-12
28. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 26-14 83
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-04
29. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 10 26-13 82
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 12-08
30. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 26-12 81
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 12-12
31. Casey Scanlon Rocky Mount, MO 10 26-12 80
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 13-13
32. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 10 26-11 79
Day 1: 5 14-15 Day 2: 5 11-12
33. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 26-10 78
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 14-11
34. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 10 26-07 77
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 13-07
35. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 10 26-05 76
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 12-15
36. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 26-03 75
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 5 13-10
37. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 26-01 74
Day 1: 5 13-01 Day 2: 5 13-00
38. John Murray Spring City, TN 10 25-11 73
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 12-09
39. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 25-09 72
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 5 12-01
40. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 25-06 71
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 14-11
41. Chad Morgenthaler Reeds Spring, MO 10 25-04 70
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 11-15
42. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 10 25-01 69
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 5 11-14
43. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 25-00 68
Day 1: 5 11-03 Day 2: 5 13-13
44. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 10 25-00 67
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 12-10
45. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 24-15 66
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 10-09
46. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 10 24-15 65
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 13-00
47. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 10 24-13 64
Day 1: 5 10-07 Day 2: 5 14-06
48. Clent Davis Montevallo, AL 10 24-13 63
Day 1: 5 14-00 Day 2: 5 10-13
48. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 24-13 63
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 14-00
50. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 10 24-12 61
Day 1: 5 13-02 Day 2: 5 11-10
51. David Williams Newton, NC 10 24-10 60
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 11-04
52. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 24-07 59
Day 1: 5 10-15 Day 2: 5 13-08
53. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 24-07 58
Day 1: 5 12-03 Day 2: 5 12-04
54. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 24-06 57
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 13-08
55. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 24-06 56
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 5 12-12
56. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 24-05 55
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 13-08
57. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 24-00 54
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 12-14
58. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 10 23-13 53
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 12-02
59. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 9 23-12 52
Day 1: 5 12-09 Day 2: 4 11-03
60. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 23-12 51
Day 1: 5 11-14 Day 2: 5 11-14
61. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 23-11 50
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 12-04
62. Jay Brainard Enid, OK 10 23-09 49
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 10-04
63. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 23-08 48
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 11-13
64. Chad Grigsby Maple Grove, MN 10 23-07 47
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 12-10
65. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 8 23-03 46
Day 1: 3 05-10 Day 2: 5 17-09
66. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 23-01 45
Day 1: 5 13-04 Day 2: 5 09-13
67. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 10 22-15 44
Day 1: 5 10-11 Day 2: 5 12-04
68. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 22-15 43
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 5 11-08
69. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 10 22-14 42
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 11-06
70. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 22-13 41
Day 1: 5 11-15 Day 2: 5 10-14
71. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 22-02 40
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 5 11-06
72. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 9 21-13 39
Day 1: 4 09-03 Day 2: 5 12-10
73. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 9 21-08 38
Day 1: 4 10-10 Day 2: 5 10-14
74. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 10 21-06 37
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 5 09-11
75. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 21-05 36
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 5 10-13
76. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 21-03 35
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 10-01
77. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 9 21-02 34
Day 1: 5 12-12 Day 2: 4 08-06
78. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 9 20-11 33
Day 1: 4 08-01 Day 2: 5 12-10
79. Brett Preuett Monroe, LA 10 20-09 32
Day 1: 5 10-01 Day 2: 5 10-08
80. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 9 20-06 31
Day 1: 4 08-07 Day 2: 5 11-15
81. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 9 20-05 30
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 4 08-01
82. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 10 20-05 29
Day 1: 5 09-09 Day 2: 5 10-12
83. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 20-01 28
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 5 09-13
84. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 8 18-14 27
Day 1: 3 06-13 Day 2: 5 12-01
85. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 8 17-13 26
Day 1: 5 10-12 Day 2: 3 07-01
86. Billy McCaghren Jr Mayflower, AR 8 17-12 25
Day 1: 5 10-04 Day 2: 3 07-08
87. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 6 17-10 24
Day 1: 1 02-12 Day 2: 5 14-14
88. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 8 17-07 23
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 3 05-12
89. Luke Clausen Otis Orchards, WA 8 17-03 22
Day 1: 5 11-11 Day 2: 3 05-08
90. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 7 17-01 21
Day 1: 2 03-15 Day 2: 5 13-02
91. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 6 16-06 20
Day 1: 1 02-13 Day 2: 5 13-09
92. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 7 16-04 19
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 2 04-03
93. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 8 16-03 18
Day 1: 5 10-08 Day 2: 3 05-11
94. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 6 15-10 17
Day 1: 5 13-08 Day 2: 1 02-02
95. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 8 15-10 16
Day 1: 5 09-13 Day 2: 3 05-13
96. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 6 13-12 15
Day 1: 5 12-05 Day 2: 1 01-07
97. Fabian Rodriguez Ocean City, DE 6 13-09 14
Day 1: 5 11-01 Day 2: 1 02-08
98. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 6 13-02 13
Day 1: 1 02-10 Day 2: 5 10-08
99. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 12-09 12
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 12-09
100. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 6 12-09 11
Day 1: 2 05-05 Day 2: 4 07-04
101. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 11-12 10
Day 1: 0 00-00 Day 2: 5 11-12
102. John Hunter Jr Shelbyville, KY 7 11-11 9
Day 1: 3 04-07 Day 2: 4 07-04
103. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 5 11-11 8
Day 1: 3 05-07 Day 2: 2 06-04
104. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 11-02 7
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 2 04-07
105. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 10-11 6
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 2 03-13
106. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 4 08-00 5
Day 1: 2 03-12 Day 2: 2 04-04
107. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 3 07-14 4
Day 1: 2 05-08 Day 2: 1 02-06
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 88 485 1225-03
2 87 487 1239-02
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175 972 2464-05
By: Helen White, Bassmaster
