A heavy, 21-pound, 15-ounce limit of largemouth bass, anchored by an impressive 7-9 big fish, put Ray Hanselman Jr. of Del Rio, Texas, in the lead after the opening round of competition at the 2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Lake Travis.
Texas Fest offers fans a unique format under which the majority of the fish are caught, weighed and immediately released. Each pro is allowed to keep one big bass that measures more than 18 inches.
Each big bass will be brought to the scales, weighed and showed off to the Bassmaster cameras. The bass are then immediately returned to Lake Travis after the weigh-in has concluded.
Hanselman grew up in South Texas, and has guided bass fisherman on legendary Lake Amistad for many years. After noticing many similarities between Lake Travis and Amistad, he was confident in what he needed to do.
“The water color on Lake Travis is very similar to Amistad. But the biggest difference is there isn’t any grass here,” Hanselman said. “I just clicked with this lake. I’ve fished many of the other lakes in this chain and they are all pretty similar, but overall I don’t have much experience on this particular lake.”
The 45-year-old rookie earned an invitation to fish the Bassmaster Elite Series by finishing among the Top 5 in standings for the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Central Opens last year.
“The weather has been hot and calm, which makes my morning bite critical,” he said. “I’d feel a lot better about staying consistent if some clouds and wind would move in. It’s harder to fool these bass in water this clear.”
Lake Travis is known for its gin-clear water and substantial fishing pressure due to close proximity to Austin, Texas.
“Another 20-pound day is sure possible, but getting the right fish to bite at the right time is the challenge,” he said. “I caught my three big bass from the same stretch that was about 250 yards long. After that, I left it alone hoping to save some bigger fish for coming days of the tournament.”
Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., managed an impressive 21-2, which will have him starting Friday’s second round of competition in second place.
“I fished real clean today,” Lane said. “I caught three big fish and I got them into the boat without any problems. That doesn’t always happen, especially when you’re fishing around wires, cables, pipes and docks. Lake Travis is full of those types of things.”
The big bass of the tournament will win its captor a 2018 Toyota Tundra.
Currently leading that race is Cliff Pace of Petal, Miss., with a giant 10-5. That big bass pushed his first limit to 19-8 and third place.
“Any time you catch a 10-pounder in a tournament, it’s a big surprise,” Pace said. “But catching that fish on this lake is just as surprising. There are plenty of big fish here, but Travis is full of small 10- to 13-inchers, making it hard to catch a real big one. That fish was a gift from God, and I’m thankful for it.
Rounding out the Top 6 are Jacob Powroznik and Josh Bertrand tied at fourth place with 19-5, and Jacob Wheeler is in sixth with 17-4.
A total purse of $1 million will be paid out at Texas Fest, including $100,000 to the winner, who also earns a berth in the 2019 Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Takeoff will begin at 6:15 a.m. CT each morning at Jones Brothers Park in Jonestown, Texas, and weigh-ins will be at the same location each afternoon beginning at 3 p.m. Fans can follow the action online by tuning in to Bassmaster LIVE on Bassmaster.com and the ESPN App and by viewing BASSTrakk leaderboard and other real-time coverage on Bassmaster.com.
2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest Title and Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Elite Partner: Black Velvet Canadian Whisky
2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest Beneficiary: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest Local Hosts: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Gulf States Toyota and the City of Jonestown, Texas
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 and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 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 Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
2018 Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest Benefiting Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 5/17-5/20
Lake Travis, Jonestown TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 21-15 110
Day 1: 5 21-15
2. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 21-02 109
Day 1: 5 21-02
3. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 19-08 108
Day 1: 5 19-08
4. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 5 19-05 107
Day 1: 5 19-05
4. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 19-05 107
Day 1: 5 19-05
6. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 5 17-04 105
Day 1: 5 17-04
7. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 16-01 104
Day 1: 5 16-01
8. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 15-15 103
Day 1: 5 15-15
9. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 5 15-14 102
Day 1: 5 15-14
10. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 15-13 101
Day 1: 5 15-13
10. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 15-13 101
Day 1: 5 15-13
12. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 15-12 99
Day 1: 5 15-12
13. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 15-10 98
Day 1: 5 15-10
14. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 15-09 97
Day 1: 5 15-09
15. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 15-02 96
Day 1: 5 15-02
16. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 15-00 95
Day 1: 5 15-00
16. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 5 15-00 95
Day 1: 5 15-00
18. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 5 14-13 93
Day 1: 5 14-13
19. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 14-09 92
Day 1: 5 14-09
20. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 14-05 91
Day 1: 5 14-05
21. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 14-02 90
Day 1: 5 14-02
22. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 13-15 89
Day 1: 5 13-15
23. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 13-11 88
Day 1: 5 13-11
24. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 13-09 87
Day 1: 5 13-09
24. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 5 13-09 87
Day 1: 5 13-09
26. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 13-08 85
Day 1: 5 13-08
27. Shin Fukae Palestine TX JAPAN 5 13-07 84
Day 1: 5 13-07
27. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 13-07 84
Day 1: 5 13-07
29. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 4 13-07 82
Day 1: 4 13-07
30. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 13-06 81
Day 1: 5 13-06
31. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 13-04 80
Day 1: 5 13-04
32. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 5 13-03 79
Day 1: 5 13-03
32. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 5 13-03 79
Day 1: 5 13-03
34. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 5 13-02 77
Day 1: 5 13-02
35. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 12-14 76
Day 1: 5 12-14
36. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 12-12 75
Day 1: 5 12-12
37. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 12-08 74
Day 1: 5 12-08
38. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 12-07 73
Day 1: 5 12-07
39. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 12-06 72
Day 1: 5 12-06
39. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 12-06 72
Day 1: 5 12-06
41. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 12-04 70
Day 1: 5 12-04
42. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 11-13 69
Day 1: 5 11-13
42. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 11-13 69
Day 1: 5 11-13
44. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 11-12 67
Day 1: 5 11-12
44. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 11-12 67
Day 1: 5 11-12
46. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 11-10 65
Day 1: 5 11-10
47. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 11-09 64
Day 1: 5 11-09
47. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 11-09 64
Day 1: 5 11-09
49. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 11-07 62
Day 1: 5 11-07
50. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 11-06 61
Day 1: 5 11-06
50. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 11-06 61
Day 1: 5 11-06
52. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 11-05 59
Day 1: 5 11-05
53. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 5 11-02 58
Day 1: 5 11-02
54. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 11-01 57
Day 1: 5 11-01
55. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 11-00 56
Day 1: 5 11-00
56. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 10-12 55
Day 1: 5 10-12
57. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 10-11 54
Day 1: 5 10-11
58. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 10-10 53
Day 1: 5 10-10
59. Roy Hawk Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 5 10-07 52
Day 1: 5 10-07
60. Jonathon VanDam Gobles, MI 5 10-05 51
Day 1: 5 10-05
61. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 10-03 50
Day 1: 5 10-03
61. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 5 10-03 50
Day 1: 5 10-03
63. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 5 10-01 48
Day 1: 5 10-01
64. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 09-15 47
Day 1: 5 09-15
64. Mike McClelland Bentonville, AR 5 09-15 47
Day 1: 5 09-15
64. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 5 09-15 47
Day 1: 5 09-15
67. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 09-14 44
Day 1: 5 09-14
68. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 09-13 43
Day 1: 5 09-13
69. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 09-10 42
Day 1: 5 09-10
70. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 5 09-07 41
Day 1: 5 09-07
71. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 4 09-01 40
Day 1: 4 09-01
72. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 08-15 39
Day 1: 5 08-15
73. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 5 08-13 38
Day 1: 5 08-13
74. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 08-12 37
Day 1: 5 08-12
75. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 08-11 36
Day 1: 5 08-11
76. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 08-10 35
Day 1: 5 08-10
76. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 08-10 35
Day 1: 5 08-10
76. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 5 08-10 35
Day 1: 5 08-10
79. Ott DeFoe Blaine, TN 5 08-07 32
Day 1: 5 08-07
80. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 08-06 31
Day 1: 5 08-06
80. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 08-06 31
Day 1: 5 08-06
82. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 08-00 29
Day 1: 5 08-00
83. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 07-15 28
Day 1: 5 07-15
84. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 07-14 27
Day 1: 5 07-14
84. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 07-14 27
Day 1: 5 07-14
86. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 07-12 25
Day 1: 5 07-12
87. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 3 07-06 24
Day 1: 3 07-06
88. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 07-01 23
Day 1: 5 07-01
89. Alton Jones Jr. Waco, TX 5 07-00 22
Day 1: 5 07-00
90. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 06-13 21
Day 1: 5 06-13
91. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 4 06-12 20
Day 1: 4 06-12
92. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 06-11 19
Day 1: 5 06-11
93. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 06-10 18
Day 1: 5 06-10
94. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 06-05 17
Day 1: 5 06-05
95. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 06-00 16
Day 1: 5 06-00
96. James Elam Tulsa, OK 4 05-06 15
Day 1: 4 05-06
96. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 4 05-06 15
Day 1: 4 05-06
98. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 2 05-06 13
Day 1: 2 05-06
99. Fred Roumbanis Russellville, AR 4 05-00 12
Day 1: 4 05-00
100. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 2 05-00 11
Day 1: 2 05-00
101. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 4 04-15 10
Day 1: 4 04-15
102. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 3 04-14 9
Day 1: 3 04-14
103. Fletcher Shryock Dennison, OH 3 04-09 8
Day 1: 3 04-09
104. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 3 03-14 7
Day 1: 3 03-14
105. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 2 03-08 6
Day 1: 2 03-08
106. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 2 03-01 5
Day 1: 2 03-01
107. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 2 02-04 4
Day 1: 2 02-04
108. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 2 02-03 3
Day 1: 2 02-03
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 91 507 1173-03
———————————-
91 507 1173-03
By: JamieDay Matthews
