“Steady” was the first word John Crews came up with when asked about his first day of competition in the May 15-18 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Dardanelle. “One good one here, one good one there, and at the end of the day, it was looking really nice,” Crews said. “Rock steady” is a more accurate description of Crews’ Thursday performance. The pro from Salem, Va., weighed a five-bass limit of 22 pounds, 9 ounces, for a lead of 12 ounces over Greg Hackney.
An Arkansas native who now lives in Gonzales, La., Hackney took second place with 21-13.
Grant Goldbeck of Boerne, Texas, trailed Crews by 2-8. His 20-1 weight earned third place. Keith Combs of Huntington, Texas, fresh off his third victory in the annual Toyota Texas Bass Classic, weighed 19-14 to tie at fourth place with Jason Williamson of Aiken, S.C.
Crews said he weighed three cookie-cutter bass bookended by a 5-3 anchor and his smallest, a 3 3/4-pounder. He worked a string of about a dozen areas along what he described as a “big stretch” of the lake.
“I’m just bouncing around,” he said. At many of his stops, he had the water to himself, a situation he hopes will continue for three more days.
“I don’t think the fishing pressure is going to be too terribly bad,” Crews said.
Crews said he has competed on Dardanelle just twice before, in the 2007 and 2009 Elite events. The results were 1) “so-so” and 2) “terrible,” he said. This time around he figured something out within the first hour of competition.
“I’d been fishing one way most of the morning. Then I changed baits and caught a 4 1/2 or 5, and I saw what it was on (cover), so that clued me in a little bit into what I should be doing,” he said.
He credited some of his success not to lessons learned, but to the lake itself.
“It’s gotten to be much better since 2009,” he said. “There’s more shoreline grass. Anytime you get that, it’s going to be good for the fishery.”
Hackney suffered through a few lean hours before his bite turned on.
“I really thought this morning that I must be rotating behind somebody, because the fish had been biting really good (in practice). Those first couple of hours, I was a little tense,” he said.
But a 4-pounder at about 9:30 a.m. eased his mind. By 11:30 a.m. he had a limit. One small clue helped him.
“They were relating just a hair differently to the cover than they had been,” he said. “I fished slow and steady, and it came together. It got better as the day progressed, but not as wide open as far as numbers as it was in practice.”
The stakes are high at Dardanelle, the fifth of eight events in the 2014 Elite season featuring the full field. A win is worth $100,000 and an entry in the 2015 Bassmaster Classic. Besides going for the first prize, each of the 107 Elite pros competing at Dardanelle is trying to rack up points, valuable in two ways by season’s end: 1) The 29 pros with the most points will earn a Classic entry; and 2) the pro with the highest points total will be crowned Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
The largest bass of the day, a 6-5, was caught by South Carolina’s Andy Montgomery, who ended the day in seventh place. The 6-5 got the race started in the event’s Carhartt Big Bass competition, which is worth up to $1,500.
The full field of 107 will return to the water Friday. Then the field will be pared down to 50 for Saturday’s round. The Top 12 will compete Sunday.
Fans can track the competition by going to Bassmaster.com or by downloading the new Bassmaster News app on their smartphone. All are invited to Dardanelle State Park in Russellville to watch the takeoffs and weigh-ins. The pros will leave the docks at 6:15 a.m. CT and return to the park for the weigh-ins at 3:15 p.m. CT.
The Bassmaster Elite Series Expo, which will be open Saturday and Sunday, will feature the Berkley Bass Tank and many other exhibits and products. Beginning on Friday at the takeoff site, fans can sign up for free demo rides provided by Nitro, Triton, Mercury, Skeeter and Yamaha.
There’s no charge for any Bassmaster event.
The local host organization is the Russellville Advertising and Promotion Commission.
The Bassmasters TV show on ESPN2 will feature the Dardanelle event on June 1 from 8 to 9 a.m. ET.
2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2014 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Booyah, Carhartt, Diet Mountain Dew, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Plano, 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 and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), 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, B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro.
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Media Contact: Dave Precht, 205-313-0931, dprecht@bassmaster.com or Helen Northcutt, 204-313-0944, hnorthcutt@bassmaster.com.
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2014 Bassmaster Elite at Lake Dardanelle 5/15-5/18
Lake Dardanelle, Russellville AR.
Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts
1. John Crews Salem, VA 5 22-09 100
Day 1: 5 22-09
2. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 21-13 99
Day 1: 5 21-13
3. Grant Goldbeck Boerne, TX 5 20-01 98
Day 1: 5 20-01
4. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 5 19-14 97
Day 1: 5 19-14
4. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 19-14 97
Day 1: 5 19-14
6. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 5 19-09 95
Day 1: 5 19-09
7. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 19-07 94
Day 1: 5 19-07
8. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 19-00 93
Day 1: 5 19-00
9. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 18-12 92
Day 1: 5 18-12
10. Boo Woods Oneida, KY 5 18-08 91
Day 1: 5 18-08
11. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 18-05 90
Day 1: 5 18-05
12. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, IL 5 18-02 89
Day 1: 5 18-02
13. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 5 17-11 88
Day 1: 5 17-11
14. Chris Zaldain San Jose, CA 5 17-09 87
Day 1: 5 17-09
15. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 5 17-08 86
Day 1: 5 17-08
16. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 17-07 85
Day 1: 5 17-07
17. Joel Baker Talala, OK 5 17-04 84
Day 1: 5 17-04
17. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 17-04 84
Day 1: 5 17-04
19. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 17-01 82
Day 1: 5 17-01
20. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 16-15 81
Day 1: 5 16-15
21. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 16-14 80
Day 1: 5 16-14
22. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 16-13 79
Day 1: 5 16-13
23. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 16-12 78
Day 1: 5 16-12
24. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 16-10 77
Day 1: 5 16-10
25. Casey Scanlon Lanexa, KS 5 16-08 76
Day 1: 5 16-08
26. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 16-07 75
Day 1: 5 16-07
27. Jeremy Starks Scott Depot, WV 5 16-04 74
Day 1: 5 16-04
28. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 16-03 73
Day 1: 5 16-03
29. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 5 16-01 72
Day 1: 5 16-01
30. Tracy Adams Wilkesboro, NC 5 16-00 71
Day 1: 5 16-00
30. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 5 16-00 71
Day 1: 5 16-00
30. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 16-00 71
Day 1: 5 16-00
33. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 15-15 68
Day 1: 5 15-15
33. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 15-15 68
Day 1: 5 15-15
35. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 5 15-13 66
Day 1: 5 15-13
35. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 15-13 66
Day 1: 5 15-13
37. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 15-12 64
Day 1: 5 15-12
38. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 15-11 63
Day 1: 5 15-11
39. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 15-10 62
Day 1: 5 15-10
40. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 15-08 61
Day 1: 5 15-08
40. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 5 15-08 61
Day 1: 5 15-08
42. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 5 15-07 59
Day 1: 5 15-07
43. Kevin Hawk Guntersville, AL 5 15-06 58
Day 1: 5 15-06
43. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 15-06 58
Day 1: 5 15-06
45. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 15-05 56
Day 1: 5 15-05
46. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 15-03 55
Day 1: 5 15-03
46. Jamie Horton Centerville, AL 5 15-03 55
Day 1: 5 15-03
48. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 15-00 53
Day 1: 5 15-00
48. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 5 15-00 53
Day 1: 5 15-00
50. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 14-14 51
Day 1: 5 14-14
50. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 14-14 51
Day 1: 5 14-14
52. Nate Wellman Newaygo, MI 5 14-13 49
Day 1: 5 14-13
53. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 14-12 48
Day 1: 5 14-12
54. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 14-09 47
Day 1: 5 14-09
55. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 5 14-03 46
Day 1: 5 14-03
55. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 5 14-03 46
Day 1: 5 14-03
57. Chad Pipkens Holt, MI 5 14-02 44
Day 1: 5 14-02
58. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 5 14-01 43
Day 1: 5 14-01
59. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 14-00 42
Day 1: 5 14-00
59. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 14-00 42
Day 1: 5 14-00
59. Kelly Jordon Palestine, TX 5 14-00 42
Day 1: 5 14-00
62. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 13-15 39
Day 1: 5 13-15
62. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 13-15 39
Day 1: 5 13-15
64. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 13-13 37
Day 1: 5 13-13
64. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-13 37
Day 1: 5 13-13
66. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 13-12 35
Day 1: 5 13-12
67. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 13-07 34
Day 1: 5 13-07
68. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 13-06 33
Day 1: 5 13-06
69. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 13-05 32
Day 1: 5 13-05
70. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 13-04 31
Day 1: 5 13-04
71. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 13-03 30
Day 1: 5 13-03
72. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 13-02 29
Day 1: 5 13-02
73. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 13-01 28
Day 1: 5 13-01
74. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 5 12-14 27
Day 1: 5 12-14
74. Michael Simonton Fremont, OH 5 12-14 27
Day 1: 5 12-14
76. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 12-13 25
Day 1: 5 12-13
76. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 5 12-13 25
Day 1: 5 12-13
76. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 12-13 25
Day 1: 5 12-13
79. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 12-10 22
Day 1: 5 12-10
80. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 12-09 21
Day 1: 5 12-09
80. Jared Miller Norman, OK 5 12-09 21
Day 1: 5 12-09
82. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 5 12-05 19
Day 1: 5 12-05
83. Glenn Browne Ocala, FL 5 12-01 18
Day 1: 5 12-01
83. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 12-01 18
Day 1: 5 12-01
85. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 5 11-15 16
Day 1: 5 11-15
86. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 5 11-14 15
Day 1: 5 11-14
87. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 11-12 14
Day 1: 5 11-12
88. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 11-10 13
Day 1: 5 11-10
89. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 11-07 12
Day 1: 5 11-07
90. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 11-04 11
Day 1: 5 11-04
90. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 11-04 11
Day 1: 5 11-04
90. Randall Tharp Port Saint Joe, FL 5 11-04 11
Day 1: 5 11-04
93. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 11-03 8
Day 1: 5 11-03
94. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 11-01 7
Day 1: 5 11-01
95. Byron Velvick Boenre, TX 5 10-09 6
Day 1: 5 10-09
96. Trevor Romans Plano, TX 5 10-02 5
Day 1: 5 10-02
97. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 4 09-15 4
Day 1: 4 09-15
98. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 09-14 3
Day 1: 5 09-14
99. David Smith Del City, OK 5 09-13 2
Day 1: 5 09-13
100. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 09-11 1
Day 1: 5 09-11
101. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 09-10 0
Day 1: 5 09-10
102. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 09-06 0
Day 1: 5 09-06
103. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 08-14 0
Day 1: 5 08-14
104. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 3 08-09 0
Day 1: 3 08-09
105. Joseph Sancho New Windsor, NY 2 06-06 0
Day 1: 2 06-06
106. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 2 03-07 0
Day 1: 2 03-07
107. Mike Kernan Wylie, TX 1 02-03 0
Day 1: 1 02-03
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 102 522 1530-06
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102 522 1530-06
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