There was ample position shifting taking place on Friday’s leaderboard that kept things very interesting. Day 2 of the Plano Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair proved that some dreams never die, and persistence can pay off big time! After a strong showing on Thursday, Brandon Palaniuk stayed on the fish and weighed five smallmouth bass for 21 pounds, 1 ounce, with a combined two-day weight of 44 pounds, 5 ounces to claim the top honors after the second day, including the Bass Pro Shops Big Bass; a 5-11 smallie.
“I caught my two biggest fish right away — both over 5 pounds — and I thought for sure I was about to catch the biggest limit of smallies I’ve ever weighed,” he explained. “I managed to find another 3-pounder, but then the bite just died.”
The two-time Elite Series champion said he returned to the same spot a couple of times during the day to check if the fish had returned, and they hadn’t. He decided to run back into St. Clair where he managed to catch his fifth bass to fill out his limit with just minutes to go.
“The wind direction changed midday; the last couple of days it was out of the north, which pushes a lot of water form Huron into the river. I believe the current that gets created is key to those specific fish being on that spot,” he said. “When the wind turned almost 180 degrees, the current was reduced.”
He isn’t sure if the spot will continue to hold the right bass but, it’s a safe bet that Palaniuk will start his day in the same general area, and depending on the bite relocate as it evolves.
“I caught the right fish again today, but I think the pattern is deteriorating. I’m not sure if the pattern will hold out for another couple of days,” said James Elam, who is currently holding down second place with 20-5 Friday for a total of 43 pounds, 12 ounces. “Today, I only put four fish in the boat from this particular spot, and it literally shut off. I drove down to St. Clair and finished my limit with a 4 1/2-pounder.”
Thursday, Elam climbed up the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year leaderboard from being inside the Top 50 cut by a single point. He improved on that again today making his dreams of fishing in the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro a bit more likely. “My dream is still alive for next year’s Classic, and I hope to keep the momentum rolling into tomorrow.”
Alton Jones brought in five smallies that weighed 17-4 for a two-day total of 41 pounds, 8 ounces, keeping him in third place.
“By lunchtime I had to move to another location; as a whole, I had to work a lot harder today,” he said. “The bite is changing where I’m fishing, but I know the bass are still in the area — hopefully I can catch them again tomorrow.”
Current AOY leader Aaron Martens improved on yesterday by bringing in 18-8 for a two-day total of 36 pounds, 13 ounces, and is currently holding down 16th place.
“I lost a pretty nice fish today that most likely would have put me in the Top 10,” Martens said. “I still want to make a smart decision tomorrow, but I could justify gambling and go to Erie, but I may play it safe and stay close. I know where to find a suitable limit on St. Clair.”
A “suitable limit” would most likely sew up Martens’ third Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, but if he manages to find 20 pounds or even more, he could be in position to fish on Championship Sunday.
Filling out the Top 5 after two days of competition are Casey Scanlon in fourth place with 41-4, and Chad Pipkens is sitting in fifth with 40-13.
The Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year race has been updated with Aaron Martens still on top with 693 points, Justin Lucas climbed back up into second with 600 points, Dean Rojas is in third with 597 points, fourth place is Jacob Powroznik with 572 points, and Edwin Evers remains in fifth place with 570 points.
Because Palaniuk is in the lead on Day 2, he will earn the Livingston Lures Leader Award of $500.
The Top 50 angers will advance to fish the semi-final round on Saturday, which will resume with takeoff out of Lake St. Clair Metropark at 6:20 a.m. The weigh-in will be held at the same location at 3:15 p.m. when the field will be cut down to the Top 12 for Championship Sunday.
2015 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, GoPro, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2015 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: A.R.E. Accessories, Carhartt, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels, Huk Performance Fishing, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, 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, 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 Plano Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair 8/27-8/30
Lake St. Clair, Detroit MI.
Standings Day 2
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Brandon Palaniuk Rathdrum, ID 10 44-05 100
Day 1: 5 23-04 Day 2: 5 21-01
2. James Elam Tulsa, OK 10 43-12 99
Day 1: 5 23-07 Day 2: 5 20-05
3. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 10 41-08 98
Day 1: 5 23-10 Day 2: 5 17-14
4. Casey Scanlon Lanexa, KS 10 41-04 97
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 5 19-10
5. Chad Pipkens Holt, MI 10 40-13 96
Day 1: 5 18-12 Day 2: 5 22-01
6. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 10 40-10 95
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 20-09
7. Jonathon VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 39-09 94
Day 1: 5 20-06 Day 2: 5 19-03
8. Fletcher Shryock New Philadelphia, OH 10 39-06 93
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 22-01
9. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 10 39-02 92
Day 1: 5 19-14 Day 2: 5 19-04
10. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 10 38-12 91
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 19-09
11. David Smith Del City, OK 10 38-07 90
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 21-09
12. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 10 38-07 89
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 19-12
13. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 10 38-03 88
Day 1: 5 17-12 Day 2: 5 20-07
14. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 10 38-00 87
Day 1: 5 19-03 Day 2: 5 18-13
15. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 10 37-02 86
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 21-05
16. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 10 36-13 85
Day 1: 5 18-05 Day 2: 5 18-08
17. Nate Wellman Newaygo, MI 10 36-12 84
Day 1: 5 18-15 Day 2: 5 17-13
18. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 10 36-10 83
Day 1: 5 18-04 Day 2: 5 18-06
19. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 10 36-08 82
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 17-13
20. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 10 36-06 81
Day 1: 5 19-05 Day 2: 5 17-01
21. Koby Kreiger Bokeelia, FL 10 36-00 80
Day 1: 5 18-13 Day 2: 5 17-03
22. David Williams Maiden, NC 10 35-15 79
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 18-05
23. Kevin Hawk Guntersville, AL 10 35-11 78
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 18-03
24. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 10 35-05 77
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 19-07
25. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 10 35-04 76
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 17-01
26. Chris Zaldain San Jose, CA 10 34-14 75
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 16-07
27. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 10 34-14 74
Day 1: 5 18-02 Day 2: 5 16-12
28. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 10 34-12 73
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 16-05
29. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 10 34-10 72
Day 1: 5 17-08 Day 2: 5 17-02
30. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 10 34-06 71
Day 1: 5 17-09 Day 2: 5 16-13
31. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 10 34-06 70
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 17-05
32. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 10 34-04 69
Day 1: 5 18-07 Day 2: 5 15-13
33. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 10 34-03 68
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 15-08
34. Hank Cherry Jr Maiden, NC 10 33-14 67
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 18-09
35. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 10 33-14 66
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 15-11
36. Kurt Dove Del Rio, TX 10 33-11 65
Day 1: 5 17-05 Day 2: 5 16-06
37. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 10 33-10 64
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 17-15
38. Billy McCaghren Mayflower, AR 10 33-08 63
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 5 17-03
39. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 10 33-07 62
Day 1: 5 18-14 Day 2: 5 14-09
40. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 10 33-07 61
Day 1: 5 16-04 Day 2: 5 17-03
41. Jacob Powroznik Port Haywood, VA 10 33-06 60
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 14-11
42. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 10 33-03 59
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 18-01
43. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 10 33-03 58
Day 1: 5 16-14 Day 2: 5 16-05
44. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 10 33-00 57
Day 1: 5 13-12 Day 2: 5 19-04
45. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 10 32-12 56
Day 1: 5 20-08 Day 2: 5 12-04
46. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 10 32-10 55
Day 1: 5 18-03 Day 2: 5 14-07
47. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 10 32-10 54
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 5 15-14
48. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 10 32-09 53
Day 1: 5 16-13 Day 2: 5 15-12
49. Jordan Lee Vinemont, AL 10 32-08 52
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 14-14
50. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 10 32-08 51
Day 1: 5 17-01 Day 2: 5 15-07
51. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 10 32-08 50
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 17-01
52. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 10 32-07 49
Day 1: 5 17-11 Day 2: 5 14-12
53. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 10 32-04 48
Day 1: 5 17-13 Day 2: 5 14-07
54. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 10 32-02 47
Day 1: 5 12-01 Day 2: 5 20-01
55. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 10 31-14 46
Day 1: 5 15-02 Day 2: 5 16-12
56. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 10 31-13 45
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 18-13
57. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 10 31-10 44
Day 1: 5 14-12 Day 2: 5 16-14
58. David Walker Sevierville, TN 10 31-09 43
Day 1: 5 17-07 Day 2: 5 14-02
59. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 10 30-15 42
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 16-09
60. Randy Howell Springville, AL 10 30-12 41
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 16-06
61. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 10 30-10 40
Day 1: 5 16-00 Day 2: 5 14-10
62. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 10 30-07 39
Day 1: 5 15-06 Day 2: 5 15-01
63. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 10 30-06 38
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 16-01
64. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 10 30-01 37
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 19-01
65. Brent Ehrler Newport Beach, CA 9 29-14 36
Day 1: 4 11-07 Day 2: 5 18-07
66. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 10 29-14 35
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 16-14
67. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 10 29-12 34
Day 1: 5 11-13 Day 2: 5 17-15
68. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 8 29-11 33
Day 1: 5 21-10 Day 2: 3 08-01
69. Kevin Ledoux Choctaw, OK 10 29-03 32
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 5 14-02
70. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 10 28-14 31
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 15-04
71. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 10 28-11 30
Day 1: 5 15-11 Day 2: 5 13-00
72. Brandon Card Caryville, TN 10 28-10 29
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 15-10
73. Dennis Tietje Roanoke, LA 10 28-02 28
Day 1: 5 15-00 Day 2: 5 13-02
74. Josh Bertrand Gilbert, AZ 10 27-14 27
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 14-03
75. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 10 27-10 26
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 14-01
76. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 10 27-07 25
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 14-01
77. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 9 27-03 24
Day 1: 5 16-12 Day 2: 4 10-07
78. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 10 27-03 23
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 14-04
79. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 10 26-13 22
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 13-07
80. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 10 26-12 21
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 10-15
81. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 10 26-12 20
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 12-15
82. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 10 26-11 19
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 12-05
83. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 10 26-11 18
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 14-04
84. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 10 26-06 17
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 10-12
85. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 10 26-01 16
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 11-14
86. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 10 25-15 15
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 14-06
87. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 10 25-11 14
Day 1: 5 11-08 Day 2: 5 14-03
88. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 9 25-08 13
Day 1: 5 14-14 Day 2: 4 10-10
89. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 9 25-02 12
Day 1: 5 16-05 Day 2: 4 08-13
90. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 10 24-14 11
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 11-08
91. Scott Ashmore Broken Arrow, OK 7 24-13 10
Day 1: 4 12-11 Day 2: 3 12-02
92. Ott DeFoe Knoxville, TN 8 24-05 9
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 5 17-03
93. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 9 24-03 8
Day 1: 5 15-01 Day 2: 4 09-02
94. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 10 23-12 7
Day 1: 5 09-14 Day 2: 5 13-14
95. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 10 23-04 6
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 11-15
96. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 8 23-02 5
Day 1: 3 08-13 Day 2: 5 14-05
97. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 10 21-14 4
Day 1: 5 10-10 Day 2: 5 11-04
98. Mike Kernan Wylie, TX 6 21-04 3
Day 1: 1 02-00 Day 2: 5 19-04
99. Joseph Sancho New Windsor, NY 8 20-12 2
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 5 14-07
100. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 9 20-01 1
Day 1: 5 13-03 Day 2: 4 06-14
101. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 9 20-00 0
Day 1: 4 07-12 Day 2: 5 12-04
102. Chad Morgenthaler Coulterville, IL 8 19-02 0
Day 1: 5 12-02 Day 2: 3 07-00
103. Carl Jocumsen Queensland TX AUSTRALIA 8 18-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07 Day 2: 3 07-00
104. Ken Iyobe Tokoname Aichi JAPAN 6 16-12 0
Day 1: 1 02-08 Day 2: 5 14-04
105. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 4 14-08 0
Day 1: 1 03-07 Day 2: 3 11-01
106. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 11-10 0
Day 1: 5 11-10 Day 2: 0 00-00
107. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 4 07-12 0
Day 1: 4 07-12 Day 2: 0 00-00
———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 97 513 1641-01
2 95 510 1647-11
———————————-
192 1023 3288-12