|
Fishing News
Archives
Back To
Back To
Back To
Contact Us
Zeiners
Bass Shop
Kansas Angler
Swim
Tail Lures
|
|
sponsored by
Zeiner's Bass Shop
The Kansas Angler Online
and Swim Tail Lures |
Alabama's Kotaro Kiriyama Dedicates
His First Bassmaster Elite Series Victory to Ailing Father
Texas' Todd Faircloth Takes Over Toyota
Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Points Race
August 3, 2008 - BUFFALO With more
than an 8-pound advantage on the final day, Bassmaster Elite
Series pro Kotaro Kiriyama of Moody, Ala., capitalized on a successful
week of fishing deep and finding bait fish, winning the Empire
Chase presented by Farmer's Insurance on Sunday with 93 pounds,
6 ounces overall for the four-day tournament on Lake Erie and
the Niagara River.
Kiriyama's first career victory as a pro earned
him a $100,000 first-place prize and included two days' worth
of bonuses for Berkley Big Bag honors (25-0 Saturday; 25-9 Sunday)
and Purolator Big Bass honors for a 5-15 smallmouth Saturday
and a 5-8 smallmouth Sunday that tied Todd Faircloth of Jasper,
Texas, for Big Bass. Kiriyama earned a total of $114,500.
Kiriyama came to America when he was 18 because,
he said, his father encouraged him to find a profession that
would keep him out of trouble, which he seemed to find in his
native Japan as a wily teenager. He dedicated the win to his
ailing dad, who was watching Sunday's final weigh-in via the
live Webcast on Bassmaster.com.
Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., the 2005 Toyota Tundra
Bassmaster Angler of the Year, finished second with 20-12 on
Sunday and 85-1 overall. The 2007 Empire Chase winner Edwin Evers
of Talala, Okla., finished third with 20-4 on Sunday and 84-8
overall. John Murray of Phoenix finished fourth with 79-14 overall,
and Day 2 leader Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J., finished
fifth with 79-7 overall.
Kiriyama's victory wasn't the only drama playing
out Sunday, as the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year
race got a shakeup at the top of the ranks. With his sixth-place
finish in the Empire Chase, Faircloth took over the lead in the
AOY title chase by 21 points over former leader Kevin VanDam
of Kalamazoo, Mich. Faircloth's four-day total in the Empire
Chase was 77-11.
VanDam, who led the AOY race coming into the Empire
Chase, finished the tournament in 18th with 53-0 overall. Mike
McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., remains in third (47th at Empire
Chase, 46-0) and reigning Bassmaster Toyota Tundra Angler of
the Year Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., remains fourth (59th,
28-9). Evers rounds out the top five in the AOY after his third-place
finish at the Empire Chase.
The winner of the AOY race, which will be determined
at the Aug. 7-10 Champion's Choice, will receive $250,000 and
the points will also determine the brunt of the 2009 Bassmaster
Classic qualifiers. The top 36 Elite pros will qualify for the
Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.
Also derived from the AOY points will be the first 84 qualifiers
for the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series roster.
Just as he did in 2007, Kiriyama used a Jackal
drop-shot Crazy Ninja Worm in some of the deepest water of the
tournament from 30 feet to as much as 80 feet to
target suspended fish. A crucial component for the Japan native's
success was finding bait fish on which the smallmouth were feeding.
"I had to catch everything available at the
time each day, because I never knew if I was going to get there
the next day," he said, referring to the windy, choppy conditions
that could have kept him from his favorite spots. "I've
been waiting for this since I became a professional eight
years."
He culled about 40 fish in two to three hours of
fishing Sunday, and was surprised more anglers weren't using
the same drop-shot worm this year. The only difference in his
strategy this year was the addition of Berkley Gulp! liquid,
in which he marinated his bait. He left the rest up to the fish.
"I don't have to do anything," Kiriyama
said. "I see the fish on the graph, drop the line and just
watch fish come and eat."
Martens fished worms in 30 to 40 feet of water,
and most of his fish came on long casts. He said he could see
plenty of big fish in his spots.
"I couldn't believe how many fish there were,"
Martens said. "There are so many 5- and 6-pounders, it'd
make you sick, but those 4-pounders are more aggressive and they
get to the bait before the big ones do."
Also of note, with his 12th-place finish Sunday,
Elite Series pro Greg Hackney of Gonzales, La., joined the BASS
Millionaires' Club after a $12,300 payday for the Empire Chase,
bringing the exclusive club's membership to 27.
VanDam, 40, likely will make history again to wrap
up the 2008 season, this time as the first BASS angler to eclipse
the $3 million mark. With one tournament remaining, the Champion's
Choice presented by Ramada Worldwide out of Syracuse, N.Y. on
Oneida Lake, VanDam's earnings are at $2,972,458.
Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., all but secured the
Advance Auto Parts Rookie of the Year title, increasing the gap
between himself and Wade Grooms of Bonneau, S.C. to 468 points
with one event to go.
Mike McClelland continues to lead the race for
the season's Berkley Heavyweight title with 340 pounds, 8 ounces,
staying ahead of VanDam by more than 12 pounds.
Up next is the Aug. 7-10 season finale, the Champion's
Choice presented by Ramada Worldwide on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse,
N.Y.
The Buffalo Convention & Visitors Bureau was
the local sponsor of the Empire Chase presented by Farmer's Insurance.
Sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series include Toyota Tundra,
Advance Auto Parts, Berkley, Lowrance, Mercury, Purolator, Skeeter,
Yamaha, Evan Williams Bourbon, Longhorn, OPTIMA Batteries, Triton
Boats, Costa Del Mar, MotorGuide and Ramada Worldwide.
Empire Chase presented by Farmer's Insurance
2008 Empire Chase 7/31-8/3
Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 4
Angler Hometown
No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL
20 93-06 310 $114,500.00
Day 1: 5 20-15 Day 2: 5 21-14 Day 3: 5 25-00
Day 4: 5 25-09
2. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 20 85-01
295 $30,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-00 Day 2: 5 20-11 Day 3: 5 21-10
Day 4: 5 20-12
3. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 20 84-08
290 $25,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-03 Day 2: 5 21-11 Day 3: 5 21-06
Day 4: 5 20-04
4. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 20 79-14
285 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-05 Day 2: 5 21-03 Day 3: 5 19-03
Day 4: 5 19-03
5. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 20 79-07
285 $18,000.00
Day 1: 5 21-06 Day 2: 5 22-15 Day 3: 5 17-12
Day 4: 5 17-06
6. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 20 77-11
276 $16,000.00
Day 1: 5 20-01 Day 2: 5 20-07 Day 3: 5 15-05
Day 4: 5 21-14
7. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 20 73-10
272 $15,000.00
Day 1: 5 16-15 Day 2: 5 19-09 Day 3: 5 18-14
Day 4: 5 18-04
8. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 20 73-08
268 $14,500.00
Day 1: 5 18-11 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 17-01
Day 4: 5 17-11
9. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 20 73-03
264 $14,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-08 Day 2: 5 16-11 Day 3: 5 19-02
Day 4: 5 17-14
10. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 20 71-12
265 $15,500.00
Day 1: 5 23-03 Day 2: 5 20-03 Day 3: 5 11-11
Day 4: 5 16-11
11. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 20 71-01
257 $12,500.00
Day 1: 5 19-07 Day 2: 5 18-11 Day 3: 5 21-04
Day 4: 5 11-11
12. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 20 70-04
254 $12,300.00
Day 1: 5 18-09 Day 2: 5 16-13 Day 3: 5 19-10
Day 4: 5 15-04
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PUROLATOR BIG BASS
Day
1 Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 05-10
$1,000.00
2 Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 05-13
$1,000.00
3 Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 05-15
$1,000.00
4 Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 05-08
$500.00
4 Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 05-08
$500.00
PUROLATOR BIG BASS OF TOURN
Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 05-15
$1,000.00
BERKLEY HEAVYWEIGHT
Day
1 Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 23-03
$1,000.00
2 Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 22-15
$1,000.00
3 Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 25-00
$1,000.00
4 Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 25-09
$1,000.00
BERKLEY HEAVYWEIGHT OF TOURN
Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 25-09 $10,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 95 497 1500-05
2 101 521 1589-02
3 50 250 826-08
4 12 60 222-07
----------------------------------
258 1328 4138-06
2008 Empire Chase - Empire Chase Pro Points After
Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo, N.Y. Ending 08-03-2008,
Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Todd Faircloth Texas 2514
2 Kevin VanDam Mich. 2493
3 Mike McClelland Ark. 2320
4 Skeet Reese Calif. 2275
5 Edwin Evers Okla. 2263
6 Alton Jones Texas 2154
7 Randy Howell Ala. 2137
8 Dean Rojas Ariz. 2101
9 Terry Scroggins Fla. 2090
10 Scott Rook Ark. 2088
11 Brian Snowden Mo. 2065
12 Aaron Martens Ala. 2034
13 Kotaro Kiriyama Ala. 2023
14 Kenyon Hill Okla. 2019
15 Bill Lowen Ohio 2017
16 Mark Davis Ark. 2007
17 Bobby Lane Fla. 2006
18 Michael Iaconelli N.J. 1996
19 Dustin Wilks N.C. 1970
20 Steve Kennedy Ala. 1967
21 Gary Klein Texas 1963
22 Timmy Horton Ala. 1957
22 Fred Roumbanis Okla. 1957
24 Brent Chapman Kan. 1954
25 Shaw Grigsby Fla. 1938
26 Bryan Hudgins Fla. 1931
27 Rick Morris Va. 1901
28 Kevin Wirth Ky. 1881
29 Davy Hite S.C. 1857
30 Ish Monroe Calif. 1850
31 Dave Wolak N.C. 1847
32 Kelly Jordon Texas 1844
33 Byron Velvick Texas 1830
34 Morizo Shimizu Japan 1829
35 Peter Thliveros Fla. 1825
36 Marty Stone N.C. 1818
37 Denny Brauer Mo. 1813
38 Jason Quinn S.C. 1807
39 Jason Williamson S.C. 1802
40 Casey Ashley S.C. 1799
41 Greg Hackney La. 1783
42 Boyd Duckett Ala. 1781
42 Jared Lintner Calif. 1781
44 Mark Menendez Ky. 1777
45 Kevin Short Ark. 1775
46 Derek Remitz Ala. 1772
47 Bradley Hallman Okla. 1769
47 Gerald Swindle Ala. 1769
49 Bernie Schultz Fla. 1763
50 Rick Clunn Mo. 1759
51 Matt Reed Texas 1753
52 Jeff Kriet Okla. 1741
53 Britt Myers S.C. 1730
54 Chris Lane Fla. 1718
55 Scott Campbell Mo. 1710
56 John Murray Ariz. 1696
57 Ray Sedgwick S.C. 1679
58 Jami Fralick S.D. 1678
59 Takahiro Omori Texas 1660
60 Jeff Reynolds Okla. 1637
61 Jon Bondy Canada 1619
61 Cliff Pace Miss. 1619
63 Jeremy Starks W.Va. 1617
64 Jeff Connella La. 1613
65 Matthew Sphar N.Y. 1600
65 Tommy Biffle Okla. 1600
67 Mark Tucker Mo. 1595
68 John Crews Va. 1576
69 James Niggemeyer Texas 1568
70 Terry Butcher Okla. 1564
71 Wade Grooms S.C. 1538
72 Mike Wurm Ark. 1523
73 Russ Lane Ala. 1516
74 Grant Goldbeck Md. 1507
74 Brian Clark Texas 1507
76 Preston Clark Fla. 1505
77 Stephen Browning Ark. 1481
78 Jimmy Mize Ark. 1476
79 Paul Elias Miss. 1474
80 Kevin Langill N.C. 1447
81 Glenn Delong Ohio 1437
82 Zell Rowland Texas 1433
83 Billy Brewer Texas 1432
84 Todd Auten S.C. 1416
85 Clark Reehm Ark. 1415
86 Ben Matsubu Texas 1401
87 David Smith Okla. 1388
88 Yusuke Miyazaki Texas 1374
89 Jim Murray Ga. 1359
90 Kurt Dove Va. 1350
91 Corey Waldrop Texas 1340
92 Mark Tyler Okla. 1339
93 Ken Cook Okla. 1337
94 Elton Luce Texas 1318
95 Pat Golden N.C. 1314
96 Marty Robinson S.C. 1310
97 Jay Fuller Okla. 1286
98 Steve Daniel Fla. 1279
99 Guy Eaker N.C. 1260
100 Pete Ponds Miss. 1252
101 Charlie Hartley Ohio 1216
102 Rick Ash Pa. 1185
103 David Sherrer La. 1086
104 James Kennedy La. 1071
105 Randy Allen La. 1013
106 Paul Hirosky Pa. 930
107 Greg Gutierrez Calif. 914
108 Matt Amedeo Ohio 875
109 Bobby Myers Okla. 438
2008 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
After Lake Erie/Niagara River Tributaries, Buffalo, NY ending
08-03-2008, Day 4
-------------------------------------------
Place Name St Pts
-------------------------------------------
1 Bobby Lane Fla. 2006
2 Wade Grooms S.C. 1538
3 Brian Clark Texas 1507
4 Billy Brewer Texas 1432
5 Clark Reehm Ark. 1415
6 Corey Waldrop Texas 1340
7 Pat Golden N.C. 1314
8 Jay Fuller Okla. 1286
9 David Sherrer La. 1086
10 Randy Allen La. 1013
11 Bobby Myers Okla. 438
Berkley Heavyweight Report
Place Name Lbs-Ozs
-----------------------------------------------------------
1 Mike McClelland 340-08
2 Kevin VanDam 328-12
3 Todd Faircloth 327-01
4 Edwin Evers 316-01
5 Terry Scroggins 313-12
6 Mark Davis 312-01
7 Skeet Reese 311-02
8 Randy Howell 310-10
8 Aaron Martens 310-10
10 Michael Iaconelli 309-00
Back to
Zeiner's Bass Shop | Kansas
Angler Online |
Swim Tail Lures
|
|
|