Kansas Angler Home

Fishing Reports
Kansas Fishing Reports
Arkansas Fishing Reports
Colorado Fishing Reports
Iowa Fishing Reports
Missouri Fishing Reports
Nebraska Fishing Reports
Oklahoma Fishing Reports
Texas Fishing Reports

Reader's Nook
Latest Angler News
Current Angler Articles
Kansas Angler Archives

Angler's Academy
Fishing and Tackle Tips
Tackle Manufacturer Tips
Lure Making Tips

Club Corner
Kansas Fishing Clubs
Tournament Schedules
Kansas Tournament Results

Tournament Trail
Tournament Organizations
Kansas Fishing Clubs
Tournament Schedules
Circuit Tournament Results

Fishing Guides

Success Stories
Fishing Photo Gallery
Bragging Corner
Anglers Sharing Stories

Kansas Angler Info
About the Angler
Advertising Information
Contact the Angler

Angler Links
Tackle Manufacturer Links
State Departments of Wildlife Links
Other Links of Interest

Kansas Fishing Records

Copyright 2002

See Zeiner's new online catalog. New items are being added regularly.

Click here for Zeiners new secure online catalog

2002 Schedule - Related Story
Day One Story
Blaukat Takes Early Lead At Guntersville
Horton, Jordon and VanDam in hot pursuit

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala., April 10, 2002 - The $478,00 Alabama CITGO BASSMASTER Tour event began Wednesday and the pros found the fishing to be as good as expected -- and worse than expected - depending upon their perspective.

Missouri's Randy Blaukat, who brought in 22 pounds 10 ounces of Lake Guntersville bass to take the early lead, was not disappointed.

"I think today will probably end up being the best day for weights in this tournament," said Blaukat who enters day two with a 12-ounce lead over second place Tim Horton. "The wind died down today which made the fish a little more active in the milfoil. Heavy fishing pressure will keep the weights down because so many guys are using the same techniques."

Following Blaukat in the top five are Horton with 21-14, Texan Kelly Jordon in third at 21-7, defending BASS Masters Classic champion Kevin VanDam fourth with 21-2 and Florida's Terry Segraves fifth at 20-2.

Horton, one of the pre-event favorites, noted the conditions are different from the practice period two weeks ago. Warming water was drawing the big bass closer to the spawn.

"Today was a blast," said Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala. "I had a lot of fun, but it's changing. The fish are moving a lot. They are definitely in transition."

Horton fished with General Hospital's Re'al Andrews on Tuesday's final practice day and saw television's Lt. Taggert catch substantially more bass than him. Andrews caught four bass that Horton estimated to weigh over 27 pounds. Horton, on the other hand, caught only one Tuesday.

Wednesday turned out to be substantially different for Andrews who was paired with Virginia pro Rick Morris. Andrews was unable to weigh-in a single fish.

"I didn't get any bites," said Andrews. "It was a great day though, and I had a lot of fun with Rick. I just couldn't get anything working."

One condition the pros have had to consider is the fluctuation in the water level of the Tennessee River impoundment. In anticipation of heavy rains (which did not materialize), the TVA lowered the level by approximately 1 to 2 feet earlier in the week. Anglers today found the water level had risen slightly, and the pre-spawn bass were moving into the shallower areas to spawn.

After a breezy practice, the wind blew gently on Wednesday, which many anglers said worked to their advantage. Texan Jordon, who saw success the last time the CITGO BASSMASTER Tour visited a Tennessee River lake by winning at Lake Wheeler a year ago, was unaffected.

"Today was great," said Jordon. "My partner and I each caught our fish early and then kind of messed around the rest of the day. There are plenty of fish piled up in this one little area."

Jackson, Tenn.'s James Teat leadsw the amateur division with 16-9. He enjoys a 7 ounce lead over second place John Hembree of Blue Ridge, Ga.

VanDam brought in the day's big bass on the pro side to garner the $1,000 bonus with a 7-15 largemouth. Edward Singleton of Anderson, S.C. caught the big bass on the amateur side at 7-9 and was awarded $400 for his catch.

Daily weigh-ins take place at Guntersville Sate Park at 3 p.m. Anglers launch beginning at 6:15 a.m. At stake is a $110,000 top prize and valuable Classic points.

Additionally, a free CastingKids event, presented by Chevy Trucks and CITGO, will be held there Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This fun-filled national program encourages children to perfect the skills of casting, pitching and flipping. Local B.A.S.S. clubs conduct the events and provide instruction to all youngsters.

By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its B.A.S.S. Federation, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The CITGO BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades.

Sponsors of the Alabama CITGO BASSMASTER Tour include: CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Chevrolet Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kumho Tires, Long John Silver's, Gore-Tex Outerwear, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC/ B.A.S.S. Vehicle & Boat Insurance, B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa/First USA.

Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats and G3 Boats

The CITGO BASSMASTER Tour event is presented locally by the State of Alabama and the Guntersville Chamber of Commerce (800) 869-5253.

ALABAMA CITGO BASSMASTER Tour
Lake Guntersville; Guntersville, Ala.
P r o S t a n d i n g s D a y 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. Randy Blaukat Lamar, Mo. 5 22-10
2. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, Ala. 5 21-14
3. Kelly Jordon Mineola, Texas 5 21-07
4. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 5 21-02
5. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, Fla. 5 20-02
6. Randy Howell Trussville, Ala. 5 19-08
7. Rick Lillegard Atkinson, N.H. 5 19-01
8. Danny Kirk Bartow, Ga. 5 18-15
9. Chris Elliott Raleigh, N.C. 5 18-13
10. Robert Lee Angels Camp, Calif. 5 17-11
11. Takahiro Omori Emory, Texas 5 17-10
11. Kenyon Hill Norman, Okla. 5 17-10
13. Tom Dolin Palatine Bridge, N.Y. 5 17-08
14. Michael Iaconelli Woodbury Heights, N.J. 5 17-07
15. Ishama Monroe Phoenix, Ariz. 5 17-06
16. Edwin Evers Mannsville, Okla. 5 16-14
17. Lendell Martin, Jr. Nacogdoches, Texas 5 16-10
18. Dustin Wilks Raleigh, N.C. 5 16-07
19. Shaw E Grigsby, Jr Gainesville, Fla. 5 16-06
19. Jay Yelas Tyler, Texas 5 16-06
21. Scott Rook Little Rock, Ark. 5 16-04
21. Robert Graham Mooresville, N.C. 5 16-04
21. John Sappington Wyandotte, Okla. 5 16-04
24. Brian Snowden Springfield, Mo. 4 16-01
25. Mark Davis Mount Ida, Ark. 5 16-00
26. John Murray Phoenix, Ariz. 5 15-15
26. Roger Schofield Killen, Ala. 5 15-15
28. Mike Hicks Mineral, Va. 5 15-12
29. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, Ky. 5 15-07
30. Pete Gluszek Franklinville, N.J. 5 15-06
31. Larry Nixon Bee Branch, Ark. 5 15-04
32. Rickie Harp Cottondale, Ala. 5 15-03
33. Dean Rojas Grand Saline, Texas 5 15-02
34. Keith Green Arkadelphia, Ark. 5 14-14
35. Jimmy Millsaps Canton, Ga. 5 14-11
36. Gary Yamamoto Mineola, Texas 5 14-10
37. Gary Klein Weatherford, Texas 5 14-09
38. Jim Bitter Fruitland Park, Fla. 5 14-08
39. Mark Sabbides Pollock, La. 5 14-07
40. Danny Correia Marlboro, Mass. 5 14-06
41. Mark Menendez Paducah, Ky. 5 14-05
42. O. T. Fears III Sallisaw, Okla. 5 14-04
43. Chip Harrison, Jr. Bremen, Ind. 5 14-03
44. Elton Luce Jr. Nederland, Texas 5 14-01
45. Homer Humphreys, Jr Minden, La. 5 13-14
45. Chad Brauer Osage Beach, Mo. 5 13-14
47. Rufus Johnson Knoxville, Tenn. 5 13-13
48. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, Ark. 5 13-12
49. Chet Douthit Clewiston, Fla. 4 13-10
49. Jack L. Wade Knoxville, Tenn. 4 13-10
51. Aaron A. Hastings Boonsboro, Md. 5 13-09
52. Kim Stricker Howell, Mich. 4 13-08
52. David Wharton Sam Rayburn, Texas 5 13-08
52. Terry Bolton Jr. Paducah, Ky. 5 13-08
55. Steve Daniel Clewiston, Fla. 4 13-07
56. Chris Baumgardner Gastonia, N.C. 5 13-06
57. Tommy Martin Hemphill, Texas 5 13-05
57. Dalton Bobo Northport, Ala. 5 13-05
57. Ron Shuffield Bismarck, Ark. 5 13-05
60. Terry Baksay Monroe, Conn. 5 13-03
61. Peter E. Thliveros Jacksonville, Fla. 5 13-00
62. Paul Hanley Hull, Ga. 5 12-14
63. Charlie Youngers Oviedo, Fla. 5 12-13
63. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, Va. 5 12-13
65. Roland Martin Clewiston, Fla. 4 12-11
66. Alton Jones Waco, Texas 5 12-10
66. Scott Canelas Pelham, N.H. 4 12-10
66. Paul L Elias Pachuta, Miss. 5 12-10
69. Bud Pruitt Spring, Texas 5 12-09
70. Tom Biffle Wagoner, Okla. 5 12-08
71. Johnny Lesesne Blue Ridge, Ga. 4 12-07
72. Robert L. Kilby Hot Springs, Ark. 5 12-05
73. Ben Matsubu Himphill, Texas 5 12-04
74. Mickey Bruce Buford, Ga. 5 12-03
75. Skeet Reese Auburn, Calif. 5 12-02
75. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, S.C. 4 12-02
75. David Fritts Lexington, N.C. 5 12-02
78. Todd Faircloth Jasper, Texas 5 12-00
78. Dan Morehead Paducah, Ky. 3 12-00
80. Mike Auten Benton, Ky. 5 11-13
81. Doyle Hodgin Durham, N.C. 4 11-12
82. David Hall Kunkletown, Pa. 4 11-11
83. Chuck Economou Redington, Fla. 5 11-07
84. Woo Daves Spring Grove, Va. 5 11-02
85. Joel G. Richardson Kernersville, N.C. 5 10-14
86. Aaron Martens Castaic, Calif. 4 10-12
87. Jim Murray, Jr. Arabi, Ga. 5 10-11
87. Mark Rizk Redding, Calif. 5 10-11
89. Roger Boler Slidell, La. 4 10-08
90. George Cochran Hot Springs, Ark. 5 10-07
90. Zell Rowland Montgomery, Texas 4 10-07
90. Dave Smith Del City, Okla. 4 10-07
90. Doug Garrett Cabot, Ark. 3 10-07
94. Ken Cook Meers, Okla. 4 10-03
95. Darren Wolf Longview, Texas 4 10-00
96. Jimmy Houston Cookson, Okla. 4 9-15
97. Charlie Hartley Grove City, Ohio 4 9-14
98. Lee Knight Mineola, Texas 4 9-13
99. Mark Rose Marion, Ark. 3 9-10
100. Brent Chapman Shawnee, Kan. 5 9-04
101. Davy Hite Prosperity, S.C. 3 9-03
102. Tim Sainato Branson, Mo. 3 9-02
103. David Walker Sevierville, Tenn. 4 9-00
104. Tom Burns Carbondale, Ill. 3 8-15
105. Denny Brauer Camdenton, Mo. 4 8-13
106. Ray Sedgwick Cross, S.C. 3 8-12
107. Jeffrey Thomas Broadway, N.C. 3 8-11
108. Lee Bailey, Jr. Amston, Conn. 4 8-01
108. Tim Loper Terry, Miss. 3 8-01
110. Frank Scalish Cleveland, Ohio 3 8-00
111. Mark Tucker Kirkwood, Mo. 4 7-11
111. Curt Lytle Suffolk, Va. 4 7-11
113. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, Ark. 4 7-10
114. Yusuke Miyazaki Mineola, Texas 2 7-08
115. Randy Dearman Onalaska, Texas 3 7-01
115. Fred Bland Birmingham, Ala. 3 7-01
117. Mike McClelland Springdale, Ark. 3 6-13
118. Basil E Bacon Springfield, Mo. 3 6-03
119. Tom Mann, Jr. Buford, Ga. 3 6-02
120. Dion Hibdon Stover, Mo. 2 5-05
121. Carl Maxfield Summerville, S.C. 2 5-02
122. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, Fla. 2 4-13
123. Tony Couch Buckhead, Ga. 2 4-12
124. Michael Johnson Talking Rock, Ga. 2 4-10
125. Marty Carter Hamilton, Ala. 2 4-09
125. Mark Tyler Concord, Calif. 2 4-09
125. Joe Thomas Milford, Ohio 2 4-09
128. Stacey D. King Reeds Spring, Mo. 2 4-08
129. Rick Clunn Ava, Mo. 2 3-14
130. Tommy Stiles McMinnville, Tenn. 1 3-13
131. Art Ferguson III St. Clair Shores, Mich. 1 3-07
132. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, Okla. 1 3-03
133. Cody Bird Granbury, Texas 1 2-15
133. Gerald Swindle Hayden, Ala. 1 2-15
135. Dave Barnes Sr. Weeks Mills, Maine 1 2-14
136. Gary Alverson Soddy Daisy, Tenn. 1 2-09
137. Sam Swett Covington, La. 1 2-07
138. Brett Hite Phoenix, Ariz. 1 2-03
139. Clark Wendlandt Cedar Park, Texas 1 2-02
140. Kotaro Kiriyama New Milford, N.J. 1 2-01
140. Guy H. Eaker Cherryville, N.C. 1 2-01
142. Warren Wyman Castaic, Calif. 1 1-14
143. Mark Hardin Canton, Ga. 0 0-00
143. Marty Fourkiller Sylva, N.C. 0 0-00
143. Marty Stone Linden, N.C. 0 0-00
143. Jeff Magee Mendenhall, Miss. 0 0-00
143. Gerald Gostenik Dearborn, Mich. 0 0-00
143. James A. Parker Fayetteville, N.C. 0 0-00

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, Mich. 7-15 $1,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 77 569 1641-11

ALABAMA CITGO BASSMASTER Tour
Lake Guntersville; Guntersville, Ala.
A m S t a n d i n g s D a y 1

Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$

1. James Teat Jackson, Tenn. 5 16-09
2. John W Hembree Blue Ridge, Ga. 5 16-02
3. Carlton Lemmond Barnwell, S.C. 5 15-11
4. John M. Roberson Shreveport, La. 5 15-09
5. Ryan Coleman Flowery Branch, Ga. 5 14-06
6. Paul Groney Harbor Creek, Pa. 5 14-02
7. Rod Gentry White House, Tenn. 5 13-13
8. Don Luckhaupt Reynoldsburg, Ohio 4 13-07
9. Aaron Lee Jakub Lincoln, Neb. 4 13-00
10. David Showers Brownsboro, Ala. 5 12-13
11. Edward F Singleton Anderson, S.C. 3 11-14
12. Brandon Norris Haleyville, Ala. 5 11-04
13. Larry Cundiff Dunnville, Ky. 5 11-02
14. Tim Prochaska Portland, Tenn. 3 11-00
15. Christopher Turner Citronelle, Ala. 4 9-11
16. Albert Hudson Austin, Texas 3 9-09
17. Mark Shannon Athens, Ala. 4 9-04
18. Marshall Cauthen Carrollton, Ga. 2 9-01
19. John Kilbourn Huntsville, Ala. 3 8-11
19. Tim Ezell Key West, Fla. 4 8-11
19. Scott Myers Huntsville, Ala. 2 8-11
22. Richard Hogan Troy, N.C. 3 8-04
23. Mike Mostella Albertville, Ala. 3 8-02
24. Tim Martin Guntersville, Ala. 3 7-15
25. Ronald Riley Hohenwald, Tenn. 3 7-14
26. Carl R. McCaghren Danville, Ala. 3 7-08
27. Jeff Graham Augusta, Ga. 3 7-07
28. Chris Nunziato Elberton, Ga. 2 7-06
29. Gordon D. Turner, Jr. Citronelle, Ala. 3 7-03
30. Kevin Louis Porche Gretna, La. 3 6-15
30. Joe Bozarth Gilbertsville, Ky. 3 6-15
32. Tadjen M. Peterson Olathe, Kan. 3 6-12
33. Rabon B. Melson Decatur, Ala. 3 6-11
34. Claude Robison Loudon, Tenn. 2 6-10
34. Tal White Florence, Ala. 2 6-10
36. Alan J. Weiss Latrobe, Pa. 2 6-02
37. Ron Morgan Hayden, Ala. 2 5-07
38. Thomas Herr Murphy, N.C. 2 5-06
39. Warren Sumner Tallahassee, Fla. 2 5-05
40. David Cochran Hayden, Ala. 1 5-04
41. Dwayne Davenport Smyrna, Tenn. 2 5-03
42. W.D. Perry Crane Hill, Ala. 2 5-01
42. Curtis A Reeves Riverdale, Ga. 2 5-01
44. Randy Julian Asheboro, N.C. 2 5-00
45. Tim Thompson Grand Rapids, Mich. 2 4-11
46. Jeff Palmer Jasper, Ga. 2 4-09
47. Ken Allgood Atlanta, Ga. 2 4-08
48. Derek Yamamoto Tempe, Ariz. 2 4-05
49. Wes Ward Danville, Ala. 2 4-03
50. Joey Peters Florence, Ala. 1 4-02
51. Jeff Sparks Chickamauga, Ga. 2 4-01
52. Wayne Pierce Harvest, Ala. 2 4-00
53. Charles H. Anderson Rocky Face, Ga. 2 3-15
53. Joe Hocke Meraux, La. 2 3-15
55. Lawrence Bruce Dearing, Ga. 1 3-11
56. Earl E. Johnson Powell, Tenn. 1 3-08
57. David Morton Ontario, Canada 1 3-07
57. Eddie Amos Dalton, Ga. 1 3-07
57. Mitch Calhoun Salem, Ind. 1 3-07
57. Scott Whitson Erwin, Tenn. 1 3-07
61. Paul Sacks Waterford, Mich. 1 3-04
62. John David Kyle Athens, Ala. 1 3-00
62. Ronald Hill Trinity, Ala. 1 3-00
64. Ben Pickle Beaverton, Ala. 1 2-15
65. Jerald Heidgerhen Orlando, Fla. 1 2-14
66. Vincent L. Keasling Mesquite, Texas 1 2-13
67. Butch Connell Columbiana, Ala. 1 2-11
67. Anthony Boyett Seminole, Ala. 1 2-11
69. Charles F. Johnson Eastaboga, Ala. 1 2-10
69. Clayton Hudson W. Memphis, Ark. 1 2-10
69. Michael Ferguson Guntersville, Ala. 1 2-10
72. J. W. Endicott Kermit, W.Va. 1 2-08
72. Ronald Patterson Pascagoula, Miss. 1 2-08
72. Junior Williamson Crossville, Ala. 1 2-08
75. Mark McGill Locust Fork, Ala. 1 2-07
76. Gary Varney McCarr, Ky. 1 2-06
77. Gaylon Calahan Winchester, Tenn. 1 2-05
77. Sammy Goodner Cleveland, Tenn. 1 2-05
79. Toni Sizemore Trinity, Ala. 1 2-04
79. Douglas Dever Harvest, Ala. 1 2-04
79. David A. Hanson Hendersonville, Tenn. 1 2-04
82. Bud Goeke Pinckneyville, Ill. 1 2-02
82. Danny Brown Ellabell, Ga. 1 2-02
84. Jamie Mills Resaca, Ga. 1 2-01
84. Randy Fullerton Brentwood, Tenn. 1 2-01
86. Jimmy Batts Raleigh, N.C. 1 2-00
87. Jeff Horton Toney, Ala. 1 1-15
87. Larry Jones Detroit, Mich. 1 1-15
87. Andrew Thiesse Forest Park, Ill. 1 1-15
90. Frederick Santiago Evansville, Ind. 1 1-14
91. Gregory J. Ingold Front Royal, Va. 1 1-13
91. Tom E. Williams Center Point, Iowa 1 1-13
93. Roy Bailey Robbinsville, N.C. 1 1-12
94. Kenneth Caudill Delaware, Ohio 1 1-10
94. David Risk Foley, Ala. 1 1-10
96. Joel Warwick Albany, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Keith A. Dyer Antioch, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Harry C. Bryan Cartersville, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Will Sims Guntersville, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Scotty C. Strickland Douglasville, Ga. 0 0-00
96. James G. McBride Champaign, Ill. 0 0-00
96. Ashley Bishop Hayes, Va. 0 0-00
96. Al Allen Tampa, Fla. 0 0-00
96. Terry Turner Morrison, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Jerry Burford Jr. Buford, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Raymond Weathers Columbia, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. David Cothran Fultondale, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Richard T. Blackwood Stockbridge, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Michael Roden Woodville, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Robert B. Heinisch Huntsville, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Phillip Sullivan Centerville, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Scotty W. Pennington Crossett, Ark. 0 0-00
96. Jerry Leeth Albertville, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Ronnie Roth Ocean Springs, Miss. 0 0-00
96. Rob Jones Ringgold, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Scott Darragh Garland, Texas 0 0-00
96. Edward J. Hermoyian Roswell, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Paul J. Ferrell Blountville, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Jim Smith Minooka, Ill. 0 0-00
96. Stephen G. Jones New Castle, Ind. 0 0-00
96. Real Andrews Santa Clarita, Calif. 0 0-00
96. Richard Bradley Murfreesboro, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Stanley E. Grett Enterprise, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Charles K. Hunt Henderson, Ky. 0 0-00
96. Dennis Flynn Fairview Park, Ohio 0 0-00
96. Carlos Miller Albertville, Ala. 0 0-00
96. John H. Snyder Marietta, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Jason Ashley Dora, Ala. 0 0-00
96. Chip Malcolm Natick, Mass. 0 0-00
96. Jay Wall Springfield, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Greg O'Neal Winchester, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Travis Christensen Ardmore, Okla. 0 0-00
96. Casey Hewes Milwaukee, Wisc. 0 0-00
96. Louis Fox Tolland, Conn. 0 0-00
96. Donald S. Dills Mineral Bluff, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Justin Brown Lake City, Fla. 0 0-00
96. Johnny Pickett Cleveland, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Bill Mandikas Tampa, Fla. 0 0-00
96. Dennis O'Neill Houston, Texas 0 0-00
96. Tim Fox Lawrenceburg, Tenn. 0 0-00
96. Emory Dunahoo, Jr. Gainesville, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Michael Threlkeld Elberton, Ga. 0 0-00
96. Thomas Hart Kirkwood, Ill. 0 0-00
96. Gary Betts DeSoto, Ill. 0 0-00
96. David A. Jennings Ringgold, Ga. 0 0-00

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Edward F Singleton Anderson, S.C. 7-09 $400
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 10 202 549-03

RED HOT GUNTERSVILLE HOSTS CITGO BASSMASTERS
Angler of Year, Classic Races Come Into Focus in Alabama Tour Event

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala.,--April 3--The nation's top bass pros are anxious to celebrate the return to prominence of one of America's premier bass factories when they invade massive Lake Guntersville April 10-13 for the $478,000 Alabama CITGO BASSMASTER Tour event.

The tournament marks the return of B.A.S.S. to Lake Guntersville for the first time since 1997. And it coincides with the rebirth of the lake's famed milfoil beds that once housed one of the country's best bass factories before disappearing for several
years. The aquatic grass is back and the CITGO BASSMASTER pros will likely experience a red-hot reservoir at its peak.

At 69,100 acres, Guntersville is the largest lake in the state and the biggest of the four Tennessee River impoundments in Alabama. And if pre-tournament conditions continue, it could lay out a giant welcome mat for the 150 pros and their amateur partners.

"This tournament could go down in the record books for Guntersville this year if the conditions stay right," said Troy Jens, a veteran lake guide and occasional CITGO BASSMASTER Open competitor. "With the return of the grass habitat has come the
rebirth of some of the greatest bass fishing in the southeast.

"The BASSMASTER event will most likely see numerous five-fish strings over the 20-pound mark each day. In a recent large local tournament with 230 boats entered, it took nearly 17-1/2 pounds to take a 40th-place check, and there were 20 stringers
over the 20-pound mark weighed in. Twenty-eight pounds won that event. And its taken over 20-pounds to win nearly all tournaments on Lake Guntersville this spring."

One pro who has experienced Guntersville's supercharged fishing firsthand is 2000 B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Tim Horton. Horton recently drove over from his home in Muscle Shoals, Ala., to compete in a one-day regional tournament. He won the
contest with a 25-pound limit that included a 9-pound, 15-ounce beauty.

"That was the biggest fish I've ever caught in Alabama, which was a neat deal," said Horton, who is eighth in the Angler of the Year/ CITGO BASS Masters Classic standings. "They've really been catching a lot of 8 to 11s there this spring.

"The lake has come back phenomenally since they left the grass alone."

Although there should be a huge wave of big spawning females on the bank during the tournament, Horton emphasized that all three phases of the spawn will be occurring, which means the pros should be able to employ almost any style of fishing successfully.

"You should be able to catch them lots of different ways - shallow or out deep," he said. "It really just depends on how much rainfall we get and how TVA moves the water."

"The fish are in all stages of the spawning cycle, the ledge bite is turning on, and there will be plenty of active shallow water bass," guide Jens added. "The pros will find quality fish in all areas of the lake. I expect the jig and the lipless
crankbaits to produce the most big weights, but I'm not ruling out some huge topwater fish. While weather and river conditions always play a role in the bite, things have been right all spring, and if conditions stay right, this could be the weigh-in of th

e year
on the CITGO BASSMASTER trail."

One pro who came away from a pre-tournament scouting trip to Lake Guntersville singing its praises is Davy Hite. "The lake was too good," he gushed. "You won't hear that very often. It was incredible. I just saw a weigh-in where there were 20 teams that
had five-bass limits weighing over 20 pounds. I've never seen a weigh-in that good, ever."

The South Carolina pro has plenty to crow about these days. With just two Tour events remaining, he holds a sizable lead in the CITGO B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year race. The standings: Hite, 441 points; Larry Nixon, 430; Mark Davis, 411; Chuck Economou, 408;

Roland Martin, 407.

"It's not a done deal," Hite said. "I'd like to think that, but it's still a race. It looks good for the home team, though. Twenty points doesn't seem like a big lead, but it's misleading. My ace in the hole is my drop tournament, which is a 23rd (Tour
competitors are allowed to drop their worst finish).

"But it's not over. I could go out and not catch them in two tournaments, and I might not even finish in the top-10 in Angler of the Year. But I want to wrap this whole thing up at this next tournament, if possible."

Another interesting story entering the Lake Guntersville tournament is the status of legendary pro Rick Clunn and his incredible Classic streak. The Missouri pro, a four-time Classic champion, is struggling to qualify for his 29th
consecutive Classic appearance. He is in 58th place with two tournaments remaining.

"I'm not even sweating it anymore," said Clunn, who has never failed to make the Classic field in his entire career. "I know what I have to do. I think I need two top-20 finishes.

"I'm fishing better. I feel real good about that. I'm going into those tournaments with that attitude. Plus, both of these lakes (Guntersville and Eufaula) have been real good to me. I won my first Classic on Guntersville. So it boils down to something
very simple - I have to perform. And if I don't, I don't deserve to be there. If I do perform, then I'll be there."

Daily weigh-ins take place at Guntersville Sate Park at 3 p.m. Anglers launch beginning at 6:15 a.m. At stake is a $110,000 top prize and valuable Classic points.

Additionally, the North Alabama Tournament Anglers will be conducting a CastingKids event at Guntersville State Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. For more information contact Tom Ott
(256) 233-0739.

The Alabama CITGO BASSMASTER Tour event on Lake Guntersville will be televised on ESPN2 Saturday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. ET and will be re-aired on Friday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET.

By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its B.A.S.S. Federation, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The CITGO BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit.
It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades.

Sponsors of the Alabama CITGO BASSMASTER Tour include: CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Chevrolet Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries,
Kumho Tires, Long John Silver's, Gore-Tex Outerwear, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC/ B.A.S.S. Vehicle & Boat Insurance, B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa/First USA.

Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats and G3 Boats

The Alabama CITGO BASSMASTER Tour is presented locally by the State of Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, the City of Guntersville, and the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-State Parks Division.