12-04-2007, 11:10 PM
Okeechobee, Florida -- - Rebounding from a disappointing 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series campaign, Byron Velvick of Del Rio, Texas, took a commanding lead at the Bassmaster Elite Series WildCard on Florida's Lake Okeechobee with a limit of bass weighing 21 pounds, 5 ounces.
His closest competitor, Rich Ash of Pottstown, Pa., weighed in 16 pounds, 2 ounces, putting him more than 5 pounds behind Velvick. While the two, both of whom were Elite pros in 2007, are competing for the top spot, the field of 34 anglers is fighting for the final 10 qualifying berths in the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series.
The WildCard tournament is a second-chance competition for 2007 Elite pros who didn't qualify via their performance on the top-level circuit as well as 2007 Bassmaster Open pros who put together solid seasons.
Velvick's banner day was achieved with two different worms and a Rat-L-Trap fished in 4 to 8 feet of water. The 43-year-old located two key areas in the three-day practice period and rotated between them throughout the day Thursday.
"The key to success is fishing really slowly," said Velvick, who owns a resort on fish factory Lake Amistad in Texas. "I feel like my areas still have more to yield and I'm crossing my fingers that I can put together two decent limits."
It was an unsatisfactory season for Velvick in the Elite Series as he finished in 107th out of 108 anglers in the season-long points chase, the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. But the WildCard tournament gives the BASS winner a chance to qualify for fishing's most prestigious circuit.
"I feel good," Velvick said. "My practice period was very efficient. I covered a lot of water and feel I have a good handle on the lake."
While Ash trails Velvick by a significant margin, his day put him safely ahead of the cut for next year's Elite Series. The 56-year-old played it close to the vest on his choice of lure but said he targeted precise areas on Okeechobee with rocky bottoms, concentrating on 1 foot to 3 feet of depth.
Ash was optimistic about his chances in the season-ending WildCard event despite a disappointing Elite Series season.
"If you are an Elite angler and in this tournament, you obviously didn't have a great season," Ash said. "But to wrap up the season on a positive note would be a huge confidence booster."
Among the 34 pros fishing for Elite Series berths are Bobby Myers of Tulsa, Okla., in ninth with 11 pounds, 15 ounces, and Terry Segraves of Kissimmee, Fla., who finished 14th with 10 pounds, 12 ounces.
In the co-angler division, Jimmy Dudley of White, Ga., leads the chase for a top prize of more than $4,000 with 13 pounds, 5 ounces. Trailing White were Robbie Anderson of Crystal River, Fla., with 11 pounds, 13 ounces, and Jeff Sullivan of Frostproof, Fla., with 10 pounds, 11 ounces.
Location and Field
Lake Okeechobee<br />
Okeechobee, Fla.<br />
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Field<br />
34 Pros<br />
Full field fishes all three days of competition
Launch/Weigh-in<br />
C. Scott Driver Park<br />
10100 W. Highway 78<br />
6:45 a.m. ET/2:45 p.m. ET daily
Bassmaster Elite Series Sponsors: Sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series include Toyota Tundra, Purolator, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Berkley, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide, Evan Williams Bourbon, Ramada Worldwide and Costa Del Mar.
About BASS<br />
BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation Nation annually. Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has for nearly 40 years.
BASS stages and sanctions bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and support to its nearly 530,000 members. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit http://www.bassmaster.com. Visit http://www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.
2007 Wild Card Qualifier 11/29-12/1<br />
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee FL.<br />
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 21-05 305<br />
Day 1: 5 21-05<br />
2. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 16-02 295<br />
Day 1: 5 16-02<br />
3. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 15-05 290<br />
Day 1: 5 15-05<br />
4. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, TX 5 14-08 285<br />
Day 1: 5 14-08<br />
5. Billy Brewer Lorena, TX 5 14-07 280<br />
Day 1: 5 14-07<br />
6. Bobby Stanfill Greenwood, SC 5 14-00 276<br />
Day 1: 5 14-00<br />
7. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 13-01 272<br />
Day 1: 5 13-01<br />
8. Keith Phillips Crosby, TX 5 12-09 268<br />
Day 1: 5 12-09<br />
9. Bobby Myers Tulsa, OK 5 11-15 264<br />
Day 1: 5 11-15<br />
10. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 5 11-14 260<br />
Day 1: 5 11-14<br />
11. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 5 11-13 257<br />
Day 1: 5 11-13<br />
12. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 5 11-05 254<br />
Day 1: 5 11-05<br />
13. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, NY 5 11-03 251<br />
Day 1: 5 11-03<br />
14. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, FL 5 10-12 248<br />
Day 1: 5 10-12<br />
15. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 5 10-08 245<br />
Day 1: 5 10-08<br />
16. Kenneth Chapman Woodlawn, TN 5 10-07 243<br />
Day 1: 5 10-07<br />
17. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 5 10-06 241<br />
Day 1: 5 10-06<br />
18. David Sherrer Shreveport, LA 5 10-02 239<br />
Day 1: 5 10-02<br />
19. Kyle A. Fox Lakeland, FL 5 09-15 237<br />
Day 1: 5 09-15<br />
20. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 5 09-11 234<br />
Day 1: 5 09-11<br />
20. Brett Mitchell Timmonsville, SC 5 09-11 234<br />
Day 1: 5 09-11<br />
22. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 09-10 230<br />
Day 1: 5 09-10<br />
22. Sean Dassau Helena, AL 5 09-10 230<br />
Day 1: 5 09-10<br />
24. Scott Dean Terrell, TX 5 09-08 227<br />
Day 1: 5 09-08<br />
25. Mike Pickett Brandenburg, KY 5 09-02 224<br />
Day 1: 5 09-02<br />
25. Trevor Rogge Champlin, MN 5 09-02 224<br />
Day 1: 5 09-02<br />
27. Preston Henson Vacaville, CA 5 09-01 221<br />
Day 1: 5 09-01<br />
28. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 08-14 219<br />
Day 1: 5 08-14<br />
29. Ron Klys Gainesville, FL 5 08-09 217<br />
Day 1: 5 08-09<br />
30. Patrick Pierce Saint John, FL 5 08-08 215<br />
Day 1: 5 08-08<br />
31. John Cox Debary, FL 5 08-00 213<br />
Day 1: 5 08-00<br />
32. Robert Byrd Dallas, TX 4 07-15 211<br />
Day 1: 4 07-15<br />
33. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 4 06-07 209<br />
Day 1: 4 06-07<br />
34. Luke Estel Murphysboro, IL 3 03-06 207<br />
Day 1: 3 03-06<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PUROLATOR BIG BASS<br />
Day<br />
1 Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 06-14 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Totals<br />
Day #Limits #Fish Weight<br />
1 31 166 368-11<br />
----------------------------------<br />
31 166 368-11
2007 Wild Card Qualifier 11/29-12/1<br />
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee FL.<br />
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jimmy Dudley White, GA 5 13-05 305<br />
Day 1: 5 13-05<br />
2. Robbie Anderson Crystal River, FL 5 11-13 295 $300.00<br />
Day 1: 5 11-13<br />
3. Jeff Sullivan Frostproof, FL 5 10-11 290<br />
Day 1: 5 10-11<br />
4. Gil Phillips Alba, TX 5 10-03 285<br />
Day 1: 5 10-03<br />
5. Ben Todd Pierson, FL 5 08-15 280<br />
Day 1: 5 08-15<br />
6. Marty Scoggins Trion, GA 4 08-08 276<br />
Day 1: 4 08-08<br />
7. Brandon Stanley Johnson City, TN 5 08-06 272<br />
Day 1: 5 08-06<br />
8. Bill Poirier Riverview, FL 4 07-12 268<br />
Day 1: 4 07-12<br />
9. Wayne Montgomery Lake Wales, FL 3 07-01 264<br />
Day 1: 3 07-01<br />
10. Eric D. Johnson Millis, MA 5 06-14 260<br />
Day 1: 5 06-14<br />
11. John Tavano Pompano Beach, FL 5 06-11 257<br />
Day 1: 5 06-11<br />
12. Emre Sarihan Deerfield Beach, FL 5 06-09 254<br />
Day 1: 5 06-09<br />
13. Walter Zajkowski Wellington, FL 5 06-01 251<br />
Day 1: 5 06-01<br />
14. Mary Delgado Tampa, FL 4 05-15 248<br />
Day 1: 4 05-15<br />
15. Gary Bowien Georgetown, TX 4 05-09 245<br />
Day 1: 4 05-09<br />
16. Bj Hannah Dyersburg, TN 3 04-08 243<br />
Day 1: 3 04-08<br />
17. JIM Parish Overland, MO 4 04-07 241<br />
Day 1: 4 04-07<br />
18. Adrian Coble Brookeland, TX 2 04-04 239<br />
Day 1: 2 04-04<br />
19. Sam Dewey West Milton, OH 1 03-12 237<br />
Day 1: 1 03-12<br />
20. Robbie Thompson Saint Louis, MO 2 03-10 235<br />
Day 1: 2 03-10<br />
21. Johnny Stambaugh Vero Beach, FL 2 03-06 233<br />
Day 1: 2 03-06<br />
22. David Hagens Bradenton, FL 2 03-05 231<br />
Day 1: 2 03-05<br />
23. Chad Christensen Alpine, UT 1 02-11 229<br />
Day 1: 1 02-11<br />
24. Danny Bickom Canastota, NY 2 02-09 227<br />
Day 1: 2 02-09<br />
25. Clint Sterling Oakland, FL 2 02-06 225<br />
Day 1: 2 02-06<br />
26. Anthony Holzer East Palestine, OH 2 02-02 223<br />
Day 1: 2 02-02<br />
27. Ted Roberts Eustis, FL 1 02-01 221<br />
Day 1: 1 02-01<br />
28. Don Lewis Jacksonville, FL 1 01-09 219<br />
Day 1: 1 01-09<br />
29. Wes Hood Annandale, VA 1 01-01 216<br />
Day 1: 1 01-01<br />
29. Frank Jones Land O Lakes, FL 1 01-01 216<br />
Day 1: 1 01-01<br />
31. Blaine Bucy Wellsburg, WV 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
31. James Finley Coconut Creek, FL 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
31. Chris Persiani Bristol, VA 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
31. Edward Guertin Sanbornton, NH 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PUROLATOR BIG BASS<br />
Day<br />
1 Robbie Anderson Crystal River, FL 06-03 $300.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Totals<br />
Day #Limits #Fish Weight<br />
1 10 96 167-01<br />
----------------------------------<br />
10 96 167-01
Media Contact<br />
Bass Communications (407) 566-2208
His closest competitor, Rich Ash of Pottstown, Pa., weighed in 16 pounds, 2 ounces, putting him more than 5 pounds behind Velvick. While the two, both of whom were Elite pros in 2007, are competing for the top spot, the field of 34 anglers is fighting for the final 10 qualifying berths in the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series.
The WildCard tournament is a second-chance competition for 2007 Elite pros who didn't qualify via their performance on the top-level circuit as well as 2007 Bassmaster Open pros who put together solid seasons.
Velvick's banner day was achieved with two different worms and a Rat-L-Trap fished in 4 to 8 feet of water. The 43-year-old located two key areas in the three-day practice period and rotated between them throughout the day Thursday.
"The key to success is fishing really slowly," said Velvick, who owns a resort on fish factory Lake Amistad in Texas. "I feel like my areas still have more to yield and I'm crossing my fingers that I can put together two decent limits."
It was an unsatisfactory season for Velvick in the Elite Series as he finished in 107th out of 108 anglers in the season-long points chase, the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. But the WildCard tournament gives the BASS winner a chance to qualify for fishing's most prestigious circuit.
"I feel good," Velvick said. "My practice period was very efficient. I covered a lot of water and feel I have a good handle on the lake."
While Ash trails Velvick by a significant margin, his day put him safely ahead of the cut for next year's Elite Series. The 56-year-old played it close to the vest on his choice of lure but said he targeted precise areas on Okeechobee with rocky bottoms, concentrating on 1 foot to 3 feet of depth.
Ash was optimistic about his chances in the season-ending WildCard event despite a disappointing Elite Series season.
"If you are an Elite angler and in this tournament, you obviously didn't have a great season," Ash said. "But to wrap up the season on a positive note would be a huge confidence booster."
Among the 34 pros fishing for Elite Series berths are Bobby Myers of Tulsa, Okla., in ninth with 11 pounds, 15 ounces, and Terry Segraves of Kissimmee, Fla., who finished 14th with 10 pounds, 12 ounces.
In the co-angler division, Jimmy Dudley of White, Ga., leads the chase for a top prize of more than $4,000 with 13 pounds, 5 ounces. Trailing White were Robbie Anderson of Crystal River, Fla., with 11 pounds, 13 ounces, and Jeff Sullivan of Frostproof, Fla., with 10 pounds, 11 ounces.
Location and Field
Lake Okeechobee<br />
Okeechobee, Fla.<br />
Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Field<br />
34 Pros<br />
Full field fishes all three days of competition
Launch/Weigh-in<br />
C. Scott Driver Park<br />
10100 W. Highway 78<br />
6:45 a.m. ET/2:45 p.m. ET daily
Bassmaster Elite Series Sponsors: Sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series include Toyota Tundra, Purolator, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Berkley, Advance Auto Parts, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide, Evan Williams Bourbon, Ramada Worldwide and Costa Del Mar.
About BASS<br />
BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation Nation annually. Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has for nearly 40 years.
BASS stages and sanctions bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and support to its nearly 530,000 members. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit http://www.bassmaster.com. Visit http://www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.
2007 Wild Card Qualifier 11/29-12/1<br />
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee FL.<br />
(BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 21-05 305<br />
Day 1: 5 21-05<br />
2. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 16-02 295<br />
Day 1: 5 16-02<br />
3. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 15-05 290<br />
Day 1: 5 15-05<br />
4. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, TX 5 14-08 285<br />
Day 1: 5 14-08<br />
5. Billy Brewer Lorena, TX 5 14-07 280<br />
Day 1: 5 14-07<br />
6. Bobby Stanfill Greenwood, SC 5 14-00 276<br />
Day 1: 5 14-00<br />
7. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 13-01 272<br />
Day 1: 5 13-01<br />
8. Keith Phillips Crosby, TX 5 12-09 268<br />
Day 1: 5 12-09<br />
9. Bobby Myers Tulsa, OK 5 11-15 264<br />
Day 1: 5 11-15<br />
10. Doc Merkin Downers Grove, IL 5 11-14 260<br />
Day 1: 5 11-14<br />
11. Eric Nethery Acworth, GA 5 11-13 257<br />
Day 1: 5 11-13<br />
12. Dave Parsons Yantis, TX 5 11-05 254<br />
Day 1: 5 11-05<br />
13. Darrin Schwenkbeck Varysburg, NY 5 11-03 251<br />
Day 1: 5 11-03<br />
14. Terry Segraves Kissimmee, FL 5 10-12 248<br />
Day 1: 5 10-12<br />
15. Frank Scalish Cleveland Heights, OH 5 10-08 245<br />
Day 1: 5 10-08<br />
16. Kenneth Chapman Woodlawn, TN 5 10-07 243<br />
Day 1: 5 10-07<br />
17. Elton Luce Jr Brookeland, TX 5 10-06 241<br />
Day 1: 5 10-06<br />
18. David Sherrer Shreveport, LA 5 10-02 239<br />
Day 1: 5 10-02<br />
19. Kyle A. Fox Lakeland, FL 5 09-15 237<br />
Day 1: 5 09-15<br />
20. Jimmy Mason Rogersville, AL 5 09-11 234<br />
Day 1: 5 09-11<br />
20. Brett Mitchell Timmonsville, SC 5 09-11 234<br />
Day 1: 5 09-11<br />
22. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 09-10 230<br />
Day 1: 5 09-10<br />
22. Sean Dassau Helena, AL 5 09-10 230<br />
Day 1: 5 09-10<br />
24. Scott Dean Terrell, TX 5 09-08 227<br />
Day 1: 5 09-08<br />
25. Mike Pickett Brandenburg, KY 5 09-02 224<br />
Day 1: 5 09-02<br />
25. Trevor Rogge Champlin, MN 5 09-02 224<br />
Day 1: 5 09-02<br />
27. Preston Henson Vacaville, CA 5 09-01 221<br />
Day 1: 5 09-01<br />
28. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 08-14 219<br />
Day 1: 5 08-14<br />
29. Ron Klys Gainesville, FL 5 08-09 217<br />
Day 1: 5 08-09<br />
30. Patrick Pierce Saint John, FL 5 08-08 215<br />
Day 1: 5 08-08<br />
31. John Cox Debary, FL 5 08-00 213<br />
Day 1: 5 08-00<br />
32. Robert Byrd Dallas, TX 4 07-15 211<br />
Day 1: 4 07-15<br />
33. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 4 06-07 209<br />
Day 1: 4 06-07<br />
34. Luke Estel Murphysboro, IL 3 03-06 207<br />
Day 1: 3 03-06<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PUROLATOR BIG BASS<br />
Day<br />
1 Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 06-14 $0.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Totals<br />
Day #Limits #Fish Weight<br />
1 31 166 368-11<br />
----------------------------------<br />
31 166 368-11
2007 Wild Card Qualifier 11/29-12/1<br />
Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee FL.<br />
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Jimmy Dudley White, GA 5 13-05 305<br />
Day 1: 5 13-05<br />
2. Robbie Anderson Crystal River, FL 5 11-13 295 $300.00<br />
Day 1: 5 11-13<br />
3. Jeff Sullivan Frostproof, FL 5 10-11 290<br />
Day 1: 5 10-11<br />
4. Gil Phillips Alba, TX 5 10-03 285<br />
Day 1: 5 10-03<br />
5. Ben Todd Pierson, FL 5 08-15 280<br />
Day 1: 5 08-15<br />
6. Marty Scoggins Trion, GA 4 08-08 276<br />
Day 1: 4 08-08<br />
7. Brandon Stanley Johnson City, TN 5 08-06 272<br />
Day 1: 5 08-06<br />
8. Bill Poirier Riverview, FL 4 07-12 268<br />
Day 1: 4 07-12<br />
9. Wayne Montgomery Lake Wales, FL 3 07-01 264<br />
Day 1: 3 07-01<br />
10. Eric D. Johnson Millis, MA 5 06-14 260<br />
Day 1: 5 06-14<br />
11. John Tavano Pompano Beach, FL 5 06-11 257<br />
Day 1: 5 06-11<br />
12. Emre Sarihan Deerfield Beach, FL 5 06-09 254<br />
Day 1: 5 06-09<br />
13. Walter Zajkowski Wellington, FL 5 06-01 251<br />
Day 1: 5 06-01<br />
14. Mary Delgado Tampa, FL 4 05-15 248<br />
Day 1: 4 05-15<br />
15. Gary Bowien Georgetown, TX 4 05-09 245<br />
Day 1: 4 05-09<br />
16. Bj Hannah Dyersburg, TN 3 04-08 243<br />
Day 1: 3 04-08<br />
17. JIM Parish Overland, MO 4 04-07 241<br />
Day 1: 4 04-07<br />
18. Adrian Coble Brookeland, TX 2 04-04 239<br />
Day 1: 2 04-04<br />
19. Sam Dewey West Milton, OH 1 03-12 237<br />
Day 1: 1 03-12<br />
20. Robbie Thompson Saint Louis, MO 2 03-10 235<br />
Day 1: 2 03-10<br />
21. Johnny Stambaugh Vero Beach, FL 2 03-06 233<br />
Day 1: 2 03-06<br />
22. David Hagens Bradenton, FL 2 03-05 231<br />
Day 1: 2 03-05<br />
23. Chad Christensen Alpine, UT 1 02-11 229<br />
Day 1: 1 02-11<br />
24. Danny Bickom Canastota, NY 2 02-09 227<br />
Day 1: 2 02-09<br />
25. Clint Sterling Oakland, FL 2 02-06 225<br />
Day 1: 2 02-06<br />
26. Anthony Holzer East Palestine, OH 2 02-02 223<br />
Day 1: 2 02-02<br />
27. Ted Roberts Eustis, FL 1 02-01 221<br />
Day 1: 1 02-01<br />
28. Don Lewis Jacksonville, FL 1 01-09 219<br />
Day 1: 1 01-09<br />
29. Wes Hood Annandale, VA 1 01-01 216<br />
Day 1: 1 01-01<br />
29. Frank Jones Land O Lakes, FL 1 01-01 216<br />
Day 1: 1 01-01<br />
31. Blaine Bucy Wellsburg, WV 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
31. James Finley Coconut Creek, FL 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
31. Chris Persiani Bristol, VA 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
31. Edward Guertin Sanbornton, NH 0 00-00 0<br />
Day 1: 0 00-00<br />
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
PUROLATOR BIG BASS<br />
Day<br />
1 Robbie Anderson Crystal River, FL 06-03 $300.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Totals<br />
Day #Limits #Fish Weight<br />
1 10 96 167-01<br />
----------------------------------<br />
10 96 167-01
Media Contact<br />
Bass Communications (407) 566-2208