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Lake Guntersville Shows True Colors; Texan Todd Faircloth Smashes 31 Pounds to Lead at Bassmaster Elite Series Event

Category: press release

 May 7th, 2009 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified May 7th, 2009 at 12:00 AM

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Fish-factory Lake Guntersville is like racing on a fast track, golfing on a short municipal course or bowling with those deflecting cushions. In other words, things can get a bit easier and infinitely more entertaining. On Thursday, Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, smashed 31 pounds, 0 ounces, on Guntersville to lead the Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge, edging out a host of anglers who caught 28-plus pounds.

	Skeeter Pro and Day 1 leader Todd Faircloth loads his catch on Lake Guntersville (Photo Courtesy of BASS)

Spurred by a productive practice, Faircloth boated the vast majority of his weight by 8 a.m., just two hours into his competition day. The two-time BASS winner visited high spots on the main lake filled with either shell beds or grass. With a firm total in hand, Faircloth spent much of his day searching for new water that he could use throughout the rest of the four-day tournament.

“It was just one of those days that you dream about having,” said Faircloth, 33. “You pretty much can do whatever you want to catch them. But I know how these things typically play out. One day you can be on them and the next you can be scratching your head.”

Fishing fans can catch all of the on-the-water action from the Southern Challenge on The Bassmasters, which airs Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The daily weigh-ins for all regular-season Elite events and the two postseason events will air live on ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, while a wealth of unique content will also be available at Bassmaster.com. Fans can log on to Bassmaster.com throughout the competition to catch live, daily Hooked Up updates with BASS emcee Keith Alan.

Like many pros, Faircloth felt that the fishery had turned on due to the heavy current being pulled on Guntersville. While he felt that the areas he visited were a key to his success, he said his pattern played a significant role in his banner day. He didn’t, however, divulge details of his technique.

It’s been quite a run for Faircloth over the past few seasons. He has qualified for three consecutive Bassmaster Classics, crossed the $1 million in BASS career earnings threshold and narrowly missed out on the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, finishing second to Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich.

He is far from done, however. This year, he is eighth in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings and still has an outside shot at the coveted title. And a victory at Guntersville would put his credentials on par with the top echelon of Elite anglers.

“I’ve been running pretty good of late,” said Faircloth. “But I’m always looking to improve. That’s what I’ll be looking to do tomorrow.”

While Faircloth is red hot, Mike McClelland, who is just 6 ounces behind Faircloth, is looking to turn around a less-than-stellar season. He is well positioned to do so after boating a limit of 30 pounds, 10 ounces, which included an 8-pound behemoth.

Two days into a so-so practice period, McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., decided to change things up. Something didn’t feel right and he conferred with Jeff Kriet, a fellow Elite angler, and made some slight adjustments. It worked Thursday. The six-time BASS winner, throwing a variety of baits, was able to lock in where he is comfortable, away from the shoreline.

Troubled by events this season where sight fishing was the dominant pattern, McClelland has yet to find his grove and is 44th in the AOY standings; this after staying close to VanDam and Faircloth in the AOY chase last year.

Nonetheless, McClelland, a six-time Classic qualifier, could easily turn things around with a top finish at Guntersville.

“Things just fell into place today,” said McClelland, 41. “This can definitely help me for the rest of the season. I feel comfortable and I plan to explore some things tomorrow.”

In third was Byron Velvick of Del Rio, Texas, with 29 pounds, 4 ounces. Tied for fourth was Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., and Ken Cook of Lawton, Okla., with 29 pounds, 2 ounces.

To illustrate Guntersville’s productivity, Martens said he caught 137 fish in the keeper-size range Thursday and had more than 200 bites translating to more than 20 bites per hour.

Kevin VanDam and Skeet Reese finished in a tie for 15th. The two, neck and neck in the 2009 AOY race, continue to stay close to each other. Reese is trailing VanDam by more than 60 points and Alton Jones, who placed sixth Thursday, is lurking in third in the AOY race.

Guntersville has been the site of more than 20 previous BASS events, including the 1976 Bassmaster Classic, won by Elite Series pro Rick Clunn of Ava, Mo. The last time the Elite Series visited the popular fishery, in 2007, VanDam outlasted the field to claim the trophy. His winning weight of 66 pounds, 3 ounces, was more than 7 pounds the better over St. Louis’ Mark Tucker, who finished second with 59-1.

After Day Two’s competition Friday, the field will be cut to the top 50 anglers for Day Three. Only the top 12 will go on to compete in Day Four. Fans are encouraged to attend the Southern Challenge’s daily launches (6 a.m. CT) and weigh-ins (4 p.m.) through Sunday at Lake Guntersville State Park, 4242 Aubrey Carr Scenic Dr., Guntersville.

Other activities Saturday and Sunday at the Southern Challenge will begin at 1 p.m. CT at Lake Guntersville State Park, featuring the popular Dog Training & Retriever Demonstrations Brought To You By SportDog, as well as the Southern Challenge Rib Cookoff on Saturday.

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, fans are invited to experience Bassmaster University, which includes the “Ask the Experts” session with Elite pros at 3 p.m.

Sunday’s activities include the live taping of Hooked Up, hosted by ESPN Outdoors personalities Mark Zona and Tommy Sanders. The show, which will air live at 3:30 p.m. ET on Bassmaster.com, will preview Sunday’s final weigh-in.

All events at the Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge are free and open to the public. Up next in the Elite Series is the June 3-6 Tennessee Triumph on Kentucky Lake out of Paris, Tenn.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNMediaZone.com for ESPN’s latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video, audio clips and more.

Local sponsors of the Southern Challenge are the Marshall County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

Official sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, BOOYAH Baits, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, OPTIMA Batteries, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards.

Supporting sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series: Bass Pro Shops, Costa Del Mar, Ramada, SpongeTech and Triton Boats.

About BASS

For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multimedia platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN’s broadband sports network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Academy Sports + Outdoors Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS annually sanctions more than 20,000 events.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

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Media Contact: Doug Grassian; (407) 566-2216 or [email protected]

DAY 1 STANDINGS- STA-BIL SOUTHERN CHALLENGE

2009 Marine Formula STA-BIL Southern Challenge 5/7-5/10
Lake Guntersville, Guntersville AL.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1

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

1. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 31-00 305
Day 1: 5 31-00
2. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 30-10 295
Day 1: 5 30-10
3. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 29-04 290
Day 1: 5 29-04
4. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 29-02 285
Day 1: 5 29-02
4. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 29-02 285
Day 1: 5 29-02
6. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 28-12 276
Day 1: 5 28-12
7. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 27-05 272
Day 1: 5 27-05
8. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 26-15 268
Day 1: 5 26-15
9. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 26-14 264
Day 1: 5 26-14
10. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 26-11 260
Day 1: 5 26-11
11. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 26-03 257
Day 1: 5 26-03
12. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 25-14 254
Day 1: 5 25-14
13. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 25-12 251
Day 1: 5 25-12
13. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 25-12 251
Day 1: 5 25-12
15. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 25-09 245
Day 1: 5 25-09
15. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 25-09 245
Day 1: 5 25-09
17. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 25-06 241
Day 1: 5 25-06
18. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 25-03 239
Day 1: 5 25-03
19. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 24-12 237
Day 1: 5 24-12
20. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 5 24-08 235
Day 1: 5 24-08
21. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 24-07 233
Day 1: 5 24-07
22. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 24-06 231
Day 1: 5 24-06
23. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 24-01 229
Day 1: 5 24-01
23. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 24-01 229
Day 1: 5 24-01
25. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 5 24-00 225
Day 1: 5 24-00
26. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 23-10 223
Day 1: 5 23-10
27. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 23-07 221
Day 1: 5 23-07
28. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 23-06 219
Day 1: 5 23-06
29. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 23-04 217
Day 1: 5 23-04
29. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 23-04 217
Day 1: 5 23-04
31. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 23-01 213
Day 1: 5 23-01
32. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 22-15 211
Day 1: 5 22-15
33. Billy Mccaghren Mayflower, AR 5 22-13 209
Day 1: 5 22-13
34. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 22-10 207
Day 1: 5 22-10
35. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 22-04 205
Day 1: 5 22-04
36. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 22-02 203
Day 1: 5 22-02
36. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 22-02 203
Day 1: 5 22-02
38. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 22-01 199
Day 1: 5 22-01
39. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 21-14 197
Day 1: 5 21-14
40. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 21-13 195
Day 1: 5 21-13
41. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 21-09 193
Day 1: 5 21-09
41. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 5 21-09 193
Day 1: 5 21-09
43. Jason Quinn York, SC 5 21-07 189
Day 1: 5 21-07
44. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 21-06 187
Day 1: 5 21-06
45. Mark Burgess Norton, MA 5 21-04 185
Day 1: 5 21-04
46. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 21-01 183
Day 1: 5 21-01
47. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 20-14 181
Day 1: 5 20-14
48. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 5 20-14 179
Day 1: 5 20-14
49. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 5 20-12 177
Day 1: 5 20-12
49. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 20-12 177
Day 1: 5 20-12
49. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 20-12 177
Day 1: 5 20-12
52. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 5 20-12 171
Day 1: 5 20-12
53. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 20-09 169
Day 1: 5 20-09
53. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 20-09 169
Day 1: 5 20-09
55. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 20-08 165
Day 1: 5 20-08
56. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 20-07 163
Day 1: 5 20-07
57. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 20-06 161
Day 1: 5 20-06
58. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 20-05 159
Day 1: 5 20-05
59. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 20-04 157
Day 1: 5 20-04
59. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 20-04 157
Day 1: 5 20-04
61. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 20-03 153
Day 1: 5 20-03
61. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 5 20-03 153
Day 1: 5 20-03
63. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 20-01 149
Day 1: 5 20-01
64. John Crews Salem, VA 5 19-13 147
Day 1: 5 19-13
65. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 19-12 145
Day 1: 5 19-12
66. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 19-06 143
Day 1: 5 19-06
66. Morizo Shimizu Osaka JAPAN 5 19-06 143
Day 1: 5 19-06
66. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 19-06 143
Day 1: 5 19-06
69. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 19-04 137
Day 1: 5 19-04
70. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 19-03 135
Day 1: 5 19-03
71. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 18-14 133
Day 1: 5 18-14
72. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 18-13 131
Day 1: 5 18-13
73. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 18-10 129
Day 1: 5 18-10
74. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 18-08 127
Day 1: 5 18-08
74. Vince Fulks Purcell, OK 5 18-08 127
Day 1: 5 18-08
74. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 18-08 127
Day 1: 5 18-08
77. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 18-04 121
Day 1: 5 18-04
78. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 17-12 119
Day 1: 5 17-12
79. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 17-07 117
Day 1: 5 17-07
80. Chad Griffin Cresson, TX 5 17-00 115
Day 1: 5 17-00
81. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 16-13 113
Day 1: 5 16-13
82. Pat Golden High Point, NC 5 16-11 111
Day 1: 5 16-11
83. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 16-09 109
Day 1: 5 16-09
83. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 5 16-09 109
Day 1: 5 16-09
85. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 16-04 105
Day 1: 5 16-04
86. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 15-11 103
Day 1: 5 15-11
87. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 15-09 101
Day 1: 5 15-09
87. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 5 15-09 101
Day 1: 5 15-09
89. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 15-09 97
Day 1: 5 15-09
90. Luke Gritter Kalamazoo, MI 5 15-00 95
Day 1: 5 15-00
91. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 5 14-15 93
Day 1: 5 14-15
91. David Smith Del City, OK 5 14-15 93
Day 1: 5 14-15
93. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 14-01 89
Day 1: 5 14-01
94. Matt Herren Trussville, AL 5 14-00 87
Day 1: 5 14-00
95. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 5 13-00 85
Day 1: 5 13-00
96. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 12-08 83
Day 1: 5 12-08
97. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 3 12-00 81
Day 1: 3 12-00
98. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 3 07-13 79
Day 1: 3 07-13
99. Brent Broderick Oregonia, OH 2 04-04 77
Day 1: 2 04-04
———————————————————————–

BIG BASS
Day
1 Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 08-05 $0.00

———————————————————————–
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 488 2064-09
———————————-
96 488 2064-09