DEL RIO, Texas - Demonstrating that Texas Lake Amistad is still capable of surrendering impressive weights, Kurt Dove of Fairfax, Va., weighed 30 pounds, 8 ounces Friday to take the lead by more than 1 pound over his nearest competitor, Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., in the shortened Battle on the Border bass fishing tournament.
Dove was the only angler to weigh in more than 30 pounds and identified his successful pattern on the last day of practice, Wednesday. The tournament was condensed to three days after Thursdays competition day was canceled due to unsafe weather. The full field will fish Saturday with the top 12 moving on to Sunday.
Dove said he is doing something totally different than many of the other competitors in the field but played it close to the vest on the specifics. He is not getting many bites but the ones that are biting are of the bigger variety.
Im still building on this pattern, said Dove, 35. I am targeting a precise type of structure. Every time I find it, I get a bite like clockwork.
While Dove was confident his pattern would hold up, he did say that he only catches one on each spot he visits. He is focusing on deeper water and is doing a lot of running around the lake searching for the particular areas.
With a win, Dove would earn $100,000 and double his career BASS earnings. A finish in the upper echelon of the field will also significantly boost his standings in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, which feature a $250,000 top prize and are the main qualifying avenue into the Bassmaster Classic. Dove was in 105th in the standings entering the Amistad event.
McClelland, who weighed 29 pounds, 5 ounces, is searching for his fourth victory in Elite Series competition and his second in 2008. He fished a variety of methods Saturday and continues to work towards his goal of taking the Angler of the Year title. He was sixth heading into Amistad.
It was just one of those days. It was phenomenal, said McClelland, 40. I caught them throwing a stickbait, a swimbait and a Carolina rig. Things were definitely happening.
Despite a slow practice, McClelland stuck with his areas and they produced. He has a number of areas he didnt fish Friday and will visit those if his primary area fails to produce.
Another Arkansan, Clark Reehm of Russellville, was third with 28-14. The Advance Auto Parts rookie is seeking his first BASS win.
Behind Reehm was Texas stalwart Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., with 27-12. Monroe scored victory on Amistad in the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series event in 2006 and both of his BASS victories have been achieved in the Lone Star state. Tied with Monroe was Jami Fralick of Martin, S.D.
In the co-angler division, Victor Cunningham of Phoenix, Ariz., boated a three-fish limit weighing 18 pounds, 13 ounces and leads the chase for the $25,000 top prize. Trailing Cunningham were Louisianas Mike Williams (17-9) and Texan Billy Fillmon (17-4).
2008 Battle on the Border 4/10-4/13
Lake Amistad, Del Rio TX.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 30-08 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 30-08
2. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 29-05 295
Day 1: 5 29-05
3. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 5 28-14 290
Day 1: 5 28-14
4. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 27-12282.5
Day 1: 5 27-12
4. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 27-12282.5
Day 1: 5 27-12
6. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 27-10 276
Day 1: 5 27-10
7. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 27-07 272
Day 1: 5 27-07
8. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 27-03 268
Day 1: 5 27-03
9. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 26-04 264
Day 1: 5 26-04
10. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 25-15 260
Day 1: 5 25-15
11. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 25-13 257
Day 1: 5 25-13
12. Billy Brewer Bruceville, TX 5 25-12 254
Day 1: 5 25-12
13. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 25-04 251 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 25-04
14. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 25-03 248
Day 1: 5 25-03
15. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 23-14 245
Day 1: 5 23-14
16. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 5 22-00 243
Day 1: 5 22-00
17. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 5 21-15 241
Day 1: 5 21-15
18. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 21-13 239
Day 1: 5 21-13
19. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 21-07 237
Day 1: 5 21-07
20. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 21-05 235
Day 1: 5 21-05
21. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 21-01 233
Day 1: 5 21-01
22. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 20-15 230
Day 1: 5 20-15
22. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 20-15 230
Day 1: 5 20-15
24. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 20-13 227
Day 1: 5 20-13
25. Jay Fuller Kingston, OK 5 20-08 225
Day 1: 5 20-08
26. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 5 20-05 223
Day 1: 5 20-05
27. Russ Lane Prattville, AL5 20-00 221
Day 1: 5 20-00
28. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 19-15 217
Day 1: 5 19-15
28. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 19-15 217
Day 1: 5 19-15
28. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 19-15 217
Day 1: 5 19-15
31. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 19-14 213
Day 1: 5 19-14
32. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 19-12 211
Day 1: 5 19-12
33. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 5 19-11 209
Day 1: 5 19-11
34. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 19-07 207
Day 1: 5 19-07
35. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 19-05 205
Day 1: 5 19-05
36. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 19-04 203
Day 1: 5 19-04
37. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 19-01 201
Day 1: 5 19-01
38. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 18-13 199
Day 1: 5 18-13
39. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 18-09 197
Day 1: 5 18-09
40. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, CA 5 18-06 195
Day 1: 5 18-06
41. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 18-05 193
Day 1: 5 18-05
42. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 18-04 191
Day 1: 5 18-04
43. Greg Gutierrez Red Bluff, CA 5 18-03 189
Day 1: 5 18-03
44. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 18-02 187
Day 1: 5 18-02
45. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 17-15 185
Day 1: 5 17-15
46. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 17-14 183
Day 1: 5 17-14
47. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 17-11 181
Day 1: 5 17-11
48. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL5 17-05 179
Day 1: 5 17-05
49. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 17-02 177
Day 1: 5 17-02
50. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 5 17-01 175
Day 1: 5 17-01
51. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 16-12 173
Day 1: 5 16-12
52. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 16-10 171
Day 1: 5 16-10
53. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 16-08 169
Day 1: 5 16-08
54. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 16-04 167
Day 1: 5 16-04
55. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 16-02 165
Day 1: 5 16-02
56. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 15-15 163
Day 1: 5 15-15
57. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 15-13 160
Day 1: 5 15-13
57. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 15-13 160
Day 1: 5 15-13
59. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 15-09 157
Day 1: 5 15-09
60. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 15-08 155
Day 1: 5 15-08
61. David Smith Del City, OK 5 15-07 153
Day 1: 5 15-07
62. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 15-04 151
Day 1: 5 15-04
63. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 15-00 148
Day 1: 5 15-00
63. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 15-00 148
Day 1: 5 15-00
65. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 14-15 145
Day 1: 5 14-15
66. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL5 14-12 143
Day 1: 5 14-12
67. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 14-11 141
Day 1: 5 14-11
68. David Sherrer Shreveport, LA 5 14-10 139
Day 1: 5 14-10
69. Jason Quinn York, SC 5 14-09 136
Day 1: 5 14-09
69. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 4 14-09 136
Day 1: 4 14-09
71. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 5 14-00 132
Day 1: 5 14-00
71. Morizo Shimizu Osaka, CA 5 14-00 132
Day 1: 5 14-00
73. John Crews Salem, VA 5 13-15 128
Day 1: 5 13-15
73. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 13-15 128
Day 1: 5 13-15
75. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 13-11 124
Day 1: 5 13-11
75. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 13-11 124
Day 1: 5 13-11
77. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 13-10 120
Day 1: 5 13-10
77. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 13-10 120
Day 1: 5 13-10
79. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-09 117
Day 1: 5 13-09
80. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 13-07 115
Day 1: 5 13-07
81. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 13-06 111
Day 1: 5 13-06
81. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 13-06 111
Day 1: 5 13-06
81. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 13-06 111
Day 1: 5 13-06
84. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 13-05 107
Day 1: 5 13-05
85. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 5 13-04 105
Day 1: 5 13-04
86. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 13-01 103
Day 1: 5 13-01
87. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 12-13 101
Day 1: 5 12-13
88. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 5 12-12 99
Day 1: 5 12-12
89. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 12-11 97
Day 1: 5 12-11
90. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 12-10 95
Day 1: 5 12-10
91. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 12-07 93
Day 1: 5 12-07
92. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 12-05 91
Day 1: 5 12-05
93. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, TX 5 12-02 89
Day 1: 5 12-02
94. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 11-13 87
Day 1: 5 11-13
95. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 5 11-11 84
Day 1: 5 11-11
95. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 11-11 84
Day 1: 5 11-11
97. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 11-07 80
Day 1: 5 11-07
97. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 11-07 80
Day 1: 5 11-07
99. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 11-04 77
Day 1: 5 11-04
100. Pat Golden High Point, NC 5 11-03 76
Day 1: 5 11-03
101. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 11-02 75
Day 1: 5 11-02
102. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 11-00 74
Day 1: 5 11-00
103. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 10-13 73
Day 1: 5 10-13
104. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 10-09 72
Day 1: 5 10-09
105. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 10-07 70.5
Day 1: 5 10-07
105. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 10-07 70.5
Day 1: 5 10-07
107. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 09-08 69
Day 1: 5 09-08
108. Bobby Myers Tulsa, OK 5 09-07 68
Day 1: 5 09-07
109. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 3 06-04 67
Day 1: 3 06-04
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Randy Howell Springville, AL 10-08 $1,000.00
Day
1 Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 30-08 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 107 542 1872-02
----------------------------------
107 542 1872-02
2008 Battle on the Border 4/10-4/13
Lake Amistad, Del Rio TX.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Victor Cunningham Phoenix, AZ 3 18-13 0
Day 1: 3 18-13
2. Mike Williams Delhi, LA 3 17-09 0
Day 1: 3 17-09
3. Billy Fillmon Del Rio, TX 3 17-04 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 17-04
4. James Lynn Georgetown, TX 3 15-05 0
Day 1: 3 15-05
5. Harry Parten Sweet Water, AL 3 14-11 0
Day 1: 3 14-11
6. Rick Romane Pipe Creek, TX 3 14-10 0
Day 1: 3 14-10
7. Kenny Williamson Peoria, AZ 3 14-07 0
Day 1: 3 14-07
8. Alexander Meza San Jose, CA 3 14-00 0
Day 1: 3 14-00
9. Michi Oba Irving, TX 3 13-11 0
Day 1: 3 13-11
9. Austin Terry San Angelo, TX 3 13-11 0
Day 1: 3 13-11
9. Larry Triplett Parker, CO 3 13-11 0
Day 1: 3 13-11
12. Judith Hart Greenville, TX 3 13-09 0
Day 1: 3 13-09
13. Steven Crowell Lumberton, TX 3 13-03 0
Day 1: 3 13-03
14. Marcos Malucelli Fort Mill, SC 3 12-11 0
Day 1: 3 12-11
15. Justin Hotz Colorado Springs, CO 3 12-04 0
Day 1: 3 12-04
15. Jason Titus Brooklyn Park, MN 3 12-04 0
Day 1: 3 12-04
17. Brian Brandon Elgin, TX 3 12-02 0
Day 1: 3 12-02
17. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, AL 3 12-02 0
Day 1: 3 12-02
19. Preston Frazell Kincaid, KS 3 11-12 0
Day 1: 3 11-12
19. Mike Frazier Clermont, FL 3 11-12 0
Day 1: 3 11-12
21. Thomas Frink Simi Valley, CA 3 11-08 0
Day 1: 3 11-08
22. Dave Elder Tuscaloosa, AL 3 11-03 0
Day 1: 3 11-03
22. Johnny Graham Tulsa, OK 3 11-03 0
Day 1: 3 11-03
24. Charles Bonner Williamsburg, NM 3 11-02 0
Day 1: 3 11-02
25. Michael Tafoya La Plata, NM 3 10-13 0
Day 1: 3 10-13
26. Russell Lohman Pineville, LA 3 10-07 0
Day 1: 3 10-07
27. Dustin Ratliff Coahoma, TX 3 10-06 0
Day 1: 3 10-06
28. Paul Pagnato Vienna, VA 3 10-04 0
Day 1: 3 10-04
29. J Todd Tucker Moultrie, GA 3 10-03 0
Day 1: 3 10-03
30. George Holloway Del Rio, TX 3 10-02 0
Day 1: 3 10-02
31. Joe Gamboa Rio Rancho, NM 3 10-00 0
Day 1: 3 10-00
32. Joseph Lancaster Victoria, TX 3 09-15 0
Day 1: 3 09-15
33. Jose Felipe De La Garza Del Rio, TX 3 09-12 0
Day 1: 3 09-12
34. Jason Cordiale Orinda, CA 3 09-07 0
Day 1: 3 09-07
35. Mark Adams Edgewood, NM 3 09-03 0
Day 1: 3 09-03
36. Benjamin Jackson Broken Arrow, OK 3 09-02 0
Day 1: 3 09-02
37. Garry Steiner Ochelata, OK 3 09-01 0
Day 1: 3 09-01
38. Billy Glascock Kingston, OK 3 09-00 0
Day 1: 3 09-00
38. Ricky Parker Kaufman, TX 3 09-00 0
Day 1: 3 09-00
40. Jimmy Adams Howey In The Hills, FL 3 08-15 0
Day 1: 3 08-15
40. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, AL 3 08-15 0
Day 1: 3 08-15
42. John Basinger Slaton, TX 3 08-11 0
Day 1: 3 08-11
43. John Northam Adkins, TX 3 08-08 0
Day 1: 3 08-08
44. Joel Etheredge Springville, AL 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06
44. Albert Hudson Austin, TX 3 08-06 0
Day 1: 3 08-06
46. Gary Carr San Angelo, TX 3 08-04 0
Day 1: 3 08-04
47. Matthew Leavell Tuscaloosa, AL 3 07-15 0
Day 1: 3 07-15
48. Dennis Whitaker Branson, MO 3 07-14 0
Day 1: 3 07-14
49. Steve Loraus Mound, MN 3 07-13 0
Day 1: 3 07-13
49. Jjorge Villarreal Acuna Coachuila MEXICO 2 07-13 0
Day 1: 2 07-13
51. Rod Lambirth Kenna, NM 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
51. Steven Tschirhart Boerne, TX 3 07-10 0
Day 1: 3 07-10
53. Leonard Baudino Morris, IL 3 07-08 0
Day 1: 3 07-08
53. Ron Gilworth Socorro, NM 3 07-08 0
Day 1: 3 07-08
55. Jason Seaton Martinsville, IN 3 07-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-07
55. James Walston Spring, TX 3 07-07 0
Day 1: 3 07-07
57. Jay Curtis Hobbs, NM 3 07-05 0
Day 1: 3 07-05
58. Randall Jackson Broken Arrow, OK 3 07-03 0
Day 1: 3 07-03
58. Billy Yelverton Baton Rouge, LA 3 07-03 0
Day 1: 3 07-03
60. Jim McDevitt Eldon, MO 3 07-02 0
Day 1: 3 07-02
61. Ivan C Morris Virginia Beach, VA 3 06-15 0
Day 1: 3 06-15
62. Wes Hood Annandale, VA 3 06-14 0
Day 1: 3 06-14
63. Bob Heck Hobbs, NM 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
63. Cody Hundley Rio Medina, TX 3 06-11 0
Day 1: 3 06-11
65. Jonathan Jones Del Rio, TX 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
65. Lee Sisson Winter Haven, FL 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
65. Allen Ruddick Las Cruces, NM 3 06-10 0
Day 1: 3 06-10
68. William Pickard Portland, TN 3 06-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-09
68. Howard Stephens Columbia, SC 3 06-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-09
68. Gregory Westall San Antonio, TX 3 06-09 0
Day 1: 3 06-09
71. Chad Kallina Nada, TX 3 06-08 0
Day 1: 3 06-08
72. Donald Denbleyker Littleton, CO 3 06-07 0
Day 1: 3 06-07
73. Kirk Boyd Cypress, TX 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
73. Travis Manson Green Bay, WI 3 06-05 0
Day 1: 3 06-05
75. Kevin Cunningham Farmingdale, NY 3 06-04 0
Day 1: 3 06-04
76. Ronnie Tyson Marietta, GA 3 06-03 0
Day 1: 3 06-03
77. Ubaldo Benavidez Silver City, NM 3 06-02 0
Day 1: 3 06-02
77. Mario Carreon Las Cruces, NM 2 06-02 0
Day 1: 2 06-02
79. Jerry Hayes Sugar Land, TX 3 06-01 0
Day 1: 3 06-01
80. James Anderson Hialeah, FL 3 06-00 0
Day 1: 3 06-00
80. Richard Kennedy Angie, LA 3 06-00 0
Day 1: 3 06-00
82. Fritz Callier Boerne, TX 3 05-14 0
Day 1: 3 05-14
83. Duane Lachance Norman, OK 3 05-13 0
Day 1: 3 05-13
84. Michael Mayan Rosendale, WI 3 05-11 0
Day 1: 3 05-11
85. David Hernandez Birmingham, AL 3 05-10 0
Day 1: 3 05-10
86. Kyle Beckner Clovis, NM 3 05-09 0
Day 1: 3 05-09
86. Mark Child Mansfield, TX 3 05-09 0
Day 1: 3 05-09
86. John Land Burleson, TX 3 05-09 0
Day 1: 3 05-09
89. Scott Boman Liberal, KS 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
89. Rodney Clawson Nashville, TN 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
89. Bret Jenkins San Antonio, TX 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
89. Lawrence Sifert Scottsdale, AZ 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
89. William Wood San Angelo, TX 3 05-07 0
Day 1: 3 05-07
94. Michael Bass Austin, TX 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
94. Derek Phillips Castle Rock, CO 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
94. Richard Prather Franklin, TN 3 05-05 0
Day 1: 3 05-05
97. Thomas Tysdal Lawton, OK 3 05-03 0
Day 1: 3 05-03
98. David Koret Houston, TX 3 05-02 0
Day 1: 3 05-02
99. Bob Broglie San Antonio, TX 3 05-01 0
Day 1: 3 05-01
100. Layne Stanford Lubbock, TX 3 04-11 0
Day 1: 3 04-11
101. Mike Glover Ozona, TX 3 04-04 0
Day 1: 3 04-04
102. Butch Tucker Moultrie, GA 2 04-00 0
Day 1: 2 04-00
103. Bill Glass Floydada, TX 2 03-12 0
Day 1: 2 03-12
104. Mark Liscano Mcallen, TX 2 03-09 0
Day 1: 2 03-09
105. Harry Potts Ozark, AL 2 02-11 0
Day 1: 2 02-11
106. Jeff Jordan Tulsa, OK 1 02-07 0
Day 1: 1 02-07
107. Michael Ross Bandera, TX 1 01-14 0
Day 1: 1 01-14
108. Billy Hubbard Grove, OK 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
108. Kevin Savely Liberal, KS 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Bass
Day
1 Billy Fillmon Del Rio, TX 07-14 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 99 311 897-01
----------------------------------
99 311 897-01