SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Searching for his first win in seven years, Dean Rojas took one step closer at the Champion's Choice bass fishing tournament on Oneida Lake, the final Elite Series event of the 2008 season. The Lake Havasu City, Ariz., pro climbed to the top with 18 pounds, 3 ounces, Saturday to build his three-day total to 50 pounds, 10 ounces, taking the lead from 2003 Classic champion Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J., who had 47 pounds, 0 ounces.
Rojas has found success rotating in three primary areas throughout each day. He has been largely unaffected by boat pressure and the changing weather conditions and has been consistent on spacious Oneida in his quest for the $100,000 top prize.
"I'm so ready to win this thing," Rojas said, referring to his BASS win drought. "I just have to keep my head up and focus Sunday. I really want it bad."
Rojas is focusing on largemouth in shallow water, using his customary frog. He is prepared for whatever weather condition that might play out Sunday and is confident that he can catch fish throughout the day. He boated a 4-pounder, the biggest bass of his Saturday limit, at 2 p.m.
Rojas has found success on New York fisheries in the past. He finished second last year at a 2007 Memorial and was first in that event after the two-day preliminary competition on Oneida, showing his New York chops. He said he feels the largemouth bite is only way to win the tournament.
"I'm ready to win one, it's been so long," said the 37-year-old. "I'm just going to go out there and fish hard tomorrow."
Heading into the tournament, Rojas had more than $970,000 in BASS career earnings. A solid showing at Oneida along with his Angler of the Year bonus, in which he should finish in the top 10, will push him to more than $1 million in career earnings.
Iaconelli relinquished the lead to Rojas after catching 14 pounds, 4 ounces, a solid limit but a departure from the 20-pound, 1-ounce limit he boated Friday. The 2006 Bassmaster Angler of the Year felt his fish were biting finicky Saturday but was encouraged by Sunday's forecast for rain and cloud cover.
Iaconelli is using heavy baits in search of reaction strikes, a somewhat different philosophy compared to what most of the field is using. He has mainly focused on a primary spot, milking it for all it is worth. Like Rojas, he has focused on largemouth. He felt the key to his success was the weight selection he was using with his baits.
"I'm excited to get back out there tomorrow," the 36-year-old said. "If things shake out right, I think I can catch a giant bag."
Rounding out the top five were Kevin Langill of Terrell, N.C., in third with 45 pounds, 14 ounces; Dustin Wilks of Rocky Mount, N.C., in fourth with 43 pounds, 9 ounces; and 2008 Classic champion Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, in fifth with 43 pounds, 3 ounces.
The field was cut to the top 12 anglers for the final day. Also in the cut were Arkansas pros Mike McClelland (sixth) and 1995 Classic champ Mark Davis (10th).
In the co-angler division, two New York amateurs, Ron Plocek of Liverpool and Jesse Herbert of Pennellville, tied for the top spot with 23 pounds, 7 ounces, and split the prize money associated with the top two prizes, earning $17,500 each. Trailing the two homestate anglers was David Paul of New London, Conn., in third place with 23 pounds, 5 ounces.
Known as the "thumb" of New York's Finger Lakes, Oneida is 21 miles long and 5 miles wide, with shelves and shoals formed by glaciers. The natural body of water features plenty of shoreline vegetation and an abundance of rocky offshore structure.
As part of the celebration of crowning the Angler of the Year, BASS' outdoors expo Saturday and Sunday at the season finale will include performances by national recording artist Heartland and local musical group The Custom Taylor Band. At the conclusion of the final weigh-in Sunday night, BASS will host a fireworks display at Oneida Shores, set for approximately 8:40 p.m.
Sunday's final-day launch begins at 10 a.m. and the final weigh-in begins at 7:30 p.m.
2008 Champion's Choice 8/7-8/10
Oneida Lake, Syracuse NY.
(PROFESSIONAL) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 15 50-10 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-14 Day 2: 5 16-09 Day 3: 5 18-03
2. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 15 47-00 300 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 20-01 Day 3: 5 14-04
3. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 15 45-14 290
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 16-01 Day 3: 5 14-10
4. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 15 43-09 285
Day 1: 5 14-05 Day 2: 5 13-07 Day 3: 5 15-13
5. Alton Jones Waco, TX 15 43-03 280 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 5 15-13
6. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 15 43-01 276
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 17-14 Day 3: 5 15-00
7. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 15 42-05 272
Day 1: 5 16-09 Day 2: 5 14-07 Day 3: 5 11-05
8. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 15 42-02 268
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 15-02 Day 3: 5 13-05
9. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 15 41-13 264
Day 1: 5 14-04 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 13-06
10. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 15 41-07 260
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 15-05 Day 3: 5 12-05
11. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 15 41-06 256
Day 1: 5 15-03 Day 2: 5 12-07 Day 3: 5 13-12
11. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 15 41-06 256
Day 1: 5 13-13 Day 2: 5 13-11 Day 3: 5 13-14
13. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 15 41-03 251 $10,800.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 13-06 Day 3: 5 12-03
14. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 15 40-09 248 $10,700.00
Day 1: 5 11-02 Day 2: 5 14-15 Day 3: 5 14-08
15. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 15 39-15 245 $10,600.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 5 13-06
16. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 15 39-13 243 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-06 Day 2: 5 12-08 Day 3: 5 12-15
17. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 15 39-10 241 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-04 Day 2: 5 14-01 Day 3: 5 13-05
18. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, OK 15 39-07 239 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 13-11 Day 2: 5 13-00 Day 3: 5 12-12
19. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 15 39-06 242 $11,500.00
Day 1: 5 17-10 Day 2: 5 12-15 Day 3: 5 08-13
20. Randy Howell Springville, AL 15 39-04 235 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 12-15 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 5 13-11
21. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 15 39-00 233 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 13-10 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 5 12-03
22. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 15 38-15 231 $10,750.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 14-12 Day 3: 5 10-00
23. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 15 38-13 229 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 13-05 Day 2: 5 13-15 Day 3: 5 11-09
24. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 15 38-12 227 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 12-07 Day 2: 5 13-06 Day 3: 5 12-15
25. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 15 38-05 225 $10,250.00
Day 1: 5 15-13 Day 2: 5 14-00 Day 3: 5 08-08
26. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 15 38-01 223 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-14 Day 2: 5 10-10 Day 3: 5 13-09
27. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 15 37-15 221 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 12-04
28. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 15 37-14 219 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 11-10 Day 3: 5 12-01
29. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 15 37-10 217 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-02 Day 2: 5 12-15 Day 3: 5 10-09
30. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 15 37-07 215 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 16-01 Day 3: 5 10-06
31. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 15 37-05 213 $10,500.00
Day 1: 5 14-11 Day 2: 5 14-03 Day 3: 5 08-07
32. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 15 37-00 210 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-10 Day 2: 5 09-12 Day 3: 5 11-10
32. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 15 37-00 210 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-09 Day 2: 5 14-06 Day 3: 5 11-01
34. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 15 36-13 207 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-14 Day 2: 5 13-03 Day 3: 5 12-12
35. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 15 36-05 205 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-05 Day 2: 5 09-13 Day 3: 5 11-03
36. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 15 36-04 202 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-00 Day 2: 5 13-02 Day 3: 5 12-02
36. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 15 36-04 202 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-06 Day 2: 5 11-11 Day 3: 5 12-03
38. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 15 36-03 198 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 11-05 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 5 11-13
38. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 15 36-03 198 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-13 Day 2: 5 13-01 Day 3: 5 12-05
40. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 15 35-14 195 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 12-11 Day 3: 5 10-11
41. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 15 35-10 193 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-00 Day 2: 5 12-05 Day 3: 5 11-05
42. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 15 35-08 191 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 09-15 Day 2: 5 15-04 Day 3: 5 10-05
43. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 15 35-07 189 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-09 Day 2: 5 10-06 Day 3: 5 11-08
44. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 15 33-04 187 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-00 Day 2: 5 11-08 Day 3: 5 08-12
45. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 15 32-12 185 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-08 Day 2: 5 11-05 Day 3: 5 08-15
46. Pat Golden High Point, NC 15 31-12 183 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 14-03 Day 2: 5 09-10 Day 3: 5 07-15
47. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 12 31-08 181 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 15-07 Day 2: 5 12-10 Day 3: 2 03-07
48. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 13 28-01 179 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 13-06 Day 2: 5 10-07 Day 3: 3 04-04
49. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 12 27-12 177 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 12-11 Day 2: 5 11-01 Day 3: 2 04-00
50. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 11 26-07 175 $10,000.00
Day 1: 5 10-03 Day 2: 5 14-09 Day 3: 1 01-11
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Big Bass
Day
1 Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 04-14 $1,000.00
2 Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 05-00 $500.00
2 Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 05-00 $500.00
3 Alton Jones Waco, TX 05-10 $1,000.00
Day
1 Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 17-10 $1,000.00
2 Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 20-01 $1,000.00
3 Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ18-03 $1,000.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 96 516 1215-07
2 89 491 1171-01
3 46 238 573-08
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231 1245 2960-00
2008 Champion's Choice 8/7-8/10
Oneida Lake, Syracuse NY.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 3
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Ron Plocek Liverpool, NY 9 23-07 0 $18,000.00
Day 1: 3 10-13 Day 2: 3 07-00 Day 3: 3 05-10
2. Jesse Herbert Pennellville, NY 9 23-07 0 $17,500.00
Day 1: 3 08-04 Day 2: 3 07-01 Day 3: 3 08-02
3. David Paul New London, CT 9 23-05 0 $5,000.00
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 3 09-12 Day 3: 3 09-01
4. Teddy Bradley Mishawaka, IN 9 23-02 0 $3,500.00
Day 1: 3 08-07 Day 2: 3 06-10 Day 3: 3 08-01
5. Kyle Kempkers Hamilton, MI 9 22-14 0 $2,750.00
Day 1: 3 08-08 Day 2: 3 09-12 Day 3: 3 04-10
5. Jesse Simpkins Plano, IL 9 22-14 0 $2,750.00
Day 1: 3 08-10 Day 2: 3 08-09 Day 3: 3 05-11
7. Douglas Hammond South Westerlo, NY 9 22-13 0 $2,750.00
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 07-03 Day 3: 3 08-14
8. Doug Kirkbride Beaver Falls, NY 9 22-07 0 $2,000.00
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 3 06-15 Day 3: 3 09-06
9. Darin Doll York, PA 9 22-02 0 $1,750.00
Day 1: 3 06-09 Day 2: 3 07-12 Day 3: 3 07-13
10. Roger Michael Zalucky Jr. Clifton Park, NY 9 21-12 0 $1,500.00
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-02 Day 3: 3 08-00
11. Lance Spencer Lincoln, MI 9 21-08 0 $1,250.00
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 3 06-15 Day 3: 3 07-02
12. Phil Civitarese White Hall, MD 9 21-00 0 $1,000.00
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 06-12 Day 3: 3 07-08
13. Marcos Malucelli Fort Mill, SC 9 20-10 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 3 09-03 Day 3: 3 05-06
14. Jonathan Else Elysburg, PA 9 20-05 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 08-14 Day 2: 3 05-12 Day 3: 3 05-11
15. DJ Bishop Verona, PA 9 20-01 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 05-14 Day 2: 3 07-03 Day 3: 3 07-00
16. Tom Frink Simi Valley, CA 9 19-09 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 08-15 Day 2: 3 05-07 Day 3: 3 05-03
17. Jason Putman Cicero, NY 7 19-08 0 $1,250.00
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 1 05-06 Day 3: 3 06-12
18. Frank Raymer Brandenburg, KY 8 19-04 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 06-06 Day 2: 3 08-06 Day 3: 2 04-08
19. Leonard Potts Syracuse, NY 9 19-01 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 08-01 Day 2: 3 06-15 Day 3: 3 04-01
20. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, AL 9 18-09 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 05-04 Day 2: 3 07-02 Day 3: 3 06-03
21. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, AL 8 18-03 0 $750.00
Day 1: 2 02-10 Day 2: 3 07-15 Day 3: 3 07-10
22. Erhardt Tulgestka Alpena, MI 9 18-02 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 06-05 Day 2: 3 06-14 Day 3: 3 04-15
23. Mark Hicks Glouster, OH 8 17-11 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 06-02 Day 2: 2 05-00 Day 3: 3 06-09
24. Eric Sertl Pittsford, NY 8 17-04 0 $750.00
Day 1: 2 04-14 Day 2: 3 06-04 Day 3: 3 06-02
25. Charles Love Franklinville, NY 9 17-02 0 $750.00
Day 1: 3 07-02 Day 2: 3 04-05 Day 3: 3 05-11
26. Allan Hall Brandon, SD 7 17-01 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 09-11 Day 2: 1 02-03 Day 3: 3 05-03
27. Ronnie Tyson Marietta, GA 7 16-12 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-07 Day 2: 3 07-13 Day 3: 1 01-08
28. Johnny Graham Tulsa, OK 9 16-10 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 03-07 Day 2: 3 07-09 Day 3: 3 05-10
29. Craig Townsend Westampton, NJ 8 16-09 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 05-10 Day 3: 2 04-04
30. Richard Hyde Fulton, NY 8 16-08 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-08 Day 2: 3 06-14 Day 3: 2 03-02
31. Stanley Sypeck Weston, PA 7 16-07 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-06 Day 2: 1 03-09 Day 3: 3 05-08
32. Frank McCormick Warwick, RI 8 16-06 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 06-10 Day 3: 2 02-14
32. Tom Pavlot New Hartford, NY 8 16-06 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-11 Day 2: 3 05-11 Day 3: 2 04-00
34. Richard Scherer Sheboygan Falls, WI 8 16-05 0 $500.00
Day 1: 2 05-01 Day 2: 3 06-03 Day 3: 3 05-01
35. David Ottman Oswego, NY 7 16-01 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-04 Day 2: 3 07-07 Day 3: 1 01-06
36. Steve Houseknecht Cortland, NY 6 16-00 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 08-00 Day 2: 2 05-06 Day 3: 1 02-10
37. George Fiorille Moravia, NY 9 15-14 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 04-08 Day 2: 3 06-07 Day 3: 3 04-15
38. Lane Wright Loganville, GA 7 15-10 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-03 Day 2: 3 08-06 Day 3: 1 01-01
39. Wes Simmons Philadelphia, PA 7 15-03 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 05-09 Day 2: 2 05-10 Day 3: 2 04-00
40. Rodney Clawson Old Hickory, TN 7 14-15 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-01 Day 2: 3 07-01 Day 3: 1 01-13
41. Tom Booth Lima, NY 7 14-05 0 $500.00
Day 1: 2 04-11 Day 2: 3 07-10 Day 3: 2 02-00
42. Greg Williams Warwick, NY 6 14-00 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-10 Day 2: 3 06-06 Day 3: 0 00-00
43. Greg Peterson Medfield, MA 7 13-13 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-12 Day 2: 3 04-09 Day 3: 1 02-08
44. Matthew Martin Lafayette, NY 5 13-10 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-14 Day 2: 1 04-06 Day 3: 1 01-06
45. Tim Farruggio Long Branch, NJ 7 13-09 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-03 Day 2: 3 04-01 Day 3: 1 02-05
46. Jason Seaton Martinsville, IN 7 13-02 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 05-03 Day 2: 3 06-05 Day 3: 1 01-10
47. Gregory Fratrik Macungie, PA 6 12-14 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 06-14 Day 2: 3 06-00 Day 3: 0 00-00
48. Michael Bass Austin, TX 5 11-15 0 $500.00
Day 1: 2 04-08 Day 2: 3 07-07 Day 3: 0 00-00
49. Dave Dickherber Lake Saint Louis, MO 6 11-14 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 07-05 Day 2: 3 04-09 Day 3: 0 00-00
50. Ivan C Morris Virginia Beach, VA 6 11-00 0 $500.00
Day 1: 3 05-02 Day 2: 3 05-14 Day 3: 0 00-00
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Big Bass
Day
1 Ron Plocek Liverpool, NY 04-05 $500.00
2 Jason Putman Cicero, NY 05-06 $500.00
3 Douglas Hammond South Westerlo, NY 03-12 $500.00
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Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 63 252 533-10
2 58 235 497-15
3 29 110 228-05
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150 597 1259-14