DECATUR, Ala. - Until the first day of competition at the Bassmaster Elite Series bass fishing tournament at Alabama's Wheeler, Terry Scroggins wasn't fond of the picturesque body of water. The versatile veteran from Palatka, Fla., had previously struggled on the Alabama fishery but he broke through Thursday boating a limit weighing 22 pounds, 3 ounces, to lead the 107-angler field in the Southern Challenge, the seventh Elite Series event of the 2008 season.
With a victory, Scroggins would earn $100,000 and earn considerable points in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. With four events remaining after Wheeler in the "Trail to the Trophy"and a $250,000 top prize at stake, Elite pros are focused on jockeying for position in the all-important rankings.
Trailing Scroggins were Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas, in second with 20 pounds, 9 ounces., Dave Wolak of Wake Forest, N.C., (19-4), Kotaro Kiriyama of Moody, Ala., (19-0) and Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., (18-8).
Not only had Scroggins struggled mightily on Wheeler in the past, his poor practice period gave him no indication that he would succeed in the event. But the 40-year-old caught more than 40 keeper-sized bass and found a pattern that he believes will hold up.
"I always struggle on Wheeler. And I mean I really struggle," said Scroggins, who has earned more than $1 million in BASS tournaments. "But today I started to figure it out. The fish are starting to move out and it seemed like every 15th cast or so, I would catch a big one."
The five-time BASS winner rotated a few baits but felt most confident with a Booyah football jig, which produced the vast majority of weight. While boat traffic is a major problem for many of the competitors fishing the Decatur Flats, a popular area for tournament anglers, Scroggins has his general area mainly to himself, with few competitors near.
"I had no idea I would be able to catch more than 20 pounds," said Scroggins, who is 24th in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings. "It was just an awesome day."
Faircloth, who was second in the Angler of the Year standings heading into the tournament, trailing only Arkansas' Mike McClelland, also had no indication that his day would go well after practice. He caught his limit early Thursday morning and culled throughout the day. He is keying on grass in the Decatur Flats area on Wheeler.
If his finish holds, Faircloth stands to gain significant ground on McClelland, who is in 40th place after Day 1.
In the co-angler division, Steven Wisdom of Birmingham, Ala., took the Day 1 lead with 15 pounds, 9 ounces. Co-anglers are vying for a top prize of $25,000 in the three-day competition. Trailing Wisdom was Jimmy Dudley of White, Ga., and Brian Hickey of Cadiz, Ky., who were tied with 14 pounds, 2 ounces.
With 1,063 miles of shoreline, Wheeler is the largest of three Alabama lakes that connect with the Tennessee River. It has been the host of nine BASS events, including the 1974 Bassmaster Classic.
Daily weigh-ins and launches at the Southern Challenge are taking place at Ingalls Harbor, 701 Market St. NW, Decatur, Ala. Launches Friday-Sunday begin at 6 a.m. CT and weigh-ins begin at 3 p.m.
Activities at the Southern Challenge include a musical performance by artist Chadd Bradford at noon Saturday and Sunday. There will be a Beginner fishing class at 1:30 p.m. and a "Boat Performance with Skeeter" class daily at 2 p.m. both days, as well as Skeeter boat demo rides from noon to 2 p.m.
SOUTHERN CHALLENGE
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 22-03 305 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 22-03
2. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 20-09 295
Day 1: 5 20-09
3. Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 5 19-04 290 $1,000.00
Day 1: 5 19-04
4. Kotaro Kiriyama Moody, AL 5 19-00 285
Day 1: 5 19-00
5. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 18-08 280
Day 1: 5 18-08
6. Shaw E Grigsby Gainesville, FL 5 18-07 276
Day 1: 5 18-07
7. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 18-01 272
Day 1: 5 18-01
8. Timmy Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 17-06 268
Day 1: 5 17-06
9. Morizo Shimizu Osaka CA JAPAN 5 17-03 264
Day 1: 5 17-03
10. Jeremy Starks Charleston, WV 5 17-00 260
Day 1: 5 17-00
11. Matt Reed Madisonville, TX 5 16-12 257
Day 1: 5 16-12
12. John Murray Phoenix, AZ 5 16-11 254
Day 1: 5 16-11
13. Marty Stone Fayetteville, NC 5 16-10 251
Day 1: 5 16-10
14. Bill Lowen North Bend, OH 5 16-01 248
Day 1: 5 16-01
15. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 15-15 245
Day 1: 5 15-15
16. David Smith Del City, OK 5 15-08 243
Day 1: 5 15-08
17. Peter E Thliveros St Augustine, FL 5 15-05 241
Day 1: 5 15-05
18. Todd Auten Lake Wylie, SC 5 15-04 239
Day 1: 5 15-04
19. Byron Velvick Del Rio, TX 5 15-02 237
Day 1: 5 15-02
20. Terry Butcher Talala, OK 5 14-12 235
Day 1: 5 14-12
21. Jim Murray Arabi, GA 5 14-09 233
Day 1: 5 14-09
22. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 5 14-07 231
Day 1: 5 14-07
23. Brian Clark Haltom City, TX 5 14-06 229
Day 1: 5 14-06
24. Scott Campbell Springfield, MO 5 14-05 226
Day 1: 5 14-05
24. Gary Klein Weatherford, TX 5 14-05 226
Day 1: 5 14-05
26. Gerald Swindle Warrior, AL 5 14-02 223
Day 1: 5 14-02
27. Corey Waldrop Fort Worth, TX 5 14-01 221
Day 1: 5 14-01
28. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 13-15 219
Day 1: 5 13-15
29. Jimmy Mize Ben Lomond, AR 5 13-14 216
Day 1: 5 13-14
29. Dustin Wilks Rocky Mount, NC 5 13-14 216
Day 1: 5 13-14
31. Yusuke Miyazaki Forney, TX 5 13-10 213
Day 1: 5 13-10
32. Jon Bondy Windsor CANADA 5 13-09 209
Day 1: 5 13-09
32. Grant Goldbeck Gaithersburg, MD 5 13-09 209
Day 1: 5 13-09
32. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 5 13-09 209
Day 1: 5 13-09
35. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 5 13-08 205
Day 1: 5 13-08
36. Glenn Delong Bellville, OH 5 13-06 203
Day 1: 5 13-06
37. Boyd Duckett Demopolis, AL 5 12-12 200
Day 1: 5 12-12
37. Derek Remitz Grant, AL 5 12-12 200
Day 1: 5 12-12
39. Pat Golden High Point, NC 5 12-11 197
Day 1: 5 12-11
40. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 12-05 194
Day 1: 5 12-05
40. Mike McClelland Bella Vista, AR 5 12-05 194
Day 1: 5 12-05
42. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 12-03 190
Day 1: 5 12-03
42. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 12-03 190
Day 1: 5 12-03
44. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 5 12-02 187
Day 1: 5 12-02
45. Billy Brewer Bruceville, TX 5 12-01 183
Day 1: 5 12-01
45. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 12-01 183
Day 1: 5 12-01
45. Kevin Short Mayflower, AR 5 12-01 183
Day 1: 5 12-01
48. Pete Ponds Madison, MS 5 11-15 178
Day 1: 5 11-15
48. Michael Iaconelli Runnemede, NJ 5 11-15 178
Day 1: 5 11-15
50. Ken D Cook Lawton, OK 5 11-13 175
Day 1: 5 11-13
51. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 5 11-12 173
Day 1: 5 11-12
52. Jeff Connella Bentley, LA 5 11-08 171
Day 1: 5 11-08
53. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 11-06 168
Day 1: 5 11-06
53. Jason Williamson Aiken, SC 5 11-06 168
Day 1: 5 11-06
55. Jeff Reynolds Idabel, OK 5 11-04 165
Day 1: 5 11-04
56. Bradley Hallman Norman, OK 5 10-12 162
Day 1: 5 10-12
56. Randy Howell Springville, AL 5 10-12 162
Day 1: 5 10-12
58. Britt Myers Lake Wylie, SC 5 10-10 159
Day 1: 5 10-10
59. Bryan Hudgins Orange Park, FL 5 10-09 157
Day 1: 5 10-09
60. Kevin Wirth Crestwood, KY 5 10-05 155
Day 1: 5 10-05
61. Davy Hite Ninety Six, SC 5 10-04 152
Day 1: 5 10-04
61. Ben Matsubu Hemphill, TX 5 10-04 152
Day 1: 5 10-04
63. Jason Quinn York, SC 5 10-02 148
Day 1: 5 10-02
63. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 5 10-02 148
Day 1: 5 10-02
65. Kurt Dove Fairfax, VA 5 10-01 144
Day 1: 5 10-01
65. Chris Lane Lakeland, FL 5 10-01 144
Day 1: 5 10-01
67. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 09-12 141
Day 1: 5 09-12
68. Wade Grooms Bonneau, SC 5 09-10 139
Day 1: 5 09-10
69. Alton Jones Waco, TX 5 09-09 137
Day 1: 5 09-09
70. James Niggemeyer Van, TX 5 09-04 135
Day 1: 5 09-04
71. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 09-03 131
Day 1: 5 09-03
71. Kelly Jordon Mineola, TX 5 09-03 131
Day 1: 5 09-03
71. Steve Daniel Clewiston, FL 5 09-03 131
Day 1: 5 09-03
74. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 09-02 126
Day 1: 5 09-02
74. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 09-02 126
Day 1: 5 09-02
76. Clark Reehm Russellville, AR 5 09-01 123
Day 1: 5 09-01
77. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 09-00 121
Day 1: 5 09-00
78. Rick Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 08-15 119
Day 1: 5 08-15
79. Mark Tucker Saint Louis, MO 5 08-14 116
Day 1: 5 08-14
79. Zell Rowland Montgomery, TX 5 08-14 116
Day 1: 5 08-14
81. John Crews Salem, VA 5 08-13 113
Day 1: 5 08-13
82. Denny Brauer Camdenton, MO 5 08-12 110
Day 1: 5 08-12
82. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 08-12 110
Day 1: 5 08-12
84. Preston Clark Palatka, FL 5 08-09 106
Day 1: 5 08-09
84. Charlie Hartley Grove City, OH 5 08-09 106
Day 1: 5 08-09
86. Mark Davis Mount Ida, AR 5 08-07 103
Day 1: 5 08-07
87. James Kennedy Lacombe, LA 5 08-03 101
Day 1: 5 08-03
88. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 08-01 98
Day 1: 5 08-01
88. Fred Roumbanis Bixby, CA 5 08-01 98
Day 1: 5 08-01
90. Rick Ash Pottstown, PA 5 07-15 95
Day 1: 5 07-15
91. Kevin Langill Terrell, NC 5 07-14 93
Day 1: 5 07-14
92. Matthew Sphar Pavilion, NY 5 07-13 91
Day 1: 5 07-13
93. Ray Sedgwick Cross, SC 5 07-10 89
Day 1: 5 07-10
94. Elton Luce Jr. Brookeland, TX 5 07-09 86
Day 1: 5 07-09
94. Mike Wurm Hot Springs, AR 5 07-09 86
Day 1: 5 07-09
96. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 07-08 83
Day 1: 5 07-08
97. Jay Fuller Kingston, OK 5 07-06 80
Day 1: 5 07-06
97. Mark Tyler Vian, OK 5 07-06 80
Day 1: 5 07-06
99. Paul Hirosky Guys Mills, PA 5 07-04 77
Day 1: 5 07-04
100. Randy Allen Shreveport, LA 5 07-00 76
Day 1: 5 07-00
101. Jami Fralick Martin, SD 5 06-12 75
Day 1: 5 06-12
102. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 06-10 74
Day 1: 5 06-10
103. Matt Amedeo Clinton, OH 5 06-06 73
Day 1: 5 06-06
104. Kenyon Hill Norman, OK 5 06-03 72
Day 1: 5 06-03
105. Bobby Lane Lakeland, FL 5 05-11 71
Day 1: 5 05-11
106. Guy Eaker Cherryville, NC 5 05-10 70
Day 1: 5 05-10
107. David Sherrer Shreveport, LA 2 02-09 69
Day 1: 2 02-09
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BIG BASS
Day
1 Dave Wolak Wake Forest, NC 07-10 $1,000.00
Day
1 Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 22-03 $1,000.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 106 532 1238-09
----------------------------------
106 532 1238-09
2008 Southern Challenge 6/5-6/8
Lake Wheeler, Decatur AL.
(NON_BOATER) Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Steven Wisdom Birmingham, AL 5 15-09 0
Day 1: 5 15-09
2. Jimmy Dudley White, GA 5 14-02 0
Day 1: 5 14-02
2. Brian Hickey Cadiz, KY 5 14-02 0
Day 1: 5 14-02
4. John Wentzell Columbia, SC 5 12-10 0
Day 1: 5 12-10
5. Dustin Evans Eads, TN 5 11-13 0
Day 1: 5 11-13
6. Tommy Swindle Cleveland, AL 5 11-12 0
Day 1: 5 11-12
7. Justin Carter Owens X Rds, AL 5 11-07 0
Day 1: 5 11-07
8. Taylor Barnes Chickamauga, GA 5 11-06 0 $500.00
Day 1: 5 11-06
9. Jim McDevitt Eldon, MO 5 11-05 0
Day 1: 5 11-05
10. Tim Guinn Goodlettsville, TN 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
10. Thomas Rogers Keller, TX 5 11-03 0
Day 1: 5 11-03
12. Tom Frink Simi Valley, CA 5 10-15 0
Day 1: 5 10-15
13. Richard S Arnold New Brockton, AL 5 10-06 0
Day 1: 5 10-06
14. Jimmy Miller Madison, MS 5 10-05 0
Day 1: 5 10-05
14. Jason Seaton Martinsville, IN 5 10-05 0
Day 1: 5 10-05
14. Jeff Tolle Jenks, OK 5 10-05 0
Day 1: 5 10-05
17. Max Malone Laceys Spring, AL 5 10-04 0
Day 1: 5 10-04
18. Matthew Ellis Nashville, TN 5 10-01 0
Day 1: 5 10-01
19. Ken Callahan Hartselle, AL 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00
19. Bob McMullin Pevely, MO 5 10-00 0
Day 1: 5 10-00
21. Wally Green Gardendale, AL 5 09-14 0
Day 1: 5 09-14
22. Preston Frazell Kincaid, KS 5 09-10 0
Day 1: 5 09-10
23. Robert Moore Hazel Green, AL 4 09-08 0
Day 1: 4 09-08
24. Jason Hampson Cartersville, GA 5 09-04 0
Day 1: 5 09-04
25. Joel Etheredge Springville, AL 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-01
25. Danny Grissett Walnut Hill, FL 5 09-01 0
Day 1: 5 09-01
27. Bj Hannah Dyersburg, TN 5 08-12 0
Day 1: 5 08-12
28. Ivan C Morris Virginia Beach, VA 5 08-10 0
Day 1: 5 08-10
29. Chad Caldwell Hampton Cove, AL 5 08-09 0
Day 1: 5 08-09
29. Jimmy Sparks Tuscumbia, AL 5 08-09 0
Day 1: 5 08-09
31. CJ Nichols Alexandria, LA 5 08-08 0
Day 1: 5 08-08
32. Mike Frazier Clermont, FL 5 08-06 0
Day 1: 5 08-06
33. Alton Jones Jr. Woodway, TX 5 08-04 0
Day 1: 5 08-04
33. Ronnie Tyson Marietta, GA 5 08-04 0
Day 1: 5 08-04
35. Austin Brooks Indian Spgs, AL 5 08-03 0
Day 1: 5 08-03
35. Robert Theilacker Rockledge, FL 5 08-03 0
Day 1: 5 08-03
37. David Goggans Southaven, MS 4 08-00 0
Day 1: 4 08-00
38. Todd Gordon Horton, AL 5 07-15 0
Day 1: 5 07-15
39. Christopher Lynch Springville, AL 5 07-14 0
Day 1: 5 07-14
40. William Carter Owens Cross Roads, AL 5 07-13 0
Day 1: 5 07-13
40. Lee Clark Decatur, AL 5 07-13 0
Day 1: 5 07-13
40. Jeremy D Music Wheelersburg, OH 5 07-13 0
Day 1: 5 07-13
43. Bryan Talmadge Pell City, AL 5 07-12 0
Day 1: 5 07-12
43. Tommy Menefee Ashville, AL 5 07-12 0
Day 1: 5 07-12
45. Nick Cupps Madison, MS 5 07-10 0
Day 1: 5 07-10
45. Christopher Huffine Raleigh, NC 5 07-10 0
Day 1: 5 07-10
47. Harry Potts Ozark, AL 5 07-09 0
Day 1: 5 07-09
48. Marcos Malucelli Fort Mill, SC 5 07-07 0
Day 1: 5 07-07
49. J Perkins Columbus, MS 5 07-05 0
Day 1: 5 07-05
50. Joseph Brister Immokalee, FL 4 07-03 0
Day 1: 4 07-03
51. Craig Daino Central Square, NY 5 07-02 0
Day 1: 5 07-02
52. Will Stoner Toney, AL 5 07-01 0
Day 1: 5 07-01
53. Matt Carter Owens Cross Roads, AL 5 06-15 0
Day 1: 5 06-15
53. Jim Barnette Decatur, AL 3 06-15 0
Day 1: 3 06-15
55. Ben Kurtz Lake Geneva, WI 5 06-13 0
Day 1: 5 06-13
56. Frank Nelson Chattanooga, TN 5 06-10 0
Day 1: 5 06-10
57. Scotty Estes Holly Pond, AL 4 06-08 0
Day 1: 4 06-08
57. Stan Mccurdy Piedmont, AL 4 06-08 0
Day 1: 4 06-08
59. George Barefield Hoover, AL 5 06-07 0
Day 1: 5 06-07
60. Ryan Brockman Gahanna, OH 5 06-04 0
Day 1: 5 06-04
60. Timothy Curran Huntsville, AL 5 06-04 0
Day 1: 5 06-04
60. Andrew Dick Wilmington, DE 5 06-04 0
Day 1: 5 06-04
60. Stephen Williams Columbus, MS 5 06-04 0
Day 1: 5 06-04
64. Chad Kallina Nada, TX 5 06-03 0
Day 1: 5 06-03
65. Brian Merriman Falkville, AL 5 06-01 0
Day 1: 5 06-01
66. Jason Preuitt Hartselle, AL 5 06-00 0
Day 1: 5 06-00
67. James Forsyth Fort Myers, FL 5 05-15 0
Day 1: 5 05-15
68. Freddie Chastain Vincent, AL 5 05-14 0
Day 1: 5 05-14
68. Greg Maxwell Muscle Shoals, AL 5 05-14 0
Day 1: 5 05-14
70. Kenneth North Kennesaw, GA 3 05-12 0
Day 1: 3 05-12
71. Kevin Savely Liberal, KS 4 05-11 0
Day 1: 4 05-11
71. Allen Underwood Knoxville, TN 4 05-11 0
Day 1: 4 05-11
73. Scott Hale Wheelersburg, OH 5 05-08 0
Day 1: 5 05-08
73. Harry Parten Sweet Water, AL 5 05-08 0
Day 1: 5 05-08
75. Wilbur Jefferies Bountiful, UT 5 05-07 0
Day 1: 5 05-07
76. Jay Mabry Meridian, MS 5 05-06 0
Day 1: 5 05-06
76. Ron Reynolds Hoover, AL 5 05-06 0
Day 1: 5 05-06
78. David Kilgore Jasper, AL 4 05-04 0
Day 1: 4 05-04
79. Barry Moore Hazel Green, AL 4 05-02 0
Day 1: 4 05-02
80. Tony Jones Naperville, AL 4 05-01 0
Day 1: 4 05-01
81. Jay Macdonald West Palm Beach, FL 4 04-13 0
Day 1: 4 04-13
82. William Carper Louisville, KY 4 04-11 0
Day 1: 4 04-11
83. Michael Glasgow Pleasant Grove, AL 5 04-10 0
Day 1: 5 04-10
84. Brian Easler Inman, SC 3 04-08 0
Day 1: 3 04-08
84. Joe Summerson Guntersville, AL 3 04-08 0
Day 1: 3 04-08
86. Mike Johnson Madison, AL 4 04-07 0
Day 1: 4 04-07
87. Mary Delgado Tampa, FL 3 04-03 0
Day 1: 3 04-03
87. Richard Kennedy Angie, LA 3 04-03 0
Day 1: 3 04-03
89. Chris Gregg Knoxville, TN 3 04-02 0
Day 1: 3 04-02
90. Gary Thomas Bogart, GA 4 04-00 0
Day 1: 4 04-00
91. Randy Hobbs Dawson, AL 3 03-13 0
Day 1: 3 03-13
92. Butch Tucker Moultrie, GA 3 03-11 0
Day 1: 3 03-11
93. Kelly Townson Hartselle, AL 3 03-01 0
Day 1: 3 03-01
94. Jonathan Barnette Jasper, AL 2 02-14 0
Day 1: 2 02-14
95. Pat Rose Trenton, GA 2 02-12 0
Day 1: 2 02-12
96. Joe Foley Loveland, OH 2 01-14 0
Day 1: 2 01-14
97. Billy Hubbard Grove, OK 2 01-10 0
Day 1: 2 01-10
98. Benny Colson Lake Park, GA 1 01-02 0
Day 1: 1 01-02
99. Glenn Hodgson Humble, TX 1 01-01 0
Day 1: 1 01-01
100. Mike Shafer Knoxville, TN 1 00-13 0
Day 1: 1 00-13
101. Eric Smith Forest, VA 0 00-00 0
Day 1: 0 00-00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG BASS
Day
1 Taylor Barnes Chickamauga, GA 06-01 $500.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Totals
Day #Limits #Fish Weight
1 69 442 725-09
----------------------------------
69 442 725-09