Fishing News - 11/10/00
From BASS
Curt Lytle Maintains Missouri Lead
OSAGE BEACH, Mo.---November 10, 2000--- Although the weather remained frigid at Lake of the Ozarks, veteran Virginia angler Curt Lytle, who maintained his lead after the second round of the Missouri BASSMASTER Invitational, is feeling plenty of heat from a trio of Missouri pros hot on his heels.
Entering the final round Lytle, with a total of 28 pounds, 12 ounces, has a 1 pound, 7 ounce cushion over second place angler Mark Tucker of Kirkwood. Tucker, who nearly won here two years ago, has a two-day weight of 27-5. That's just 15 ounces more than Columbia pro Scott Pauley, who holds third with 25-6. Chad Brauer of Osage Beach sits fourth with 24-4, and rounding out the top five is Todd Faircloth of Jasper, Texas with 24-3.
Lytle, who has never led a B.A.S.S. tournament in his four years on the Trail needs to have one more good day to claim the $51,000 that will be awarded to the champion. "The cooler weather we had last night really slowed down the fish in my area a lot," said Lytle. "I caught three fish really quick this morning and then went several hours without a bite. I feel really fortunate to have caught the weight I did."
Tucker, who fishes Lake of the Ozarks often, is making an 85-mile run up the Osage River and catching his bass near the Truman Lake dam. It's an area that has produced well for him before, but the run takes nearly 1 1/2 hours, and in the cold temperature is leaving Tucker physically exhausted.
He admitted losing several nice bass today simply because he was still chilled from the long ride. One main advantage he has, however, is that no one else is making the same long run so he has the entire area to himself.
Temperatures remained near the 30 degree mark with overcast skies throughout the day. The rain and sleet that plagued fishermen Thursday ended during the night and should not be a factor in Saturday's finale but cloudy skies are expected to remain.
Although many contestants had hoped for cooler weather during the tournament, some now think the unusually cold temperatures have actually hurt rather than improved their fishing. Pauley believes the bass are not adjusted to the sudden change. "They are not biting as good right now," he remarked. "The bass were more aggressive this morning, but as the day went on they really slowed down. I'm using a small jig, and by the end of the day I had to barely drag it across the bottom to get a bite."
Big Bass on the day went to Bert Thompson of Benton, La., with a 6-1 bass. The BASSMASTER Central Invitational will conclude tomorrow with the final weigh-in being held at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Public Beach 2 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Additionally, a free CastingKids event, sponsored by Chevy Trucks and Zebco, will be held there Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This fun-filled national program designed by B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier encourages children to perfect the skills of casting, pitching and flipping. Local B.A.S.S. clubs conduct the events and provide instruction to all youngsters.
The champion of the Missouri Invitational will claim a prize of $51,000 out of an overall purse of $227,000. Additionally, the top five anglers in the Central Division standings at the end of the season will qualify for the BASS Masters Classic.
Additionally, a free CastingKids event, sponsored by Chevy Trucks and Zebco, will be held there Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This fun-filled national program designed by B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier encourages children to perfect the skills of casting, pitching and flipping. Local B.A.S.S. clubs conduct the events and provideinstruction to all youngsters.
The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has for more than three decades.
Sponsors of the 2000 BASSMASTER Tournament Trail include: Ranger Boats, RangerTrail Trailers, Mercury Outboards, Chevy Trucks, ACDelco Batteries, Worldwaters.com, Humminbird/Zercom Marine, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, First USA/B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Gore-Tex Outerwear, GMAC Insurance.
The event is sponsored locally by Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
B.A.S.S. Web site: http://www.bassmaster.com.
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