Fishing News - 4/22/01

        From BASS

JAY YELAS CLAIMS CENTRAL INVITATIONAL TITLES

Wins Missouri Invitational and Claims Divisional Title

KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. - (April 21, 2001) - Entering Saturday's final day of competition at the Missouri BASSMASTER Central Invitational Texas pro Jay Yelas knew he had the points championship for the Central division sewn up. By the end of the day he had also added the championship of the event to his list of accomplishments, bringing in a three-day total of 43 pounds, 13 ounces.

Yelas finished 6 ounces ahead of second place Cody Bird in the event and 6 points ahead of second place Todd Faircloth in the season standings. He claimed $51,000 for his fourth BASSMASTER win.

"This was a great year," said Yelas, after claiming his third divisional championship. "I'm looking forward to the BASS Masters Classic in New Orleans, that is a great fishery and the area has some great fans."

Despite high winds during each competition day, Yelas, like most anglers relied on the sight fishing pattern they discovered during practice on Table Rock Lake.

"This week I relied on sight fishing, catching my fish on both a 4-inch Berkley Power Tube (pumpkin seed and white) and a 3-inch Berkley Power Craw," explained Yelas who caught 15-8 on the final day. "I fished an area about 20 miles long, from Kimberling City to Campbell Point. The first day was tough because it was cool and windy, but the warmer weather later in the week made it easier."

Bird, who finished with 43-7, had the lead after day one, but dropped to second during the second day of competition. "The second day killed me," said the Granbury, Texas pro, who claimed $32,000. "I panicked by rushing things too much. I was sight fishing using a 3-inch Lake Fork Trophy Tube (smoke, red flake) around the mid lake area. I thank the good Lord for what he gave me, but I really wanted to win."

Scott Rook of Arkansas relied on a 4-inch SOS Finesse worm (green pumpkin) rigged on an 1/8 ounce jighead to bring in 42-5 and claim third place.  Rook also qualified for this summer's Classic by virtue of finishing fourth in the season standings.

Day 2 leader Keith Green, also from Arkansas, caught 42-3 to place fourth and Texas pro Sean Hoernke brought in 41-2 for fifth.  Green's performance allowed him to move into fifth place in the standings, qualifying him for his first Classic.

Also qualifying for the Classic was Texan Kelly Jordon, who finished sixth in the event.

The Missouri BASSMASTER Central Invitational awarded an overall purse of $227,000.

By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades.

Sponsors of the 2001 BASSMASTER Tournament Trail include: Ranger Boats, RangerTrail Trailers, Mercury Outboards, Chevy Trucks, Long John Silver's, Kumho Tires, 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 and GMAC Insurance. 

The event is sponsored locally by the Kimberling Inn Resort.

         B.A.S.S. Web site: http://www.bassmaster.com.

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