Most of the fifty two anglers that didn’t make the cut at the Bassmaster Elite Tournament from the Sabine River were disappointed they wouldn’t be collecting a check but most weren’t disappointed about leaving.
When Elite Wesley Gore was asked if he thought he made the cut he said, “I hope I’m in 51st place. I’ve been hoping that since I got here. I’m at a loss for words.”
Elite Kyle Patrick said almost the same. “I’ve had enough of the Sabine. I miss the check but I’m ready to get in my truck and go home.”
The Sabine takes the heat because that’s where the take-off is located but almost all of the fishermen have been in Taylor’s Bayou or the Neches River. So many boats in Taylor that several fishermen like Jamie Hartman talked about “being in a bad rotation.”
Seven fishermen brought in ten pounds or better on Day One. Only five delivered double digits on Day Two. Ben Milliken was in the top 10 on Day One (10-3) and almost didn’t make the Top 50 cut (2-13) after two days (13-0). He sits 48th.
John Crews “The Crews Missile” shot into the top 10 thanks to the 4-14 big bass of the day.
And being from Texas or Louisiana has not helped any of those anglers. Rookie Dakota Ebare (above) is from Louisiana but now resides in Brookeland, Tx. He jumped up to 14th with a 9-2 day. In the top 10 there are two from Canada, one from Australia, one from Japan, and the leader is from Wisconsin.
Pat Schlapper has held the lead for both days and that’s saying something. Both days he caught his fish in the same spot.
No matter the weight, the $100,000 is still the same for the winner and whoever wins will have earned it. And the field is wide open. Eight pounds separates first thru fifty. And the 14 guys currently sitting in 10th-23rd place all have 16+ pounds. This tournament is far from over.
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