Top Boater and Co-angler from each of the
49 States Advance
The weather played nice today on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling City, Mo., as 204 State and National Semi-Final Champions battled it out for the top spots in their respective states. Anglers that advance will meet 49 brand new Ranger Boats fully-rigged with Lowrance and Evinrude electronics as they set out for an official practice day, tomorrow. Thursday, the weights will be cleared as the best of the best vie for the “Living the Dream” boater and co-angler titles.
Yesterday’s leader on the boater’s side, Brad Brodnicki, from New York held on to the top spot. Brodnicki claimed he was confident in his pattern and from where he sits; he proved it. Brodnicki brought in a limit of bass weighing 13 pounds 2 ounces making his two day total 28 pounds 10 ounces.
Climbing all the way from 10th to tie for second is Larry Hildebrandt from Wisconsin with a limit weighing 12 pounds 14 ounces for a total weight of 24 pounds 8 ounces. Hildebrandt is fishing for family this week. TBF’s South Dakota President, Lance Hildebrandt, is recovering from a massive stroke and Larry said on stage today he can’t wait to fish with him again, which he will no doubt.
Jon “Scooter” Griffin from Arizona also had a tournament total of 24 pounds 8 ounces. He inched up from fifth after yesterday’s finish. Griffin got edged out last year by Joseph Webster by just pounds for the national champion title and the $100,000 “Living the Dream” prize package. Griffin is looking to settle the score and he’ll leave it all out there win or lose this week to do so.
Herman Vining, from South Carolina topped the co-angler side today with 13 pounds 7 ounces for a total of 25 pounds 13 ounces. Vining is no stranger to this competition. He took a few years off to focus on his business now he’s back looking for a welcome home party.
Landing in second is Mike Alvarez from California. Alvarez had a five bass limit weighing 12 pounds 8 ounces for a total of 24 pounds 15 ounces. Jeremy Antrup, from Indiana remained consisted to claim third with 9 pounds 7 ounces and 9 pounds 11 ounces today making his total 19 pounds 2 ounces.
Anglers that have settled into a pattern will test it out tomorrow after the hard rain moves in overnight. Thursday, TBF’s best of the best will go out in hopes of locking down a lead in the hunt for those champion titles.
Tune in to www.bassfederation.com on Thursday at 3pm CST for live streaming of the event. Also, check out the updates and pictures on TBF’s Facebook page.
