West Takes Early Lead at BWS Nationals
Russellville, AR......Darrell West of Drasco, Arkansas took the first day lead with 14.65 pounds at the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship. “My whole goal is to make it to the Classic”, said West, “Every fisherman I know wants to make it there just once. I had fished Lake Dardanelle before, but Greers Ferry is my home water. I had a slow morning, but finally found the right spot and caught all of them late in the day. I’ve fished the Bassmaster Weekend Series for 3 years now and I’ve tried to better myself each year. I feel confident going into tomorrow that they will still be there. I pretty much had the spot all to myself”, he continued.
West is married to Melody and they have 2 children, Tyler, 24 and Cameron, 15.
Sitting in 2nd place is Benji Seaborn of Guin, Alabama. “This is my 2nd year to fish the BWS and I like the format because of the great people I get to meet and become friends with. I’ve never been to Dardanelle before this past Sunday. My catch all came early in the morning before 10:00am. The lake kinda reminds me of the ones around home. Everyone I’ve ever drawn as a partner has really been great. They’re all good people. I really like the format because the co-anglers fish against other co-anglers so you really want to get in good fishing spots to benefit both of you in the boat. Yes, I would really, really love to get to fish in the Classic. It’s a life-long dream for everyone that tournament fishes”, concluded Seaborn.
Seaborn and his wife were the National Champions at the American Couples Series on Columbus Pool in August of this year.
Leading after day 1 on the Co-Angler side is Jerry Hembree of Jacksboro, Tennessee. Hembree, who calls Norris lake his home waters has fished Dardanelle before at a few Regionals. He also caught his fish later in the day. They did move around a lot until they finally found some. “I fish the Bassmaster Weekend Series because I love the competition. My goal this week is to WIN on the co-angler side! And, if that can’t happen, to at least get into the Top 25. My wife Mishell doesn’t fish, but she supports me in my tournaments. I had a great day because I had a great partner!”, he concluded.
The Tournament continues through Saturday with weigh-ins each day at 3pm. The public is invited out to watch and see who the lucky angler will be that wins the $100,000 plus the chance to go to the Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham in February.
Sponsors of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series include Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Russellville Tourism & Visitors Bureau, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, Early Times Kentucky Whisky, Hi-Seas Line, ProBass Networks, and Rejuvenade.
About American Bass Anglers American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament organization for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers operates the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series and the American Couples Series. Each tour is designed specifically for the weekend angler, offering low-cost and close-to-home events where anglers can qualify for a larger championship. For more information on American Bass Anglers, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.
Click Here for Day One Results
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