Some of you might know Mustang Survival is the official PFD of BASS ESPN. As part of our sponsorship we attended the four day Bassmaster Memorial competition where about 50 anglers battle it out for the winning prize of $250,000 and Top 25 win at least 10,000 dollars.
This memorial was dedicated to Don Butler, who was the first person to join BASS. When Ray Scott was starting the organization in the late 1960s, he gave Ray a $100 bill so that he could be a life member. When Scott was short of funds to send BASS membership applications to fishermen, it was Butler who saved the day with $10,000 to help pay for tournament costs. He was a fishing innovator and designed the first aeration system for a bass boat, making catch and release a reality for millions of anglers.
A full field of 51 qualifying anglers fished during the first 2 days of competition on New York’s Oneida Lake. The field was cut to the Top 12 anglers after day 2. The final two days were held on Onondaga Lake on a rotating six-hole course set up by BASS officials.
Florida’s Peter Thliveros defended his Bassmaster Memorial Title, holding off his nearest competitor, Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala., by just 2 ounces. With the victory and the top prize of $250,000, he has amassed more than $1.5 million in BASS career earnings.
Moving up one spot to third was John Murray of Phoenix. In fourth was Dean Rojas of Lake Havasu. Day 3 leader Dave Wolak of Wake Forest, N.C., slipped to fifth. Finishing sixth was Jared Lintner of Arroyo Grande, Calif. Mike McClelland, who is sponsored by Mustang Survival, had an excellent first day, but just missed the cut for the 3rd and 4th day, and finished 17th.
The next Bassmaster Major, the Legends will be held August 23 – 26 at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark. and honors BASS founder Ray Scott.
Fishing fans can catch all the action at 9 a.m. ET Saturday, on ESPN2.