I sure wanted it BAD… but, honestly, I had no problem handing it over to The Legendary Rick Clunn! Got off to a slow start – but then built some momentum. Catching Friday’s, 10-8, “Big Bass of the Day” helped bump me way up the leaderboard! By Sunday, I ended up finishing 6th at the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series opener, in front of a hometown crowd, on the St. Johns River in Palatka, Florida. A huge “Thank You” for all your prayers and support… it sure has meant a lot. My hometown fans were awesome!  Lots of family, friends and other local well-wishers in attendance! Sure appreciated it. What a great turnout we had – throughout the entire tournament. What an incredible week!

Took 6th at the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series opener on the St. Johns River in Palatka, FL. Not a bad way to start the season!

I’d like to extend a huge “Thank You” to all my sponsors – in particular Futch’s Depot, Kubota Tractor Corporation, Fitzgerald Rods, Gator Tackle Co., YUM, Booyah Baits, Garmin Fish & Hunt, Bob’s Machine Shop, Phoenix Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lew’s, Seaguar and Power-Pole.

How did I do it? Here are a few details on some combos that got me a 6th place finish at the St. John’s River Bassmaster Elite… Fitzgerald Rods Stunner Series: 7’3” medium- heavy, 7’3” heavy, 7’1” medium-heavy, Lew’s Pro Magnesium Speed Spool, 12 lb. Seaguar Tatsu Fluorocarbon and new 30 lb. Seaguar Flippin’ Fluorocarbon, Booyah Baits One Knocker, Smithwick Lures Devil’s Horse, YUM Wooly Bug, Bomber Lures Fat Free Shad & Yum Breaking Shad rigged on an Underspin.

#KubotaStrong

Next stop – Winyah Bay, SC, Elite. Wish me luck!