No lull in Elite off time

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On his trip home to North Carolina from Lake Fork, Matt Arey’s rig was hit by a police squad car, sending him scrambling to get a replacement for a quick turnaround to fish Fort Gibson. When dangerous conditions forced that tournament’s postponement to September, Arey and the 74 other Elite anglers found other various activities. Arey got another day in the turkey woods, and he tagged out with this morning bird to close the season.
On his trip home to North Carolina from Lake Fork, Matt Arey’s rig was hit by a police squad car, sending him scrambling to get a replacement for a quick turnaround to fish Fort Gibson. When dangerous conditions forced that tournament’s postponement to September, Arey and the 74 other Elite anglers found other various activities. Arey got another day in the turkey woods, and he tagged out with this morning bird to close the season.
Arey was among the anglers who, instead of preparing for practice in Oklahoma, got to stay home and celebrate Mother’s Day with their families. “For all you’ve done for not only me, but everyone in our family ... every day should be Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day mom, Love you. Candy Arey.” And his wife, Emily, also received props. “Happy Mother’s Day to this angel who always puts her family first, is an inspiration to everyone she encounters, and loves her hot dogs with a side of banana pudding. Love you more than you will ever know and couldn’t imagine life without you!”
Arey was among the anglers who, instead of preparing for practice in Oklahoma, got to stay home and celebrate Mother’s Day with their families. “For all you’ve done for not only me, but everyone in our family … every day should be Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day mom, Love you. Candy Arey.” And his wife, Emily, also received props. “Happy Mother’s Day to this angel who always puts her family first, is an inspiration to everyone she encounters, and loves her hot dogs with a side of banana pudding. Love you more than you will ever know and couldn’t imagine life without you!”
Chad Pipkens got in the act for his mom, Doris. “Happy Mother’s Day to you all amazing moms out there! A special thanks to my mom who has always been there for me. Thank you for being the most supportive and greatest role model anyone could ask for! You are the best.”
Chad Pipkens got in the act for his mom, Doris. “Happy Mother’s Day to you all amazing moms out there! A special thanks to my mom who has always been there for me. Thank you for being the most supportive and greatest role model anyone could ask for! You are the best.”
Before heading home, Chad and Melanie Pipkens visited the JM studios to record some videos for Bassmaster.com. None other than Tommy Sanders mics up Pipkens for a Livewell segment.
Before heading home, Chad and Melanie Pipkens visited the JM studios to record some videos for Bassmaster.com. None other than Tommy Sanders mics up Pipkens for a Livewell segment.
Stetson Blaylock, who recorded an Elite victory this season on Winyah Bay and got a surprise when wife, Lindsey, showed up with children Kei and Linnie, honored her. “Happy Mother’s Day to this very special and hard working mom of two, you make it look so easy!”
Stetson Blaylock, who recorded an Elite victory this season on Winyah Bay and got a surprise when wife, Lindsey, showed up with children Kei and Linnie, honored her. “Happy Mother’s Day to this very special and hard working mom of two, you make it look so easy!”
The time off the Elite circuit also gave Blaylock some more time to take the family fishing. “Well, that was fun … a quick little trip this morning with the fam!”
The time off the Elite circuit also gave Blaylock some more time to take the family fishing. “Well, that was fun … a quick little trip this morning with the fam!”
Brock Mosely got in the act as well for his wife and new mom, Leslie. “Happy Mother's Day to @lesliemosley55 so proud of the mother you have become!”
Brock Mosely got in the act as well for his wife and new mom, Leslie. “Happy Mother’s Day to @lesliemosley55 so proud of the mother you have become!”
“Wouldn’t have picked a better person to be mom. Happy Mother’s Day!” David Mullins wrote of his mom, Brenda, who looks like she might have something to do with his fishing passion.
“Wouldn’t have picked a better person to be mom. Happy Mother’s Day!” David Mullins wrote of his mom, Brenda, who looks like she might have something to do with his fishing passion.
Bill Weidler took his wife, Darlene, (“My best bud”) out for an adventurous experience for Mother’s Day. “Went to Birmingham Locked In for a mental challenge. Nope … we didn’t escape but what a great hour of fun. Anyone out there make it through the warehouse?”
Bill Weidler took his wife, Darlene, (“My best bud”) out for an adventurous experience for Mother’s Day. “Went to Birmingham Locked In for a mental challenge. Nope … we didn’t escape but what a great hour of fun. Anyone out there make it through the warehouse?”
Casey Carriere said she felt special for the Mother’s Day Tyler afforded her. “We had an awesome day ... church, lunch with our sweet fam, and an afternoon fishing trip with my guys! I’m a blessed girl for sure!”
Casey Carriere said she felt special for the Mother’s Day Tyler afforded her. “We had an awesome day … church, lunch with our sweet fam, and an afternoon fishing trip with my guys! I’m a blessed girl for sure!”
Clark Wendlandt reported he got some extra time to celebrate Mother’s Day with his wife, Patti, and his mom, but before that he had a must-attend event in College Station for daughter, Emily. “Our girl graduated from nursing school at Texas A&M today. We are so proud of her!”
Clark Wendlandt reported he got some extra time to celebrate Mother’s Day with his wife, Patti, and his mom, but before that he had a must-attend event in College Station for daughter, Emily. “Our girl graduated from nursing school at Texas A&M today. We are so proud of her!”
Of course there was a lot of fishing. Much of it was enjoyed with family, like Drew Benton taking Cade out for his first fish caught on a frog. “Yeah, I come home from fishing to go fishing some more.”
Of course there was a lot of fishing. Much of it was enjoyed with family, like Drew Benton taking Cade out for his first fish caught on a frog. “Yeah, I come home from fishing to go fishing some more.”
Brandon Card got in some family fishing time, too. “Had fun bluegill fishing with my nephew, brother, and dad today! It’s always a blast when all the Card boys go fishing together!”
Brandon Card got in some family fishing time, too. “Had fun bluegill fishing with my nephew, brother, and dad today! It’s always a blast when all the Card boys go fishing together!”
Harvey Horne was glad to have an off week to be there for his son’s tournament. “I spent the weekend with this crew. My weekend off finally coincided with my son’s club tournament,” he wrote. “Luckily it was the championship and I got to see him and his partner, Ethan Payne, fish their hearts out for a 3rd place finish. I am so proud of them. Joseph's passion for fishing has come so far and so have his skills. Thank you to my sister, Pam, for being their captain this year. We couldn't do this without you.”
Harvey Horne was glad to have an off week to be there for his son’s tournament. “I spent the weekend with this crew. My weekend off finally coincided with my son’s club tournament,” he wrote. “Luckily it was the championship and I got to see him and his partner, Ethan Payne, fish their hearts out for a 3rd place finish. I am so proud of them. Joseph’s passion for fishing has come so far and so have his skills. Thank you to my sister, Pam, for being their captain this year. We couldn’t do this without you.”
Ditto for Jason Williamson. “BEYOND proud of my boys!!! Hard work, determination and lots of luck! Now time to prepare for the PBC Classic this coming weekend at Lake Keowee out of South Cove Park.”
Ditto for Jason Williamson. “BEYOND proud of my boys!!! Hard work, determination and lots of luck! Now time to prepare for the PBC Classic this coming weekend at Lake Keowee out of South Cove Park.”
Sometimes it’s all about making the wife happy, even if she outdoes you. Hunter Shryock was proud of his new bride, Felicia, and her monster catch. And you gotta like his nickname for her. “When Fleetle Bug puts the camera down, she catches bigs! Some redemption for her after jumping a 7 off at the boat and almost sticking me with some @berkleyfishing fusion19 trebles!” Ok, watch out for those.
Sometimes it’s all about making the wife happy, even if she outdoes you. Hunter Shryock was proud of his new bride, Felicia, and her monster catch. And you gotta like his nickname for her. “When Fleetle Bug puts the camera down, she catches bigs! Some redemption for her after jumping a 7 off at the boat and almost sticking me with some @berkleyfishing fusion19 trebles!” Ok, watch out for those.
Carl Jocumsen had many more pictures of camping with Kayla Palaniuk and Roo the Bass Dog as he prepared for the Chickamauga Open, but this one showed them all together. “Great to be back in Tennessee. This is the kind of day we live for and reminds us why we love it here so much. Fun few weeks coming up with the Bassmaster Open on Chickamuga next week.”
Carl Jocumsen had many more pictures of camping with Kayla Palaniuk and Roo the Bass Dog as he prepared for the Chickamauga Open, but this one showed them all together. “Great to be back in Tennessee. This is the kind of day we live for and reminds us why we love it here so much. Fun few weeks coming up with the Bassmaster Open on Chickamuga next week.”
Jeff Gustafson and Seth Feider fished the Sturgeon Bay Open event together, finishing 16th, but Gussy took out his other significant other, Shelby, when he got home to Canada. “We got out for a few hours this afternoon and despite the chilly weather, the bass were snappin’!!!”
Jeff Gustafson and Seth Feider fished the Sturgeon Bay Open event together, finishing 16th, but Gussy took out his other significant other, Shelby, when he got home to Canada. “We got out for a few hours this afternoon and despite the chilly weather, the bass were snappin’!!!”
While Gustafson had a trek of more than 21 hours to get home from Lake Fork, Randy Pierson topped him. Pierson got in some practice for the next Elite this month then had a 34-hour drive to get back to Oakdale, Calif., in the Bay Area. “Left Alabama Lake Guntersville Friday morning at 6 a.m., got home to California Saturday night at 10 p.m.! I even drove the speed limit and stopped for a 4-hour nap.”
While Gustafson had a trek of more than 21 hours to get home from Lake Fork, Randy Pierson topped him. Pierson got in some practice for the next Elite this month then had a 34-hour drive to get back to Oakdale, Calif., in the Bay Area. “Left Alabama Lake Guntersville Friday morning at 6 a.m., got home to California Saturday night at 10 p.m.! I even drove the speed limit and stopped for a 4-hour nap.”
The other Canadians competing on the Elite Series, Cory and Chris Johnston, also fished Sturgeon Bay, finishing 22nd. Expect those Johnston boys to be holding some more huge smallmouth when the Elites head north later this season.
The other Canadians competing on the Elite Series, Cory and Chris Johnston, also fished Sturgeon Bay, finishing 22nd. Expect those Johnston boys to be holding some more huge smallmouth when the Elites head north later this season.
Some of the Elites spent some time away from the sport, and baseball was the choice for Jay Yelas, who wrote, “Soaking up the sun with the family at the old ballpark today.”
Some of the Elites spent some time away from the sport, and baseball was the choice for Jay Yelas, who wrote, “Soaking up the sun with the family at the old ballpark today.”
Brett Preuett gave best gal Kelsey Baillio her first Major League experience as they attended a Texas Rangers game in Arlington after Lake Fork.
Brett Preuett gave best gal Kelsey Baillio her first Major League experience as they attended a Texas Rangers game in Arlington after Lake Fork.
It was little league ball for Hank Cherry and he got to witness a championship. “Spent the weekend in Charleston, S.C., watching Christian play in the Top Gun Sports-Shipyard Park tournament! First place for these boys! They did an amazing job.” Hank, you got a hat but that red shirt doesn’t match.
It was little league ball for Hank Cherry and he got to witness a championship. “Spent the weekend in Charleston, S.C., watching Christian play in the Top Gun Sports-Shipyard Park tournament! First place for these boys! They did an amazing job.” Hank, you got a hat but that red shirt doesn’t match.
Todd Auten stayed close to home and did something rather interesting. “Had some fun out at Charlotte Motor Speedway today assisting Tyler Ankrum in judging the camper decorating contest! … What do you think?”
Todd Auten stayed close to home and did something rather interesting. “Had some fun out at Charlotte Motor Speedway today assisting Tyler Ankrum in judging the camper decorating contest! … What do you think?”
Dave Fritts almost did something super interesting. “Jumped out of my Ranger boat plenty of times but an airplane makes me nervous!!” Fritts was about to skydive but said a SNAFU halted the jump. He said he’d like to give it another shot sometime.
Dave Fritts almost did something super interesting. “Jumped out of my Ranger boat plenty of times but an airplane makes me nervous!!” Fritts was about to skydive but said a SNAFU halted the jump. He said he’d like to give it another shot sometime.
Bill Lowen had some fun with this giant lizard. “Practicing for my gator trip at Grosse Savanne Lodge!!!,” he wrote, with the hashtags of help and not going to happen. Yeah, that’s not how you do it. Proper form is to show any gator the bottoms of your shoes as you run away.
Bill Lowen had some fun with this giant lizard. “Practicing for my gator trip at Grosse Savanne Lodge!!!,” he wrote, with the hashtags of help and not going to happen. Yeah, that’s not how you do it. Proper form is to show any gator the bottoms of your shoes as you run away.
Dale Hightower has some new critters on his land in Mannford, Okla., and maybe a new personal photographer. “Spring time babies arriving here on the Hightower Farm! Thanks to our good friend Jennifer Lowen we have some great photos to share. Life when we are not fishing!”
Dale Hightower has some new critters on his land in Mannford, Okla., and maybe a new personal photographer. “Spring time babies arriving here on the Hightower Farm! Thanks to our good friend Jennifer Lowen we have some great photos to share. Life when we are not fishing!”
Koby Kreiger and his wife, somewhat of a professional animal rescue team, introduced a good looking pooch to the world. “Everyone say hello to KOTA! Our new family member!”
Koby Kreiger and his wife, somewhat of a professional animal rescue team, introduced a good looking pooch to the world. “Everyone say hello to KOTA! Our new family member!”
Matt Herren was thrilled to catch this eagle taking flight while out fishing. “One of the rare times I had the cellphone ready to capture one of the awesome sites I see while I'm on the water! Love my job!”
Matt Herren was thrilled to catch this eagle taking flight while out fishing. “One of the rare times I had the cellphone ready to capture one of the awesome sites I see while I’m on the water! Love my job!”
Seth Feider has been saying “llama” in various situations for quite some time now. There’s even been T-shirts and a guy with a llama mask cheering him on at the Classic. So this photo from wife, Dayton, in front of the furry creatures at the Minnesota Zoo, stands to reason. But how did his llama use begin? We’ll find out later this month.
Seth Feider has been saying “llama” in various situations for quite some time now. There’s even been T-shirts and a guy with a llama mask cheering him on at the Classic. So this photo from wife, Dayton, in front of the furry creatures at the Minnesota Zoo, stands to reason. But how did his llama use begin? We’ll find out later this month.
Doing things with the spouse is important, especially to show appreciation for the ones who help make fishing for a living possible at all. Caleb Sumrall — dang he cleans up nice — looked like he had a time with wife, Jacie. “Happy Anniversary to this smoke show. Here’s to you 9 years and many, many more!”
Doing things with the spouse is important, especially to show appreciation for the ones who help make fishing for a living possible at all. Caleb Sumrall — dang he cleans up nice — looked like he had a time with wife, Jacie. “Happy Anniversary to this smoke show. Here’s to you 9 years and many, many more!”
John Crews and Sonja have the Sumralls topped by 5 years, and they spent some time celebrating in Nashville. “Having a great anniversary weekend getaway with my better half,” John wrote. “Checking out the Downtown and loved the Eric Church concert last night! Love you!” Awww!
John Crews and Sonja have the Sumralls topped by 5 years, and they spent some time celebrating in Nashville. “Having a great anniversary weekend getaway with my better half,” John wrote. “Checking out the Downtown and loved the Eric Church concert last night! Love you!” Awww!
A few years back, Chris Zaldain landed the big bass in the predecessor to Texas Fest. He won a Toyota Tundra truck and presented it to his wife, Trait. Somehow things didn’t line up as perfectly this year as she competed in the Chickamauga Open. “Birthday date night,” Chris wrote. “I took her to see a live performance by Chris Bowes on stage at the Bryan College Amphitheater!!!”
A few years back, Chris Zaldain landed the big bass in the predecessor to Texas Fest. He won a Toyota Tundra truck and presented it to his wife, Trait. Somehow things didn’t line up as perfectly this year as she competed in the Chickamauga Open. “Birthday date night,” Chris wrote. “I took her to see a live performance by Chris Bowes on stage at the Bryan College Amphitheater!!!”
With so many hours on the road, the Elites appreciate a little extra time at home, like Kelley Jaye, who’s spending quality time with son, Devin. “Me and Lil man’s daily afternoon game of ‘round the world.’ I love my time at home with family.”
With so many hours on the road, the Elites appreciate a little extra time at home, like Kelley Jaye, who’s spending quality time with son, Devin. “Me and Lil man’s daily afternoon game of ‘round the world.’ I love my time at home with family.”
Speaking of kids, Derek Hudnall held a youth seminar (photo gallery on Bassmaster.com) with the help of fellow Elites Caleb Sumrall, Tyler Carriere and Harvey Horne as well as Opens pros Brent Bonadana and Lucas Ragusa and former Elite Cliff Crochet.
Speaking of kids, Derek Hudnall held a youth seminar (photo gallery on Bassmaster.com) with the help of fellow Elites Caleb Sumrall, Tyler Carriere and Harvey Horne as well as Opens pros Brent Bonadana and Lucas Ragusa and former Elite Cliff Crochet.
Helping out with kids events in their region is an enjoyable endeavor many Elites participate in, like Jay Yelas. “Up at Lake Washington near Seattle today for our Fishing Kids event. Over 400 kids participated and the fish were biting! Made for a great day!”
Helping out with kids events in their region is an enjoyable endeavor many Elites participate in, like Jay Yelas. “Up at Lake Washington near Seattle today for our Fishing Kids event. Over 400 kids participated and the fish were biting! Made for a great day!”
Jake Whitaker, the 2018 Elite Series Rookie of the Year, said the same. “What a great day! We had over 60 kids come out for the Kids Fishing event at Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa, N.C. Was honored to be a part of the festivities. There’s nothing like seeing the excitement of a child casting, hooking and catching fish!”
Jake Whitaker, the 2018 Elite Series Rookie of the Year, said the same. “What a great day! We had over 60 kids come out for the Kids Fishing event at Charles D. Owen Park in Swannanoa, N.C. Was honored to be a part of the festivities. There’s nothing like seeing the excitement of a child casting, hooking and catching fish!”
Some Elites fished to help a cause, like Cliff Prince who teamed with Robin Shiver in a tournament to benefit Wolfson's Childrens Hospital in Palatka, Fla. Prince didn’t fare too badly either, taking second in the VIP and Friends division. The event celebrated its 30th anniversary and has raised more than $4 million for the hospital.
Some Elites fished to help a cause, like Cliff Prince who teamed with Robin Shiver in a tournament to benefit Wolfson’s Childrens Hospital in Palatka, Fla. Prince didn’t fare too badly either, taking second in the VIP and Friends division. The event celebrated its 30th anniversary and has raised more than $4 million for the hospital.
Some, like Chris Groh, just wanted to stay in tournament mode. The Chainrat scored a win in the Blarney Bassmasters with his brother-in-law, Nate Thomas.
Some, like Chris Groh, just wanted to stay in tournament mode. The Chainrat scored a win in the Blarney Bassmasters with his brother-in-law, Nate Thomas.
Before the Fort Gibson event was postponed, Tyler Rivet sought to figure out the Sooner State bass on a nearby fishery. “Oklahoma lakes always mess me up so I figured I’d come hang out with @lukepalmerfishing for a week and catch his pets before Fort Gibson next week!”
Before the Fort Gibson event was postponed, Tyler Rivet sought to figure out the Sooner State bass on a nearby fishery. “Oklahoma lakes always mess me up so I figured I’d come hang out with @lukepalmerfishing for a week and catch his pets before Fort Gibson next week!”
Brandon Lester stuck close to home to fish, and again showed his prowess. “Post spawners played ball today. Gotta love Tims Ford. The largemouth seem to be doing the best right now out there.”
Brandon Lester stuck close to home to fish, and again showed his prowess. “Post spawners played ball today. Gotta love Tims Ford. The largemouth seem to be doing the best right now out there.”
There was a chance to pre-practice for Lake Guntersville before the off-limits period, and a number of Elites went there, including Garrett Paquette. The Michigan angler scored a Century Belt on Lake Fork behind Brandon Cobb with 101 pounds, 15 ounces, and he had more than half of that on this catch. “WHAT!? Caught this giant catfish today! I'm not sure how big it was, the guy that netted it for me thought it was around 60 pounds! Landed on 12lb SunlineSniper!”
There was a chance to pre-practice for Lake Guntersville before the off-limits period, and a number of Elites went there, including Garrett Paquette. The Michigan angler scored a Century Belt on Lake Fork behind Brandon Cobb with 101 pounds, 15 ounces, and he had more than half of that on this catch. “WHAT!? Caught this giant catfish today! I’m not sure how big it was, the guy that netted it for me thought it was around 60 pounds! Landed on 12lb SunlineSniper!”
Skylar Hamilton spent Memorial Day fishing with his dad. “Teamed up with ol dad and we fought the Jet Skis for 17 pounds and change and ended up with the win! He also caught the big fish of the tournament with a 6.02. Thanks to Shane Wolfe for the great event.”
Skylar Hamilton spent Memorial Day fishing with his dad. “Teamed up with ol dad and we fought the Jet Skis for 17 pounds and change and ended up with the win! He also caught the big fish of the tournament with a 6.02. Thanks to Shane Wolfe for the great event.”
Brad Whatley summed up the thoughts of many Elites on Memorial Day, honoring our fallen soldiers and their families. “Thank you to all that have given so much for this country. I get to spend this time fishing with my kids because of all the sacrifices that were made by so many!”
Brad Whatley summed up the thoughts of many Elites on Memorial Day, honoring our fallen soldiers and their families. “Thank you to all that have given so much for this country. I get to spend this time fishing with my kids because of all the sacrifices that were made by so many!”
“Last year I had the liberty of visiting Arlington National Cemetery,” Caleb Sumrall wrote. “This holiday truly hits home since I have. Each one of these heroes laid down their lives so that we can live free. Don’t think I can ever express my gratitude enough. Thank you to each and every one of you.”
“Last year I had the liberty of visiting Arlington National Cemetery,” Caleb Sumrall wrote. “This holiday truly hits home since I have. Each one of these heroes laid down their lives so that we can live free. Don’t think I can ever express my gratitude enough. Thank you to each and every one of you.”