Posted  August 10th, 2007  6:21pm CST

Reese, Jordon Clash Again.....Myers Third, Niggemeyer Makes a Big Move

Story by Dru Smith & Dan O'Sullivan - Photos by Mark Jeffreys

La Plata, MD –  Cut day became move day as the 108 anglers on the Bassmaster Elite Series roster tackled the Potomac River in Maryland on Day two of the Bassmaster Elite Series Capitol Clash. As the day two weigh-in completed, Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Points Leader Skeet Reese secured a milestone in his professional career, and five more points towards becoming the 2007 Angler of the Year.

In keeping his lead, Reese assured himself of at least a $10,000 payday for the tenth time in the Bassmaster Elite Series schedule. In doing so, Reese becomes the newest member of the Bassmaster Million Dollar Club; only his final position at the Capitol Clash will dictate his earnings at events end.

More importantly, by leading today, 38-year-old pro grabbed another five points in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Race over three time Angler of the Year Kevin Van Dam; who wound up 33rd following day two in the Potomac.

Reese, from Auburn, Calif. pulled a 14-pound, 14-ounce limit of largemouth bass from the waters of the Potomac River on Friday; giving him a total of 35 pounds, 3 ounces, and a Kelly Jordan, and nearly a two and a half pound lead over defending Capitol Clash Champion Kelly Jordan.

Jordan, the 36-year-old pro from Mineola, Tex. is seeking to repeat his victorious performance in Maryland, having squeaked out a seven-ounce victory over Reese in the 2006 Capitol Clash. Jordan also grabbed a 14-pound, 14-ounce limit on day two but stayed within striking distance of Reese with a two-day total of 32-pounds, 14 ounces. Should Jordan be able to repeat as Champion, he would also become a member of the Bassmaster Millionaire’s Club.

Second year pro, Britt Meyers of Mount Holly, N.C. posted a 15-pound, 0-ounce limit on Friday. The 33-year-old jumped from 7th place to 3rd with a total of31 pounds, 11 ounces. 

Derek Remitz, the Toyota Rookie of the Year points leader added 13 pounds, 10 ounces to his 17 pounds 10 ounces from day one giving him a total weight of 31 pounds, 9 ounces. Remitz moved up two places in the standings to 4th, giving him an opportunity to extend his 30 point lead over Casey Ashley who fell from 4th to 16th place in Maryland.

Bassmaster veteran Tommy Biffle bagged an impressive 16-pound, 14-ounce sack of largemouth today and moved from 15th to 5th place with his performance. Biffle, from Wagoner, Okla. is in position to make his second appearance on a Sunday in 2007.

The big mover for the day was James Niggemeyer, from Van, Tex. The Bassmaster Elite Series rookie crushed the heaviest bag on day two with an 18-pound, 0-ounce limit that included an 8-pound, 2-ounce Potomac bucketmouth that earned the Purolator Big Bass $1000 daily premium. Niggemeyer’s 29-pound, 11-ounce total moved him up the leader board by 34 places from his day one position of 40th place. 

Reese Running Away
Embodying the spirit of the Angler of the Year award, Skeet once again entered a tournament without a strong pattern, instead relying on his instincts and sheer determination pull him through. “I spoke with Davy (Hite) and he told me when it’s your time every decision you make is the right one and every move seems to work out,” the Auburn Cali. angler said.

Like last year, this race is coming down to Reese vs. Jordon with two laps to go. “Would I like to beat him this time, absolutely,” Skeet said when asked about the rematch. “I don’t know if I’m on the fish to win after seeing some of the quality bags brought in today.”

Skeet returned to his primary area and caught more fish than yesterday, but they were lacking in size. He made the move to his secondary spot and culled up to his final weight. 

“There are still a few fish around the areas I’m in, but I don’t know if there are two good limits left. I’m still free fishing a little in the afternoons, but basically I’m sticking to what I know.”

Skeet is a little concerned about the weekend traffic and the added fishing pressure in his area. “I may have to bark at a few people tomorrow, but it is what it is. I hope to have 15 pounds and be around on Sunday.”

Jordan on Pace
Defending Champion, Kelly Jordan is following the same recipe that led to victory on the Potomac last year. Two above average days surrounded by two exceptional days was Kelly’s winning resume in 2006. He again followed up his 18 pound performance on Thursday with 14-14 on day two. 

When asked about once again competing against Luckcraft teammate, Skeet Reese, Jordan responded, “It’s weird. We compared notes and talked a little during practice, but we were both a little worried headed into Thursday.”

Even after struggling to feel a limit on Friday, Kelly is still excited about the potential of the Potomac River. “I would love to be here when they are biting,” he said. “There are so many variables that you have to just go with your best spots. You have to make the right choices at the right time.”

Kelly does have a couple of areas that he hasn’t fished yet and plans to explore those spots on Saturday. “The tide is key and it should be right tomorrow. I plan to make a milk run first thing in the morning and then see what happens.”

Britt is sticking to two areas and throwing one bait. “I’ve got one flipping stick on the deck,” he said. “I do have a frog tied on in case one blows up but I haven’t seen that yet. I am just flipping.”

Britt had seven bites on Thursday and eight bites Friday and the second year pro isn’t planning to change. “I might not get a bite tomorrow or I could have 15 pounds. Who knows? I don’t have anything else to go to.”

Derek was able to get the top-water bite early in the day, but his mainstay has been the flipping stick. “The area has a ton of two pound fish. About every tenth fish might be a three pound bass. I could very easily come out of there with eight or nine pounds.”

Derek plans to look for the bigger bit on Saturday, but he is unsure of just how to do that. “I don’t know what to do to get the better fish, but I do know that I will need more than 13 pounds to stay in contention.”

“I had a decent practice, but I was running around a lot,” the Oklahoma pro said. “I’ve settled on just a couple of spots.” Like most other the other pros, Tommy commented on the importance of the tide. “It is critical to be in the right spot at the right tide.”

Tommy believes the area that he is fishing will continue to produce. “They really haven’t bit as well in there as they did in practice,” Tommy said referring to the fish in his area. “The bite did picked up this afternoon.”

James is sharing the water with several competitors, but because of his background he is not intimidated by the crowd. “Fishing Lake Castiac growing up and now living on Lake Fork, I’m used to fishing around other boats,” James said. “I have never talked so much to other competitors during a tournament.”

James is flipping a three inch creature bait and is optimistic about the weekend. “I’m not familiar with this body of water, but I do think there are plenty of fish in this area. Tidal waters usually refresh pretty quickly.”

DAY TWO STANDINGS

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