News
12th: Jones Was Committed
Alton Jones, who remained at No. 3 in the AOY race and gained some points on leader VanDam (he's now 58 back), knew he was in trouble early this morning when the ledge he'd been relying on produced just one bite, and he lost it. He ended up weighing just 12-11.
"It was a pretty long day," he said. "I'd been getting a substantial portion of my weight in the first couple hours, and I guess the shad spawn didn't happen there today.
"It's never good when you drop from 6th to 12th, but I've got to remember that there were 87 guys who'd have loved to have been where I was." Complete Story
6th: No Looking for Jones
Alton Jones expected to post a big number today, and he did just that.
"I thought I could catch at least 25 (pounds)," he said. "Beyond that, it's hard to predict because you're depending on big bites. I was pretty sure I could load up with 5-pounders, but I also caught a 7 1/2. I'm excited to be where I am.
"I will say that I'm not sight-fishing – I'm fishing outside and working the current and that sort of thing. There are lots of fish, and when you find the little sweet spots it can be 20 or 30 straight. Once you figure out the magic cast, it's lights out." Complete Story
6th: Jones Covets Belt
"I don't have a century belt yet and I think that would be pretty cool," he said. "I'm also excited about closing the (Angler of the Year points) gap on KVD (Kevin VanDam). I think he's still going to be leading, but with Skeet and I both up there, it's going to be a tight race.
"It really gets me pumped up for the rest of the year. Complete Story
Alton Takes Over Angler of the Year Lead
Jones Catches 17-12 Alone, Omori Bags 17-08 In Crowd
Also, severe weather descended upon the area late in the afternoon and produced some of the strongest winds and rains ever encountered in a tour-level event. Complete Story