Ehrler advances to Heavy Hitters final, Lucas earns $25k for 8-pounder
MONROE-WEST MONROE, La. – For the second day in a row at General Tire Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops, Caney Creek Reservoir proved to be the battleground in a war of attrition for the 15 pros working to advance to the Knockout Round. There were 48 bass caught on Thursday – the same number as Wednesday – but the big fish numbers decreased on the fourth day of fishing on this 4,800-acre reservoir.
Eight pros survived the battle to move on to Friday’s Knockout Round on Caney, while Brent Ehrler’s 27-pound day earned the California pro Group B’s automatic spot in the Championship Round with Group A winner Bryan Thrift.
Justin Lucas added the exclamation point to the day. The Alabama pro caught only one fish, but he made it count with an 8-pound, 5-ounce largemouth that earned him a $25,000 bonus as the Big Bass for group.
The eight pros from Group B advancing are:
1. Brent Ehrler – 47-5 (11)
2. Andy Morgan – 46-14 (14)
3. Dustin Connell – 36-11 (9)
4. Jacob Wheeler – 35-12 (10)
5. Randy Howell – 33-9 (9)
6. Casey Ashley – 31-9 (10)
7. Edwin Evers – 31-7 (8)
8. Jordan Lee – 29-15 (6)
Ehrler finds success with bluegill beds offshore
Ehrler will take Friday off as he awaits Saturday’s Championship Round at Bussey Brake. Ehrler earned the automatic bid thanks to the best day of anyone on the water, seven bass for 27-14 including a 7-15.
Ehrler relied mainly on a 5-inch Green Pumpkin Yamamoto Senko on wacky and Neko rigs on a spot where he found success earlier in the week.
“I found a spot where the fish were pulling out to deeper water,” Ehrler said. “I think those bigger fish were in there feeding on bluegill. I don’t know that for sure, that’s just the feeling I got because it seemed to be a spot around some bream beds.”
Those postspawners were feeding in the morning, but Ehrler was unable to catch a scorable bass the final four hours of the day. As his afternoon bite died off, his lead over Andy Morgan began to dwindle.
As Morgan caught two fish to start the third period, Ehrler’s lead shrunk to just 2 pounds. Lucky for Ehrler, the afternoon bite slowed for Morgan as well and Ehrler was able to come away with the group win.
The Daiwa pro now heads to Bussey Brake for a chance at $200,000 if he can catch the Berkley Big Bass of the Championship Round as well as win the tournament.
“I have nothing to lose,” Ehrler said. “The fishing there was pretty good during my practice. I think there will definitely be a 10-pounder caught over there. I think it may take 50 pounds to win it, honestly. Local pressure could play a factor, but you never know. I know one thing — the weights will be higher on Bussey Brake than they were on Caney Creek.”
Lucas misses cut but earns $25K
There’s no doubt that Lucas would like to still be fishing after missing out on the Knockout Round by just one spot, but he was earned a massive consolation prize. Lucas connected with his 8-5 at the start of the third period, dethroning Ehrler’s 7-15 to earn Lucas the $25,000 Heavy Hitters bonus.
“I’m honestly stoked,” Lucas admitted. “I fished this event last year and finished second, won $25,000. Now, I’m going home early with $28,000. I did better than last year as far as I’m concerned.”
Lucas caught his 8-pounder using a 6-inch worm on a drop-shot. It had been a frustrating day until he was able to get the monster largemouth to bite.
“I lost a couple of other fish today using a drop-shot around grass and timber,” Lucas said. “That fish was right on the edge of where some grass and timber met in about 8 feet of water. I didn’t see it on my electronics, but I threw my drop-shot out there and knew I had it.”
The Alabama pro will pack up his truck and head back home to prepare for Stage Four next month. But before he hit the road, he did give a little insight into who he thinks has the best chance to walk away the winner of Heavy Hitters.
“I think Chris Lane has a really good shot at winning this thing,” Lucas predicted. “He’s one of the best flippers there is and he’s fishing with a ton of confidence right now. He’s second in points on the Bass Pro Tour this year and if he makes it to Bussey Brake, he’s going to be tough to beat.”
Other notes from Caney Creek
- Jordan Lee was the last man inside the Toro Cut Line after catching four bass for 21-14, including a 5-11, 6-0 and 7-0. He looks to become the first two-time winner of Heavy Hitters.
- Ehrler had the best day, but the second-best day belonged to Casey Ashley who shot up from 13th to sixth place. He caught eight fish for 26-4 on Thursday.
- Brandon Coulter only caught one fish in two days, but it was a big one. The Tennessee pro brought in a 7-12 on Thursday.
What’s next
The seven advancing anglers from Group A and the seven from Group B will link up for the first time in the Knockout Round on Friday. All weights will reset to zero and the eight with the highest weights will advance to the Championship Round to meet Thrift and Ehrler. The pro who is able to catch the biggest bass of the Knockout Round will earn a $50,000 bonus check.
Coverage begins at 7:45 a.m. CT at MajorLeagueFishing.com.