LIVE BLOG: Down to the Wire in Elimination Round 1

Wesley Strader sits on top of SCORETRACKER heading into Period 3. Photo by Garrick Dixon

February 14, 2019 • Mason Prince • Bass Pro Tour

CONROE, Texas — Here’s where the anxiety starts to ratchet up: Period 3 just started, and as usual, there’s a spirited battle around the 20 spot. As we start the final period, here are the anglers who look to be headed for an Elimination Line battle royal: Mike Iaconelli (24-7/19th), Gerald Swindle (24-6/20th), Alton Jones (23-13/21st), Shaw Grigsby (23-10/22nd). Cliff Crochet (22-13/23rd) and Anthony Gagliardi (22-12/24th).

3:02 p.m. CT – We are down to the final 30 minutes and it keeps getting tighter around the Elimination Line. Mike Iaconelli holds the finals spot in the Top 20 with Cliff Pace, Aaron Martens, Shaw Grigsby, Cliff Crochet and Jonathon VanDam all within two pounds of him.

2:05 p.m. CT – After missing the cut in the Knockout Round during Stage One is Kissimmee, Fla. at the last second, Mike Iaconelli is once again near the Elimination Line. Ike is currently in 20th place with 27 pounds even, 1-10 up on the surging Aaron Martens. Gerald Swindle, Shaw Grigsby, Cliff Crochet and Anthony Gagliardi are all within 5 pounds of Iaconelli as we head into the final hour and a half of the round.

12:29 p.m. CT – One fish could be the difference between securing a paycheck or going home empty handed. Right now, Gerald Swindle is holding on to the 20th spot but there are six anglers within 4 pounds of catching him. The bite has been tough today despite the rising temperatures, but those who can stick with their strategy and get those elusive bites could be heading into the next round.

11:11 a.m. CT – Watch out for Mark Rose! The West Memphis pro just added a 6-1 to SCORETRACKER to leap into third place. Rose has 18-5 on the morning and a two-day running total of 36-11. And Happy Valentine’s Day to Christie, Natalie and Hannah Grace!

10:39 a.m. CT – The bite is proving tough this morning for the anglers. Todd Faircloth and Mark Rose have the most weight for the day at 12-14 and are both inside the Top 10 on the SCORETRACKER. Down near the Elimination Line, Anthony Gagliardi currently owns the 20th spot but there are seven anglers within 5 pounds of him. The cloud cover remains constant on the water.

10:05 a.m. CT – Todd Faircloth has made a move up the SCORETRACKER after one period. He started in 13th place but he is now in seventh thanks to six fish for 12-14. Wesley Strader remains on top of the group although he’s only caught 4-12 this morning.

9:35 a.m. CT – Shaw Grigsby has made his presence known this morning with a 3-4 that moves his total weight to 20-4 and pushes him above the Elimination Line. Grigsby began the day in 23rd place but has been able to get a few bites this morning. Josh Bertrand landed a 3-14 to move him into 30th place, but only 5-11 behind the Elimination Line.

9:00 a.m. CT – The cloud cover remains as temperatures are beginning to touch 60 degrees in Conroe. Near the Elimination Line, It’s been a slow start to the morning for Alton Jones and Jonathon VanDam. Both anglers began the day above the Elimination Line but have yet to put a fish on the SCORETRACKER in the round. With one hour left in Period 1, we will see if the morning bite shows up for these anglers or if they are putting their eggs in the afternoon-bite basket, something that did not prove fruitful yesterday.

8:25 a.m. CT – Mark Rose is the first angler to prove that there are big fish to be caught today on Lake Conroe. Rose landed a 7-3 to move him into ninth place. Texas native Alton Jones, Jr. has jumped eight spots up to the 12th position on the SCORETRACKER. Jones used a 3-pounder to make his move. The clouds continue to hang around in Conroe but the temperature continues to rise, hopefully leading to better and more frequent bites.

8:02 a.m. CT – Just 30 minutes into Period 1 and we are already starting to see some big movers near the Elimination Line. Cliff Crochet has already moved up six spots to claim the No. 20 spot thanks to 5-13 so far today. Anthony Gagliardi started the day in 22nd place and has now moved up to 13th thanks to three bass for 6-5.

7:40 a.m. CT – Justin Atkins made the first big move of the day thanks to a 4 pound, 4 ounce bass early in Period 1. The Top 10 on the SCORETRACKER could have a pretty comfortable day if they stay consistent. The drama will of course remain near the Elimination Line. Mike Iaconelli currently owns that final No. 20 spot.