Jaeger wins Co-angler Division of Rayovac FLW Series - Major League Fishing

Jaeger wins Co-angler Division of Rayovac FLW Series

Ohio Co-angler victorious on Okeechobee
Image for Jaeger wins Co-angler Division of Rayovac FLW Series
Rex Jaeger of Hamilton, Ohio wins the Co-angler Division of the Rayovac FLW Series event on Lake Okeechobee with a three-day total of 31 pounds, 7 ounces. Photo by Rob Newell.
January 11, 2014 • Rob Newell • Archives

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – For the last two years, Rex Jaeger of Hamilton, Ohio has been plugging away in Rayovac FLW Series events hoping to make a top 10.

Friday afternoon he scored his first Rayovac Top 10 and by Saturday afternoon he found even more to celebrate about as he emerged victorious with a three-day total of 31 pounds, 7 ounces to collect a brand new Ranger Z117 with a 90 HP outboard.

Rex Jaeger of Hamilton, Ohio, shows off the fish that brought him victory in the Co-angler Division.

“This is awesome,” Jaeger said. “This is my third year fishing these. This is my first top 10 and I ended up winning it – I couldn’t be happier. I’m from Ohio so I’m used to 6-pound test and smallmouth. Ripping these big fish out of these thick weeds with big braided line is new to me, but I sure do like it.”

Jaeger’s journey to victory lane included a stop at the 17th spot on day one with 10 pounds, 3 ounces, a stop at 4th place with 13 pounds, 6 ounces and today he sealed the deal with a limit weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

All week he used one bait: a Jann’s Netcraft Salty Trick Stick on 30-pound braid to do his damage.

“I really have to thank Jann’s Netcraft for getting these baits to me in time so I had plenty for today, they are great,” said Jaeger who owns Weld-Rite Industries in Ohio. “Also, I have to give a shout out to Gary and the guys at Dixie Marine, they made it possible for me to be here.”

Green second

Co-angler Ronnie Green of Sebring, Fla., finished second with a three-day total of 30-12.

Ronnie Green of Sebring, Fla., finished runner-up with a three-day total of 30 pounds, 12 ounces.

Green’s go to lures for the week included Senkos (green pumpkin magic) fished on 17-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon, a homemade 3/16-ounce swimjig (white) and a Speedworm (junebug).

“When fishing with these pros, I also recommend tucking a notepad and pen in your tackle bag somewhere,” Green laughed. “Because the amount you learn from these guys is incredible. They are great people and they are willing to teach. Each day with them is an education.”

Richardson third

Aaron Richardson of Destin, Fla., finished third with a three-day total of 29 pounds, 5 ounces.

Richardson is a former co-angler winner on the Rayovac Series, taking the title in 2011.Co-angler Aaron Richardson of Destin, Fla., finished third with a three-day total of 29-5.

During the week Richardson relied on a Big Bite Baits Cane Thumper, a Mag Speed Worm (red bug) and a Zoom Fluke (watermelon).

Fox, Lewis round out top five

Tim Fox of Meridian, Miss., finished fourth with a three-day total of 29 pounds, 4 ounces.

Fox’s success for the week came on a Gambler Big EZ (copperfield) and a Chatterbait (white) both fished on Vicious 65-pound test braid on Duckett White Ice rods.

Captain Don Lewis of Jacksonville, Fla., rounds out the top five co-anglers with a three-day total of 27 pounds, 13 ounces. Lewis relied on a Big EZ and a Salty Sling for his catches on the week.

Rest of the best

Co-angler Tim Fox of Meridian, Miss., finished fourth with a three-day total of 29-4.

Rounding out the top-10 Co-anglers in the Rayovac FLW Series event on Okeechobee:

6th: Alphonso Taylor of Kennesaw, Ga., three-day total: 26-9, $2,500

7th: Dean Harcourt of Sebastian, Fla., three-day total: 25-1, $2,000

8th: Mitch Reynolds of Petal, Miss., three-day total: 24-10, $1750

9th: Ty Solis of Albany, Ga., three-day total: 24-8, $1,500

10th: Dwight Griffith of Somerset, Ky., three-day total: 23-3, $1,250