Faucheaux takes Strike King co-angler title at Rayburn
BROOKELAND, Texas – Weighing a three-day total of 36 pounds, 2 ounces for 12 fish, Ben Faucheaux earned top honors among Strike King co-anglers by about a pound at the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southwestern Division opener on Sam Rayburn. On Day 1, Faucheaux blasted 21-6 from the back deck, which set the tone for the week and went a long way toward securing his fourth MLF win and a new Phoenix bass boat.
Despite getting out to a big lead, Faucheaux needed everything he had to overcome the charge from Sakae Ushio, who is easily the best co-angler in the game these days. Fishing behind winner Colby Miller on Day 3, a few key moments put him ahead.
“We had the camera boat come in on us very late in the day, and I had two fish,” Faucheaux said. “I turned around, peeled out the Carolina rig, and there he was, 13 1/2 inches long. Colby was on my side all day. We pulled into a little stretch, and he handed me a ChatterBait, he said ‘You’ve got to take advantage of this opportunity.’ Second cast, 14 1/2 inches long.”
On Day 1, Faucheaux did his damage with a drop-shot, throwing 15-pound Seaguar Red Label, a 1/2-ounce weight and a red bug Zoom Trick Worm on a baitcaster.
“All five keepers on Day 1 were on a drop-shot,” he said. “My last two Super Tournament wins were on drop-shots. I tip my hat to Rick Albus and Richard Hooter, I’ve been very fortunate to have gained some really good friends through the MLF umbrella of fishing and they taught me a lot about what to throw as a co-angler.
“Two big kickers on Day 1 really elevated me in the standings and gave me a lot of confidence,” Faucheaux said. “Day 1, I was fishing with Chad Mrazek, he welcomed me into his boat, was very forthgiving on what kind of environment we were going to be in. I had stuff to throw at – there’s a lot of negativity right now with forward-facing sonar and the back of the boat, and it did not affect me at all for three days. Those guys can catch ‘em though, the Toyota Series guys, they’re some sticks; they’re there for a purpose.”
On stage, Faucheaux was thrilled with the win.
“It was emotional, I don’t really have goals as to fish, I just like to do well and participate,” he said. “It took me almost 17 years to win my first BFL, and it was a one day. I got some lessons from my friend Jeff Carpenter, and he said ‘You have to take what the lake gives you.’ It took me a while to learn how to do that – to put it together for three days was satisfying.”
Top 10 Strike King co-anglers
1. Ben Faucheaux – 36 – 2 (12) – $33,500
2. Sakae Ushio – 35 – 6 (14) – $4,729
3. James Allen Pruitt – 34 – 7 (12) – $3,783
4. Tyler Medica – 31 – 0 (13) – $3,310
5. Robert Davis – 30 – 14 (15) – $2,837
6. James Nelson – 29 – 15 (14) – $2,364
7. Robert Massey – 29 – 6 (14) – $1,891
8. John Moon – 28 – 15 (15) – $1,655
9. David Bozarth – 28 – 6 (15) – $1,419
10. Michael Leach – 26 – 13 (13) – $1,332