WWBT CROWN GOES TO PEARL
Upper Lake fisherman claims top prize in pro division, brings 62.6 pounds to weigh scales
LAKEPORT >> John Pearl of Upper Lake weighed in the big bag on Sunday to win the pro division in the Wild West Bass Trail Lucas Oil Western Classic on Clear Lake.
T he pro- am tournament opened Friday and took place with a full field of 70 pros and 70 amateurs through Saturday. The field was cut to the top 10 in each division for the third and final round Sunday when Pearl brought 26.48 pounds to the weigh scales to clinch the championship trophy and a new bass boat with a three- day total of 62.6 pounds. Pearl reached the top 10 after weighing in 19 pounds on Friday and another 17.12 pounds Saturday.
The top four pro fishermen all finished with more than 59 pounds. Runner-up Dusty Kahler had 60.03 pounds, third-place finisher had 59.53, and fourth-place finisher Ryan Diatte had 59.4. Joseph Gatie rounded out the top five with 51.11 pounds.
Other pro finishers were Austin Wilson, sixth at 51.01 pounds; Shane Peirson, seventh at 49.01; Bryant Smith, eighth at 46.92; Scott Bern, ninth at 42.44; and Jordan Pinasco, 10th at 42.04 pounds.
It took 31.39 pounds to make the pro cut for day three. Kahler (37.42), Acosta (37.40) and Pearl (36.12) were one-two-three in the pro standings heading into Sunday. Pearl led after day one with 19 pounds.
Amateur
Despite weighing in only 13.26 pounds on Sunday, second-round leader Dustin Maraviov was able to hold on and win the amateur division with 42.59 pounds. He also received a new bass boat for his victory. Maraviov finished 1.3 pounds ahead of runner-up David Zavvar (41.29). Brian Conder also topped 40 pounds, finishing with 40.42.
Other amateur placers were Grant Harnist, fourth with 35.71 pounds; Teddy Snyder, fifth with 33.88; Michael Cardinalli, sixth with 31.66; Michael Kirk, seventh with 31.13; Joseph Reekers, eighth with 29.38; Jason Englund, ninth with 27.24; and Luke Wilson, 10th with 25.2.
First- round leader Jamie Effisimo (17.36 pounds) ended up 17th in the final standings. Maraviov led after round two with 29.33 pounds.
It took 23.28 pounds to make the top-10 cut in the amateur division.
Big fish
The big fish of the tournament in the pro division went to Ken Mah at 8.05 pounds (34th place), Antonio Gold at
7.63 pounds (57th place) and Diatte at 6.99 (fourth place).
The big fish in the amateur division went to Nicholas Markert at 7.56 pounds (28th place), Reekers at 7.35 pounds (eighth place), and Cardinalli at 6.61 pounds (sixth place).
Awards
While Pearl and Maraviov took home bass boats for their respective wins, other top finishers received cash prizes.