LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW) - It takes lots of patience, a little bit of luck and of course plenty of lures to be a Bassmaster Elite angler. It takes even more to stand out among the crowd.
That's just what 98 of the nations best hope to do this weekend on the Mighty Mississippi. Friday saw day two of the Bassmaster Elite Mississippi River Rumble, where the field would be narrowed down to 50 anglers for the final two days.
Todd Faircloth had the big haul on day two. His catch of 17 pounds, 14 ounces included one bass weighing more than five pounds itself and helped put Faircloth 12 ounces in the lead heading into the weekend.
Early in the day, Rick Clunn, who won a tournament in La Crosse back in 1983 jumped up to the top spot in the leaderboard with his Friday haul of 15 pounds, 13 ounces. He would finish the day in a tie for fourth at 31 pounds, two ounces total.
The other half of that tie is Aaron Martens. The Leeds, AL resident entered the day in 2nd and remained in the top five after a haul of 14 pounds, 13 ounces. Martens said it's still anyone's game.
"It's incredible how tight it is from 50th place to 1st place," said Martens. "Even the guy in 50th, if he had a stellar day--I mean if he caught one six pounder, it would move him up into the top-12. Usually, it's not the case. Usually, you have a much bigger gap."
The tournament continues through Sunday and is free for the public to attend. Organizers do ask that spectators please use the shuttle service, since parking is limited at Veterans Freedom Park. You can find information about the tournament at fishlacrosse.com.
