2020 MLF Heavy Hitters Day 4: Skeet Reese Wins Group B Qualifying Round

Skeet Reese advances to Championship Round 

By Tyler Brinks - June 10, 2020

Reese lay off his fish until the final day.
(Photo: MLF)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – It was another simmering-hot day at the Toyota Heavy Hitters Presented by Venmo on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, with a heat index over 105 degrees. Just like Tuesday, one angler ran away to win the round and several anglers made valiant efforts to push themselves into the Top 20.

Some anglers made huge moves on SCORETRACKER®, including Mark Davis and Russ Lane, who dipped below the Top 20 and then climbed into the Top 10 at 4th and 6th place, respectively.

Both Bradley Roy (22nd to 11th) and Britt Myers (23rd to 16th) also made moves into the Top 20 thanks to great performances.

Alton Jones (13th to 26th), Jason Christie (14th to 23rd), Greg Vinson (19th to 30th), and Keith Poche (20th to 24th) all fell out of the Top 20.

Skeet Reese continued his push and will move straight to the Championship Round.

Skeet Skips to Championship Round

Reese’s march toward the Championship Round was never really in doubt as he got off to a strong start today to distance himself from the field. He wrapped up the Group B qualifying rounds with 23 pounds, 9 ounces, bringing his total for two days to 67-1.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Reese said. “It was awesome to catch some early and create a little gap to take off some of the pressure. It allowed me to look around for some other areas later in the day.”

Reese feels like things are starting to turn around after a tough start to his Bass Pro Tour career.

“It feels good to have some momentum after not catching them very well to start the Bass Pro Tour,” Reese said. “I had a good run at the end of the Lake Fork event and feel like I’m starting to make good decisions and fishing to win.”

Reese will join Zack Birge and the top eight anglers from tomorrow’s Knockout Round in the Championship Round on Friday.

Rose’s 9-Pounder Holds

Like Brent Ehrler’s Heavy Hitters big bass for Group A, Mark Rose’s 9-pound, 2-ounce giant from his group’s first day of fishing held.

Rose takes home $25,000 for that single bass. The big bass prize for Thursday’s Knockout Round doubles to $50,000 and doubles again to $100,000 for Friday’s Championship Round.

When time expired and it was official, Rose was ecstatic.

“It feels really good,” he said. “What a blessing. Thank you, Lord, for that big 9-pounder.”

Rose fooled the big-money bass with spinning gear and light line.

“The fish were getting pressured and it was a hot summer day, so I was just trying to get some bites with a finesse approach and that big one bit,” Rose recapped.

Rose also finished in second place in his group with 50-12.