2014 Bassmaster Elite Table Rock Day 3: McClelland Become the Third Leader of Table Rock

Arkansas native McClelland uses his skill and consistency to tame Table Rock. 

By Deb Johnson

bass press release

BRANSON, Mo. — Mike McClelland, an Ozarks lakes angler since he was 8 years old, took his time this week before he stepped into the limelight in the April 3-6 A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Table Rock Lake.

A solid 17 pound limit leaps Mike into the lead.
(Photo: BASS)

After the first day of competition, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Bella Vista, Ark., was in 12th place. In Friday’s second round, McClelland found surer footing — and a better size of bass. He pushed up into fourth place.

And then he made his biggest move. McClelland grabbed Saturday’s lead by weighing 17 pounds, 9 ounces for a three-day total of 49-13 and an almost 4-pound lead.

“It was fine for me to start in 12th. As a ‘local,’ you’re going to get so much more attention if you are leading,”  McClelland said. “I kind of like to stay behind the scenes as much as I can and just let it happen.”

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC DAY3 : Today's Top Anglers

By Luigi De Rose

Mike was lucky to get them early.
(Photo: BASS)

Day 3 has be horrible for the top leaders except for Brandon Palanuik. Here are the top estimated catches of today's best catches. Remember, the leader Cliff Pace had a huge 7 pound lead but he has only 4 small ones as of 2pm Central time.

Here are today's best limits
Hank Cherry 17-08
Mike McClelland 16-14
Tracy Adams 14-08
Todd Faircloth 14-04
Bradon Palaniuk 13-00

The rest of the field is doing very poorly. Very sporadic catches and long gaps between bites. The BASS crew is worried that there will be a tie resulting in a fish-off on Monday.

Stay tuned!