SHREVEPORT, La. — Days before the opening round of the Louisiana CITGO BASSMASTER Tour event on the Red River here, Natalie Hite had a dream that her husband Davy would win the event and become a back-to-back winner on the premier angling tournament trail in the world.
On Saturday, Davy Hite brought in 12 pounds, 8 ounces to make that premonition come true.
"After the first day of practice I called my wife, and she told me she had a dream that I won back-to-back Tour events," said Hite, who won the season opener on Michigan's Lake St. Clair. "I told her that she must have been drinking something, because I didn't even catch a keeper during that practice day."
By claiming his fifth career victory, Hite moves into a tie for 11th place on the all-time victory list. With the $110,000 first prize, the Prosperity, S.C., angler also moves his single season earnings after just two events to $221,000.
Hite's four-day total of 41-8 was enough to give him a 5-pound, 4-ounce victory over second place Guy Eaker, who led after Day 3 following the disqualification of then leader Dean Rojas' 31-pound catch total. Rojas — who led the field by 7 pounds 5 ounces after Day 2 — cast into a private lake that is off limits.
Eaker of Cherryville, N.C., claims $48,000 for his 36-4 total. Todd Faircloth, Jasper, Texas, brought in 36-2 and claimed $37,000 for third. Summerville, S.C., angler Carl Maxfield claimed $36,000 for his fourth place catch of 35-12 and Pete Gluszek, Franklinville, N.J., caught 35-0 to claim the fifth place prize of $17,500.
Winning back-to-back events has occurred 14 times in 359 events over 34 years on the CITGO BASSMASTER Tournament Trail.
To accomplish the feat, Hite relied on two main baits, a ¾-ounce HawgCaller spinnerbait (chartreuse and white) and a four inch Gambler tube (black and white). Hite keyed on areas of rip-rap, dykes, shorelines and isolated wood with water depths of approximately two to five feet.
"It's a neat feeling to have confidence enough to just use two baits," said Hite. "As a result of being confident in my decisions I changed my game plan entirely on the second day because something in the back of my mind said to try another area. Confidence is important.
"I dreamed about accomplishing a lot of things in this sport when I started eight years ago. Winning the BASS Masters Classic and Angler of the Year were high priorities, but I never in my wildest dreams thought about winning back-to-back events. Its amazing when you consider the level of competition."
In addition to the win, Hite also assumes the lead in the season points standings with 300 points. Jay Yelas holds second 28 points behind Hite. David Fritts, 268; Scott Rook, 262 and Chuck Economou, 262 round out the top five.
By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The CITGO BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism, and sportsmanship after more than three decades.
Sponsors
CITGO, Chevrolet Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kumho Tires, Long John Silver's, Gore-Tex Outerwear, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC/ B.A.S.S. Vehicle & Boat Insurance, B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa/First USA.
Associate Sponsors
Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats
The Louisiana CITGO BASSMASTER Tour event is sponsored locally by the Shreveport Regional Sports Authority.