Mark Menendez through the years

Elite angler Mark Menendez is returning to the Elite Series after a couple of years off.

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Mark Menedez has been a staple in Bassmaster tournaments for more than a decade. To celebrate his return to the Elite Series in 2015, let's take a look at some of the highlights of his career.
Mark Menedez has been a staple in Bassmaster tournaments for more than a decade. To celebrate his return to the Elite Series in 2015, let’s take a look at some of the highlights of his career.
In 2003, he was known as the angler who would fish with his Labrador Barkley.
In 2003, he was known as the angler who would fish with his Labrador Barkley.
His love for dogs made him a fan favorite.
His love for dogs made him a fan favorite.
But it just wasn’t his dog that allowed him to make a name for himself.
But it just wasn’t his dog that allowed him to make a name for himself.
Menendez was a consistent top angler in the Elites Series, making the post-season event in 2009.
Menendez was a consistent top angler in the Elites Series, making the post-season event in 2009.
Catching smallmouth or largemouth.
Catching smallmouth or largemouth.
And showing up in his share of final day action,
And showing up in his share of final day action,
Like an 11th place finish at Bull Shoals in 2012.
Like an 11th place finish at Bull Shoals in 2012.
He’s best known for winning the Diamond Drive on Lake Dardanelle in 2009.
He’s best known for winning the Diamond Drive on Lake Dardanelle in 2009.
Menendez fished the event in a small flat bottom,
Menendez fished the event in a small flat bottom,
And took a beating getting to his primary spot.
And took a beating getting to his primary spot.
Once there, he had even more work to do.
Once there, he had even more work to do.
The river had fallen
The river had fallen
And it forced him to push his boat through an old bridge
And it forced him to push his boat through an old bridge
To get into his area.
To get into his area.
He had to push
He had to push
And shove
And shove
Get on the big motor.
Get on the big motor.
Use the push pole
Use the push pole
And do everything imaginable to get there.
And do everything imaginable to get there.
He did finally make it
He did finally make it
After that it was clear sailing
After that it was clear sailing
The result was big fish
The result was big fish
And an Elite Series Championship.
And an Elite Series Championship.