The dirty water also concentrated anglers, with most focusing on the clearest water on the lake; from Shawnee Bend to the dam. This concentration of anglers coupled with a number of other tournaments on the big lake this weekend caused congestion expected on the streets of New York not the 57,000 acre Missouri impoundment.

Joplin, MO Elite angler Wes Endicott is no stranger to the winner’s circle. With eight victories to his credit in Heartland Tournaments alone, Endicott has built a storied career in a relatively short time. Concentrating in the slightly stained water from Shawnee Bend to the dam, the Nitro Pro keyed on shallow points and pockets near spawning areas to catch his fish. Utilizing a black and blue jig and craw combo Endicott targeted docks and shallow brush to bring in his limit weighing 16.35 pounds. While most of Endicott’s fish came from docks and brush associated with the docks it was key to make multiple pitches to an area and work the jig slowly to be effective.

This is Endicott’s fourth Heartland Elite series victory taking advantage of Carstar, Solar Bat and Tracker Trophy incentives Endicott pocketed $10,300.00 for his efforts including $7,000 in Tracker Trophy incentive for running a Nitro Z-9. Wes Endicott is sponsored by; Nitro Boats, Mercury Motors, Motor Guide Trolling Motors, Pro Guide Batteries and Bass Zone.

2nd Place - Scott Pauley, Hartsburg, MO
Fishing an almost identical pattern to Endicott, second place angler Scott Pauley of Hartsburg, MO fell .08 pounds shy of a victory. Targeting shallow docks and other cover near spawning areas Pauley flipped and pitched a black / blue flash 3/8 oz. Jewel Finesse Flip’N jig matched with a Net Bait Paca chunk. Culling to a limit weighing 16.27 pounds, Pauley’s five fish earned him $2300 for his efforts.

Scott Pauley is sponsored by; BassCat Boats, Mercury Motors, Jewel Bait Company, Missouri Tourism, Minn Kota, Ulrich Marine, Machen’s Ford and Plano Tackle Systems.

3rd Place - Jeff Combs, Friend, NE
Over the past two years Jeff Combs has become one of the most consistent anglers in the Midwest. More often than not Combs finishes in the top ten in every event he fishes. Much like the first and second place anglers Combs focused on shallow cover near spawning areas.

Using his now famous homemade jig, Combs capitalized on the shallow jig bite to bring in a limit weighing 16.23 pounds, .04 pounds shy of second and a mere .12 pounds under the winning limit. For his efforts Combs pocketed $1760.00. Jeff Combs is sponsored by; Yamaha Motors, Falcon Rods, Mustad Hooks, Maui Jim Sunglasses, Minn Kota and Plano tackle Systems.