COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a second-day rally to repeat his 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series title on Lake Murray, Fred Roumbanis shot from 34th place into the lead Friday at the Evan Williams Bourbon Carolina Clash.

With a catch of 18-4 Friday for a two-day total of 30-9, the pro from Bixby, Okla., kept two South Carolina challengers at bay, but just barely. Eight ounces back was Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., who put up 30-1 for two days. A home-lake favorite, Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C., fell one spot into third with 29-7 after two days.

Fourth and fifth places were secured by pros from Missouri: Brian Snowden with 28-5, and Rick Clunn with 27-12.

Roumbanis struggled on the first day, but was able to turn it around and establish a pattern he said is strong enough to carry him to a repeat win. He encountered a slight hitch: The pattern drew strikes from stripers, too. Read More

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Only two anglers have a chance this week for back-to-back Bassmaster Elite Series wins, albeit wins of a different color.

Steve Kennedy, just off his May 8 victory at West Point Lake, could claim back-to-back Elite wins by taking the title in the May 12-15 Evan Williams Bourbon Carolina Clash on Lake Murray.

Fred Roumbanis of Bixby, Okla., victor in 2008 when the Elite Series last competed on Murray, is the only pro who could claim consecutive Carolina Clash titles.

Just to make things interesting: Kennedy was runner-up to Roumbanis in that May 2008 tournament. If they do well again on Lake Murray, it won’t be because they were able to repeat how they attacked it in 2008, Roumbanis and Kennedy said. Read More