Bethel University Takes Day One Lead at Barnett Reservoir Rumble
RIDGELAND, MS (April 9, 2022) – Day one of competition for the 2022 Barnett Reservoir Rumble is in the books. Over 300 of the nation’s most elite college anglers, to include anglers from 8 of the top 10 ranked teams in the nation, took to Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland, MS going out in search of a five fish limit. After a great day of fishing, Levi Mullins and Matthew Cummings from 17th ranked Bethel University lead the field of collegiate anglers with a five-bass limit weighing 15.11 pounds. Sitting in 2nd place are Merritt Arnold & Chance Schwartz from the top-ranked University of Montevallo and Eli Hughey & Brody Kitchings representing Mississippi State University sit in third with numerous other college teams within striking distance.
View the complete Day 1 standings.
Barnett Reservoir provided a great playing field for college fishing’s best anglers during day one of competition in the Association of Collegiate Anglers major event. Wind and weather patterns from earlier in the week played a factor in positioning the fish out on Barnett Reservoir today. With some areas being blown out due to strong winds in previous days, fish proved to be concentrated in specific key areas across the lake.
Anglers reported catching fish on a wide range of baits. The predominant patterns were moving baits and soaking soft plastics. Today turned out to be the battle of contrasting styles in that regard. It seemed as though some anglers burned down the bank chunking and winding to scrap up limited keeper bites, while the others that found success worked one key stretch of bank all day to fill their tournament limit.
Day two is setting up to be a very exciting one as 3rd through 12th place are separated by less than 1.50 pounds. Anglers will be competing for their share of over $20,000 in prizes and contingencies. The Top 20 teams following the completion of competition tomorrow will receive a prize payout. 1st place will earn close to $5,000 in prizes, as well as be eligible for thousands of dollars in prizes and contingencies.
Along with the valuable prizes, teams will be eligible to earn points for their two highest finishing teams inside of the Top 125. 1st place for the event will be awarded 1,250 points for their respective school.
Taking a look at the Day 1 standings as it pertains to the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia, six of the Top 10 teams represent schools ranked in the Top 25 overall. 17th ranked Bethel University put together the best Day 1 of any team in the event as they have two teams inside of the Top 5. Number one ranked University of Montevallo also had a strong Day 1 with three total teams inside of the Top 12 in the standings.
Stakes will be high tomorrow as the full field of college anglers take back out on to Barnett Reservoir for the final day of tournament competition. Live blog coverage will begin at 5:00 AM. Be sure to tune in to Outdoor Action TV starting at 1:30 PM to view live weigh-in coverage.
