In an electrifying finish at the WON BASS Winter Open, held on Clear Lake, Garrett Ellenson triumphed with a total weight of 98.37 pounds over three days. After a solid start, Ellenson secured his victory with a stunning final day performance, accumulating 32.53 pounds.
Ellenson, who represents Nine Mile Falls, Washington, displayed remarkable consistency throughout the event. He set the tone with an opening day weight of 32.08 pounds, positioning himself just behind first-day leader Mark Cobey. Following this, he secured 33.76 pounds on Day 2, remaining within striking distance of the leader, Vance Hayes.
His strategy was clear as he approached the final day, trailing Hayes by less than two pounds. “I knew I needed a strong bag to claim the title,” said Ellenson, reflecting on his mindset as the competition intensified.
Utilizing a 6-inch Z-Man scented Jerk Shad in Smokey Shad color paired with a 3/16-ounce Cipher Tungsten jighead, Ellenson maintained his confidence in a consistent bait choice. “I adjusted my locations and timing rather than changing baits,” explained Ellenson, emphasizing his adaptability to the shifting conditions of the lake.
The final day brought an exciting atmosphere, marked by significant changes in the leaderboard as the weather warmed, creating a favorable feeding environment for the fish. “There were dramatic swings on the leaderboard today,” Ellenson noted, as several anglers exceeded 30 pounds, aiming to push him from his spot.
As the weigh-in unfolded, Phillip Makin briefly held the hot seat with 26.55 pounds before Ellenson's impressive catch outperformed it, including a standout 8.98-pound fish that cemented his victory. “It was an incredible feeling to see that weight on the scale,” he shared, underscoring the thrill of competition.
Mason McAbee achieved Heavy Stringer honors for the tournament with a jaw-dropping 37.73-pound limit, while Joe Uribe Jr. astounded the crowd with a stunning comeback. Starting the tournament in 26th place, he recorded two significant limits and capped off his performance with a 9.71-pound giant, earning him Big Bass honors.
Local anglers Nathan Phillips and John Pearl also shone brightly on the final day, each contributing to a robust top five with their 30-plus pound limits. “It just goes to show the quality of fishing at Clear Lake,” said Ellenson, acknowledging the stiff competition he faced.
Although he narrowly missed the coveted 100-pound Century Belt, Ellenson's consistent performance throughout the three-day tournament demonstrated his skill and determination amidst a competitive field. Looking ahead, he expressed eagerness for future tournaments, particularly as the WON BASS Cal Open returns to Clear Lake from April 16-18.