Drew Benton got a late start on day 4, but an upgrade this afternoon spurred him to the first Elite Series win of his career.
Benton capped of the week with a 16-15 stringer, including a 3-pounder just before 2 p.m., to finish with 67-15 at Lake Travis, claiming the $100,000 winner’s share and a berth in the 2019 Bassmaster Classic.
Jacob Wheeler finished 2nd with 64-08 after catching 16-02 on the final day.
Cliff Pace finished where he started – in 3rd place – with 61-12 with a 15-09 effort today. His 10-05 lunker from day 1 held up as big bass for the tournament and he was awarded a new Toyota Tundra.
Keith Combs had the day’s only 20-pound stringer (20-04) and moved up six spots to finish 4th with 60-10.
Brent Chapman, the leader in Angler of the Year points, wound up 5th with 59-02 after sacking 15-13.
Here’s a quick look at how the 12 finalists finished up:
1. Drew Benton: 67-15
2. Jacob Wheeler: 64-08
3. Cliff Pace: 61-12
4. Keith Combs: 60-10
5. Brent Chapman: 59-02
6. Gerald Spohrer: 55-09
7. Bobby Lane: 55-04
8. Jamie Hartman: 52-06
9. Ray Hanselman: 50-11
10. Jason Christie: 49-07
11. Marty Robinson: 48-15
12. Clifford Pirch: 48-07
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