Foster Bests Elite One Man Field

The Pro’s aren’t the only Elite’s

It’s only you against the fish in the Toho Marine Elite One Man Series. Whether you hero or zero, the only factor in how well you finish is you. On May 24th, 24 anglers set out to test their skills and knowledge against one another on Lake Istokpoga for the 5th event of the season.

Located in Highlands County, the 27,692-acre lake is home to arguably the meanest fish in the state. As part of a management strategy, Istokpoga boasts a 3-fish per person per day limit. All bass between 15 and 24 inches must be immediately released, and anglers are only allowed to keep one fish over 24 inches. Tournament exemptions provided by the state allow competing anglers to bypass the lake regulations, as all fish will be released at the conclusion of the tournament’s weigh-in.

Elite anglers, who normally would be vying for 5 fish to show off at the weigh tanks, only needed 3 key bites. Chad Foster found those 3 important bites, showing up to weigh-in with 18.42 pounds of Lake Istokpoga largemouth swimming in his livewell. Foster showcased what Istokpoga can produce, weighing 2 fish over 8 pounds en route to a 1^st place finish, and a $750 payday. Foster fished a 6-inch Senko and 10-inch Powerworm through lily pads to coax his 2 giants into biting. The win was Foster’s 3rd of the season, and he retains his lead in the Angler of the Year standings.

Don Eady finished 2^nd, weighing a 14.00-pound, 3 fish limit. An 8.61-pound lunker helped Eady win $375 for his runner up finish, but also landed him an extra $105 for the event’s 2^nd largest Big Bass.

Soltis Santos netted a 9.22-pound toad to anchor his 13.64-pound limit, giving him a 3^rd place finish and Big Bass for the event. Santos won $275 for 3^rd, and $210 for his lunker, respectfully.

Norris Newhouse weighed a 3 fish limit for 12.32 pounds, enough for a 4^th place finish and $100.

Jimmie Murphy rounded out the top 5 with a 10.42-pound, 3 fish limit. Murphy took home a new fishing rod for his efforts.

The next event is scheduled for the Harris Chain on June 21^st. For more information about the event, click here.