Triplett Takes Co-Angler Crown On Grand
Adaptability proves key
Taking the co-angler lead into the final day of the Rayovac FLW Series presented by Power-Pole on Grand Lake was Kyle Triplett of Washington, Mo. By the end of the day, Triplett had weighed a 9-pound, 3-ounce limit for a three-day total of 39-6, and earned himself a brand new Ranger Z117 with a 90-horsepower outboard.
Triplett caught big bags on the first two days and held fast with nearly 10 pounds on the final day.
“I didn’t think I was going to win,” says Triplett, who was fishing the First Rayovac FLW Series event of his career. “When Steven Meador weighed, I didn’t think I was going to do it, I thought I only had 8 pounds. If it wasn’t for the last 3-pounder I caught yesterday I wouldn’t have won.”
Being able to change up and catch fish a variety of ways ended up keying Triplett’s win. He caught fish on a variety of baits throughout the event, but a green pumpkin-colored Zoom Ultra Vide Speed Craw with the claws dipped in chartreuse dye and a brown jig made with living rubber accounted for most of his weight.
Triplett also got an assist from winner Bradley Hallman, who pointed out several beds for him that allowed him to fill his limit on the third day of competition.
Top 10 Co-anglers
1: Kyle Triplett – Washington, Mo. – 39-6 (15) – Ranger Z117 w/ 90 HP outboard
2: Steven Meador – Bella Vista, Ark. – 38-5 (15) – $5,000
3: Matt Krekovich – Granite City, Ill. – 35-4 (14) – $4,000
4: Lance Baker – Huxley, Iowa – 33-8 (14) – $3,500
5: Jeffery Smith – Knob Noster, Mo. – 32-1 (14) – $3,000
6: Erick Fernengel – Lake Waukomis, Mo. – 29-9 (11) – $2,500
7: Jason Sandidge – Centerton, Ark. – 26-2 (11) – $2,000
8: Clint Williams – Fayetteville, Ark. – 25-11 (11) – $1,750
9: Randy Baskins – Owasso, Okla. – 25-0 (11) – $1,500
10: Richie Riddle – Columbus, Ind. – 23-15 (11) – $1,250