Jeremy Starks Reels In The Big One!

Friends of Coal Angler Jeremy Starks took first place in this past weekend’s Bassmaster Elite Series Southern Challenge, presented by Advance Auto Parts, and held in Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama!

Friends of Coal Angler Jeremy Starks took first place in this past weekend’s Bassmaster Elite Series Southern Challenge, presented by Advance Auto Parts, and held in Wheeler Lake in Decatur, Alabama!  Out of a field of 107 professional anglers, including three-time BASS Angler of the Year and two-time Bassmaster Classic champion Kevin VanDam, Starks reeled in the top weight of 78 pounds, 10 ounces to take the title and a $100,000 first prize. This is the first major title for Starks, who is sponsored by the Friends of Coal.

 
Over the course of the four day tournament, Starks pulled in his five fish daily limit which weighed in at 17 pounds, 19 pounds-11 ounces, 20 pounds, and 21 pounds-15 ounces; respectively.  Starks beat out VanDam – the most accomplished angler in BASS history – by 8 ounces in a come from behind, final day effort to win the title.
 
Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “Friends of Coal everywhere are so proud of Jeremy for his great victory.  He is such a positive representative for his home state of West Virginia and for an industry that shares his passion for the environment.  I am sure that this is the first of many major titles for Jeremy.”