IT’S A WRAP … KYLE WELCHER IS THE CHAMP
Kyle Welcher used to sit on a hard chair at professional card tables, sweating is out has he played Texas hold-em’ for broke. But he made a shift to a different sport six years ago that basically is gambling in a wet world full of largemouth bass. Good for him, because he doesn’t see it like much of
Kyle Welcher used to sit on a hard chair at professional card tables, sweating is out has he played Texas hold-em’ for broke.
But he made a shift to a different sport six years ago that basically is gambling in a wet world full of largemouth bass.
Good for him, because he doesn’t see it like much of a change.
At this week’s Bassmaster Elite Series event out to Elizabeth City, N.C., Welcher stuck to his guns and on Sunday captured the crown at the series stop out of the Pasquotank River.
His total of 118 pounds and 12 ounces earned him a huge trophy and a $100,000 check.
“I never felt like I was gambling,” said the Opelika, Ala., six-year professional tournament angler. “I just took my chances.”
That mentality came even after what he called the most dismal practice sessions of his life.
He never questioned his decision to stay closed to the weigh-in site while most of the field made long, mostly brutal runs to other places.
Things in his head changed after the opening day – thanks to a fat 7-pounder.
“When stuff is going your way, learn to get out of the way,” he said prior to the final weigh-in on Sunday. “I decided to just get out of my own way and let it happen.”
Which it did in a big way.
The two-time Elite Series Angler of the Year never went too far from the docks and on Sunday captured the title in the Pasquotank stop in record fashion. His margin of victory destroyed an all-time margin of 29-10 ounces with a 45-pound, 7-ounce edge over second place.
Welcher broke the 100-pound mark for the first time, finishing with a four-day, 20-fish limit that went 118 pounds, 12 ounces.
Even he was shocked at the performance.
“I’m super, super thankful,” the two-time Elite Series Angler of the Year said.
He minded those words well, catching 30-pound-plus, five-fish limits each of the first three days to put the rest of the field to bed.
In doing so, he set a new Elite Series all-time margin of victory with a 45-pound, 7-ounce margin.
Throughout the tournament, competitors realized early that they were witnessing something special.
“This really is amazing,” one competitor said.
Finishing a very long way behind Welcher was, in order: Brandon Lester (73-5), Trey McKinney (71-1), Easton Fothergill (68-6), Keith Combs (67-5), Justin Hamner (67-2), Tyler Williams (66-2), Seth Feider (65-6), Shane LeHew (64-14) and Kyle Patrick (62-4).
Anglers in the field had nothing but praise for the fishery, but couldn’t shy away from the awe they felt after Welcher’s performance.
“He’s a good guy and he’s worked hard,” one said. “If anybody, he deserves this.”
