Iaconelli Wins Berkley Powerbait Trophy Chase on Lake Jordan

Mike Iaconelli landed the big fish both days of the tournament, with a fish over 4lbs. both days. Mike also caught over 14lb. bags each day for a total winning weight of 28lbs. 15oz. to beat a hard-charging Skeet Reese, and first day leader Tommy Biffle.

Concerning his chances of winning the angler-of-the-year in a stunning come-from-behind fashion, Mike says, "Coming in here I knew, theoretically, I could win the AOY. Still, with this caliber of anglers, I thought the door wouldn't open. But I have made a career of not giving up and I'm certainly not going to do that now. I guess you never know."

These final two events of the BASS season will determine the 2009 angler-of-the-year. The top 12 anglers are competing for points on a 50 point per-tournament scale. Mike's win, and subsequent 50 points, moved him from 11th place (175 points) before the first event, all the way to 3rd (225 points). Skeet Reese is currently in the lead with 249 points, and Kevin VanDam is in second with 233 points.

The final event, at which the 2009 BASS angler-of-the-year will be crowned is set for Sept. 17-18 on the Alabama River. The boats will launch out of The Riverwalk Amphitheater at 6:15AM Central time on Thursday, and 9AM on Friday. The weigh-in will be held at the Riverwalk Amphitheater at 4PM on Thursday and 6PM on Firday.