Syracuse.com - Liverpool bass angler wins co-angler division at Bassmaster Southern Open

[HuntingNY-News]

Brian Kelly bested 197 other co-anglers in the competition -- and he did it on his 31st birthday!

Brian Kelly, of Liverpool, celebrated his 31st birthday Saturday with a win on the co-angler side of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open on Saturday in Kissimmee, Fla.

Kelly, a member of the local Salt City Bassmasters Club, ended the tournament with a three-day total of eight bass weighing 27 pounds, 4 ounces. He bested 197 other co-anglers.

Co-anglers are fishermen who accompany a pro in his boat, fishing where ever the pro takes them. They fish from the back of the craft. Kelly was paired with different anglers each day.

"The co-angler first-place trophy and top prize of a Triton boat and Mercury outboard will make terrific birthday gifts," said Chris Bowes, senior tournament director for BASS.

"Not a bad way to escape the cold and snow (of Central New York), added Bowes, a Westhill High School graduate.

Rich Howes, 39, of Oviedo, Fla., won the pro division. After three days of fishing, he ended up being tied with fellow Floridian Daniel Lanier Jr. with 47 pounds, 2 ounces apiece. The two met the next day for a fish-off.

"On the line was the champion title, $10,000 in cash, a Skeeter bass boat, Yamaha outboard motor and valuable points toward an invitation to fish the Bassmaster Elite Series next year. Perhaps more importantly, there’s a berth in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic for any Open winner who fishes all three events in that division," according to the Bassmaster website.

Got to the Bassmaster website for complete results:

- Pro division

- Co-angler

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog