Benton on Niagara River

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Dave Mercer interviews Rookie of the Year leader Drew Benton, who is fishing round one against
Dave Mercer interviews Rookie of the Year leader Drew Benton, who is fishing round one against “The King,” Kevin VanDam. Based on their Cayuga finishes, Benton is the number eight seed, and KVD is in the number one spot.
Mercer, Benton, and KVD pose for the camera.
Mercer, Benton, and KVD pose for the camera.
Veteran KVD pokes some fun at rookie Benton.
Veteran KVD pokes some fun at rookie Benton.
Benton wanted to fish a spot near Anchor Marine, but quickly discovered KVD was already there. So he headed 15 minutes north and carefully worked a grass line.
Benton wanted to fish a spot near Anchor Marine, but quickly discovered KVD was already there. So he headed 15 minutes north and carefully worked a grass line.
He stayed in the area for more than 30 minutes with nary a bite.
He stayed in the area for more than 30 minutes with nary a bite.
Benton is having a fantastic rookie season, sitting 13th in Toyota Angler of the Year points.
Benton is having a fantastic rookie season, sitting 13th in Toyota Angler of the Year points.
But this morning he struggled to find keeper bass.
But this morning he struggled to find keeper bass.
His next stop was a narrow culvert that led to a grassy inlet.
His next stop was a narrow culvert that led to a grassy inlet.
Benton began fishing immediately on the other side.
Benton began fishing immediately on the other side.
He fished all the way to the back, but again, no bites.
He fished all the way to the back, but again, no bites.
Benton didn’t hang around for long, heading right back out to the river.
Benton didn’t hang around for long, heading right back out to the river.
Back through the culvert.
Back through the culvert.
Benton was soon back searching for quality bass.
Benton was soon back searching for quality bass.
His next stop was a tall seawall.
His next stop was a tall seawall.
We felt as if Benton was spinning out, and he later told us that he indeed was.
We felt as if Benton was spinning out, and he later told us that he indeed was.
It seems KVD managed to get into Benton's head a little bit on Day 1. Welcome to the Bassmaster Elite Series, Drew!
It seems KVD managed to get into Benton’s head a little bit on Day 1. Welcome to the Bassmaster Elite Series, Drew!