Published: April 20, 2009 02:06 pm      

College Station man wins Big Bass Splash at Sam Rayburn

LAKE SAM RAYBURN, Tx — Larry McNeese of College Station, Texas, held on to his overall lead to win the McDonald's Big Bass Splash. His 10.9-pound bass caught on Saturday survived Sunday's fishing and took first place and the $250,000 winner's package, which includes a new RV and Triton bass boat.

Joel Vallali of Pollack, La., secured second place and a package worth $100,000, which includes a new Dodge truck and Triton bass boat.

Jimmy Buxton of Livonia, La., took third place and its $75,000 package. Herbert Rusk of Boyce, La., took forth and $50,00 and Calvin Russell of Lake Fork, Texas, landed fifth place worth $25,000.

The tournament ended up with 7,551 anglers entered and over $1 million in cash and prizes given away. There were anglers from 42 states and five foreign countries fishing in the event that claims to be the largest amateur big bass event in the world.