Clausen casts casual look

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – One would never guess that 27-year-old Luke Clausen of Spokane Valley has taken command of the $1.2 million CITGO Bassmaster Classic world championship.

Casually dressed Saturday in shorts, flip-flops and lounging in a chair with no hint of nervousness, Clausen is at the front of the line to collect the $500,000 first place in the most prestigious fishing tournament in the country.

Although his second-day five-bass catch of 14 pounds, 15 ounces was about half of the 29-6 that he weighed in Friday’s opening round, Clausen’s 44-5 total leads the tournament by 41/2 pounds.

Ron Shuffield of Bismark, Ark., jumped from 10th to second place with a 21-pound bag that boosted him to 39-15. Florida favorite Terry Scroggins of Palatka vaulted from 38th place to third with the heaviest catch of the day, 28-6, that gives him a 39-4 total.

Despite his short pro career that started only three years ago, Clausen would be collecting his second $500,000 prize if he wins the Classic. In 2004, he won the Wal-Mart Tour Championship, another major circuit in professional bass fishing.

The youthful-looking pro said he is not concerned that he’ll have to change his fishing style today because of an expected drop in temperatures and strong northwest winds accompanying another frontal system.

“I’m only giving myself a C today because I made some mistakes, mostly mechanical mistakes,” Clausen said. “And, I didn’t cover enough water.

“For two days I’ve been on bedding fish, and I went back this morning and caught a 6-pounder on my third cast. I had visions of grandeur, but that was my last good fish of the day.”