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Branden Rannekliev with the 12.41 pounder that won him a prize package valued at more than $90,000 in the 2020 Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash held July 10-12 on Toledo Bend. Courtesy/Nicole Sealy
Branden Rannekleiv of Reeves, La., weighed in a 12.41-pound bass on Day 2 of the Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash held July 10-12 on Toledo Bend to take first place in the 34th annual event.
His prize package included a fully rigged Triton bass boat, RAM pick-up and $7,000 cash, plus $3,000 for weighing the big bass of the hour during the 8-9 bonus hour. The package is valued at more than $90,000.
Additionally, the angler grabbed hourly checks worth $1,050 for catching for a 3.96 pounder and a 6.99 pounder.
Rannekleiv said he caught the winning fish — the biggest of his life — on a point stemming from a main lake ridge south of the Pendleton bridge using a soft plastic, but did not specify a water depth.
The Louisiana angler is no stranger to the summertime big bass stage on Toledo Bend. He caught and released in a 10.85 pounder in August 2019. He entered that fish in the Toledo Bend Lake Association Lunker Bass Program.
Rounding out the Top 5 spots were Ben Abraham, Woodworth, La., 8.67; Michael Mitchell, Lake Charles, La., 8.64; Jason Webre, Vacherie, La., 8.22; and Justin Peterson, Shreveport, La., 8.20.
The recent tournament paid out $516,000 in cash and prizes, including $171,150 in hourly payouts.
Sealy Outdoors’ Nicole Sealy Bennett said the event drew 1,800 anglers who weighed in 654 bass totaling 2,666.69 pounds.
Sealy’s next big bass event is set for Sept. 18-20 at Lake Fork, followed by Sam Rayburn on Oct. 9-11.