Palaniuk 14th at Bassmaster Classic

| February 23, 2014 7:00 PM

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Alabama angler Randy Howell won the Bassmaster Classic on Sunday, finishing with a three-day total of 67 pounds, 8 ounces on Lake Guntersville.

Howell, from Springville, earned $300,000 in bass fishing's biggest tournament.

He had a final-day total of 29-2, with the largest of his five keepers at 7-3.

"It was the best day I've ever had in 21 years of professional bass fishing, a day of a lifetime," Howell said. "I've had this dream so many times, and it's happening now. I can't believe I won the Bassmaster Classic."

Howell edged Paul Mueller of Naugatuck, Conn., by a pound.

Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla., was third at 65-11.

Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, the former Lakeland High and North Idaho College wrestler, finished 14th with a total catch of 54-6.