Rathdrum's Palaniuk finishes second at Bassmaster Elite Series event

From Bassmaster news services

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. — After leading three days on Lay Lake, Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum finished second on Sunday at the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lay Lake.

Palaniuk, the former Lakeland High and North Idaho College wrestler, posted a four-day total of 62 pounds, 10 ounces, 2 ounces behind the winner. Palaniuk opened the tournament with 19-7 and followed with bags of 16-5 and 15-11. On the final day, the two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year caught the bass he needed to win, but a 4-ounce dead-fish penalty forced Palaniuk to wait longer for his seventh B.A.S.S. win.

“It is mind-blowing that spot held up and had enough to win,” Palaniuk said. “I said on camera that it was amazing I even caught a limit every day out of that place. I can’t be mad about it, but it hurts. I had enough to do it. But I have to be thankful. Coming into it, I thought I would have a big bag on Day 1 and it would fall off and I would finish in the 30s.”

Will Davis Jr. of Sylacauga, Ala., won with a four-day total of 62-12, including 14-2 on the final day.

Davis earned $100,000 for the victory. Palaniuk earned $36,000.

Palaniuk caught all of his bass in 3 feet of water or less, using a variety of baits in a wide range of scenarios. An X Zone Lures Deception Worm in green pumpkin/blue was one of his go-to lures, along with a Megabass Vision OneTen jerk bait in the Ito Wakasagi color.