Adamitis earns Strike King co-angler title with a C-rig

CALVERT CITY, Ky. – Weighing limits each day, Todd Adamitis totaled 40 pounds, 10 ounces to earn the Strike King co-angler win in the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Plains Division opener on Kentucky Lake. For the win, which is a first for the longtime Illinois co-angler, Adamitis takes home a Phoenix boat package worth $33,500.

Finishing second, Ryan Stagner also limited out and weighed 15 bass for a 36-11 total.

For the win, Adamitis relied on a co-angler staple, a Carolina rig.

“I think 14 out of the 15 fish were on a Carolina rig, and my big kicker was on a swimbait,” he said. “It was a great three days. I felt comfortable out there. It’s a great event as a co-angler, especially if you’re out on the ledges or the bars. You can really fan cast everywhere, straight out of the back of the boat or to the right or to the left. You’ve got a lot to throw at. As long as you’re on that good rocky scratch, you just hold it there and work it really slow.”

Using a 3/4-ounce weight most days, and a 1-ounce weight in the wind on Day 3, Adamitis stuck with a Strike King Rage Bug for the duration, and tipped the tails with a little chartreuse dye. He also kept it sauced up.

“I was putting BaitFuel on the bait, every cast, almost,” he said. “I think I went through two things of BaitFuel.”

For his kicker on the last day, Adamitis used a Storm WildEye Swim Shad (yes, really).

“Old-school, like you buy at Walmart,” he said. “That was the only one I had that was heavy enough, that I could get down there.”

Thrilled with the win, Adamitis particularly wanted to recognize his wife Ginger and sons Jack and Jojo.

“My father always said, ‘Any spouse that says ‘Have a good time’ is always beautiful,’” he said. “I’m lucky enough to come to these events, and I’m gone three or four days at a time, and she always tells me ‘Good luck, and have fun, and I’ll be here when you get back.’

“Jojo is playing soccer, it starts in about an hour,” he said. “It’s the first game I’ve missed in a long, long time, but I hope I get a pass for this one.”

Adamitis was also thankful for understanding co-workers.

“I also want to thank the law firm I work for, Simmons Hanly Conroy,” he said. “I’m the Chief Operating Officer for them, and they allow me to attend these events, encourage it. It’s really nice to work for a company that encourages it and roots you on.

“I’m ecstatic right now, I really am,” he said. “I really fished clean all week, I’m very happy, very lucky. So many things have to happen for you to become a champion as a co-angler. Obviously, luck is involved, but you have to fish clean, you have to really take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. It’s been a great three days.”