Team Skeeter’s Mark Menendez won this weekend’s shortened version of the Bassmaster Elite Series “Diamond Drive” on Lake Dardanelle outside of Russellville, Arkansas, scoring the four-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier a check for $100,000 and the first Elite Series victory of his career.

Menendez saw plenty of familiar faces during Sunday’s final day of competition, as five fellow Skeeter teammates were in contention, including Cliff Pace in 7th place, Matt Herren in 9th place, Alton Jones in 10th place, Elite Series rookie and Menendez’s roommate on tour, Greg Vinson in 11th place, and Bradley Hallman in 12th place.

“I won in 2005, after I got sick, and this weekend I had a real calm about myself, my preparation and my decision making,” says Menendez. “I made a commitment to winning this tournament, and looked at the final day as a one day tournament. Confidence breeds momentum, and momentum breeds confidence. The last time I did this, I went on a tear and began catching limits everywhere I went. Winning gives you so much more security, and validates the fact that you are relevant in professional bass fishing,” Menendez added.

Saturday’s schedule day on the water was cancelled due to inclement weather, thus resulting in a three-day tournament. Menendez weighed in a total of 55-07, edging out Michigan’s Kevin VanDam. With the victory, Menendez also added 315 points to his Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings, putting him in 7th place. Skeeter’s Alton Jones in currently in 2nd place in the AOY standings.

Elite anglers head to Decatur, Alabama’s Lake Wheeler next week, April 2-5. “I’ll only get two days of practice on Lake Wheeler. I fished there several times in late March and April, and hope for another top 50 finish. I anticipate that it will take around 10 pounds per day to hit that mark. I have three patterns that I hope to fish, and have confidence that I can be successful for a second weekend in a row,” says the angler.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its “Real Money” tournament incentive program, and a topnotch dealer network. Skeeter designs and manufactures innovative and high-performing bass, walleye, fish & ski, and saltwater boats. Skeeter is the recipient of seven consecutive CSI customer satisfaction awards, and its boats are NMMA certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards. For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.