Getting into too big of a hurry on day 1 of the Sabine River Bassmaster Elite Series likely prevented Mark Davis from advancing to the final day.
The veteran from Arkansas caught bags that were in the 10 1/2-pound range on days 2 and 3, but managed just three fish for 6-02 on opening day. He ended up in 13th place – less than a pound out of the final Top-12 slot.
"Unfortunately for me, I fished a little to fast that first day," he said. "I lost a couple of fish and I just didn't capitalize on the opportunities I had.
He made a long run to the Calcasieu River on the Louisiana side of the system each day. A 2-hour fog delay shortened his fishing time considerably on day 1 and made him feel pressured to get things done quickly.
"If I had it to do over, I'd fish slower that first day. Me, of all people, should know how to do that.
"The one bit of gratification I had was it was the first tournament I fished with a casting rod (he caught all of his fish flipping) since I had my shoulder surgery back in the fall, and it felt good to get in the swing of that. I fished pretty much pain-free for the whole event, so that part was certainly good."
