Dustin Connell set a strong early tone Thursday with a 22-03 stringer that gave him the day-1 lead at the Alabama River Bassmaster Southern Open. He was the lone pro in a 182-boat field to crack the 20-pound barrier on a fishery chock full of plump spotted bass.
“I did about what I expected to do today,” Connell said. “I feel good about tomorrow.”
While he may have a good vibe after day 1, he said that there are other competitors fishing his water and added that the water “dirtied up more today, and the bite might change tomorrow.”
Former Elite Series pro Jamie Horton followed up a tough practice with 19-05, including a nearly 5-pound kicker spot. He hit more than 50 spots in order to catch seven bass.
“I stayed away from my better stuff in practice,” he said.
Drew Benton, a Florida angler, chose to concentrate on largemouth bass and finished with 18-05 despite a mornng delay after his rear running light was knocked off by another competitor's boat prior to takeoff.
Here's a rundown of the Top 12 after day 1 on the Alabama River:
1. Dustin Connell: 22-03
2. Jamie Horton: 19-05
3. Drew Benton: 18-05
4. Clent Davis: 18-01
5. Chad Grigsby: 17-13
6. JP Prouty: 17-06
7. Russ Lane: 16-13
8. Jordan Lee: 15-06
9. Hunter Shryock: 15-05
10 (tie). Scott Canterbury: 15-00
10 (tie). Michael Neal: 15-00
12. Britt Myers: 14-13
