Nine Major League Fishing anglers took to the water today on Lake Hubbard out of Alpena, Mich. for elimination day 1 of the 2018 Summit Cup. Six advanced to the sudden-death round, but one completely dominated the competition.
The top angler boated 22 fish, all smallmouths caught offshore, that combined to weigh 54 pounds. The No. 2 competitor had 23-07. There were six totals in the teens and one competitor managed just 8-07.
Anglers competing on day 1 were Jason Christie, Boyd Duckett, Brent Ehrler, Gary Klein, Jeff Kriet, Aaron Martens, Bobby Lane, Mike McClelland and one competitor who advanced from the Selects division whose name can't be revealed because that division's final competition for the year has yet to air on Outdoor Channel.
Weather conditions varied throughout the day, which consisted of three 2 1/2-hour fishing periods with a half-hour break in between. It started out sunny, but heavy rain caused two delays that, when combined, consumed more than an hour.
The air temperature topped out at 66 degrees. The water in Lake Hubbard was clear (5 feet of visibility).
The angler who caught 54 pounds also registered the day's biggest fish – a 4-08 bronzeback. He had another smallmouth that was just an ounce lighter.
Elimination-round competition continues Tuesday and Wednesday, with sudden-death set for Thursday and Friday. The championship round, which will consist of eight anglers, will take place Saturday.
Summit Cup competition will begin airing on Outdoor Channel in February 2018.
