Buddy Gross, the winner of an FLW Tour event at Lake Pickwick in 2016, caught a 24-01 bag at that Tennessee River venue to establish a lead of more than 2 pounds on the opening day of a Central Division FLW Series event.
Another tour pro, 2018 Forrest Wood Cup champion Justin Atkins, was 2nd with 21-14. Brent Anderson was next with 20-08.
The full field will be on the water again for day 2, but only the top 10 will advance to Saturday's final round.
Here's a look at the initial top 10:
1. Buddy Gross: 24-01
2. Justin Atkins: 21-14
3. Brent Anderson: 20-08
4. Michael Brewer: 19-11
5. Josh Butler: 18-14
6. Seth Davis: 18-13
7. Sloan Pennington: 18-08
8. Keith Amerson: 18-06
9. Jacob Wheeler: 18-02
10. Jason Lambert 17-09
