Joe Balog sacked 22-08 today fishing his home waters of Lake St. Clair and opened the final Bassmaster Northern Open with a 4-ounce lead over fellow local Andrew Smith.
Chris Johnston, a Canadian who finished 2nd at the Lake Champlain Northern Rayovac last month, is 3rd with 21-12. Fletcher Shryock and Chad Pipkens, both Elite Series pros, are tied for 4th with 21-06.
“I made a big run today, and the weather will be a huge factor in what I do tomorrow,” said Balog, who won a Bassmaster Open on Lake Erie in 2006 and was second to Michael Iaconelli on Lake St. Clair last year. “I have other options, but at this point, I’m not sure what I will do.”
Historically, Erie produces the heavier weights in St. Clair events, but storms can not only hamper fishing conditions, but they also cause anglers problems trying to return.
“It’s 40 miles from here (Metropark in Harrison Township) to the mouth of Erie,” noted Balog. “If it’s rolling, that makes for a short day, and you have to allow for it.”
Here's a Top-12 rundown after day 1:
1. Joe Balog: 22-08
2. Andrew Smith: 22-04
3. Chris Johnston: 21-12
4 (tie). Fletcher Shryock: 21-06
4 (tie). Chad Pipkens: 21-06
6. Koby Kreiger: 21-05
7. Todd Schmitz: 20-15
8. Jeff Miller: 20-08
9. Brent Ehrler: 20-06
10. Derek Remitz: 20-01
11. Ben Nielsen: 20-00
12. Chris King: 19-14
