David Williams took the early lead Thursday at the Lake Norman Bassmaster Southern Open in North Carolina as his 14-01 bag left him 6 ounces clear of the field.
“The bass were active the first hour,” Williams said. “I had my limit by 8 a.m. It got tougher after the sun came out, but I did cull four times.”
Richard Howes was 2nd with 13-11 after catching a 4-05 largemouth that took big-fish honors for the day. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Chad Morgenthaler was another 3 ounces back in 3rd.
“Several of the guys in the Top 12 are fishing in the same area I am,” Morgenthaler said. “That could make it tougher for all of us tomorrow.”
Here's a look at the initial Top 12:
1. David Williams: 14-01
2. Rich Howes: 13-11
3. Chad Morgenthaler: 13-08
4. Andy Montgomery: 13-02
5. Doug Easton: 12-11
6. Patrick Pierce: 12-08
7. Greg Vinson: 12-05
8. Tracy Adams: 12-03
9. (tie) Jordan Card: 11-14
9. (tie) Roland Martin: 11-14
11. Russ Lane: 11-11
12. Joey Nania: 11-10
