Ron Johnson of Arizona will be forced to miss this week's Ross Barnett Reservoir Bassmaster Central Open after his truck and trailer were heavily damaged en route to the lake for practice late last week.
Johnson and co-angler Jim Miller were traveling on Highway 20 near Clyde, Texas (just west of Dallas). The downslope of an overpass was covered with ice and Johnson lost control of his rig.
"The truck and boat slid down into the median, catching the cable barriers, and then whipped us 180 degrees," Johnson said. "It was pretty violent, but quick. We were stunned, but realizing we were okay was most important as it could have easily caused a pile-up with all the big semis and other vehicles that were behind us.
"I still don't know how we got out of it. Needless to say, I am unable to make the event, but glad we will both see another day. If I had to do it all over again, I would have stayed an extra day in the hotel and waited it out vs. driving on a highway that had just experienced bad weather the day before. One day of practice isn't worth it."
