Local ace Gene Bishop catapulted from 83rd place to 1st on day 2 of the Ross Barnett Reservoir Bassmaster Central Open in Mississippi. The Ridgeland, Miss. resident caught a massive 26-01 stringer for a 2-day total of 34-14.
His giant bag came on the heels of a paltry 8-13 sack on day 1.
"Yesterday I fished history," he said, referring to a ledge that had produced well for him in past tournaments. "Today I fished the conditions."
He'll take a 1-12 lead over fellow Mississippian Jay Brainard into the final day. Tommy Biffle, the veteran tour pro from Oklahoma, was 3rd with 30-15.
A calm morning that featured a light rain gave way to blustery conditions (20-mph gusts) at midday that created whitecaps across the impoundment.
Day-1 leader Mike McClelland boxed just two fish and fell to 13th place (out of the cut). Fellow Elite Series pro Kevin Short, who was 2nd after day 1, dropped to 31st after catching one keeper.
Here are the totals for the 12 anglers who advanced to day 3:
1. Gene Bishop: 34-14
2. Jay Brainard: 33-02
3. Tommy Biffle: 30-15
4. Chris Jones: 30-15
5. Brent Chapman: 29-10
6. Brett Preuett: 29-05
7. Luke Clausen: 27-11
8. Fred Roumbanis: 27-08
9. Ramey Harrell: 27-08
10. Bradley Burns: 27-08
11. Jason Christie: 27-06
12. Stephen Browning: 27-04
