FLW Tour standout Stetson Blaylock took over the lead at the Fort Gibson Lake Bassmaster Central Open on Friday with a 14-02 stringer that gave him a 31-06 total. He'll take a lead of about 2 1/2 pounds over Bassmaster Elite Series angler James Elam into the final day.
“I’ve been sharing water with other anglers,” said Blaylock, who revealed that he's fishing slower than his competitors. “There are only a few really good places here right now.”
Day-1 leader Brad Whatley caught just three fish for 7-04 on Friday and dropped to 6th. Likewise, hometown standout and Elite Series veteran Tommy Biffle fell from 2nd to 6th with an 8-13 stringer.
Overnight storms ushered in much cooler temperatures, an overcast sky and a blustery wind. Saturday will show the anglers another face of Fort Gibson with clear skies and a high barometer – the type of post-frontal conditions that often turn off the bass.
Here are the totals for the 12 anglers who advanced to the final day:
1. Stetson Blaylock: 31-06
2. James Elam: 28-11
3. Stephen Browning: 26-13
4. Roy Sanford: 26-09
5. Brian Clark: 26-08
6. Brad Whatley: 26-07
7. Tommy Biffle: 26-07
8. Wayne Murray: 26-06
9. Larry Puckett: 25-10
10. Terry Peacock: 25-07
11. Randy Sullivan: 25-07
12. Chad Grigsby: 25-04
