Oklahoman Brad Lankford caught an 18-01 limit – one of only two five-fish sacks brought to the scale – to grab the early lead at the Lewisville Bassmaster Central Open in Texas.
Chilly water and a cold front have combined to shut down the bite at Lewisville. Of the 178 anglers in the field, 81 recorded zeroes on day 1.
“I only caught five fish all week,” Lankford said. “I had a spot that I felt would hold up. I pulled up on it this morning and then never started the big motor again. We stayed on it all day, and it worked."
He holds a 1-ounce lead over Josh Bertrand of Arizona, who caught the only other limit.
Here's a look at the current Top 12:
1. Brad Lankford: 5, 18-01
2. Josh Bertrand: 5, 18-00
3. Tommy Jonovich: 2, 11-12
4. Brent Chapman: 3, 10-13
5. Billy McCaghren: 3, 10-05
6. Carl Jocumsen: 3, 9-07
7. Bill Wilcox: 2, 9-02
8. Janet Parker: 3, 8-15
9. Mark Tucker: 3, 8-09
10. Jim Simpson: 3, 8-07
11. Scott Ashmore: 3, 7-09
12. James Niggemeyer: 2, 7-08
