Kevin Hawk bypassed the Wheeler Lake FLW Tour Open a couple weeks ago so he could focus more on preparing for this week’s Lewis Smith Lake Bassmaster Southern Open. It turns out the additional prep time has paid off – so far.
Hawk posted a day-1 weight of 16-07 and leads the field of 149 pros.
“The bass I weighed in came from every level of the water column,” Hawk said. “The deepest were in 35 feet of water.”
Entering the event, Hawk ranked 2nd in the Southern Open points standings and if he can remain among the Top 5, he’ll earn an invitation to fish the Elite Series in 2013. A victory would also clinch a berth in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.
“I think I can catch them again tomorrow,” Hawk said, “but I know it can go either way.”
Hank Cherry is 2nd with 15-09 as most of his fish fell for smaller homemade swimbaits cast on light line.
“I’m mostly putting the boat in 60 feet of water and making long casts on 4- and 6-pound-test line with 3- and 4-inch swimbaits,” Cherry said. “The key seems to be making a really long cast and getting the bait out away from the boat.”
Drew Benton is 3rd with 15-06, followed by Gerald Swindle with 14-14 in 4th and Brent Crow with 14-04 in 5th.
Here’s a look at the Top 12 after day 1:
1. Kevin Hawk: 16-07
2. Hank Cherry: 15-09
3. Drew Benton: 15-06
4. Gerald Swindle: 14-14
5. Brent Crow: 14-04
6. Rodney Jones: 13-12
7 (tie). Craig Daniel: 13-11
7 (tie). Bruce Holcombe: 13-11
9. Greg Pugh: 13-02
10. Chris Lane: 13-00
11. Greg Vinson: 12-12
12. Adam Hock: 12-07
