Cold Helps Big Bite
Hite Hammers 22-06, Leads Trio Of 20s

Photo: FLW Outdoors/Brett Carlson Brett Hite says he's fishing two areas that look 'pretty much identical.'

> The post-frontal conditions actually helped the big bite, and three pros weighed better than 20 pounds.

> Only two Florida pros are in the Top 50 after day 1. An Arizonan (Brett Hite) leads, followed by Shad Schenck from Indiana and Robert Sherry from Illinois.

> The Top 10 cut sits at about 15 pounds (heavier than predicted), but a measly 8 1/2 pounds is enough for the money and 84 pros caught two fish or less.

The post-frontal conditions favored the worm-fishermen today, and Hite's one of the better ones in the field. He walloped the day's best sack at 22-06 and sits 7 1/2 pounds ahead of the cut.

He's followed by Schenck with 21-13 and Sherry with 21-12.

The weights drop off from there to Andy Morgan in 4th with 18-04, and Carl Svebek III in 5th with 17-10.

Here's a look at the current Top 20. Note that weights are zeroed after the Top 10 cut tomorrow, so lead margin isn't important at this point – what matters is position in relation to the cut.

1. Brett Hite -- Phoenix, AZ -- 5, 22-06
2. Shad Schenck -- Waynetown, IN -- 5, 21-13
3. Robert Sherry -- Saint Charles, IL -- 5, 21-12
4. Andy Morgan -- Dayton, TN -- 5, 18-04
5. Carl Svebek Iii -- Siloam Springs, AR -- 5, 17-10
6. Ron Shuffield -- Bismarck, AR -- 5, 17-07
7. Monte Knight -- Quitman, MS -- 3, 17-00
8. Shinichi Fukae -- Mineola, TX -- 5, 16-05
9. Randy Hadden -- Jacksonville, FL -- 4, 15-09
10. Robert Pearson -- Herndon, VA -- 5, 14-14
-----------------
11. Kevin Long -- Berkley, MI -- 4, 14-08
12. Luke Clausen -- Spokane, WA -- 5, 14-07
13. Tim Klinger -- Boulder City, NV -- 5, 14-06
14. Terry Bolton -- Jonesboro, AR -- 5, 14-02
15. Pat Fisher -- Buckhead, GA -- 5, 14-01
16. Clark Wendlandt -- Leander, TX -- 5, 13-12
17. Koby Kreiger -- Okeechobee, FL -- 5, 13-05
18. Sean Hoernke -- Magnolia, TX -- 5, 13-01
19. Vic Vatalaro -- Kent, OH -- 5, 12-07
20. Keith Williams -- Conway, AR -- 5, 12-03

Hite, Schenck and Sherry caught enough today that they'll probably be safe tomorrow with as little as 8 pounds – basically, a limit. Which is what they'll try for, rather than beat their big fish up.

But those below them have some catching to do. Most feel the weights will drop by a few pounds tomorrow across the board – it's the second day after the front – which means the cut should be right around 25 to 26 pounds.

About that front: It dropped the temperatures by about 20 degrees, and the pros went from their practice shorts to gameday coveralls. The wind also switched from the south to the north. The overnight low tonight should dip to the low-40s, with a 10 mph wind tomorrow from the northeast.

Hite Fired Up

BassFans might recognize Hite as a former BASS pro. He entered the tour scene in 2001, and got a lift with a 2nd at the Seminole Bassmaster. He followed that with some workmanlike seasons and little fanfare.

When BASS revamped its format and launched the Elite Series, he opted out and stayed west, where he fished Strens and other regional events. He rejoined the FLW Tour last year, made the Cup, and came out swinging on day 1 of this new season.

"I feel great – awesome," he said. "I'm fired up."

He felt he had a good practice and was capable of 12 to 15 pounds – more with a big bite – but he didn't hook any beasts in the new limited practice.

He did today, though, and boxed an 8-13. He added a 5-pounder, plus three other "real solid fish" to assume the lead.

"I fished two areas today, and if I got a bite, it was (at least) a 2-pounder," he noted. "I'm fishing pretty big areas, but this is Florida, and usually when you find fish, there are other boats around. But there's plenty of room.

Photo: FLW Outdoors/Brett Carlson If Shad Schenck makes the cut, it'll be his third regular-season Top 10 in a row.

His goal tomorrow is to catch a limit, then leave his areas alone.

About whether he think he can win, he said: "Most definitely."

2nd: Seven Bites For Schenck

Schenk's day-1 bag included a 7-pounder and a 5 1/2, and another a little smaller than that. "That was the big difference," he said. "And it was a lot of fun. I had seven bites, and I've just got to catch more tomorrow. You certainly can't predict 7-pounders, but you can predict bites.

"I have a good pattern going and I'm looking forward to it."

His hope coming out of practice was to get just one big bite, and he got three. That means the pressure's off – he probably doesn't need a big bite tomorrow. He just needs to tank five.

"Basically it comes down to focus – having a good gameplan, executing the gameplan, and converting on the bites. If I do that, I'll be fine."

He added that he's trying to be efficient. He said he's running a pattern, but it's over a "reasonable distance." He declined to note which lakes he's fishing, but all is stuff's within a 3- to 4-miles zone.

About whether he thinks he can win, he said: "I certainly think that if you catch quality fish like that, you have a chance to win. And when you make the cut, anybody has a chance to win."

Also notable is that, if he doesn't make the cut, it'll be his third regular-season Top 10 in a row (a Jay Yelas-type pace).

"I had a real good shot to win Erie, and the (Cup), but everything has to come together the last 2 days. And you have to make it there first. But everything's going my way. I'm confident, excited, and I have a good opportunity to catch them tomorrow."

Photo: FLW Outdoors/Rob Newell Robert Sherry fished three lakes to catch eight keepers today.

Sherry's 20 pounds didn't come easy. When asked to explain how he feels, he said "tired." But it's a mental, not physical, exhaustion.

"I worked by butt off for those fish – it's tough out there," he said. "You're just trying to figure them out. We had that cold front come through, and I only caught eight keepers today. And I fished three different lakes – Toho, Cypress and Kissimmee.

"I had a bad practice all the way through, and had just 1 day where I caught maybe 12 or 13 pounds. That was the second day. Then the last 2 days I just junked all that and went into a different mode. It worked out for me."

That "different mode" was both an area and technique change. He was fishing shallow, but moved out deeper.

In his bag were three fish in the 6-pound class, a 3 1/2, and a 2 1/2. About tomorrow, he said: "I'm going for one big bite, then I'll just go and try to scrape up a limit and save those big fish. I'm not sure what's around there – it's basically one big area where I got the bigger fish in.

"But I think 10 pounds should probably put me in there (the cut). Twelve pounds for sure, but anything can happen. We've got the best fishermen out there, and they can go out and sack up 20 or 25 pounds."

6th: Shuffield Happy

Ron Shuffield told BassFans yesterday that he had a difficult practice, but did have one small thing working. It worked pretty well today, and with 17-07, he's in strong position to make the cut.

"I thought it was going to slow down, and I basically took my own advice," he said. "That's what I did today – I slowed down. I just got real fortunate. I caught a couple of good fish, where I didn't plan on catching any.

Photo: FLW Outdoors/Rob Newell Ron Shuffield thinks he'll be safe with 11 pounds tomorrow.

He caught a 3-pounder right away this morning, then missed a fish an hour and a half later. He next caught a little fish, then a 4-pounder. "After that it was game-on," he said. "I must have caught 12 or 15 keepers in the next 45 minutes. I culled up to most of my weight and I left."

He noted he's slow-dragging a worm.

About his plans for tomorrow, he said: "Since we zero after the cut, there's no doubt in my mind that I have to determine what it may take to make the cut. I'm assuming it's still around 25 or 26 pounds, so my target weight for tomorrow will be 11 pounds.

"I don't want to just sit there and beat them. I think I'm in an area with enough 3-pound-plus fish that, with a little luck, I can catch 14 to 17 pounds day. But I don't know – we'll have to wait and see."

What might help him, he added, is that he was in the early flight today, but the later flight caught them better. That will flip-flop tomorrow, and he'll have more time to fish in the afternoon.

12th: Clausen on Quality

The last time Luck Clausen fished a tour-level event at Toho, it was the 2006 Bassmaster Classic. And he won. So he's got a vibe for the lake, and that continued today with his 14-07 limit.

"It was a pretty good day," he said. "I had one I needed to get rid of. I had the opportunity – I lost one good one – but I think I'll have the same opportunity tomorrow. The fish I'm catching are better quality. And I'll have a later flight. I didn't catch one for the first hour today."

Key is that he "understands" his best area a little better today, he said. He was able to relocate his fish after the wind change, and that gives him some confidence the pattern will hold up. And he did leave that area early, to save it some, but will hit it hard tomorrow in a quest for the cut.

"I had to slow down today even more than I did (in practice)," he noted. "And I expect the bite to be tougher tomorrow. So I think there's going to be good separation. A lot of guys had one good fish in their bag, but I'm in a different boat. I just have quality.

"If I get one of those big bites, I could end up with a huge bag."

Notable

> Day 1 stats – 200 anglers, 65 limits, 23 fours, 28 threes, 38 twos, 30 ones, 16 zeroes.

> Shuffield's son Spencer is currently 3rd on the co-angler side with 10-14. "It's exciting to get the opportunity to make the cut and fish together," the elder Shuffield said. "That would be the ultimate for us to finish in the same spot. I assume they'd have to let us fish together. How awesome would that be if he got to spend his final day on the water with me, and likewise me with him? That would be pretty cool."

> Spencer was injured last fall in a hunting accident when he was shot through both thighs. Dad said "he's recovering nicely." To read the story of that accident, click here.

> Clausen caught the biggest bass of his life, an 11 1/2-pounder, during practice.

Weather Forecast

Here's the weather forecast for the remaining tournament days. For more weather information, including satellite and radar imagery, visit OutdoorsFanWeather.com.

> Fri., Feb. 29 - Mostly Sunny - 73°/51°
- Wind: From the E/NE at 10 mph

> Sat., March 1- Partly Cloudy - 78°/53°
- Wind: From the N/NW at 9 mph

> Sun., March 2 - Mostly Sunny - 80°/61°
- Wind: From the E/NE at 7 mph

Day 1 Standings

1. Brett Hite -- Phoenix, Az -- 5, 22-06

2. Shad Schenck -- Waynetown, In -- 5, 21-13

3. Robert Sherry -- Saint Charles, Il -- 5, 21-12

4. Andy Morgan -- Dayton, Tn -- 5, 18-04

5. Carl Svebek Iii -- Siloam Springs, Ar -- 5, 17-10

6. Ron Shuffield -- Bismarck, Ar -- 5, 17-07

7. Monte Knight -- Quitman, Ms -- 3, 17-00

8. Shinichi Fukae -- Mineola, Tx -- 5, 16-05

9. Randy Hadden -- Jacksonville, Fl -- 4, 15-09

10. Robert Pearson -- Herndon, Va -- 5, 14-14

11. Kevin Long -- Berkley, Mi -- 4, 14-08

12. Luke Clausen -- Spokane, Wa -- 5, 14-07

13. Tim Klinger -- Boulder City, Nv -- 5, 14-06

14. Terry Bolton -- Jonesboro, Ar -- 5, 14-02

15. Pat Fisher -- Buckhead, Ga -- 5, 14-01

16. Clark Wendlandt -- Leander, Tx -- 5, 13-12

17. Koby Kreiger -- Okeechobee, Fl -- 5, 13-05

18. Sean Hoernke -- Magnolia, Tx -- 5, 13-01

19. Vic Vatalaro -- Kent, Oh -- 5, 12-07

20. Keith Williams -- Conway, Ar -- 5, 12-03

21. Andre Moore -- Alabaster, Al -- 5, 12-00

22. Bob Bjorklund -- Centennial, Co -- 5, 11-15

23. Eric Weir -- Gastonia, Nc -- 4, 11-10

24. Brennan Bosley -- Benton, Ar -- 5, 11-08

25. Terry Baksay -- Easton, Ct -- 5, 11-04

26. Jake Deeds -- El Dorado, Ar -- 2, 11-01

26. Bryan Thrift -- Shelby, Nc -- 5, 11-01

28. Al Little -- Greensboro, Nc -- 5, 10-15

29. Eric Ambort -- Mabelvale, Ar -- 4, 10-13

30. Brent Long -- Cornelius, Nc -- 5, 10-11

31. Greg Vinson -- Wetumpka, Al -- 5, 10-08

32. David Vance -- Winnsboro, Tx -- 5, 10-07

33. Tim Mcdonald -- Lexington, Ky -- 5, 10-06

34. Jason Abram -- Gray, Tn -- 4, 10-00

35. Jim Turner -- Clarksville, In -- 5, 9-15

36. David Lawson -- Richmond, Ky -- 5, 9-08

37. Dan Morehead -- Paducah, Ky -- 4, 9-07

37. Steve Redding -- Plano, Tx -- 3, 9-07

39. Thanh Le -- Lake Havasu City, Az -- 3, 9-04

39. Tommy Martin -- Hemphill, Tx -- 2, 9-04

41. John Devere -- Berea, Ky -- 3, 9-03

41. Alvin Shaw -- State Road, Nc -- 3, 9-03

43. Dale Evans -- Ridgeville, Sc -- 5, 9-01

44. Dwayne Horton -- Knoxville, Tn -- 3, 8-12

45. Keith Combs -- Del Rio, Tx -- 5, 8-10

45. Anthony Gagliardi -- Prosperity, Sc -- 5, 8-10

45. Stephen Johnston -- Hemphill, Tx -- 5, 8-10

48. Rob Digh -- Denver, Nc -- 5, 8-09

48. Charlie Ingram -- Santa Fe, Tn -- 3, 8-09

50. Pete Gluszek -- Franklinville, Nj -- 5, 8-08

51. Sandy Melvin -- Boca Grande, Fl -- 5, 8-06

52. Andy Montgomery -- Blacksburg, Sc -- 5, 8-05

53. Tony Defilippo -- Cedar, Mi -- 5, 8-04

54. Guido Hibdon -- Gravois Mills, Mo -- 5, 8-02

54. Jonathan Newton -- Rogersville, Al -- 3, 8-02

56. Jimmy Millsaps -- Canton, Ga -- 5, 8-00

57. Bill Day -- Frankfort, Ky -- 5, 7-15

58. Gabe Bolivar -- Ramona, Ca -- 5, 7-12

59. Chip Harrison -- Bremen, In -- 5, 7-09

60. Jay Yelas -- Corvallis, Or -- 5, 7-07

61. Ramie Colson Jr -- Cadiz, Ky -- 5, 7-06

62. Kyle Mabrey -- Mccalla, Al -- 5, 7-05

62. Scott Suggs -- Bryant, Ar -- 2, 7-05

64. Jacob Powroznik -- Prince George, Va -- 5, 7-04

65. Charles Cummings -- Leeds, Al -- 4, 7-02

65. Woo Daves -- Spring Grove, Va -- 5, 7-02

65. Tee Watkins -- East Point, Ky -- 4, 7-02

68. Ray Scheide -- Russellville, Ar -- 5, 7-01

69. David Dudley -- Lynchburg, Va -- 5, 7-00

69. Marcel Veenstra -- Brighton, Mi -- 5, 7-00

71. Chad Grigsby -- Maple Grove, Mn -- 4, 6-15

71. Tom Monsoor -- La Crosse, Wi -- 5, 6-15

73. Tom Burns -- Carbondale, Il -- 5, 6-14

73. Danny Correia -- Marlborough, Ma -- 5, 6-14

75. Brandon Coulter -- Knoxville, Tn -- 5, 6-11

75. Richard Lowitzki -- St Charles, Il -- 3, 6-11

75. Lloyd Pickett Jr -- Bartlett, Tn -- 3, 6-11

78. Nate Wellman -- Jenison, Mi -- 3, 6-10

79. J T Kenney -- Port Charlotte, Fl -- 4, 6-09

79. Dan Schoonveld -- Mansura, La -- 5, 6-09

81. Tim Carroll -- Owasso, Ok -- 2, 6-07

81. Tony Couch -- Buckhead, Ga -- 5, 6-07

83. Craig Dowling -- Grant, Al -- 5, 6-05

83. John Tanner -- Quitman, Tx -- 4, 6-05

85. Clay Dyer -- Hamilton, Al -- 3, 6-04

85. Mike Hawkes -- Sabinal, Tx -- 4, 6-04

87. George Cochran -- Hot Springs, Ar -- 5, 6-03

87. Kevin Lasyone -- Dry Prong, La -- 5, 6-03

89. Jack Gadlage -- Benton, Ky -- 3, 6-02

90. Glenn Browne -- Ocala, Fl -- 4, 6-01

91. Jeremiah Kindy -- Benton, Ar -- 3, 6-00

92. Jason Reyes -- Humble, Tx -- 4, 5-15

93. Tom Mann Jr -- Buford, Ga -- 3, 5-12

94. Chris Mccall -- Jasper, Tx -- 4, 5-11

94. Greg Pugh -- Cullman, Al -- 3, 5-11

94. Robert Walser -- Lexington, Nc -- 4, 5-11

97. Jeff Buchanan -- Lufkin, Tx -- 5, 5-10

97. Kip Carter -- Loganville, Ga -- 4, 5-10

97. Wesley Strader -- Spring City, Tn -- 5, 5-10

100. Bruce Dale -- Jamestown, Oh -- 3, 5-08

100. Ben Lee -- Lexington, Sc -- 4, 5-08

102. Jim Dillard -- West Monroe, La -- 3, 5-07

102. Clifford Pirch -- Payson, Az -- 4, 5-07

104. Jesse Draime -- Long Beach, Ms -- 5, 5-05

104. Michael Hall -- Annandale, Va -- 3, 5-05

104. Rusty Trancygier -- Hahira, Ga -- 2, 5-05

107. Ott Defoe -- Knoxville, Tn -- 5, 5-04

108. Dion Hibdon -- Stover, Mo -- 2, 5-03

108. Mike Todd -- Norman, Ok -- 4, 5-03

110. Randy Blaukat -- Jasper, Mo -- 5, 5-02

111. Chuck Medley -- Owens Cross Roads, Al -- 1, 5-01

111. Randy Morris -- Garfield, Ar -- 4, 5-01

113. Chad Morgenthaler -- Coulterville, Il -- 2, 5-00

114. Rob Kilby -- Hot Springs, Ar -- 4, 4-14

115. Lendell Martin Jr -- Nacogdoches, Tx -- 2, 4-13

116. David Fritts -- Lexington, Nc -- 2, 4-12

116. Jim Tutt -- Longview, Tx -- 3, 4-12

118. Hank Cherry -- Maiden, Nc -- 3, 4-11

119. Truman White -- Myersville, Md -- 2, 4-07

120. Glenn Chappelear -- Acworth, Ga -- 3, 4-06

121. Joe Thomas -- Milford, Oh -- 2, 4-03

122. Joel Richardson -- Kernersville, Nc -- 2, 4-02

122. Terry Segraves -- Kissimmee, Fl -- 2, 4-02

122. Wes Thomas -- Hanover, In -- 1, 4-02

125. Kim Bain -- Alabaster, Al -- 3, 4-00

126. Mark Pack -- Mineola, Tx -- 2, 3-15

127. Brent Ehrler -- Redlands, Ca -- 4, 3-13

128. Greg Bohannan -- Rogers, Ar -- 2, 3-12

128. Scott Browning -- Franklin, Nc -- 3, 3-12

130. John Sappington -- Willard, Mo -- 2, 3-11

131. Keith Monson -- Burgin, Ky -- 3, 3-09

131. Ryan Valentine -- Jonesboro, Ga -- 3, 3-09

133. Paul Whitman Jr -- Dallas, Tx -- 2, 3-07

134. Chris Baumgardner -- Gastonia, Nc -- 2, 3-04

135. Brad Knight -- Wartburg, Tn -- 3, 3-03

136. Michael Bennett -- Roseville, Ca -- 2, 3-02

137. J R Grubb -- Hamburg, Ar -- 2, 3-00

138. Tracy Adams -- Wilkesboro, Nc -- 2, 2-15

138. Chris Elliott -- Beaufort, Nc -- 2, 2-15

138. Mike Surman -- Boca Raton, Fl -- 3, 2-15

141. Larry Nixon -- Bee Branch, Ar -- 2, 2-14

142. Kim Stricker -- Howell, Mi -- 2, 2-11

142. David Walker -- Sevierville, Tn -- 2, 2-11

144. Matt Herren -- Trussville, Al -- 2, 2-10

144. Sam Newby -- Pocola, Ok -- 2, 2-10

146. Kevin Vida -- Clare, Mi -- 1, 2-09

147. Katsutoshi Furusawa -- Tokyo Japan 1920153, Jp -- 2, 2-08

148. Melinda Mize Hooper -- Ben Lomond, Ar -- 2, 2-07

149. James Kemper -- Frankfort, Ky -- 2, 2-06

150. Jimmy Houston -- Cookson, Ok -- 2, 2-05

150. Ken Wick -- Star, Id -- 2, 2-05

152. Jeremy Vandenbosch -- Lowell, Mi -- 1, 2-04

153. Russell Colwell -- Baltimore, Md -- 2, 2-03

153. Bud Pruitt -- Houston, Tx -- 2, 2-03

155. Lewis Denney -- Indian Mound, Tn -- 1, 2-02

156. Jason Christie -- Park Hill, Ok -- 1, 2-01

156. Bobby Curtis -- Siloam Springs, Ar -- 2, 2-01

158. Michael Murphy -- Gilbert, Sc -- 2, 2-00

158. Gary Yamamoto -- Mineola, Tx -- 1, 2-00

160. Cody Bird -- Granbury, Tx -- 1, 1-15

161. Scott Hamrick -- Denver, Nc -- 2, 1-14

161. Jeffrey Thomas -- Broadway, Nc -- 2, 1-14

163. Mark Hardin -- Jasper, Ga -- 1, 1-12

164. Scott Martin -- Clewiston, Fl -- 1, 1-11

164. Clark Smith Jr -- Pell City, Al -- 1, 1-11

166. Curt Lytle -- Zuni, Va -- 1, 1-09

167. Darrel Robertson -- Jay, Ok -- 1, 1-07

167. Jim Short -- Ocean Pines, Md -- 1, 1-07

169. Mike Ellenstein -- Newburgh, In -- 1, 1-06

169. Dave Lefebre -- Union City, Pa -- 1, 1-06

169. Jack Wade -- Knoxville, Tn -- 1, 1-06

172. Mark Rose -- Marion, Ar -- 1, 1-05

173. George Jeane Jr -- Evans, La -- 1, 1-04

173. Jim Moynagh -- Carver, Mn -- 1, 1-04

175. John Barrett -- Fayetteville, Nc -- 1, 1-03

175. Karen Savik -- St. Louis Park, Mn -- 1, 1-03

177. Jason Mckinnie -- Umatilla, Fl -- 1, 1-02

178. Brent Crow -- Hartselle, Al -- 1, 1-01

178. O T Fears Iii -- Sallisaw, Ok -- 1, 1-01

178. Richard Strother -- Tyler, Tx -- 1, 1-01

181. Bob Blosser -- Lodi, Wi -- 1, 1-00

181. Art Ferguson Iii -- St. Clair Shores, Mi -- 1, 1-00

181. Jerry Green -- Del Rio, Tx -- 1, 1-00

184. Scott Dobson -- Clarkston, Mi -- 1, 0-08

Scott Canterbury -- Odenville, Al -- 0, 0-00

Fred Contaoi -- Knoxville, Tn -- 0, 0-00

Chad Cook -- Summerville, Sc -- 0, 0-00

Arch Cornett -- Huntsville, Al -- 0, 0-00

Aaron Hastings -- Middletown, Md -- 0, 0-00

Tim Johnson -- Dallas, Ga -- 0, 0-00

Mike Lanier -- Leland, Nc -- 0, 0-00

Rick Marsh -- High Point, Nc -- 0, 0-00

Keith Pace -- Monticello, Ar -- 0, 0-00

Danny Pierce -- Greenbrier, Ar -- 0, 0-00

Craig Powers -- Rockwood, Tn -- 0, 0-00

Gary Riffle -- Bogata, Tx -- 0, 0-00

Norman Seat -- Branson West, Mo -- 0, 0-00

Timothy Sisk -- Cherryville, Nc -- 0, 0-00

Brad Wall -- Clarksville, Oh -- 0, 0-00

Alfred Williams -- Jackson, Ms -- 0, 0-00

Big Bass

> Day 1: Randy Hadden -- Jacksonville, Fl -- 11-09 -- $750