Photo: BassFan
Jason Christie runs to another spot on day 1 of the Classic.
By Todd Ceisner
BassFan Editor
Once the boats blasted off, they scattered across Grand Lake. Some stayed close to begin with while others raced to areas in hopes of not having to fish behind someone else – many anglers talked about getting into a good rotation after practice.
The action was a little slower than expected, but the water was warmer than it had been in practice and it had cleared up slightly in some areas. Most of the anglers we observed were content with casting parallel or tight to shore or near docks with moving baits and some mixed in slower presentations like a jig.
Check out some photos from the water below.
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First Stop
Ott DeFoe went barely 500 yards from the ramp before he started fishing Friday. He worked along some docks and walkways while residents looked on from shore. (Photo: BassFan)
Locked In
Defoe works along the side of a dock. He switched presentations multiple times as he weaved around the sides, front and back. (Photo: BassFan)
The Other Martens
Thomas Martens, the winner of the Bassmaster Team Championship last fall, was also fishing around docks and walkways this morning. (Photo: BassFan)
Got Company
As Martens fished the right side of the creek, Alton Jones idled in and started fishing the opposite side. (Photo: BassFan)
Got One
Before long, Martens was wrestling a bass back to the boat. (Photo: BassFan)
In The Boat
Martens grabbed the fish and hoisted him over his dash – it looked to be a 4-pound class fish for his first Classic keeper. (Photo: BassFan)
In The Box
Martens deposited that one in the livewell. (Photo: BassFan)
Moving Along
Meanwhile, Jones caught one across the way from Martens and continued around a point to another set of docks. (Photo: BassFan)
Bank Burner
Body Duckett makes a cast along a sloping, rocky bank. (Photo: BassFan)
Time To Go
And within minutes, Duckett was off and running to another spot. (Photo: BassFan)
Let 'Er Rip
Fabian Rodriguez uncorks a cast on day 1 of the Classic. (Photo: BassFan)
Bridge Over Fishy Waters
Bernie Schultz worked along some riprap banks around this small bridge. (Photo: BassFan)
Long Distance Lob
Former Classic champ Chris Lane makes a long cast along a woody shoreline. (Photo: BassFan)
Rocky Start
B.A.S.S. Nation angler John Proctor was another angler paralleling some rocky banks on day 1. (Photo: BassFan)
Fooled Ya
Edwin Evers pulls back to free his lure from a momentary snag. (Photo: BassFan)
Outta Here
After a few more casts, Evers picked up and headed off across Grand Lake. (Photo: BassFan)
Crowded Cove
Jason Christie had a spectator gallery of at least 75 boats this morning. (Photo: BassFan)
Moving On
Like Evers, it wasn't long before Christie decided to find new water. (Photo: BassFan)
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2016 Classic – Day 1 Action
