If you’ve seen the standings for Day 1, you know I didn’t have the catch I was looking for. Not only was my weight (13 pounds, 12 ounces) disappointing, but I only had four keepers, and you just can’t be short of a limit if you want to be in the hunt on the first day.
Things began well enough. I was excited to get two bites in the first two hours and really felt like I was on the way to an 18- or 20-pound day. But that’s when I hit a dry spell. I got that second fish at about 8:45 a.m. and didn’t get my third bite until about 11:30. It was agonizing.
If I knew what was wrong, I’d have fixed it. I’m just not sure. I’m certain that there are good fish all around me. I just had trouble catching them.
On the bright side, there were some great things about the day. There was an unbelievable atmosphere at launch. It was electric and energizing. I was pumped up before the Classic started anyway, but the crowd and the weather and the enthusiasm out there really had me going. I’ve never been so energized to start a tournament before.
And that good feeling continued on the water – at least until I hit that dry spell. The spectators on the water were awesome. They were cheering encouragement and stayed a very respectful distance from the area I was fishing. I couldn’t ask for more than that.
Looking ahead to Day 2, I’m really not sure what I’m going to do differently. The area where I caught my four keepers has a lot more fish in it, but I’m also considering going somewhere else and doing something completely different. The fish that were shallow seem to have gone a little shallower yet.
I’ve got a long drive ahead of me from the weigh-in to where I’m staying out at the lake. That’ll give me plenty of time to think about it and come up with a Day 2 game plan.
If you’re coming out to the weigh-in and Classic Outdoor Expo, I hope you’ll get a chance to stop by the Edwin Evers Pecans booth. You can’t miss it; it’s on the main hall of the Expo Center (Booth #112). Pecan sales have been great. I think we’re going to sell out! Come by and get some while they last and register for our General Tire and Pelican Cooler giveaways.