Many of the pros, sitting atop bags much bigger than anticipated, targeted the bass holed up the large grass mats.
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Randall Tharp Gardendale, Ala. 5 29-06 Day 1: 5 29-06 2. Matt Herren Trussville, Ala. 5 26-09 Day 1: 5 26-09 3. Chris Ludwig Lawrenceburg, Ind. 5 25-14 Day 1: 5 25-14
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$ 1. Danny Clark Cleveland, Tenn. 5 22-13 Day 1: 5 22-13 2. Keith Sykes Clintwood, Va. 5 21-02 Day 1: 5 21-02 3. William Helton Calhoun, Tenn. 5 19-11 Day 1: 5 19-11
In this photo gallery you will see images of the 2008 southern open #3 on Lake Guntersville in Alabama. It is the first day launch.
About 200 Southern Open pros will compete Oct. 16-18 for the event's title and $45,000 first-place prize. An equal number of co-anglers will be out to win their division's first-place prize, a boat package valued at $32,000.
Known as one of the better bass fisheries in the South, this northeast Alabama reservoir is the beneficiary of stable water levels and lots and lots of grass.
"The coffee scent was critical to my success. The fish didn't hold on to the lure very long. They seemed to like the coffee taste and held it just a moment longer than other plastics. That gave me the time I needed to set the hook."
Several fine anglers found their spots and patterns ruined by wind and the resulting muddy water. In fact, one angler described the water at his spot as looking like a YooHoo chocolate drink.
"I think most of the anglers will fish the grass and do something similar to what I've been doing. Kentucky Lake is big. There's a lot of stuff to fish out there."
The Classic berths will be awarded after the season's final event.The top 10 in the points standings will be invited to join the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series, the highest level of BASS competition.