After practice this week, almost every angler predicted Table Rock Lake was going to be a difficult place to catch five 15-inch keeper bass. But Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Championship was even tougher than expected.
Wesley Strader predicted only half the 28-man pro angler field would catch a five-bass limit. That was a little optimistic. Only 10 did. It was even tougher on the co-angler side, where only five three-bass limits were caught.
A big bass goes a long way in this event. Mark Rose of Wynne, Ark., leads the pro division with 15 pounds, 9 ounces, which included the big bass – a 6-pound, 1-ounce largemouth. Alex Heintz of Denham Springs, La., leads the co-angler division with 8-pounds, 9 ounces, which included the big bass – a 4-pound, 7-ounce smallmouth.