LAKEPORT, Calif. — David Kromm of Kennewick, Wash., took a commanding lead early during the Day 1 weigh-in of the CITGO Bassmaster Western Open on Clear Lake with a five-fish limit that topped the scales at 21 pounds, 14 ounces — including his 9-pound, 3-ounce Puralator Big Bass of the day.
"It was a slow bite and getting the fish to move on a reaction bait was my best chance at getting some of those larger fish in this lake," said Kromm. "I needed to bring in two or three large fish to get into the top 20. After weighing in early, I had no idea that it was going to hold up all day."
While Kromm worked hard throughout the day for his five fish, other anglers caught fish in astounding numbers. Of the 298 registered anglers, all but five of them weighed fish and 227 anglers came in with limits.
Many anglers consider Clear Lake the bass capital of the west because it still produces quality catches, despite the hundreds of boats on the water every week in tournaments.
Steve Tosh of Modesto, Calif., is in second place with 19 pounds, 4 ounces and third place is owned by Wayne Breazeale of Kelseyville, Calif., a local angler just 1 ounce behind Tosh.
"My best tactic was going light but that's why I lost two large fish in the beginning," Tosh said. "I used a drop shot rig with only 6-pound test."
Rounding out the top five were Larry Brower of Cottonwood, Calif., with 18-03 and Michael Tuck of Antelope, Calif., with 18-02.
On the non-boater side, a pair of California anglers, Doug Jones and Len Kovats, tied for first place with 14 pounds, 3 ounces.
Location and Field
Clear Lake
Lakeport, Calif.