The biggest fish to be caught at a Bassmaster event on Lake Seminole was held high for Bainbridge Thursday by pro angler Bernie Schultz to kick of the Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Seminole.
Thursday and Friday, the Earle May Boat basin was filled with fishing fans and residents enjoying the opening days of the Elite Series and the River Town Days festival.
After two rounds, the Elite Series leader board shows Brett Hite of Phoenix, Ariz., in first place with a total weight of 45-pounds-6-ounces.
“When you have momentum you make the right decision,” Hite said. “I’ve been listening to my gut. When it tells me to do something different or change spots, I do it, so it’s working out for me.”
Behind him sits Schultz in second place, holding onto a total weight of 44-pounds-8-ounces, 10-pounds-10-ounces of which came from the monster bass he caught Thursday. Carhartt’s Big Bass bonus pays $1,500, and so far Schultz is holding that title.
“I’m pretty pleased, there’s more fish out there and fewer anglers out there,” Schultz said. “So that’s a good thing. Everything’s working in the right direction.”
A total of 108 anglers hit the water Thursday to kick off one of the biggest tournaments held on Lake Seminole.
Shaw E. Grigsby grabbed a first place spot in the tournament Thursday with a 30-pound-5-ounce sack, but fell into sixth place after solid performances from Kevin Short, Justin Lucas and Chad Morgenthaler.
“I had an awesome day yesterday,” Grigsby said, noting that Thursday was the fourth time in his career he caught a bag over 30 pounds. “I’m going to go out there tomorrow and do my best to break a 30 pound stringer. This lake has them, lots of them. I have all the confidence in the world I can do that.”
Only the top 50 anglers make it to the next round Saturday. For the final round on Sunday, only the top 12 will be heading out onto Lake Seminole to fight for the grand prize.