Chris Zaldain knew what he wanted to do, he knew why he wanted to do it and he got the job done to the tune of a 24-pound, 3-ounce limit of bass that leads the first round of the Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Kentucky Lake presented by Abu Garcia.
“A few days ago, I got some bad news about my mom’s (Rose) health, she’s battling cancer,” said Zaldain of Laughlin, Nev. “The last few days have been rough, so I came into this event to win it for my mom.
“I really want a chance to go into Sunday and win this event. I feel like my career needs it. I feel like my family needs it.”
Zaldain said he’s fishing such a specific pattern that he couldn’t divulge many details. However, he did note that a very specific integration of three distinct factors — some habitat, others conditional — were essential to his success.
“I practiced with one thing in my mind, pretty much one bait, one approach and it paid off big time today,” Zaldain said. “The second day of practice, I caught almost 30 pounds, no joke. Kentucky Lake has got ’em.
“A lot of people are complaining about the Asian carp, but the bass still live here. You just have to fish where the carp aren’t.”
Noting that he fished a purely prespawn pattern, Zaldain knew his day would be one of quality over quantity. His biggest was a 6-pounder, which made it to the Bassmaster blog feed with Zaldain’s handwritten dedication note to his mother.
“I’m fishing for five bites,” Zaldain said. “I’m not going out there trying to catch as many as I can, I’m just trying to catch five.
“Angles are everything to the way I’m fishing. I watched people fish through an area twice and I went in behind them and caught fish.”
The morning bite was key for Zaldain, who tanked his last keeper at 10 a.m. Looking ahead, he’s confident that he can replicate his game plan again Saturday, the second of four competition days.
“If I keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll have a big bag,” he said. “We have a weather change coming tomorrow, so I may have to make a few adjustments, but it’s going to be more of the same. In fact, a few of my spots, I didn’t even touch today.”
While Zaldain’s game plan worked to perfection, Skeet Reese’s didn’t. The Elite pro from Auburn, Calif., had to scrap his original game plan when he found himself fishless at 8 a.m. Switching to waters he never visited in practice, Reese targeted an area where he threw reaction baits and intercepted fish coming and going from a spawning area. His decision to change game plans led to a solid limit of 23-11, just 8 ounces behind the leader.
In third, Alabama’s Kelly Jaye picked off a five-bass limit weighing 22 pounds by throwing a custom colored Megabass Vision 110 jerkbait that he modified with larger hooks for a faster sink rate in the 8-foot depths he targeted.
Jaye said he needs sunlight penetration to allow the fish to see his bait better, so if Saturday offers any break in the cloud cover, he’s anticipating a heavier bag.
Rounding out the Top 5 are reigning Bassmaster Classic champion Jordan Lee of Grant, Ala., with 21-3 and Jason Christie of Park Hill, Okla., with 20-13
Gerald Swindle of Guntersville, Ala., and Chad Pipkens of Lansing, Mich., are tied for the $1,500 Phoenix Boats Big Bass Award with twin 7-pound, 7-ounce fish.
Daily takeoffs will begin at 6 a.m. CT out of Paris Landing Marina, and weigh-ins are scheduled at Paris Landing State Park beginning at 3:15 p.m. CT. each day.
2018 Bassmaster Elite At Kentucky Lake Title Sponsor: Berkley
2018 Bassmaster Elite At Kentucky Lake Presenting Sponsor: Abu Garcia
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Premier Sponsors: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Huk, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Carhartt, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Phoenix Boats, T-H Marine
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Elite Partner: Black Velvet Canadian Whisky
2018 Bassmaster Elite Series Local Partner: Mountain Dew
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
2018 Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Kentucky Lake presented by Abu Garcia
5/4-5/7 Kentucky Lake, Paris TN.
PROFESSIONAL
Standings Day 1
Angler Hometown No./lbs-oz Pts Total $$$
1. Chris Zaldain Laughlin, NV 5 24-03 110 Day 1: 5 24-03
2. Skeet Reese Auburn, CA 5 23-11 109 Day 1: 5 23-11
3. Kelley Jaye Dadeville, AL 5 22-00 108 Day 1: 5 22-00
4. Jordan Lee Grant, AL 5 21-03 107 Day 1: 5 21-03
5. Jason Christie Park Hill, OK 5 20-13 106 Day 1: 5 20-13
6. Bobby Lane Jr. Lakeland, FL 5 20-07 105 Day 1: 5 20-07
7. Gerald Swindle Guntersville, AL 5 20-04 104 Day 1: 5 20-04
8. Josh Bertrand San Tan Valley, AZ 5 20-02 103 Day 1: 5 20-02
9. Paul Elias Laurel, MS 5 20-01 102 Day 1: 5 20-01
10. Jacob Powroznik North Prince George, VA 5 19-13 101 Day 1: 5 19-13
11. Shaw Grigsby Jr. Gainesville, FL 5 19-12 100 Day 1: 5 19-12
12. Ott DeFoe Blaine, TN 5 19-10 99 Day 1: 5 19-10
12. David Walker Sevierville, TN 5 19-10 99 Day 1: 5 19-10
14. Cliff Pace Petal, MS 5 19-09 97 Day 1: 5 19-09
15. Matt Lee Guntersville, AL 5 19-07 96 Day 1: 5 19-07
16. Edwin Evers Talala, OK 5 19-06 95 Day 1: 5 19-06
16. Wesley Strader Spring City, TN 5 19-06 95 Day 1: 5 19-06
18. Chad Pipkens Lansing, MI 5 18-15 93 Day 1: 5 18-15
19. Jesse Wiggins Cullman, AL 5 18-14 92 Day 1: 5 18-14
20. Jacob Wheeler Harrison, TN 5 18-13 91 Day 1: 5 18-13
21. Bradley Roy Lancaster, KY 5 18-10 90 Day 1: 5 18-10
22. Skylar Hamilton Dandridge, TN 5 18-09 89 Day 1: 5 18-09
22. Alton Jones Lorena, TX 5 18-09 89 Day 1: 5 18-09
22. Kyle Monti Okeechobee, FL 5 18-09 89 Day 1: 5 18-09
22. Randall Tharp Port St. Joe, FL 5 18-09 89 Day 1: 5 18-09
26. John Murray Spring City, TN 5 18-06 85 Day 1: 5 18-06
27. Fred Roumbanis Russellville, AR 5 17-15 84 Day 1: 5 17-15
28. Stetson Blaylock Benton, AR 5 17-15 83 Day 1: 5 17-15
29. Adrian Avena Vineland, NJ 5 17-14 82 Day 1: 5 17-14
29. Gerald Spohrer Gonzales, LA 5 17-14 82 Day 1: 5 17-14
31. Drew Benton Panama City, FL 5 17-04 80 Day 1: 5 17-04
31. Brent Chapman Lake Quivira, KS 5 17-04 80 Day 1: 5 17-04
31. Paul Mueller Naugatuck, CT 5 17-04 80 Day 1: 5 17-04
34. Jared Lintner Arroyo Grande, CA 5 17-03 77 Day 1: 5 17-03
35. Todd Faircloth Jasper, TX 5 17-01 76 Day 1: 5 17-01
36. Michael Iaconelli Pitts Grove, NJ 5 16-15 75 Day 1: 5 16-15
37. Brent Ehrler Redlands, CA 5 16-14 74 Day 1: 5 16-14
37. Greg Hackney Gonzales, LA 5 16-14 74 Day 1: 5 16-14
39. Brandon Card Knoxville, TN 5 16-13 72 Day 1: 5 16-13
40. Caleb Sumrall New Iberia, LA 5 16-08 71 Day 1: 5 16-08
41. Chris Lane Guntersville, AL 5 16-07 70 Day 1: 5 16-07
42. Andy Montgomery Blacksburg, SC 5 16-06 69 Day 1: 5 16-06
43. Alton Jones Jr. Waco, TX 5 16-04 68 Day 1: 5 16-04
43. Hunter Shryock Newcomerstown, OH 5 16-04 68 Day 1: 5 16-04
45. Mark Menendez Paducah, KY 5 16-00 66 Day 1: 5 16-00
46. Jake Whitaker Fairview, NC 5 15-14 65 Day 1: 5 15-14
47. Kevin VanDam Kalamazoo, MI 5 15-13 64 Day 1: 5 15-13
48. Terry Scroggins San Mateo, FL 5 15-11 63 Day 1: 5 15-11
49. Ish Monroe Hughson, CA 5 15-10 62 Day 1: 5 15-10
50. Marty Robinson Lyman, SC 5 15-08 61 Day 1: 5 15-08
51. Brandon Lester Fayetteville, TN 5 15-06 60 Day 1: 5 15-06 52. David Fritts Lexington, NC 5 15-04 59 Day 1: 5 15-04
53. Bill Lowen Brookville, IN 5 15-03 58 Day 1: 5 15-03
54. Fletcher Shryock Dennison, OH 5 15-01 57 Day 1: 5 15-01
55. Aaron Martens Leeds, AL 5 14-14 56 Day 1: 5 14-14
56. Seth Feider Bloomington, MN 5 14-12 55 Day 1: 5 14-12
56. Greg Vinson Wetumpka, AL 5 14-12 55 Day 1: 5 14-12
58. Brandon Palaniuk Hayden, ID 5 14-11 53 Day 1: 5 14-11
59. Matt Herren Ashville, AL 5 14-02 52 Day 1: 5 14-02
60. Boyd Duckett Guntersville, AL 4 14-02 51 Day 1: 4 14-02
61. Chris Groh Spring Grove, IL 5 14-01 50 Day 1: 5 14-01
62. Keith Poche Pike Road, AL 4 13-13 49 Day 1: 4 13-13
63. Scott Rook Little Rock, AR 5 13-12 48 Day 1: 5 13-12
64. Randy Howell Guntersville, AL 5 13-11 47 Day 1: 5 13-11
64. Justin Lucas Guntersville, AL 5 13-11 47 Day 1: 5 13-11
66. Mark Daniels Jr. Tuskegee, AL 5 13-09 45 Day 1: 5 13-09
67. Stephen Browning Hot Springs, AR 3 13-09 44 Day 1: 3 13-09
68. Brett Hite Phoenix, AZ 5 13-08 43 Day 1: 5 13-08
69. Rick Morris Lake Gaston, VA 5 13-07 42 Day 1: 5 13-07
69. Brock Mosley Collinsville, MS 5 13-07 42 Day 1: 5 13-07
71. Randy Sullivan Breckenridge, TX 5 13-06 40 Day 1: 5 13-06
72. Keith Combs Huntington, TX 4 13-05 39 Day 1: 4 13-05
73. Shin Fukae Palestine TX JAPAN 4 13-04 38 Day 1: 4 13-04
74. Russ Lane Prattville, AL 5 13-03 37 Day 1: 5 13-03
75. Steve Kennedy Auburn, AL 5 13-02 36 Day 1: 5 13-02
75. Clifford Pirch Payson, AZ 5 13-02 36 Day 1: 5 13-02
77. Brian Snowden Reeds Spring, MO 5 13-01 34 Day 1: 5 13-01
78. Kelly Jordon Flint, TX 5 13-00 33 Day 1: 5 13-00
79. Casey Ashley Donalds, SC 5 12-14 32 Day 1: 5 12-14
79. James Elam Tulsa, OK 5 12-14 32 Day 1: 5 12-14
81. Bernie Schultz Gainesville, FL 5 12-13 30 Day 1: 5 12-13
82. Dean Rojas Lake Havasu City, AZ 3 12-13 29 Day 1: 3 12-13
83. Tyler Carriere Youngsville, LA 4 12-02 28 Day 1: 4 12-02
83. Mike McClelland Bentonville, AR 4 12-02 28 Day 1: 4 12-02
85. Robbie Latuso Gonzales, LA 5 11-15 26 Day 1: 5 11-15
86. John Crews Jr Salem, VA 5 11-12 25 Day 1: 5 11-12
86. Ray Hanselman Jr Del Rio, TX 5 11-12 25 Day 1: 5 11-12
88. Jamie Hartman Newport, NY 5 11-11 23 Day 1: 5 11-11
89. Tim Horton Muscle Shoals, AL 5 11-07 22 Day 1: 5 11-07
90. Tommy Biffle Wagoner, OK 4 11-03 21 Day 1: 4 11-03
91. Cliff Crochet Pierre Part, LA 5 10-15 20 Day 1: 5 10-15
92. Dustin Connell Clanton, AL 4 10-07 19 Day 1: 4 10-07
93. Rick Clunn Ava, MO 4 10-06 18 Day 1: 4 10-06
93. Dave Lefebre Erie, PA 4 10-06 18 Day 1: 4 10-06
95. Brandon Coulter Knoxville, TN 4 10-04 16 Day 1: 4 10-04
96. Hank Cherry Jr Lincolnton, NC 2 09-08 15 Day 1: 2 09-08
97. Gary Klein Mingus, TX 4 08-12 14 Day 1: 4 08-12
98. Cliff Prince Palatka, FL 3 08-08 13 Day 1: 3 08-08
99. Micah Frazier Newnan, GA 2 08-00 12 Day 1: 2 08-00
100. Morizo Shimizu Suita, Osaka JAPAN 3 07-11 11 Day 1: 3 07-11
101. Roy Hawk Lk Havasu Cty, AZ 4 07-09 10 Day 1: 4 07-09
102. David Mullins Mt Carmel, TN 3 07-03 9 Day 1: 3 07-03
103. Jeff Kriet Ardmore, OK 3 06-10 8 Day 1: 3 06-10
104. Jason Williamson Wagener, SC 3 06-08 7 Day 1: 3 06-08
105. Jonathon VanDam Gobles, MI 3 05-07 6 Day 1: 3 05-07
106. Bill Weidler Helena, AL 2 04-09 5 Day 1: 2 04-09
107. Takahiro Omori Emory, TX 1 02-08 4 Day 1: 1 02-08
108. Darrell Ocamica New Plymouth, ID 0 00-00 0 Day 1: 0 00-00
By: JamieDay Matthews
