Thirteen was a lucky number for Tracy Adams today during the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Norman.
The Wilkesboro, N.C., angler caught a 13-pound, 13-ounce limit today to retain the lead in the pro division of the Open. The 2011 Bassmaster Classic qualifier has a two-day total weighing 34-10 to take a commanding lead in his bid for a return to the Classic.
The local favorite expected to catch 12 pounds a day during this event, and today he once again sacked up more than he anticipated. “I didn’t know if I could catch 7 pounds or 10 pounds,” Adams said. “I was hoping for 12.”
“I didn’t bed fish any today,” said Adams, who caught a 6-pounder and a 4 1/2-pounder off of beds yesterday.”I just went around doing my thing throwing a little worm, and it just worked out again today.”
Adams bagged a limit by about 9:30 a.m. today, but he estimated he had only about 8 1/2 pounds. Sticking with one pattern the whole day, he culled fish throughout the day to reach his lucky 13 limit.
“I caught fish all over the lake,” he said. “I ran from the dam all the way up to the bridge and back. I have fished this lake a long time, and I know places that generally hold them, but that doesn’t always mean they are going to be there.I just have to go out there and get what I can.”
A light wind is predicted for tomorrow, which could be a problem for Adams. “I need a little bit of wind for what I am doing, but maybe I will figure something else out if what I am doing is not working.”
Sunshine and wind later in the day helped Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bradley Roy catch a 13-4 limit to move into second place with 25-11.
“The cold rain really hurt things, and it took me a long time to catch one this morning,” said Roy.”It was very slow but once the sun got back out it was the same conditions that I had been practicing in and I started catching them again.So hopefully tomorrow it will be sunshine and blowing a little wind.”
The Lancaster, Ky., pro caught his limit by 1 o’clock.”Then I made two important culls with about an hour to go,” said Roy who caught 11 keepers and about 25 fish throughout the day. “I am catching one here and then running and catching one there so I will try to do it again tomorrow.”
Rounding out the top five in the pro division are Pete Betje, Charlotte, N.C., in third place with 24-1; Kevin Hawk, Guntersville, Ala., fourth, 23-11; and Gerald Swindle, Warrior, Ala., fifth, 23-3.
Glynn Goodwin of Marietta, Ohio moved into first place in the co-angler division by catching a three-fish limit weighing 9-9.
“We fished the same kind of stuff today as I did yesterday,” said the 30-year-old pipefitter who has 15-10 for two days. “I just got really blessed with two big bites and landed both of them. I caught one on a shaky head and caught the other one on a Carolina rig.”
The other top five co-anglers include Tom McDermott, Madison, N.C., second, 12-13; John Hembree, Blue Ridge, Ga., third, 11-11; Ethan Cox, West End, N.C., and John Kunze, Parkersburg, W.V., tied forfourth, 11-10.
Visit Lake Norman is hosting the Open.Tomorrow’s launch will be held at Blythe Landing at 15901 NC Highway 73.The final day weigh-in will shift to the Bass Pro Shops at 8181 Concord Mills Blvd., in Concord.
2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha
2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsor: Boat U.S., BOOYAH, Carhartt, Humminbird, Luck “E” Strike, Minn Kota, Power-Pole
About B.A.S.S.
For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.
The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications – Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times – comprehensive Bassmaster website and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series,Cabela’s B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.
B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.By: B.A.S.S. News
