A strong storm moving in, fluctuating water levels and a load of limits (only four anglers were short of a limit today) were the story of the day with the Bassmaster Elite Series weigh-in at Lake Dardanelle out of Russellville, AR. Oh yeah, Missile Baits pro John Crews smoked 'em and brought in a limit weighing 22 pounds 9 ounces to take the lead.
Right behind Crews in the second spot is Mercury pro Greg Hackney weighing 21 pounds 13 ounces.
Rounding out the Top 5 are in third pro Grant Goldbeck weighing 20 pounds 1 ounce. Tied for fourth, with 19 pounds 14 ounces, are Strike King pro Keith Combs and Nitro Boats pro Jason Williamson.
Slow practice for Crews
"I didn't have a great practice," said Crews. "So today I just went fishing trying to figure them out. I caught a good fish here and there. It turned out really well for me and I ended up with over 22 pounds."
Hackney feeling fortunate
"I had a really slow start," said Hackney. "The area I was fishing had a lot of boats in it. I didn't get the numbers of fish I was hoping for, but I got the right bites. That big moon this morning, the slick water. They just didn't bite as well today as they did in practice. I had a very fortunate day."
Quick start for Goldbeck.
"I have to work hard tomorrow," said Goldbeck. "I caught my limit early today. I had a real quick start. I left those fish and went looking for stuff the rest of the day. I feel pretty good about how it went today."
Combs feeling small
"Everything feels small," said Combs. "After catching so many big fish last week in Texas the 3-pounders felt like 2-pounders. Those fish even looked small on my crankbait compared to those big fish I caught last week at Lake Fork.
"Seriously, this place is on fire. The bass are biting really good."
Williamson proud
"I had a short, tough practice," said Williamson. "I'm proud of the day I had. I fished with an open mind and went out and caught them today. I found out Dardanelle is full of fish. I need to go out and get them tomorrow."
- 1504 views