NEW ORLEANS, La.--August 2, 2001- With an approaching weather front looming large on the horizon, Kentucky pro David Walker made sure to get off to the best start possible Thursday, catching 12 pounds, 4 ounces of Louisiana Delta bass to take the first-round lead in the 31st BASS Masters Classic bass fishing tournament.
The 45 pros competing in the crowning event of the Tournament Trail spent Thursday searching for the five largest bass they could find with knowledge that the weather was deteriorating. Tropical Storm Barry, located in the Gulf of Mexico seems to have designs on heading toward the New Orleans area.
The tropical storm looming in the Gulf of Mexico has many Classic anglers and spectators worried about the second day of competition. No official word has come from the tournament department on possible delays or cancellations. There has never been a competition day lost during a BASS Masters Classic due to weather. In 1991, a practice day was cancelled when a hurricane was bearing down on Baltimore's Chesapeake Bay.
"I've got to be a fortune-teller and a bass fisherman," said Walker, when asked about his chances of maintaining the lead on Friday and Saturday. "I don't know what the weather is going to do. The weather does effect us, but it doesn't change the days or times we have to fish. I'll just go out and do the best I can."
Walker, 36, is competing in his second consecutive Classic. His success came on a Gambler jig.
"Today went pretty well for me. The first area I stopped at (produced) eight or nine fish by 11 o'clock," he said. "I've got plenty of confidence after today, and that's what it's going to take to win this thing."
In second place is veteran Harold Allen with 11-13. The 56-year-old Texas pro, who is competing in his 13th Classic, was the runner-up in this event in 1981.
"Everybody will tell you it's going to be a guessing game," Allen said. "We've got weather coming in. And the fish are changing every day. So we don't know what's going to happen.
"We're fishing differently every day and having to try new things every day. I am fishing several baits. It's going to be interesting. Mother Nature is going to get right in the middle of it. But we're going to hang tough."
Three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Michigan is third with 11-5, followed by California's Robert Lee (11-1) and Dwayne Horton of Alabama (10-2).
"I had to go way down my list of plans to get bit today," VanDam said. "I did learn some things that should help me. "
The Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top prize and the most important title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the high-water mark in professional fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded past winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings. The Classic is the championship event of the Tournament Trail.