OAKLEY, Calif. (May 14, 2008) - Pro Mike Andrews of Oakley, Calif., caught a five-bass limit weighing 36 pounds, 3 ounces Wednesday to lead opening day of the Stren Series Western Division bass fishing tournament on the California Delta.
"Today was like an out of body experience," said Andrews, who now holds the record for the heaviest single day tournament catch in a FLW Outdoors Stren Series event. "This doesn't happen everyday and it's not a normal thing for me. It was the best day I have ever had on the water.
"I went to my first spot and had 29 pounds by 8 a.m. I left there and went pre-fishing for the rest of the week. It seemed that everywhere I went I caught at least a 7-pounder."
Andrews said that he isn't running far to catch his fish but he is covering a lot of water. He is fishing a 5-mile radius of his key area and has burned a lot of gas hitting those key areas.
"I have a lot of confidence in the spots that I am fishing going into tomorrow," Andrews said. "I found some new water after I got my limit today that is just as good as my primary spot and as long as nothing drastic changes I will be able to get a good bag each day."
Rounding out the top five pros are Kyle Porter of Acampo, Calif. (five bass, 28-07); Timothy Venkus of Wilton, Calif (five bass, 27-11); Gene Gray of Atascadero, Calif. (five bass, 27-10); and Zach Thompson of Orinda, Calif. (five bass, 27-07).
Gray earned $280 for the Snickers Big Bass award in the Pro Division thanks to a 9-pound, 15-ounce bass.
Overall there were 856 bass weighing 2,647 pounds, 4 ounces caught by 180 pros Wednesday. The catch included 157 five-bass limits.
Quin Smith of Galt, Calif., leads the Co-angler Division in the chase for a top award of $35,000, including a 198VX Ranger if contingency guidelines are met. He caught five bass weighing 21-15 while fishing with pro Aaron Coleman of Oakland, Calif., who is currently in 45th place.
"I only caught five keepers all day," said Smith, who is fishing in only his third FLW Outdoors tournament. "I caught two fish early this morning and went most of the day without another bite. I got my final three keepers between 1:30 and 3 p.m.
"It was really coming down to the wire. I wasn't sure if I was going to get a limit," Smith said. "I had a great pro that got me on fish and really knew the water."
Smith said that he hopes to get 15 pounds tomorrow to stay in contention for the win.
"I fish this water all the time and I believe that if the wind dies down a little the plastic bite will turn on."
Rounding out the top five co-anglers are Dean Krambeck of Vandenberg, Calif. (five bass, 19-06); Roy Desmangles Jr. of Lincoln, Calif. (five bass, 19-04); David Koehler of Galt, Calif. (five bass, 18-14); and Craig Taylor of Olympia, Wash. (five bass, 18-08).
Joseph Bricker of Pleasanton, Calif., earned $142 for the Snickers Big Bass award in the Co-angler Division thanks to a 8-pound, 5-ounce bass. Overall there were 719 bass weighing 1,772 pounds, 4 ounces caught by 175 co-anglers Wednesday. The catch included 109 five-bass limits.