Fishing News - 11/10/00
From BASS
Curt Lytle Battles Weather to Take Day One Lead In Missouri
OSAGE BEACH, Mo.---November 9, 2000---Anglers in the $227,000 Missouri BASSMASTER Central Invitational at Lake of the Ozarks received a mixed blessing on Thursday---cold weather. The kind of weather that was necessary to catch good fish, but that made it miserable to try and catch them.
Despite temperatures in the low 30s, a persistent drizzle mixed with snow flurries and a fog on the lake, veteran Virginia pro Curt Lytle took the lead with an opening day total of 16 pounds, 4 ounces.
Local angler Jay Jennings of nearby Sunrise, Mo. sits in second with 14-12, while Mark Tucker of Kirkwood, Mo., holds third an ounce behind with 14-11. Thomas Rice of Sheridan, Mich., with 14-2, and Texas pro Jay Yelas, with 13-12, are fourth and fifth, respectfully.
"I'm running about an hour from here," said Lytle, "and I believe the area I'm fishing is one the bass are moving to because the water is turning colder. There will probably be a lot of turnover in the standings tomorrow because of the change in weather. I didn't catch many fish in practice, but I was able to catch 6 keepers today. The patterns that worked in practice have changed because of the weather. Hopefully, my spot will have enough fish to last the tournament."
Tucker, who has led previous tournaments on Lake of the Ozarks, attributed his success to his knowledge of the lake. "I fish here every chance I get," he explained, "because it's a fishery that suits the way I like to fish. I know how the bass act on this lake and if the weather stays like it is, I think I have a good chance to win."
Weather conditions for the remainder of the tournament are predicted to warm slightly. Highs on Thursday and Friday are forecast to be near 54 degrees with cloudy conditions each day. For some anglers, warmer weather would definitely improve their patterns. Jay Yelas, however, hopes the temperatures remain cold. "The colder the better," he laughed. "I'm fishing a jig and most jig fisherman are going to want it to get colder." Yelas caught five fish for the day including one that weighed 4 pounds and 8 ounces.
Rod Scobee of Benton, La., caught the day's largest bass which weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces.
The champion of the Missouri Invitational will claim a prize of $51,000 out of an overall purse of $227,000. Additionally, the top five anglers in the Central Division standings at the end of the season will qualify for the BASS Masters Classic.
The BASSMASTER Central Invitational will launch at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Grand Glaize Beach Marina. Daily weigh-ins will be held each afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 2.
Additionally, a free CastingKids event, sponsored by Chevy Trucks and Zebco, will be held there Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This fun-filled national program designed by B.A.S.S. CEO Helen Sevier encourages children to perfect the skills of casting, pitching and flipping. Local B.A.S.S. clubs conduct the events and provideinstruction to all youngsters.
The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has for more than three decades.
Sponsors of the 2000 BASSMASTER Tournament Trail include: Ranger Boats, RangerTrail Trailers, Mercury Outboards, Chevy Trucks, ACDelco Batteries, Worldwaters.com, Humminbird/Zercom Marine, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, First USA/B.A.S.S. Platinum Visa, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Gore-Tex Outerwear, GMAC Insurance.
The event is sponsored locally by Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
B.A.S.S. Web site: http://www.bassmaster.com.
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