Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
The tournament is underway, and Norman is giving up fish at the midway point of the first day. With a plethora of spotted bass biting, catching average-sized fish and non-keepers is no problem. But getting the bigger bites remains a challenge. With the afternoon ahead, we’ll see who continues to cull and makes a move up the FISHING CHAOS CATCH TRACK.
On-the-water reports indicate that beating the bank is an effective strategy this week. Air temperatures are in the 60s and rising, with water temps in the mid-60s to low 70s. The majority of the field is fishing wacky rigs and swim jigs around Norman’s abundant dock cover, while keeping a close eye out for chances to spot and target bigger bedding bass.
Live coverage on Days Two and Three will provide more insight into what the top anglers are doing to stay consistent.
The top ten look like this:
Ricky Robinson 15-3
Richard Cooper 14-0
Joey Bloom 13-15
Jason Burroughs 13-12
KJ Queen 13-4
Justin Adkins 13-0
Hunter Sales 12-12
Matt Massey 12-5
Scott Hamrick 12-2
Brandon Cobb 11-11
Robinson Jumps to Early Lead
Ricky Robinson has been the most consistent angler so far, with a solid average across his limit. His 15-pound, 3-ounce bag puts him comfortably in first place, anchored by three fish in the 3-pound class. The Tennessee angler is reportedly fishing away from the crowds and focusing a bit more offshore than others. He’s rotating through reaction baits and bottom baits. More to come on his day this afternoon.
Behind him, North Carolina angler Richard Cooper is anchored by a 5-pound-class fish and is sitting around 14 pounds total. His smallest fish is around 2 pounds, and he has plenty of time this afternoon to make a move.
Joey Bloom got off to a fast start this morning, filling a limit that includes two 3-pound-class fish. His total sits around 14 pounds, and he’s on the hunt for upgrades. Jason Burroughs is in fourth with 13.75 pounds, and KJ Queen rounds out the unofficial top five with just over 13 pounds.
So far, 90 anglers have reported catches, with plenty of fishing time left on the clock.
Catch the Weigh-In
The weigh-in begins at 3:00 PM EST on TNPFL.com. Don’t miss it!
Follow along on the Weigh Live Tracker for real-time unofficial updates from the water, here!
Check out the Morning Story and Launch Photo Gallery, here!
