KELSEYVILLE — Randy McAbee Jr. of Bakersfield grabbed the early lead on the pro side after day one of the FLW-National Guard Western Series bass tournament at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa.
McAbee weighed in a five-fish limit of 23 pounds, 4 ounces. In second place with 21-8 is John Alimpic of Angwin. He”s followed by Brett Hite of Phoenix (21-3), Cameron Smith of Dana Point (20-15) and Tommy Cardoza of Lakeport (20-11).
Jimmy Reese of Witter Springs is in 25th place (18-5) and Jared Stone of Lakeport is 46th (16-5).
Paul Bailey of Willits is 26th (18-3).
Of the 89 pros entered in the tournament, 16 failed to catch a limit and two blanked.
In the amateur (co-angler) division, the leader is Mark Smith of Dana Point at 27-10. Local angler Jackson Juarez of Finley is in eighth place at 17-3.
Among other co-anglers, Zach MacDonald of Willits is 71st.
The tournament runs through Saturday. Weigh-ins take place at Konocti Harbor today and Friday.
The pro field will be cut to the top 10 fishermen following third-round action on Friday. The final-round weigh-on Saturday moves to Walmart in Clearlake.
The winning pro could take home as much as $100,000 in cash out of a total purse of $900,000.
as well as an additional $25,000 if he/she is a registered owner of a 2005 or newer Ranger boat.
