LAKEPORT — The sun came up and the boats took off.
At Thursday”s weigh-in, Byron Velvick, 45, took the opening-day lead at Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Clear Lake.
Six years ago Velvick was the winner on the television show, “The Bachelor.”
Velvick pulled 29 pounds of Clear Lake bass to the scales.
“Ten years ago, I actually missed some of my bigger bites,” Velvick said. “But not today. I have more knowledge now and the equipment is miles ahead of where it was. I absolutely love this fishery. Maybe I should move to Clear Lake.”
Velvick said he is mixing up his lure choice but a swimbait is still a big part of it and “is mining shallow water spots that have consistently produced over the years.”
Coming in second was Jared Lintner, 36, of Arroyo Grande. Lintner landed 23 pounds and 4 ounces.
On Saturday, driving from the Delta event, Lintner was involved in a car accident. He was not at fault. Lintner was fishing out of a back-up boat Thursday that he never used prior to the event.
“Everyone really came through for me this week,” Lintner said, “Monday I barely got any practice time. But I”m in a good place now and I feel comfortable.”
The general consensus among the contestants is that the lake could really turn on over the weekend. Some think the Elite pros will miss it due to the moon phase.
In third place was Randy Howell of Springville, Ala. , with 23-3. Trailing Howell in fourth was Bill Lowen of North Bend, Ohio, with 22-14. Rounding out the top five was Guy Eaker, 70, of Cherryville, N.C., with 21-14.
Just in striking distance was Skeet Reese of Auburn, in 10th. Reese missed winning at the Delta last week by an ounce.
The full Elite field will compete today with the top 47 advancing to Saturday”s competition. Only the top 12 will still be in the game Sunday, for the $100,000 top prize.
Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors are Toyota, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota , Skeeter and Yamaha.
Supporting Sponsors are Lowrance and Triton Boats.
BASS oversees the Bassmaster Tournament Trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, BASS Federation Nation and the Bassmaster Classic.
Fans are invited to the daily launches and weigh-ins at Library Park at Third and Fifth streets in Lakeport. Boats launch at 7 a.m. weigh-ins begin at 3:30 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public. For more information visit Bassmaster.com.
