Combs maintains control
Category: Tournament
May 10th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified May 10th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Well looky here. Strike King pro Keith Combs is still on top at the 2014 Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC).
Combs’ lead sits at four pounds with a two-day total of 75 pounds, 8 ounces. Though impressive, his second day was not as dominating as his first, where he averaged over 8 pounds per fish. Today he could only muster about a 6 3/4-pound average.
In second is Livingston Lures pro Stetson Blaylock with a weight of 71 pounds 8 ounces.
Rounding out the Top 5 are Phoenix Boats pro Russ Lane in third with 69-12s. Fourth is held by Abu Garcia pro Justin Lucas with a weight of 68 pounds. Fifth heading into Day 3 is Falcon Rods pro Jason Christie, weighing 64-8.
No kickers for Combs
“I caught a lot of good fish today,” said Combs. “I didn’t catch any really big kickers. I caught an 8-pounder, that is big, but not like the 10-pounder from yesterday. The areas that produced for me yesterday didn’t really produce that well for me today. I had one good flurry today. I had to shuffle around a lot to catch them.
“When you catch 75 pounds for 10 fish and your sweating it out you know you are a good pond. If I can catch 35 pounds tomorrow, I think I can win.”
Blaylock confident
“I have a couple of special places on Lake Fork,” said Blaylock. “If they fire up tomorrow and I land them, I could win. I left my key area today at about 2:30 and was able to cull with a 6-pounder and a 7-pounder. My chances are good if I can do that tomorrow.”
Lane’s fish moving in
“I’m just gonna keep grinding,” said Lane. “I will keep doing what I am doing. I’m fishing a place where the fish are coming to me. I caught a fat, healthy 6-pounder on my last cast of the day. I think I’m gonna go out tomorrow and catch a big bag. Lake Fork is an awesome lake.”
Lucas’ best day
“I had the best fishing day in a tournament I’ve ever had today,” said Lucas. “This lake is awesome. I feel I need to catch about 42 pounds to have a chance to win tomorrow. I’m going out tomorrow and try to make as much money as I can.
“I left the judging radio on today. You could hear the weights of the other anglers. Sometimes it’s awesome, sometimes you want to kill yourself. It was a crazy day. If I don’t catch a fish tomorrow, I will still be proud of what I’ve done.”
Christie due
“I’ve personally broke so many records for me,” said Christie. “I had my two best days ever here so far. I’m still behind by 11 pounds. Tells you how good Lake Fork is. I haven’t caught a big fish yet. I’m due five big ones tomorrow.”