Combs won the 2011 Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe out of Conroe, TX and this year on the same lake he leads the field (comprised of Bassmaster Elite Series, FLW
Tour and PAA pros) with 24 pounds 8 ounces. Three pounds back is Toyota/Berkley pro Mike Iaconelli with 21 pounds 8 ounces.

Speaking of Deja vu, Iaconelli finished second to Combs in 2011.

Rounding out the Top 5 are Mercury pro Jason Christie with 19 pounds 12 ounces, Livingston Lures pro Jacob Powroznik who weighed 18 pounds and Spiderwire pro Bobby Lane with 17 pounds 8 ounces.

	Day 1 leader Keith Combs sets the hook on one of Lake Conroe’s famed big largemouth. (Joel Shangle)

Combs digs TTBC

“This is my Classic,” said Combs. “There is the Bassmaster Classic, but this is the event I look forward to fishing each year. On the Elite Series we fish 8 events and the Classic and sometimes are on water you don’t know and don’t feel comfortable on. On this lake, I always feel I have things figured out.

“I had an exceptional day today. I like to run-and-gun and power fish. That’s what I did today. I moved around a lot. You never know when you’re going to bust a big bag here. I weighed in five fish from five different spots.”

Ike wants to beat Lake Conroe

“This is an amazing event,” said Iaconelli. “Just to be in the position to possibly make the last day and have a shot at winning is amazing. Just being around these anglers, heroes of the sport is terrific. I know Combs is leading this again, he is an expert here. I guess I just want to chase him down.