Gussy gets ‘em
Category: Tournament
Jun 5th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Jun 5th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Some anglers struggled. Plenty of anglers weighed limits in the teens. Ten anglers popped 20-pound-plus bags of bass. On top of all comers after Day 1 of the FLW Tour event on Pickwick Lake out of Florence, AL is Lund Boats pro and Canadian Bass Assassin Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson.
Not only did Gustafson weigh the biggest bag, 24 pounds, 8 ounces, but he brought in the biggest bass, too (10-12).
“That’s the biggest fish of my life,” Gustafson said. “Who would’ve thought, on Pickwick Lake? I’ve been to Mexico several times, fished El Salto and all those, and I get this one on Pickwick Lake, Pretty crazy. That’s the highlight of my fishing career so far.”
In second is Ranger Boats pro Randy Haynes with (23-9). Haynes is on a roll on the Tennessee River chain: He won the Rayovac FLW Series event last week on Kentucky Lake.
Rounding out the Top 5 are in third Richard Peek (23-1), fourth is Yamaha pro Michael Neal (23-0), and in fifth is Mercury pro Greg Hackney (22-4).
Gussy got jiggy with a biggie
“I head a great day today,” said Gustafson. “On the big fish, I pulled up on a spot and caught three pound-and-a-halfers in three or four casts on a football head. I threw back in there and set the hook, and I knew it wasn’t a pound-and-a-halfer. It was one where you wonder ‘Am I snagged?’ It came immediately up and jumped right out of the water. Those big ones don’t usually do that, but it came clear out of the water. I’m glad I caught that thing on a football head and not a crankbait – I had it hooked pretty good.”
No complaints for Neal
“I really had a terrific day out there today,” said Neal. “I have no complaints at all. I’m ready to get out there tomorrow.”
Hackney feeling blessed
“I truly feel like it was a blessing today,” said Hackney. “I thought I had a pretty good day, but I didn’t think I had (22 pounds). Hopefully I can keep it going tomorrow.”