The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Central Division event on Lake Guntersville is off to an impressive start, with more than 30 pros catching 20 pounds or more. Andrew Jeffers leads the pack with an impressive 24 pounds, 5 ounces, closely followed by Ken Chambers with 23 pounds, 12 ounces. The top 14 pros are all over 22 pounds, and the top 12 are within 2 pounds of each other. On the co-angler side, Alan Hults caught an incredible 26-1, which would also lead the pro side. Brian Strickland is in second place with 20-12, narrowly ahead of third place. Day 2 will see the full field fishing again, with everyone battling to make the Top 25. With another beautiful day on tap, the bite might be even better tomorrow. But here's where it gets controversial...
Jeffers' success on Day 1 can be attributed to a change in strategy. At home in Ohio, Jeffers works for the Le-Ax Water District, but he's consistently made time to come down to Guntersville. Despite his love for the fishery, he didn't have a great practice session. However, on the day of the event, he decided to put his trolling motor down and fish naturally, which paid off. He started with a small keeper and then hit a flurry of catches, including a 6, a 5, and a couple of 4s. He had to work for his catch, moving around and culling out the smaller fish. Now, with one good day in the books, he's hopeful he can keep the train rolling.
Chambers, a local to Guntersville, also had a slow practice day. He started off with small fish, having to make 100 casts before getting a bite. He chunked and wound a lot, but got the right bites later on, culling out the little ones. In the afternoon, he got right, but even that doesn't have him sure of replicating things on Day 2. He caught a 7-pounder and three fish in practice, but is hoping for 20 pounds or at least 18 pounds tomorrow. The rapid warming of the water from winter to spring may be indicative of the amount of change happening on Guntersville.
The top 10 pros are as follows:
1. Andrew Jeffers - 24 - 5 (5)
2. Ken Chambers - 23 - 12 (5)
3. Cal Lane - 23 - 7 (5)
4. Clint Knight - 23 - 5 (5)
4. Austin Overdorf - 23 - 5 (5)
6. Grant Galloway - 23 - 1 (5)
7. Kane Weekley - 23 - 0 (5)
8. Gavin Cloutier - 22 - 11 (5)
8. Caleb Kuphall - 22 - 11 (5)
8. Ethan Seitz - 22 - 11 (5)
But here's the part most people miss... The event is not just about the pros. The co-anglers are also battling it out, with Alan Hults leading the pack. Brian Strickland is in second place, but well off the pace set by Hults. The full field will fish again on Day 2, and everyone is battling to make the Top 25. With another beautiful day on tap, the bite might be even better tomorrow. So, who will come out on top? And will Jeffers' strategy pay off again? We'll have to wait and see, but one thing is for sure: this event is full of surprises and controversy. And this is the part most people miss... So, what do you think? Will Jeffers keep his lead? Or will Chambers replicate his success? Voice your agreement or disagreement in the comments below!
