After day one of the Operation UNITE Bass Fishing State Championships presented by UK HealthCare Friday on Kentucky Lake, one fish made the difference between first and second place.
Trigg County High seniors Avery Ethridge and Landi Rogers sit in second place after catching four bass that met the 15-inch minimum length and weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces.
After struggling to catch fish at last week’s region tournament until the afternoon, the duo landed their first bass less than 15 minutes in.
Rain earlier in the week caused a steep increase in lake levels and took away much of the ability to fish shallow, while wind speeds between 10 and 20 miles per hour most of the day limited other strategies.
South Laurel’s Hailey Anderson and Brooklyn Martin caught the five fish limit to take the day one lead with 12 pounds, 11 ounces. They also had the big bass of the day at 4 pounds, 7 ounces.
Day two is expected to offer up similar weather on Saturday with teams expected to check in their catch at 2:30 at the Kentucky Dam State Park Marina.
