ZAPATA, Texas (AP) — Keith Combs had a first-day catch of 34 pounds, 13 ounces Thursday to take the lead in the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Falcon Slam.
Combs, from Huntington, has worked as a guide at Falcon Lake the past nine winters.
“I didn’t feel like that was going to be a big factor, but I think it was,” Combs said. “After my practice doing other things, I knew I couldn’t catch them doing anything new, so I lived off history today. I felt it was my only chance. I knew if I caught them out there today, they’d be big.”
Combs had a 4-pound lead over Cliff Prince of Palatka, Fla. Josh Bertrand of Gilbert, Ariz., was third at 30-5. The winner will receive $100,000 and a spot in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.