NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Aaron Martens of Alabama took a lead of just more than 1 pound Friday on the first day of the Bassmaster Classic, the world championship of bass fishing being held on the Louisiana Delta.
Martens pulled in 20 pounds, 7 ounces, keeping him in front of Scott Rook of Little Rock, Ark., with 19-6. Rook edged ahead of defending Classic champion Kevin VanDam, who had 19-3 for third place.
Ending the day in fourth with 18-0 was Brent Chapman of Lake Quivira, Kan. Bobby Lane of Lakeland, Fla., was fifth with 16-12.
Dense fog delayed the start of Friday’s competition by 70 minutes. The shorter day increased the risk of using competition time to travel to far-flung hot spots.
The event concludes Sunday.
