Martens battles Rook, VanDam to take first-day lead in 2011 Bassmaster Classic

B.A.S.S. Communications

The top three Bassmaster Classic anglers after the first day of the world championship were all in the same area, but Aaron Martens rose to the top.

The top-three finishers in today’s opening round of the 2011 Bassmaster Classic are all fishing the Lake Cataouatche Tank Pond, an area where warming temperatures are inspiring big female bass to move shallow to spawn.

Aaron Martens, Scott Rook and Kevin VanDam are chunking and winding spinnerbaits in the popular area to the west of the lake.

This morning’s launch was delayed more than an hour by a blanket of fog that shrouded the launch site at Bayou Segnette State Park.

When the boats were finally released at 8:10 a.m., Martens, Rook and VanDam headed directly to the Tank Pond, as did five or six other contestants.

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Dave Wolak finished the day in 19th, while Tracy Adams of Wilksboro goes into the second day in 46th.

The action for the leaders began almost immediately, with Martens and Van Dam catching three fish each before the fog burned off. For a time, they were unaware of each other’s presence in the area.

“I finally got out of the fog, and 50 or 60 yards, there was Kevin right in front of me,” Martens said.

Click here to read the full story on the first day of Bassmaster Classic competition.