Day Two Central Divisional Results
Jackson, Miss.—A weed spraying project could have ruined Ken Sherman's day at Ross Barnett Reservoir but the Louisiana angler relied on some information from his Mississippi friends to take over the lead in the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Central Divisional.
The 43-year-old boat service owner from Praireville, La., weighed in a 13-13 limit today to take over first place from fellow Baton Rouge Bassmasters club member Jamie Laiche, who fell to second place. Competing in his third divisional, Sherman leads the event with 29 pounds, 7 ounces.
"I went south in the lake today," revealed Sherman. "Yesterday I fished up the river but (Pearl River Valley Water Supply) is spraying and killing the grass and everyday they are killing the grass they are killing the fishing and pushing the fish farther out."
His scouting trips to the lake for the last five months and information he has gathered from friends at Ross Barnett is paying off for Sherman. "The guys up here in Mississippi that I have made friends with have really taught me a lot about the lake and how to ledge fish. I do shallow-water vegetation fishing pretty well, but here I had to learn the ledges."
In the team competition of this event, B.A.S.S. Federation Nations from eight states are vying for the top spot and the chance to tow home the grand prize of the tournament, a $32,000 Triton Boats TR-186/Mercury 150 h.p. outboard rig. Louisiana is blowing away the competition with an accumulative weight of 162 pounds, 2 ounces, while Arkansas is a distant runner-up with 79-7.
A chance to advance to the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship is also at stake for anglers competing in the Central Divisional. The top finisher in each state will earn a berth to the championship for amateur bass anglers from Federation Nations throughout the world.
Anglers from the 12-man Louisiana squad have to beat tournament leader Sherman to qualify for the championship. Other state leaders are Doug Thompson (Arkansas), Scott Hamel (Kansas), Brandon Lee (Mississippi), Shane Long (Missouri), Pat Klausen (Nebraska), Lee Sanders (Oklahoma) and Bob Ramsdell (Texas).
Winners in the individual and team competition will be determined tomorrow when the final weigh-in for the Central Divisional begins at 2 p.m. CDT at Tommy's Landing.
