COLUMBIA, S.C. — Calling an audible was the right strategy Saturday for Jake Coucoules of Maple Shade, N.J., who tallied 99.75 inches to lead Day 1 of the Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series at Lake Murray scored by TourneyX.
With his best five bass measuring 22.5, 21.25, 19.5, 18.75 and 17.75, Coucoules heads into Sunday’s finale with a lead of 3 3/4 inches over Josh Stewart, of Shelbyville, Tenn.
“This was the best day of my life; things worked out perfectly,” Coucoules said of his Lake Murray success. “I didn’t really plan on fishing the area I fished, but this morning I had a voice telling me to hit a certain area and throw a certain bait.
“It was just one of those gut feelings, so I followed it.”
Fishing from a 12-foot Hobie Outback pedal drive, Coucoules made his fourth visit to Lake Murray. Noting he understands this Saluda River reservoir and its dynamics, Coucoules said he targeted the mid-lake region.
“I have a lot of history on this lake and I’m most confident in the mid-lake area,” he said. “I don’t have a lot of confidence in the (upper end’s) muddy water.”
Working an area of about 1/4 mile, Coucoules stuck with moving baits and caught one keeper on a residential boat ramp. His other four came from a mix of grass and wood.
“When I caught that first fish, it settled me down so I could work the area thoroughly,” he said. “Once I got my fifth fish, I backed off so I had some fish for tomorrow.”
With four baits producing his five best bass, Coucoules found it necessary to trigger responses.
“Speed was important for getting them to react and not giving them too long to look at it,” Coucoules said. “The two bigger ones looked like they were postspawn, but the others were prespawn — they were fat.”
Coucoules said he’ll return to the same area on Day 2. He’s optimistic, but ready to call another audible if needed.
“I hope that they bite again, but if they don’t, I’m prepared to adjust,” he said. “I have a couple more areas where I think I can catch fish.”
Stewart placed second with 96 inches. His five best bass measured 20, 19.50, 19.25, 18.75, and 18.50.
Travis Rulle, of Stanley, N.C., placed third with 93.75 inches. His best bass measured 23.25, 20, 18.5, 17 and 15.
Rulle leads the Big Bass standings with his 23.25.
The full field will launch Sunday at 6:45 a.m. ET with lines in at 7:15. Lines out will be at 3:15 p.m. with awards announced at 5:30.
The event is being hosted by the Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board.
