The learning curve is a fair assumption, so an angler’s debut on any new fishery typically carries modest expectations. Get some experience, note the key areas for your next visit and just try to earn a few points for the seasonal standings.
Making a check is often an unexpected surprise.
Not so for two of the pros fishing Championship Saturday on the James River.
Bassmaster Elite Kenta Kimura caught 17 pounds on Day 1 and moved up to 2nd yesterday. Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Kimura came directly from the Bassmaster Elite on Lake Chickamauga (April 7-10) and had limited practice time.
Kimura’s fellow countryman, Kyoya Fujita’s a true first-timer; not only to the James River, but U.S. tournaments. Following an impressive Japanese bass fishing career, the 25-year-old from Minamitsuru, Yamanashi placed 32nd on Day 1 with 15-15 and earned his final-round berth by adding 18-12.
It will be interesting to see how these impressive anglers fare today.
