Plattsburgh, N.Y. — Several competitors spun tales of thrilling rides in 5- to 8-foot waves, but the most exciting moment for Scott Siller was weighing in a 20-pound limit to take the pro division lead in the Bass Pro Shops Northern Open at Lake Champlain.
The 44-year-old police officer from Milwaukee, Wis., also experienced a rough ride on wind-swept Champlain, which reminded him of fishing back home.
“It reminded me of Lake Erie,” he said. “It was terrible. We got soaking wet.”
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| Siller sits in the lead as many pros fumble first day. (Photo: James Overstreet BASS) |
Siller noted Champlain fishes similar to his home waters of Sturgeon Bay so he was able to fish his strengths. He found some areas in practice that were holding smallmouth bass, but he never could catch any brown bass over 3 pounds. “I really didn’t have a very good practice,” he said. “I had a couple of areas where I caught some big fish (largemouth) and I went in there today and within an hour and a half I had about 20 pounds.”
After culling out a keeper, Siller left the area and looked for some spots to help his partner catch some fish. Siller noted he didn’t see any other competitors in his primary area so he plans on making the long run again Friday.
The Wisconsin angler is competing in his sixth B.A.S.S. event and his previous highest finish was a 22nd-place effort last year in a Northern Open at Lake Erie.
