The Walker Valley, N.Y. angler jumped to the first-day lead in the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #1 presented by AllState on Lake Toho with a whopping 31 pounds, 2 ounces.
The former construction worker, who built subway tunnels in New York before pursuing a pro fishing career, was aided by a pair of lunkers weighing 9-1 and 8-10. He had his big bag by 10:30 in the morning.
 | |
| Matching 9 pounders helped Slegona. |
Slegona said he was flipping hydrilla in 10 feet of water.
“The thing is, this is a morning spot and I hope they’re in there tomorrow (Friday), too,” he added.
Two-time Bassmaster Junior World Champion Joey Nania of Cropwell, Ala. came in in second with 25-1. Brandon McMillain of Clewiston, Fla. had 24-9, Garrett Rocamora of Lithia, Fla. 24-4 and Brad Knight, Lancing, Tenn. 20-13.
Nania’s sack was even more impressive considering it also included a pair of scrawny one pounders, but was helped with bass weighing 8-3 and 8-12.
“I’ve always struggled here and had so many letdowns fishing in Florida, this really felt good,” Nania said. “I had been fishing fast, covering a lot of water, but when my co-angler caught a good one fishing slow, I decided to slow it down. That’s when I caught the 8-12 and figured it out.”
Daniel Lanier Jr. of Winter Springs, Fla. topped the co-angler division with three bass weighing 11-9. Craig Cullen of Vero Beach Fla. came in second with 11-4 and Steve Jarrett of Valrico, Fla. third with 11-2.
