Fishing is a game of give and take; or in Chris Johnston’s case, take and give.
A little after 9 a.m., the Canadian pro hooked up, but seemed uncertain of what he’d hooked.
“I don’t know if he’s a little one, or if he’s swimming at me.”
Turns out the fish was swimming at the boat and when Johnston caught up to the fish, he saw it was an estimated 3-pounder — pretty much the threshold for “big fish” designation on these waters.
Johnston fought the fish for a few seconds, but just before he could boat flip it, the fish came unbuttoned. Johnston was understandably frustrated, but he got back in the hunt and kept casting.
About 20 minutes later, his perseverance was rewarded with another shot at a 3-pounder. This time, he put the fish in the boat.
Johnston, who tied fellow Canadian Jeff Gustafson for fourth place with 16-4 on Day 1, took over the lead with that 3-pounder. As of 9:45, he had a limit of 11-5.
Johnston sits just 5 ounces ahead of Day 1 leader Bryan Schmitt, who has been steadily building with a flurry that started around 9:20. He’s up to 9-10, but look for him to keep putting them in the boat today.
