Carolina angler leads Bassmaster Classic after Day 1

Bryan New leads Bassmaster Classic with 20-pound bag

Bryan New of Saluda, S.C. (formerly of Belmont, N.C.) had a big day on Lake Hartwell on the first day of the 2022 Bassmaster Classic at Lake Hartwell in South Carolina’s upstate. With an even 20-pound bag, he sits in first place heading into Day 2.

Patrick Walters of Summerville, S.C. is in sixth place. His five-fish limit weighed 18-2, placing him well within reach of the lead. Matt Arey of Shelby, N.C. is the next Carolina angler. He sits in 20th place with 15-12. Brandon Card of Salisbury, N.C. sits in 27th place with 14-5.

Defending Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Cherry of Lincolnton, N.C. is in 41st place with a 12-pound bag. Shane LeHew of Catawba, N.C. sits in 46th place with 11-1. Brandon Cobb of Greenwood, S.C. is in 48th place with a total weight of 10-14. KJ Queen of Catawba finished Day 1 in 51st place with 9-6.

New’s lead is slim by bass fishing margins. Kyle Welcher of Opelika, AL sits in 2nd place with 18-13, slightly more than a pound behind New, followed by a third-place tie between Greg Hackney of Gonzales, LA and Steve Kennedy of Auburn, AL, each with 18-9.

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