Robert Laird takes the lead on Day 1 of the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash on Sam Rayburn - Story & Photos By Lakecaster Managing Editor Patty Lenderman 

It’s official – the 2011 Sam Rayburn McDonald’s Big Bass Splash is underway.  With over half a million dollars guaranteed to be given away in cash and prizes during this three day hourly event, excitement and anticipation is high.  Anglers from all over the United States and several other countries make their annual pilgrimage just to come to Sam Rayburn to fish in the Big Bass Splash.

Phil Sloan of San Saba, TX christened the scales as the first angler to weigh in with a 6.13 lb bass to establish the leaderboard and win the first hour.  There were many “ooohs” and “aahhs” as others tried for the exact 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 weight bass to win $5,000 and missing by 1/100^th of a pound.  Each day the first angler to bring in each of those weights are big winners!

The second hour the leaderboard shifted as Russell Spacek of Dime Box, TX brought in a 9.52 lb’r caught on a red rattle trap.  Several big fish were brought in this hour, including a few 7’s and an 8.00.  Although challenged by more big fish in the 8 lb range during the 8:00-9:00 hour, Spacek retained the overall tournament lead.

A double digit sow was brought in to take over the tournament weighing nearly 11 pounds!  Robert Laird of Livingston, TX is no stranger to the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash, as he has participated in them for over 20 years.  He registered his catch during the 9:00-10:00 hour of Day 1.  Will his 10.74 lb catch hold up until Sunday afternoon?

At the conclusion of this three day event, the top five anglers will receive additional prizes.  The 1^st place overall will receive the Sportsman Package, including a 2011 Dodge Truck, Triton Bass Boat powered by Mercury, equipped with Minn Kota, Lowrance, Navionics and Power Pole plus a Stealth 4x4.

Anglers coming in were excited at how good the bite was first thing in the morning.  Scattered showers had moved through the area keeping temperatures pleasant in the upper 70’s and the overcast skies gave way later in the day to bright sunshine.

Even the kids are getting a part of the action in their own division.  Divided into age brackets, the kids can bring in bass, bream, catfish, crappie – or anything (within legal limits) that they catch.  They too will win prizes.

Much of the state has been experiencing very little rainfall, including East Texas.  Sam Rayburn is 156.14 msl which is 8 ft below normal pool level.  Anglers are encouraged to use caution as humps and stumps are just under the surface in many areas.  The Texas Parks & Wildlife department as well as the Emergency Corps of Engineers has coordinated a full staff to be out and available on the water to help boaters in distress.

Although countless attempts had been made throughout the day for one of the exact even weights of 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 lbs, all had missed until the very last minutes of the scales being open.  Jerry Williams II of Silsbee, Texas had caught his fish early, but since it wasn’t a giant decided to put it in the live well and keep fishing for that big bass.  “About 30 minutes before the last hour was over, I decided to bring it on in.”  The scales locked in at 3.00 lbs and the lucky angler claimed the $5,000 cash prize.  “These $5,000 for each of the exact weight bass are up for grabs every day of the tournament,” Bob Sealy explained.  “The ones that aren’t won by weighing in those exact weights will still be paid out by an open drawing for all of our contestants Sunday afternoon.”

What is in store over the next two days?  Beautiful weather is forecasted in the upper 70’s to 80 degrees with overnight lows in the mid 40’s.  Whether you are fishing or not, it’s time to get outside and enjoy it. 

Everyone is invited to come watch the weigh in going on from 6:00am until 2:00pm each day.  There is a variety of food and product vendors and on Sunday there will be a live concert.

“It ain’t over yet!” – Bob Sealy