Lynn Allen leads Day 1 - 25th Annual McDonald’s Big Bass Splash on Toledo Bend, LA  Story & Photo by Patty Lenderman, Lakecaster Managing Editor

It's an exciting weekend on Toledo Bend at Cypress Bend Marina as the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash celebrates its 25^th year.  $440,000 is guaranteed in cash and prizes over the course of three days.  Never a dull moment between the classic antics of CEO Bob Sealy, coupled with fishing pro personality plus Gerald Swindle, Sealy’s “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” takes on all new meaning.

Louisiana anglers flexed their muscle, dominating many of hourly winners.  Twelve places are paid each hour, and each day an extra $5,000 is awarded to the first 3.00 and 4.00 exact weight bass registered.  Anglers will enjoy $155,400 in hourly paybacks and the top five anglers at the conclusion on Sunday will receive additional prize packages, including the Sportsman’s Package that will be awarded to the overall winner.  It will include a 2011 Dodge Truck, Triton Bass Boat powered by Mercury, equipped with Minn Kota, Lowrance, Navionics and Power Pole.

As always, people come from all over the world to participate in the McDonald’s Big Bass Splash.  Registration continues thru Saturday for anyone who would like to fish any or all of the remaining days. 

There will be an Elimination Draw Boat that all contestants are eligible to win, as well as an “Early Bird” entry drawing for a $200 Academy gift certificate.  Spectators can win big too!  There will be an Open Drawing for anyone present to win a new Stealth ATV.

The scales open at 6am each day, and Patrick Gill of Pitkin LA christened them as the first angler to weigh with a 4.95 lb bass, immediately followed by Ricky Benitez of Mandeville, LA who won the first $5,000 prize with his 4.00 lb catch.

Mike Crawford of Glenmora, LA lead the first hour with 5.50 lbs.  The leader board took a shift the second hour as John Deon weighed in his 8.56 lb bass.  Robert Robinson of Scott, LA won the last $5,000 prize of the day weighing a 3.00 exact weight bass during the 9-10:00 hour.

Lynn Allen raised the top bar during the 10-11:00 hour bringing in a 9.72 lb bass – the biggest catch of his life.  The final two hours of the day the rest of the leader board

KICKS 105 stayed on site and on the air to keep the anglers informed throughout the day as to what was happening at the tournament site.  This is an amateur only competition, and is played much like a poker game.  You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em and know when to weigh ‘em.  Each angler can only weigh one fish per hour, five fish per day.