Anglers from Lufkin, Zavalla and Alto in Top 5 at Big Bass Splash

There was plenty of excitement on the first day of the 39th Annual Big Bass Splash Tournament at Lake Sam Rayburn. A lot of that excitement happened even before the first fish was weighed.

A line of showers moved over the south end of the lake Friday morning between 6:30-7. There wasn't much to the rain, but the wind that accompanied the showers gusted to over 35 mph. That sent much of the Sealy Outdoors staff, volunteers, and yours truly into holding onto tents, awnings, and anything that wasn't secured.

Thankfully, by the time the first weigh-ins started, the storm had passed to the southeast and the winds eventually settled down.  In fact, the weather for the rest of the day was pretty nice, especially considering the forecast was for more rain.

The first fish of the tournament was a whopper - 7.52 pounds, and that set the stage for a multitude of 7 and 8-pound bass. Here are the top five after day one of the Big Bass Splash

1. Hayden Heck, Lufkin, TX - 8.91
2. Clint Wade, Zavalla, TX - 8.74
3. Logan Todd, Alto, TX - 8.48
4. Frank Frye, Lufkin, TX - 8.43
5. Mason Guin, Decatur, LA - 8.38

Each day of the tournament also brings three opportunities to get $5,000 for an exact-weight bass. Cody Coghlen of Columbia, Louisiana brought in the 4.00, but no one could hit the exact weight 3 and 5-pounders.

That means two $5,000 winners will be randomly drawn from the registered anglers during the closing ceremonies on Sunday.

Two more days of fishing are on the way. Thankfully, the weather should be nice..and cooler. The temperature is expected to be in the 40s when the fishing gets underway Sunday morning.