BASS photo
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Consumed with some positive mojo, Chad Griffin of Cresson, Texas, a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie, capitalized on consistency Friday on a New York fishery that he had never seen until this week, jumping 12 places to the lead with a two-day total of 33 pounds, 11 ounces, good enough for a little more than a 1-pound advantage over Elite veteran Bernie Schultz of Gainesville, Fla. The positive vibes started early in the week, when Griffin started practice and quickly realized that Oneida is similar to the Texas waters he has worked throughout his career.
Saturday he extended his lead a bit and he finished the job today with a 5 fish limit that weighed 15-10. His total weight was 65-10. He held off a late charge by Oklahoma finesse expert Jeff Kriet who finished second with 63-6 but had todays large bag of 18-2 pounds. Rounding out the top three was last years winner Dean Rojas with 59-3.
