Bailey Leads Empire Chase Bass Fishing Tournament on Oneida Lake

July 6, 2006

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Elite angler Lee Bailey of Boaz, Ala., ascended to the top of the leaderboard on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series’ Empire Chase bass fishing tournament on Oneida Lake. The 44-year-old brought in a five-bass limit weighing 18 pounds, 6 ounces, and was less than 2 pounds ahead of second-place angler Tommy Biffle of Oklahoma.

   Unlike most other anglers, Bailey focused his efforts on catching largemouth bass, by far a minority to the overwhelming number of smallmouth in Oneida Lake.

   Getting off to a quick start was key to Bailey’s lead as he reported having 15 pounds of bass within the first 30 minutes of competition. He found the fish shallow around docks and the little wood there is in the water.

   “After I practiced, I knew I’d be able to catch 18 pounds on the first day,” said Bailey, who has amassed more than $250,000 in BASS career earnings. “But I also know there’s not too many largemouth left in this lake and I’ll have to go after the smallies later in the week.”

   The Connecticut native said Oneida was somewhat of a homecoming for him, as he was schooled on the large, clear waters of the northeast. If Bailey can manage a win here, it would be the first for the two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier since he took a BASS tournament on Table Rock Lake in Missouri in 1997.