> Day 1: 5, 26-09

Jones said he knew the potential was there for him to have a big day because he'd found quality spawners in three different areas (at least one of which was in George). He felt that what he showed them was also important.

"I've got a bait that those big fish want," he said. "The big ones are going to be a lot more scarce from now on, and it gives me a lot of confidence when I can just pick up one bait and go at them. Read More

On Friday, Jones brought in 22 pounds, 13 ounces, more than enough to keep his lead. His 49-6 total over two days put a distance of 7 pounds, 9 ounces, between him and J. Todd Tucker of Moultrie, Ga., who had 41-13 for second place.

In third place with 40-0 was Terry Scroggins of Palatka, Fla., the hometown pro who has an rich history to tap into, and a seemingly infinite number of spots to go to up and down the river.

Rounding out the top five were Edwin Evers of Oklahoma and Billy McCaghren of Arkansas. Evers moved up from 20th and McCaghren from seventh place. Read More

PALATKA, Fla. -- Alton Jones is leading the Power-Pole Citrus Slam with 26 pounds, 9 ounces, and he sweated every ounce.

"It's a grind," he said. "You have to work for every one of those big bites."

Jones meant not only himself, but all the Bassmaster Elite Series anglers. Like Jones, most are trying to get big bass off the spawning beds of the lakes that are part of the St. Johns River system. The bass are proving to be skittish and tough to trick.

Jones led Brent Chapman by 1-5. Behind Chapman's 25-4 was Todd Faircloth with 23-10. In fourth was South Carolina's Jason Williamson with 22-5. Rounding out the top five was Tim Horton of Alabama, who had 22-4. Complete Story