OCALA, Fla. — Low, dirty water had some pros tempering expectations ahead of Orange Lake’s national tournament debut at Kubota Heavy Hitters Presented by Bass Pro Shops. Florida native Terry Scroggins, who knows the fishery as well as anyone in the field, said it’s “100% fishing tough for Orange Lake right now.”
Yet, on Saturday, the lake showed why it’s earned a reputation as Florida’s premier big-bass factory.
The bite may not have been fast and furious throughout the opening day of the Qualifying Round for Group A, but the 16 anglers combined to catch 10 bass over 6 pounds, including some savage topwater strikes. Scroggins used his local expertise to boat three over 7 on his own. He racked up 62 pounds, 3 ounces on 15 scorable bass to take a commanding lead. He’s 27-3 ahead of Takahiro Omori in second place and nearly 44 pounds clear of the Lucas Oil Cut Line…