AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, Day 1: Crews-ing to the Early Lead

Virginia native holds 12-ounce lead on Downey; Prince struggles to find fish, starts in 61st place

  • John Crews Jr. reels in one of his catches during Thursday’s opening day competition in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River. (GREG WALKER / Daily News correspondent)
    John Crews Jr. reels in one of his catches during Thursday’s opening day competition in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at the St. Johns River. (GREG WALKER / Daily News correspondent)
  • Palatka’s Cliff Prince talks about his tough day on the water with tournament Master of Ceremonies Dave Mercer. (GREG WALKER / Daily News correspondent)
    Palatka’s Cliff Prince talks about his tough day on the water with tournament Master of Ceremonies Dave Mercer. (GREG WALKER / Daily News correspondent)
  • Second-place competitor Bob Downey shows of two of his catches Thursday during the opening day of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River. Downey weighed in 27 pounds, 4 ounces worth of catches. (CASMIRA HARRISON / Palatka Daily News)
    Second-place competitor Bob Downey shows of two of his catches Thursday during the opening day of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River. Downey weighed in 27 pounds, 4 ounces worth of catches. (CASMIRA HARRISON / Palatka Daily News)
John Crews Jr. of Salem, Virginia took the first-day lead in the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite tournament Thursday at Palatka Riverfront Park with a five-fish limit of bass weighing 28.0 pounds. Crews…

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