NEW ORLEANS — With an approaching weather front looming large on the horizon, Kentucky pro David Walker made sure to get off to the best start possible Thursday, catching 12 pounds, 4 ounces of Louisiana Delta bass to take the first-round lead in the 31st BASS Masters Classic.

The 45 pros competing in the crowning event of the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail spent Thursday searching for the five largest bass they could find with knowledge that the weather was deteriorating. Tropical Storm Barry, located in the Gulf of Mexico, seems to be heading toward the New Orleans area.

"I've got to be a fortune-teller and a bass fisherman," said Walker, when asked about his chances of maintaining the lead on Friday and Saturday. "I don't know what the weather is going to do. The weather does affect us, but it doesn't change the days or times we have to fish. I'll just go out and do the best I can."

Walker, 36, is competing in his second consecutive Classic. His success came on a Gambler jig.

"Today went pretty well for me. The first area I stopped at (produced) eight or nine fish by 11 o'clock," he said. "I've got plenty of confidence after today, and that's what it's going to take to win this thing."

In second place is veteran Harold Allen with 11-13. The 56-year-old Texas pro, who is competing in his 13th Classic, was the runner-up in this event in 1981.

"Everybody will tell you it's going to be a guessing game," Allen said. "We've got weather coming in. And the fish are changing every day. So we don't know what's going to happen.

"We're fishing differently every day and having to try new things every day. I am fishing several baits. It's going to be interesting. Mother Nature is going to get right in the middle of it. But we're going to hang tough."

Three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Michigan is third with 11-5, followed by California's Robert Lee (11-1) and Dwayne Horton of Tennessee (10-2).

"I had to go way down my list of plans to get bit today," VanDam said. "I did learn some things that should help me. "

The Classic contenders will be fishing for a $100,000 top prize and the most important title in the sport. Winning the Classic is the high-water mark in professional bass fishing and an accomplishment that has rewarded past winners with as much as $1 million in residual earnings. The Classic is the championship event of the BASSMASTER Tournament Trail.

By sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest pro bass fishing tournament circuit. B.A.S.S. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESPN.

Sponsors of the 2001 BASS Masters Classic include: Chevrolet Trucks, Mercury Marine, Yamaha Outboards, Triton Boats, Skeeter Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Stowaway Batteries, Kumho Tires, Long John Silvers, Gore-Tex Outerwear, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Bass Pro Shops, Armstrong Industrial Hand Tools, GMAC Vehicle & Boat Insurance, B.A.S.S. Platinum First USA Visa Card.

Associate Sponsors include: Bass Cat Boats, G3 Boats

The 2001 BASS Masters Classic is presented locally in conjunction with the State of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Tourism and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.

To watch live video from the event, go to www.bassmaster.com.