![](https://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AC24543.jpg-brandon-card.jpg)
A handful of anglers went to catching fish right away this morning, but it was Brandon Card who landed the first significant blow. At 8:03 Card put a 5- pounder in the boat, catapulting him into second place with only one bite, behind John Crews who has 7-8 with a small limit.
This fish catch had to be an extremely emotional one for Card, having spent a large part of the first of 2023 in the hospital. Card was diagnosed with viral meningitis and Bell’s Palsy that were caused by the shingles virus. Card was optimistic about fishing the season opener on Lake Okeechobee, but it hardly looked likely. We’re all glad he’s here and what a way to kick things off.