Greenville, S.C. — The Bassmaster Classic could be won by a rookie qualifier for the second consecutive year.

Charlie Hartley, a Classic qualifier via the organization's Southern Open circuit (akin to Class AAA baseball), took the first-round lead Friday, catching five bass weighing 21 pounds, 1 ounce at Lake Hartwell. The 43-year-old from Grove City, Ohio, held a 4-ounce lead over second-place Scott Rook of Little Rock, Ark. Kevin Van Dam of Kalamazoo, Mich., was third at 20-3. First place in the 50-angler tournament wins $500,000.

"That's all I've ever dreamed of was fishing in the Classic. This is where you want to be," Hartley said after weighing in his fish in front of 15,000 fans at Greenville's Bi-Lo Center.

Qualifier Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Ala., won at Alabama's Lay Lake last year.

Georgia anglers fourth in divisions

Georgia's two representatives in the Women's Bassmaster Tour Championship being held this week on nearby Lake Keowee were fourth in their respective divisions. Pam Martin-Wells of Bainbridge was in striking distance to defend her championship in the pro division with a two-day (10 bass) total weight of 18 pounds, 11 ounces. Leader Dianna Clark of Tennessee has 20-14.

In the non-boater (amateur) division, Kim Stapp of Ringgold was fourth with a 6-12 total (the leader has 12-11).