N.J. fisherman leads after Day 3 of bass event

A New Jersey fisherman held what tournament officials considered a strong lead over his rivals Saturday in the Delaware River's first Bassmaster Elite competition.

If Mike Iaconelli of Pittsgrove Township maintains his lead Sunday, he will take home $100,000.

In all, 106 anglers will have competed in the four-day tournament to catch the most total weight, with up to five bass per day.

Iaconelli, known by his fans as "Ike," was 6 pounds, 9 ounces ahead of the second-place angler Saturday, after three days of fishing. The total weight of his 15 bass in the first three days of competition was 37 pounds.

The top 12 anglers will spend a final day on the river Sunday, beginning at 6:15 a.m. The weigh-in will begin at 3:15 p.m. at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing.

- Laura McCrystal