Michel Fox holds a 2.74-pound bass caught Thursday.

Michel Fox of New Iberia’s 2.74-pound bass caught Thursday took the lead in Big Bass Spring on the first day of the contest Thursday.

Fox is one of more than 25 Teche Area anglers who entered the contest dreamed up by Ricky Watkins of New Iberia. The top three bass at the end of the contest, March 17, will win money for first, second- and third place.

Entry deadline was Jan. 31.