Demopolis’ Boyd Duckett pulled off the Red River in Bossier City, La. Friday with the only 20-plus-pound haul of the opening day of the 39th Bassmaster Classic.

“Life’s good,” Duckett, who won the 2007 Classic, said Friday night. “I’m leading the tournament. That’s what you want.”

Duckett found himself familiar with Red River’s offerings Friday, a fact he credits with aiding his first round success.

“This river fishes just like the Tombigbee,” Duckett said. “So it’s like fishing at home.”

Duckett expressed concern earlier in the week with finding the right 10-rod combination to be prepared for the ever-changing conditions surrounding the 2009 Classic.

“I’m running about six rods and I’ve got four primary backups,” Duckett said of his selection.

While he is satisfied with his first day, Duckett expects he will need to be flexible for the duration of the weekend.

“I’ve got a great spot to fish,” Duckett said. “But there are several competitor boats in the area, so we’re thinning out the fish. That’s going to be an issue.”

Adding to the complexities of the final two days of action is a weather system expected to move into the area Saturday.

Duckett sits just ahead of fellow Elite Series angler Jami Fralick on the leader board. Fred Roumbanis and Aaron Martens sit at third and fourth respectively. Kevin VanDam, a two-time Classic champion and current Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, figures to be out of contention in 44th place. Kim Bain-Moore, the first female to fish in a Classic, sits in 45th place.