As the leader going into the final day of the Toledo Bend Battle, Brent Chapman has drawn a crowd. James Overstreet and I are among 33 boats filled with interested observers. Fortunately for Chapman, everyone is giving him plenty of room in this area where he's caught most of his fish this week. It's less than a five-minute boat ride south of Cypress Bend Park.
Chapman said at yesterday's weigh-in he wouldn't stay here as long as he did yesterday, if the fish aren't biting. He had most of his 16 pounds, 5 ounces by 8:30 a.m., but stayed here until 10:40 a.m.
He's planning to leave by 8:30 this morning, if the fish aren't cooperating. So far, they aren't. But Chapman has perfect fishing conditions – there's a bit of chop on the water, more than at anytime Saturday, and skies are overcast.
Chapman said Saturday the bass are on the bottom in this off-shore spot early. Then as the sun comes out they seem to rise up and suspend, making them less likely to bite.
"This tournament is going to come down to one guy catching a big bag of fish (Sunday)," Chapman said Saturday. "I just hope it's me."