On the water with Tommy Biffle

Biffle started the final day of the Central Open in the same area he fished the first two days, below the dam separating the Grand River and Lake Fort Gibson. 

Biffle fishes his way to an area that had held several of the key fish he caught the first two days. 

Biffle’s co-angler, Farrell Coppin caught the first fish of the morning. 

There was no water being released from the dam due to a lingering drought in Central Oklahoma. 

The area below the dam is a popular place for bank fishermen. 

After a couple hours of fishing, Biffle finally hooks up with his first fish of the day. 

Unfortunately for Biffle, his first fish of the day was a drum. 

Biffle’s family and friends watched from a parking lot near the dam. 

Biffle is trying to win back-to-back major B.A.S.S. events in his home state. Biffle won the Elite Series event held in Muskogee in 2010. 

Co-angler Farrell Coppin started the morning in 8^th place. His son, Clayton Coppin is also fishing on the final day, only 10 ounces out of the lead. 

Biffle hung up several times below the dam, usually on old fishing line scattered along the bottom. 

Farrell Coppin boats his second fish of the day. 

Biffle sweeps his rod as it bends from the weight of another fish. 

After nearly three hours of fishing, Biffle boats his first keeper bass. 

With nearly a 10-pound lead, a limit of bass like this one may be all Biffle needs to secure the win. 

Biffle holds the keeper high for the cameras. 

Biffle pauses to re-tie before making another cast. 

Broken fishing line that had plagued several of Biffle’s casts, also managed to wrap itself around the trolling motor prop. 

Biffle calls for the net as he pulls a fish to the boat. 

Another fish, but once again the wrong species.