Hydrilla has spread throughout much of this 70,000-acre impoundment, but it's more well-established in the open water of the lower lake.
The temperature rise could bring largemouth bass into play in the pros' strategies despite the fact that Lay Lake has a large population of spotted bass.
"I put Super Glue on all my cuts, try to keep them closed up. I'm going to need stitches on a couple of these cuts."
We asked the final 12 to share what patterns and lures they used to make the cut and what was the single greatest factor in their success.
Jared Lintner asked Kennedy, "Why are you shaking? Is it because you're about to win?"
"I can't say anything more than this is absolutely awesome," said the 2006 Toyota Rookie of the Year. "I never thought I could catch this much weight in a BASS tournament. It is amazing."
Bassmaster Magazine readers submit their lunkers for publication in the April 2007 issue.
The two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, brought in consecutive 30-pound plus limits during the first two days of competition.
Just before daybreak on what could be the biggest day of his career, Greg Gutierrez was rummaging in a compartment in the bow of his boat, looking into a tackle box, rustling plastic sacks.
What are the thoughts of the 12 anglers remaining in the Golden State Shootout?
"I was scared today," he said, flashing intermittent smiles as he held the trophy and answered questions from the media.