Cory Johnston was lamenting his lack of a kicker fish – something in the 4-pounds-plus class – after his first two days in the Cooper River. He’d stayed within striking distance of the leaders with 11-2 on Day 1 and 11-12 on Day 2. He’d been catching some solid fish in the 3-pound class off spawning beds, but he hadn’t run into one of those difference-makers.
“I struggled catching them ‘just fishing,'” Johnston said Friday. “They’re catching them around me, so I’ve got to make some adjustments and see what I can do. I’m just going to fish the flats, fish the hydrilla and see if I can luck into one or two of those big ones that all of these guys have been catching.”
Johnston got his wish today. His estimated 15-pound, 11-ounce bag includes a 4 1/2-pounder caught at 12:52. Whether it’s luck or not, catching those type bass will determine who wins this tournament.