Dustin DeMarion has the biggest bag of the day so far – 14 pounds, according to BASSTrakk. It includes a 5-4 and a 4-0. The 31-year-old Elite Series rookie from Grove City, Pa., made a big jump yesterday, from 45th place to 21st after weighing 15-15.
DeMarion has had a typical rookie season. The last two tournaments are an example, when he posted his best finish of the year – 16th at Lake St. Clair – then placed 68th at Lake Guntersville.
He ranks 45th in the current AOY standings. He’s on the cusp of Bassmaster Classic qualification. So he needs a strong finish. Interestingly, DeMarion lists the next stop on the Elite Series, Tennessee’s Lake Chickamauga, as his favorite fishery.