The whole mood has changed around the Lester boat. With a Classic berth in hand you would almost think we slipped into Christmas Day.
Just moments ago, Lester and co-angler were silent, going about the business of being serious bass anglers. Not a word could be heard from their direction, just the swish of a cast and a quiet splash of lure hitting the water.
Now the two have turned into chatter boxes. Conversation is flowing. Lester let out another yell minutes later.
“I feel like a 600-pound gorilla has just jumped off my chest,” he said with a grin.
These are the moments that make covering this sport great.