Cell service is spotty in the nooks and crannies of the hollows at Lewis Smith Lake. Even so, Thomas Allen is the photographer currently compiling a gallery of Jesse Wiggins’ day on the lake.
Allen reported that Wiggins just caught a 3.5 pounder and has another in the livewell. Guessed weight is 5 pounds plus a few ounces.
Wiggins told Allen that it’ll only get better. Cloud cover and some wind are the reasons and we’ve had neither thus far during the tournament.
What is most remarkable is what will happen should Wiggins win. He will triple qualify for the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. No other 2018 qualifier has such an honor and it is doubtful, few if any at all, have previously done so.
Wiggins won the first Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open of the season at the Harris Chain of Lakes in January. That automatically qualified him for the Classic before the Bassmaster Elite Series season even began. Then he qualified again after finishing 37th in the points for Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year. The triple will come later today if he wins the tournament.
What all that means for Wiggins is another trophy and the bonus winnings. What it means even more, and as I reported yesterday, is a Classic berth for fellow Elite Series pro Steve Kennedy. He is the last man out in the AOY standings after failing to qualify during the regular season.