Sixth place has historically been the place to be after Day 1 or Day 2 in Bassmaster Classics at Lake Hartwell. That’s where Casey Ashley was after Day 1 on his way to the 2015 Classic title. Jordan Lee was 6th after Day 2 in his 2018 Classic victory.
Patrick Walters has some history with a 6th-place start at Lake Hartwell too. He was 6th after Day 1 when a won the Bassmaster Open event here in September 2020. And that’s where Walters placed Friday on the first day of the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk – 6th with 18 pounds, 2 ounces.
The 27-year-old Summerville, S.C., angler was considered one of the favorites coming into this tournament. He’s familiar with the day-to-day changes that occur at Lake Hartwell, no matter what time of year a tournament is held.
“What I love about Hartwell is it’s ever-changing,” said Walters at angler registration on Tuesday. “If you’re not changing with the fish, you’re not going to catch those big ones.”
Walters was a bit startled Friday by how good the fishing was – both for him and almost the entire field. Fifty-two of the 55 anglers weighed a 5-bass limit. And he definitely saw a trend.
“The deeper fish were starting to get funky,” Walters said. “They’re moving shallow as quick as they can. Absolutely, this tournament is going to be won shallow. I still think it’s going to take around 17 pounds a day – 51 pounds – to win. It’s hard to be consistent here, especially in the Bassmaster Classic.”