Elite

Lester’s solid Day 2 start

See Brandon Lester start strong on the second day of the 2022 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Pickwick Lake!

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Photography by
Andy Crawford
Brandon Lester, one of the most consistent Elite Series anglers, started Day 2 of the 2022 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Pickwick Lake in fifith place. And he was boating his first keeper bass as we pulled up to his first spot. This 5-pounder set a solid foundation for his day.
Lester went right to the spot that produced more than 20 pounds early on the first day of competition. He positioned his boat in roughly 6 to 10 feet of water, and made casts to the upcurrent tip of an underwater bar.
The fish were waiting on the bait, and he was quickly hooked up with bass No. 2.
This bass wasn’t as heavy, but it didn’t even need to be measured.
Lester wasn’t fan casting the point. In fact, he essentially made the same cast over and over.
His first two bass came on a crankbait, but he switched to a jig after several casts without a bit.
While making repeated casts to the same spot, Lester also kept an eye on his electronics.
The bait switch did the trick, and he was soon fighting his third bass.
He boat-flipped a bass that really helped out.
This bass was entered into BASSTrakk as a 3-pounder, but it looked like it might push 4 pounds.
A quick glance at his electronics to ensure he was positioned correctly …
… and Lester fired his jig again.
The reward was yet another bass.
No. 4 went into the livewell.
He caught a couple of throwbacks before sinking the hook into what looked to be another keeper. He would rotate through lures during the lull, adding a wacky rig to his arsenal.
He caught a couple of throwbacks before sinking the hook into what looked to be another keeper.
And a 2-pounder rounded out Lester’s five-fish limit, and the pro climbed to the top of the leaderboard, according to BASSTrakk.
With an estimated 16 pounds in his livewell, it was time for Lester to start cullig up.
The wacky rig pays off again.
He scooped another 2-pounder in the boat.
Out came the balance beam …
… and Lester culled up about half a pound.
Lester took care to ensure his terminal tackle and line were ready for the strain of battle.
Lester continued rotating through his lures.
And continued to catch bass.
Lester also continued to upgrade bit by bit, but he still has a lot of work to do to reach the 20-pound mark and solidify his chances of hoisting the blue trophy on Championship Sunday.

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