Day 2: Up close on Hartwell

Get up close with the anglers on Lake Hartwell Day 2 of the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.

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Keith Combs had a stellar Day 1 but was struggling to find a bite on the morning of Day 2. He was heaving a crankbait but switched to a jerkbait shortly thereafter
Keith Combs had a stellar Day 1 but was struggling to find a bite on the morning of Day 2. He was heaving a crankbait but switched to a jerkbait shortly thereafter
The camera watches Combs work down the bank.
The camera watches Combs work down the bank.
His microphone needed adjusting.
His microphone needed adjusting.
He didn't stay in any one spot too long, never letting his Yamaha get cold.
He didn’t stay in any one spot too long, never letting his Yamaha get cold.
Combs is one of the more intense competitors on tour.
Combs is one of the more intense competitors on tour.
BASSfest champion Jacob Wheeler was found working a drain around noon on Day 2. He was all smiles.
BASSfest champion Jacob Wheeler was found working a drain around noon on Day 2. He was all smiles.
This is a note that Wheeler left for himself on his dash. It’s referring to the groups Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing is broken into. Generally anglers who are favored are in Groups A and B, with the less likely winners filtering down through the other groups. Group E could be considered the
This is a note that Wheeler left for himself on his dash. It’s referring to the groups Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing is broken into. Generally anglers who are favored are in Groups A and B, with the less likely winners filtering down through the other groups. Group E could be considered the “long shots.” Wheeler is in Group E for the Classic, but simply by virtue of his qualification route, winning BASSfest, not by talent level. Nonetheless, it didn’t go over well and he’s using it as inspiration.
Like the rest of the field, Wheeler is covered up with GoPros.
Like the rest of the field, Wheeler is covered up with GoPros.
Wheeler stops to talk about his day.
Wheeler stops to talk about his day.
Snazzy boots there, Jacob.
Snazzy boots there, Jacob.
He cranks up his ETec to make a move.
He cranks up his ETec to make a move.
The scene Wheeler found looks similar to the riprap bridge that Randy Howell used to mount his come-from-behind victory at last year’s Classic. Unfortunately, there was no flurry here like there was for Howell.
The scene Wheeler found looks similar to the riprap bridge that Randy Howell used to mount his come-from-behind victory at last year’s Classic. Unfortunately, there was no flurry here like there was for Howell.
Plenty of Rapala hard baits reside beneath this Okuma reel.
Plenty of Rapala hard baits reside beneath this Okuma reel.
See you later, Jacob.
See you later, Jacob.
Let’s hop on board the most colorful boat in the field, Kevin Short’s BassCat.
Let’s hop on board the most colorful boat in the field, Kevin Short’s BassCat.
Pink accents abound on Short’s boat.
Pink accents abound on Short’s boat.
Plenty of Lew’s rods and reels decorate his deck. Unfortunately, none of them were seeing as much action as he would have liked.
Plenty of Lew’s rods and reels decorate his deck. Unfortunately, none of them were seeing as much action as he would have liked.
There are even more on the starboard side.
There are even more on the starboard side.
His 'Cat's windshield wears a GoPro.
His ‘Cat’s windshield wears a GoPro.
More and more pros are running Rigid lights.
More and more pros are running Rigid lights.
Check out the foot pedal.
Check out the foot pedal.
Even his Power-Poles are pink!
Even his Power-Poles are pink!
Thanks for your time, Kevin.
Thanks for your time, Kevin.
Cliff Prince was catching plenty of fish today, but no big ones.
Cliff Prince was catching plenty of fish today, but no big ones.
Standard fare for windshields these days.
Standard fare for windshields these days.
Coby Carden was making a few final casts before it was time to head in. He had a great day.
Coby Carden was making a few final casts before it was time to head in. He had a great day.
No surprises here, another GoPro.
No surprises here, another GoPro.