Day 4 with the Champ

A northeast wind blows hard on Okeechobee this morning.
A northeast wind blows hard on Okeechobee this morning.

Horton starts the first part of the day heading back to the area of the lake he has pulled his other fish from.
Horton starts the first part of the day heading back to the area of the lake he has pulled his other fish from.

Horton attempts to pitch in the heavy wind, but it blows his jig off target.
Horton attempts to pitch in the heavy wind, but it blows his jig off target.
Several groups of fishermen fill the area where Horton starts.
Several groups of fishermen fill the area where Horton starts.

The wind continues to hurt Horton as the water is churned up and muddy.
The wind continues to hurt Horton as the water is churned up and muddy.
Horton's last few pitches before he changes location.
Horton’s last few pitches before he changes location.
Horton heads to a new location to try and find clean water and fish gathering on beds.
Horton heads to a new location to try and find clean water and fish gathering on beds.
Deep back in the reeds, Horton gets out of the wind - but the fish are not as eager to bite.
Deep back in the reeds, Horton gets out of the wind – but the fish are not as eager to bite.
Horton runs a small stretch of shallow clear water with a top water.
Horton runs a small stretch of shallow clear water with a top water.
In a sea of reeds, Horton returns to throwing a jig - this time with a little more cast than pitch.
In a sea of reeds, Horton returns to throwing a jig – this time with a little more cast than pitch.
He works towards a new location but the wind is still blowing hard.
He works towards a new location but the wind is still blowing hard.
Every location seems to have groups of fishermen making their attempts at a few bass.
Every location seems to have groups of fishermen making their attempts at a few bass.
Not too far away cane fields burn as the harvest for the year continues.
Not too far away cane fields burn as the harvest for the year continues.
Horton searches for bedding bass in the warm shallow waters, as do many other local folks.
Horton searches for bedding bass in the warm shallow waters, as do many other local folks.
He returns to deep cover for one more chance at a big bass laying in the shade.
He returns to deep cover for one more chance at a big bass laying in the shade.
After moving to the north end of the lake, Horton searches once again for bedding bass.
After moving to the north end of the lake, Horton searches once again for bedding bass.
Harney Pond area is a regular attractor for local fisherman as well.
Harney Pond area is a regular attractor for local fisherman as well.

Horton grabs a jig and throws to beds. Even in the murky water a few bass are eager to bite.
Horton grabs a jig and throws to beds. Even in the murky water a few bass are eager to bite.
Spectators watch as Horton battles it out on the water.
Spectators watch as Horton battles it out on the water.
The day is looking better for Horton as he pulls up his first fish.
The day is looking better for Horton as he pulls up his first fish.
Okeechobee bass are real fighters.
Okeechobee bass are real fighters.
A good fish to start a count of five bass for the day.
A good fish to start a count of five bass for the day.
Horton gives a thumbs up as he moves to make another drift on the beds.
Horton gives a thumbs up as he moves to make another drift on the beds.

Looking for beds.
Looking for beds.
Spectators giving it there best along with Horton.
Spectators giving it there best along with Horton.
Making another run.
Making another run.
A solid fish working a bed grabs the jig.
A solid fish working a bed grabs the jig.

Another fish for the livewell. Every fish counts for Horton today
Another fish for the livewell. Every fish counts for Horton today
Horton continues to pitch to beds even in the murky water.
Horton continues to pitch to beds even in the murky water.
Another nice fish attacks his jig and ends up in the livewell.
Another nice fish attacks his jig and ends up in the livewell.
Time for the final run back to the weigh-in.
Time for the final run back to the weigh-in.