Day Three on the water I

Randy Howell was struggling to get a bite early on Day Three, and when he did, the fish were small.

Recreational boat traffic picked up early on Saturday morning.

Howell eases the fish over the side and into the boat.

Howell’s first fish of the day was a nice smallmouth, weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces on his scales.

Howell removes grass from his bait, while constantly scanning for birds working over baitfish.

Howell said birds working bait had been a huge key to his fishing pattern on Day Two.

Howell would often cast one direction, while always scanning the horizon for birds and breaking fish.

Howell said he desired calm, slick water conditions, but the wind and boat traffic kept the water stirred on Day Three. 

Matt Herren was trying to move up in the standings and qualify to fish on Sunday.

Skeet takes his hole shot to make a move.

Jason Quinn said he had four fish in the livewell but needed one more to make sure he fished on Sunday and qualified for the 2013 Bassmaster Classic.

Birds work over an island near Ott Defoe.

Clark Reehm started the morning in 11th place with 29 pounds, 10 ounces.

Takahiro Omori was fishing shallow boat docks on Day Three.