Day Two on Arkansas River

Opens anglers fight to make the cut and a potential Classic berth on the Arkansas River.

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Dale Hightower started Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Central Open #2 fishing near the launch area.
Dale Hightower started Day Two of the Bass Pro Shops Central Open #2 fishing near the launch area.
Hightower caught 15 pounds, 2 ounces to take the lead after the first day of fishing on the Arkansas River.
Hightower caught 15 pounds, 2 ounces to take the lead after the first day of fishing on the Arkansas River.
Hightower’s first spot failed to pay off and he began to move around.
Hightower’s first spot failed to pay off and he began to move around.
Hightower is hoping to qualify for his second Bassmaster Classic.
Hightower is hoping to qualify for his second Bassmaster Classic.
Flipping into tight spots that hadn’t seen a lure, was what Hightower felt made the difference for him on Day One.
Flipping into tight spots that hadn’t seen a lure, was what Hightower felt made the difference for him on Day One.
Part of fishing a tight spot in heavy cover is the occasional hang up.
Part of fishing a tight spot in heavy cover is the occasional hang up.
Along one section of the main river, there is plenty of shallow cover to pitch a flip into.
Along one section of the main river, there is plenty of shallow cover to pitch a flip into.
Several anglers crowd into an area near an island.
Several anglers crowd into an area near an island.
Hightower targets two huge trees resting on the bottom of the river.
Hightower targets two huge trees resting on the bottom of the river.
Hightower pulls the trolling motor and decides to move south and lock thru the dam.
Hightower pulls the trolling motor and decides to move south and lock thru the dam.
Several anglers were moving often early in the day.
Several anglers were moving often early in the day.
Despite miles of available water to fish, fishing in a crowd was commonplace on Day Two.
Despite miles of available water to fish, fishing in a crowd was commonplace on Day Two.
Lisa Sternard started Day Two in in 17th place with 12 pounds, 9 ounces.
Lisa Sternard started Day Two in in 17th place with 12 pounds, 9 ounces.
Mike Williamson and his partner fish along a stretch of water with plenty of available cover.
Mike Williamson and his partner fish along a stretch of water with plenty of available cover.
Pelicans took advantage of wood in the water and used it as a perch.
Pelicans took advantage of wood in the water and used it as a perch.
Stephen Browning started Day Two in 10th place with 13 pounds.
Stephen Browning started Day Two in 10th place with 13 pounds.
Charlie Evans speeds south on the Arkansas River.
Charlie Evans speeds south on the Arkansas River.
Stephen Browning had already hit several waypoints early in the day.
Stephen Browning had already hit several waypoints early in the day.