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Ott DeFoe’s first stop on the third day of the Classic was a riprap causeway in Mink Creek. A small crowd of fans was watched him.
Photo: Mark Hicks
As DeFoe fished a shallow running crankbait tight to the bank, fans pulled over and watched from the highway.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe ground his crankbait slowly over the rocks, pausing often to let the lure float free of snags. Even so, he snagged frequently because he was so intent on grinding the crankbait into every crevice.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Fans intently watch DeFoe, cameras ready for action should he catch a bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
After two passes on the main lake side of the causeway, DeFoe had only one 2-pound bass in his livewell. He passed under the opening to fish the riprap on the other side.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Note that DeFoe’s Talon anchors are folded down. This feature allowed him to pass under the low bridge.
Photo: Mark Hicks
After fishing the riprap, DeFoe fished a shallow flat in the back of the creek without success.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The fans gave DeFoe plenty of room.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The bracket on which DeFoe’s Talon anchors are mounted folds over to allow passage under tight bridges and culverts.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The Talon anchors drop well below the top of the outboard.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The bite was so tough DeFoe even tried finesse fishing with spinning tackle at one point.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Casting under the bridge also failed to draw a strike.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe makes one last pass along the causeway throwing a swimbait. No takers.
Photo: Mark Hicks
After a long dry spell, DeFoe changes tactics and fishes grass on shallow humps and ridges on the main lake. His primary lures were a jerkbait, a shallow crankbait and a swimbait.
Photo: Mark Hicks
After putting a solid bass in the livewell, DeFoe boats a short fish.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe sets the hook into a good bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The bass lets DeFoe know it is in no hurry to lose its freedom.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe works the bass around the trolling motor.
Photo: Mark Hicks
This is one stubborn fish.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Easy now.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe walks the bass back toward the passenger seat.
Photo: Mark Hicks
He reaches for the bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
And finally gets a two-handed grip on it.
Photo: Mark Hicks
It’s a solid bass. After such a slow start, DeFoe knows he’s back in the hunt.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Right after DeFoe’s cameraman gets into another boat, a bass slams DeFoe’s bait.
Photo: Mark Hicks
He swings it aboard. How’s this for a front row seat.
Photo: Mark Hicks
It’s another solid bass. DeFoe is beginning to feel it.
Photo: Mark Hicks
After a long dry spell, DeFoe hooks a heavy bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The bass has no intention of letting DeFoe have his way. DeFoe works to the back of the boat, trying to keep up with the bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The bass forces DeFoe to the back deck. Who's playing who here?
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe has to work the bass around the transom.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Don’t you dare run the line over the prop.
Photo: Mark Hicks
That was close.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe finally gains the upper hand.
Photo: Mark Hicks
The bass makes a final hard lunge next to the boat.
Photo: Mark Hicks
Almost mine.
Photo: Mark Hicks
DeFoe bear hugs the bass and hauls it in.
Photo: Mark Hicks
This heavyweight elicits a scream and a fist pump.
Photo: Mark Hicks
One more like this one and DeFoe will win the Classic.
Photo: Mark Hicks
This was a grand moment for DeFoe, but it proved to be his last bass of the day. He needed one more good bite to claim the championship.
Photo: Mark Hicks
