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
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As DeFoe fished a shallow running crankbait tight to the bank, fans pulled over and watched from the highway.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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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
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Fans intently watch DeFoe, cameras ready for action should he catch a bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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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
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Note that DeFoe’s Talon anchors are folded down. This feature allowed him to pass under the low bridge.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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After fishing the riprap, DeFoe fished a shallow flat in the back of the creek without success.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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The bracket on which DeFoe’s Talon anchors are mounted folds over to allow passage under tight bridges and culverts.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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The bite was so tough DeFoe even tried finesse fishing with spinning tackle at one point.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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DeFoe makes one last pass along the causeway throwing a swimbait. No takers.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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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
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It’s a solid bass. After such a slow start, DeFoe knows he’s back in the hunt.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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Right after DeFoe’s cameraman gets into another boat, a bass slams DeFoe’s bait.
Photo: Mark Hicks
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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
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