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
1 / 40
As DeFoe fished a shallow running crankbait tight to the bank, fans pulled over and watched from the highway.
Photo: Mark Hicks
2 / 40
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
3 / 40
Fans intently watch DeFoe, cameras ready for action should he catch a bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
4 / 40
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
5 / 40
Note that DeFoe’s Talon anchors are folded down. This feature allowed him to pass under the low bridge.
Photo: Mark Hicks
6 / 40
After fishing the riprap, DeFoe fished a shallow flat in the back of the creek without success.
Photo: Mark Hicks
7 / 40
The fans gave DeFoe plenty of room.
Photo: Mark Hicks
8 / 40
The bracket on which DeFoe’s Talon anchors are mounted folds over to allow passage under tight bridges and culverts.
Photo: Mark Hicks
9 / 40
The Talon anchors drop well below the top of the outboard.
Photo: Mark Hicks
10 / 40
The bite was so tough DeFoe even tried finesse fishing with spinning tackle at one point.
Photo: Mark Hicks
11 / 40
Casting under the bridge also failed to draw a strike.
Photo: Mark Hicks
12 / 40
DeFoe makes one last pass along the causeway throwing a swimbait. No takers.
Photo: Mark Hicks
13 / 40
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
14 / 40
After putting a solid bass in the livewell, DeFoe boats a short fish.
Photo: Mark Hicks
15 / 40
DeFoe sets the hook into a good bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
16 / 40
The bass lets DeFoe know it is in no hurry to lose its freedom.
Photo: Mark Hicks
17 / 40
DeFoe works the bass around the trolling motor.
Photo: Mark Hicks
18 / 40
This is one stubborn fish.
Photo: Mark Hicks
19 / 40
Easy now.
Photo: Mark Hicks
20 / 40
DeFoe walks the bass back toward the passenger seat.
Photo: Mark Hicks
21 / 40
He reaches for the bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
22 / 40
And finally gets a two-handed grip on it.
Photo: Mark Hicks
23 / 40
It’s a solid bass. After such a slow start, DeFoe knows he’s back in the hunt.
Photo: Mark Hicks
24 / 40
Right after DeFoe’s cameraman gets into another boat, a bass slams DeFoe’s bait.
Photo: Mark Hicks
25 / 40
He swings it aboard. How’s this for a front row seat.
Photo: Mark Hicks
26 / 40
It’s another solid bass. DeFoe is beginning to feel it.
Photo: Mark Hicks
27 / 40
After a long dry spell, DeFoe hooks a heavy bass.
Photo: Mark Hicks
28 / 40
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
29 / 40
The bass forces DeFoe to the back deck. Who's playing who here?
Photo: Mark Hicks
30 / 40
DeFoe has to work the bass around the transom.
Photo: Mark Hicks
31 / 40
Don’t you dare run the line over the prop.
Photo: Mark Hicks
32 / 40
That was close.
Photo: Mark Hicks
33 / 40
DeFoe finally gains the upper hand.
Photo: Mark Hicks
34 / 40
The bass makes a final hard lunge next to the boat.
Photo: Mark Hicks
35 / 40
Almost mine.
Photo: Mark Hicks
36 / 40
DeFoe bear hugs the bass and hauls it in.
Photo: Mark Hicks
37 / 40
This heavyweight elicits a scream and a fist pump.
Photo: Mark Hicks
38 / 40
One more like this one and DeFoe will win the Classic.
Photo: Mark Hicks
39 / 40
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
40 / 40
