Elam’s Sunday on Conroe

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James Elam was on solid fish throughout the tournament, and began his final day at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods in fourth place.
James Elam was on solid fish throughout the tournament, and began his final day at the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods in fourth place.
He started out just a short distance from the main launch site.
He started out just a short distance from the main launch site.
His first fish of the day was a good one ...
His first fish of the day was a good one …
... it was very angry about the situation and went airborne several times.
… it was very angry about the situation and went airborne several times.
Elam did his best to keep the fish buttoned up ...
Elam did his best to keep the fish buttoned up …
... but wasn't able to land the bass.
… but wasn’t able to land the bass.
He managed to hold it together ...
He managed to hold it together …
... and went back to work.
… and went back to work.
And managed to hook up again.
And managed to hook up again.
Elam landed this one.
Elam landed this one.
And it's his first keeper, although not a giant.
And it’s his first keeper, although not a giant.
Back to work.
Back to work.
And he finds another hungry bass.
And he finds another hungry bass.
He's not sure if this one will measure or not.
He’s not sure if this one will measure or not.
The fish was short, but Elam immediately went back to it.
The fish was short, but Elam immediately went back to it.
Another fish.
Another fish.
This one is fat, but looks like it might be short.
This one is fat, but looks like it might be short.
The fish gets measured, but fell short of the 16-inch minimum.
The fish gets measured, but fell short of the 16-inch minimum.
He makes a few more casts.
He makes a few more casts.
And decides it's time to head up the lake looking for bigger fish.
And decides it’s time to head up the lake looking for bigger fish.
Elam drove his Phoenix/Mercury to a location that has been productive for him all week.
Elam drove his Phoenix/Mercury to a location that has been productive for him all week.
And after a few casts, he hooks up.
And after a few casts, he hooks up.
This one looks like it should keep.
This one looks like it should keep.
Elam bumps the fish and drops it into his livewell.
Elam bumps the fish and drops it into his livewell.
But he doesn't stay long. He needs to stay on the hunt if he's to have a shot at this thing.
But he doesn’t stay long. He needs to stay on the hunt if he’s to have a shot at this thing.
The next spot looks good.
The next spot looks good.
And it is!
And it is!
The fish acts like a big one. But ...
The fish acts like a big one. But …
... it'll end up being short.
… it’ll end up being short.
And it gets tossed back.
And it gets tossed back.
He makes another short move, and fishes a shallow, grassy bank along a picturesque shoreline.
He makes another short move, and fishes a shallow, grassy bank along a picturesque shoreline.
And he finds one that's willing to eat.
And he finds one that’s willing to eat.
Doesn't look very big.
Doesn’t look very big.
It didn't measure, but it's something...
It didn’t measure, but it’s something…
On the move.
On the move.
His next stop produces a fish, too.
His next stop produces a fish, too.
Orrrrrr, that was a stick. His hookset for was good, though!
Orrrrrr, that was a stick. His hookset for was good, though!
Right back at it. This one is fighting back--more than the stick anyways.
Right back at it. This one is fighting back–more than the stick anyways.
He flips it into the boat.
He flips it into the boat.
And his third keeper.
And his third keeper.
But, he doesn't waste any time looking for the next dynamite location.
But, he doesn’t waste any time looking for the next dynamite location.
Elam makes a few casts ...
Elam makes a few casts …
Looks like a good one, and Elam knows it.
Looks like a good one, and Elam knows it.
The fish makes a power run at the side of the boat.
The fish makes a power run at the side of the boat.
And it tries hard to escape.
And it tries hard to escape.
The reach ...
The reach …
... but the bass is not giving in yet.
… but the bass is not giving in yet.
He's got it, and it's a dandy.
He’s got it, and it’s a dandy.
A hard-earned fish for the Oklahoma native.
A hard-earned fish for the Oklahoma native.
And he doesn't waste any time getting back to work with Ott DeFoe in the background.
And he doesn’t waste any time getting back to work with Ott DeFoe in the background.