Final day dawns on Wheeler Lake

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It’s Championship Sunday on Lake Wheeler! Leader Dave Lefebre rolls down to the dock extra early to launch his boat and get his gear ready to make the final push to victory.
It’s Championship Sunday on Lake Wheeler! Leader Dave Lefebre rolls down to the dock extra early to launch his boat and get his gear ready to make the final push to victory.
Dave backs down the ramp and his boat quietly slips into the water.
Dave backs down the ramp and his boat quietly slips into the water.
Just down the dock Gary Klein talks tactics with writer and photographer Rob Newell.
Just down the dock Gary Klein talks tactics with writer and photographer Rob Newell.
Day 1 leader John Crews seems relaxed and focused as he pulls a few baits out of his center locker.
Day 1 leader John Crews seems relaxed and focused as he pulls a few baits out of his center locker.
After a monster Day 3 bag, Takahiro seems excited to be heading out to try and take the win from Dave Lefebre.
After a monster Day 3 bag, Takahiro seems excited to be heading out to try and take the win from Dave Lefebre.
Steve Kennedy ties up to the dock and does a little rigging.
Steve Kennedy ties up to the dock and does a little rigging.
Cliff Crochet puts on some fresh line and joked that with the new baby in his life tackle never gets done at night… “the morning is for tackle!”
Cliff Crochet puts on some fresh line and joked that with the new baby in his life tackle never gets done at night… “the morning is for tackle!”
James Elam is also having a strong tournament. He chats with some fans as he finishes rigging a few baits.
James Elam is also having a strong tournament. He chats with some fans as he finishes rigging a few baits.
Current AOY leader Greg Hackney straps down his rods for the quick ride to his first fishing spot.
Current AOY leader Greg Hackney straps down his rods for the quick ride to his first fishing spot.
Tak gives a thumbs up as the clock counts down to blast off.
Tak gives a thumbs up as the clock counts down to blast off.
Casey Ashley chuckles as he answers a question from emcee Dave Mercer.
Casey Ashley chuckles as he answers a question from emcee Dave Mercer.
Fans take photos and videos on the dock of their favorite pros.
Fans take photos and videos on the dock of their favorite pros.
The G-Man says the swim bait bite is going to be the deal on Championship Sunday.
The G-Man says the swim bait bite is going to be the deal on Championship Sunday.
Gary Klein holds up the most important part of equipment he has used this week.
Gary Klein holds up the most important part of equipment he has used this week.
James Niggemeyer pulls out a rod and secures his bait to his reel.
James Niggemeyer pulls out a rod and secures his bait to his reel.
As the national anthem plays anglers stand and face the flag.
As the national anthem plays anglers stand and face the flag.
Time to send out the first angler! Dave Lefebre pushes away from the dock and puts the gas pedal down as he heads out to try and hold his lead over Takahiro Omori.
Time to send out the first angler! Dave Lefebre pushes away from the dock and puts the gas pedal down as he heads out to try and hold his lead over Takahiro Omori.
Bobby Lane rolls out behind Casey Ashley as Dave Mercer calls out each angler’s name.
Bobby Lane rolls out behind Casey Ashley as Dave Mercer calls out each angler’s name.
Crochet sporting his game face as he drives by the end of the take off dock.
Crochet sporting his game face as he drives by the end of the take off dock.