Final weigh-in at Smith Lake

The final weigh-in at the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #3 at Smith Lake was exciting. Here are the highlights.
The final weigh-in at the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #3 at Smith Lake was exciting. Here are the highlights.
The paycheck is nice, but this lasts forever.
The paycheck is nice, but this lasts forever.
Filling the trophy room is where it's at. Just ask any pro what they think about hardware.
Filling the trophy room is where it’s at. Just ask any pro what they think about hardware.
The Bass Pro Shops in Leeds, Ala., was the scene of the final weigh-in from Smith Lake.
The Bass Pro Shops in Leeds, Ala., was the scene of the final weigh-in from Smith Lake.
Where dreams get made.
Where dreams get made.
Chris Bowes gets things kicked off.
Chris Bowes gets things kicked off.
Brandon Lester was first at the scales and made a late charge for the title with this 4-pounder.
Brandon Lester was first at the scales and made a late charge for the title with this 4-pounder.
Lester finished in third with 33 pounds and 7 ounces.
Lester finished in third with 33 pounds and 7 ounces.
John Hunter finished 11th with 27-14.
John Hunter finished 11th with 27-14.
Classic Champ Jordan Lee finished eighth with 29-1.
Classic Champ Jordan Lee finished eighth with 29-1.
Greg Pugh finished 12th with 24-10.
Greg Pugh finished 12th with 24-10.
Kyle Monti finished in fifth with 30-7 and earned a 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series bid.
Kyle Monti finished in fifth with 30-7 and earned a 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series bid.
Local legend David Kilgore finished in 10th with 28-8.
Local legend David Kilgore finished in 10th with 28-8.
Justin Lucas finished fourth with 31-15, and was the top scoring finisher in the Southern Opens.
Justin Lucas finished fourth with 31-15, and was the top scoring finisher in the Southern Opens.
Shin Fukae finished in seventh with 29-4.
Shin Fukae finished in seventh with 29-4.
Nearly winning, Kent Biggs ended up with a three-day total of 15-6.
Nearly winning, Kent Biggs ended up with a three-day total of 15-6.
Will Davis finished in ninth with 28-1.5
Will Davis finished in ninth with 28-1.5
Winning the co-angler division, Benjie Seaborn weighed a three-day, nine-fish total of 20-15.
Winning the co-angler division, Benjie Seaborn weighed a three-day, nine-fish total of 20-15.
Rick Morris finished second, and also earned a 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series spot with a three-day total of 34-14.
Rick Morris finished second, and also earned a 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series spot with a three-day total of 34-14.
Seaborn takes home the hardware.
Seaborn takes home the hardware.
Jesse Wiggins was the final pro to weigh with an anticipated top weight.
Jesse Wiggins was the final pro to weigh with an anticipated top weight.
After the final weights are announced ...
After the final weights are announced …
Wiggins wins the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #3 for the second time in a row.
Wiggins wins the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #3 for the second time in a row.
Wiggins added 13-8 to his total for 39-15.
Wiggins added 13-8 to his total for 39-15.
And a second Opens Smith Lake trophy.
And a second Opens Smith Lake trophy.
After a few photos, Wiggins quickly left the stage to greet his family.
After a few photos, Wiggins quickly left the stage to greet his family.
It never gets old watching the top anglers at every event thank those truly responsible for the selfless and endless support necessary to fish a professional angler. Wiggins gets this as much as anyone. A fine example of a home-town hero.
It never gets old watching the top anglers at every event thank those truly responsible for the selfless and endless support necessary to fish a professional angler. Wiggins gets this as much as anyone. A fine example of a home-town hero.