Ike Day 2 on the water

Day 1 leader Mike Iaconelli fishes Lake Guntersville on Day 2.

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Michael Iaconelli’s day started slower on Day 2 than on Day 1.
Michael Iaconelli’s day started slower on Day 2 than on Day 1.
He caught a keeper early.
He caught a keeper early.
But spent a lot of time casting and moving without bites.
But spent a lot of time casting and moving without bites.
He caught his second keeper in the first hour.
He caught his second keeper in the first hour.
But it lacked the size from the day earlier.
But it lacked the size from the day earlier.
Keepers though were welcome at all times.
Keepers though were welcome at all times.
His area had some company from Gary Klein and several other Elite anglers.
His area had some company from Gary Klein and several other Elite anglers.
Iaconelli stayed on the move.
Iaconelli stayed on the move.
Trying out different areas in quick fashion.
Trying out different areas in quick fashion.
Then moving to the next.
Then moving to the next.
At times he would move shallow. And others he would move deep.
At times he would move shallow. And others he would move deep.
Rain clouds were a constant sight during the first half of the day.
Rain clouds were a constant sight during the first half of the day.
And by mid morning, he hooked up with a big fish.
And by mid morning, he hooked up with a big fish.
One that made a big splash in front of the boat.
One that made a big splash in front of the boat.
Before sending Iaconelli to the side of the boat.
Before sending Iaconelli to the side of the boat.
The result was a true giant.
The result was a true giant.
And it created the true Ike.
And it created the true Ike.
The fist pumping and yelling were epic, even forcing a laugh from cameraman Rick Mason.
The fist pumping and yelling were epic, even forcing a laugh from cameraman Rick Mason.
The gill plates and belly showed this fish would weigh heavy.
The gill plates and belly showed this fish would weigh heavy.
Iaconelli would add to that an hour later.
Iaconelli would add to that an hour later.
This fish would bull dog under the boat.
This fish would bull dog under the boat.
Forcing Iaconelli to hit the seat to land it.
Forcing Iaconelli to hit the seat to land it.
And go well over the gunwale to get his hands on it.
And go well over the gunwale to get his hands on it.
It also produced another moment that Iaconelli has become famous for.
It also produced another moment that Iaconelli has become famous for.
It wasn’t quite as epic as the first one, but it was pronounced none the less.
It wasn’t quite as epic as the first one, but it was pronounced none the less.
The big fish would give him his fourth keeper of the morning.
The big fish would give him his fourth keeper of the morning.
And put him back near the top of the standings.
And put him back near the top of the standings.
He would get back in his groove of casting and moving.
He would get back in his groove of casting and moving.
Hitting as many spots as he could.
Hitting as many spots as he could.
Working to get his fifth keeper.
Working to get his fifth keeper.
It would come in short order, but not the same size as the previous two.
It would come in short order, but not the same size as the previous two.
His moves would take him to one of the main bridges on the lake.
His moves would take him to one of the main bridges on the lake.
He was in constant motion.
He was in constant motion.
By 2 p.m., he hooked up with another quality bite.
By 2 p.m., he hooked up with another quality bite.
This one would shake its head at the side of the boat.
This one would shake its head at the side of the boat.
And make a run around the trolling motor.
And make a run around the trolling motor.
Before getting in a position to be landed.
Before getting in a position to be landed.
The quality fish was a big help.
The quality fish was a big help.
Before the fish was completely in the boat, Iaconelli was yelling.
Before the fish was completely in the boat, Iaconelli was yelling.
He would take a moment to contemplate.
He would take a moment to contemplate.
Before sitting down and culling. The cull would add 2 pounds to his total.
Before sitting down and culling. The cull would add 2 pounds to his total.
And put a big smile on Iaconelli’s face.
And put a big smile on Iaconelli’s face.