Jared Miller’s early lead has family roots

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Jared Miller is leading the Bassmaster Classic after four hours of competition. This is Miller's first Classic, after qualifying through the B.A.S.S. Nation, but the angler from Norman, Oklahoma, competed on the Elite Series from 2012 though 2015. Day 1 on Lake Hartwell was particularly special for him because some of his family got to watch his hot start a mere feet away from the bank.
Jared Miller is leading the Bassmaster Classic after four hours of competition. This is Miller’s first Classic, after qualifying through the B.A.S.S. Nation, but the angler from Norman, Oklahoma, competed on the Elite Series from 2012 though 2015. Day 1 on Lake Hartwell was particularly special for him because some of his family got to watch his hot start a mere feet away from the bank.
Miller was fishing just outside a large culvert in the Little Beaver area.
Miller was fishing just outside a large culvert in the Little Beaver area.
Matt Herren was also in the area. We watched Herren fish on the other side of the culvert at a previous Hartwell tournament.
Matt Herren was also in the area. We watched Herren fish on the other side of the culvert at a previous Hartwell tournament.
Miller is hoping no other competitors will get on his juice.
Miller is hoping no other competitors will get on his juice.
At the 11:00 hour Miller was leading the Classic with five fish for 15-7.
At the 11:00 hour Miller was leading the Classic with five fish for 15-7.
Miller's sister get's the rare opportunity to watch Jared fish up close and personal.
Miller’s sister get’s the rare opportunity to watch Jared fish up close and personal. “We are from Oklahoma,” she said. “We’re not afraid to walk through the mud.”
Family members get close enough to Miller that they can carry on a conversation.
Family members get close enough to Miller that they can carry on a conversation.
His mom and dad arrive. This is a special moment for the family.
His mom and dad arrive. This is a special moment for the family.
The family chats back and forth just like it was a normal dinnertime conversation. Not like Jared was competing for $300,000!
The family chats back and forth just like it was a normal dinnertime conversation. Not like Jared was competing for $300,000!
Miller caught all his early fish on a jig his dad made. This truly is a family affair.
Miller caught all his early fish on a jig his dad made. This truly is a family affair.
Miller's highest finish on the Elite Series came on the Alabama River in 2013 where he finished in 13th place.
Miller’s highest finish on the Elite Series came on the Alabama River in 2013 where he finished in 13th place.
Miller became somewhat famous in that tournament via a video titled
Miller became somewhat famous in that tournament via a video titled “Miller’s Wild Ride.” The young angler had worked his boat through a series of treacherous rapids to fish near a dam. After a big storm the current was strong and as Miller departed the area his boat careened off several rocks giving his Marshal and himself a theme park-like ride.
Temperatures were warm and the family enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with their favorite Classic competitor.
Temperatures were warm and the family enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with their favorite Classic competitor.
The family knew Jared intended to spend some time here and arrived in time to see him catch his limit of fish. They parked right off the highway above.
The family knew Jared intended to spend some time here and arrived in time to see him catch his limit of fish. They parked right off the highway above.
The scene looks peaceful, but the culvert is actually right below busy interstate 85. The soundtrack for this conversation includes traffic noise and the occasional horn honking.
The scene looks peaceful, but the culvert is actually right below busy interstate 85. The soundtrack for this conversation includes traffic noise and the occasional horn honking.
Perhaps the Miller family is bringing good luck. We'll be keeping an eye on Jared Miller to see if he can maintain his lead.
Perhaps the Miller family is bringing good luck. We’ll be keeping an eye on Jared Miller to see if he can maintain his lead.