Marshals: Day 2 on Conroe

Take a look at the Marshals view from inside the boat on Day 2 of the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

Darrell Ocamica with his second keeper.

Iaconelli came into the same cove, crowd in tow and asked if he could share the water. Darrell Ocamica looked at me and said “you can have it Ike” and we eased out. I was amazed.
Darrell looked at me and said “Ike can win this thing, I’m out of this one.” We got about 50 yards away and the crowd of approx 15 boats went crazy as Ike boated a really nice one. Darrell put his Power Poles down as we watched Ike catch two more to the cheers of his fans. “Sometimes it’s good to be a fan” Darrell said.
Or, to be a great sportsman Darrell. I’ll be your marshal anytime. I just wish my 9 year old grandson would have been there to witness it.

Earlier Skylar Hamilton sent a little guy back and turns out mamma was home after all.

After an all day dry spell Wiggins finally connects with a solid keeper. He is hoping for a few more from this offshore stop

Drew Benton putting in a full days work.

Don’t call it short, the correct term is longitudinally challenged. Go back and tell your mamma Skylar needs to see her.

Two in the boat with Shaw Grigsby.

Another cull for Todd Faircloth. Ounces DO matter.

Alton Jones Jr. on Basatrakk with a 2.5.

Rojas on the board with a nice one and looking for more.

Charlie Hartley has broken his personal best at The Classic. After breaking off on this fish, Charlie ties on another bait.
And on the very next cast, this fish takes another bite and wins a free trip to Minute Maid Park! The highs and lows of a Pro Bass Fisherman are heartfelt and real.

Skylar Hamilton caught several short fish early on Day 2, but similar to a frustrating Day 1 the larger fish he located in practice, appeared to have abandoned his primary spots, leaving him searching for new water or a new pattern.

A limit within reach for Tim Klinger.

Brett Hite with a limit.

Changing it up. Jesse Wiggins has had three fish come unbuttoned today and that has him scrambling for a big bite. He has moved offshore to some brush piles and is dragging and cranking them trying get on track.

Ryan Lavigne with a nice one to fill his limit.

Tick, Tick, Tick. Another cull for Todd Faircloth. Every bit counts!

Tim Klinger working hard second fish

VanDam adding more to his weight.

Andy Montgomery swinging No. 2 into the boat.

Doesn’t measure up for Lowen.

Brett Hite starting a better afternoon with fourth fish.

No. 4 for the VanDam.

Brett Hite having a slow morning but has boated No. 2.

After a long fight VanDam put No. 2 in the boat. Tough day so far, but he keeps grinding.

Tim Klinger is on the board.

Steady day so far for John Garrett, a few shorts and location change and he boats his second keeper on second flip.

It’s early in the day and Hartley has already matched his Day 1 sack. He’s having the time of his life and I’m lucky to be sharing his journey…

… I may never meet a nicer and fun pro fisherman. Wisdom eeks from the words he speaks. If you pay attention.

After catching two catfish and a short bass VanDam hooks into this one….

…carefully finessing her to the boat..

…KVD was able to add his first fish of the day into the livewell.

Charlie Hartley connects on his first keeper of Day 2 and may have uncovered a new pattern. Stay tuned as we ease along these “storm stained” Lake Conroe waters.

Four for Steve Kenndey.

Shaw Grigsby on the board.

A Tale of two techniques. While Jesse Wiggins is sticking to his finesse fishing KVD comes in power fishing close by. Kevin just landed a good keeper right in front of Jesse which may have Jesse wondering which rod to pick up next. Still stuck on one fish but seems committed to this spot for a little longer.

Chris Zaldain with keeper No. 2 for 2-1/2-pounds.

No. 3 for Steve Kennedy.

Todd Faircloth is on the steady track with another healthy 2-1/2 pounder. Not too bad for 45 minutes of work.

After five small ones, Jacob Powroznik puts his first good one, a 2 1/2-pounder in the box.

No resting in this boat. Todd Faircloth seems to be on something: yet another for 2-1/2 lbs. Can we say. “Movin’ on up”?

Monroe on the board!

John Garrett with his first one on the board! Persistence is paying off.

Drew Benton happy to be on the board.

Wiggins carefully plays his first fish of the day, which he says “smoked it” unlike his bites yesterday which were just “that mushy feeling.”….

…And it will keep! Wiggins is excited to have keeper No. 1 in the boat within the first hour of fishing.

Brett Hite with first one of Day 2.

Charlie Hartley swings into action and misses and then connects on a Lake Conroe Greenback. Unfortunately, this one comes up a half scale short and missed the bus downtown.

First cast with John Garrett and the crowd is starting to build.

Todd Faircloth starts out all business with this first-of-the-day 2-1/2 pound Lake Conroe green fish. A nice opening!

Chris Zaldain finishing a morning interview minutes before take off. The sponsor obligations are as large a part of Classic week as is the fishing.

The GEICO Gecko better watch out. I know a few anglers are using big lizards for bait and with the size of fish in Lake Conroe he better not fall into the lake!

With 15 minutes before launch, Alabama’s Jesse Wiggins looks for some magic baits to change his luck and get inside the top 25 today and fish tomorrow.

Last minute interview with Day 1 leader Brent Ehrler.

Charlie Hartley is sporting a new pair of Nikes on Day 2! Needing a HUGE day to make it to Championship Sunday, Charlie intends to give his all today. And I’ll be here to share his journey with you.