Nation: Day 3 begins

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Post-spawn bass in deep water are the prevailing pattern this week on Douglas Lake. That means prepping bow-mounted electronics a must prior to launch.
Post-spawn bass in deep water are the prevailing pattern this week on Douglas Lake. That means prepping bow-mounted electronics a must prior to launch.
What else is important prep is time spent trimming jig skirts and making those lures fit the profile of the baitfish.
What else is important prep is time spent trimming jig skirts and making those lures fit the profile of the baitfish.
A stylish approach to the day is these white rods that coincidentally match the hull of the boat.
A stylish approach to the day is these white rods that coincidentally match the hull of the boat.
These baits are popular this week on Douglas. The selection covers the gamut of shad imitating lures, from a big spoon to deep diving crankbait.
These baits are popular this week on Douglas. The selection covers the gamut of shad imitating lures, from a big spoon to deep diving crankbait.
The first boat to leave the dock will be driven by William Lortz. The New Yorker leads the boater division with 31 pounds, 7 ounces.
The first boat to leave the dock will be driven by William Lortz. The New Yorker leads the boater division with 31 pounds, 7 ounces.
Boats gather near downtown Dandridge for the start of Day 3 on Douglas Lake. The takeoff time is 6:30 a.m. EDT.
Boats gather near downtown Dandridge for the start of Day 3 on Douglas Lake. The takeoff time is 6:30 a.m. EDT.
Lortz hopes his fish bite today after the passage of a cold front slowed the momentum of the bite.
Lortz hopes his fish bite today after the passage of a cold front slowed the momentum of the bite.
The first flight is on the docks with staggered return times beginning at 2:15 p.m.
The first flight is on the docks with staggered return times beginning at 2:15 p.m.
Team jackets are popular this week with Rhode Island providing members with the stylish clothes.
Team jackets are popular this week with Rhode Island providing members with the stylish clothes.
The Canadian flag flies one more time at The Point as the anglers prepare for takeoff.
The Canadian flag flies one more time at The Point as the anglers prepare for takeoff.
Lortz leaves the dock and heads to his first area, one of four he’ll fish today in search of the winning catch.
Lortz leaves the dock and heads to his first area, one of four he’ll fish today in search of the winning catch.
Fishing in the tournament are anglers from 18 states, from Ontario to Florida and points in between.
Fishing in the tournament are anglers from 18 states, from Ontario to Florida and points in between.
Maine is here too, and so are other New England states.
Maine is here too, and so are other New England states.
Connecticut, home of Lunker City and the famous Slug-Go, is one of those states.
Connecticut, home of Lunker City and the famous Slug-Go, is one of those states.
The takeoff is underway with two flights leaving The Point Resort and Marina.
The takeoff is underway with two flights leaving The Point Resort and Marina.
Hank Weldon lines up the boats as the first flight is all but gone from the docks.
Hank Weldon lines up the boats as the first flight is all but gone from the docks.
The second flight lines up with a 15-minute intermission between the flights.
The second flight lines up with a 15-minute intermission between the flights.
J.J. Dickens of West Virginia hopes to win his state title and advance to the national championship.
J.J. Dickens of West Virginia hopes to win his state title and advance to the national championship.
To do that he’ll need to find the fish necessary to make the cut. This is a map view of Douglas Lake, an east Tennessee fishery just east of Knoxville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
To do that he’ll need to find the fish necessary to make the cut. This is a map view of Douglas Lake, an east Tennessee fishery just east of Knoxville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
Jon Stewart keeps the line moving as the second flight departs from the docks.
Jon Stewart keeps the line moving as the second flight departs from the docks.
Rhode Island is another New England state here for the regional competition.
Rhode Island is another New England state here for the regional competition.
The forecast calls for partly sunny skies and warming temperatures with highs in the upper 60s.
The forecast calls for partly sunny skies and warming temperatures with highs in the upper 60s.
The last boat leaves the dock as the day gets underway.
The last boat leaves the dock as the day gets underway.