David Kilgore is all smiles at 5:30 a.m. on Championship Saturday. He should be. Kilgore is a local favorite to win on his home lake.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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Bassmaster Elite Series pro John Hunter also has reason to smile. He made the cut for 11th place.
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Another local favorite is Jesse Wiggins. He already double qualified for the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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Elite Series pro Justin Lucas has one final shot at qualifying for the Classic and this is it. In order to make the cut, the sixth place angler must win the tournament.
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The official takeoff time of 6:30 a.m. CDT is nearing. All of the Top 12 boats are docked at Smith Lake Dam recreation area.
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The anglers will return here at 3 p.m. to make the drive to Birmingham for the final weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Leeds, Ala.
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Any of these anglers has the chance to qualify for the Classic with exception of four anglers already in. Among those qualifiers is defending champion Jordan Lee.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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Rick Morris is another Classic qualifier already in the world championship. He has the chance to double qualify today by winning the tournament.
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The Star Spangled Banner is played and all stand and pay tribute to the nation.
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Honoring the American flag is a daily tradition across all B.A.S.S. sanctioned events.
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Shin Fukae unofficially reached a goal today. That is to qualify for the 2018 Bassmaster Elite Series.
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At 6:30 a.m. the boats leave the dock. Leading the pack is current leader Jesse Wiggins.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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Wiggins has the chance to triple qualify for the Classic should he win this tournament.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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Wiggins also won here in 2016 to qualify for the Classic.
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Will Davis Jr. leaves the dock in third place.
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Kilgore hopes to score the win and earn a Classic berth, just like he did here in 2014.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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Jordan Lee leaves the dock in tenth place.
Photo: Thomas Allen
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