Championship Saturday: Early gains and struggles

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Bryan Schmitt went into the second and final day of competition in second place, just more than 5 pounds behind leader Whitney Stephens. By 8 a.m., Schmitt had three fish for about 16 pounds, with an anchor that should top 7 pounds. Meanwhile fifth-place Buddy Gross fished nearby but struggled to catch fish of any size. By 11 a.m., he had “four little ones.”
Bryan Schmitt went into the second and final day of competition in second place, just more than 5 pounds behind leader Whitney Stephens. By 8 a.m., Schmitt had three fish for about 16 pounds, with an anchor that should top 7 pounds. Meanwhile fifth-place Buddy Gross fished nearby but struggled to catch fish of any size. By 11 a.m., he had “four little ones.”
Schmitt’s first fish of the day came soon after the angler began fishing. The 4 1/2-pounder set a strong foundation on which to work.
Schmitt’s first fish of the day came soon after the angler began fishing. The 4 1/2-pounder set a strong foundation on which to work.
It wasn’t long before Schmitt put a bass he estimated will weigh between 7 and 8 pounds in the boat.
It wasn’t long before Schmitt put a bass he estimated will weigh between 7 and 8 pounds in the boat.
A 3 1/2-pounder rounded out Scmitt’s early morning blitz.
A 3 1/2-pounder rounded out Scmitt’s early morning blitz.