Walters mixin’ it up early

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Patrick Walters is without a doubt considered to be one of the favorites in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. The South Carolina native has a history of success on Hartwell.
Patrick Walters is without a doubt considered to be one of the favorites in the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk. The South Carolina native has a history of success on Hartwell.
Like most events, Patrick’s father, Todd Walters joined him on the dock before takeoff.
Like most events, Patrick’s father, Todd Walters joined him on the dock before takeoff.
As expected, the atmosphere for takeoff this morning was electric.
As expected, the atmosphere for takeoff this morning was electric.
After a run across the lake, Walters sets up shop in the middle of a pocket.
After a run across the lake, Walters sets up shop in the middle of a pocket.
As he does so well, Walters was chasing around schools of bait and fish with his electronics.
As he does so well, Walters was chasing around schools of bait and fish with his electronics.
Not long after our arrival, Walters hooks up with a solid keeper.
Not long after our arrival, Walters hooks up with a solid keeper.
Walters wastes no time, and gets right back on the trolling motor to relocate the fish.
Walters wastes no time, and gets right back on the trolling motor to relocate the fish.
Just minutes later, he hooks up with another solid keeper.
Just minutes later, he hooks up with another solid keeper.
Walters cranks down a stretch of rock bank.
Walters cranks down a stretch of rock bank.
Spectator boats begin to show up for the in-state favorite.
Spectator boats begin to show up for the in-state favorite.
Shortly after a competitor runs through the creek, Walters picks up and heads to a new area.
Shortly after a competitor runs through the creek, Walters picks up and heads to a new area.
Not long after arriving at his next spot, Walters hooks up with a good one.
Not long after arriving at his next spot, Walters hooks up with a good one.
Best fish of the morning for Walters.
Best fish of the morning for Walters.
Given the fact that Blueback Herring are extremely nomadic, Walters kept his head down at his electronics to follow their activity.
Given the fact that Blueback Herring are extremely nomadic, Walters kept his head down at his electronics to follow their activity.
Walters hooks up with a small keeper.
Walters hooks up with a small keeper.
Getting bites was not an issue for Walters this morning. Where he would get one bite, he would often get more shortly after.
Getting bites was not an issue for Walters this morning. Where he would get one bite, he would often get more shortly after.
Striped bass were mixed this area as well. Walters caught several in a row.
Striped bass were mixed this area as well. Walters caught several in a row.
Walters told me at takeoff that he was definitely going to mix in some dock fishing as well. Keeping an open mind, the South Carolina native fished a stretch of docks mid-morning.
Walters told me at takeoff that he was definitely going to mix in some dock fishing as well. Keeping an open mind, the South Carolina native fished a stretch of docks mid-morning.
Roughly three docks in, Walters hooks up with a solid fish.
Roughly three docks in, Walters hooks up with a solid fish.
Minor upgrade for Walters.
Minor upgrade for Walters.
After thoroughly working over this creek, Walters heads to new water.
After thoroughly working over this creek, Walters heads to new water.