Day 2: On the water with Rojas

After Dean Rojas' dynamite Day 1, a photographer followed the Classic leader on Hartwell.

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Day 1 leader Dean Rojas scoots across Lake Hartwell on the way to his first fishing spot on Day 2 of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Go Pro.
Day 1 leader Dean Rojas scoots across Lake Hartwell on the way to his first fishing spot on Day 2 of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Go Pro.
Leading the Bassmaster Classic means you usually draw a crowd of spectator boats, and that was the case for Dean Rojas on Day 2.
Leading the Bassmaster Classic means you usually draw a crowd of spectator boats, and that was the case for Dean Rojas on Day 2.
Day 2 was much warmer than Day 1, but there was still a chill in the air.
Day 2 was much warmer than Day 1, but there was still a chill in the air.
Dean Rojas’ plan for Day 2 included a series of productive spots that yielded great results on the opening day. Rojas moved around to different locations throughout the day.
Dean Rojas’ plan for Day 2 included a series of productive spots that yielded great results on the opening day. Rojas moved around to different locations throughout the day.
Sitting atop the leaderboard means having a camera on board. ESPN cameraman Eric Kaffka keeps the lens on Rojas early on Day 2.
Sitting atop the leaderboard means having a camera on board. ESPN cameraman Eric Kaffka keeps the lens on Rojas early on Day 2.
It looks like Dean Rojas is going on point as he detects a bass.
It looks like Dean Rojas is going on point as he detects a bass.
Trey Murdaugh, part of the TV coverage crew, arrives at Rojas’ fishing spot and launches a drone to capture aerial video.
Trey Murdaugh, part of the TV coverage crew, arrives at Rojas’ fishing spot and launches a drone to capture aerial video.
Time for another run.
Time for another run.
Dean Rojas didn’t stay at that spot very long.
Dean Rojas didn’t stay at that spot very long.
An occupational hazard of fishing around boat docks is hanging up on the dock, which is what happened to Dean Rojas in the first hour of the day Saturday.
An occupational hazard of fishing around boat docks is hanging up on the dock, which is what happened to Dean Rojas in the first hour of the day Saturday.
Boat docks hold bass, and Dean Rojas has found one of them.
Boat docks hold bass, and Dean Rojas has found one of them.
And here comes the fish.
And here comes the fish.
It’s getting closer.
It’s getting closer.
This one looks small enough to flip into the boat.
This one looks small enough to flip into the boat.
Almost home.
Almost home.
The fish goes over the gunwale.
The fish goes over the gunwale.
This bass is going for a boat ride.
This bass is going for a boat ride.
Dean Rojas hooks up with another one.
Dean Rojas hooks up with another one.
Rojas fights the fish to the boat.
Rojas fights the fish to the boat.
The cameraman has to make way for Rojas to fight the fish on the back deck.
The cameraman has to make way for Rojas to fight the fish on the back deck.
We see its head, but Rojas can’t count this one yet.
We see its head, but Rojas can’t count this one yet.
This fish will help Dean Rojas’ cause.
This fish will help Dean Rojas’ cause.
Saturday was a mostly cloudy day, but the sun brightened the sky for a couple of hours in the morning. Rojas said a lack of sunshine throughout the day may have hampered his pattern.
Saturday was a mostly cloudy day, but the sun brightened the sky for a couple of hours in the morning. Rojas said a lack of sunshine throughout the day may have hampered his pattern.
Cameraman Eric Kaffka helps out the spectators by giving a sign that Rojas is about to change locations.
Cameraman Eric Kaffka helps out the spectators by giving a sign that Rojas is about to change locations.
Justin Lucas made a few casts around a dock near Rojas’ fishing area later in the day. He left within five minutes of arriving.
Justin Lucas made a few casts around a dock near Rojas’ fishing area later in the day. He left within five minutes of arriving.
Justin Lucas takes off for another spot.
Justin Lucas takes off for another spot.
Dean Rojas bows up on a bass on Day 2.
Dean Rojas bows up on a bass on Day 2.
Here it comes.
Here it comes.
This fish is big enough for Rojas to hurry to the side of the boat to grab him.
This fish is big enough for Rojas to hurry to the side of the boat to grab him.
Fishing with light tackle such as a spinning rod requires a light touch when fighting a fish to the boat.
Fishing with light tackle such as a spinning rod requires a light touch when fighting a fish to the boat.
Rojas reaches into the lake.
Rojas reaches into the lake.
He pulls out a solid bass.
He pulls out a solid bass.
This one’s going to meet the fans at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
This one’s going to meet the fans at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
Rojas gives the spectators a look at the fish.
Rojas gives the spectators a look at the fish.
Here’s another one for the Day 1 leader.
Here’s another one for the Day 1 leader.
Rojas goes low for another one.
Rojas goes low for another one.