On the water with Tommy Biffle

Photographer James Overstreet caught up with leader Tommy Biffle on the third day of competition in the Central Open.

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<p> Biffle started the final day of the Central Open in the same area he fished the first two days, below the dam separating the Grand River and Lake Fort Gibson. </p>
Biffle started the final day of the Central Open in the same area he fished the first two days, below the dam separating the Grand River and Lake Fort Gibson. 
<p> Biffle fishes his way to an area that had held several of the key fish he caught the first two days. </p>
Biffle fishes his way to an area that had held several of the key fish he caught the first two days. 
<p>  </p> <p> Biffle’s co-angler, Farrell Coppin caught the first fish of the morning. </p>
 

Biffle’s co-angler, Farrell Coppin caught the first fish of the morning. 

<p>  </p> <p> There was no water being released from the dam due to a lingering drought in Central Oklahoma. </p>
 

There was no water being released from the dam due to a lingering drought in Central Oklahoma. 

<p>  </p> <p> The area below the dam is a popular place for bank fishermen. </p>
 

The area below the dam is a popular place for bank fishermen. 

<p>  </p> <p> After a couple hours of fishing, Biffle finally hooks up with his first fish of the day. </p>
 

After a couple hours of fishing, Biffle finally hooks up with his first fish of the day. 

<p>  </p> <p> Unfortunately for Biffle, his first fish of the day was a drum. </p>
 

Unfortunately for Biffle, his first fish of the day was a drum. 

<p>  </p> <p> Biffle’s family and friends watched from a parking lot near the dam. </p>
 

Biffle’s family and friends watched from a parking lot near the dam. 

<p>  </p> <p> Biffle is trying to win back-to-back major B.A.S.S. events in his home state. Biffle won the Elite Series event held in Muskogee in 2010. </p>
 

Biffle is trying to win back-to-back major B.A.S.S. events in his home state. Biffle won the Elite Series event held in Muskogee in 2010. 

<p> Co-angler Farrell Coppin started the morning in 8<sup>th</sup> place. His son, Clayton Coppin is also fishing on the final day, only 10 ounces out of the lead. </p>
Co-angler Farrell Coppin started the morning in 8th place. His son, Clayton Coppin is also fishing on the final day, only 10 ounces out of the lead. 
<p>  </p> <p> Biffle hung up several times below the dam, usually on old fishing line scattered along the bottom. </p>
 

Biffle hung up several times below the dam, usually on old fishing line scattered along the bottom. 

<p> Farrell Coppin boats his second fish of the day. </p>
Farrell Coppin boats his second fish of the day. 
<p>  </p> <p> Biffle sweeps his rod as it bends from the weight of another fish. </p>
 

Biffle sweeps his rod as it bends from the weight of another fish. 

<p>  </p> <p> After nearly three hours of fishing, Biffle boats his first keeper bass. </p>
 

After nearly three hours of fishing, Biffle boats his first keeper bass. 

<p> With nearly a 10-pound lead, a limit of bass like this one may be all Biffle needs to secure the win. </p>
With nearly a 10-pound lead, a limit of bass like this one may be all Biffle needs to secure the win. 
<p>  </p> <p> Biffle holds the keeper high for the cameras. </p>
 

Biffle holds the keeper high for the cameras. 

<p>  </p> <p> Biffle pauses to re-tie before making another cast. </p>
 

Biffle pauses to re-tie before making another cast. 

<p>  </p> <p> Broken fishing line that had plagued several of Biffle’s casts, also managed to wrap itself around the trolling motor prop. </p>
 

Broken fishing line that had plagued several of Biffle’s casts, also managed to wrap itself around the trolling motor prop. 

<p> Biffle calls for the net as he pulls a fish to the boat. </p>
Biffle calls for the net as he pulls a fish to the boat. 
<p>  </p> <p> Another fish, but once again the wrong species. </p>
 

Another fish, but once again the wrong species.