I stayed on the spot, hoping the keepers would show. Around 10 a fish hit some shad on the surface about 300 feet from where I was fishing. I eased around with the trolling motor and watched my bottom machine. It didn't take long to figure out what was under me. I backed off and pulled out the Carolina rig. First cast, the bait never made it to the bottom. A fish grabbed it on the fall and started swimming toward the boat. I knew I didn't get a good hook set. As soon as the fish got boat side it jumped and threw the hook. This fish was in the five pound range, and I was sick!OK, y'all have all heard the "The Big One Got Away" story. Yes, it was a good fish. Yes, it got away. I knew it was going to be a tough day. I figured I just lost my shot at finishing well in this tournament. Now, the rest of the story:
I calmed myself down, put a new bait on my Carolina rig, and threw it back out there. I could give y'all all the details, but the truth is I don't remember all the details. The bottom line is that one fish that broke the surface let me know where the fish were holding. They bit for 45 minutes. The bite wasn't fast and furious, just steady. I managed to land 5 fish off of this spot. Those 5 fish tipped the scales at 22.14 pounds.
Most of you know I hate fishing Seminole. I have always struggled on that lake. I finally got lucky.
I won with 22.14 pounds.
Fast Freddie finished second with 12.5 pounds.
Mike Pag finished third with 6 pounds.
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