Team Championship Bassmaster Classic Fish-off

After two complete fishing days, with one postponed in between, the top three teams split into six individuals and battled it out Saturday on Lake Guntersville for the final Bassmaster Classic spot.

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After two complete fishing days, with one postponed in between, the top three teams split into six individuals, and battled it out Saturday on Lake Guntersville for the final Bassmaster Classic spot.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - After two complete fishing days, with one postponed in between, the top three teams split into six individuals, and battled it out Saturday on Lake Guntersville for the final Bassmaster Classic spot.
Nickolas LeBrun and Randy Deaver weighed the biggest bag of the event on Day 2 with over 28 pounds, so we decided to follow these anglers as they began the first session of competition.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Nickolas LeBrun and Randy Deaver weighed the biggest bag of the event on Day 2 with over 28 pounds, so we decided to follow these anglers as they began the first session of competition.
Soon after arriving, LeBrun hooked up.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Soon after arriving, LeBrun hooked up.
The Louisiana angler gets this fish to ski across the water until it reaches the boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The Louisiana angler gets this fish to ski across the water until it reaches the boat.
LeBrun knows he is going to need some better size, but it's a start.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun knows he is going to need some better size, but it's a start.
This is actually keeper number two for LeBrun, both of which were on the small side. Immediately both anglers notice the currently is significantly less than on Friday when they bagged their giant weight.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This is actually keeper number two for LeBrun, both of which were on the small side. Immediately both anglers notice the currently is significantly less than on Friday when they bagged their giant weight.
Deaver tunes his electronics and makes sure everything is situated. Electronics are key, especially when fishing off-shore like these anglers were.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Deaver tunes his electronics and makes sure everything is situated. Electronics are key, especially when fishing off-shore like these anglers were.
Deaver makes a cast with a swimbait. These two anglers caught a lot of fish on a football jig throughout the event, but a swimbait played a role as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Deaver makes a cast with a swimbait. These two anglers caught a lot of fish on a football jig throughout the event, but a swimbait played a role as well.
LeBrun also heaves out a cast as both anglers get situated on their spot.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun also heaves out a cast as both anglers get situated on their spot.
LeBrun hooks up, and it looks like a big one from how he was fighting it.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun hooks up, and it looks like a big one from how he was fighting it.
Oh yea, it's a big one. LeBrun and Deaver fished a pinch-point trough where the current swept through. The fish positioned in different areas each day making slight adjustments necessary.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Oh yea, it's a big one. LeBrun and Deaver fished a pinch-point trough where the current swept through. The fish positioned in different areas each day making slight adjustments necessary.
Some days they were in the 14-foot region, while other times they were in 20 feet or so.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Some days they were in the 14-foot region, while other times they were in 20 feet or so.
LeBrun reaches for the big fish.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun reaches for the big fish.
LeBrun locks his hand on the giants bottom lip as he begins to hoist him into the boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun locks his hand on the giants bottom lip as he begins to hoist him into the boat.
That's keeper number three ... and it's the right size. What a toad.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - That's keeper number three ... and it's the right size. What a toad.
LeBrun knows how big of a fish catch that was ... a game changer per se.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun knows how big of a fish catch that was ... a game changer per se.
He puts it on the big side for now. Culling that thing would be difficult considering the tough Saturday bite on Guntersville.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He puts it on the big side for now. Culling that thing would be difficult considering the tough Saturday bite on Guntersville.
Deaver gets a bass to sniff his jig, but he swings and misses. Hook sets are free, after all.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Deaver gets a bass to sniff his jig, but he swings and misses. Hook sets are free, after all.
They keep chunking and winding in the Honeycomb area of Lake Guntersville.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - They keep chunking and winding in the Honeycomb area of Lake Guntersville.
Both anglers said they hoped that their teammate made it, which shows an immense amount of respect between both guys.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Both anglers said they hoped that their teammate made it, which shows an immense amount of respect between both guys.
We leave those two and find Tim Eaton who is half of the Team Championship winning duo from Michigan.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We leave those two and find Tim Eaton who is half of the Team Championship winning duo from Michigan.
Nothing but short fish so far this morning for Eaton.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Nothing but short fish so far this morning for Eaton.
He probed the shallow grass point with a wide-wobbling squarebill crankbait.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He probed the shallow grass point with a wide-wobbling squarebill crankbait.
They believe this spot was also current based. When the TVA was ripping current, the fish positioned in a ditch right near the grassy point.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - They believe this spot was also current based. When the TVA was ripping current, the fish positioned in a ditch right near the grassy point.
After no action with Eaton, we left and headed to the Browns Creek bridge, which has been a major player this week. We found a big bass that had choked on a small freshwater drum.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - After no action with Eaton, we left and headed to the Browns Creek bridge, which has been a major player this week. We found a big bass that had choked on a small freshwater drum.
Our camera boat driver, Scott Dobbins, saved this bass from imminent death. For now, anyway.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Our camera boat driver, Scott Dobbins, saved this bass from imminent death. For now, anyway.
No wonder big swimbaits work so well on Lake Guntersville. Big bait equals big fish, and some with eyes bigger than their mouths.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - No wonder big swimbaits work so well on Lake Guntersville. Big bait equals big fish, and some with eyes bigger than their mouths.
We hung around the team from Texas, Dean Alexander and Thomas Martens.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We hung around the team from Texas, Dean Alexander and Thomas Martens.
Martens hooked up for a second, but the fish came unbuttoned
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Martens hooked up for a second, but the fish came unbuttoned
He isn't sure why that happened, but it doesn't make his situation any better because he is sitting on zero at the moment.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He isn't sure why that happened, but it doesn't make his situation any better because he is sitting on zero at the moment.
His partner Dean Alexander was fishing just on the other side of the bridge.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - His partner Dean Alexander was fishing just on the other side of the bridge.
Alexander did a lot of damage this week with a Carolina-rig and a swimbait.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Alexander did a lot of damage this week with a Carolina-rig and a swimbait.
Alexander decides to make a change and he heads to find some active fish, so we leave as well.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Alexander decides to make a change and he heads to find some active fish, so we leave as well.
We find the other angler from the winning team, Chris Risner.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We find the other angler from the winning team, Chris Risner.
Risner was delayed about 15 minutes this morning because he needed to show proof of updated insurance, but after he got on the water he put two fish in the boat quickly. He relied on a crankbait for much of the week.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Risner was delayed about 15 minutes this morning because he needed to show proof of updated insurance, but after he got on the water he put two fish in the boat quickly. He relied on a crankbait for much of the week.
He decides he has had enough of this spot, and heads out to find more fish.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He decides he has had enough of this spot, and heads out to find more fish.
We ease closer to the takeoff ramp where we find Randy Deaver, who left his starting spot to his partner LeBrun.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We ease closer to the takeoff ramp where we find Randy Deaver, who left his starting spot to his partner LeBrun.
Deaver fished the rock wall in Town Creek as the time for session one was winding down.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Deaver fished the rock wall in Town Creek as the time for session one was winding down.
Deaver had company on every possible place on the rock wall and bridge.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Deaver had company on every possible place on the rock wall and bridge.
He hooks up with his first keeper of the day.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He hooks up with his first keeper of the day.
It's putting up quite a fight after Deaver thumped it with a jig.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - It's putting up quite a fight after Deaver thumped it with a jig.
Deaver swings the keeper in the boat, and he is on the board.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Deaver swings the keeper in the boat, and he is on the board.
With Guntersville being stingy this morning, every little bit of weight helps.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - With Guntersville being stingy this morning, every little bit of weight helps.
After the session one weigh-in, Nickolas LeBrun was the leader with 12 pounds, 14 ounces, so we followed him to start session two.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - After the session one weigh-in, Nickolas LeBrun was the leader with 12 pounds, 14 ounces, so we followed him to start session two.
The day was split into two
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The day was split into two "sessions." The first session was from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. They came in and weighed their fish and was able to see how they stacked up and could regroup for the rest of the day. Then they headed out at 11 a.m. and fished until 3 p.m. when the final champion would be crowned.
LeBrun started in North Sauty creek to start session two.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun started in North Sauty creek to start session two.
He figured he was more in survival mode because he had a lead. He went to an area that he figured he could get a limit from and protect his lead.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He figured he was more in survival mode because he had a lead. He went to an area that he figured he could get a limit from and protect his lead.
LeBrun hooked up with his first keeper of the second session.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun hooked up with his first keeper of the second session.
He punched some dying grass mats to hook up with his keeper, something he did back before Thanksgiving when he came here for pre-practice.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He punched some dying grass mats to hook up with his keeper, something he did back before Thanksgiving when he came here for pre-practice.
LeBrun swings aboard number one.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun swings aboard number one.
The Louisiana angler stuck with something that he felt comfortable doing and adjusted throughout the day.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - The Louisiana angler stuck with something that he felt comfortable doing and adjusted throughout the day.
He stayed poised and made some great decisions even during some dry spells.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He stayed poised and made some great decisions even during some dry spells.
LeBrun shifts his attention to the other side of the bridge where some dying grass gathered along the rip-rap.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun shifts his attention to the other side of the bridge where some dying grass gathered along the rip-rap.
And he hooked up again. He knew he could catch a limit, but he wasn't sure if this pattern could produce a giant, or just two- or three-pounders.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And he hooked up again. He knew he could catch a limit, but he wasn't sure if this pattern could produce a giant, or just two- or three-pounders.
He gets the largemouth to the surface.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He gets the largemouth to the surface.
And brings it aboard.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And brings it aboard.
He punched with a 1-ounce weight, a punch skirt and a small craw on the business end.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He punched with a 1-ounce weight, a punch skirt and a small craw on the business end.
He threw back this non-keeper as it was just shy of the necessary 15 inch-minimum.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He threw back this non-keeper as it was just shy of the necessary 15 inch-minimum.
Sitting on one keeper, LeBrun kept his eyes fixed on the targets ahead and stayed calm.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Sitting on one keeper, LeBrun kept his eyes fixed on the targets ahead and stayed calm.
Here is some of the thick stuff that he was flipping.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Here is some of the thick stuff that he was flipping.
LeBrun decides to make a move to another part of North Sauty where there was similar grass.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun decides to make a move to another part of North Sauty where there was similar grass.
He drops his presentation in the first patch he sees...
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He drops his presentation in the first patch he sees...
And hooks up quickly.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And hooks up quickly.
Not knowing what other anglers were catching, every fish had equal importance.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Not knowing what other anglers were catching, every fish had equal importance.
He swings aboard this fish, and continues adjusting as this bass was caught on another bait entirely.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He swings aboard this fish, and continues adjusting as this bass was caught on another bait entirely.
He picked up a vibrating jig with a swimbait trailer to catch that fish.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He picked up a vibrating jig with a swimbait trailer to catch that fish.
But it wasn't long enough so it goes back into Guntersville to grow.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - But it wasn't long enough so it goes back into Guntersville to grow.
Another fisherman makes a move as LeBrun and this blue heron cross paths.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Another fisherman makes a move as LeBrun and this blue heron cross paths.
About 15 minutes later, the Louisiana angler hooks up.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - About 15 minutes later, the Louisiana angler hooks up.
This one seems to be long enough at the moment, but it's too soon to tell.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This one seems to be long enough at the moment, but it's too soon to tell.
LeBrun eyes it up to see.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun eyes it up to see.
Relief as it keeps. Another one in the box for Nick.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Relief as it keeps. Another one in the box for Nick.
Solid fish. If he can catch a limit of those he may very well survive and punch a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Solid fish. If he can catch a limit of those he may very well survive and punch a ticket to the Bassmaster Classic.
LeBrun flips the next patch of grass and gets bit.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - LeBrun flips the next patch of grass and gets bit.
He swings aboard another keeper and gets back to fishing very quickly.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He swings aboard another keeper and gets back to fishing very quickly.
And he bows up his fishing rod again on another fish.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - And he bows up his fishing rod again on another fish.
This one struggles to get free, but LeBrun keeps it buttoned up and brings it to the boat.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - This one struggles to get free, but LeBrun keeps it buttoned up and brings it to the boat.
He swings this one in and now he has a limit.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He swings this one in and now he has a limit.
He fist pumps because he knows a limit will be important, but LeBrun finishes second as Thomas Martens
Photo: Ronnie Moore - He fist pumps because he knows a limit will be important, but LeBrun finishes second as Thomas Martens
<p>In the end, Thomas Martens from Texas brought in an impressive afternoon catch. His total for the second session was 22-12.</p>
Photo: Ronnie Moore - In the end, Thomas Martens from Texas brought in an impressive afternoon catch. His total for the second session was 22-12.
<p>In March of 2016, Martens will cross the Bassmaster Classic stage and represent B.A.S.S.'s sanctioned team trail.</p>
Photo: Ronnie Moore - In March of 2016, Martens will cross the Bassmaster Classic stage and represent B.A.S.S.'s sanctioned team trail.