Dalton Wilson and Randall Morris of Bethel University brought in 27 pounds, 5 ounces to lead after Day 1 of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Wild Card on Pickwick Lake in Florence, Ala. Wilson and Morris are trailed by two of their Bethel University teammates, Cody Ross and Dewey Swims who brought in 24-6 to end the day in second place.
“We lost two fish that would have culled today,” Wilson said.
With a 5 1/2-pound average leading the event and a chance for that weight to have been even bigger, Pickwick certainly didn’t disappoint on Day 1. The typical offshore game paved the way for all the leaders who caught their fish on main river ledges.
The 2013 Carhartt College Series National Champions from Auburn University of Montgomery sit in 3rd place with a total of 23-14. Jacob Nummy and Tyler Strock are hoping for a chance to repeat for their school.
“Making it back to Chatuge for the National Championship is everything,” Nummy said.
This week’s Wild Card is the last opportunity for anglers to qualify for the National Championship, which will be held next month on Chatuge Reservoir.
A few anglers who have already qualified are fishing this event just for the chance to win the trophy, but the remainder teams have their eyes on the Top. The Top 17 boats will advance to the National championship and complete our field. If one of the teams has already qualified prior to this event, the invitation for the National Championship will move down the standings until 17 teams have qualified from the Wild Card.
Saturday is the second and final day of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series. The launch will take place at McFarland Park at 5:30 a.m., and the weigh-in will begin at 2:30 p.m. on the University of North Alabama’s campus. To follow the action, visit Bassmaster.com.
2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Title Sponsor: Carhartt
2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Quantum, Yamaha
2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Supporting Partners: Booyah, Diet Mountain Dew, Livingston Lures, Lowrance, Motorguide, Plano, Power-Pole, Rigid Industries, Shimano
2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Proud Partner: Mustang Survival