2009 Southern Division Day 2 – Georgia Overcomes 20lb Deficit

June 11, 2009 – “In 30 years, Georgia has never came from behind to take the lead,” Georgia Bass Federation President, Larry Lewis, said. Well, today they did, on day two of the TBF Southern Division Championship. After day one, the Georgia state team met and talked about their strategies and their chances to take the lead. “Mathematically, we didn’t think it was possible to make up a 20lb deficit in one day, but we’ve done it and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” Lewis said. Georgia Bass Federation brought in 49 fish with a total weight of 99lb 8oz. Not only did they come from such a deficit, but also they’re nearly 10lbs ahead of the competition, yesterday’s leaders, the South Carolina Bass Federation. South Carolina caught 42 fish with a total weight of 72lb 4oz. In third, is the Alabama Bass Federation who caught 46 fish that weighed 81lb 14oz. The Tennessee Bass Federation caught 45 fish that weighed 82lb. After the huge changes today, it’s safe to say tomorrow could be anybody’s game.

In the individual standings, Adam Williamson from Ridgeway, SC, came from second to seize the top spot today. Williamson caught a limit of bass that weighed 13lb, making his total tournament weight 27lb 3oz. He commented yesterday that he was planning on doing the same thing today and it looks like it worked for him. However, he did say he plans on adjusting a bit tomorrow. “As the day went on the bites shut down,” Williamson said. “The fish are changing, they’re figuring it out. But, I’ve got some new places saved for tomorrow, and I’ve caught most of my fish by 10am, so, as long as I can catch them in the morning I should be alright.” He also said he got another great draw in partner, Thomas White. “My partner today was great. I gave him all the opportunity I could and he ended up with four fish. We worked so hard to get that last one; hopefully, we will both do great tomorrow.”

The competition behind first is so tight, with less than a pound separating the top five finishers. In second, is Jay Keith from Camden, SC who caught five fish that weighed 13lb 2oz, making his total weight 26lb 13oz. Tony Green from Macon, GA, is right behind him with five fish that weighed 13lb 1oz, making his total weight 26lb 3oz. In fourth, is yesterday’s leader, Norman Mullinax from Wilmington, NC, who caught five fish that weighed 9lb 8oz, making his total tournament weight 25 lb. In fifth place, is Gary Cline from Lexington, NC, who caught five fish that weighed a whopping 16lb 8oz, the biggest tournament bag so far. Cline also brought in big bass today, a fish that weighed 7lb 4oz, which definitely helped him climb into the top five with a total weight of 24lb 2oz.

After the huge changes today, it’s safe to say tomorrow could be anyone’s game. Or should we say, anyone’s championship title?