COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. — A midday kicker buoyed Gunner Robbins and Drew Smith’s day, as the Livingston Academy Junior Bassmasters sacked up a five-bass limit of 14 pounds, 1 ounce and won the Bassmaster Junior Series event at Clarks Hill Reservoir.
Fishing the upper end of this Savannah River fishery, the winners targeted a mix of points and brush in about 10 feet of water. They caught their bass on a Rapala DT10 in the demon color and a 1/2-ounce green pumpkin/brown Strike King Hack Attack Jig with a watermelon red Strike King Rage Craw trailer.
The jig produced their day-maker — a 6-4 that bit around 11 a.m. Robbins said he got the big bass in the boat quickly, but it didn’t give up easily.
“He hit it pretty good and fought pretty hard,” Robbins said.
The bites were spread out, so Robbins and Smith had to fish diligently. Their patience was finally rewarded with their fifth keeper around 2 p.m.
Smith said he and his partner were especially thrilled with their win because it means they get to compete in the Bassmaster Junior Series National Championship.
“I’ll look back in 30 years from now and remember this moment,” Smith concluded.
Tyler Nelson and Saw Reynolds of Bandy’s Fishing Team Juniors placed second with 12-1
Jaxon Sparks and Colby Peoples of the Clarks Hill Youth Fishing Team finished third with 10-10.
