As noted before this tournament started, Elite Series pro Cliff Prince is in an unusual predicament. He's the "bubble boy" in the Elite Series yearly point standings for a Bassmaster Classic qualification.
If someone who hasn't already qualified wins this tournament, Prince is out. For instance, Day 1 leader David Williams and second place Richard Howes, both of whom have fished all the Southern Opens, could knock Prince out.
Prince could decide his own destiny by winning here. He hasn't fished the other two Southern Opens, but his win would prevent someone from bumping him off the list. Prince kept himself in contention yesterday with a 26th-place weight of 10-5.
And he could also benefit with a little help from his friends. Chad Morgenthaler (3rd, 13-8) and Andy Montgomery (4th, 13-2) have already qualified for the Classic through the Elite Series. If either of them wins, Prince is in.
Tournament director Chris Bowes lauded Prince at Thursday's weigh-in for taking the last minute chance to decide his own fate.
"If you've got any chance at all to make the Classic, you've got to take it," Prince said.
