"The first day of a bass fishing tournament is one of the most crucial days of an event. Words of
wisdom that have been repeated over and over are, “You can’t win a tournament on day one,
but you sure can lose it.” Withstanding the pressure, and remaining focused will be the goal as
anglers take to Pickwick Lake on day one. Pre-tournament predictions had winning weight
estimates ranging from 40-50 pounds. Day one will provide a clearer picture of just how well the
Tennessee River is fishing right now.
Entering this event there were two polarizing story lines: Floyd & McNeil’s possible repeat, and
the race for Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia. Let’s start first by
focusing on Cole Floyd and Carter McNeil from Bethel University. The pair won this exact event
just last season. Never in the history of this tournament has a school, let alone the exact same
two angler team, won this event in back-to-back years. On day one we will have a camera in
the boat following them to see how they fare this year in 2019.
Along with the title of tournament champion, one lucky university will be crowned School of the
Year. McKendree University leads the pack entering this final event of the season. We will
have on-the-water coverage of Nathan Doty and Jacob Louis of McKendree. Taking into
account their significant lead, McKendree likely only needs two teams to finish inside the top 50
to secure the School of the Year title. Camera crews will also follow the remaining schools
inside the top five for Bass Pro Shops School of the Year presented by Abu Garcia: Murray
State, Bethel University, Adrian College, and Blue Mountain College.
Pickwick Lake is fishing really well right now. Bass have started to settle in to their summertime
patterns, and anglers have dialed them in. Big weights can be guaranteed at weigh-in. Tune in
to see just how well these anglers can do on day one of the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing
Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops."