Murray State University team member Steve Miller shows off his catch. Murray State University finished the first day of national championship competition in second place. Photo by Gary Mortenson. Anglers: Daniel Langton, Steve Miller, Ben Jackson, Kalem Tippett.

April 8, 2011 • Steve Miller • Angler Columns

From what I saw out on the Chevy On the Water Update Boat, today was a different ballgame for many teams. The door is still open for any team to claim the 2011 National Guard FLW College Fishing National Championship. The weather has been a roller coaster ride the last few weeks – especially during the practice periods.

But finally, the wind, water temperature and lake levels are starting to resemble those normal for springtime fishing on Kentucky Lake. The fish are feeling it to and are starting to move. Most are moving to the shallows to spawn.

A few teams that found the bigger females today were fishing shallow – kicking up mud with the trolling motor around the warmest water that could be found as they flipped shallow cover.

Yesterday the teams that focused on deeper water seemed to find their way toward the top of the leaderboard. Those that fished shallow today might do the same thing on day two.

With the fish moving so much, the teams that made the right moves will make up tomorrow’s top five. And those that follow them best will be your 2011 National Champions.