CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bryan Thrift took the lead early in the game and never let go of the top spot during Bass Pro Shops REDCREST Presented by Shore Lunch.
It seems the North Carolina angler was holding back at first, barely squeaking into the Knockout Round by placing 19th in the Qualifying Round with 10 bass weighing 25 pounds, 3 ounces. He returned to Lake Norman with a swift and steady pace to lead Knockout Round 1 with five bass weighing 17-12, adding 15-6 in Knockout Round 2.
Thrift wrapped up REDCREST with five bass weighing 13-10 in the Championship Round for a three-day total of 46-12, good for the title, $300,000 and memories to last a lifetime.