Neal Makes the Most of Late-Day Bite to Take Control on Lake Fork
LAKE FORK, Texas – The General Tire Stage Three Presented by TrueTimber on Lake Fork continues to be all about the big bass. Although the fishing slowed down on Saturday compared to the massive haul from Day 1, the first day for Group B saw another record-setting big bass.
The 20th place angler from Day 2 is Anthony Gagliardi with 27 pounds, 13 ounces. Compared to the first day of competition, that position was an eye-popping 40 pounds, 11 ounces. But even though the weights and catch totals were down, Lake Fork still proved why it’s one of the best bass fisheries in the world.
Lake Fork produced three 7-pounders, two 8s, one 9, and another beautiful double-digit largemouth.
Neal Continues His Roll
Michael Neal continues to prove that he catches them everywhere he goes. Fresh off a second-place showing at Stage Two on Lake Okeechobee, Neal finished the day with 16 bass for 57 pounds. More than 35 of those pounds came in the final frame.
Neal said he found a staging area, and they simply turned on late in the day.
“I was doing the same thing and fishing the same areas all day, but they just started biting,” he shared. “I’m fishing a textbook staging area with fish coming and going, with both prespawn and postspawn fish.”
Looking ahead, Neal said he has several similar areas scoped out.
“I’m going to keep running those places and will probably slow down and pick them apart a little more,” Neal said.
Coulter’s Consistent Day
Brandon Coulter spent much of the day hovering near the top of the standings, and if not for a late rally by fellow Tennessean Neal, he would be the leader. Coulter was able to land 14 bass for 56 pounds, helped greatly by a massive 9-5.
Coulter was pleased with his day and optimistic about what he found today.
“I caught them how I thought I would, but better than expected,” Coulter admitted.
Coulter finds himself within reach of winning his group and advancing straight to the Championship Round, which will affect his plans for Monday.
“I am going to play it by ear and if I have a shot at the win, I am going to try to win it,” Coulter said. “If the lead gets out of reach, I am going to switch to practice mode.”
Atkins Rides Record to Third Place
Like Christie yesterday, Justin Atkins caught a double-digit bass and finds himself in third place. In total, he pulled in nine bass for 51 pounds even. The highlight for Atkins, and the fans watching in MLF NOW!, was a 10-pound, 8-ounce Lake Fork monster that he landed during Period 2.
“It was freaking awesome,” Atkins said as he recalled the catch. “To catch a personal best in a tournament is crazy and fish like that are why you come to Texas.”
Even though the tournament is still on the line, Atkins said one of his first thoughts was on the upcoming Heavy Hitters event.
“I was 40th in those standings coming here and a 10-pounder will go a long way,” he shared.
For the rest of the week, he plans to build on what he found today.
“I feel like I have a good area and the fish are fresh, there weren’t as many in there during practice. I’ll go back through there and if it doesn’t work out, I have a few more areas I can go to,” Atkins added.
Looking Ahead
Group A is back to Fork and it’s moving day as half of the field will be eliminated and the other half will get at least one more day of fishing. The weather is calling for a drastic drop in air temperatures with a predicted high of 60 degrees and thunderstorms.
How, When, Where to Watch
Watch all three periods of competition during the MLF NOW! live stream beginning at 9:45 a.m CST on March 13-18, 2020. Watch for free on MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF app, or the MyOutdoorTV app.