If you look at the points race from the 2019 season, Justin Atkins, Mike McClelland and James Watson all ended the year near the bottom of the 80-angler field (Atkins: 59th, Watson: 63rd, McClelland: 78th). 

But the new year brought a clean slate, and all three pros came to the B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented By Power-Pole on Lake Eufaula determined to start the 2020 season off right. 

During Qualifying Day 4 on Monday, Atkins, McClelland and Watson all stayed comfortably in the Top 20, making the cut for Tuesday’s Knockout Round, which means they’ll go home with a paycheck at the end of Stage One. We spoke to them shortly after they got off the water to find out what changes they made to accomplish a strong start to the season.