Bassmaster Basic Day 2: Gustafson Extends Tennessee River Lead

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Regardless of added fishing stress on his most important space, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson linked with 17 kilos, 3 ounces on Day 2. This prolonged his Bassmaster Basic result in a whopping 5 kilos, 12 ounces going into Championship Sunday. Whereas the vast majority of the sector is focusing on largemouth bass, Gussy is staying along with his Lake Tellico river channel on the lookout for suspended bass.

Gustafson continues to depend on his Humminbird APEX fish finder to find and catch these monster fish (a bit of drugs that we clearly don’t have any selection however to get into testing this yr). His 2-day whole weight rocks the scales at 35 kilos, 11 ounces.

He started the 2023 Bassmaster Basic as a favourite, got here out sturdy on Day 1, and delivered by 2 days of competitors.

Canada Got here to Play on the 2023 Bassmaster Basic

Jeff Gustafson on Day 2 of the Bassmaster Basic in Knoxville; (photograph/Seigo Saito-B.A.S.S.)

Our neighbors to the north imply critical enterprise.

Representing Ontario, Jeff has led 6 straight days on the Tennessee River in Knoxville courting again to his 2021 victory. His offshore smallmouth sample continues to provide as he targets fish under his boat with MEGA Reside Imaging sonar. Basically using ice fishing ways to catch pressured smallmouth, his better-than-average-sized bass has him 5 fish away from his first Bassmaster Basic victory. 

Gustafson stays centered on his Humminbird APEX with MEGA Reside Imaging to focus on suspended smallmouth; (photograph/Andy Crawford-B.A.S.S.)

Whereas fishing in shifting currents and elevated winds on Day 2, he relied on his X2 Battery lithiums to maintain his trolling motor locked on, permitting him to focus on particular person fish. Followers this week can observe alongside on Bassmaster dwell protection with real-time footage linked to Gustafson’s Humminbird APEX unit, displaying the capabilities of his forward-facing sonar. 

In case you’re a gear junkie like we’re, it doesn’t get a lot cooler than that.

Cox Crushes, Strikes Into Second

DeBary, Florida angler John Cox fishing on Day 2 of the Basic; (photograph/Chase Sansom-B.A.S.S.)

John Cox has had his ups and down on the Tennessee River, however is locked right into a candy spot this week the place warming waters have largemouth bass shifting into him on daily basis of the occasion. He started with 14 kilos, 4 ounces on Day 1. Day 2 discovered him including one other 15 kilos, 11 ounces. He’s acquired a slim second-place seat headed into Day 3.

Cox is all smiles touchdown a hold largemouth on Day 2; (photograph/Chase Sansom-B.A.S.S.)

Cox is focusing on bass shifting into shallow spawning areas round a creek channel. As fish transfer by his space, he’s focusing on rocks round bridge pilings with Berkley Frittside Crankbait. His methodology appears to be deflecting his bait to trigger response bites. Conserving his deal with involved with rocks causes an erratic motion that the larger feminine largemouth can’t resist.

Cox is over 5 kilos behind Gustafson going into the ultimate day of Sunday, and simply 2 ounces forward of Maryland angler Bryan Schmitt who sits in third. 

2023 Bassmaster Basic: Day 2 Wrapup

Cox with a kicker bass propelled him into second place after 2 days of fishing; (photograph/Chase Sansom-B.A.S.S.)

On the ultimate day of Sunday, the 55-angler subject is lower to 25, with sooner or later of fishing remaining to find out the 2023 Basic Champion. Gustafson appears to be like to turn into the primary Canadian angler to hoist the famed Bassmaster Basic trophy whereas John Cox appears to be like so as to add to his embellished profession. 

Will Gustafson’s smallmouth spots maintain up yet one more day, or will a largemouth angler make a comeback to take the title?

Take a look at the complete leaderboard, right here.



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