Horton hanging on.
BASS PRESS RELEASEAfter losing a 9-pound bass to start his morning, Tim Horton of Muscle Shoals, Ala., kept his composure and weighed 15 pounds, 11 ounces to keep a tight grip on the lead at the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Lake Okeechobee.
Horton's three-day total was pushed to 71-14, which is more than 8 pounds ahead of second place — Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn.
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| Leaders struggle as Big O stayed calm. (Photo: BASS) |
Horton, who is hoping to win his fifth Bassmaster title, said it was a heartbreaking moment, and it wasn't the only big bass he lost during Saturday's competition.
"I had a perfect day on Friday, I didn't lose a single fish," Horton explained. "I knew I was bound to mess something up, and I did today. Twice. When you're in contention to win one of these tournaments, mistakes like that can cost you big time. I lost that big one early, then I dumped another 5-pounder around midday."
Horton's misfortune, while painful, didn't last long.
"I had two minutes to go and I caught a 5-13, which culled out a 13-ounce bass I had been trying to get rid of all day," he said. "I made it to check-in with one minute to spare. I'm so thankful I was able to catch that big fish late in the day. It gave me a much needed boost in confidence to start the final day, and that always helps."
