2017 BASS Elite Ross Barnett Day 2: Dustin Connell Jumps into Lead with 36-07lbs.

Windy day flattens catches. 

By Thomas Allen 

BASS PRESS RELEASE
Twenty-six-year-old Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Dustin Connell took over the lead on Friday’s second round of competition at the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Ross Barnett.

Rookie grabs Day 2 lead.
(Photo: BASS)

Connell, of Clanton, Ala., caught a five-bass limit that weighed 16 pounds, 11 ounces, pushing his two-day total to 36-7, which is less than 2 pounds ahead of second place.
 
A big wind picked up during the afternoon pushing sustained speeds of 20 mph with gusts near 30. On a relatively shallow lake like Mississippi’s Ross Barnett Reservoir, that means muddy water and big waves — something all of the competitors will have to deal with on Saturday’s semifinal round.
 
“The wind won’t affect my fishing spots, but it will affect my travel time to and from where I’ll be spending my day,” Connell said. “What’s concerning me is that the water level is rising and getting muddier.”
 
The young angler mentioned that the water conditions seemed to be worsening, but the bass were still active and willing to attack multiple presentations.