Strike King/Mercury pro Greg Hackney didn’t let the blustery wind blow away his chances at winning the Bassmaster Elite Series event on Cayuga Lake out of Union Springs, NY. Sure, Hackney came up one short of his limit today, but his 17 pounds, 11 ounces pushed his three-day total to (61-1) enough to take the lead into Championship Sunday and one step closer to securing his first Elite Series Angler of the Year (AOY) title.
In second once again is Yamaha pro Todd Faircloth (60-7).
Rounding out the Top 5 in third Strike King pro Chris Zaldain (56-4). Livingston Lures pro Jacob Powroznik is in fourth (55-11). Fifth is held by Rigid Industries pro Brandon Palaniuk (54-7)
Wind hampered Hackney.
“I only caught four today, but I did have the fifth on,” said Hackney. “The wind made it tough today. I’m fishing grass and I think the wind and big waves scooted them out of there into deeper water. They were there earlier in the day. I’m keying in on a few areas. I think my biggest mistake was I stayed there too long.
“I’m gonna let the weather decide what I’m gonna do tomorrow.”
Faircloth working hard.
“I’m doing everything I can to stay in the hunt,” said Faircloth. “In the hunt for this tournament and for the Angler of the Year. There is a lot of fishing left for me. Tomorrow and then the Michigan tournament.
“I just have to catch everything to have a shot at the AOY. Right now, I’m having a great tournament here. It is a terrific fishery with lots of grass and lots of healthy bass.”
Zaldain respectful.
“It’s no secret that I am sharing water with Todd Faircloth,” said Zaldain. “The first day he was there in the morning and I showed up after he left. Yesterday we arrived at the same time. We worked it out and we’ve been able to fish the water.
“I’m totally respecting his water. I know what he has on the line with the Angler of the Year. I’m fishing out off the area a bit. I’m hoping for another big sack of bass and make it to the Angler of the Year event.”
J. Proz adjusting.
“The wind made it tough today,” said Powroznik. “Those big waves make it tough when you are flipping into itty bitty holes the size of a softball. We are professionals so we just have to adjust. We are supposed to overcome these things.
“I don’t care if it is sunny or cloudy tomorrow, I just prefer the wind not to blow like today.”
Palaniuk gets deep.
“I love New York,” said Palaniuk. “The lake reminds me of Idaho lakes. I am doing something different than a lot of anglers. I’m fishing deep, over 25 feet deep and deeper. I’m using a 1-ounce Terminator football jig. I know there are 25-pound bags out there.”
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