Day 4 begins

The weather was mild but the tension was palpable at the final-day launch on St. Clair.

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The darkness at the final-day launch at Lake St. Clair Metropark was broken only by the lights on the boats.
The darkness at the final-day launch at Lake St. Clair Metropark was broken only by the lights on the boats.
Chad Pipkens gets settled in for a long day.
Chad Pipkens gets settled in for a long day.
Pipkens starts the day in eighth place in his home state.
Pipkens starts the day in eighth place in his home state.
Brett Hite is pensive before the day begins.
Brett Hite is pensive before the day begins.
“These smallmouth fish a lot like the spotted bass back home, real aggressive,” said Alabama’s Greg Vinson. “I’ve caught some of my biggest smallmouth this week. This has been a special tournament.”
Todd Faircloth talks with Yamaha's Dave Ittner.
Todd Faircloth talks with Yamaha’s Dave Ittner.
Brandon Palaniuk is the leader going into Day 4.
Brandon Palaniuk is the leader going into Day 4.
Shaye Baker gets Palaniuk's GoPro set up.
Shaye Baker gets Palaniuk’s GoPro set up.
Palaniuk is quiet before the interviews start.
Palaniuk is quiet before the interviews start.
“I know that I’ve got to bring them in today,” said Palaniuk.
Palaniuk said if the bite is on, he could get 25 pounds in an hour this morning.
Palaniuk said if the bite is on, he could get 25 pounds in an hour this morning.
“I’m definitely a lot more calm, but I’m a lot more nervous today,” said Palaniuk, comparing today to his Day 4 lead a couple of years ago.
Palaniuk gets organized before his takeoff.
Palaniuk gets organized before his takeoff.
Max Leatherwood guides VanDam into his spot in line.
Max Leatherwood guides VanDam into his spot in line.
Vinson is mentally ready, he said.
Vinson is mentally ready, he said. “I’ve got nothing to lose,” he said with a smile.
“Fishing is a roller coaster sport,” said Todd Faircloth. “If I can catch another 20-plus today, I’ve got a good shot at winning this thing.”
Jonathon VanDam ordered pizza and turned in early last night for his birthday. He's ready for the day and excited that most of his family will be present for the weigh-in.
Jonathon VanDam ordered pizza and turned in early last night for his birthday. He’s ready for the day and excited that most of his family will be present for the weigh-in.
Ronnie Moore talks to Bassmaster Marshals about the BASSTrakk app before they go out.
Ronnie Moore talks to Bassmaster Marshals about the BASSTrakk app before they go out.
“I don’t really like to fish around crowds a whole lot,” said Chris Lane. “That’s why I decided to stay right around here.”
Palaniuk talks to a reporter on the dock.
Palaniuk talks to a reporter on the dock.
The Bassmaster LIVE camera is in his boat now doing early-morning interviews that will be aired during today's show.
The Bassmaster LIVE camera is in his boat now doing early-morning interviews that will be aired during today’s show.
Chris Lane gets settled in with his cameraman, Wes Miller.
Chris Lane gets settled in with his cameraman, Wes Miller.
Getting ready to go, but first ...
Getting ready to go, but first …
... let's get a photo.
… let’s get a photo.