SUMMERTON, S.C. – Mike Jackson made a big move Thursday. Catching the second biggest bag of the day, the San Mateo, Fla., angler moved into the lead of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series National Championship, operated by American Bass Anglers. The winner receives the final berth into the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
Fishing the Santee-Cooper Lakes of South Carolina, Jackson had a limit weighing 20.55 pounds. He climbed up from fourth on Day One when he caught 17.88, including a 5.39-pound kicker. After two straight limits, he holds the lead in the Boater Division with 38.43 pounds.
In second is Wade Grooms of Bonneau, S.C., who moved up 15 places Thursday with a 19.10 bag for a total of 34.69 pounds. Maintaining third place with a two-day total of 34.66 pounds was Scott A. Dean of Terrell, Texas.
Allan Glasgow of Ashville, Ala., caught the event's largest bag Thursday at 20.70 to move from 27th to fourth. He has a total of 34.60.
There are 176 anglers who have qualified through state, divisional and regional tournaments. The winner becomes the true amateur to fish in the Bassmaster Classic, held Feb. 24-26 on the Red River out of Shreveport-Bossier City, La.