(The writer's opinions and observations expressed here are his own, and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views, policies or positions of FLW.)

Honestly, I feel sick to my stomach after what happened today. That said, I know what I have to do for tomorrow and am definitely not out of it.

I had what I thought was a solid first day, but all of that changed at weigh-in. In my bag was a 2-pound largemouth that was on the line, right at 15 inches. She had a belly, was a good fish, and was my smallest fish. When I measured her on the water she was almost 1/8-inch over 15 inches. So I didn’t even think twice about it, and I let go a few 2-pound spotted bass during the day.

You have to make those decisions on the water, and you pray to God that they’re the right ones. In hindsight, though, I should’ve been smart and just brought in one of those spots. When I got to weigh-in, she measured less than 15 inches. So not only did I lose 2 pounds there, but I also incurred a 1-pound penalty. So my decision cost me 3 pounds.

As it stands, that one mistake took me pretty far out of contention, unless I really, really wax them tomorrow. Yet, I definitely think I can do that. I shook off more than 75 bites in practice, and when I went to those fish this morning, my first seven or eight fish were all keepers. I really only hit four or five of my spots, too, out of 28. I brought in three fish over 3 pounds. So if I get five of those, right there I’m already at 15 pounds. I have a good bed fish I’m hoping to catch first thing Friday morning to start me off. And I really feel my pattern will hold up, since there are very few people in my area.

I know I’m going to have to do a lot more winding and grinding to make up some ground. I’ll need at least 12 ½ pounds just to get a check, and 16-17 pounds to make the cut. As of right now, though, that’s my best shot at making it happen is putting the trolling motor down and going. I think I slowed down a little after I had what I thought was 12 pounds. If I grind and cover water all day tomorrow, I can make it happen.