Columbia, SC– Narrow. That’s the word used to describe Anthony Gagliardi’s margin of victory, but even that might not be descriptive enough.
The Chevy Pro bested second place by an ounce. One. Single. Ounce.
That ounce is, without a doubt, the most valuable ounce of fish in the history of fishing, as Gagliardi makes his way home with the $500,000 that goes along with winning the cup.
And it’s not like he has a long trip home in front of him, as he calls nearby Prosperity, South Carolina home.
Speaking of Lake Murray itself, Gagliardi would ruminate, “Lake Murray is known as ‘The Jewel of South Carolina,’ and it’s been my jewel for sure. I’ve won a lot of money here.”
The Top Five
In what has to be the closest major tournament I can remember, only 11 ounces separated first place and fifth place.
Here’s a quick run down of the top five finishers and their results:
- Anthony Gagliardi, 51 pounds, 2 ounces.
- Scott Canterbury, 51 pounds, 1 ounce.
- Brent Ehrler, 50 pounds, 11 ounces.
- Casey Ashley, 50 pounds, 7 ounces.
- Steve Kennedy, 50 pounds, 7 ounces.
The tight field provided plenty of excitement for those in attendance at the weigh ins.
The Winning Baits
Gagliardi employed several different baits and techniques to put his bass in the boat—proving versatility is probably the number one tool a successful tournament fisherman needs.
A 5-inch Basstrix swimbait on a 3/8 ounce Buckeye swimbait head proved an early winner. Fishing this rig over shallow grass points where bass were feeding on bluebacked herring was successful.
He would also make his way into the Saluda river with a Zoom Ol’ Monster worm rigged Texas style.
On the final day, he made a switch and brought out the Zoom flukes and Yamamoto D Shads.
What It’s All About
A win this close we may never see again.
Gagliardi was quick to credit his wife, Kristin, who was “there from day one, encouraging me.”
A nail-biting, photo finish, won by a local boy who thanks his wife on the podium? Yes folks, that is why we love this sport.