Had to go look at my football jig inventory .... not sure why! 

Same here, I think Nolan's the only one getting it done today! 

Oh man, I haven't been able to really keep up today because of work. Makes me wish I'd have called in sick to watch. What a young man!!! His weights get bigger every day as the pressure gets higher. That's what separates great fisherman from good ones. KEEP IT UP NOLAN!!!!!!

22 minutes ago, scaleface said:

Wish I could stay and watch but have to get the mother-in-law to the Dr's . Good luck Nolan , my fingers are crossed .

It's your mother in-law @everythingthatswims is more important at this point. J/k ?

My man using the jig and not that lame little soft stick thingy. Atta boy!

I believe what has set Nolan apart from the others in this bracket tournament has been his poise & confidence.  As a young man in a highly excited environment, it is very easy to let the situation overwhelm you and your plans.  From Day one, he knew the contest he was fishing, what he needed to do and kept his ego in check in order to accomplish it.  

 

Rare are the multi-day tournaments where the winner is comes flying out of the gate and then is hanging on at the end (like Tim Horton did on Okeechobee a year ago).  Starting well and then increasing as the tournament progresses is the strategy that wins, but is so difficult to do mentally while you are in the midst of it.  Nolan has shown a maturity past his years.

 

If he does indeed keep the lead & win today, I just hope he doesn't long-arm the trophy for the photos... ?

I stopped at Subway to grab a sandwich get into the truck turn it on to 4 minutes of commercials and was bummed. Finally it came on, and I see he has over 12 pounds of bass and is leading! I almost choked on the sub! Last I checked he has 2 pounds or so. I watched his rod when he set the hook on that drum and thought 5 pounder! 

 

To quote Mark Zona @everythingthatswims "IS A DAG GUM STUD!" 

52 minutes ago, GReb said:

What’s the skinny on Milford?  I’ve never even heard of it

I lived on Milford Lake for a few years. I've really been enjoying watching this tournament for the past few days because I recognize the areas that they're fishing. Of course, it doesn't hurt that one of our own is kicking butt!

Nolan just switched over to the Ned rig & hooked up a couple of times.  Way to use Midwest Finesse in the Midwest!!?

Its getting close! Within 1 lb with 20 minutes to go.

Nick just caught a good one to tighten it up.

 

This is making me anxious!!

I'm dying!

wow..,.

Ratliff goes 4 oz. ahead

 

Nerve wracking.

AARRGH!! He missed it by 4oz......

Great job Nolan, you really showed your talents & character through these 3 days.

 

As a consolation, remember that Jordan Lee finished 2nd in his first bracket appearance.

Congratulations on an outstanding derby @everythingthatswims

I for one really enjoyed watching & especially listening to you fish today.

You did yourself proud.

A-Jay

 

***swears*** ***cries*** *** heartbroken for the young man***

 

Well unless something crazy happens it looks like our boy didn't quite squeeze it.

Heck of an effort, and heck of a tournament! Congrats Nolan!  Keep up the great work! 

Great job, Nolan! We're all proud of you!

Remember, he's only a sophomore.  This kid isn't going away.

Great tourney and I'm positive that we have not seen the last of Nolan on the big stage!!

 

He had me on the edge of my seat all day

I feel for you Nolan.  You'll shake it off though.  You obviously know what you're doing on the water and you're a natural in front of the camera.  You have a bright future ahead of you.  Congrats on one heck of a season!

Did anybody else's heart almost stop when @everythingthatswims pretended to set the hook with about 20 seconds to go?

 

Dude you did awesome! If you're looking for a president for your fan club give me a shout! Seriously though it's been a ton of fun following you this year, and I see big things for you in the future! Great job!