Scott Canterbury sacked 12-01 today and moved into the lead with 24-00 overall with one day remaining at the Lake Norman FLW Tour Invitational.
The veteran pro from Alabama, who posted his first career Tour win earlier this year at Beaver Lake, holds a 6-ounce lead of local Scott Beattie, who caught 11-10 today following a 12-00 stringer on Thursday.
The winner will take home up to $85,000 and a berth in the 2017 Forrest Wood Cup.
“I’ve got an area that I’m fishing slowly, and another 30 spots that I’m hitting as quickly as I can,” said Canterbury. “I wouldn’t say I had a better day than yesterday, but I did bring in two more ounces of bass.
“I spent three hours working through my primary area today,” he continued. “Yesterday I caught a good limit there and culled twice before leaving. Today I only culled once. I don’t think it has the bigger fish, but they’re quality-sized. I’m finesse fishing for a limit and then going and looking for a big one.”
Wesley Strader remained in the top 5, but slipped a spot to 3rd with 23-07. Michael Neal is one ounce back in 4th and local favorite Bryan Thrift moved into 5th with 23-01 after bagging 11-12 today.
The field was reduced to the top 20 for the final day. The top 5 is separated by just 15 ounces. Just 2-02 separates Canterbury from Michael Stephens in 10th.
Here's a look at the top 10 entering the final day.
1. Scott Canterbury: 24-00
2. Scott Beattie: 23-10
3. Wesley Strader: 23-7
4. Michael Neal: 23-06
5. Bryan Thrift: 23-1
6. George Hirapetian: 22-14
7. Tracy Adams: 22-9
8. William Shelton: 22-5
9. Matt Arey: 22-1
10. Michael Stephens: 21-14
