Rick Taylor began the final day of the Wheeler Lake Southeast EverStart in 10th place, just about 5 1/2 pounds behind leader Brian Merriman.
He ended the day by celebrating his first FLW victory after weighing a final day-best 21-12 to finish with 57-09.
“That’s a good day of fishing,” Taylor said afterward.
The former Tour pro from West Olive, Mich., beat J.T. Kenney by more than 2 1/2 pounds for the win. Kenney closed with 54-14 while Jeff Fitts wound up 3rd with 54-11. Merriman, who led after the first 2 days, slipped to 7th in the final standings.
Taylor said the strong current moving through the lake this week was pivotal to his success.
“I really didn’t think I would be able to overcome a 6-pound deficit, I didn’t think there was a snowballs chance that I would win today," he said. "Remarkably I did."
Here's how the Top 10 shook out at the end:
1. Rick Taylor: 57-09
2. J.T. Kenney: 54-14
3. Jeff Fitts: 54-11
4. Jordan Lee: 54-08
5. Koby Kreiger: 54-05
6. Chad Aaron: 51-10
7. Brian Merriman: 51-07
8. William Davis: 50-14
9. Josh Dorr: 48-12
10. Eddie Jewell: 48-03
