A pair of Western Carolina University students took first this spring, in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Eastern Regional, presented by Bass Pro Shops, bringing in a three-day total of 42 pounds, 6 ounces.

Austin Neary and Alex Frazier targeted spawning fish but also fished nearby docks and rocks in Lake Norman near Charlotte with dropshots and jerkbaits, putting up with chilly temperatures from a nasty cold front that swept through the second day of the competition. The combination of three fishing patterns helped the pair navigate changeable weather patterns to bring in the fish. 

“I could probably run through a brick wall right now,” Frazier said following his and Neary’s win. 

The anglers will go on to compete in the national championship in June.