A Champions Journey of Faith, Family and Fishing.

When you catch a 7-pounder and an 8-pounder on what was really a pretty tough day of fishing, it's just one of those days where everything goes right. It's a thrill to catch one of the biggest stringers of my career in one of the biggest tournaments of the year.

I wasn't sweating it too much. I just needed a couple of guys to finish in the top 10 at the Classic and double-qualify. I figured the odds were in my favor.

It seems we're kind of in the middle of the spawn. Usually, the monster fish spawn first [and they're done spawning]. I expect there'll be a 10-pounder caught, but it won't be a slugfest like in 2001. I think you'll see pretty good weights.

In a lifetime, if a guy has three chances to win the Classic, that's a huge accomplishment.

It's really a big fish technique, and I was fortunate to catch five of them. It's mostly an early bite and the lure is key.