
Despite a tough practice period with decreasing bites each day, Gay focused on the lower end of the lake, methodically working small sections of grass he had located. His strategy paid off, and he expressed his gratitude and surprise at the win, thanking Wieda’s Marine for their support throughout the year.
Missouri angler Brock Bila finished in second place with a total weight of 37 pounds, 8 ounces. Bila started strong on Day One with a 19-pound, 9-ounce bag and followed it up with 17 pounds, 15 ounces on the final day. He targeted suspended fish in the midsection of the lake, adjusting his approach as the fish moved closer to the surface.
South Carolina angler Patrick Walters took third place with a total weight of 35 pounds, 9 ounces. Walters adopted a slow, methodical approach, targeting isolated cover and structure, which was a departure from his usual style.
In addition to the tournament results, Kyle Welcher secured the Progressive Angler of the Year (AOY) title, overcoming a four-point deficit at the start of the event. Welcher's adaptability in targeting suspended fish using forward-facing sonar was key to his success, earning him a strong fourth-place finish and the AOY Golden Shield.
#NPFL,#BaileyGay,#LakeMurray,#FishingChamps,#AOY

