Any time a pro catches an 8-pounder during a tournament, it’s a noteworthy accomplishment. When Larry Nixon does it just a few months removed from quadruple-bypass surgery, it just adds to his iconic status.
Nixon had recovered enough from his surgery to compete in the FLW Tour opener at Lake Guntersville two weeks ago. On day 1, he weighed in an 8-06 that anchored his 20-09 stringer that had him in 6th place.
He said the spot where he caught the lunker was a place he’d fished in previous Guntersville tournaments.
“I’ve fished it many times over the years, but I’d never caught much there,” Nixon said. “Every time I have caught something there, it’s been a 5-plus. When I practiced, I ran by it, but didn’t throw at it. I figured I’d save it for the tournament.”
It took him a matter of minutes on day 1 to connect with what turned out to be the big fish of the tournament worth $500.
“I pulled in there, made two casts and caught that 8,” he said. “If I’d caught him in practice, I’d have messed my pants.”
