COLUMBIA, S.C. — Four sporadic morning hours on a topwater bite were enough to carry Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., from the runner-up spot to the top Saturday in the Evan Williams Bourbon Carolina Clash on Lake Murray.

Helped by a 15-13 day, Ashley added up 45 pounds, 14 ounces over three days, enough for a shot at a Bassmaster Elite Series win in his home state on Sunday.

He bested Michael Iaconelli of Pitts Grove, N.J., by 2 pounds, 9 ounces. But with the way the lake’s been fishing, the pro from New Jersey said it’s not enough for Ashley to feel complacent.

Ashley didn’t think so either. He’d be the first — was the first, actually — to acknowledge that the Lake Murray title is in the crosshairs of any of the top pros’ sights.

“I’ll have to catch 14, 15 again tomorrow to stay up in first place, and I could be passed then even if I do catch that,” Ashley said. “It’s tough out there, and it’s a day-to-day thing. The only thing that separates somebody having 15 pounds from 12 pounds is a big bite. Yesterday and today I got a good bite. Who knows if I get one tomorrow.” Complete Story