The 2021 Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster® Elite at Lake Fork took place over a year ago, between 22 and 25 April with the century mark target looming over the anglers as it had done in years gone by. 100 lbs of fish over 4 days is no cake walk but each time the pros have cast out on Lake Fork for a Bassmaster event, the magic 100 has been broken by those at the top of the leaderboard.

The big talk however was all about Lee Livesay. Being local to the venue, pressure had been piled on Lee to take home victory and prior to the event, modesty was clear in what he was saying to the cameras:

"...it will probably be the worst one I have all year. I hope not. It's that hometown curse that'll get you sometimes but I'm excited about it." - Lee Livesay, 2021

After Day three of the four day event, the curse was weighing heavy, even if the bass weren't. In 5th place, Lee hadn't caught anything over 7 lbs - rare on a lake known for its lunkers. The dream just wasn't to be. Or was it?

The early morning sun cast over Texas on day four as bit by bit, (or maybe bite by bite) Lee's luck changed for the better and his series of large catches saw him move closer and closer to the top spot. The hometown kid, who was born just 60 miles east of Lake Fork and had spent years guiding and fishing the Texan waters, was about to make history if he could just hold his nerve and keep the catches coming. After holding an Elite Series™ trophy aloft at Lake Chickamauga in 2020, Lee was set to hold another above his head right there at Lake Fork.

And so he did. Breaking the century mark with a total of 112 lbs and 5 oz! The local crowd went wild for their boy, who'd clearly brought his best game to an event that meant so much to him.

"I'm a cryer. I'll cry real quick. It was amazing, just look at this Texas crowd. I can't ask for a better group of family, friends, sponsors, Bassmaster... everything! I'm ecstatic. Let's get going!" - Lee Livesay, 2021

But can Lee do the double? The 2022 Simms Bassmaster® Elite at Lake Fork begins May 19 and Lee Livesay will once again take to his familiar waters to see whether destiny falls in his favor once more. Even if it does, it won't be easy. Other anglers will want to steal his thunder and break the century mark for themselves.

Tight Lines.