From Sunny Florida...

The forecast was for clear skies, light winds, and a high of 74 degrees. What red-blooded American wouldn't hit the water with a weather prediction like that? Certainly not Rob Powell.

In his email to me a little earlier tonight, Rob detailed how he got up this morning and headed southwest to a favorite ol' lake of his from earlier days in the Sunshine State. He was talking about Santa Fe Lake, located about 15 or so miles east of Gainesville. According to Rob, he spent a lot of time reminiscing about this lake during his past three-plus years here in Virginia.

In his own words, it was like the lake "welcomed me back with open arms." And I'd be hard-pressed to say otherwise, considering what the water offered up today, starting with this 4-pounder. It also surrendered five more bass, the best of which weighed 2 lbs. 4 ozs., 1 lb. 9 ozs., 1 lb. 3 ozs., and 1 lb. 1 oz. Said Rob, "I also missed several fish."

The magic lure today was the same one that worked so well for Rob last year when he fished the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series--the Roboworm. I seem to recall that this bait accounted for the 4.78-lb. bass that Rob caught on Day 2 of our 2013 Classic and ensured his winning the tournament's Big Bass Pot.

With the kind of success he logged today, Rob said he may get out again tomorrow. He promised me another report if that happens, so stay tuned.