Professional fisherman and local bass fishing guide Brad Burkhart closed out the 2017 Bassmaster Northern Open Tour season with a ninth place finish on Douglas Lake.

The final day weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tennessee was packed out with fans rooting for local pros Brad Burkhart, David Mullins and Ott Defoe.

Burkhart, who made the top 12 cut by only two ounces, improved on day three to land securely in the ninth place slot for the event.

“I am still in disbelief, making the cut against some of the best fisherman in the country is a great accomplishment…but to do it here in front of my home crowd and weigh-in at my title sponsor Bass Pro Shops, Kodak, Tennessee makes it very special,” said Burkhart.

The top 10 finish gave Burkhart a boost in the “Angler of the Year” standings moving him into ninth overall for the season in a field of over 200 professional anglers, and possibly an Bassmaster Elite Series invitation.

Burkhart caught all but two of the fish he weighed in on a Killer Bass Baits “Killer Blade” spinner bait fishing deep main lake points.

Burkhart is sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops, Sevierville, Tennessee; Tracker Marine, Nitro Boats, Mercury Marine, Pline, Killer Bass Baits, Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchor, Snag Proof Lures, Lowrance Electronics, Killer Bass Pro Guide Service.