Huskins wins the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman | Photo provided by B.A.S.S.

Cole Huskins posted a narrow victory on Saturday in the Turtlebox Bassmaster Open at Lake Norman.

The Gastonia pro finished with a three-day total of 47 pounds, 14 ounces, edging Kyoya Fujita by 2 ounces in one of the closest finishes of the season.

Huskins credited a late adjustment for sealing the win. After revisiting a pier near the N.C. 150 bridge that he had already fished multiple times, he switched to a soft plastic worm, threw one more cast, and landed the 4 1/2-pound bass that proved decisive.

“I was almost done fishing the pier and I said, I’m gonna fire it up there one more time,” Haskins said. “As soon as it bent, I thought it was just a keeper, and I seen it flash. I’m like, it’s a giant one.”

“I don’t know what to say, man. This is awesome. It was it was a special day catching that big fish.”

Huskins targeted deeper dock sections and structures that served as postspawn holding areas, especially as the lake’s water level sat about 3 feet below normal.

He opened with 14 pounds, 10 ounces and climbed from a tie for 16th to seventh before closing with a tournament-best 17-13 on the final day.

Fujita, of Yamanashi, Japan, finished second with 47-12, while Mooresville’s Carson Orellana placed third at 45-1.

Huskins earned $41,402 for the win.