After spending a busy Memorial Day participating in the Ultimate Match Fishing event, I’m recovering. I’ve got a lot of things going on with my business, which is called Southern Tank Leasing. But as far as fishing goes, I’ve to spend a few days resting up.
So I’ll be doing some work to do in my office today, then start packing again. We’re going to Smith Mountain Lake, close to Roanoke, Virginia - a deep clear lake, sort of a mountain lake, definitely a highland lake.
This is an Elite Series event, the Blue Ridge Brawl. And I need to do well. I’ve moved into the 50s in points. I had such a tough start. I started with two really bad events. But my goal, just like everybody else, is to get back into the top 36. That’s the magic mark to get an automatic qualification to the Bassmaster Classic. I’ve got an exemption this year, because I won this year’s Classic. But I don’t want to burn that exemption. I’d like to get back inside that top 36 and earn a spot through the points system. That’s my goal.
So I need to have some good events, make some cuts, and not burn that exemption.
I’ll tell you, though, Smith Mountain in June doesn’t promise a lot of big bites. I think there some be some deep bites, some drop shots, shaky head. I also think there will be some smallmouths. There could be a top water bite or two if you get on a ridge.
But I just don’t expect the lake to produce a lot of big weights. I’m guessing, from research on the Internet, that 10 pounds a day will put you in the running. Again, I’m just guessing, but it appears 8 or 10 pounds a day could put you in the running.
Another option is to go way up the river and do some river fishing. Fish aren’t as big up there, but there will be chances to get some keepers. So I might go after that. We’ve just got two days to practice, so I’ll probably go up the river during that time and see what it looks like.
Those are my two strategies.
A third pattern that’s fairly obvious is fishing the boat docks for largemouth. That’s how a lot of tournaments are won. But those spots are limited and there are 108 of the best fishermen in the world. So I’m probably not going to fight for that handful of good boat docks.
We’ll see what happens.
4 comments ↓
hope you have a good tournament @ smith mountain me and the boys hung out with jason this weekend said you did well in the match fishing gig whats up with kelly jason said he had trouble geting in touch with him have a safe trip good luck
later j reed.
Good-Luck! Hope your still fishing Sunday E
Fine Job! …… Hope it holds up 2 more days E
Boyd,
First I must say I have enjoyed reading your site. This kind of site is what I believe fans of Professional Bass Fishing want to see. It adds a more personable interaction beween yourself and BASS fans, whether they comment to you or not. I have been interested in your fishing career since I heard your story. I guess it’s because I find similarities. I’m 41, a sucessful bussiness owner, and have been fishing competitvely for 20+ years now. The desire to “go pro” has always been there, but made the decision many years ago not to unless everything in my life was in place. Last year I decided to fish Champlain. Having never fished above the mason-dixon, I chose this as a final test of myself ( and my wife, as I brought her along for the ride). All goals for the Champlain event were met, and with a wife that couldn’t be more exicted than if I would have just won the classic, the decision to make a run for the ‘08 Classic and Elites was made. As it stands today, the goal is very close. Can you offer any comments on what is ahead for me (if all goes well) that suprised you, or you didn’t expect? What (with hind site being 20/20) would you have liked to have known before reaching the Classic / Elites? Is there anything you could offer that makes the transion smoother? Any info / comments you may have both email or blog would be appreiated. Good luck at Grand Lake and look forward to reading you blogs.
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