Here we go, again

Day 5 has begun. Wait, no. Day 1 of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes has begun. Sorry for the confusion. We’re all still a little punch drunk after the roller coaster that was last week’s Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray.

Just 86 hours removed from winning his second blue trophy, Drew Benton is a favorite here again this week. A more than capable angler without it, he still has the advantage of a few fish on bed at Santee. Benton’s roommate Drew Cook is another starting with a camera, having won here last season. Another phenomenal sight fisherman.

Then there are the Carolinians like Patrick Walters. And the flippers like Bill Lowen. And then the grinders like Gerald Swindle. The Santee Cooper Lakes of Marion and Moultrie setup well for a wide range of anglers. The Drew crew can look at them. The locals have the knowledge necessary to make this massive 170,000 acre fishery fish small. The flipper Lowen will be in the most target rich environment on the planet. And Swindle isn’t afraid to fish all day for 6 or 7 bites, as is a common occurrence on Santee.

We’ll soon feast our eyes on all the action. Get over to Bassmaster LIVE to join in.