The hours are winding down to the first day of competition on Grand Lake, and it’s gut-check time. Will the information garnered during practice pay dividends? What’s it going to take to make the Top 25 cut? What’s it going to take take to own the title this year? Will all the sacrifice and work be worth it?
Most of the field doesn’t believe the fish weights will be as high as 2013, but that won’t keep them from the necessary focus to prove projections wrong.
The reality is simple: Water conditions are noticably worse when compared to 2013. How does each man in the 55-angler field deal with the adversity? They keep on casting.
With Classic veterans and new comers alike making up the roster, how each of them are feeling at this point is a question worth asking.
“Practice has been slow,” said two-time Classic qualifier Josh Bertrand. “The fish are proving difficult to catch, but I feel like my pattern could be coming together. The entire field would agree that the water conditions are tough, and that can challenge a guy’s confidence, for sure. But, at least the conditions are stable, and I believe the bite will only get better from here.”
Bertrand’s daily prediction: 11 to 12 pounds per day to make the Top 25 cut.
“I’m here to win, second place won’t cut it,” explained Albert Collins who is making a second Classic appearance at Grand Lake. “I’ve been in this position before and I’m far better prepared this time around. The bite is difficult, like it always seems to be, but I’m comfortable and I’m ready to hit my first spot on Friday.”
Collins’ daily prediction: 13 to 14 pounds per day.
Following his victory at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, Iowa’s Greg Vance has been planning and working hard for his shot at the Classic. “I drove to Grand five times before it was off limits at the beginning of the year. I’ve learned a lot about the lake, and I think I’ve got a pattern that will play. Knowing I can catch fish during these conditions is a big deal for me, and honestly it’s taken the edge off. I’m nervous for sure, but I’m confident and I’m excited!”
Vance’s daily prediction: 13 to 14 pounds per day.
Fourteen-time Classic qualifier Todd Faircloth believes the fishing will only get better as the tournament progresses. “The warming trend will activate the fish, and I believe the anglers who are struggling to nail down a pattern at this point will bump into fish during the actual tournament. The water clarity has been an issue to overcome, and it will challenge a lot of people, but someone will find them–they always do. Tough fishing conditions play to my strengths and I almost prefer it this way.”
Faircloth’s daily predicition: 12 to 13 pounds on average, but it’ll take 17 to 18 pounds to each day to win, he said.
“I’m surprisingly calm,” said 2015 Bassmaster college champion and Minnesota native Trevor Lo. “As much as I don’t want to do it, I’m going to fish the mud. The best fish I’ve contacted since I’ve been here have come from murky water, but I’m going to have to fish slow. I know confidence can change in an instant, and I’m trying to keep that in mind, but I think I can find a good limit each day. We’ll have to see.”
Lo’s daily prediction: 13 pounds per day.
Fabian Rodriguez also earned a Classic berth through the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship. “It’s just another few days of fishing. I’m not nervous at all, but that may change–we’ll have to see. I just take every day as it comes and deal with whatever I’m confronted with. It’s fishing, it’s fun and I love it. Practice has been tough, but my pattern seems to be getting better each day, and I think it will with the warming weather.”
Rodriguez’s daily prediction: 13 to 14 pounds a day.
Bernie Schultz is no rookie as he prepares for his 9th Bassmaster Classic. “Practice has been pretty tough, in fact I’m looking to make some big changes. My gut is telling me that a productive pattern is emerging with the warming trend, and I plan on adapting with it. The silty run-off and murky water keeps the water from warming up quickly, which has slowed the bite. But, I believe things are getting better.”
Schultz’s daily prediction: 11 to 12 pounds a day to make the Top 25 cut.