Fantasy: Go with favorites for the AOY

This is the last event of the season and there are only 10 options per bucket, so choose wisely.

So here it is, the final installment of my Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing knowledge for the year.

I wanted to wait to write this one because I knew I would be fishing Sturgeon Bay the weekend before the AOY was set to happen. So after fishing “The Bay” for the last two days, I know that if the pros could, they would not be asking me for advice. It is tough out there. A cold front blew in last week Tuesday and I think the smallmouth are confused. They are not sure whether to go fall or summer pattern.

It will be interesting to see how the pros do there. They always catch ’em and someone always finds a pile of them to bring to the scales. The Wisconsin B.A.S.S. Nation just had its state tournament on Sturgeon Bay, and the bite was tough. When the wind picks up, it can get even tougher. Hopefully, the big girls are hungry this week. I would love to see a 7-pound or bigger bass brought in.

Last event. Condensed buckets. Not enough time to make up a ton of ground for me as I sit with 7,936 pts and in the top 4.3 percent of Fantasy Fishing pickers. Here is what I am seeing and feeling.

Bucket A: Powroznik

Two anglers come to mind right away for me: Jacob Powroznik and Aaron Martens. I fully expect both anglers to lock in on a pattern and ride that pattern to 22 to 24 pounds of fish a day. Martens has AOY wrapped up, and Powroznik showed he is no slouch on these Northern smallmouth, and he may find a spot to throw that swimbait again and key on some big fish.

I am taking Powroznik.

Maggie is taking Greg Hackney. Sam is taking Brent Ehrler.

Bucket B: Palaniuk

I may be leaning with a lot of favorites, but when the buckets are shrunk, it makes picking somewhat easier. I am going with Brandon Palaniuk. He has proven time and again that he is a smallmouth whisperer. I expect him to find an obscure spot or pattern and make a run. He will likely now catch them drop shotting a hump.

If I needed to make a long shot, I would go with Bill Lowen. Lowen is happy with a tube in his hands, and dragging a tube may be a winning pattern for the pros

Alton Jones could be a sleeper, too. He seems to find a way to catch the brown ones.

Maggie is taking Chris Lane because “he does good a lot.” Sam is also leaning toward Chris Lane as well based on skill.

Bucket C: K. VanDam

KVD. ’Nuff said. I do not need to convince anyone that Kevin VanDam has probably forgotten more about catching smallmouth than some of us will ever learn. More than 50 percent of the fans are taking him. I am anxious to see him on this water. I have fished it a few times and I plan to watch Bassmaster LIVE and crack jokes with Zona and Sanders, and I hope the live camera gets to be on KVD.

If I am picking on a “wing and a prayer,” I would wing it with Brandon Lester and I would pray that James Elam’s momentum continues.

Sam is going with his favorite angler, KVD, and Maggie is giving VanDam the Heinecke sweep. Consider yourself endorsed, Kevin.

Bucket D: Pipkens

Bucket D has been my nemesis all year, and this one proves to be the same. I like Todd Faircloth. I like Chad Pipkens. Faircloth/Pipkens. Pipkens/Faircloth (in my best Ace Ventura voice).

Faircloth is not Pipkens, though. Faircloth showed his mettle on St. Clair, so he has the smallie vibe going. Pipkens is a Michigan native, and he may feel as at home as anyone. I am taking Pipkens over Faircloth. Sorry, Todd. If anyone knows what these smallies are up to with the wind at “this” speed and with it coming out of “that” direction “this” time of year, it is Pipkens and anyone with the last name VanDam.

If it is ground you need to make up, try Josh Bertrand. Just a hunch.

Maggie says Chad Pickens. I say “Pipkens?” She says, “Yeah, him.” Sam is picking Todd Faircloth.

Bucket E: J. VanDam

Mike Iacanelli or Jonathon VanDam? These are really the only two I am considering in this bucket. Yes, I know, lots of favorites. But I will help steer you to the right top guy.

Take JVD. I would love to see Ike win, though, on “The Black Hair.” It may come into play.

If you need to make up ground here, try Morizo Shimizu or Steve Kennedy. Both have the ability and track record on similar water to find a school of bigguns and wear them out for a few days.

Maggie is taking “Big Mama” Morizo Shimizu. Sam is taking Ike.

Again, I hope I helped a few people and that you were at least mildly entertained. I enjoy all things B.A.S.S., and this is fun for me.

Maggie, Sam and I have enjoyed this all season and wish we were not going into winter just yet. Good fishing to you all! Best of luck!