Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore brothers, Jordan and Matt Lee of Alabama, share their thoughts on famed Toledo Bend prior to the start of competition on Thursday. The massive 186,000 surface acre reservoir is about 2-feet higher than it normally is at this time of the year.
What’s the headline story from an anglers’ perspective as this event kicks off?
Matt: That there are a lot of fish suspended, and the schools I’ve found seem to be small fish – like 12 inchers – versus the good keepers you need.
Jordan: I live on Guntersville, so I’m very comfortable looking for off-shore schools with my sonar, but the schools of bass I’ve found here in practice are mostly small fish.
What’s the best thing about Toledo Bend?
Matt: Knowing that on any cast you can catch a 10-pounder. (Note: Toledo Bend Lake Association sponsors the Toledo Bend Lunker Program, which creates a fiberglass replica for anglers who certify their 10-pound or greater trophy at certified lake area weigh stations with the program, and release their catch alive.)
Jordan: You can catch winning stringers of fish from 3-feet to 30-feet here, which means there’s a way to catch quality fish just about any way you like to fish for them here.
What three lures do you predict will get the most work among the Bassmaster Elite Series field on Toledo Bend this week?
Matt: Strike King 6XD crankbait, football jig, and a heavy Texas-rigged soft plastic.
Jordan: A football jig, a Strike King 10XD, and a Texas rig.
Name one song that is top of mind this week?
Matt: “Real Life” by Jake Owen
Jordan: “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Everyday” by Luke Bryan
Weight an angler will need to average each day to make it to the final Top 12 cut?
Matt: I’ll say 17 pounds a day.
Jordan: 17 pounds.
Pick 4 anglers, other than the Lee Brothers, that you think will do well this week on Toledo Bend?
Matt: Hackney, Powroznik, KVD, and Keith Combs
Jordan: Powroznik, Faircloth, Keith Combs and Cliff “Cajun Baby” Crochet