Jacob Powroznik says gobies are like sushi for smallmouth bass, and the St. Lawrence River is one big sushi bar.
“That’s all they eat,” Powroznik said. “It’s kind of like us going to the sushi bar. Gobies even feel like a piece of sushi. They’re real soft, and they don’t have any sharp spines.”
When the invasive species first made it into the St. Lawrence River/Great Lakes, it was feared they would hurt the sportfish population, possibly by feeding upon spawning bed eggs. However, they’ve proven to be steroids for smallmouth bass.
Powroznik loves to fish the St. Lawrence River. He’s been making a trip here, tournament or not, for the past 15 years.
“I think I’ve fished six tournaments here and the worst I’ve finished is 25th,” he said. “It’s a special place. Anytime it’s on the schedule, it’s good times.”
Powroznik has fished two Elite Series events here, finishing 25th in 2017 and 7th in 2015. He wasn’t on the Elite Series in 2013. Powroznik started the day in 12th place, 4-4 behind leader Brandon Lester. But he was realistic about his chances of finishing much higher.
“It’s going to take an absolute load to win this derby,” Powroznik said yesterday. “I hate to say this, but I’m not on the caliber of fish to win this tournament. I think I could finish in the top 20.”
As 1 p.m. approaches, that’s exactly where Powroznik is on BASSTrakk, 20th place. It would be another solid finish in a solid season. Powroznik was 8th in AOY points coming into this event.