As expected, the first day of the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River is under a fog delay. The anglers are anxious to blast off and get this season underway, but unfortunately all they can do is wait and ponder their game plan for the day. The more time that passes, the harder the decision making is going to be.
With the possibility of making long runs, anglers will have to decide if it is worth making a run or staying close and utilizing their time fishing rather than running.
Bassmaster Elite Series newcomer, Justin Atkins is one of the anglers that is still planning on making a run regardless how much time he will have to fish.
“I’ve just decided that this is going to be a sight fishing tournament,” said Justin Atkins. “It doesn’t matter what time we blast off, it’s a long way from here and I may only have three hours to fish but I’d rather fish for three hours where I know they’re at than stay close.”
Another angler who is not concerned about a shortened day is East Texas pro, Brad Whatley.
“Really I’ve still got the same game plan,” said Whatley. “I’m going to put one or two baits in my hands all day. We’re all betting on them to come up so nothing changes for me.”
It is apparent that these guys know what could happen today with the warming trend that Palatka, Florida has seen over the past week. The potential for some really big weights after Day 1 is there, but unfortunately all we can do at this point is hope that the Elite have the opportunity to showcase that potential