The previous two times the Elite Series has come to the St. Lawrence River, a relatively obscure lure has come into the spotlight. In 2015, when Edwin Evers won with a four-day total of 77-10 on August 2, it was a black hair jig that proved to be key for him and several other anglers. Last year, when Kevin VanDam won with a total of 90-3 on July 23, it was the twin-prop spybait that produced some key fish.
Will there be one of those “last secret bait of the pros” that comes to light this year at the St. Lawrence? Probably not.
“This one is going to be dominated by a drop shot,” VanDam said Wednesday. “It’s the most efficient way to fish that deep water and to land them once you get them hooked. There will be some caught shallow, but for the most part, it’s going to be a deep deal.
“This is much different than the last time we were here. The water is way low. We were here earlier in the year and the water was real high last time. That kept a lot of fish shallow. It’s not like that now.”
Jacob Powroznik agreed, saying, “I think it’s going to be an absolute drop shot, tube and ned rig deal. I think it’s the first time in my career I’ve had seven spinning rods and only one baitcaster in my boat.”