You’ve heard Elite Series anglers talk often about “fry guarders,” referring to male bass that swim with newly hatched fry. Well, Takahiro Omori is “lunker guarding” a sweet spot on Wheeler Lake. Omori has culled his smallest bass with another 4-pounder-plus and has at least 22 pounds today.
He might consider laying off this spot, but Randy Howell is nearby. Omori and Howell have some history here. They shared this spot at the last Elite Series tournament at Wheeler in 2011, when Howell finished 12th and Omori was 14th.
“If I’m not fishing, he might move in,” Omori said on Bassmaster LIVE. “I’ll keep fishing.”
While on camera shortly afterwards, Howell said, “He’s sitting right on the juice. It comes up to about 2 1/2 feet on top. It’s a small mussel bed.”
Howell and Omori shared some pleasantries, including Howell saying, with a smile, “We’re not going to fight this time.” Then Howell left to go back to his starting spot this morning.