Toyota Angler of the Year leader Brandon Palaniuk just boated a big smallmouth in the 5 to 6 pound range. It’s his second keeper of the day, with the first one being a 2-pounder. Palaniuk is fishing on the Canadian side of the lake in an area our boat driver said has bigger fish, but not big numbers.
Palaniuk told Steve Bowman mid season, perhaps after his win at Sam Rayburn, that his goal was to catch 80 four-pounder, or bigger by the end of the season. That includes the AOY Championship. Earlier this week Palaniuk said he’s down to 35 four-pounders to catch in the final seven competition days. So the fish he just caught brings that number down to 34.
This goal gives you some insight into Palaniuk’s mentality. He’s always going for the win. He’s not safely poking around fishing for 2-pounders, avoiding risks. He’s swinging for the fences.