The dynamics of this fishery are set up to deliver unknown results, but all good.
Here is why. The deep, narrow channel of the St. Lawrence River produces a strong current, stronger than anywhere else we visit on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Smallmouth thrive in current and that moving water allows them to live life to the fullest. The flow creates more underwater current breaks, or specific areas out in the river channel that concentrate smallmouth.
The largemouth are benefiting from the higher water. They prefer shallower and there is good reason to be in that zone. The inundated shoreline cover provides even more places for the largemouth to thrive on their predator instinct of ambushing baitfish and crawfish.
The point is the St. Lawrence River, and this tournament, are among the very few where catching largemouth and smallmouth to win a tournament is a real possibility.