The first Bassmaster Elite Series stop of 2018 begins today on Lake Martin. I’m coming off my first runner-up finish with B.A.S.S. last week in Florida. Congrats to Bobby Lane on schooling the field in his home state. One of these days I will win one of these events, it’s hopefully just a matter of time. The fishing is a certainly a good bit different this week.
After three days of rainy practice, the upper end of the lake has a lot of color. I like dirty water and find it a strength so I am planning to spend my time in the shallow dirt. One thing I have learned in my four years on the Elite Series is to always fish my strengths. I did find some spotted bass in clear water and may mix it up some but hopefully I can fish in the shallower, dirty water most of the time.
Seems like the dirty water bite gets better as the day goes on so I will probably start on the deep fish and maybe catch a few keepers and then move shallow. The person who wins this week may very well have a mixed bag of largemouth and spotted bass. There are some quality largemouth in here (5 to 7 pounds) and catching one of the bigger females will be huge. Nine to 10 pounds a day will probably be the cut weight so one bass can make a huge difference. Two of those large bass and a guy could really finish well here.
In the shallow water for power fishing I will utilize the MXHX EPS 90HF, a 7-6 heavy power rod flipping a jig will be the main deal. I will also use a squarebill and throw a spinner bait. Those are all key dirty-water baits that I have confidence in and love to have in my hands.
We will see how it goes. Y’all stay tuned.