I know a lot of things, but I also know the more I think I know the more I realize how surprisingly little I actually know.
I know this is Day 2 of not only the FXR Pro Fish Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River, but also my exercise in passing on what I think I know. Day 2’s always come with consistent things muttered and cussed in the weigh-in line. I know this derby is no different than any of the 173 Elite events that came before it. I know 20 years doesn’t change a lot of things in the tournament world.
I know there was a lot of lamentations on Day 2, mostly over the missing or losing of one or two bites. I know they were generally described as “key” bites. I could write the last four sentences in every event.
I know there are some things that are a first for me. I know, for instance, that Hunter Shryock wore his wife’s yoga leggings on Day 2 to stay warm. I know I would never admit that. But I also know I quietly wished my wife’s yoga britches were with me.
I know cold and Florida typically don’t mix. I know there were more surprised by the day’s actions than just the pundits.
I know Cliff Pace was one of those. The former Bassmaster Classic Champion and perennial top finisher in Elite competition was complimentary: “To see what these guys have caught today is more impressive than it looks like on paper.”
I know that despite the cold, several anglers whispered that there seemed to be a push of fish toward the bank as the day wore on. I know when that happens in Florida, fireworks follow. I know I’m excited about the potential of Day 3 and what it will bring.
I know you could see the change in the face of the anglers as they realized what it would take to make the cut. I know in the 10-event history of Elite events on the St. Johns River, the average cut is 21.3 pounds. I know today’s cut line was 25 pounds, 2 ounces, well above that. I know that it was super cold this morning in the 30-degree range. I know even the Canadians thought it was cold. I know Florida bass are not supposed to like the cold. I know considering the day’s weights that means something is going on.
I know Jacob Powroznik feels that way too. I know he said: “I think things are happening. It’s cold, but I think good things are fixing to happen.”
I know he’s excited for Day 3. I know he’s one of the better spawning/close to spawning/pre-spawn/transition anglers on tour. I know he’s been almost pedestrian these first two days but now seems downright scary. I know I made up the description of Powroznik, but it fits.
I know the St. Johns will continue to be the St. Johns with its giveth and taketh away nature. I know Paul Mueller agrees with me. I know he won here in 2020. I know he finished this derby in 98th place.
“It definitely serves the best humble pie,” Mueller said. “You’ve just got to survive the St Johns River. It’s a cool fishery. It’s hard to figure it out.”
I know Hank Cherry has it figured out: “If you don’t get around the big ones, you’re going to get your butt kicked.”
I know Cherry would count himself as one of those with a sore rear end. I know he’s not alone. But I also know an appearance by a “big one” changes everything.
Clifford Pirch for example. I know he caught a 7-plus pounder at about 8:45 a.m. and coasted into the cut after that. I know big fish have a way of doing that in Florida. “That one just changed my whole day.” Pirch said. “I fished good after that.”
I know others like Caleb Kuphall would put together cut-making charges on the strength of better than average catches. I know others talked about fishing slow, like really slow, “boringly slow” according to Gerald Swindle.
I know slow will make big moves at the scales. Not only this week. But beginning on Day 3 and heading into next week at Lake Okeechobee. I know even Scott Martin, who got cut from this one, is excited about that.
‘There’s been more 10-ponders caught this year in the past couple of weeks than I can ever remember,” Martin said. I know that’s saying something. I know Martin is older than he looks, as is his father Roland. I don’t know whether one or the other has ever wore their wife’s yoga leggings. But I’m learning all the time.
