Fantasy Fishing: Big water, bigger decisions

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Minnesota

Last year, the Pasquotank River put on quite a show during the Elite Series’ first visit to the area. While we watched Kyle Welcher break the all-time margin of victory record by 45 pounds, 7 ounces, I still feel like we only scratched the surface of what that fishery has to offer. With roughly 2 million acres of fishable water available, I think a lot of anglers got caught up trying to cover too much of it. High winds also played a major role, as many competitors simply couldn’t make it to their fish.

This time around, I’ve heard from several anglers that they plan to focus on one or two key areas and really pick them apart. The biggest decision will be deciding what areas to check in practice, and if they can commit to one general area in the tournament. I’m also hoping the wind plays less of a factor, so we can truly see some anglers make long runs and bring in giant bags. One thing is certain — this event should be a completely different beast the second time around.

Let’s get into the picks.

Bucket A: FOTHERGILL

Easton Fothergill has been remarkably consistent all season, though he hasn’t recorded a Top 10 since the second event at Lake Martin. He feels due for another big finish at the Pasquotank after placing 4th there last season. Fothergill’s efficiency on the water is a huge advantage on a sprawling fishery like this, and he’s also comfortable running big water if conditions get rough again.

Solid secondary pick: You really can’t go wrong with anyone in Bucket A, but I like Seth Feider. He’s been fishing well lately and finished 8th here last year. Post-spawn fish staying shallow should fit his strengths perfectly.

Bucket B: MARKS

Another young angler fishing at a high level is Paul Marks, who has already picked up two Elite Series wins in just two seasons. With forward-facing sonar in play, Marks feels like a strong gut-instinct pick. Last year’s 56th-place finish doesn’t tell the whole story — he only weighed in two fish on Day 1 before rallying with 18-14 on Day 2. I think he still has something to prove on this type of playing field.

Solid secondary pick: Fisher Anaya is once again a popular choice, and for good reason. Another name worth watching is Tyler Williams, who had a strong finish here last year and could easily flip his way into another solid event.

Bucket C: SOUTH

Pake South continues to excel on big-fish fisheries, especially when forward-facing sonar is in play. The Pasquotank seems like a great fit for his style if he can dial in a productive area. With two Opens wins already this year, I think South is on track to claim an Elite Series victory before the season ends, and this could be one of his best opportunities.

Solid secondary pick: Brandon Lester likely would have won here last year if not for Welcher’s historic performance. I could easily see him picking up right where he left off.

Bucket D: KUPHALL

While it hasn’t quite been the season Caleb Kuphall envisioned, he’s starting to build momentum after a 24th-place finish at Santee Cooper and also had a respectable 26th-place showing at the Pasquotank last year. This event really seems to set up well for his style of fishing, with shallow trees and bank-oriented fish likely remaining a major factor.

Solid secondary pick: KJ Queen is another angler who experienced both extremes here last year, one tough day and one huge day. With experience now under his belt, he may be able to string together multiple strong rounds this time.

Bucket E: PARKS

Logan Parks has quietly pieced together three strong events in a row after a difficult start to the season. It’s no surprise he’s the most-picked angler in Bucket E after finishing 12th here last year. I think Parks keeps the momentum rolling as he pushes toward the AOY Classic cut.

Solid secondary pick: Bucket E is always difficult this late in the season because many of these anglers have struggled recently. Still, Randy Howell tends to be a boom-or-bust pick on fisheries like this. If you’re willing to take the risk, he could reward you with another strong river-system finish.