Fantasy Fishing: Change of gears at Sabine River

Written by

Kyle Jessie

What a tournament we had at the Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Elite at Lake Fork. Massive weights, big comebacks and amazing storylines galore. While the 2025 MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River won’t have the big weights, it always has the plenty of interesting storylines. Do you make the long run in hopes of finding a different caliber of bass or do you maximize areas close to takeoff in order to make it to Championship Sunday?

Sometimes the Sabine River gets a bad reputation because the weights are not ground breaking, but I can honestly say it’s an event that I look forward to every single time the Elites head there. It’s old-school, shallow water power fishing at its finest, and every single bite is crucial. Anglers have to capitalize on every single bite, because there’s simply not a huge population of 3-pound or better class fish. Additionally, the weights are always close. It’s super difficult to distance yourself from the field, so it always comes down to the wire.

From reports that I’ve heard, the water is going to be high, so that’s another thing we’ll have to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.

Let’s get into some Fantasy Fishing picks.

BUCKET A: PRZEKURAT

Enough is enough. I’m done using Jay Przekurat as my “solid secondary selection” pick every event. There’s no denying that the Wisconsin pro is on an absolute roll this season. Currently leading Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Przekurat has the momentum in his favor with no Elite finish worse than 30th in 2025, including three Top 10s.

Solid secondary selection: After a disappointing finish at his home lake, I firmly believe that Lee Livesay is going to have a big event at the Sabine River. The Texan has two solid finishes at the Sabine, including a 9th place finish back in 2022.

BUCKET B: GORE

With nearly 60% of picks leaning in the favor of Brock Mosley and Easton Fothergill in Bucket B, this feels like a good Bucket to pick a player at a lower player percentage. With that in mind, I’m picking Welsey Gore at just 1.3%. The Sophomore from Alabama is an excellent shallow water angler and has some really solid momentum heading into the event coming off of back-to-back Top 10s.

Solid secondary selection: If you’re looking for another angler at a lower player percentage, don’t overlook Wes Logan. The Alabama pro has a 15th place finish to his record at the Sabine River, and it sets up to his strengths perfectly.

BUCKET C: WELCHER

Any tournament where Kyle Welcher can just put his trolling motor down and go fishing, you can bet there’s going to be a solid chance he’s on my Fantasy Fishing team. Also, in two Elite Series trips to the Sabine River, Welcher has two Top 10s – that’s pretty solid evidence.

Solid secondary selection: I’m actually shocked that John Crews is only at a 2.3% player percentage in Bucket C. The Elite Series veteran has never finished worse than 28th in five trips to the Sabine River.

BUCKET D: HACKNEY

At this point, it’s no secret that I pick Greg Hackney a lot in Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing. After a slow start to the Elite season, the Louisiana pro secured an 11th place finish at Lake Fork and the Sabine River has been good to him in the past. In five Elite events at the Sabine River, Hackney has only finished outside the top 50 once, and notched a win here in 2018.

Solid secondary selection: If you’re looking for an angler at a lower player percentage, Brandon Cobb might be your guy in Bucket D. The South Carolina pro is one of the best shallow water, power fisherman on the Elites.

BUCKET E: KIMURA

Kenta Kimura has not had the season that he’s wanted to this point of the season, but the Sabine River could be the turning point for him. After a solid comeback effort at Lake Fork on Day 2, he just might have the momentum he needs to get back on track.

Solid secondary selection: I may regret not picking Gerald Swindle in Bucket E. The Elite Series veteran has an outstanding track record at the Sabine River, finishing outside of the top 50 just once in five Elite Series trips.