Fantasy Fishing: Gut picks for the win

Written by

Kyle Jessie

Just like that and we’re back at it again with the third stop of the 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season. The 2025 Bassmaster Elite at the Pasquotank River is a tournament that fans and anglers have had circled on the calendar since the schedule was announced, considering how many unknowns there are.

It’s been since the 1980s since a B.A.S.S. event was held at the Pasquotank River, so making Fantasy Fishing picks for this event is going to be rather challenging based on history. And by that, I mean it’s pretty much impossible. This event is going to be the time to select anglers based on their fishing strengths.

If you haven’t already read the preview story on Bassmaster.com, I would highly recommend giving it a read to better understand how the event is going to set up.

“Think of the Sabine River with Florida weight. We have big ones here. If you don’t have one over 8 pounds, you aren’t going to win big bass. I think it is going to take some serious weight to win,” said local angler and guide Matt Greschak on what the expectations should be at the Pasquotank River.

Surely, I’m not the only one who read that quote and instantly got excited.

Let’s get into some picks!

BUCKET A: LIVESAY

Coming off of an excellent event at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, Lee Livesay is an angler to watch at the Pasquotank River. Livesay is always an angler to keep an eye on in big fish events, and with such a large playing field, he’s a guy that’s never afraid of making the long runs and going for it.

Solid secondary selection: Although we’ve only had two Elite events, it’s never a bad idea to go with the hot hand. John Garrett is your current leader in Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year leader and he’s had a thing for catching giants this year, even at the Classic, where he won Mercury Big Bass in the event.

BUCKET B: SCHMITT

Despite the fact that this body of water is not a tidal fishery, it certainly has plenty of aspects that should fit right into the hands of Bryan Schmitt. The Maryland angler has had a great history of success when fishing river systems that provide a lot of fishable water. I would expect Schmitt to have a great event.

Solid secondary selection: From all indications about the Pasquotank River, it sure feels like Seth Feider will be able to find something he likes.

BUCKET C: WELCHER

There’s no question that Kyle Welcher is one of the best shallow water power fishermen on the Bassmaster Elite Series. When shallow water is in play, the Alabama pro always has a knack for finding a pattern and executing his game plan. At 6.5% player percentage, Welcher is a pretty solid value pick as well.

Solid secondary selection: I may very well regret not picking Jacob Powroznik in Bucket C. While the Virginia pro isn’t necessarily a local from right up the road, he’s certainly one of the closest in proximity to the body of water. Powroznik is always deadly in any springtime event.

BUCKET D: BLAYLOCK

I found Bucket D to be one of the more difficult Buckets to select from, but I’m rolling with Stetson Blaylock based on his history of success in springtime events. The Arkansas pro tends to excel in events where you can run multiple patters, and with so much fishable water, I’d imagine he won’t have a hard time finding several patterns.

Solid secondary selection: Just looking back at old photos from events in the 80s, it surely appears that the Pasquotank River is going to set up nicely for old school anglers like Mark Menendez. Wood cover will likely be a major player in the event, and Menendez is certainly one of the best at dissecting wood.

BUCKET E: HACKNEY

The more that I read and research about this body of water, the more I think that Greg Hackney not only has a chance to do well, but he has a great chance to win this event. The Louisiana pro is historically one of the best shallow water power fishermen ever, and it feels as if this event is right in his wheelhouse.

Solid secondary selection: Fresh off of his victory at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, Easton Fothergill will be an angler to keep an eye on the rest of the season. Having already punched his ticket to the 2026 Classic, Fothergill will be fishing free and easy, which is always a good thing.