Fantasy Fishing: Pasquotank rebooted

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Minnesota

I am always excited to see the Bassmaster Elite field take on new fisheries, and it is almost as intriguing when they go back at a completely different time of year to see how the fishery changes and the anglers adapt.

Based on what we saw last year, being on the front end of spawn, I would think this year we will be on the very tail end of the spawn, where the majority of bass will be moved on to postspawn and even early summer patterns. I also think we may see a lot more emergent vegetation that we saw in 2025 when Kyle Welcher lapped the field.

Sections of these rivers have a considerable amount of cypress trees and as strange as it sounds, tidal influence is reported as minimal in this fishery. What little coverage I have seen of the Chowan river makes me want to pick anglers known to be good at breaking down expansive cypress tree areas.

If anglers want to fish the Roanoke or Chowan rivers, they will need to make decently long runs, so wind can be a giant factor in this event. The smart anglers will be watching their wind apps that accurately forecast winds for tournament days and practice accordingly.

While forward-facing sonar will be allowed in this event, I think shallow water power-fishing angler should have strong events and maybe even anglers that are adept with the up and coming urchin style baits?

BUCKET A: COBB

Not sure if Brandon Cobb has put in any scouting time for this venue, but he is definitely close enough to do it. More so, Cobb is on a run similar to 2019 where he won two blue trophies. Add to that, the fishery and time of year should line up with his strengths. Who else would like to see Cobb fishing the weekend on Bassmaster Live with a buzzbait?

Pick a brother

Both Cory and Chris Johnston are coming off strong events at Santee Cooper, but should have a pocket full of Coikes and they are likely both to have strong events.

BUCKET B: MOSLEY

Similar to Cobb, Brock Mosley is fishing fantastic this year and he should be able to fish his strengths at the Tank. Mosley won at the Sabine and this place has some similar cover, just the bass are way bigger!

Suns out Shorts out

We are rolling into summer weather, as the temperatures rise, so does the inseam on Patrick Walters shorts and when that happens, he usually catches them. Walters underperformed on Santee Cooper and he should be mad at the bass this week.

BUCKET C: LESTER

Brandon Lester was the runner up last year to Welcher and also built a game plan around staying close to the ramp. I cannot have everyone on my team making the risk of big runs and not making it back, so I think Lester is a nice safety blanket for Bucket C.

Cypress Pick

Luke Palmer has proven he can win with FFS on cypress tree fisheries and he just missed the Sunday cut here last year. Palmer is also not afraid to shut off the front looker and power fish in the dirt as needed.

BUCKET D: POWROZNIK

One of Jacob Powroznik best events last season was the Pasquotank event and he had a live camera on Day 1 where he did a lot of work with wacky rigged stick worms. I believe his knowledge of the fishery and his prowess with the wacky technique will get my team some solid points this week.

Bank on grass

While there is not a tide to speak of, there is some moving water and if grass is a deal, then Bryan Schmitt should be a factor and consideration for your Fantasy Fishing roster.

BUCKET E: CREWS

John Crews needs to have a good event here and his two Bassmaster Elite wins are on coastal fisheries (California Delta and St. Johns River). He has a solid 28th last year and he should be able to find a bite that fits his style here.

Former Tarheel

Before moving to Alabama, Randy Howell’s formative years were spent fishing tournaments all around North Carolina. Last year he was close to making a cut and had some things going on Bassmaster Live Day 1 and Howell also has a Bassmaster Open win on the James River. I expect Randy Howell to get back to his roots and have a solid event.