Fantasy Fishing: Pivotal event at Champlain

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Arkansas

Almost a year ago when Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona and Davy Hite knocked out the first-ever coin flip show to determine which events had forward-facing sonar, the determination that the Spro Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain would have no forward-facing sonar really stood out in an exciting way. The age-old question at Lake Champlain is whether the winner will catch primarily smallmouth or largemouth, and that will be even more in question without FFS.

In the preview story by David Brown, 2020 Lake Champlain champion Brandon Palaniuk had some interesting quotes on how this event will be much different than what we have seen in the past, especially in 2024.

“I think this being a non-forward facing sonar event, that will change how guys approach it,” Palaniuk said. “That doesn’t mean you can’t catch those roaming smallmouth, but it definitely makes it a lot more difficult.

“I think you’ll have to fish near or around structure more, or you’re gonna have to throw more moving type baits and try to intercept those roaming fish. You’re gonna have to cover water; you’re not gonna be able to pan around out there and see them and throw a minnow on their head.”

Does this mean we will see a champion target primarily largemouth?

If history tells us anything, it’s likely that the winner will have a mixed bag of both smallmouth and largemouth but catching those smallmouth will look much different without FFS.

It goes without saying that as the eighth Elite event of the season, this tournament has massive implications on the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, Pro-Guide Rookie of the Year race and Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic Qualifications.

The Summer break is over, folks. Crunch time is upon us!

BUCKET A: COOK

When it comes to the AOY discussion, there seems to be endless chatter about Trey McKinney and Cory Johnston but not as much for Drew Cook, who sits just 17 points behind McKinney. The seven-time Classic qualifier is on a roll right now with back-to-back Top 5 finishes and has a really solid track record at Lake Champlain. In five Bassmaster events at Champlain, Cook has never finished worse than 32nd and has two Top 12 finishes.

Solid secondary selection: It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where I end up regretting going against Trey McKinney or Cory Johnston in Bucket A.

BUCKET B: FEIDER

It’s well documented how much Seth Feider loves Lake Champlain, and his history of success fishing for largemouth here could be a big advantage with no forward-facing sonar. In seven Bassmaster events at Champlain, Feider has three Top 10 finishes. As expected, he’s at a very high player percentage – 27.4%.

Solid secondary selection: While Jeff Gustafson has had mixed results at Champlain with two finishes outside the Top 50 and two finishes in the Top 15, he is an expert when it comes to catching smallmouth, especially with his 2D sonar like we have seen him do on numerous occasions in the past.

BUCKET C: SMITH

My brain is telling me that Brandon Palaniuk is the safe pick in Bucket C, but for some reason my gut is telling me that Tucker Smith is going to have a great event at Champlain. While the young Elite Series pro is certainly an expert with forward-facing sonar, his best finishes of the season have come in events where it is not allowed. The Alabama pro is currently sitting below the projected Classic cut line, so he needs to have a couple of good events to finish out the 2026 season to qualify.

Solid secondary selection: Brandon Palaniuk always has the homerun ability when we go up north, and considering he’s won here without forward-facing sonar, it could set up right in his wheelhouse.

BUCKET D: SCHMITT

In the 2026 Bassmaster Media Guide, Bryan Schmitt lists Lake Champlain as his favorite place to fish. Why wouldn’t it be? Champlain has been really good to Schmitt over the course of his career. The Maryland pro shouldn’t be as affected by no FFS considering his experience on this body of water.

Solid secondary selection: If the largemouth bite plays a big role in this event, look for John Cox to be a big factor. He’s had success at Champlain over the course of his career with three Top 30 finishes.

BUCKET E: DIPALMA

Greg DiPalma has never missed a 50-cut at Lake Champlain in five Bassmaster events. Look for GDP to bounce back at Champlain after a stretch of three tough events.

Solid secondary selection: It’s been an uncharacteristically tough year for Cooper Gallant, but count on him being a big player in the final two Elite events.