Fantasy Fishing: Rising stars on a big fish factory

Written by

Minnesota

With two river system battles in the rearview, we now turn to a clear herring fishery that holds some huge, but often educated, bass. With this field and forward-facing sonar in play, there is no doubt the weights will show out. During the last couple of weigh-ins, there were definitely a number of anglers anxious to get back on a “normal lake” venue.

While the usual herring spawn tactics will play, I believe we’ll also see other strategies involving scope and roaming fish come into play. There could also be some remaining spawning bass to throw a wrench into things. This tournament should be wide open and will surely produce some fireworks. For fantasy, I’m picking a heavy dose of young hammers who are skilled with forward-facing sonar and know how to catch the biggest fish in the lake.

Let’s get into some picks!

Bucket A: HUDSON

After sneaking into the Elites with a win in the last EQ of the season, Caleb Hudson has been on fire and is leading the Pro-Guide Batteries Rookie of the Year race. Call him a scoper if you’d like—he’s coming off a Top 10 finish on the Arkansas River. While it was a completely different time of year, Hudson also grabbed a 4th-place finish here in 2024 on the Bassmaster College Series. I think we’ll see more great things from him this week.

Solid secondary pick: You almost can’t go wrong with anyone in Bucket A, but one name stands out—and over 55% of people are picking him. It’s no surprise that it’s Trey McKinney. He’s almost always good for a Top 10.

Bucket B: FOTHERGILL

Easton Fothergill has had a solid—but somewhat up-and-down—year so far. I’m sure he’s not satisfied, and it feels like about the time he hits his stride. Murray sets up very well for him: clear water, hard-to-catch big fish, and the ability to run and gun. I think this week will be a great bounce-back after a couple of tougher river tournaments.

Solid secondary pick: The pick percentages in Bucket B are very lopsided, with a combined 70% going to Fisher Anaya and previous winner Patrick Walters. The safe bet is probably joining the crowd, but I think Jay Przekurat or Paul Marks could be low-key contenders.

Bucket C: SOUTH

If there’s an angler who has been on a roll at big-fish fisheries, it’s Pake South. He’s already locked up two massive-weight Opens wins, and this is the first tournament that sets up similarly to those. He truly knows how to find the biggest fish in the lake and will look to get in areas where the big ones are coming to him. Could we see some more urchin action?

Solid secondary pick: Drew Benton took the win here in 2023 but is getting overlooked at just 5%. While he may not have a ton of momentum right now, he did just lock up a win in the first Tuesday Night Live—that has to count for something, right?

Bucket D: GEE

At the Arkansas River, Robert Gee said on stage that Murray is his favorite lake to fish—that’s enough for me to buy in for some belly taps. He is a master with his electronics and excels in clear-water fisheries. He placed 33rd here last time, and after his worst finish ever on the Elites in the last event, Gee will be looking to bounce back.

Solid secondary pick: It’s hard to bet against herring master Emil Wagner. The Lake Lanier guide is no stranger to running and gunning with fast-moving fish and should feel right at home in clear water.

Bucket E: JAGDFELD

The rookie from Michigan hasn’t had the start to his Elite career that he’d like, but this feels more like his style. A deep, clear lake with roaming fish should play into his strengths. Aaron Jagdfeld also fished the College Series event in 2024 and came away with a 3rd-place finish. While that was a different time of year, he knows his way around the pond.

Solid secondary pick: Once you get to Bucket E, most anglers don’t have much momentum. John Cox has had an uncharacteristically tough season but could easily use Murray as a bounce-back event.