Fantasy Fishing: Same state, major changeup

Written by

Solomon Glenn

Minnesota

Back-to-back Elites always have a different feel to them; no matter how they did last week, the anglers have to hop right back in the truck and head to the next location. This time, we are not leaving the state of Texas, but the two venues couldn’t be more different. Last week, we saw 30 pound bags dropping like they were going out of style, but this week will be the grind for a few kicker fish over three pounds.

For the Sabine River, I’m very curious about the strategy that prevails this go around. In the past, many anglers have taken the risk of a long run; however, last time proved that staying close by can win as well. Predicted higher and dirtier water may have anglers scrambling and searching all across the vast playing field. I’m hoping to see some long runs pay off and some drama related to that. It seems that staying close and maximizing fishing time has been the method that prevails as of late. Will the youngsters bring a new finesse strategy to the muddy Sabine, or will traditional power river fishing be on full display? I’m ready to get this one going.

Bucket A: FEIDER

I may regret getting off the Przekurat train since he has been an automatic Top 10 pretty much all year, but the Sabine can be a crazy curveball. I’m going to go with the dirt dobber in Seth Feider. Hot off a century belt fishing the dirt last week on Fork, I hope to see him continue that trend. I would love to see Feider hoist another blue trophy after a little bit of a dry spell. The Sabine has been very good to him in the past with a 43^rd, 6^th, and 29^th.

Solid secondary pick: Jay Przekurat has been the man on a mission this year with his worst finish being 30^thand the rest are all Top 15s. I don’t see him slowing down anytime soon and I’m sure he will figure something out on the Sabine. His one visit there resulted in a 40^th.

Bucket B: FOTHERGILL

Talk about another guy on a roll, Easton Fothergill has really turned on the heat after leaving Florida. I’m very curious about his approach for the Sabine River since it doesn’t really fit his predominant style, but I think he will bring in something unique to the river. He does love grinder tournaments, and the Sabine has a tendency to be one.

Solid secondary pick: Brock Mosley seems to be the king of the Sabine with both a win and a 2^nd the last two visits. Although it seems like the river will be different this time, I’m sure Mosley will figure something out.

Bucket C: SHRYOCK

When Hunter Shryock can get up shallow and flip, he is dangerous, and the Sabine River has been quite good for him in the past. 27^th and 6^th are his last two finishes there and with higher water on the river there should be plenty of places to get up shallow. He has had a decent season this year so far and he will be looking to jump into a Top 10 at this one.

Solid secondary pick: On a place like the Sabine it’s very hard not to pick Jason Christie. As a previous winner here, Christie understands what it takes and how to manage long runs if that is what’s necessary.

Bucket D: EBARE

Dakota Ebare will be wanting some revenge after what happened at Lake Fork, dropping from 6^th to 76^th on Day 2. While I can’t find much data on him fishing the Sabine, I bet he has visited there before. I’m still waiting on his breakout performance on the Elites and hopefully it will be in this second Texas stop. I know he can grind it out and focus on finding those above average fish.

Solid secondary pick: It’s extremely difficult to pass up on Greg Hackney, who is also a Sabine winner and is coming off a strong finish last week. His extensive knowledge of shallow bassing will give him an edge in any conditions. He is currently sitting at 45% picked for bucket D, and that’s why he’s my secondary.

Bucket E: Wong

Matty Wong has had a very up-and-down career and has struggled a bit this season. However, looking at history, the Sabine and other tough river systems have seen Wong thrive. He finished a close 3rd in the last visit to the Sabine and won the 2021 Nation Championship on a stingy Ouachita River in Louisiana.

Solid secondary pick: Gerald Swindle has had a rough 2025 but he can shallow fish with the best of them. He has also had some great success on the Sabine and has been there a number of times over the years.