The conservation-focused, country music rich 7th Annual Toyota Texas Bass Classic, involving top pros from the Bassmaster Elite Series, FLW Tour, and PAA, begins Friday on Lake Conroe north of Houston.
Terry “Big Show” Scroggins, Bobby Lane and Tommy Biffle graciously share their insight on all things TTBC — including big bass, the lures they predict will be used to catch them, and the country music concerts they look forward to most following weigh-in each day.
Q: What’s the biggest bass you’ve ever caught from Lake Conroe?
Scroggins: A 9-pounder on a crankbait, but it was during practice.
Bobby Lane: 7 pounds, 8 ounces on a crankbait.
Biffle: 8 pounds, 8 ounces on a black and blue jig
Q: What do you like most about TTBC?
Scroggins: The huge crowds. That gives us a chance to showcase our sponsors to a lot of folks.
Bobby Lane: I love the catch, record, and release format. Our ride-along judge records our catch – and we release it immediately – but if we catch one over 21”, we get to put it in a holding tank in the back of a Tundra, haul it to weigh-in, and show it off to the fans.
Biffle: It’s fun. There’s no entry fee. You’re guaranteed a paycheck. And again, it’s fun! There’s no pressure.
Q: How many hours did you tow your boat to get to Conroe?
Scroggins: 16 hours from my house in Florida.
Bobby Lane: I came straight from B.A.S.S. Toyota All Star Week in Michigan. It took me 21 hours.
Biffle: Just short of 8 hours from my home in Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Q: Name three lures you predict will get used the most this weekend by TTBC anglers.
Scroggins: Deep crankbait, squarebill crankbaits and flippin jigs.
Bobby Lane: Mid-range crankbait, Shaky Head and an 8-10” worm.
Biffle: Deep crankbaits, flippin’ jigs and squarebill crankbaits.
Q: Of all the great country music concerts that will occur after weigh-in each day, which do you look most forward to?
Scroggins: Lee Brice and Thompson Square
Bobby Lane: Eli Young – my wife played me one of their songs as we drove to Michigan together last week.
Biffle: The Band Perry, Thompson Square and Eli Young. I’ve already paid to see them in concert around Tulsa, and I’m lookin’ forward to hearing them again here for free.