GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. — Hitting Lake Guntersville in April has been highly anticipated by the anglers, who by all accounts say it will be a major slugfest.
Picking potential winners has been difficult, as there are so many who have done well here in the past or are capable in this week's Diet Mtn Dew Bassmaster Elite on Lake Guntersville.
Here are some picks that the Elite Series anglers have chosen based on how practice has gone this week.
Chris Zaldain
Edwin Evers: He had a tough tournament on the Sabine, but he has been the first angler on the water and the last off almost everyday this week.
Bobby Lane: Chris Lane’s brother is sleeping comfortably this week and I expect him to have a big performance after a tough Sabine event.
Kevin Ledoux: Kevin is a buddy of mine and he struggled on the Sabine River, but I think he had a really strong practice and should do well here.
Russ Lane
Jacob Powroznik: Anytime there are bed fish, he will play a factor.
Derek Remitz: He is a local angler who has certainly put in the time over the years on Guntersville.
Kevin VanDam: He is a hammer on these Tennessee River lakes. I expect him to do well.
Hank Cherry
Todd Faircloth: There is grass here and he knows how to get it done on these grass lakes.
Aaron Martens: This is no doubt his time of the year and he has proven it here.
Terry Scroggins: He is a shallow Florida angler and has been quiet this week, which could mean he is going to bust a big bag this week.
Gerald Swindle
Dean Rojas: Sight fishing could play a big part this week and if it does, expect him to be looking at his fish.
Keith Combs: He is committed to the offshore bite and he will throw his big baits for these giant bass.
Derek Remitz: He too is committed to his pattern and his local knowledge should help him figure it out as it changes.
Keith Combs
Todd Faircloth: He is always consistent everywhere we go, but even more so when grass and big bass are involved.
Alton Jones: Sight fishing will factor this week and I expect him to find the big ones that are shallow.
Chris Lane: He won the last Elite event, he is a local here and he certainly has momentum on his side.
Paul Mueller
Randall Tharp: He has a lot of experience here and knows this fishery well.
Aaron Martens: He seems to really dial it in on this body of water. He is a threat everywhere, but especially here.
Kevin VanDam: Knows so much about this lake and his track record speaks for itself.
Chris Lane
Kevin VanDam: He has won so many tournaments on the Tennessee River. He knows how to fish this system.
Bobby Lane: I’m picking my brother because I know it will take 20 to 24 pounds a day to be near the top and he knows how to catch those big fish needed.
Aaron Martens: His knowledge of this fishery is ridiculous. He is in tune with this place.
David Williams
Jason Christie: I think junk fishing will play a key role up shallow and I expect him to be able to grind out those big bites.
Brett Hite: With grass and some prespawn fish on this lake, his Chatterbait could do well.
Kevin VanDam: He is seeking redemption from last year and already started his season off with a check at the Sabine.