Feider's quest for the Classic

On the final morning of the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship, Minnesota native and Mille Lacs smallmouth junky Seth Feider accepted my request to shoot a pre-tournament photo gallery. Here’s a look at his last day of preparation before the big event begins on Thursday.

How Feider defied all the odds and earned the final spot in the Top 50 is a story in itself, but as the sophomore Elite Series pro came into the final regular-season tournament he knew he had to make up some points. In short, he had to place fourth or better at the Plano Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River presented by Favorite Fishing our of La Crosse, Wis. And, he almost won the thing taking second place to Ott Defoe by ounces.

From the front deck of his Rapala wrapped Bass Cat Puma, he set his sights on qualifying for the AOY Championship on Minnesota’s famed Mille Lacs. He’s a solid stick on this body of water, and could be the most feared angler this week. He grew up fishing here, and he understands the fishery well. Not only did his performance at La Crosse take him where he wanted to go, but it provided a much-needed boost in confidence.

As we were prepping his boat for launch, the Minnesota DNR was on-hand to run a quick inspection making sure his rig was clean of invasive species, such as zebra mussels and Eurasian milfoil. This is a very common practice at many of the state’s popular fishing and boating lakes.

While the inspection was being performed, Feider took a few moments to top off his oil reservoir.

This is almost impossible to do without a long, narrow funnel. This can be a tough lesson to learn, but oil spillage is a mess and Feider knows it.

Here’s a quick look at the lake from the launch.

After being given the “All clear,” Feider approaches the launch.

Backing it on up.

The 31-year-old angler unhooks the bow …

… pulls his Bass Cat off of the trailer and drops the Power-Poles at the dock.

To the parking lot while I observe. I like not having to do any more work than necessary.

I was not along to fish, rather to get to know the man who shares an affliction for the great Northland, just as I do.

And a very special place it is.

As we idled out of the canal, Feider scans the bottom for fish. Any sign of life during tournament practice could be an important asset.

I asked him where he was planning on fishing this week, and he said “over there.”

He spends a little time looking at his Humminbird unit trying to decide which way to go.

After I think he’s made his decision, he pulls out one of his Daiwa rod-and-reel combos.

Feider reties a knot or two …

Mille Lacs is a vast body of water. Feider said that there are so many good spots, it can be hard to narrow it down to one or two, or seven, or 15. Having an intimate knowledge of the lake will put him in position to catch some very nice fish this week.

I asked him to get serious and kindly show me where he’s going to bang up the big smallmouth bass. Once again, he said “over there.”

Well played Seth, well played.

He looks ahead and puts the throttle down.

Known to be one of the fastest bass boats on the market, Feider’s Puma will do 70+ with two anglers, gear, livewell water and gas. We hopped from spot to spot for several hours without wasting any time in transit. This thing is fast!

Feider’s first fish is an accidental walleye. Due to low sampling numbers in recent years, the Minnesota DNR has shut down walleye fishing on Mille Lacs in hopes the population will bounce back. There is no fishing for walleyes whatsoever on Mille Lacs right now. It’s an interesting situation, but letting a popular fishery like this bounce back will be to the walleye and walleye anglers’ advantage. This fish was immediately released.

Feider goes to work scouting different areas of the lake.

Knowing the big lake can occasionally get rough, he’s switched to a bigger trolling motor. His regular outfit is a 45-inch Minn Kota Fortrex, but this long dog is 52 inches. The purpose is to reduce trolling motor breaches that can occur when waves are a factor. The longer shaft keeps his prop in the water.

It isn’t long and he hooks up. “This isn’t a magnum, but it’s a nice one.”

We admire the fight smallJaws are known for. They. Just. Don’t. Quit.

Nice looking fish! But is it the right size to win Mille Lacs?

It wasn’t a rat, I know that much.

In an effort to probe for more information, I asked him what they are biting on … Expecting no less than a sarcastic answer, he fulfilled my anticipations and said “my hook.”

Again, Seth, well played.

He did tell me that the Rapala Shadow Rap and Shadow Rap Shad jerkbaits can be dynamite on this body of water.

As we pulled the boat out, the MN DNR inspected the boat again, and sent him on his way.

Our time was brief, but enjoyable. Feider is a passionate and dedicated all-around outdoorsman, and I respect that. He is very excited about this week’s event–not only to be here fishing his favorite body of water, but also hoping he can adequately showcase the fishery. He came into La Crosse hoping to make the Top 50 cut for the AOY Championship, and then he almost won. Now, his objectives are to beat the odds again and qualify for his first Bassmaster Classic. Long odds? You bet, but he’s proven that odds mean nothing to him. Look for Feider to have an outstanding week