Photo: Ronnie Moore - Mark Zona, host of Bassmaster TV and Zona's Awesome Fishing Show, invited Bassmaster Elite Series pro Chris Zaldain to Michigan for a smallmouth beat down on Zona LIVE. They prepped for the trip by scouting some other fisheries to ensure they covered every option possible.Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zaldain was ready for this fun week of fishing.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We aren't the biggest boat on the pond today.Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - Zona fires up his Mercury Pro XS 2-stroke.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - We head out to check cell coverage and see if there are any willing bass ready to bite.Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zaldain rigs up a jerkbait before he starts.Photo: Ronnie Moore
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zona hooks up relatively quick.Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - It's not what we expected to catch.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - It's a largemouth...Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - A very feisty largemouth.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zona was tickled to catch one, but was surprised a smallmouth wasn't his first bite.Photo: Ronnie Moore - He pulls up stakes after an hour or two with no more bites.Photo: Ronnie Moore - Time to hit another lake to see what the outlook is.
Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - Zona LIVE is presented by Trokar this week.Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zaldain hooks into something big, with some pulling force.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - It drags line off his reel at will.Photo: Ronnie Moore - It ends up being a trout!Photo: Ronnie Moore - The beautiful fish is a dangerous one at the boat, especially with trebled hooks.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zaldain grabs it the best way to avoid a slimy hook in the hand.Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - Look at that beauty!
Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - The wind begins to pick up. This was the reason for a scouting trip. Zona and Zaldain's Plan A location could be hindered by wind depending on the level it blows at.Photo: Ronnie Moore - At this point Zaldain is more confident with their original Plan A, but they are giving this a go.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zona hooks up.Photo: Ronnie Moore - This one is of the brown variety.Photo: Ronnie Moore
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Zona tries to corral it, but it's not giving up.Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - Got you!
Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - "May not catch many, but the opportunity for a big one is here," Zona said.Photo: Ronnie Moore
Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - That's a pretty smallmouth.Photo: Ronnie Moore - Back to search mode.
Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - We make a run to the ramp to monitor tomorrow's weather and gameplan.Photo: Ronnie Moore - He rigs tackle before we head back. Which one will he choose?
Photo: Ronnie Moore - That one.Photo: Ronnie Moore - A jerkbait may factor at some point this week, whether or not it is the deal on Zona LIVE on Tuesday.Photo: Ronnie Moore - He searches for another hook.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Maybe a swimbait would work well?Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - Who's that guy?
Photo: Ronnie MoorePhoto: Ronnie Moore - Zona recognizes that smile.Photo: Ronnie Moore - Fans of bass fishing know all about Zona's passion for a tube. He's one of the best with it.
Photo: Ronnie Moore - Everything is packed up as we make our way back to the hotel for more prep. Zona LIVE with Chris Zaldain presented by Trokar is scheduled for Tuesday, October 2nd from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET.