We’re getting really close to the start of a new Bassmaster Elite Series season, and right now my mind is in a running race. I’m trying to get all my loose ends tidied up and get it all put into order so I’m ready to go.
I’ve been waiting for the truck to get wrapped, fine-tuning my Humminbird units and rerigging rods. I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to start off with — what are the 15 rods I’ll need, and what are they going to have on ‘em.
Thankfully, my Phoenix 21 XE and my Mercury 250 Pro XS and motor are good to go. I got out a few times, got some hours on the engine and got it broken in. I’m ready to open that thing up for a long period of time, instead of short bursts.
Overall, the most time-consuming element of my preparation is tackle, rigging rods and then trying to get everything organized to take all the extras I may need. I’m hoping I don’t forget anything. I usually don’t have any trouble getting sponsor baits sent to me on the road, but I try to do a thorough job before I leave.
As far as consistency, I’ll be using a lot of the same stuff I used last season. I’ll be fishing with Falcon Rods, Sunline, Booyah, YUM, and War Eagle. Moving from the Phoenix 21 PHX to the 21 XE will give me more bow space to accommodate three graphs. I’m running all Humminbird units this year.
I have to admit this is one of those years I’m a little concerned about. We’re going to have some shallow-water events, but not specifically shallow water. We’re going to be able to do more offshore stuff to win than what the shallow-water deal is gonna be.
That’s going to be challenging for me, because I’m not an offshore guy. But I think my Humminbird units have given me a much better mindset because the side imaging is outstanding, and the Lakemaster maps are the best there are. I think that’s really going to help as far as my offshore fishing.
I’m looking at places like Wheeler Lake and Smith Lake as likely offshore events, but also our first two events at Toledo Bend and Lake Fork. We’ve had some good weather, but I presume it’s going to be more of an offshore deal.
Both Florida events — the St. Johns River and Harris Chain — will be mostly shallow events. Once we get away from those, I think I’m going to have to get offshore and that could be a test for me.
I will say that winning my first Elite event last year at Santee-Cooper Lakes does help with the confidence. When you finally get over that hump and win one, that really makes you believe, “I can compete with these guys.”
It’s definitely given me that little pep in my step where you bow your chest out a little bit and go do it. It gives you that confidence that you can and you will.
