It’s thrilling anytime you get a win in a Bassmaster event, but this recent win on the St. Lawrence River was especially exciting and gratifying because it was so unexpected. Just a few years ago, I was completely out of my element on northern smallmouth waters, so catching more than 100 pounds over four days would’ve been beyond my wildest dreams. Setting a record, however, seemed completely out of the question.
Furthermore, I felt that the situation around this event made a record unlikely. Not only has the fishery gotten a lot of pressure, but we only had two days of practice and the first day of the tournament had heavy winds. I didn’t think that added up to more than 90-something pounds, but I was very glad to be proven wrong.
I honestly didn’t think about the win or the Century Club belt until Day 3. Up until then it was all survival mode. On Day 1, with the big water, I abandoned my plan to go out into the lake. I knew I could make it, but I didn’t want to beat my equipment up or suffer a time crunch. Every fish I caught was in the river.
I only had 17 pounds at 1 p.m., with a goal of 20, but with the clock running out I drifted over a shoal and saw one following my bait. Old Curious George finally bit, and he turned out to weigh 6-1. That was the momentum I needed and over the course of a few more moves I culled up a couple more times. I ended the day with 24-14, which had me in a tie for ninth. I’d done my job, and I hadn’t even touched my fish in the lake.
On Day 2 I never went back to the fish I’d target the first day. I had a long day, made a long run and was pleased to find nobody on my spot. I didn’t catch any as I worked toward it, but as I hit the dot I caught 19 pounds in the course of four casts. I had 25 pounds by 10:30 a.m., so I was able to go and prefish for the weekend. I found some really good stuff and culled up a couple of times to get to 27-03. That moved me up to fourth place, just a little over a pound behind leader Kyle Welcher.
On Day 3 I again had 25 pounds by 11 a.m., which allowed me to continue prefishing and expanding on what I had. In the course of looking for more fish, I culled out a 5-2 and a 5-3 with a 5-7 and 5-10. It didn’t seem to matter what I did. Everywhere I went I found more fish, and I worked hard to manage them for Day 4. With 28-05, I leapfrogged into the lead with 80-06. That put me about a pound over Welcher, with Chris Johnston just a pound behind him. I knew they were around the right kind of fish, and Chris in particular always seems to have a 27-pound-plus bag up his sleeve.
Championship Sunday started slowly. Early on I had 10 spectator boats and two camera boats around me, and I amassed 19 or 20 pounds before I got to my good stuff. Then at 10 a.m. everyone left. I wasn’t sure what happened, but I figured someone was absolutely cracking them.
At 1 p.m. I had 21 1/2 or maybe 22 pounds, but there were two 3-pounders in my livewell. There was no way I could win with those two fish in my bag. As I started working back, there were various spots I planned to hit, but a voice kept telling me not to go there. Finally I hit Long Point. I know that big fish live there, and it was glass calm when I set down so I could see a few swimming around. Still, it took me around a couple yards before I caught a 4-10 that allowed me to cull and gain more than a pound.
In rapid succession, Kyoya, Chris and Cory all started fishing within sight, then all but Chris left. I culled again with a 4-pounder to get past 24 pounds, but then I watched from 25 yards away as he caught a 5-4. I figured he put it away with that fish.
I figured that I didn’t have a chance until I checked in and looked at BassTrakk. It had us razor close, although I know he fudges a bit so it might not have been that close. When we finally bagged our fish and waited through what seemed like an interminable weigh-in, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe I won. I couldn’t believe I’d topped 100 pounds. Two years ago I couldn’t cash a check at the St. Lawrence River, and now I would be driving home with the trophy. Everything had come full circle.
Every victory is special in its own way. My win at Lake Fork was amazing, and after a couple of years of waiting I was starting to wonder if I’d ever get that feeling again. This one is even more special. Not only do I now have the smallmouth record, but I’m also the first Elite Series pro to earn Century Club belts with both largemouth and smallmouth. I love catching fat bags whether they’re from the North or South.
Finally, I want to congratulate everyone who had a great season and a great event. The year after I won at Lake Fork, I topped 100 pounds again and got beaten by Lee Livesay, so I know what Kyoya, Taku and Chris are feeling. They’ve checked off a milestone but didn’t get the win. That has to be frustrating. But it’s, once again, proof of how utterly competitive the Elite Series trail has become. Beyond the record, I’m thrilled whenever I beat anglers of this incredible caliber.
Now it’s time for a little break – some deer hunting and time with the family. I ended the year with strong momentum, but soon we’ll get our 2024 schedule and the process will start over again. It’s an ongoing battle, and I love the challenge and the occasional rewards.
