Fantasy Fishing: Another South Carolina slugfest

Written by

Kyle Jessie

Oh, you didn’t have a great event in Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing at the most recent Marathon Bassmaster Elite at Lake Murray? Well, neither did I, but we can’t dwell on it too long because the Elites are making the short drive over to the famed Santee Cooper Lakes.

Since 2020, the Elite have fished Santee Cooper Lakes twice – once in October and once in March. It’s not fair to suggest that Santee Cooper Lakes will show out quite like it did in 2022 because the Elites hit it at maybe the best week of the year to be fishing there. As Jonathan Kelley said in the most recent episode of the Inside Bassmaster Podcast, “It seemed like every bass in the lake was spawning.”

The event being over a month later in the year is sure to open more opportunities for the Elites. There are sure to be a number of bass still spawning, but it’s likely that a large number of fish are postspawn. This could mean more offshore potential, bass ambushing an early shad spawn or even fry guarders.

When it comes to making Fantasy Fishing picks, rely on versatile anglers that will be able to mix in a number of different patterns. Also, it’s fair to assume anglers that had good finishes in the fall and spring at Santee Cooper have a good grasp of the body of water, so making picks based on history could be a solid bet.

BUCKET A: WALTERS

Simply put, Patrick Walters is the safe pick in Bucket A. It’s always difficult making a pick in Bucket A considering it’s full of great anglers who are fishing well, but Walter’s homefield advantage is sure to be a factor. The South Carolina pro has yet to crack the Top 10 in Elite Series competition at his home lake, but this could certainly be his time.

Solid secondary selection: It’s not reasonable to expect Drew Cook to bring in the same type of weight to the scale this go around, but he will certainly find the remaining bed fish that are available. Even if that doesn’t pan out, he’s deadly with a swim jig in his hand. Look for Cook to have another solid showing.

BUCKET B: PALMER

In two Elite Series trips to Santee Cooper Lakes, Luke Palmer has notched two top 20 finishes, including a fourth-place finish just a year ago. Over the course of his career, the Oklahoma pro has never finished worse than 50th in two consecutive Elite events. After finishing 51st at Lake Murray, look for Palmer to turn in a good finish.

Solid secondary selection: If you’re looking for an under-the-radar pick, David Gaston might be a solid selection. The Elite Series rookie has finished inside the Top 50 in all three of the Elite events this season, and Santee Cooper sets up perfectly to fit his style.

BUCKET C: LOGAN

Bucket C is a real toss-up for this event. The Bucket is still loaded with anglers who won’t be there for long, but I’m going with Wes Logan. The Alabama pro has a history of success in events during the immediate postspawn period. Look for Logan to go to work with a swim jig up shallow.

Solid secondary selection: Rarely do I go back and change a pick, but it’s possible that I throw Brandon Palaniuk into my lineup before the event starts. It’s hard to argue his results at Santee Cooper with a win in 2020 and a third-place finish in 2022.

BUCKET D: ZALDAIN

Chris Zaldain is always dangerous when big fish are present. The Texas pro has a pair of solid finishes at Santee Cooper, but the timing of this event may allow him to do something a little bit different.

Solid secondary selection: You could justify picking Jason Christie in just about any event, but considering his poor finish here a year ago, he’s likely out for revenge this go-round.

BUCKET E: HERREN

Matt Herren hasn’t had the start that he hoped for, but Santee Cooper sets up to be a perfect slump buster for the longtime Elite pro. Anytime Herren can put his head down and grind it out in shallow water, he’s at his best, so expect him to have a good showing.

Solid secondary selection: If you don’t mind the high player percentage, go with Bryan New on his “favorite tournament lake.” The South Carolina pro didn’t have the showing he was hoping for on his home lake, but Santee Cooper presents a great opportunity for him to bounce back.