An epic Bassmaster Classic may be over, but after brief trips home the Bassmaster Elite Series pros will get another crack at the Palmetto State, as the third event on the schedule visits legendary Santee Cooper. This is the fishery where OT Fears set the one-day and three-day records nearly three decades ago, and then Preston Clark set a four-day record in 2006. In that early Elite Series event, held about this same time, Clark weighed in 115 pounds, 15 ounces of sight-fished bass. Five other pros topped the century mark, and there’s no reason to believe it won’t happen again.
Several current Elites, including Steve Kennedy (fourth), John Crews (ninth) and Greg Hackney (11th) competed in that tournament, and the Elites went back in 2020, albeit in the fall. That means much of the field has ample experience on this massive two-lake system.
The biggest story coming out of the Classic was that the expected mass movement to the spawning grounds did not take place. By the time this derby starts, however, 200 miles to the southeast it should be in full swing. There may be some other things happening, but expect the “lookers” to do well, especially those with giant-hunting on their resumes.
To be completely honest, the leveling of the Elite field at a high altitude has made Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing increasingly tough, but here are my hunches and gut picks:
BUCKET A: COX
My pick: There’s no doubt that John Cox is one of the best shallow water sight fishermen and junk fishermen on the planet. I watched him looking for beds in the upper reaches of the Savannah River on practice day. If he’d found the mother lode, he would’ve had them all to himself. Alas, he did not. He’ll get redemption at Santee Cooper.
Solid backup: Brandon Lester didn’t have the Classic he wanted, but until then he’d been fishing about as well as anyone, with an Open win and two solid Elite finishes in Florida. Expect that to keep up as he makes a run at Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
BUCKET B: MARTIN
My pick: Despite some Top 10s, Scott Martin hasn’t had a signature Elite moment yet, but for an angler of his caliber you know it’s coming. He’s an exceptional shallow water technician and an excellent sight fisherman. While he didn’t finish off family business at the Classic, maybe he’ll take a step toward doing so at the fishery where Roland started his guiding career.
Solid backup: In addition to being one of the most consistent anglers on tour, this is home waters for Patrick Walters. If the short shorts make an appearance, that means it’s warm enough for sight fishing.
BUCKET C: LIVESAY
My pick: If you want to find an angler capable of earning a Century Club belt, find one who has already done it and proven that his livewells are up to the task. Lee Livesay is quickly developing a reputation as a closer. Seeing eights and 10s on the bed won’t faze him.
Solid backup: Another Texan who’s having a better start than he experienced the past few years is Keith Combs. A Top 10 at Santee would put him back at the level he’s used to occupying. He too knows what it’s like to weigh in 100-plus (in three days).
BUCKET D: MOSLEY
My pick: Brock Mosley can sight fish, but if anyone finds a different pattern that produces big weights in this tournament it could be the young Mississippian with his vibrating jig. He’s finished in the money in two-thirds of his B.A.S.S. events and in the top 20 over a quarter of the time. He too would like to make another run at the AOY title, but that will require overcoming a tough start in Florida.
Solid backup: Will ON ‘EM be on ‘em? Matt Robertson has shown that he’s more than a gimmick or a novelty, but he needs to get into positive territory at this event to get back to his fur coat wearing ways at the 2023 Classic.
BUCKET E: SHRYOCK
My pick: I’m surprised that devoted flipper Hunter Shryock did not earn a top 47 finish at either Florida tournament. He needs a good event to get back to the Classic, and he was 29th here in the fall of 2020. Young eyes are a bonus for all-day bed scanning.
Solid backup: If you don’t mind making a pick with a high percentage of ownership, pick Kyle Welcher, who may have some unfinished business after getting edged out by Jason Christie at Hartwell.
Mercury Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge
I’m still saving some Texans for Fork and some Canadians for the Northern Swing, but it’s time to start making up some ground here. Accordingly, I’ve picked:
• Matt Arey
• Todd Auten
• Jeff Gustafson
• Brandon Lester
• Scott Martin
• Bryan New
• KJ Queen
• Jake Whitaker
