By the time you read this, the Bassmaster Elite Series will be in its final stretch. Our four remaining events will be held in the South — Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas — on storied waters, including lakes Guntersville, Santee-Cooper, Chickamauga and Fork.
These manmade reservoirs are all renowned for healthy populations of trophy bass, but fall is always a challenge when it comes to catching big bass. Tournament weights are usually highest in the late winter and early spring, but because of the coronavirus and forced postponements in the Elite Series schedule, we’re now going to fish them in the fall.
Personally, I don’t mind that. In fact, I applaud B.A.S.S. for finding ways to get all these events in. By year’s end, we’ll have had a complete schedule of nine Elite Series tournaments, which is more than any other top-level tour can claim. And the resulting exposure we’re receiving is off the charts. ESPN2, Bassmaster.com and numerous other platforms are putting us in front of millions of fans across North America and beyond.
That was certainly true throughout the Northern Swing — at the St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain and Lake St. Clair. Combined, those events received more than 70 hours of airtime on “The Deuce” (ESPN2).
High stakes, low weights
After such a productive Northern Swing, many of the Elite anglers believe the Southern lakes will pale in comparison. They think this time of year will yield a much lower catch rate, and many have expressed concerns because of it.
So much is at stake, too. Bassmaster Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year titles will be decided, as will Bassmaster Classic berths. These events are critical to everyone involved.
Most expect the winning weights to be poor — well below the average of what they would be if held earlier in the year, when they were originally scheduled. That may be true. But the bottom line, as I see it, is that someone is going to win. And I believe it’s going to take some serious weight to do it … at every venue.
Whether the better fish are shallow, deep or in between, some of these guys will figure them out. It may come down to specific spots or more of a pattern approach — regardless, it’s likely the anglers who put in the time while keeping an open mind, will find a way to zero in on the winning fish.
Cover options, lure choices
All of the lakes feature vegetation, as well as some form of wood cover — including docks, laydowns, stumps, standing timber and/or cypress trees. They also have rock. Whether manmade or natural, these features can and will hold bass, and the entire field will check to see which has the greatest potential. Those who find the subtleties within these key features are the ones who will separate themselves.
Lure choices will range from topwaters to deep-diving crankbaits and everything in between. And every venue should offer enough options so that each angler can fish to his personal strengths.
Sure, the windows the fish choose to feed in may be limited, but they will be active at some point during the day. It’s just a matter of being in the right place with the right lure and technique when they’re ready to bite.
Staring fate in the face
After a successful Northern Swing, I’m now inside the cut for the 2021 Bassmaster Classic. To stay there, however, I’ll have to catch them at all the remaining events. There’s little room for error, so I need to make each event count.
I’ve fished all of these lakes numerous times — even some at this time of year — so I’m excited about my chances. Still, I need to go into each tournament with an open mind and try to expand on what I already know. The last thing I need is to be misled by dated tactics or places that were former glory holes. Lakes change constantly, and my job is to adapt to those changes.
If I do that and capitalize on the opportunities I’m given, I should be okay. Stay tuned.
Follow Bernie Schultz on Facebook and through his website.
