Matt Herren was one of seven anglers who weighed a limit topping 20 pounds on Day 1 of the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Chickamauga Lake. His words were repeated, almost exactly, by every one of the others who sacked 20 pounds yesterday, “I don’t know if I can catch a fish tomorrow.”
Here we are at tomorrow and it feels like one of those days that will weigh heavier than most when we look back at the 2022 Elite Series season. Day 2 is always important because of the top 47 cut that occurs at the end of it. But because of changing weather conditions – a cold front and brisk westerly winds – and the currently fickle nature of Chickamauga Lake – on the verge of a full-blown spawn and over three feet low – this day feels more ominous than most.
“I think this one is going to be a fisherman’s tournament,” said Herren. “I don’t think a guy is going to sit in one place and make cast after cast. I think you’re going to have to change every day. I think you’re going to have a lot of different things that play.”
It will be interesting to compare the Day 1 and Day 2 standings after the weigh-in today. It appears the changes might be more dramatic than usual.