![](https://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/08-2021_Champlain_Schmitt.jpg)
Bryan Schmitt made the comment a few minutes ago that fishing for these Champlain bass is a frustrating endeavor right now, because the fish are roaming around chasing baitfish that are nomadic. But, “you can look like a hero,” too if and when you run into them. And run into them Schmitt just did.
“There is a mess of them here dude,” said the 2021 Champlain Elite Champion, as he stumbled onto a school of roamers and his graph lit up. Making short pitches with a dropshot, Schmitt proceeded to either catch or hook a fish on a half dozen consecutive casts.
In less than 10 minutes, the Maryland pro made his way all the way into 4th place on BassTrakk. He’s looking for a repeat here this week. And he’s off to a quick start. But he knows he’ll need to do some culling now, stating, “I don’t even want to put that one in the livewell,” a couple times. With two 3s and a 3-6 though, Schmitt is already a couple big bites away from a solid Day 1.