Fantasy Fishing: Turning point in the youth movement?

Written by

Kyle Jessie

The rookie class of anglers have made an incredible impact early on during the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series season. Two of the first three Bassmaster Elite events have been won by rookies and each Elite event has had at least two rookies make the final day. Will this trend continue at the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River or will the veterans that have extensive history on this body of water take over?

In the past, the St. Johns River has been a place where old school techniques like flipping and power fishing with moving baits has played a major role. Considering this event will take place months later than the previous events at this famed fishery, things could certainly be different.

When making Fantasy Fishing picks this time around, I absolutely considered history on the body of water. Many anglers in the field have consistently had success at the St. Johns River, and it’s hard to imagine that the change in the time of year will have a massive effect.

Let’s get into my picks.

BUCKET A: WALTERS

I’m back on board with selecting Patrick Walters in Bucket A. Although the South Carolina pro had a tough even at the Harris Chain, he has done exceptionally well at the St. Johns River. In four Bassmaster Elite events at the St. Johns, Walters has notched a Top 10 in all four of them. Look for Walters to jump right back into the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race this week.

Solid secondary selection: It’s hard to bet against the momentum that Trey McKinney has built up through the first three events. Currently leading the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, the Elite rookie will look to stay at the top of the leaderboard after the St. Johns.

BUCKET B: LESTER

Brandon Lester may a native of the great state of Tennessee, but his results in Florida makes him seem like a local during the Florida swing. In six Bassmaster events at the St. Johns River, Lester has only finished outside the top 35 once. That one event was during his rookie season in 2014. Additionally, Lester is coming off of a strong finish at the Harris Chain.

Solid secondary selection: Matt Arey has been one of the most consistent anglers on tour for several years now, and results at the St. Johns River would reflect that as well. The North Carolina angler is a great junk fisherman which always seems to play a role at this body of water.

BUCKET C: COOK

After selection Drew Cook at the Harris Chain, I’m sticking with him in Bucket C. Cook is simply one of the most versatile anglers on the Elites, which makes me feel confident that he could catch them a number of different ways this time around. In four Elite events at the St. Johns River, Cook has not finished worse than 23rd place.

Solid secondary selection: If you’re looking for an under the radar pick at a low player percentage, consider Jake Whitaker in Bucket C. Whitaker has finished inside the top 50 in all but one of his Elite Series events at the St. Johns River. At 0.4% player percentage, Whitaker could be a steal.

BUCKET D: LOGAN

Wes Logan’s Elite season started rather slow, but after making the cut at the Harris Chain, he looks to be headed in the right direction. In addition to positive momentum, Logan has finished no worse than 32nd in three Elite trips to the St. Johns River.

Solid secondary selection: Despite a tough finish at the Harris Chain, Jason Williamson could be a pick worth considering in Bucket D. The South Carolina pro has finished inside the top 50 six times in Elite competition at the St. Johns.

BUCKET E: PRINCE

Bucket E is full of anglers that could easily win at the St. Johns, but I won’t bet against the Prince of Palatka. A lot of Elites have experience at the St. Johns River, but none have as much as Cliff Prince. Having fished this body of water during this time of the year may be a huge advantage for the hometown pro.

Solid secondary selection: Take your pick between Rick Clunn and John Crews. Both anglers have seen tremendous success at the St. Johns River. I fully expect Clunn to show out for his 500th B.A.S.S. event.