Fantasy Fishing: X-factor of the season

Written by

Tommy Sendek

When the Bassmaster Elite Series season kicks off in Florida, there is typically some certainty in the dominant patterns and techniques that will play. Throw that certainty out the window this week. With this event being much later in the year, there will likely be multiple patterns at play where anglers can catch bass doing just about anything. This makes it tough to go with the typical Florida picks as anyone in the field could be a player, making this event an X-factor.

The Harris Chain has gone through some significant changes in the last few years, even since the Elite Series last visited in 2022. The grass changes, water clarity changes and some lakes may become players now that weren’t in 2022. There is a ton of water to break down, and though the winning fish are in every lake, these guys will have to decide whether to commit to a technique and lake or junk fish their way to Championship Sunday. I think game-time decision making and adaptability will play a bigger role in this event than any other one this season.

BUCKET A: HAMNER

I’m well aware of the post-Classic slump that has hit many past champs, but I feel like Justin Hamner is going to keep the train rolling through Florida. A jerkbait has played an increasing role on the Chain, and I can see Hamner continuing to beat everyone using it.

Backup option: Jordan Lee is back and hungry. He has had success in Florida outside of the typical prespawn/spawn time of year and is riding the momentum from two great finishes to start the season.

BUCKET B: NEW

Bryan New is notorious for having more rods on his deck than anyone else. I think either junk fishing with several different baits and techniques or committing to a couple baits will be the move. If junk fishing is the move, my pick is New.

Backup option: Matty Wong is starting to really get in a groove on the Elite Series. The Harris Chain should fish unlike we’ve seen it fish in the past, and I like Wong’s chances to approach it like it’s a brand new body of water.

BUCKET C: LESTER

History would suggest that Brandon Lester can balance fishing the bank and fishing offshore on the Chain. He had a Top 10 here in 2022 fishing shallow and is just as capable of another Top 10 this time.

Backup option: Bryan Schmitt is no stranger to grass fishing being from the Potomac River region. He also had a Top 10 finish last time around, and he knows how to catch them out of shallow vegetation.

BUCKET D: MULLINS

David Mullins has had a lot thrown his way this year. After a poor season last year and an up-and-down start this year, I believe he will find a way to get the ship back on course this week on some familiar water where he has had past success.

Backup option: Cole Sands won a College Series National Championship here in 2020 and has a strong history in Florida. With Lake Chickamauga being his home pond, he is comfortable around vegetation and big bass.

BUCKET E: SMITH

In my mind, Bryant Smith is very comfortable when fishing new lakes. He had a great rookie season on the Elite Series last year and may have some sneaky West Coast tactics up his sleeve for these Florida fish.

Backup option: Bernie Schultz has as much experience as anyone in Florida and on the Harris Chain. I think he will put some local knowledge to use this week and leave the Leesburg with a good finish.