As we gear up for the 2024 Humminbird Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River, it’s worth highlighting a notable win at the recent Thousand Island Open. The event saw Evan Kung and Ryan Clark secure victory with the help of the Great Lakes Finesse Drop Minnow 2.75”, showcasing the lure’s effectiveness and offering valuable insights for the upcoming tournament.
The Thousand Island Open proved to be a challenging yet rewarding event for anglers this year, with Evan Kung and Ryan Clark emerging victorious thanks to the impressive performance of the Great Lakes Finesse Drop Minnow 2.75”.
Leading up to the tournament, Kung and Clark noticed that the fish were more scattered than in previous years. They found huge schools of 4 to 4.5-pound fish in mid-depth ranges of 15-25 feet. Practicing with two boats was key to their strategy, allowing them to cover more ground and pinpoint crucial spots.
On the first day, the team started strong by fishing slightly deeper, quickly catching around 21 pounds of fish. A stop at their “kicker spot” resulted in a 6-pounder, boosting their total to 22.45 pounds by the 1 PM weigh-in.
Day two brought unexpected competition at their starting spot, leading them to take a risky long run. Although this didn’t pay off as hoped, they managed to salvage the day by fishing familiar waypoints. Returning to their kicker spot, they landed another nearly 6-pound fish, ending the day with 20.92 pounds.
On the final day, Kung and Clark focused on their Day 1 waters and quickly caught three 4.5-pounders. The fish setup at the kicker spot wasn’t ideal due to the lack of wind, so they adapted by moving between deep and shallow areas. As the wind picked up in the afternoon, they caught a 5.75-pounder, securing their win by a narrow margin of 0.40 pounds with a final weight of 20.92 pounds.
The Great Lakes Finesse Drop Minnow (GP), fished on a drop shot rig, was instrumental in their victory, accounting for over half of the fish they weighed. Its small profile and subtle action were perfect for tricking larger fish in varied depths, from 6 to 40 feet. The team also used other smallmouth staples like marabou jigs, spy baits, small swim baits, and ned rigs, targeting rock piles, boulders, and sand flats.
This win highlights the importance of versatility and adaptability in competitive fishing. Kung and Clark’s strategic approach and reliance on the innovative Great Lakes Finesse Drop Minnow underscore its potential for anglers facing challenging conditions.
For more details on the results of the Thousand Island Open, click here.
