We sat down and put together out pundit picks for this week's Bassmaster Elite Series even on Lake Murray in South Carolina. It's here about a week earlier than the 2008 event in which Fred Roumbanis won on a Snagproof Frog. But this is also a blueback herring lake which means their could be a crazy topwater and swimbait bite also. There are a few places that set up well for cranking and a mop jig always produces here. So it made picks for this one a little tough.
Todd's Picks
A. Kevin VanDam – KVD is looking to
take over the three-horse race down the stretch run of the Angler of the
Year. Not to mention this is the second half of the season where VanDam
usually starts winning events with his cranking system and making
things tough on the rest of the field.
B. Terry Scroggins – Like KVD, Scroggins also wants to lead the three horse race.
C. Fred Roumbanis –
I picked him last time thinking he had a breakout event coming. Since
it wasn't last week, it's a push to this week. Nevermind that he's
already won on the frog here.
D. Greg Vinson – Vinson is fishing extremely well thus far and mostly going unnoticed. He's also the highest ranked angler in Group D.
E. Andy Montgomery – This is probably the toughest group to
pick from. There’s at least 6 guys in this field that could close the
deal and win this event. Ultimately, I went with the most consistent
this season of the bunch.
Jason's Picks
A. Edwin Evers - Evers has simply been on fire with his fishing over the last 12 months. We expect it to continue here where he placed third three years ago. He's a tireless gamer who practices well past dark at times. Wouldn't surprise us to see him win another this season.
B. Casey Ashley - This is a blueback herring lake in the post spawn. Local knowledge can likely play in this type of tournament. So I'm going with a trio of SC guys starting with Ashley. He knows the lake and he's been relatively quiet this season. Maybe his new CD launch will put some good mojo in his boat.
C. Davy Hite - Another SC pick here. I like Hite for a couple of reasons. There is a chance a swimbait can play big here, but so could a mop jig or a topwater. He's good with all of them and I like the SC boys to do well in this event.
D. Marty Robinson - another relatively quiet season and nothing kick starts a year like fishing in your home state. Just ask Terry Scroggins.
E. Andy Montgomery - This could be one of those tournaments where covering a lot of water quickly could play big. Montgomery is a blitzer. He fishes fast but thorough and leaves no stone untouched. So he could really shine on this lake if moving fast is the name of the game.
Terry's Picks
A. Kevin VanDam - No grass here and anglers will need to power fish. Making timely decisions on the water will be crucial and that plays into KVD's wheelhouse.
B. Gary Klein - He needs a win or a strong performance. Always focused and this could fit his style.
C. Takahiro Omori - Tak needs a big finish here and the crankbait bite should be a key. Takahiro knows crankbaits like the back of his hand.
D. Greg Vinson - A carry over for me from the last event. He continues to gain momentum and his versatility has been impressive.
E. Ott DeFoe - Sticking with the horse I rode in on. A great stick and fishes to his strengths. Ott knows how to fish post spawn well and this could set up for a big time post spawn bite.
Who are your picks?
