Photo courtesy of B.A.S.S. Communications
Well we sat down and went through two full fields of anglers to get our picks for both the Bassmaster Elite Series event and the FLW Tour event this week. And we found this week to be the biggest challenge of year for choosing anglers for either tournament circuit. At Toledo Bend low water has changed the game and past experience may come into play here while newcomers will struggle. Just navigating has been difficult for anglers. However we all feel pretty confident on these choices. We all had one choice the same and we had two picks that two of us had. So lots of choices in this one.
Jason
Kevin VanDam - Can't go against KVD on a fishery that will play into the hands of the guys that have been here before. Its post spawn and if there is a crankbait bite, he'll be trouble.
Kelly Jordon - It's Texas and the fish should be active. As Gerald Swindle says, big fish just seem to find his bait more than the norm. One big bite could go a long way in this tournament.
John Crews - he's quietly had three top 50s and a top 12 so he's having a consistent year. I expect him to be consistent and if he gets one key bite or two he'll be in the top 12.
Grant Goldbeck - He's already had a high finish this year and this time of year here can put the finesse to good use to catch fish others might miss. He's listed as a MD fisherman but Texas is where he loves to fish.
Keith Combs - Keith likes Toledo. If it's a grind of a tournament we look for Combs to be in the top 12 here. He's great in those Texas tournaments that seem to be a little tougher and he feels very comfortable on this fishery. He's always done well here.
Terry
Kevin VanDam - This is the obvious A pick and he's had a good year thus far. Fishes open water very well. Look for a blade and a crankbait to be in his hands the entire tournament.
Ott Defoe - He's leading the ROY and a good stick that is ready for a break out tournament
Fred Roumbanis - Fred is a frog monster who can also shallow crank well. Post spawn patterns should make him a contender
Mark Davis - Post spawn master and loves open water. Drought should play well for him at Toledo Bend
Matt Herren - The king of the swim jig and this should be a pattern at the "Bend". Coming off a good tourney at Pickwick and fishes better with confidence.
Todd
Kevin VanDam - he came off a tough finish last event. He won't let that happen again.
Kelly Jordon - He's always a threat at Toledo Bend or any Texas fishery for that matter.
Denny Brauer - A third place finish at Pickwick got his mojo back. Once the fire is lit, it's hard to put it out. Looking for back to back top 10s from Denny.
Paul Elias - This tournament will be a test of experience on this historic fishery. I'm sticking with experience in the D bracket.
Ott Defoe - I picked him to be ROY before the season started. And he's still my pick for Rookie of the year.
