Rayburn Elite Series

I wasn't really thinking about making the Top 12 here. I was going for a Top 50. I thought if I could have one good day of sight-fishing and just be consistent on the other days, that would do it.

Then I caught the big one (a 6-pounder on day 1) and that changed everything. When you catch one like that, you should be able to make something out of it.

I mostly fished a Texas-rigged Yamamoto Senko with a 1/8-ounce Kanji tungsten weight. Most of the fish I caught were in submerged grass – probably bedding in the holes in there.

A Reaction Innovations Vixen topwater worked really good too. And I caught a big one (a 6-11 on day 3 that was the big fish of the day) on a Chatterbait.

Overall, it was a very successful tournament. I'm very happy.

Days 1 and 2 – Well, after 2 days of fishing ol' Big Sam I’m currently sitting in 14th place. The last 2 days have been pretty interesting. I'm not getting tons of bites, but the ones I have been getting have been good ones. I’m doing a little bit of everything, including sight fishing. Today I caught two 4-pounders ripping a Rapala X-Rap and throwing a Yamamoto Senko – 4-inch in the watermelon/black flake color ,rigged wacky style. I had to throw the Senko on heavy Power Pro braided line to get the bass out of the thick stuff – it’s like a jungle out there!

I'm mainly fishing the outside of spawning flats and coves on the northern banks. The water temp is around 67 to 74 degrees and there are plenty of skittish bass cruising the banks. You see, since Toledo Bend has had all of its tournaments canceled lately due to low water, Sam Rayburn has been getting all the pressure. There are a ton of tournament boats all over here.

In practice I also found some isolated humps in 16 feet of water using my electronics (Lowrance X-26HD). I might go and drag a Carolina-rig over those tomorrow. Healthwise, I’m worn out – this is the second cut in a row for me and although I’m happy with my performance, I also need to get some serious rest this next week. We got some great press last week on BassCenter and found out today that they are going to be following us home after Santee Cooper to Colorado to do a cool interview!

I believe that I have fished all of my fish out for tomorrow. Honestly, I would be happy with 10 pounds.

Day 3 – Today was extremely tough for me. I only caught two little ones for 3-07 and fell from 14th to 47th. I’m disgusted, to say the least. I believe I burned up all of my fish and I spent today trying to stay out of the other competitors' way while still trying to be competitive.

The local pressure on this lake in unreal. You cannot find a room here in Jasper, there are several large events scheduled here non-stop. In my life I don’t believe that I have ever been cut off and sniped as bad as I have been this week. I don’t own the water – never will – but I do give every fisherman the same respect to not cut you off or catch bed-bass 15 yards in front of you. Anyhow, I’m glad this event is over. Texas has been good to us. Two weeks and $20,250 richer!

This week I caught all of my fish on the new St Croix Legend Series rods with matching Avid reels. This new series of rods is technique-specific and at a great price point. Check 'em out. I look forward to relaxing this week. I have some articles to write and some additional sponsor quarterly reports to fill out. All in all, the season has started great and I look forward to hopefully smooth sailing the rest of the way.

Monday – Today was a long day for Becca and I. We arrived here in Jasper, Texas late last night after an 8-hour drive from Del Rio. Speaking of Del Rio and the Amistad tournament – wow, what a fishery! Sadly, I dropped from 9th to 12th to eventually 21st. Besides falling out of contention, we did get some great interviews with ESPN, which always helps out with the exposure. Oh, and the $10,250 helps too.

After 4 hours of sleep, I climbed into the boat and headed to my first (practice) spot. Nothing but rats. Second spot was the same thing. Third spot, finally some keepers. There are tons of skittish bedding bass in less than 3 feet of water with plenty of cruisers that hear you coming from a mile away. I’m catching fish on a Rapala DT-4 crankbait in the silver/black back, a Yamamoto Senko in color 194 (watermelon/black flake rigged wacky-style) and a 1/4-ounce jig with a single-tail Yamamoto trailer. Tomorrow I will concentrate on a different part of the lake running the same patterns. I only had about 14 pounds today. I believe that it will take around 28-32 pounds to make day 3. I hope I’m there.

Tuesday – Today started off pretty slow until I found a pocket loaded with skittish bedding bass. The problem is catching them. There seems to be a lot of boats looking at them too, which makes for some spooky fish. I pestered them with a white jig and a pink tube bait. It took a while, but they would bite.

Tomorrow I have to come in early and wash down the boat for Angler Alley, which is a new program that allows the fans to interact with their favorite fishermen. ESPN started the program at Del Rio and it has been a large success.

I’m split in many different directions. Do I bed-fish, or do I throw reaction baits, or both? If you’re here at the Rayburn event, stop by and say hello. This season I’m running the Lowrance truck and boat wrap – it looks great. Wish me luck.