The Red River has been the site of some pretty memorable major tournaments in recent years. In a few weeks, another chapter will be written when the Forrest Wood Cup gets under way on pools 3, 4 and 5 with Shreverport/Bossier City, La., serving as the epicenter of activity.
The Red has hosted two of the last five Bassmaster Classics with Chris Lane claiming victory in 2012, thanks to a 6 1/2-pound kicker on the final day. In 2009, Skeet Reese picked apart an area in Goose Pond (locally known as Bobo's Hole) to claim his first Classic win.
In 2011, John Cox manuevered an aluminum boat through a culvert to a remote backwater to win an FLW Tour event there.
Needless to say, there will be plenty more twists and turns at this year's Cup, which is set for Aug. 15-18.
In advance of the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, BassFan published a pool-by-pool breakdown with an assist from Shreveport resident and fishing enthusiast Clayton Frye. To check it out, click here.
We know the article is more than 4 years old and was framed around a February Classic, but it should provide a basic road map for BassFans looking for a little knowledge about the Red.
Today marks the start of the final week that Cup competitors can get on the water before it goes off limits on July 29.
Here's a rundown of FLW's off limits regulations for the Cup:
"Standard off limits as defined in Rule #13 of the Official Rules plus the entire area at the Red River South Marina (100 yards upstream and 100 yards downstream) extending 200 yards off shore and to include the areas known as Cowley's Lake on pool #5 and Stevens Lake in Pool #4. Fishing is not permitted above the Highway 2 Bridge on Pool #5. All Arkansas waters are off-limits. Competition waters are limited to Pools 3, 4, and 5. All competition waters are off-limits July 29-August 10, 2013 and August 14, 2013."
