Patrick Walters, a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, won the Red River Bassmaster Central Open on Saturday as his 10-11 stringer gave him a 3-day total of 30-15.
The resident of Ladsdon, S.C. stayed close to the takeoff area in Pool 5 and patiently put together the winning stringer. He fished near the launch site for two reasons: Avoiding long runs and lost time in navigating locks into Pool 4 or Pool 3 meant the maximum amount of fishing time, which was important under the extremely tough conditions that confronted the field; and he was confident that bass were more plentiful around the launch area than anywhere else in the fishery.
“Optimizing time was my goal of the week,” said Walters. “Staying in one area allowed me to fish a full 8 hours instead of wasting time gambling, looking for new water.”
Confidence in his area was another factor. Just 2 weeks prior, Walters competed in the FLW College Championship on these same waters. That gave him insight on the tough fishing conditions ahead and it showed him the potential of his chosen fishing area.
“All of the fish were released inside Pool 5 and did not have time to disperse back into the river,” he explained.
Drew Cook of Midway, Fla., was second with 28-10, followed by Marvin Ettredge of Shreveport, La., with 26-01. Kenta Kimura of Osaka, Japan, who led the first 2 days, was 4 with 25-04 and Toby Hartsell of Afton, Okla., was 5th with 25 pounds.
The area within the launch site is best described as a small lake connected to the main river channel. Walters and many competitors, including other top finishers, spent considerable time in the area.
During practice Walters eliminated unproductive water to confirm his strategy. Scouting trips into Pool 4 and north to Shreveport were unproductive.
Lure choices were made to also maximize the potential of catching fish in the used water. He used soft plastics for a methodical presentation when the bite was slow and occasionally switched to crankbaits when he wanted to cover broad areas of water.
A Rapala DT 6 and a square-bill crankbait were the choices. Walters also used a 5-inch Yamamoto Thin Senko with a 3/0 Gamakatsu EWG Hook. He rigged it weightless or with a 1/8-ounce weight.
“On the first day it took a very slow approach, dragging the weightless Senko around wood,” he said. “The next day I switched to the crankbaits to cover more water.”
Here are the final totals for the top 12:
1. Patrick Walters: 30-15
2. Drew Cook: 28-10
3. Marvin Ettredge: 26-01
4. Kenta Kimura: 25-04
5. Toby Hartsell: 25-00
6. Chad Wiley: 22-12
7. Zack Birge: 22-08
8. Sam George: 21-13
9. Brad Whatley: 21-06
10. Gary Clouse: 19-04
11. Larry Puckett: 18-14
12. Keith Poche: 17-08
