The Major League Fishing Toyota Series is in Grove, Okla. this week for the Plains Division opener. Competition will be conducted today through Saturday.
“Things are happening quickly on Grand Lake right now, and everything seems to be changing day to day, but I expect that this event will definitely be a prespawn tournament,” said Bass Pro Tour angler James Elam of Tulsa. “The fish are still in a solid winter pattern – we may see some very early prespawn action, but keying in on the staging fish is going to be the key.
“A variety of things will work,” Elam continued. “That’s the cool thing about Grand Lake – the tournament can be won anywhere, and guys are going to be able to fish their strengths. I’d figure out a couple of solid areas to go on and then just try to expand on that as the tournament goes on.”
Elam said that he expects umbrella rigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits and jigs to be big players in this event, and that for anglers targeting stained water ChatterBaits and spinnerbaits would be strong options.
“It’s going to be a really similar event to what we saw in REDCREST at Grand Lake last year,” Elam said. “I think someone will probably come in with 23 pounds on the first day, then they’ll back it up with a couple of 17- and 18-pound limits. Over three days, I predict the winner will weigh in right around 56 to 58 pounds – let’s call it 55 to 60 pounds, just to be safe. This is going to be a great tournament.”
Anglers will take off each day at 7:30 a.m. CT from Wolf Creek Park, located at 963 N. 16th St., in Grove. Weigh-ins will also be held at the park and will begin at 3:30 p.m.
