The 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series begins this week at the Harris Chain – the first of back-to-back Florida events (the field moves to the St. Johns River next week).
The Harris Chain, which includes lakes Apopka, Beauclair, Carlton, Dora, Eustis, Griffin, Harris and Yale, as well as three tributaries, is a familiar B.A.S.S. stop for the Elite Series, Opens, Weekend Series and grassroots events and championships. Yet the Elite Series hasn't visited the chain since March 2008, when Brian Snowden collapsed on the final day and Mike McClelland ascended to victory. It took a touch under 15 pounds a day for McClelland to win that one, but things could be a little tougher this year.
Yesterday marked the first day of practice at the Harris Chain and the season kickoff was greeted by a cold front that dipped nighttime temps into the 40s. Things will warm back up the next several days, but another cold front's predicted for day 1, with post-frontal conditions to follow.
That's one concern. Another is idle time. This year the field launches out of a new facility on Lake Dora (not Harris), which means two 20-minute-plus idles just to reach the north portion of Lake Harris.
BassFan Big Stick Brent Chapman checked in with BassFan on Monday night for some advanced reporting on conditions. The fish are decidedly post-spawn, with some remnant spawning activity in the canals. For an early, inside look at how the tournament might shape up, click here to go On Tour With the BassFan Big Sticks.
