(Editor's note: Former B.A.S.S. emcee Keith Alan lived and breathed the tour for a half-decade. Again this year, his Alan Report will break down each B.A.S.S. tour-level stop to help BassFans get the inside scoop.)
After a month off the tournament trail, I can promise you that the Bassmaster Elite Series field is ready to get back to competition and continue the race for Angler of the Year (AOY). Rounding the halfway point in the season, Randy Howell has a not-so-comfortable lead over David Walker and Brent Chapman.
While those guys are used to the pressure at this level of competition, they all have to be a little anxious to get through this one with a good finish. With this being the first of three tournaments the Elite Series will compete in over the next month, either keeping the momentum or gaining some is on the mind of every angler in the field. There are less than 80 points separating the Top 12 in the race.
Coincidentally, that same gap separates John Crews in 50th from Britt Meyers, who currently sits in 12th. Whether striving to contend for AOY or securing a points-based ticket to the Classic, a missed 50-cut this week would be brutal for anyone in the hunt. At this stage, it’s most definitely gut-check time.
Toledo Bend is a reservoir loaded with stumps, grass, humps, and about a zillion points for bass to relate to. Last year, low water levels and seasonal springtime patterns had fish concentrated into a handful of key areas, and Dean Rojas managed to squeak out a 1-ounce victory over Gerald Swindle by targeting bedding bass in shallow water. This year, the field takes on T-Bend at the beginning of summer, which will have fish in a post-spawn phase and likely farther offshore.
Factor in that water levels are up considerably from 2011, and it doesn’t take long to realize that fish are going to be much less concentrated than they were last year. Toledo Bend is a big playing field, and it will lend itself to a variety of techniques. That will open things up for more guys to be successful fishing their individual strengths, but I expect pitching plastics and casting crank baits around wood to be among the most effective. Those fishing deeper should be able to catch them with jigs, worms and lizards fished Texas- or Carolina-rigged.
Considering the conditions and history on Toledo Bend, a few names come to mind. If Dennis Tietje weren’t sidelined from his back surgery, he would be a sure contender. Dennis has been smashing them on there, and has been sharing pictures of big bass from the Bend since the Classic. It’s his home water, so I know it’s killing him not being able to compete.
Last year’s winner, Rojas, has great history here. While back-to-back wins on the same body of water are not likely, don’t be surprised if you see him in the Top 12.
Walker was less than a pound out last year. He’s been thinking about those 13 ounces for a long time. A win this week would allow him to claim the lead in the Angler of the Year race if Howell slips an inch.
Todd Faircloth is another angler jockeying for position in the points race. Living in nearby Jasper, Texas, he has a lifetime of experience on Toledo Bend. Coming into the event ranked 6th in the AOY race means that like Walker, he has a great deal to gain with a top finish. His extensive knowledge of the fishery gives him a distinct edge.
Currently ranked 9th, Edwin Evers keeps knocking on the door, but the most coveted title in bass fishing continues to escape him. There may be nobody hungrier and more determined than he is. When he’s focused on the task at hand he poses a threat to win it all. This just might be his year.
Looking a little deeper down the list, guys like Stephen Browning, Matt Reed, Kevin Short and Steve Kennedy could all do themselves a world of good as they try to fish themselves into Classic contention.
Last year’s low water may have helped anglers identify structure that is now completely submerged. Finding that deeper structure now that the water is back up may be the key to finding better fish and a $100,000 payday on Toledo Bend.
Keith Alan spent 5 years traveling, working and fishing with the pros. His company, Ultimate Fishing Experience offers on-the-water fishing clinics and trip-of-a-lifetime experiences with the biggest names in fishing.
