Backwaters Will Hold The Key At Challenging Red

By Todd Ceisner
BassFan Editor

The Red River is cleaner than normal, full of fish and will be a stout mental and physical test for anglers as well as tough on equipment.

That's the general consensus on this year's Forrest Wood Cup venue from a number of qualifiers who spent time fishing the Red in recent weeks before it went off limits this past Monday. Pools 3, 4, and 5 will remain off limits until Sunday, August 11, when the Red re-opens for 3 days of official practice for the 46 competitors.

There have been plenty of tour-level tournaments at the Red over the years, including two of the last five early spring Bassmaster Classics, but there haven't been any major summertime derbies.

A Bassmaster Central Open was held there in April and Stephen Browning used a multi-pool approach (pools 4 and 5) to claim the victory. In May 2011, John Cox used an aluminum boat to navigate through a culvert to a remote backwater where he claimed victory in the Red River FLW Tour with 48-08 over 4 days. This year, aluminum boats will be allowed, but they must be at least 18 feet long and powered by at least a 150-horse propeller-driven motor.

Rather than finding an area where pre-spawners or post-spawners are moving to or from, Cup competitors are going to be looking for where these fish have put down roots for the summer. The better quality fish seem to inhabit the multitude of backwater areas at the Red, some of which are more accessible than others.

Those focused on the main river will be taking note of the massive wads of shad in hopes a small group of stalking bass is nearby.

Like early-year derbies at the Red, the backwaters will be the focal point. Accessibility could be an issue as the water has been holding at average to below-average levels despite a wetter-than-normal summer. The single biggest variable that could affect the river between now and tournament time is the weather. A sudden influx of rain could bring water levels up, dirty the water and reposition some fish. Current flow is pretty non-existent at the present time.

Here are some other tidbits to keep in mind before official practice gets started:

> Pool 3 is a legit wild card. Some have already ruled it out because it's such a long run while others plan to give it another look during practice. The quality might not be significantly better but the chance to be the only boat in a backwater or on a stretch of river could be enticing.

> The main river will be a player, but the quality to sustain for 4 days likely isn't there.

> Navigation will be a challenge as it always seems to be at the stump-infested Red.

> The heat will be a factor from practice through competition. It'll amplify the mental aspect and the need to stay focused during long lulls between bites.

BassFan spoke with a number of Cup qualifiers about their scouting trips. Some spent just a couple of days while others devoted more significant time to it. Following is a sampling of their thoughts on how the river will set up for the Cup:

Ray Scheide
> Cup appearances: 5
> Best finish: 2nd (2006, Logan Martin Lake)

"I think it's better than it's ever been, it's a lot healthier. The quality 3- and 4-pounders are hard to come by, but the amount of fish in there surprised me. You can really tell it's a fertile fishery. There are a lot more fish in there now than I remember being there.

"I came away with some confidence for sure. You can get bit anywhere you want to, but there are definitely some areas that are holding larger fish. Those backwaters are so big there and they have resident fish in them, but there seems to be a lot of fish everywhere.

"I looked at all three pools. There is potential in all three, but it'll probably be won out of 4 or 5 or a combination of the two. Going to 3 can be rewarding, but it's just such a long run.

"Before I left to go down there, I didn't read a single Internet report or look at any weights from tournaments this year. I just went down with an open mind. I live on the Arkansas River and it sets up very similar. I went down and fished it like I fish at home.

"It's easier to catch them when there's moving water. I really know how to catch them well on the Arkansas River when there is no current so I'd prefer it to dry up and sit still like it is. The water's perfect right now. It's definitely nice and clear as far as the Red River goes."

Adrian Avena
> Cup appearances: 1
> Best finish: 33rd (2012, Lake Lanier)

"The main river is pretty clear and guys will catch them there, but I didn't see the quality in the main river. You had to be in the backwaters to get quality bites.

"I spent 3 days in pool 5, one day in 4 and one in 3. I've ruled out pool 4. I'm not going to mess with it. I know there's the jungle and Sullivan's and it's known for big bags. I haven't ruled out pool 3. I plan on spending one day of official practice in 3. I know it's a risk, but you can get away from people and since I run a BassCat, if anyone's going to be able to maximize fishing time it'll be me.

"The first hour or two will be the most crucial time. When it's 100 degrees and the water's in the 90s, the fish aren't feeding much, but during that first hour they seem to bite a little better, then it gets tough. It's going to come down to that first hour or 2 in the day. You have to put your boat through some nasty stuff to get some of the better areas. I'm sure there are better ways in and out, but I don't know them.

"From what the locals are saying, it's fishing better than it normally has. You can get a bunch of bites. I had a couple of days where I caught 30 keepers, but the quality is hard to come by. Two-pounders are going to be a big deal. Anything between 1 3/4 and 2 1/4 pounds is a quality bite. If you can get four of those and a 3-pounder each day, you'll have a good chance at winning. I think 12 pounds a day will be a real good bag.

"There are definitely a couple of patterns where you can call your shot on and they're something a lot of guys will be doing. The backwaters will definitely be an area deal. For an outsider looking in who's never fished here before, understanding where the ditches are in the backwaters will be crucial. I caught a few that way. The guys with the local info and know where those ditches are will be in good shape. I can't say if it'll be won off of one, but the guy who has a couple ditches could do really well."

Jacob Wheeler
> Cup appearances: 2
> Best finish: 1st (2012, Lake Lanier)

"I spent 4 days at the Red and mainly went looking for off-the-wall stuff. One thing I felt for sure coming away was that the tournament won't be won in one area. You're going to need multiple areas and multiple patterns going. That's what I like about how it sets up.

"This tournament will rest on the guy who can fish 4 days straight without a big fish loss. You're going to have to fish flawlessly. A 1 3/4- to 2-pounder is going to be a good fish there and those aren't easy to catch.

"I never found that quality group of fish. I felt like I had some areas that have good potential, but I didn't want to dial in the fish a month in advance. The trip was all about looking around and really about deciding whether to run to 3 or stay in 4 or 5. I did run down to 3, but I didn't find them. Someone will find them, however, and someone will make the Top 10 fishing in pool 3. I think someone can utilize pool 3 for a day or 2, but I don't think it'll be won down there.

"I always love fishing shallow and it's really similar to the Ohio River in how the main river and backwaters break down. It's true Indiana fishing in that you're fishing for five or six bites a day.

"It's definitely going to be a huge mental game. This is going to be a perfect example of how important the mental aspect is to fishing. You can get spun out so quickly there because you're going to have the opportunity to get 20 good bites a day. You're not going to be able to make up for a missed bite or a lost fish."

Casey Martin
> Cup appearances: None

"The bite was tough when I was there. This time of year, the key is finding where they're living. I caught a lot of small fish, just not a lot of quality fish. If a guy gets a big bite, it could propel him forward. I think anything over 3 or 3 1/2 pounds will be a good, solid fish.

"Navigation will be a big factor. A guy could have a good bag not make it in due to something mechanical. The water's at a good level now, but if it rains, it's one of those places where a lot of stuff starts floating like logs. There's a lot of vegetation there. I like fishing grass and will definitely look for that. I think the main river will play a little bit, but I just don't think a big bag is there.

"Any time it's that hot, the fish are going to feed in the low light hours so those first couple of hours you're going to need a big bite to propel you because you probably won't get a big bite during the day. Getting a good fish or two in the first couple of hours will be a big deal.

"I ruled out pool 3. I think the whole tournament's going to be a grind. You're going to have to grind out your weight and if you go there, you're going to need to really be on them. I've settled on pools 4 and 5 and hope to find a good area. The guy who wins will have to fish multiple pools because I don't see one or two backwaters holding up for 4 days."

Stetson Blaylock
> Cup appearances: 3
> Best finish: 3rd (2009, Three Rivers – Pittsburgh)

"I've got my eye on this one. The Red has hurt my feelings the last two or three times I've been there. It's all been mental mistakes like staying when I shouldn't have or leaving when I shouldn't have left. I remember hearing Kevin VanDam talk about the Red being one of the hardest places for him to fish because he likes to run and gun so much and at the Red you have to really slow down.

"From what I saw, there's very little current and a little lower water. I've never fished there at this time of year. It was interesting to see where the all of the vegetation had grown up. It's amazing how thick some of the pads and hyacinths are. You can't even get into some of that stuff.

"I was hoping the main river would be good. You can catch fish there, but it's lots of little guys. It's going to be the same Red River we've seen every time – 10 to 13 pounds will be a really good bag.

"I live near the Arkansas River and they fish a lot alike. I've spent a lot of time on the Arkansas River and now that I've been down to the Red and know what I'm up against, I'm going to spend more time on the river back home. I know what works on the Arkansas when it gets tough and I saw sparkles of that at the Red."

Paul Clark
> Cup appearances: None

"For me, there are plenty of ways to catch a bunch of fish. I'll be fishing for five bites when the tournament comes around. I figure this tournament isn't one to just do good in. It's the one you want to swing for the fences. I'm ready to go. I wish it were tomorrow. I can't wait for it to be here.

"It hasn't been a dry summer at all. It's rained here more this summer than I can remember. The river is about where it should be now. The better quality fish are in the backwaters.

"I have two different places I'm going to fish mainly all day. I'm going to be committed to those places. I'm not going to pool 3 even though I love fishing pool 3. It's the pool I know, but it's just too much time running down there and back. There are a few really good places that hold good fish, but by the time you run down there you'll have 3 hours to fish. It's just not worth it to me. I might not get the same quality bites where I'll be fishing but the time is what's most important.

"I'm really excited for this tournament. I've spent so long on the river. I'm almost tired of fishing it. I've been out here every weekend for the last 2 months and I'm ready to see if I have what it takes to compete with the big dogs."

Justin Lucas
> Cup appearances: 2
> Best finish: 13th (2011, Lake Ouachita)

"I fished the B.A.S.S. Open there in April and it's interesting to see where all the vegetation grew up as far as where all the grass and pads are. It really grew up well. It's unbelievable the amount of shad in the river. I had no clue there was that much bait in there.

"I feel good about it. Honestly, I used to not like the Red River, but after the Open I have a lot more confidence fishing there. I was catching 20 to 30 keepers a day in the tournament and it opened my eyes that there are quite a few fish that live there. I think some spots that I fished in April might play for the Cup.

"The good thing about the Cup is how well it'll spread everybody out. There are fish up the river and in all three pools, plus all of the backwaters and the main river. With that much water available, it'll fish big. I hope I can get into one or two areas and have them to myself or have just one other boat in there.

"I think a guy will need some backwater and main river stuff together or maybe a guy that has enough spots on the main river can compete. There's just not enough fish in the backwaters to hold up. Over 4 days, you're going to need to catch some fish in the river."

James Watson
> Cup appearances: None

"I've been there before with no luck at all. The water's extremely low compared to the last two times I went there. I'm glad I went because some of the backwaters are hard to get into. The water seemed a little clearer, but there's very little flow at all on the main river. It's real stagnant in the backwaters, but I got a lot more bites in 2 days this year than I did the last couple times I was there.

"The best bites came anywhere in the backwaters that had a ditch in 3 to 6 feet of water. You could catch them flipping, on a square-bill and with a frog. It seemed like the lily pads are grown up super tall. It's typical Red River fishing where when you get a bite, it seemed like you'd get two or three more right after that.

"It seems like there are small groups of fish bunched up. You could fish for half a mile and get nothing then get three bites right away. The biggest concern for me is the size. We caught a lot of fish and quite a few keepers, but we had two fish in 2 days pushing 3 pounds. The biggest factor will be the guy who's fortunate to come into a big one – a 3- or 4-pounder to go with some 2-pounders.

"The first 3 hours will be critical unless we can get some rain. You have to run way up (pool) 5 to get near any current and there are places that in past I could get into, but now you can barely see back into them. Some of the lily pads are sticking 2 feet out of the water."