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Rogers, AR – When the Wal-Mart FLW Tour arrived on the shores of Beaver Lake, most were surprised by what they found; high, muddy water. The ever picturesque lake had turned into an overflowing mudhole with the recent rains.
Not only is there $150,000.00 on the line plus an additional $50,000.00 if the winner fishes out of Ranger boat, the points race is tightening up. The Beaver Lake event marks the forth event in the 2008 season and points are becoming even more crucial with just two tournaments left after Beaver. Last year’s winner Andy Morgan currently sits in first place in the Land O Lakes AOY race. Andy holds just a 6 point lead over young Michael Bennett, while fifth year pro, Glenn Browne is just 9 points off the lead.
Bites have always been plentiful on Beaver, but their size was a little lacking. Andy Morgan won last year with a four day total of 38-08 pounds. The cut line in 2007 was just under 19 pounds.
In 2006, Shin Fukae won with final two day total of 21 pounds. That was 15 ounces less than what it took Koby Krieger to catch (21-15) and secure the 10th place spot in the finals.
Once the shock had worn off and the 200 pros got down to the business of finding enough Arkansas bass to earn part of the $1.5 million in prize money, expectations rose. The BASS ZONE was able to catch up with a few of the pros and it appeared as though in spite of or rather, as a result of the high muddy waters, Beaver Lake is ready to produce some heavy stringers
Todd At Home
Norman, Oklahoma angler, Mike Todd, felt right at home on the muddy waters of Beaver Lake. “A lot of guys showed up with watermelon worms on a shaky head and I was pulling out the 17lb test line ready to go,” he said about his arrival in Rogers, AR. “I really can’t gauge my practice because I haven’t talked to a lot of guys.”
Todd was able to put his practice time to good use and discovered a couple of possible patterns. “I will try to get bit early in the dirtier water and then go to the clearer water down by the dam and try to fill out my limit. I was able to find a couple of deep beds that hopefully nobody else has found.”
If Todd can get a limit in the boat he plans to return to the muddier sections of the lake. “I wasn’t getting a lot of bite, but the ones I had were good fish. I may burn two tanks of gas a day running back and forth.”
Gagliardi Confident
Anthony Gagliardi struggled early in the practice rounds but figured a few things out on Tuesday. “It started out rough but yesterday turned out ok,” Anthony said about his practice. “You always want your last day of practice to be the best and mine was. I have a little more confidence now heading into the tournament.”
“Gags” believes the lake will fish small this year as a result of the limited clear water areas, but he thinks the weights will be better. “I think it will take 25 pounds to make the cut. That’s not a lot but it more than it has taken in the past.”
Clark Tops Wish List
Clark Wendlandt is on everyone’s watch list this week at Beaver having won two tour events here; one in 1999 and again in 2001. His plan for 2008 may be a little different than years past. “Most boats will congregate in the clearer water, but I’m sticking to the muddy water,” he said when asked about the effects of the high, muddy water. “I have a lot of confidence on this lake and I will stick with what I know.”
His practice went well as he was able to determine what which direction he will head on Thursday. “Sometimes I felt like I had the fish figured out and other times I kind of struggled. Hopefully, it was just a matter of when the fish were feeding. There will be some sight-fish caught, but I won’t be doing any of that. It should take about 20-21 pounds to make the cut.”
Thoughts from Other Competitors
Mike Surman: “I like the conditions. I’m a power fisherman and I feel like this is my element. I had one good day and two not so good days. If I can catch them good one day, I’ll get a check. If I catch them good for two days then I may have a chance. I think it will take 24 pounds to make the cut and 17 to 18 to get a check.”
Jay Yelas: “It is a totally different playing field this year. I have had a lot chances to fish muddy waters and I feel pretty good about it. I caught some good fish during practice and think if I can make the cut then I’ve got enough fish to last all for days. The areas that are known for the better largemouths will get crowded, but you can anywhere on the lake and catch a limit of spotted bass. It will take 13 pounds a day to make the cut.”
Wesley Strader: “I only had two days of practice and it didn’t go very well. I was really surprised by how much muddy water there is. I’m just going to pick a flipping stick and go fish. Hopefully, I can get five bites a day. The weights should stay about the same at around 23 pounds to make the cut.”
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