There was not a true die-hard bass fishing enthusiast that did not envy Biffle as he held on to win at Wheeler. But, for the pros, the first three events will forever be remembered for the rain dripping off of ball caps, wind whipping the water into a virtual mind field, and lost chances as safety won out over competitiveness.

The Smith Mountain Lake event is setting up as a fisherman’s utopia. The bass are headed to the banks for their annual mating fest and sitting just behind them are eager anglers waiting to cash a check based on the size of the bellies of the fish they can yank off the beds. 

Mother Nature appears to be cooperating as the forecast hints at warm weather and clear skies. Thursday will be the just the 11th day of competition this year and for the first time the pros might actually enjoy their time on the water.

A few of the anglers known for their ability to lure the spawners to the boat shared their thoughts with The BZ about what is about to take place in Virginia.

Shaw Grigsby
“Oh, it is going to be a fun one. The good thing is there are fish moving up all over the lake. You really aren’t seeing areas that don’t have fish in them. Yeah, there will be fish caught doing other things but the key this week will be find the bigger fish on beds. 

"I don’t have a good feel for the weight, but my guess would be in the 15 to 17 pound range per day.”

Dean Rojas
“The water is a little higher and dingier than it was the last time we were here. The first two days of practice went well and the bite has been consistent for me. This lake can swallow up a hundred boats pretty easily so I don’t think boat traffic will be a problem.”

Davy Hite
“Back in ’06 I think it was the last tournament of the year before we got to fish without our rain suits on. This year is turning into another brown hands tour. You know, where just your hands get any sun.

“Depending on the weather, this could be a real good tournament. The new moon is coming on Thursday and that will just move more fish up. A seven pounder goes a long way here and getting to one and then putting it in the boat will be key. As long as the weather holds, this could be a four day sight fishing fest.”

Jason Quinn
“Actually, I found a pretty good bite relating to the shad spawn, but I doubt we will get out early enough to take advantage of it. Still, I have also seen some great fish up shallow. This will be a tournament that can be won sight fishing.

“If you can catch half of what you see, then yeah this will be a great event. I’ve seen 20 pound sacks out there, but I think it will take 17 to 19 pounds a day. With a little bit of sun, these fish will lock on.”