SEVEN CUP QUESTIONS
Story and photos by Matt Pangrac
Duluth, GA - With the Forrest Wood Cup kicking off tomorrow morning on Georgia’s Lake Lanier, The BASS ZONE caught up with some of the 46 competitors at registration on Wednesday afternoon to get their thoughts on the eve of the tournament:
Andy Morgan
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
You tend to learn the same lesson over and over – and that’s patience. Don’t run off, keep with your game plan, and keep moving forward.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
20.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
14-pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
It’s going to be dead even – two spinning rods and two baitcasters.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
I’d say a 6. There weren’t many surprises.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
I’ve been a little uneasy this week because I’ve had to fish deep, and that’s something that I don’t like. As I do it more though, it’s actually kind of like flipping. You can pull up, make seven or eight drops on a place and then leave. You can cover a lot of water that way and move around.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
I really don’t know. I really have thinned out what I’m going to carry in my boat. I’ve got about 10 rods and just a handful of tackle. I don’t know what I would do differently.
Jason Christie
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
How to establish a game plan and stick to that game plan. At the same time, I also learned that there’s a time to scratch that plan and rely on your fishing instincts.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
20
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
I’d be happy with 12-pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Three spinning rods and three baitcasting rods.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
0
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
I don’t know if this is a word, but I’m going to say my ‘grindliness’ (grind-li-ness). No matter what you’re on in practice, it all comes back to the grind. It all comes down to who can tough it out mentally in the end. People think that we go out there and catch 100 fish a day, and it’s not like that. Sometimes we only catch five bass a day.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
If I would have known that a spider bite would have sent me to the emergency room and that I wouldn’t be able to really practice, I would have just idled around and graphed with my Lowrance. I could have just hung my leg over the side of the boat and idled around and marked a bunch of brush piles. If I had to do it over, I wouldn’t have fished much and I would have just idled the entire time.
Troy Morrow
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
Be versatile and don’t let the pressure get to you.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
Four spotted bass a day.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
15-pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
50/50
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
I was actually disappointed with my practice. I’d say a 6.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
I’ll answer that one at a later date.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
Nothing. I did everything that I could do.
Glenn Browne
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
I really learned a lot about using my electronics and structure scan. That’s going to be a big deal here this week.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
I’d say the winner will weigh-in anywhere from 18 to 20 spotted bass during the week.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
I’d be pretty happy with 12 pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
I have five spinning rods and a dozen casting rods, but some of those won’t be utilized.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
6 1/2
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Starting and stopping my engine as many times as I can. You just can’t sit still and do well here.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
I maybe should have spent a little bit more time looking shallow.
Ron Shuffield
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
To stay focused and go with my gut instincts on what I need to do. I really tried to do that during the season, even though there were time when I felt like I might have been doing something wrong, I followed my instinct and that’s the same thing that I’m going to do here. I’ve spent three days on the water and I’ve practiced zero for what I really plan on doing in the tournament. I had a preconceived notion about what I was going to do coming here, and I’m sticking with it.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
It could take 20, but realistically, I’m going to say 12 to 14 of the bass from the winner’s creel will be spotted bass. It’s going to be the predominant species.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
12- to 14-pounds
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Three and three.
What will be the biggest distraction this week on Lake Lanier?
The boat traffic. There’s a ton of recreational traffic on this lake during the summer and you really have to focus on what you’re doing and not let all the other boats on the water distract you.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
I’d say it would have to be my boat positioning and electronics. Putting those two things together is going to be key to succeeding this week.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
Trying to develop a strong largemouth bite.
Matt Arey
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
Fish management, no doubt. I really learned how to approach a multiple day tournament and manage my fish better each season that I’ve been out here.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
I’m going to say at least 15 of the winner’s 20 fish will be spotted bass.
What will be the biggest distraction this week on Lake Lanier?
Really, there’s not one for me. The first time I was here, I kind of got caught up in all the hoopla. This year, I’ve just put my head down and I’m ready to try and win.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
I’ll probably have about four or five spinning rods and four or five baitcasters - an even split.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
8
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Drop-shotting. It’s something that I’ve been working on religiously for the past three to six months back home. I have a couple lakes back home that have good populations of spotted bass, and I’ve strived to perfect that technique.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
Because I had a good pre-practice, I really don’t have any regrets and I did exactly what I wanted to do. Maybe I should have looked shallow a little bit more so that I have something to fall back on.
Dion Hibdon
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
The Tour event on Kentucky Lake really helped me as far as fishing out deep like I’m planning on doing here. I picked up a couple tidbits in that tournament that may play this week.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
It’s going to take a mixed bag this week simply because the spotted bass are everywhere. That being said, I’ve also caught a 5-pound largemouth 30-feet deep in practice.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
Before the cut off, I had a couple of big days for the summer on Lanier. If I had anything over 16 or 17 pounds tomorrow, that would be awesome.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
It’ll be an even split for me.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
It was good. Probably a 9 or a 10.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
I think that I know exactly where the fish are. I practiced really hard for this tournament. If there’s one thing that I figured out, it’s that I feel like I know exactly where I have to put my bait to catch a good one.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
Absolutely nothing. I had my rods rigged this morning in 15 minutes. The neat thing about this tournament is that there are no points on the line. I’m going to go for it, and you won’t see me fishing for small ones.
Jacob Powroznik
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
Trusting my Lowrance Electronics. If you see fish on the graph, then they’re there. I’ve trusted it all year, and it has paid off in just about every tournament.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
17
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
I’d be happy with 12-pound tomorrow.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Four and four.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
8 1/2
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Just making the right decisions. I think that this tournament is going to come down to the decision of fishing either deep or shallow.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
There’s really not much. I pretty much covered the whole lake.
Clent Davis
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
I learned how to stay patient and not worry about what is going to happen.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
I’m hoping that it takes 20.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
13 pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
It’s pretty even. Four spinning rods and six baitcasters.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
I’d give it an 8.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Understanding my electronics.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
Maybe fish for more largemouth. That’s a bite that I didn’t push very hard and it may turn out to be a player.
Ryan Patterson
What is something that you learned during the National Guard College Fishing season that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
I’ve fished a lot of college tournaments on smaller lakes, so I’m used to sharing water with other anglers. This week, you’re going to have to be able to share water and learn how to adapt.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
20
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
I’m going to have to bring five bass to the scales and hope for a 3-pound bite.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Three baitcasters and three spinning rods.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
7.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what the fish are doing and what species I need to target.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
When I came down and pre-practiced, I wish I would have drove around and looked a little bit more. I spent a lot of time on the lower end.
Jacob Wheeler
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
The biggest thing is patience in an area. If you feel like the fish are there, you really have to stick around and dial it in.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
Probably 20.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
14-pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
I’ll have 10 rods on the front deck tomorrow with seven baitcasters and three spinning rods.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
7. I don’t know if I’m on the right fish to win, but this is something that I love to do.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
“I feel like I have some stuff really dialed in. I think that I’ll be able to catch some fish that other anglers aren’t targeting.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
I should have probably looked at a few more deeper areas. I think a lot of these fish will be caught in 30 to 35 feet deep.
Dave Lefebre
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
You don’t necessarily have to have a perfect tournament to win.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
When is this going to be printed? I’m just going to pass on that question.
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
14-pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Really? Not sure I want to answer that one either. We’ll just say six baitcasters and one spinning rod.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
10
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Definitely my confidence. I’m on a roll right now and have had three top 10 finishes in the last four tournaments. I’m also really organized.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
Absolutely nothing. I wish that I had another half-hour of practice though to expand on one deal.
Randall Tharp
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
Really just my ability to use spinning tackle. I’ve always used it, but my style of fishing doesn’t really suit spinning tackle. That being said, I have a lot of confidence in spinning tackle when there’s money on the line.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
20
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Two spinning rods and four baitcasters.
What will be the biggest distraction this week on Lake Lanier?
The lack of sleep. We literally have like six hours to charge the batteries and then it’s right back to it.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Right now, I’m best at flipping but I’m not going to get to do that here. I’ll have a flippin’ rod rigged up, but I may only make five flips with it to really isolated stuff. It’s not a pattern that I’m targeting.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
I really tried to deviate from the norm here and find something different. Now, I wish I would have spent a little bit more time drop-shotting. That seems to be the most consistent bite out there. There are other ways to catch them, but if they’re not biting, you’ll come in with nothing.
Wesley Strader
What is something that you learned on Tour this year that will give you an edge this week on Lake Lanier?
Just being confident in the places that I find and not giving up on them too early.
How many spotted bass will the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup champion have over the course of four days of competition?
20
What is a Day One weight that you’d be happy with, regardless of where it puts you in the overall standings?
12 ½ pounds.
How many spinning rods and how many baitcasting rods will you have strapped on the front deck tomorrow morning?
Four spinning rods and two baitcasters.
On a scale of 1 to 10, rate your overall practice on Lake Lanier
6.
What is one aspect of your overall game that you have dialed-in right now leading up to the Cup?
Just relying on my electronics and understanding how the fish are relating to the brush.
What is one thing that you wish you had done differently during the official practice period?
I wish that I would have spent a little bit more time investigating the largemouth bite.
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