It's crazy to think 91 inches is blowing your chances at winning a blue trophy.
But... In this case it was/did.
I start off this video showing what I found in practice that made me decide to put all my eggs in this one basket.
I found out that there were others intending to fish the same area during the event and after some communication and planning, it was decided that the most fair way to manage it, was fish it together at the same time. Kristine and I talked it out prior to the event start and agreed we would meet there in the AM and fish it at the same time rather than try to fish in-front/behind each other all day. Ultimately it worked out and it was kinda comical to watch it unfold.
There was a lot of turmoil that surrounded this event in the aftermath. Accusations of people fishing from launches that were not public, people accused of fishing in unauthorized waters, and communication of competitors/non-competitors prior to the event.
I'd like to take this opportunity to say... I earned the way to the Classic with my overall finish the RIGHT and HONEST way. I've had the blessing to be mentored by one of the greatest fisherman from a kayak on this planet. But I could not imagine having him go out on the river with me the week of pre-fishing. Personally, that just seems wrong and an unfair advantage.
During the month long off limits period, I stayed as far away from the boundary as I could, not even practicing any "like" water. I did that to preserve my integrity. My integrity is far more important than a blue trophy or $8500 check.
All that said, here is my day 1 tournament day. A spot I found, on my own, without the assist of a guide, without the assist of a master of the fishery, without the assist of a decades worth of waypoints collected from other river anglers and without the assist of a coach during official practice.
Enjoy!
GEAR USED:
Temple Fork Outfitters Casting & Spinning Rods
tforods.com/product/taction-b...
Bates Reels
batesfishingco.com/collection...
NRS Chinook PFD
www.nrs.com/nrs-chinook-fishi...
Yak Attack Accessories
www.yakattack.us/all-products/
Torqeedo Electric Outboard Kayak Motor
www.torqeedo.com/us/en-us/pro...
Innovative Sportsman Osprey 1436 & Accessories/Custom Work
www.innovativesportsman.com/#/
11 окт 2023
