Lay Lake
Bassmaster Classic Update
| LAY LAKE By Reed Montgomery Impounded 1914 Lake Level: Full Pool Water Temperature: Mid-to-upper 80's Bassmaster's Classic Update Their practicing this week. Thirty days from now, they go to work. 52 Professional Bass anglers from all over the world, will gather to compete for the prestigious title of, "The World's Best Bass Angler" July 25-27. Fishing out of Paradise Point Marina on Alabama's Lay Lake, there will be 52 anglers, from the Bassmasters Tournament trail, fishing for three days, all vying for the coveted title of winning the Citgo Bassmasters Classic. Many have been here before. For some, this will be there first visit to Lay Lake. There are three Alabama anglers competing, two have been on the Classic weigh in stage before, Randy Howell and Tim Horton. Coming up through the Bass Club Federation ranks is one of five B.A.S.S. Federation contenders, Jamie Horton, making his first Classic appearance. This week, June 24-26, is practice week. No potential Classic contender has visited Lay Lakes waters all year. Its been off limits since January first. These seasoned pros will attempt to decipher Lay Lake's weedy waters, for 6 days. Then its off limits, for three more weeks, until Monday, July 22, the first of two days of Classic week practice. As each Bassmasters Classic draws bigger crowds each year, it has become very evident, that each and every one of these professional bass anglers, have hordes of fans seeking the knowledge they possess. Throughout Classic week, many of these pros are followed by dozens of spectator boats. Each boat filled with occupants, hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite bass angler, in fish-catching action. Unknown to many of these ardent fans, are the many ways they can actually keep their favorite pro from winning this Bassmaster Classic title, it took so long for each to reach. For one, keeping your distance, when watching these anglers fish for thousands of dollars of bass, will greatly increase their odds of winning. Its very hard to catch bass, when waves from following boats, noisy outboard motors and even trolling motors, disturb the surroundings. Even electronics such as depth finders, can interfere with the pros electronics, if a boat gets to close. Not fishing their spots, when they crank up and leave, is another way of aiding these anglers, that will plan to return to these places, it took them so long to find. Also not telling everyone you know, where they are fishing as well. In war times, it was said, "Loose lips sink ships." In this, and every Classic, loose lips, can create a losing Classic contender. So think about it, the next time you follow your favorite pro. Keep your distance. Bring binoculars and watch from a distance, at least a few hundred yards. Don't fish their spots. Many pros save their best spot, for the last day and are depending on Saturday's catch to win. Show your respect for these anglers, that worked so hard to reach their goal. A Bassmaster's Classic Contender. Only 52, out of thousands, make it to this prestigious event each year. Make each and every one of them say, "Man, I would love to return to Alabama to fish in another Bassmaster's Classic, those are the nicest people around." This article provided by: Reed Montgomery / Reeds Guide Service Producer / Host "Fishing Alabama" With Reed Montgomery Sunday Mornings 9-10 A.M. Central Time Radio Station WJOX 690 AM Birmingham, Alabama Reeds Guide Service (205) 787-5133 "Over 30 Years Fishing Alabama for Bass and Stripers" E-mail: ALABASSGYD@aol.com Website: www.FISHINGALABAMA.com |
