Thanks to Clay Connor of Xpress Boats I got out on Guntersville today to follow the contestants as they finished the practice round. Of the dozen we saw, nearly all were casting lipless crankbaits in shallows back in creeks and bays – typical prespawn spots.

Water temps ranged from 44 degrees in the main channel on the lower end of the lake to 55 in shallow backwaters.

Shallow water holds grass, warm water and bass. That’s where this Classic will be won.

As for lure choice, it looks like everyone is throwing a trap of some type.

I saw keeper bass caught from 3 foot depths where the grass dissolved into bare bottom. But keepers won’t do much good this week if Lake G lives up to its reputation. With a shallow trap bite going, I believe it will do just that.