Matt Lee and Casey Ashley both finished in the Top 12 at the most recent Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Toledo Bend, but what will a crowded Ross Barnett Reservoir bring?

The two young guns graciously share their findings and expectations on the eve of competition at the shallow, wind-swept, reservoir near Jackson, Mississippi.

 

How many alligators have you seen during the 3-day practice period this week?

Matt Lee: I’d say 25 to 35.

Casey Ashley: I’d say at least 50.

 

What do you like best about Ross Barnett?

Matt Lee: That I get to stay at my buddy Taylor Ramey’s really cool cabin.

Casey Ashley: That I drew boat #1. I get to go out first on a fishery that’s gonna fish super crowded.

 

What’s the biggest challenge here at Ross Barnett?

Matt Lee: Fishing pressure, and muddy water.

Casey Ashley: Finding somewhere to fish that hasn’t already been hammered by another competitor.

 

Name 4 lures most pros will have tied on this week.

Matt Lee: Texas rigged plastics, a heavy Texas rigged ‘punch’ style bait, a soft plastic stick bait, and a spinnerbait.

Casey Ashley: Swim jig, frog, Texas-rigged creature bait, and a topwater.

 

How much weight will an angler have to average each day to make the Top 12 cut on the final day?

Matt Lee: 15 pounds a day

Casey Ashley: 15 pounds a day