Cobb qualified to move up to the FLW Tour Majors this year after finishing third in the BFL Regional on Lake Lanier having qualified through the Savannah River Division, and second in the BFL Regional on Lake Hartwell having qualified through the Bulldog Division last October .

“There will definitely be a good many fish on the beds,” the former Clemson University Fishing Team member said. “Normally, bedding would be in full swing by now, but bedding is running late because of the cold weather down there. But it looks like the weather is going to be more stable than since back in December so it shakes out to be a pretty good tournament next week.”

So good, in fact, that veteran anglers are predicting weights approaching the records set in 2011 when weather conditions created a perfect storm of big females migrating to the banks to spawn. Estimates have ranged from a low of 70 pounds for a four-day total – if the warmer weather is slow in coming – to 100 pounds or more if the warming trend continues and the water temperature warms up to more than 60 degrees.

“There have been a bunch of cold nights, but it looks like this is going to be the first week with very few, if any, cold nights,” Cobb said.

While there practicing recently, Cobb looked at areas that he believes will be the most productive if the fish are up shallow as expected.

When he practices just before the tournament this coming week, he said he will concentrate on small areas that hold big concentrations of female bass.

“It’s a massive lake, much larger than any I have fished before, so I will have to break it down to have a chance,” said Cobb who leaves Saturday to launch his pro career on the Big-O.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to compete in the FLW tour this year. I feel like the BFL tournaments I have fished through the years have prepared me to compete on the big stage. They have given me the opportunity to fish lakes outside my local lakes. Especially through the regionals,” said Cobb.

“I had never fished any of the Bulldog division lakes in the past before last year and was able to be successful with limited practice.  Double qualifying for the 2014 All American has also given me the confidence to compete.”

The Okeechobee tournament, which kicks off the 19th season of the Tour, will feature 180 pros and 180 co-anglers casting for top awards of up to $125,000 cash in the pro division and up to $25,000 cash in the co-angler division.

Anglers also will be vying for points in hopes of qualifying for the 2014 Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing, which will be held on Lake Murray near Columbia, S.C., Aug. 14-17. Anglers competing in the Cub could win as much as $500,000 – the sport’s biggest award.
As part of the FLW Tour’s community outreach initiative, FLW will be working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County to host a Youth Bass Fishing Experience presented by Guy Harvey on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Many FLW Tour pros will offer a fun tutorial for more than 60 youngsters at C.B. Smith Park. The youths will learn the importance of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship as they get to bass fish alongside the pros.

Walmart FLW Tour Major

Feb 6-9, 2014

Lake Okeechobee

Roland Martin Marina

www.flwoutdoors.com