Courtesy of Alan McGuckin – Dynamic Sponsorships

 

Team Toyota’s Brandon Lester loves Lake Guntersville. The highly accomplished young pro lives 1 hour and 20 minutes from this week’s weigh-in at Goose Pond Landing, and in a typical year he fishes the famous reservoir 25 days a year.

However, he says fishing is always a little tougher here in late September and early October. And while he gave practice a B+, he knows today’s biggest challenge will be staying mentally sharp.

“I’m committed to a one-two punch involving a topwater and a Texas rig, and I’m confident. But I also know I’m probably not going to get many bites. It’s about five big bites today, and I’ve got to keep my mind focused on that,” says Lester.

He says Guntersville’s aquatic vegetation is the healthiest he’s known it to be in three or four years, especially the hydrilla.

In reality, there are so many great areas to fish on this history-rich 69,000 surface acre reservoir, the key is to pick an area and learn it like your lover’s favorite song and anniversary date.

Lester has learned it well over the years. His biggest fish in practice was a meaty 5-pounder. If he can stay mentally sharp and utilize his one-two punch approach to land five like that, he may just get his first ‘blue trophy’ on Saturday afternoon.