On the eve of the 2nd stop along the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series trail I am excited.
We will learn much and be entertained by our favorite Elite Series anglers as they tackle a new fishery. Even local pros have mostly only fished for redfish and flounder at this place.
The pros will strike out across Winyah Bay, an estuarine body of water on South Carolina’s coast. Some may simply strike out. Reports indicate that fishing is slower than expected, but the fish are indeed running small, as expected.
But, from a fan’s perspective, it will be fun to watch the pros’ decisions pan out this week. Of the few known variables on this new-to-the-Elite Series venue, the Cooper River holds the biggest bass in the system. It flows from the Santee Cooper Lakes and offers clearer water due to filtration effects of hydrilla. Clear water, or at least, clean water will be a factor this week as the system is still recovering from historic flooding that occured last autumn.
Problem is, the Cooper River is two hours away from the tournament launch in Georgetown. That boat ride down the Intracoastal Waterway will not be smooth given the windy forecast. Also, anglers who practices there have not seemed to be blown away by the size of the fish they have found.
But that seems to be the big storyline this week: will the long run gamble pay off for those who try it?
Eight-to-10-pound limits can be had nearby. The Cooper offers a legit shot at 18 pounds daily.
Can a guy do that 4-straight days and not suffer a breakdown or delays?
We’ll find out starting tomorrow. Stay with AnglersChannel.com for updates and analysis all week.