Courtesy of Alan McGuckin – Dynamic Sponsorships

 

Chris Zaldain has notched (21) impressive Top 10s in his still young career, and one of them came last year at the site of this week’s Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the St. Lawrence River.

 

The Carhartt/Yamaha pro was gracious enough to phone us Wednesday night with his thoughts as to what fans can expect when competition begins Thursday morning with Live coverage on ESPN2.

 

Q: What’s going to be your biggest challenge this week?

 

Zaldain: The conditions are a lot different than last year. The water is lower, and there’s a lot less current. Plus, 9 of my 10 best spots from last year are located on the Canadian side of the river, and that water is officially off-limits this year.

 

 

Q: Tell us about the goodness of the three lures you’re holding in the photo.

 

Zaldain: Everybody knows the drop shot is a staple here, and the little 3” MegaBass Hazedong Shad is the perfect bite-sized dropshot snack for smallmouth with super realistic eyes and a really natural swimming action. The Vision 110 and the Vision 110 Plus 1 jerkbaits are also excellent for smallmouth – especially when you’re trying to cover a ton of water out on Lake Ontario. The 110 dives to about 6 feet and the 110 Plus 1 gets down to 12 feet.

 

 

Q: Speaking of Lake Ontario, what percentage of all the casts made this week by Elite Series anglers will take place on Lake Ontario versus in the St. Lawrence River?

 

Zaldain: I’ll say 15% Lake Ontario vs. 85% in the St. Lawrence River. Most guys in this field know and understand the river a lot better, and Ontario gets a whole lot rougher with just a little bit of wind.

 

 

Q: Gobies have been described as protein bars for smallmouth bass – never mind how many smallmouth you’ve caught in practice – tell us how many gobies you’ve successfully hooked and landed in three days of practice.

 

Zaldain: I’ve landed three of those dudes, and even though they’re fairly small — they are tough! I swear they could survive for half-a-day out of water, sprout legs and walk on dry land.

 

 

Q: We started by talking about your Top 10 finish here last year, what will you have to catch each day this year to assure yourself another Top 10?

 

Zaldain: I averaged 19 pounds a day here last year and finished 9th, and while it seems like conditions are making it tougher this year, I think it will take 18 or 19 pounds per day again to make the Top 10.