PRACTICE PREDICTIONS: How is the Kissimmee Chain Fishing? And How Big is “Big” This Week?
KISSIMMEE, Florida – The Bass Pro Tour is back in action this week for Toyota Heavy Hitters Presented by Venmo, on Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. With $200,000 of the $745,000 prize pool reserved for big-bass awards, that added incentive for catching big Florida largemouth is undoubtedly going to change the game plans of some anglers.
Here’s a rundown of practice from several anglers after they wrapped up two days of fishing on the Kissimmee Chain.
Dustin Connell
“It was slim and grim for me and it was one of the worst practices I can remember. I spent most of my time just trying to get bites,” Connell shared. “The water is low, there’s been no current, and it is hard to get one over two pounds. If I find myself struggling, I’ll change up and try to go for a big one.”
Michael Neal
“It was much slower that I anticipated when I came down here because the recent tournament results show that they’ve been catching them pretty good,” Neal said. “That either means I didn’t figure it out or the bite has changed.”
Cliff Crochet
“Practice wasn’t that great, but it’s typical Florida fishing where you find a place and they all seem to be in that one little area,” said the Louisiana pro. “I think we are going to see a really good offshore bite, some schooling fish caught, and some guys who fish slow and do the typical Florida fishing stuff.”
Alton Jones, Jr.
“It was pretty dang tough,” Jones said. “I had three scorable bass yesterday and 11 today. I still think there will be some big ones caught, though.”
Jeff Sprague
“It was ‘so-so’ for me, but it feels great to be fishing again. That has me excited about the week,” Sprague said.
Roy Hawk
“Yesterday was pretty fun and I caught quite a few on a variety of baits and they were all solid scoreable bass,” Hawk said. “With all of the rain today, it shut things down and I struggled. I think the pace this week will be much slower than normal because of how the fishing is, the 2-pound minimum, and some guys strictly targeting big bites.”
Big Bass Predictions
During the four qualifying rounds, the biggest bass of the round is worth $25,000. For the Knockout Round, it will double to $50,000 and the biggest bass during the Championship Round will be $100,000.
What’s it going to take to win one of those bonuses?
Dustin Connell
“I’d say it will be at least a 7-pounder each round, but who knows? A high 5-pounder might win it one round,” he said.
Michael Neal
“I’m going to guess that it will be at least an 8-pounder to win the big bass money,” he predicted.
Cliff Crochet
“I think you have to be in the 7s to even think about winning for the round,” Crochet believes.
Alton Jones, Jr.
“I’m going to say a 7- or 8-pounder. I never caught any real big ones but did see a few caught by some local anglers,” he shared.
Jeff Sprague
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes an 8-pound or better fish, but it might be high 7s. This place gets tons of pressure and has been pretty beat up with everyone fishing right now,” Sprague predicted.
Roy Hawk
“It is possible that it only takes a 6-pounder on the small side and a 9 or 10 on the high end. If you don’t have one over 6, you won’t even have a shot,” said the Arizona pro.