Taking the bull by the horns

TBF begins championship quest on a shivering Bull Shoals

BRANSON, Mo. – Finding a hot bite will do two things for anglers in The Bass Federation Championship presented by the National Guard on Bull Shoals Lake: Practically, it will move them toward the obvious objective, while psychologically moving their attention away from the bitter cold into which they launched.

Air temperature measured about 28 degrees at the 7 a.m. takeoff. With a light breeze tickling the American flag posted at the FLW Outdoors trailer, the wind chill factor pushed the “feels like” temperature into the teens. Just imagine what that “feels like” felt like while running at over 60 mph.

Even between runs, the anglers aren’t likely to shed any jackets or sweatshirts, as daytime highs won’t push any higher than the mid-30s. Dense cloud cover will remain a constant companion; and notwithstanding the crowd of loyal fans who cheered at takeoff, any white stuff that falls upon boat decks won’t be confetti. Yes, bass fans, Branson, Mo., may see a light dusting of snow today.

The nippy stuff comes complements of a cold front that slid through southern Missouri two days before the championship. Troy Montgomery of Granbury, Texas, said the layered clothing he wore during Wednesday’s official practice day stood in stark contrast to his outfit of just 24 hours prior.

“On (Tuesday), we were in shorts and T-shirts, but the temperature dropped while we were in the (pretournament) meeting Wednesday night,” Montgomery said.

Nevertheless, despite water temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s, anglers found fish during practice, and tournament director David Simmons predicts bags of 15 pounds or better. Simmons said mental discipline – blocking out the weather distraction – will be essential to success.

“I think everyone is going to be surprised at how well the fish bite today,” Simmons said. “The fish are used to these temperatures, and I think they are going to bite pretty well today. I think (the weather) is going to affect the fishermen more than anything. Some may eliminate themselves mentally.”

Montgomery, who caught practice fish on jerkbaits and crankbaits, said he’s focused on pinpointing what the fish are doing more so than where they’re doing it: “I think this is more of a pattern lake than a `spot’ lake. Once you figure out the pattern, you can go all over the lake and catch them.”

Mike Kane of Clinton, Conn., will spend much of his day throwing jerkbaits as deep as 18 feet. Considering that the weather change came before the practice day, he feels comfortable that he can build on what he found.

“The weather will change a lot for the guys who were here to practice a few weeks ago, but I don’t think it’s going to change a whole lot from yesterday,” he said. “I think it’s going to be the same for the next few days here.”

Targeting bluff channel banks with brush, Kane, who plans to move down the lake with a measured approach, said, “We’re going to move a little bit at a time and hit a bunch of spots between here and about 30 miles down the lake.”

Anglers may also target the backs of creeks where big fish may hold in warmer, off-colored water. Flipping brown jigs against rocky shoreline with ledges and brush will produce, as will pulling a

Carolina-rigged lizard across rocky bottom. For pinpointing promising structure, finesse worms on shaky heads or drop-shots will be the likely choice.

Logistics

The TBF Championship comprises 44 boaters and 44 co-anglers representing six TBF divisions nationwide. Competitors qualified through local, state and divisional championship series tournaments. The boater and co-angler with the heaviest cumulative weight from three days will win their respective championships.

TBF National Championship anglers are competing for their share of over $200,000 in cash and merchandise. The top boater and top co-angler from each of the TBF’s six divisions will advance to the 2009 Walmart BFL All-American presented by Chevy. The TBF National Champion boater and co-angler also qualify for the 2009 Forrest Wood Cup presented by Castrol. Additionally, the winning boater at the TBF National Championship will receive $10,000 cash, the use of a “Living the Dream”-wrapped Chevy truck and Ranger boat powered by Evinrude or Yamaha, sponsor merchandise, paid entry fees into the winner’s choice of either the 2010 FLW Tour or Walmart FLW Series and travel expense money.

Anglers will take off daily from the K-Dock Marina located at 295 Highway K Marina Drive in Kirbyville, Mo. Anglers will weigh in Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m. at the Branson Convention Center, located at 200 E. Main St. Saturday’s weigh-in will begin at 3 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.

In conjunction with the weigh-in Saturday as well as Sunday’s final weigh-in of the FLW Tour event on Table Rock Lake, FLW Outdoors will host a free Family Fun Zone and outdoor show at the Branson Convention Center each day at noon. The Family Fun Zone offers fans a chance to meet their Fantasy Fishing team anglers face to face and review the latest products from Berkley, Lowrance, Ranger, Evinrude, Yamaha and other sponsors while children are treated to giveaways, fishing themed games and rides like the Ranger boat simulator. Children 14 and under visiting the Family Fun Zone on Sunday will receive a free rod-and-reel combo, courtesy of US 97 FM, while supplies last.

The 2009 TBF National Championship is hosted by Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as the Missouri Bass Federation.

Thursday’s conditions

Sunrise: 7:28 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 28 degrees

Expected high temperature: 34 degrees

Water temperature: 48-54 degrees

Wind: ENE at 12 mph

Humidity: 49 percent

Day’s outlook: cloudy, snow possible