GADSDEN, Ala. — Every lake has that time of year it shines brightest.
For Neely Henry, that’s usually the first week or two of June. Good thing that’s exactly when the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Bama Division is swinging into town for its fourth stop of the season on June 7.
This year, BFL anglers benefit from an expanded slate of Regionals, which minimizes travel costs and provides more opportunities to qualify for the $120,000 BFL All-American while fishing familiar, closer-to-home waters. Click here to find out more.
What to expect
While Neely Henry is a reservoir, local Kyle Dorsett admits it sets up far more like it’s Coosa River origins (emphasis on river) than most other reservoirs.
“Current is big on a lot of places, but even more so on Neely Henry,” Dorsett said. “It really fishes like a river with how it positions the fish.”
Considering the current should be flowing just right and the derby is being held at just the right time for the entire lake to catch fire both shallow and offshore, Dorsett says everything is lining up perfect for a primo tournament.
“It could be the best week of the year,” Dorsett said. “The entire lake could be open in terms of patterns.”
Baits to bring
That early offshore bite should definitely be a player in this event. That should see lots of pros using typical forward-facing baits like jighead minnows and drop-shots.
That said, Dorsett says Neely Henry tournaments are predominantly won shallow. That means swim jigs, buzzbaits and frogs around the water willow or wacky rigs around docks.
What will it take?
With the sheer number of 4- and 5-pound spotted bass swimming around Neely Henry, a 20-pound bag is always possible, especially this time of year. That said, Dorsett went conservative, thinking 16-17 pounds should put an angler in contention to win.
Sign up to Fish 4 Free!
Neely Henry will mark the fourth stop of the season for the Bama Division. That’s notable because every Phoenix Bass Fishing League angler fishing the fourth event in each division this season will receive an Abu Garcia gift pack valued at $230 for boaters and $180 for co-anglers – a value that exceeds the entry fee. It’s like Fishing 4 FREE! Plus, participants will receive a code for 25% off an order at AbuGarcia.com. Click here to sign up for the Abu Garcia Fishing 4 Free promotion, or call 270-252-1000 to take advantage of this offer. Anglers will receive their gift pack at the event.