GROVE, Okla. – It’s time to get the season started for the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Okie Division, which will head to Grand Lake on March 7. After the frigid cold in the region a month before the event, things should be back to normal by the time derby day rolls around, and the fish should be pushing shallow and ready to bite.
What to expect
Wagoner, Oklahoma’s Eli Brumnett has eight MLF Top 10s in the region, including one at last year’s Toyota Series Championship on Grand. He reports that the lake is in great shape and that fishing has been excellent in recent months.
“Right now, it’s the best it’s ever fished – or at least the best in a long time,” he said. “I’m not sure why, either. I’m fishing the same stuff I’ve always fished, and there are fish all over the place. Guys are hammering them right now, but that could change if we get another cold front that comes through.”
The last major front did some damage to the shad population, and Brumnett says that’s something to pay attention to. But he added that there will be several ways to approach the lake this time of year.
“There was a big shad kill, and if we get another one, it could make it much tougher,” he shared. “I still think the A-Rig and spinnerbait deal will be big in this one, but guys will also be able to catch them around docks. Then, you’ll have guys out deep on brush in 20 to 30 feet of water. It will be a little bit of everything.”
The new forward-facing sonar rules that limit anglers to three hours a day with the technology will be important in this event, even though Brummett says it won’t affect anglers like him who prefer shallow fishing.
“I don’t need it when I’m up on the bank throwing a jig or spinnerbait,” he said. “But there will be some anglers who catch some big bags with it, even if they only have it on for three hours.”
As good as the lake is fishing, there is the potential to find tournament-winning bass from end to end. But Brumnett expects some areas to gather most of the attention.
“Right now, the whole lake could be a player,” he said. “I think a lot of guys will stay down lake, and then you’ll have quite a few that run up into the Elk River, because that always warms up the quickest and triggers them.”
Baits to bring
Grand Lake can be a meat-and-potatoes type of lake, and Brumnett’s bait suggestions confirm that. He believes a jig and spinnerbait will be major players. Finally, the Alabama rig is something all anglers should have at the ready, as it’s a great lake for it and an ideal time of year to throw it.
What will it take?
Local team events have been showcasing the good fishing on Grand, and this event could take between 22 and 24 pounds to win, according to Brumnett. To make it into the Top 10, it could also take as much as 18 pounds.