MASSENA, N.Y. – The Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine Northeast Division will fish their second event of the season on the St. Lawrence River on July 12, an event which is presented by Lew’s. A colder-than-normal spring could have the fish a little behind schedule and fatter than usual.
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.
What to expect
Tennessee’s Brent Anderson isn’t a local by any means but spends a good bit of time in New York during the summer months. Most of his 11 MLF wins have come closer to home, but he has a Toyota Series victory on the St. Lawrence and says things are shaping up to have some excellent fishing for this BFL.
“I’ve spent a lot of time up there the past three summers,” said Anderson. “Everything I’m hearing is that the lake is about five degrees colder than the last few years. Because of that, I think the shallow bite will dominate because there could be a lot of fish spawning.”
Anderson said many anglers will choose this approach with fish shallow, but the deep bite always has a chance.
“You can always catch some out deeper and some good ones, but I think there will be too many shallow to ignore,” he said. “Those big female fish with eggs in them up shallow will be hard to beat, and some really good sight-fishing anglers will be fishing this one. They know how to catch the bigger ones.”
Baits to bring
Anderson said that typical smallmouth lures will be a factor, and he lists a marabou hair jig, Ned rig, and drop-shot rig as must-haves for this one.
What will it take?
If the bass are still spawning, Anderson says the sky is the limit for this one, but a more realistic winning weight is around 25 pounds. Catching over 20 pounds should get you inside the Top 10.
Fishing 4 FREE!
Every Phoenix Bass Fishing League angler fishing the fourth event in each division 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. Sign up today at MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270) 252-1000 to take advantage of this incredible offer. Anglers will receive their gift box at the event.