Sprague Will Look to Replicate Kissimmee Success on Lake Conroe

CONROE, Texas – Get to know Jeff Sprague.

If his first foray into the MLF Bass Pro Tour was any indication, fans could be seeing the Texas pro on the final day of many events. And while his Top 10 finish on the Kissimmee Chain was impressive, his comical banter with his boat judge stole the show at times on the MLF NOW! live stream.

What does the quick-witted Texan think about Conroe and his chances to get back to the top of the SCORETRACKER? Well, he’s jacked up about what this lake might offer him and the MLF Bass Pro Tour fans.

“I don’t know much about the lake, other than it has some huge bass in it,” Sprague said. “This is one reason I came to MLF: We can fish lakes we don’t know much about. Smaller venues even, since we only fish 40 boats at a time. I really prefer going to places without having tons of information.

“I’ve always practiced by myself, and at the end of the day I have to find and catch fish by myself, so it’s great for me. I think fans like that too. Way more relatable than anglers who can go and pre-fish around the country for months at a time.”

Even though Sprague knows little about Conroe, he was pretty set on how he’d spend his practice time.

“I’ll ride the whole lake and see what’s there,” Sprague planned. “I’ll check out the basics, water temperature and clarity. I’ll search for contours, creeks, physical cover, all the basics. I want to get a feel for how Conroe sets up. If the fish appear to be in pre-spawn, I’ll creep up to the shallows. Then, I’ll often just turn off my boat and listen. Listen to nature, look at what the birds are doing, listen for the sounds of any fish feeding. Nature will tell you what’s up. Especially if there are fish-eating birds around, like a cormorant or an osprey.”

Sprague’s one-two punch will include a couple of his favorite search lures: a jig and a crankbait.

“One of the lures I love to throw now is a Biffle Hard Head jig with a Biffle Bug on it,” said Sprague. “It’s an awesome bait. I use a smaller one and swim it around cover, in and over laydowns. The bass often key on crawfish this time of the year and it is perfect for that. It catches lots of fish and big ones. In addition to the bug, I’ll throw a Strike King 1.5 or 2.0 crankbait. It is another terrific lure for covering water and getting bites.

“I’ll tell you what, I’m so excited about the MLF fishing format,” said Sprague. “You’re just never out of it. It’s a professional sport like football now. You can make comebacks. I think this format will play out great on Conroe.