When the FLW Tour rolls into Gallatin, Tenn., for the third qualifying event of 2004, anglers can expect to find Old Hickory full to the brim with surface temperatures in the high 50s and plenty of solid largemouth bass relating to creek-channel breaks in 4 to 6 feet of water.
“The fish are going to be on a prespawn pattern, and I’m looking for there to be some pretty good limits caught,” said Charlie Ingram, a veteran bass pro from Santa Fe, Tenn. “It wouldn’t surprise me if it takes 15 to 18 pounds per day to win it. This lake has really bounced back since the grass has reestablished itself.”
Milfoil is the primary aquatic vegetation in Old Hickory, although there are some isolated patches of hydrilla mixed in. Ingram said healthy grass can be found as deep as 8 feet, but the Tennessee pro predicts the bass will be relating to shallower depths.
“They’ll probably be hanging around scattered grass in about 4 to 5 feet of water,” he said. “Flats that run right up to major creek channels in the midlake area will be especially good.”
Ingram said just about any lure that’s designed to penetrate shallow or medium depth ranges will produce strikes. He listed the Rat-L-Trap, spinnerbait, jig, jerkbait and shallow-running crankbait as lures to keep handy.