The FLW Tour field had better pack plenty of foul-weather gear for this one. According to Lexington, S.C., pro Ricky Shumpert, there is a good chance it will be nasty outside.

“Early February is typically when we get our coldest weather of the year,” Shumpert said. “If that is the case, the fishing will be tough. We will be fishing for five or six bites per day. The guys who get good bites and execute will finish at the top.”

Located on the Saluda River in Columbia, Lake Murray spans about 51,000 surface acres and harbors plenty of largemouths in the 6- to 8-pound range. Shumpert said the lake contained hydrilla until it was wiped out two years ago by strategic drawdowns and herbicide applications.

Minus the grass, Murray’s bountiful bass population relates predominantly to underwater rock piles and stump fields during the winter months. Shumpert thinks the better catches will come on Carolina-rigged plastics, jigs and 1-ounce spinnerbaits worked in relation to rock and wood in 15 to 25 feet of water.

Shumpert’s call: 28 pounds to make the top 10; 32 pounds to win.