Decision time on the Potomac
Opening-round cut Thursday in Stren Series competition
LA PLATA, Md. – After a tight competition on day one, where anglers caught lots of five-bass limits and weights were bunched up throughout the standings, Stren Series Northeast Division pros must once again decide Thursday how they want to handle the tide. Should they stay put and ride it out or go with it?
Wednesday’s pro leader Eddie Griggs snagged more than 17 pounds of bass by riding the incoming tide upriver all day, but right behind him was Charlie Hartley, who stayed put close to Smallwood State Park and caught nearly 17 pounds early on the low tide.
Clearly, both tactics work, but the trick is to do the right thing when the current starts moving and make sure the line is in the water.
“Decision-making is so key, especially at this river,” said pro David Butenewicz Jr., who caught 14 pounds, 6 ounces and placed 11th Wednesday. “These fish bite so sporadically. I’ve got a five-minute window when the tide starts moving where I’ll get bit. It’s just about making the right decisions when the tide starts moving.”
Butenewicz said he caught most of his fish on day one by flipping a buzzbait, but a variety of other baits – like crankbaits, topwaters, heavy jigs, and Senkos – seem to be working, as well, for the top pros. The common factor for almost everybody, though, is the ability to find productive grass mats, which is where the majority of fish are being caught.
The weather is again sunny, warm and calm Thursday, so conditions won’t be much of a factor.
Both divisions will be cut to the top 20 anglers apiece following Thursday’s fishing based on two-day, opening-round total weight. Day-two weigh-in festivities begin at 3 p.m. Eastern time at Smallwood State Park near La Plata.
On the Web
For fishing fans unable to attend the Stren Northeast tournament taking place this week in Maryland, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, a real-time video look at the daily weigh-ins. Just access the online application during weigh-in hours to keep tabs on your favorite anglers.
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:24 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 73 degrees
Expected high temperature: 86 degrees
Wind: ENE at 6 mph
Maximum humidity: 55 percent
Day’s outlook: sunny