Back on Buggs

Stren Series Northern Division returns to Kerr Reservoir

HENDERSON, N.C. – After skipping Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake) in 2007 due to low water, the Stren Series has returned to the popular tournament lake for its third Northern Division event of 2008.

Last year, this event had to be moved to Lake Gaston because Kerr’s water level was so low it posed a threat to safe navigation.

In fact, the Stren event on Kerr was in danger of being switched to Gaston again this year because of low water, but recent tropical systems have brought the lake up some 4 feet in the last few weeks.

In addition to the influx of water, summer is beginning to wane on the North Carolina-Virginia border, and cooler fall temperatures are gracing the area. A small front is clearing the East Coast this morning, leaving behind highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.

The water is cooling off fast, and the bass know it. Classical fall patterns, such as fishing the backs of creeks, will likely be in order for at least a few pros this week.

Also, hydrilla has found its way into the lake over the last few drought-stricken years, and anglers are now finding enough of the lush vegetation to hold fish.

And then there’s always the infamous Kerr Lake fall crankbait bite.

This morning, cranking ace David Wright of Lexington, N.C., was digging out a few of his best Zoom crankbaits in preparation for the Buggs Island battle. Wright won the Lake Gaston event last year on crankbaits.

The last time the Stren Series visited Kerr was in June 2006. That event was won by Larry Evans of Southpoint, Ohio. Evans won with a final two-day total of 29 pounds, 6 ounces.

Pros believe it will take less than a 15-pound-per-day average this time around.

Wright predicts an average of 12 pounds a day for four days will take the winner’s check in this event.

Logistics

Anglers will take off from Satterwhite Point Recreation Area located at 6470 Satterwhite Point Road in Henderson, N.C., at 7 a.m. each day.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins also will be held at Satterwhite Point Recreation Area beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday’s weigh-in will be held at the Walmart store located at 200 North Cooper Road in Henderson beginning at 4 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free and open to the public.

Wednesday’s conditions

Sunrise: 7:15 a.m.

Temperature at takeoff: 60 degrees

Expected high temperature: 70 degrees

Water temperature: 80 degrees

Wind: 5 to 10 mph

Day’s outlook: cloudy and cool