The National Guard Open on Lake Norman begins in just eight days and the official four-day practice period starts Saturday. Some of the 150 pros are already en route to the host city of Charlotte, N.C. One of those pros is Brent Ehrler. I caught up with Ehrler yesterday as he began the 2,400 mile trek from his home in Redlands, Calif. I also spoke with Scott Canterbury, who is tied with David Walker for the Angler of the Year lead after two events.
Both of these interviews were digitally recorded as podcasts. To listen to them, simply click the Exclusive Video/Podcasts tab at the top of the FantasyFishing.com home page. Interestingly, Ehrler advises fantasy players not to pick him for Norman while Canterbury encourages everyone to include him on their rosters.
Both anglers are on my list and I know I’m not alone. According to the Fantasy Trend, Ehrler is the third most popular pick behind Michael Bennett and David Dudley and Canterbury is right behind him – fourth overall.
Coming off an FLW Series win on Lake Havasu and a sixth-place finish on Table Rock, Ehrler is red hot. He’s always been good, but this recent stretch is the best he’s ever fished in his five-year career. Last season, Ehrler took sixth on Norman and in 2007 he took 13th.
Likewise, Canterbury is on an incredible roll. The 2008 Rookie of the Year top-10d at both Guntersville and Table Rock. In fact, he led each tournament at the conclusion of day three only to falter the final day. He also led the opening day of the Norman event last year – eventually finishing third.
These two fishermen have excellent track records and momentum on their side – a dangerous combination in professional bass fishing.