Cormorants and Big Bass On Day-Two Of the Classic
Day Two of the Bassmaster Classic began with the air temperature stable at 32 degrees and water temperatures at least 7 degrees cooler, as predicted. I was paired with Alton Jones, the 2008 Classic winner who was languishing in 16th place after the first day with 13.13 pounds. “This weather will slow these fish down,” said Jones. “They will warm up as the day goes on but the water I’m fishing is so shallow that I’m hoping they don’t pull back.” What Jones meant was that when fish feel uncomfortable, especially when they are preparing to spawn, they will “pull back” into deeper water where they are better protected from temperature swings, and from the many predators that focus on bass when they are in shallow water. It was one of those predators that helped set up Jones’ day on the water.
Many anglers once again headed toward the locks and a very long and cold ride to the areas that produced so well on the first day of competition. As Alton Jones’ name was read, he leaned over that said, “Don’t worry about bundling up, we’re only going a short distance.” He took the boat to speed and within a few hundred yards made a sharp turn and ran straight into a very tight and shallow backwater within site of the launch area.
For the next two hours, Jones fished hard with three baits, two Gitzits rigged on different rods, and a “Yum Dinger” which is a lure that mirrors the Senko made by Gary Yamamoto. Regardless of the choice of lures, it was as if he were fishing in the Great Salt Lake during a drought.
As the air and water temperatures began to warm, several flocks of Cormorants flew over our small, shallow backwater. The reaction on the surface of the water was immediate. Each time the birds passed over our little bayou, fish that were essentially nonexistent before, began slapping the surface as they darted to and fro in the shallow water, avoiding the fish-eating marauders.
“I think the fish are getting more active,” said Jones as he hooked and landed his first bass. The cormorants had awakened the fish. Over the few hours, Jones caught over 30 fish and weighed 17.8 pounds to propel himself all the way to 3nd place going into the final day. Jones caught most of his fish on the Yum Dinger and never lost confidence in his Gitzits. All of his baits eventually caught fish.
Greg Vinson, the second place finisher on day one, backed up his first day’s weight with 15.12 pounds on day two holding on to 2nd place going into the final day. Keith Poche, the leader after day one stumbled and only weighed 11.80 pounds dropping him to 10th place overall.
The top Six anglers heading into the final day are as follows:
- Chris Lane – 35.8 pounds
- Greg Vinson – 34.80 pounds
- Alton Jones – 31.11 pounds
- Bobby Lane – 30.12 pounds
- Edwin Evers – 30.70 pounds
- Dustin Wilks – 30.30 pounds.
With temperatures moderating overnight and the bass moving up to their spawning beds, the final day of the 2012 Bassmaster Classic promises to be a real shoot out. The cormorants were a warning sign of the predatory activities of the 25 (after Saturday’s cut) best anglers in the world as they tackle the Red River for one final day.
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