Bernie Schultz just added a second keeper to his livewell, bringing his BASSTrakk total to 11 pounds, 7 ounces. What might seem insignificant in the big scheme of the leaderboard are the points he continues gaining in Bassmaster Angler of the Year. Schultz is currently in 37th place, or just three spots above the cut line. However, he’s also got a spread of 30 points more than 39th place. Schultz is fishing for his 10th Classic.
Right now, Schultz is methodically fishing a weightless wacky rig, skipping it beneath cypress tree limbs and allowing the bait to fall vertically into the stumps.
He is using a 5-inch Yamamoto Senko, rigged on a 2/0 VMC Ike Approved Weedless Neko Hook. Key to the setup is a saddle sleeve, or flat O ring, so the bait can be rotated in different directions based on preferred hook placement.
Alternatively, Schultz is using a prototype buzzbait that he designed for Hildebrandt Lures. The lightweight, all-tin lure is ideal for slow retrieves and is called the SqueakEasy. Schultz rotated between 1/4- and 1/2-ounce sizes.