Chris Zaldain leads the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year rankings in what is shaping up to be a tight race to the finish. Zaldain expressed great confidence in what could happen the next two days. He’s off to a good start with a five-pounder in the livewell as of 6:45 a.m.
Catching 20 pounds each day was his plan coming into the tournament. After yesterday he needs to set that goal higher.
“It looks good because I caught two five pounders on what I thought was my worst spot, and the smallest fish on my best spots,” he said. “What that tells me is that things are changing a lot and I’ve got to adjust and leave open my options.”
That’s a good sign. In the past Zaldain has developed a habit of locking into a lure no matter how well it performs.
“I’m mixing up a lot of things, trying baits that I did not use in practice,” he added. “The fish are changing and I’ve got to change with them.”
That is working too. Photographer Andy Crawford said Zaldain switched to a finesse-type lure that he is slowly retrieving and dragging over his spot. That is a very unique flat that is lined by a grassline. What’s cool about the spot is melting winter ice has scoured the bottom to create small holes for baitfish to seek refuge from the current. So current, grass and depth. It’s all there. And at least one five-pounder.