Get ready for an exciting fishing tournament at Table Rock Lake, where the Bass Pro Shops REDCREST event promises to be a thrilling spectacle! Unlike other tournaments, this one has anglers on the edge of their seats, unsure of how the competition will unfold. Table Rock Lake offers a unique challenge with its diverse habitat and three black bass species, creating an unpredictable scenario for the 35 competitors.
The Lake's Layout
Table Rock Lake, spanning an impressive 45,000 acres with 750 miles of shoreline, is a vast playground for anglers. Eric Olliverson, a local guide and former tournament winner, believes any section of the lake could produce a high finish. The lake is divided into three main river arms: the White, James, and Kings, each offering distinct fishing opportunities.
The lower end of the lake, extending from Long Creek to Kimberling City, is known for its steep contours and prominent points. The mid-section, from Kimberling City to Baxter, provides similar features but with cleaner water. The upper sections of the river arms, including the White, James, and Kings rivers, as well as Long Creek, offer dirtier water, flatter contours, and more wood cover in the shallows.
A Unique Time for Fishing
What makes this tournament particularly fascinating is the timing. Table Rock Lake is currently experiencing a unique phase where all three bass species - largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass - are in all three stages of the spawn. This means anglers have the opportunity to target any of these species in various zones of the lake, making strategy a crucial aspect of the competition.
Water Level and Stability
Water level plays a significant role in determining the best fishing areas. Table Rock Lake is known for its quick floods, but this year, the lake level has remained stable around winter pool. According to Olliverson, this stability has contributed to a consistent and reliable bite, which is a welcome change from the usual spring rains that bring up the water level and color the lake.
Multiple Bait Options
One thing that immediately stands out is the variety of bait options available to anglers. Cole Breeden, a Missouri pro, suggests that technique choice will depend on the situation anglers find themselves in. From wobble heads to topwaters and swim jigs, anglers have a wide range of options to target bass in different stages of the spawn.
Targeting Different Species
Targeting specific bass species is a challenge at Table Rock Lake due to the mixing of the three species. However, given the every-fish-counts format, Breeden believes spotted bass could represent a significant portion of the winning total. Olliverson, on the other hand, highlights the potential for smallmouth bass, stating that a fisherman could catch 100 2-pound smallmouth in a day during the peak of their spawn.
Tactical Decisions
A key tactical question for the pros is whether to stick with one pattern and area or explore different options. With forward-facing sonar restricted to one of three daily periods, anglers must decide between targeting fish outside spawning areas during the 'Scope period or focusing on spawning areas during non-Scope periods. Olliverson believes an angler can compete without relying on transducers, while Breeden advocates for having both forward-facing and non-forward-facing programs.
A Diverse Tournament
In my opinion, the REDCREST tournament at Table Rock Lake will be a showcase of diverse strategies and approaches. With the potential for anglers to do different things in different areas of the lake, the competition is wide open. The key to success will be adapting to the unique conditions and making the most of the stable lake environment. Get ready for an exciting event where the competitors will be catching fish all day!
