Last weekend, BASS bought the third and final tournament of its Central Open series to Lake Texoma. However, the lake was a bit of a liking for the 164 pros who competed. During the three-day event, there were only fourteen restrictions on five fish in the scales.
Texoma left most of the field confused and frustrated as the lake passed between summer and autumn. Although Texoma is known as an excellent fishery, surface water temperatures remained 10-12 degrees warmer than in previous years. Shade killed last winter and got the bass to compete with the stripper for food. Some of the anglers even commented on the seizure of striptease using crayfish imitating bait from a small brush and patches.
Mike Farra managed a boat weighing 27 pounds, 4 ounces, while only catching 9 goalkeepers during a three-day competition. Shreveport, LA pro reported that he fished his fish from a rap-rap bank in a 100-acre Texoma area. Mr. Farr used an ounce of Omega Football with a green Zoom Brush Hog pumpkin sight on a 15-pound fluorocarbon line for most of his fish. He also used the bass on the purple / chart cut H2O crankbait, which he described as his “LSU lure”.
Earn two Bassmaster Classic moorings last weekend were pros Keith Combs and Clark Rheem, who finished first and second in the Central Open points race. Mr. Combs of Del Rio, TX, finished the Texoma event in third place with 12 bass weights 26 pounds. Mr. Rome of Lufkin controlled 12 fish weighing 24 pounds, 11 ounces.
Newcastle, OK pro Jay Fuller and Gordonville Don McFarlin are among the best local fishermen. Mr. Fuller finished in 10th place with 9 fish weighing 22 pounds, and Mr. McFarlin weighed 9 fish for 17 pounds and finished 18th.
BASS also announced changes to its qualification format for the 2012 Bassmaster Classic this week. In 2012, the field will be increased from 50 original anglers to 54 anglers. The classic will include: the best (28) pros of Elite Series points, winners of regular seasonal Elite series tournaments, 2011 Classic Champion, tournament winners (9) BASS Open, (6) BASS federation qualifiers, (1) BASS Weekender champions , and (1) champion BASS College.
BASS will also limit the Elite Series in 2012 to 90 professional anglers (a decrease of 19 since the 19th year). By limiting the field, they hope to pay more attention to individual fishing and pay more attention to creating a brand for their sponsors.
