Fantasy Fishing: Pick anglers who want to win at Sabine

Of course every single angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series wants to win every single event. And every single Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing player wants to win every time as well. The title of this piece implies hunger for an overdue victory.

You’ll also notice that my Fantasy selections for the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River presented by Econo Lodge also represent the need to reestablish themselves in one way or another. Either they’ve experienced great success — even wins — in the past, but it’s been a long time, or these anglers might be looking to take home their first blue trophy.

Regardless, everyone knows the Sabine is a tough fishery where 10 pounds across two days could earn a $10,000 check. Fishable water is also reduced to the Texas side only, making options even slimmer.

I think work ethic will be critical here, too. My choices reflect that in every sense of the word.

Let’s get to it.

BUCKET A: LUCAS

He said 2017 was his worst year ever. Justin Lucas isn’t scared to admit it, and I don’t know many anglers who hate to lose more than he does. His work ethic is impeccable, and he is looking to seriously improve on last year’s performance to earn a berth back to the 2019 Classic. After a solid sixth-place finish at Lake Martin, and a 10th-place at Sabine in 2015, I don’t think you can go wrong with Lucas.

Darkhorse: Dustin Connell has been pretty consistent lately, and he’s a renowned river rat, which are skills that will certainly play at Sabine this year.

BUCKET B: M. LEE

I believe watching his younger brother Jordan win his first Classic greatly motivated Matt Lee. Following that epic win, the elder Lee brother enjoyed a tremendous 2017 season, which landed him back at the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods on Lake Hartwell. His momentum is swinging upward, and he’s really come into his own as a pro angler on the top level of the sport.

This dude knows how to work, knows how to find and catch big bass, and his never-say-die attitude will keep him in the hunt at this year’s visit to Sabine River.

Darkhorse: Jason Christie has pretty strong ownership, as does Greg Hackney, but this style of fishing plays to both anglers very well. I think it’s a safe bet to place your bets on either pony.

BUCKET C: MCCLELLAND

Posting a second and 11th place finishes at both previous visits to the Sabine, Mike McClelland is very likely to do well again this time around. He’s also not enjoyed an Elite Series victory since 2014, when he won on Table Rock. This veteran angler knows the Sabine fishery, and knows what it takes to win. I think he’s a solid pick, and deal at just under 13-percent owned.

Darkhorse: Not only does Brandon Lester now have a new mouth to feed in his house, (he’s a brand-new daddy of a beautiful baby girl, March 26) but he’s also done well at Sabine posting a solid fourth-place finish in 2015. You can expect another check out of the young Tennessee angler.

BUCKET D: LOWEN

Lowen has been quiet last year and this, so far. Plus he missed the Classic. He’s mad, and he’s one of the finest shallow-water sticks on tour. I think at some point, you’ll see the rebirth of one of the Elite Series’ most consistent anglers, and it might as well be Sabine.

Darkhorse: I could see Gerald Swindle winning this sucker, and I might swap Lowen for G-Man before things get started. But if neither of those choices tickles your fancy, this event also has Matt Herren written all over it.

BUCKET E: DAVIS

Mark Davis has seen it all. Good times, bad times, a Classic victory (1995) and a three-time Angler of the Year. But it’s been a while since he’s won, narrowly missing the winning weight last year at Dardanelle to Steve Kennedy. And he’s not that young any more, but don’t think for a minute he’s any less tenacious. In fact, he finished 13th in 2015 and ninth in 2013. This is his kind of event, and maybe the one where he notches win No. 6 to his trophy room.

Darkhorse: Overall, Bucket E might be the toughest to choose from right now. You can rest assured most of these guys won’t be in this spot after a few more events. So pick wisely. If Davis is you’re game, Seth Feider has proven his prowess on southern largemouth lakes as well as northern smallie fisheries. I bet he’ll be a factor in this one.

Originally posted on Bassmaster Go to Source
Author: Thomas Allen

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