Jasper, Texas – Wind gusts and cooler than normal temperatures have stirred up the fishing forecast for anglers just in time for the Bassmaster Open Series season opener for the Central Division on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, May 5-7. At this time of year, Rayburn’s waters are normally clear and warm, but northeast winds and rain have muddied the water and created less than ideal conditions for anglers. Wednesday’s forecast called for a 40 percent chance of rain and a high of only 69 degrees.
“This is really bad weather for May,” said Texas pro and Greatest Angler Debate commentator Tommy Martin. “We’ve had some strong winds and storms come through recently. It’s usually pretty still and not very windy, but not this week. It’s been really unusual.”
Rayburn is a longtime favorite among BASS tournament anglers. The 114,500-acre reservoir has played host to 28 BASS-sanctioned events.
In last year’s Central Open on Rayburn, Edwin Evers’ three-day catch weighing 52-7 earned him the second win of his career.
Martin predicts that this weekend’s event will be very similar despite the looming foul weather.
“It’s going to take 47 to 52 pounds to win the tournament,” he said. We can look for a lot of limits to be caught but not any big stringers.”
Martin has fished more than 20 BASS events on Rayburn in his storied career and has five top 10 finishes. In February of 1983, Martin won the Texas Invitational on Rayburn with a total weight of 63 pounds, eight ounces.
This year, Martin expects flipping and pitching to brush in three to four feet of water to be the method of choice for Open competitors. Nevertheless, Carolina rigs and topwater baits will also account for plenty of bass.
So what’s Martin’s favored bait and technique for Rayburn?
“I’m flipping and pitching a black and blue Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craw and a 1/4-ounce black and blue jig,” said Martin. “Black and blue seems to be the color of choice for them. I just hope it stays that way.
“I’m feeling pretty confident about my practice runs and think I’ve got a good shot at making the cut,” said Martin. “I’ve done well here in the past, and feel good about making adjustments to the changing conditions.”
Daily weigh-ins will be held at the Umphrey Family Pavilion in Sam Rayburn, Texas.
BASS is the world's largest fishing organization, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its Federation. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite 50 series, is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship as it has since 1968.
Sponsors of the Bassmaster Open Series include CITGO Petroleum Corp., Toyota, Busch Beer, Purolator, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Berkley, Lowrance Electronics, MotorGuide, Bass Pro Shops and Cialis (tadalafil).
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
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