With the Bassmaster Classic quickly approaching, the 55 anglers have been studying up on Grand Lake. For those who also fished in 2013, they are trying to determine what will be different this time around. The 2014 Classic Champ Randy Howell falls into that category and he believes it will be different from the last championship and possibly won with lower weights than the year that Cliff Pace won the event with a three-day catch of 54 pounds, 12 ounces.
Predictions and Top Techniques
It’s no secret that a jerkbait, crankbait and jig all excelled at the 2013 derby. Howell believes a mixture of all of them is going to be crucial and no one technique will win it all. “I really think versatility will be what wins it this year. My gut is telling me that it will not be one bait for the whole event and the one who is able to change at the right time will be the one who wins,” said Howell.
Another variable is the unusual weather they have had in Oklahoma in recent months as well as a possible decline in the lake itself. “They have had so much rain and it could be much dirtier than the last event. I have also been watching for weights from local events and haven’t seen those giant bags that the lake is possible of producing,” stated Howell.
Crankbaits
Howell won the 2014 Classic by fishing a crankbait in a crawfish pattern. He also had a successful event last year, finishing in 16th place at Lake Hartwell with the same bait.
The same Livingston Lures Howeller DMC and DMC Plus version he used at the two previous Classics will be put to work again this year at Grand. In addition to the red Guntersville Craw color that he used when he won at Guntersville, he is testing out some new colors. “I have been working on a few new colors specifically for Grand because the crawfish seem to be more green over there,” he said.
Howell fishes his crankbaits on a graphite rod instead of the fiberglass or composite rods many anglers prefer. “For me, it just makes so much more sense to have that sensitive graphite rod with a soft tip,” he said. :I think it has given me much better feel since I switched and really made me a better crankbait angler.”
The rod he uses for crankbaits (as well as jerkbaits) was designed with his imput for Daiwa. It is a 7ft, medium-light Tatula model with a shorter handle.
“I also prefer a solid one piece handle so I can get better two-handed casts,” he said.
When it comes to reels, he goes against the norm and prefers a high-speed 7.3:1 or 6.3:1 of the newly released Tatula CT, a more compact version of Tatula baitcast reels. He spools it up with 10-12lb Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon line.
“For me, it is just easier to slow down my retrieve if needed. Also having that faster retrieve is crucial for the moment they hit that crankbait and you need to catch up to them quickly,” said the Alabama pro.
Jerkbaits
The jerkbait bite could be the way to win the Classic and Howell is ready. He plans to use two jerkbaits from Livingston, the Jerkmaster 121 and a prototype version that will be released very soon.
He fishes the jerkbait on 8- to 10-lb Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon on the same rod and reel he uses for his crankbaits. “The smaller size of the Tatula CT makes is much easier to palm the reel, which is what I prefer to do with a jerkbait,” he said. “It’s just more comfortable to me.”
Another way he adds comfort to this technique is by modifying his rod. Howell actually cuts off the trigger of his Daiwa Tatula cranking rod, which is the same rod he uses for jerkbaits. “I cut it off and then sand it down. It makes it a lot easier for me to palm that rod and reel and bounce the jerkbait on slack line,” he said.
Jigs
Fishing a jig in brushpiles and around docks is another technique Howell plans to use at Grand. He has two jigs in mind and both are made by Lunker Lure. A 3/8 or ½-oz. Single Rattle Back and Ultimate Rattle Back jig in multiple green pumpkin hues.
He will select his trailer based on how fast he wants the jig to fall and it will either be a Yamamoto 5” Double Tail Grub or a 4” Flappin’ Hog. He uses a variety of colors for his trailers and tries to match it as closely as possible.
He fishes both of these jigs on a 7’4” XH Steez XT rod with an 8.1 Tatula Type R reel. It will be spooled with either 20-lb Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon or 70-80lb Daiwa J-Braid for heavy cover.
The Bassmaster Classic is shaping up to be a reaction bait and jig fishing tournament just like the 2013 version. If things fall into place for former champion Randy Howell, he could end up hoisting the trophy once again.
Note: The new Daiwa Tatula CT baitcaster that Howell mentions will be unveiled at the 2016 Bassmaster Classic in Tulsa, Okla.
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