Slugfest Approaching

   Slugfest. That one word aptly sums up what we are all expecting to see during the 2006 Bassmaster Classic, held this year February 24-26 on Lake Toho, Florida. If you remember correctly, this is the very site where Dean Rojas set a BASS all-time record one-day catch of 45-02 a few years ago. Five bass, forty five pounds. Rojas caught them in January, we're in February. The bass are moving up to spawn. What conditions could be better?

   Sure, the weather could throw a monkey wrench in the whole operation. VanDam could win again with 12 pounds. On second thought, even with a hurricane blowing in they could catch more than that over three days. My point is this: weather will be a major factor in this Classic. It always is. However, it will play an even larger role than usual this time around, being in Florida and during the spawn.

   Watch out for Terry Scroggins, Kevin VanDam, and Dean Rojas. Also, Aaron Martens and Gerald Swindle have been so close so many times, they're both way overdue. Any of those five will be in the top few.

   My number one pick? Well, if I was eligible to enter UltimateBassin.com's 2006 Classic Contest, Scroggins would be my pick. No doubt. The guy knows Florida fishing. He's won there many times over. "I think with this warm weather coming in, the fish are going to move up and spawn pretty well. I did see quite a few on beds, so it’s underway. It ought to be good for somebody," Scroggins said. He continued: "I wish it would stay cold for me, but that’s not going to happen.”

   If the weather turns nasty, he's the man.

   Why KVD in the top picks? He's good. He's on a roll. He's ready to go. He's won three in a row including last year's Classic. Enough said.

   Dean Rojas? Think record. The man who set BASS' record for a one day catch on this very lake during this very time of year has got to be a contender. He's proved that he can catch them right here right now. Keep an eye on this Classic favorite.

   Martens and Swindle are close to winning. They've always been close to the top. Martens has several 2nd place finishes in Classics, including last year's. Swindle? He's come so close so many times it's not even funny. The man is good, but first place keeps eluding him by a decent fish or two. Both have Angler of the Year trophies as well. Swindle won in 2004, Martens is reigning.

   Quote honestly, I'm looking forward to this Classic more than I ever have any other event. As we say in Texas, "it's gonna be good y'all!" 

   By the way, if you're interested in getting a $250 tackle pack free, check out the '06 Classic Contest. Guess who wins the Classic, it's yours. No strings attached. Worth a shot. Go here >

By Brandon Shook

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