RED RIVER OPEN

The River was in good shape and as normal the fishing gets tough when you put 185 anglers and 185 co-anglers on the water. This field was stacked with Bassmaster Eilite anglers and FLW tours guys.  Wow  when 30% of the field is these guys you know your in a up hill battle from the start. I guess the FLW guys are prefishing for the CUP that is to be held and also a classic spot if they fish all 3.  One thing for sure i was in tall cotton in this tournament.  I see were I rank out now, like I say your not fishing the guys your fishing the fish!!  Another side note the pollen down there this time of year was horrible.  After Tuesday my head felt like a balloon and it wasn't from catching fish.  After Benadryal and Zyrtec i was at least function-able by tournament days Thurs and Friday.  I started the tournament with a decent limit  on Thurs 13lbs and was as I thought still in it.  (You can't win it the first day, but you can lose it).  I stayed close and fished an area that I knew would get hit later (and it did).  I had my limit by 11 and went searching after that.  Friday was a new day and my plan was to make a run the opposite way and get into a small backwater area.  I did that and boy was it tough to get in.  The water had dropped about 2' since me and Micah had been in there on Tuesday.  I didn't even think the ole cat would make it, but she did.  I was blessed with a limit by 10:30 and culled up 2 more times.  I left that spot a little to early to make my way out and run back, with a little time left to fish were I did the day before.  Looking back I should have stayed, because my close spot was loaded up with other anglers.   I thought I had enough for a good check.   I knew I would need around 15lbs to make a run at the top 12 cut and I only had 10.40lbs according to my scales.    I was right in that I would have needed almost 14lbs to make the cut.  Were I went wrong was in thinking I had enough for a check.  I fell 5oz short and ended up in 46th place.  This sport really makes you take a look at the "what ifs" in fishing.  I mean 5oz makes the difference in at least some break even money, to nothing!! 
I caught all my fish Flipping and used several different brands and kinds.  One of my new sponsors sent some baits with me to try and they worked.  Jennybugs from Thayer, Mo.  sent  me down with some "River Bugs" as they call them and they caught fish.  Also I tossed a square bill by Macs Custom Crankbaits and the "chicken" by Underbite also was tossed a bunch.  Basscat, Mercury, and Motorguide got me to from and into several areas down there.  Also I had a good travel partner who put up with my allergies, Thanks Micah.  Till next time thanks again for the support and prayers.  Whack a few when you get a chance and remember to a kid fishing!!