Get ready for an exciting new season of Phoenix Fantasy Fishing! The Bass Pro Tour is kicking off at the iconic Lake Guntersville, and this year, it's not just about competing against your friends. JT Kenney, the three-time FLW Tour champion and MLFNOW! commentator, is challenging everyone to a unique contest: Beat JT Kenney Presented by 13 Fishing.
The ultimate fishing fantasy: Can you outsmart the pro?
This is your chance to go head-to-head with JT and prove your fishing prowess. All you need to do is submit your picks for the Bass Pro Tour events, and you'll automatically be entered into this thrilling competition. Your results will be compared to JT's, and the winner at the end of the season walks away with a championship belt and an incredible prize package from 13 Fishing.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Flight 1: A Mix of Skills and Local Knowledge
JT's picks for Flight 1 showcase a diverse range of talents. Dustin Connell and Alton Jones Jr., renowned for their exceptional minnow-shaking abilities, are sure to be formidable competitors. Connell, fresh off his win on Guntersville last year, is a particularly strong choice. Wesley Strader and Jacob Wall, both adept at forward-facing sonar, bring a well-rounded skill set to the table. With local knowledge on their side, they could be key players in this event. Wall, a resident of Guntersville, fishes the lake extensively, while Strader's expertise in the upper end of the fishery might just give him an edge. Don't be surprised if he replicates his REDCREST success this week. Ott DeFoe, known for his versatility, is also a solid pick, capable of finding both shallow grass bites and current-related hotspots.
And this is the part most people miss...
While forward-facing sonar will undoubtedly play a significant role, anglers can only use it for a limited time each day. This means they'll need to employ a variety of strategies to stay in the game. JT expects the grass bite to be a major factor, so having anglers with diverse skills is a smart move.
Flight 2: The Obvious Picks and the Wildcards
JT's selections for Flight 2 include some obvious choices and a couple of wildcards. Jacob Wheeler, a consistent performer, is a no-brainer. Banks Shaw, with his impressive track record on the Invitationals, is another strong pick. Zack Birge, often underrated for his forward-facing skills, is a top contender, especially given his success at the first event of the season in previous years. Bobby Lane, a master of the grass bite, also has a sneaky finesse crankbait game up his sleeve. Keep an eye out for his signature Frittside crankbait, which has brought him success in the past. Lastly, Bryan Thrift, a specialist in finding and exploiting offshore holes, could be a game-changer. This time of year, fish tend to gather in large numbers on small spots, and Thrift is the angler to watch for making the most of these opportunities.
So, are you ready to take on JT Kenney and prove your fishing expertise? Make your selections before the lines close on Thursday morning, and you could be the one walking away with the championship belt and the ultimate fishing prize package. Remember, it's not just about the picks; it's about the strategy and the skills you bring to the table. Good luck, and may the best angler win!