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Pittsburgh, PA
Bassmasters Classic
Preview
07/13/2005 - The 2005 Classic could set a new record for the all-time lowest winning weight. George Cochran holds that dubious distinction after winning the 1987 Classic in Louisville with 15 pounds 5 ounces. It really is that tough in Pittsburgh. The second lowest Classic winning weight also came from the Ohio river in 1983 when Larry Nixon won with 18 pounds and change. The Pittsburgh fishery is the worst part of the worst river in the country, the dreaded Ohio River.
Personally, after my 5 day prefish period in late June, I dubbed the Pittsburgh fishery as one of the worst I have ever seen. A recent 120 boat team tournament there was won with 4 pounds. That is tough fishing. All that being said, someone is going to win the 2005 Classic in Pittsburgh, and I think I will have a decent shot.
The fishery has all 3 species of bass, with smallmouth the most predominant. I think it will be won with smallmouth, and I predict a winning weight of 14-20 pounds.
Finesse techniques should dominate the bulk of the catch, but I am going to be looking for a big bite on topwater, spinnerbaits or crankbaits. It is really hard to say what it will take to win technique wise, a guy will have to keep an open mind.
With the low weights, you could see a guy come from way back in the pack to win on the final day. The farthest anyone has ever come from behing to win on the final day of the Classic is from 10th place. You could easily see someone in 15th place or so win on the final day with a 10-12 pound stringer. There are a few 2-4 pound fish in there so it could happen.
I would love to win another Classic for the glory of God, but one thing is for sure: I will glorify the name of Jesus win lose or draw!
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