After a startling lack of action that Sam Rayburn Reservoir is typically known for, the first stop of the 2022 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit came to a pulse-pounding close. When the third day concluded, only three and a half pounds separated first place from tenth. However, due to new rules put into place for the 2022 season, all weights were zeroed out for the 4th day finale – and it did not disappoint!
There were plenty of factors that contributed to a surprisingly minimal amount of activity. That is, compared to what “Big Sam” Rayburn Reservoir typically has to offer. Less grass, cold temperature, low water levels, and lots of fishing pressure all meant that our pros were reeling in smaller catches than expected. However, that did not stop Blazer Boats’ pro anglers from finishing strong and representing our family well!
Spencer Shuffield dropped a 14-pound, 6-ounce bag on the final day of competition, which was just enough to edge out fellow Blazer pro, Evan Barnes. As one of the best at his craft, Spencer relied on a proven strategy to catch his fish: LiveScoping. Using his Garmin LiveScope, Spencer kept his eyes on the fish below. If they were close to the bottom, he’d target them with a drop shot. If they were closer to the surface, then he’d entice them with a jerkbait.
“My bigger bites came on the jerkbait,” said Spencer. He added, “if you could get the jerkbait close enough to them to get their attention, they’d come for days. They’d follow the jerkbait all the way to the trolling motor.” Spencer starts the 2022 season with a 4th place finish and $20,000 in winnings.
Evan Barnes approached the final day of competition with a clear strategy in mind: to stay as far away from other anglers as possible. Due to the low amount of grass at “Big Sam” relative to other years, Evan thought that casting his line in areas with low fishing pressure would yield the best results. By minimizing the factors impairing his ability to find big fish, Evan finished the competition strong.
“I went and fished areas where I knew big fish lived, and tried to pick them apart,” said Evan after the event. “They had to be areas with hardly any boats; the least amount of pressure. I felt if I can just get in there and have it mostly to myself, there’d be enough fish in there to hold up.” Evan’s approach was good enough for a 5th place finish and $19,000 in winnings.
With “Big Sam” Rayburn Reservoir in the rear-view mirror, we’re already looking ahead to stop number two of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit at the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. After such strong finishes, we’re excited to see what comes next for Spencer Shuffield and Evan Barnes. Stay tuned to our Blazer Blog for more updates on the Pro Circuit as they come!