ATHENS, Ala. – Bradley Sartain of Madison, MS, found a way to make some waves other than the cold North winds that confronted the field on Ross Barnett Reservoir this weekend at the first MS Division Professional League tournament of the season, February 17, 2024.
Sartain had high expectations, but he was not aware that each fish he caught was worth $760 a piece. Fighting unfavorable conditions, Bradley took home the top prize of $3800.00 with a 5-fish limit weighing 18.21 lbs.
Launching from Tommy’s Trading post near Hwy 43 on the North end of the lake, the field of 50 anglers headed straight into the North winds and 37-degree temps for an unpredictable day of fishing. Official Practice on Thursday and Friday were pleasant spring days with temps in the 60’s but of course, tournament day was a whole new ball game.
Fishing the Rez (Ross Barnett Reservoir) this time of year can be hit or miss due to the flow of water from the Pearl River. Water levels fluctuate heavily due to spring rains leading into the Rez and are controlled by a spillway monitored by the Pearl River Valley Water Supply. Not only is fishing good, but the city of Jackson depends on the Rez for recreational boating and its primary water source.
Reflecting on his day, Sartain said, “I made the run to the south end of the lake first thing and started my day the way anglers never want by losing the first four keepers I hooked up to. I knew a limit was going to be key, given the weather conditions we had. My first keeper was around 9:30 that morning, but things were so slow. I made a move that turned out to be the right one and, within a 100-yard stretch, finished out my limit. I had one fish that was small and was hoping I could cull him out, but things were so slow I wasn’t sure I would get the opportunity. I got that bite around 1:20 in the afternoon and culled that fish with a good 4-pound fish. Knowing the run back up the lake may take some time with the wind, I strapped down my rods and took my time coming across the lake. I still had a while before weigh-in so I fished a few spots but never got another bite.”
In second place, Ryan Lloyd of Brandon, MS, caught his five fish limit weighing 17.90 lbs. His bag consisted of a beautiful fish weighing 7.61 lbs. His five fish netted him $500 each with a check for $2000.00 for 2nd place. The bonus was his big bass. It gave him an additional $500.00, which in turn made that fish worth $1000.00 part of his stringer.
Lloyd commented, “I knew it was going to be a tough day, so I started up north close to the ramp just to see if I was going to make the run south or not. I pulled up to a rock wall and caught my first keeper within 5 or 10 minutes after we took off. Nothing else for quite a while so I decided to head south. Arriving at my primary spot, I caught keepers 2, 3, and 4, but it was slow going. Around 11:00, after no more luck, I pointed the boat back up the lake and went to the rocks again, hoping to finish out my limit. Time was running out, and there she was. I caught my fifth keeper about 10 minutes before I had to check in, almost in the same place where I had started that morning. Every fish came on a spinnerbait, and I never had the chance to cull. Only five bites, but they were good ones, the right ones.”
Sam Wooten held the tournament lead for part of the weigh-in. Sam had a 5 fish limit just under a pound less of Kevin for 16.92 lbs. His efforts found him taking 3rd place and a check for $1500.00, making each fish he caught worth $300.00.
“I didn’t make the run south like the other guys. I stayed up north and fished the river. Key locations for me were current breaks. They didn’t have any structure, but they were holding fish. I managed to catch seven fish today going between a Carolina rig and a chatter bait, but the first 5 I put in the box are the ones I came to weigh in with. I was never able to cull up. I stayed in 2 locations all day, which was nice because I didn’t have to move a lot, but the fishing was slow. Conditions were less than favorable, but that’s how fishing goes this time of year. Sunny and warm one day, then come takeoff conditions are completely different.”
Finishing fourth, John Anderson of Bay Springs, MS, had 5 fish for 16.35 lbs, earning him $1100. Finishing in fifth place was Ray King of Brandon, with a 5-fish limit, weighing 16.64 lbs, and earning $900.00. If you missed this tournament, don’t think you are out of the hunt. The points you earn to qualify for the Ray Scott can come from any division in the country, and you only need to fish one event to be eligible for the 2-day in the fall at the Rez. Tournament #2 will be back at Tommy’s in just a few weeks on March 9th. With temperatures expected to climb into the upper 70s by the end of this week, it could shape up to be a slugfest.
At the end of the season, we will crown the Angler of the Year in this division, and the top 200 anglers by points in the Nation will receive an invitation to fish the 2024 Ray Scott Championship.
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