COLUMN : BALOG ON BASS FISHING |
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jeff sprague :
Adding a new weapon for AOY hunt
Close followers of the Bass Pro Tour have probably expected Jeff Sprague to win the Fishing Clash AOY since he finished second to Edwin Evers in the league ’ s inaugural season in 2019 . The AOY hardware has narrowly evaded Sprague so far , though , to the tune of four Top 10s in five years .
“ I ’ d like to say there ’ s something I can put my finger on , but I can ’ t ,” Sprague said . “ I would love to win AOY , more than anything .”
Sprague says that fisheries in transition make up a stout percentage of the Bass Pro Tour schedule , and that it ’ s necessary to stay fluid on the water , admitting that a high-speed style is the only way he ’ s ever fished . That pace has earned Sprague one of the most consistent places in the Top 10 , but the Texas pro sometimes wonders if it has also cost him .
“ I cover so much water that I find fish in pods , and sometimes I leave fish that maybe I shouldn ’ t ( to go to other
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Jeff Sprague hopes mastering forward-facing sonar can help him finally get over the AOY hump . |
PHOTO BY PHOENIX MOORE |
schools ),” he admitted . “ Maybe I should just buckle down more . I ’ ve ( also ) had several times where I decided I wasn ’ t going to fish around a lot of other boats . I left places that I should have stayed with , and it cost me .”
Sprague plans to stay the course with his high-speed style . Still , a recent technique modification may finally bring AOY to reality .
“ I spent the entire offseason utilizing forward-facing sonar ,” Sprague confirmed . “ If ( Angler of the Year ) is meant to happen , it will . Until then , it ’ s still one fish at a time , cast by cast .”
While Wheeler , DeFoe and Becker will likely occupy spots near the top of the 2024 Fishing Clash Angler of the Year standings , the odds are that Sprague , Wiggins , Connell or Ehrler will also make a run at the title . Will their altered mindsets pay off , or does the final AOY outcome rely a bit on luck ? We ’ re still months away from learning the outcome ; until then , sit back and enjoy watching the drama unfold .
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