PHOTO BY PHOENIX MOORE he Bass Pro Tour features the largest collection of the best bass anglers in the world . At no time in the last three decades has the competitive field been more stacked with world champions , Angler of the Year title holders and pros near or at the top of the career earnings leaderboard .
It ’ s reasonable to assume that such an array of talent would produce diverse results . For the most part , nearly any competitor is capable of winning at any time . We ’ ve seen that in individual tournaments – newcomers and veterans alike taking down titles . But in terms of overall consistency , we see a discrepancy in that diversity . Ultimately , the best of the best ( literally ) always end up near the top of the food chain in season-long points standings .
Looking back to 2020 , only five anglers on the Bass Pro Tour have placed in the AOY Top 20 each year . Five out of the 95 who have competed on MLF ’ s highest-level circuit .
Jacob Wheeler , Michael Neal , Bryan Thrift , Alton Jones Jr . and Dustin
Connell . Statistically proven as fact : No other anglers have been as consistent as these five .
How have they done it ? Competing against a star-studded field , at fisheries across the country in all seasons of the year . How have these five pros kept the pace and never slipped up ? Surely there ’ s a secret . Interviews with each member of this elite group reveal their winning gameplans . michael neal does what he does best
Neal has had an incredible career in fishing , accomplishing more in his 10 years on tour than most do in a lifetime . He ’ s a threat to win anywhere at any time and a perennial championship qualifier ( and reigning back-to-back AOY on the now Tackle Warehouse Invitationals circuit ). Over the last decade , Neal has refined his approach to consistently catch fish , anywhere he goes .
“ I develop my gameplan based on my ( fishing ) strengths ,” Neal says .
Online study of a new lake gives Neal an initial idea of what to look for , but once he arrives , Neal only concentrates on what he ’ s good at .
“ There ’ s two ways I always plan to fish ,” he continues . “ Finesse fishing or winding .”
Regardless of locale , Neal searches out water best suited for these practices . Bladed jigs come into play , as do swim jigs . Spinning rods featuring Damiki rigs and drop-shots get equal attention , too . Throughout his practice
44 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | APRIL-MAY 2023