ProBassAnglers.com's 

Coverage Of The

2006 Bassmaster Classic

ProTourJournal-John Crews

John Crews, 27, Jettersville, Virginia Music-Rolling Stones  Fishing in his second Classic, Crews is one who earned his way into two Classics when he finished the 2005 BASS Tour in 19th place over all.  Having started his career with the FLW Tour, Crews has qualified for two FLW Tour Championships, earning nearly $140,000.00 since he began in 2001.  Crews will fish the BASS Elite Series this coming season, taking the big plunge because, "it just makes so much sense." 

Practice-"Pre fish for me was kind of a situation where each day the conditions got worse and worse.  It was cold, got colder and my bites decreased each day.  On day one of practice, I got 10 flip bites which I thought was reasonable considering the cold water.  The 2nd day however, I only had four and day three I only had two bites.  It seemed like it was getting tougher as the weather got colder.

I marked 37 good fish, all two and a quarter or better that were on beds, that I thought would bite.

Day One 12.03 My goal today was to try and get five good ones on beds right off the bat.  It just didn't happen and I had to scramble.  I went to one spot where I had found an eight pounder, it wasn't there.

I went back several times but never found it.

About 100 yards down from that one I had a five pounder, but that one was gone also.

I ended up catching 7 fish off beds throwing a senko and a Gambler paddle tail worm.

I'm disappointed, but the fish are out there to make a come back.  I am going to go out and be about 180 degrees from today, fish new water, throw new baits, slow down.  Hopefully they'll bite better tomorrow.