ProBassAnglers.com's 

Coverage Of The

2006 Bassmaster Classic

ProTourJournal-Joel St. Germain

Joel St. Germain, 40, Cumberland Rhode Island-Known as the only angler from Rhode Island to ever qualify for the Classic, St. Germain has actually qualified before in 2003, where he finished 29th on the Louisiana Delta.  A Federation Angler, St. Germain also has the distiction of "kicking Charlie Moore's bass" on the popular ESPN Saturday morning television show.  Know for a bit of "flamboyounce" St. Germain is known for his "head gear" which could include an American flag bandanna, or others, depending on his mood.  Very much out of the mold of Jason Quinn, St. Germain will not have the typical rookie jitters, as this is his 2nd time to the big dance.

Practice-My first day of practice I spent navigating the entire pool that we are allowed to fish.  I did fish a little, and had four bites, but I spent the majority of time, 7 or 8 hours worth, looking at both lakes, timing what my run would take if I decided to go through to Kissimmee, and just generally trying to get the lay of the water down.

I did notice when I was in Kissimmee that the water temperature there tends to be about four degrees warmer than in Toho.  This kind of has me leaning towards Kissimmee.  I will travel to Kissimmee and spend my final day of pre fish there.  My gut instinct tells me that is where I will probably find what I am looking for.

Today (2/15/06, Wednesday,) was my 2nd day on the water and I forced myself to stay in Toho.  I wanted to see if I could find some back up water near the tournament weigh in site.  I actually had nine bites, and I am encouraged because the water is starting to warm up.  I believe that I discovered a little something today, though I will want to check it again on Thursday.

My bites today in Toho were afternoon bites, all between noon and three o'clock.  This would be perfect if I can get something going in Kissimmee, and then have something to come back to on the way back into weigh in.

That is it for now, I believe that I will have a better idea when I check back in.

Day One "I felt like I was fishing my daughter's Snoopy Pole today.  I am around enough fish to weigh in one of those big bags, but I missed so many four pounders.  I am just sick."

"I threw top water most of the day today, and had big fish after big fish just blow up on the bait, they would boil but not hold on."

"I had so many good bites during practice with the top water, I felt with the barometer falling today, that the top would be the ticket."