Keith Nighswonger's Brush Pile

Be sure to catch Keith Nighswonger each week, as he does his "On The Water" radio show.  The show is recorded at the AdrenalineRadio.com studios and then archived so that you can listen when you have time.  We have had requests to leave archived shows up for longer periods of time, (one week is the standard show posting,)  We would love to leave our shows up longer but would need a sponsor to do so.  If you would like to sponsor a show archive section, (you would be a hero to a lot of people,) please contact us by clicking here.

August 2nd, 2004 How Did The Pros Catch Them?

Kelly Jordon 5th Place 34-06-Last month, I got onto a creek channel that was next to a huge flat.  At one point that flat pushed the creek channel right up next to a bank, creating kind of a "pinch point," or a spot where the creek got real narrow.  It wasn't a channel bend, but it had the same effect.  The creek channel was about 10 feet deep and bait fish would move up and down the channel.  The bait fish were suspended in the channel about 5 feet down.  When shad would swim to the "pinch spot" the would get all bunched up and the bass would attack them, there was no place for the shad to go.  The "pinch point" funneled the shad right into the bass, there was no where for the shad to go.

The water I was fishing was very muddy.  Most guys I talked to said you couldn't catch them in water as muddy as I was fishing.  But the fish were there.  Last month I caught 18 pounds a day in that spot, it was easy.  Those fish were still there in this tournament, but didn't really bite well until the last day.  I farmed one good one the first day, maybe a three pounder, (would not have influenced the event,)  they bit better the second day and today they bit very well.  I am happy in that I improved my weight each day.

I used a Lake Fork baby creature in the Chartreuse Pepper color.  That chartuses taile shows up really well in deeper water, and it had too because my water was very muddy.  I rigged the bait, Carolina style, using a 1/4 tungsten weight in front of a 1/2 oz barrel weight.  I like the two weights because the weights make noise when they bang together. 

August 2nd, 2004 (3:00 AM EST) Takahiro Omori is a true champion.  To reach the level that these guys are at, you have to be in tune with your fish.  First place and 2nd place (Aaron Martens,) go to two guys who know their fish.  These two guys talk to the fish and I am convinced that the fish talk to them!  They both really do touch a level of fishing that you an I can only dream about.

• The stories are no in yet, but both Aaron Martens and Takahiro Omori are Western Style deep water fishermen.  It seems like the deeper patterns prevailed this week.
• With all of the attention he got this week, finishing sixth place is quite an accomplishment for local pro Jason Quinn.

August 1st, 2004 (12:30 PM EST) Aaron Martens has thrown done the gloves (Hockey fight analogy,) and is swinging with all his might.  He is really smoking!  10 keepers! Kelly Jordon has a limit.  Dean Rojas and Takahiro Omori each have two fish. This thing is going to be tight!

Angler-12:30 PM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Aaron Martens	10
2. Randy Blauket	7
3. Jay Yelas	5
4. Kelly Jordon	5
5. David Walker	5

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

August 1st, 2004 (10:45 AM EST) They seem to be biting better today.  Tournament leader, Dean Rojas has two.  Aaron Martens is going to be right there if anyone falters today, he is going to have a solid limit as is culling already.  I am still intrigue by Kelly Jordon.  He is catching fish, and if they are the big ones that he has been talking about-watch out!

Angler-10:45 AM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Aaron Martens	7
2. Randy Blauket	6
3. Kelly Jordon	4
4. Brent Chapman	4
5. Jay Yelas	4

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

August 1st, 2004 (9:15 AM EST) Here we go, of the leaders, Aaron Martens is on those fish again.  Word is that he is not running very far and yes he is fishing deep with drop shot worms and spoons. Randy Blauket has the day's first limit.  Kelly Jordon has two early fish, I wonder if these are the four pound fish that live in the area he has been guarding.

Angler-9:15 AM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Randy Blauket	5
2. Aaron Martens	4
3. Brent Chapman	3
4. Dustin Wilks	2
5. Kelly Jordon	2

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

August 1st, 2004 (12:15 AM EST) Thoughts about day two:

• Dean Rojas has taken the lead into day three, and the weights are real close. There are 10 anglers that have legitimate shots at the Classic Title.  Catching double digits tomorrow will be the key.
• "Jason Quinn told me that this lake always fishes this way in the Summer.  Friday the fishing will be good, Saturday it gets slow and Sunday it beaks wide open.  It has something to do with the way lake officials pull water."-Kelly Jordon
• There are three guys who very quietly improved their weights today and moved up the ladder to get within striking distance.   You might remember that Pre-Classic discussions had it that if an angler could fly low and strike late, this Classic could possibly be won that way.  Watch the following three guys tomorrow:
• Marty Stone finished in 10th place yesterday (12-06) and today moved up to 5th with 10-14. 
• Kevin VanDam (10-13 yesterday-13th place,) had five for 11-08 and is in 7th place going in to tomorrow.
• Kelly Jordon was is 19th place yesterday (9-15) and today moved up to 9th place with 11-02.  Kelly has an interesting story to tell about his spot, that has "about 1000 four pounders swimming around."
• Mike Iaconelli's day two catch was disqualified because he fished in a off limits area.  He had called BASS officials before he moved into the off limits area, but apparently misunderstood the directions.  His one fish was disallowed. Iaconelli's mishap is just that.  Mark Menendez made a similar mistake in an E-50 at Paducah, Kentucky this season.  CASE CLOSED!
• WHY DOES BASS INSIST ON HAVING THIS RIDICULOUS CUT IN THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC?  HAROLD ALLEN FINISHED 26TH WITH 14-09 TODAY.  IF HAROLD GOES OUT AND CATCHES 24 OR 25 POUNDS TOMORROW, GUESS WHAT, HE WINS!  INSTEAD, HAROLD AND 28 OTHER GUYS GET TO GO SELL BOATS OR LURES OR WHATEVER.  GIVE THESE GUYS A CHANCE TO WEIGH IN ONE MORE TIME! THESE GUYS FISHED ALL YEAR AND DESERVE TO FISH THE LAST DAY.
• How come I can't sleep tonight?

August 1st, 2004 (12:15 AM EST) Lake Wylie got difficult today.  Among the leaders from yesterday, only Dean Rojas and Takahiro Omori remain in the top 5.  Aaron Martens made a strong charge today as did Jason Quinn.

Angler-12:15 AM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Dean Rojas	10	26-04
2. Takahiro Omori	10	25-10
3. Jason Quinn	10	24-01
4. Aaron Martens	10	23-12
5. Marty Stone	10	23-02

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 31, 2004 (10:15 AM EST)-You start to get a feeling that things are getting tough out there.  Perhaps pouring rain, perhaps spectators, it just seems that fish are tougher to come by this morning.

Angler-10:15 AM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Stacy King	5
2. Aaron Martens	4
3. Jason Quinn	4
4. Randy Blauket	4
5. Jay Yelas	3

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 31, 2004 (8:45 AM EST)-Stacy King has the day's first limit, Aaron Martens is back on his fish.  Tournament leader Takahiro Omori has two,  Tommy Biffle has two, Mike Iaconelli has one, Denny Brauer and Dean Rojas have not caught a fish yet.

Angler-8:45 AM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Stacy King	5
2. Aaron Martens	4
3. Jay Yelas	3
4. Mark Davis	3
5. Randy Blauket	3

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 31, 2004 (7:35 AM EST)-Ok, here we go.  Stacy King has four keepers so far this morning, Jay Yelas has three and Aaron Martens has a quick three also.  Its early, but we are watching! We of course, have no way of knowing how big these fish are, but here is who is catching them today.

Angler-7:40 AM  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
1. Stacy King	4
2. Jay Yelas	3
3. Aaron Martens	3
4. Mark Davis	2

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 30, 2004 (1:35 AM EST)-Takahiro Omori is leading but the top 5 are separated by just a pound.  Here are some observations that I have.  

• With both Denny Brauer and Tommy Biffle in the top 5, it is clear that there must be a flippin bite in shallow water.  The word is that Dean Rojas is also on the same fish as Brauer and Biffle, at least the three are all fishing in the same area.
• The fishing fans are clearly out in numbers.  It was estimated today that Jason Quinn, who calls Lake Wylie home, had between 80 and 100 spectator boats following him all day.  Quinn did well, catching 5 bass for 13-04, but it took him a good portion of the day to do it.  He most likely was calling on those dozens of spots that he claims to have on the lake.  Here is the deal, spectators didn't seem to have cost him any fish, however, if he is running and gunning, every time he starts the big motor, its like a tournament blasting off.  You have to wonder how many anglers were affected by the armada of boats running the lake, following Quinn today?  Most likely, the field hopes that Quinn gets on a good spot tomorrow and just keeps catching them so the 100 boats that will be on the water tomorrow, will stay put.
• Kelly Jordon has everyone right where he wants them.  If you recall about three weeks ago, Kelly predicted "On The Water," that to win a guy would need to start slow, Kelly is in 19th with 9-15, (he even kept it just under double digits to stay incognito.)  He caught nine keepers today and may just make a run tomorrow. 
• Mike Iaconelli isn't fair.  Nobody should be able to will fish like that.  Watch out for Mike, (although, I am sure many of the spectators tomorrow will be,) he seems to be at the top of his mental game, (it really feels like last year- first day-15 pounds.)
• I am really liking Aaron Martens in this event.  He is in eighth place with 13-03.  That kind of weight each day will win this tournament.  First one to 40 pounds wins!
• Kevin VanDam is scary.  You know he must had a bajillion boats watching him today and he is still in 13th with 10 pounds.  Anyone who catches a limit in this event is my (Taka) Hiro.
• Five guys have the skunk going on the first day, Brett Hite, Bernie Schultz, George Accord, Scott Scuggs and Chuck Economu.  Relax guys, there are millions of us out here who would love to blank a day IN the Classic.  Fish your instincts and we'll see you on the weigh in stand tomorrow.

July 30, 2004 (6:45 PM EST)-The first day is in the books and the quality of the fish is the story of the day. With no way of knowing how big the fish caught were, we now have a better idea of who was getting them and who was not.  Takahiro Omori leads (16.02) but is closely followed by Mike Iaconelli who caught a seven pounder today and by Dean Rojas and Denny Brauer, all of whom have 15 pounds.  The top 5 was as of (6:00 PM)  Anybody notice that Denny Brauer and Tommy Biffle are in the top 5, with big bags?  These guys don't Carolina Rig, or Drop Shot.  There must be a decent shallow bite.

Angler-3:00  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
Takahiro Omori	5	16-02
Mike Iaconelli	5	15-15
Dean Rojas	5	15-08
Denny Brauer	5	15-07
Tommy Biffle	5	17-02

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 30, 2004 (3:00 PM EST)-The first day is winding down, Kelly Jordon and Marty Stone have each caught one more fish, the top 5 hasn't changed.  There really is no way to know the weights, other than that Marty Stone and Kelly Jordon have culled several times, we assume that means their weight is improving.  Both Brauers, Chad and Denny have limits today, Kevin VanDam is lurking, he has a limit and is around the top 10. The top 5 was as of (3:00 PM)

Angler-3:00  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
Marty Stone	10	-
Kelly Jordon	9	-
Takahiro Omori	8	-
Dean Rojas	7	-
Zell Rowland	6	-

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 30, 2004 (12:30 PM EST)-Kelly Jordon, appears to have backed off a hot early bite, as has Aaron Martens.  Meanwhile, Marty Stone has gone on a mid-morning rampage as has Dean Rojas.  Zell Rowland moves into the top 5 with a steady bite that has seemed to work all morning so far, could he be fishing shallow? The top 5 was as of (12:30 PM)

Angler-12:30  EST	Keepers	Total Weight
Marty Stone	9	-
Kelly Jordon	8	-
Takahiro Omori	8	-
Dean Rojas	7	-
Zell Rowland	6	-

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 30, 2004 (10:15 AM EST)-Kelly Jordon has been hot, catching three keepers in the last thirty minutes.  Takahiro Omori now has a limt.  The top 5 was as of (10:15 AM)

Angler-10:15 AM EST	Keepers	Total Weight
Kelly Jordon	8	-
Aaron Martens	6	-
Steve Sennikoff	5	-
Takahiro Omori	5	-
Jason Quinn	4	-

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

July 30, 2004 (9:45 AM EST)-Aaron Martens started fast this morning as did Kelly Jordon.  Both pros had limits and were culling by 9:00 AM.  The top 5 was as of (9:45 AM)

Angler-9:45 AM EST	Keepers	Total Weight
Aaron Martens	6	-
Kelly Jordon	5	-
Steve Sennikoff	5	-
Takahiro Omori	4	-
Jason Quinn	4	-

Source: BASSMASTER.COM

uly 30, 2004 (1:00 AM EST)- Our Classic Picks -First a word about what I think will happen in this Classic.  Lake Wylie is a lake that will be very hard to go and hide on.  Located right smack in the middle of the Metropolitan Charlotte area, and about one million bass fishing enthusiasts, boat traffic figures to be a factor. Jay Yelas spoke on our show a couple of weeks ago, about finding fish that are not affected by heavy spectator traffic.  I don't think those kind of places exist on Lake Wylie.  For a true superstar to win, someone like a Jay Yelas, a Mark Davis, a Kevin VanDam, a Denny Brauer, a Gary Klein, they will need almost a super-human effort because it figures that they will draw a big crowd.  "I pretty much rule out any top water bite, right off the top," noted Kevin VanDam three weeks ago On The Water.  Another angler who could have a tough time is local favorite, Jason Quinn.  There is no doubt that with as much experience as he has on the lake, more than a few locals will love see where he fishes.  The fish that figure to be least affected by boat traffic are those that are on deeper structure.  The angler who will win this event will be someone, who draws very little boat traffic the first two days.  It figures that anyone with a shot to win that last day will have company, but someone could fly low, the first two days and then have just enough the last day to hold on.  That is what I think will happen.  I also think that the day one leader will have enjoyed his 15 minutes of star status.  With the expected boat traffic, I just think that the day one leader will have a lot of company on day two.  I do think the day two leader could win.  With a lead of two or three pounds going into the last day, a small limit, 9-10 pounds might hold on to win.

Here they are, in no particular order:

Jason Quinn-Local favorite, claims to have dozens of off shore structure spots that he thinks he can catch a keeper if he needs one.  He may need to run and gun dozens of spots each day with the flotilla that is expected to watch him.  Not only is he a guide on Lake Wylie, he has lived and fished the lake all of his life.  Sleeping in his own bed is an advantage, understanding the ins and outs of this lake and how it behaves is a big advantage as well.  He may have the best home lake advantage of any angler in any Classic.  For Jason to win, a mediocre 1st day might help him shed some of the boats that figure to follow him, allowing him to fish freer the second day, possibly setting himself up for a "Classic Finish."

Mark Davis-Mark won three times on tour this year, twice in E-50's and in the Tour Event at Table Rock.  Davis claimed to have had a difficult time during pre fish on Wednesday, and to win this event he will have to start slow.  He is going to need to shake the spectator boats, (that could number 50 or 60) that will undoubtedly follow him the first day.  The kind of bite that we anticipate works to his strengths, he is good on off shore structure.  If Davis struggles the first several hours, spectators, looking for a show, may look for other flotillas, (it won't be hard to figure out where Kevin VanDam or Jay Yelas are fishing, just look for about 80 boats all gathered together watching them fish.)  If Davis stumbles on to the right group of fish later in the afternoon, (which he is very good at doing,) he could get a decent limit the first day, and catch a big one the second day.  If this happens, he will have the boat traffic again on day three, however another limit of reasonable fish, (again 9-10 pounds,) could do it for him.

Aaron Martens-Aaron made a name for himself out West catching fish in deep water.  He is a master of deep water drop-shotting and doodling, quite possibly the kind of techniques that it will take to win this Classic.  As we mentioned, we expect this event to be won on deeper, off shore structure.  You cannot rule Aaron out on this kind of a bite.  While well known in the West, Aaron does not figure to have a large number of spectator boats with him the first day.  Aaron is an excellent angler, however, the bigger name anglers figure to draw the attention of spectator boats at least the first day or two.  This could allow Aaron to have access to his fish, without the disruption  caused by many spectators.

Art Ferguson III-Art is keeping a ProTourJournal for our web site at this Classic, which is how we have come to know so much about this 4-time qualifier.  Residing in the North, he seems to be out of his comfort zone in this Classic, however, Art has been catching fish "the way I like to catch them," he says.  Art has three solid patterns working that are completely different from each other.  Add to that a giant school of fish that were feeding on the surface that he found on Wednesday and we think he has an excellent shot.  Art has a quiet, "at peace," demeanor at this point. A cool, calmness that says he is confident about his chances.  Art figures to not have a large number of spectators following him early in the event.

John Murray-John Murray is very good when the bite is off shore.  Coming from Arizona, where lakes like Pleasant, Havasu, Mead and Powell require an angler to be able to catch fish deep, Murray is the kind of angler who could get on them if they are off the bank.  "I don't know how they will be caught in North Carolina, but if this Classic was being fished on Lake Mead in the middle of the Summer, the tournament would be won deep," Murray also figures to benefit from the lack of spectator traffic the first two days.  If he leads after one day, that could be the kiss of death, as it will be to any angler who leads after day one.  However if  he can keep the attention off of himself, by being in the middle of the pack early in the tournament, Murray is a home run hitter.  He knows how to finish strong.