The 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series journeyed through varied fishing terrains, effectively traversing all phases of the spawning cycle during its opening five events. Kicking off in February at Toledo Bend, the series experienced a pulse of excitement as anglers vied for supremacy in front of large, enthusiastic crowds.
"Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams," sums up the anticipation of both fans and participants alike, as conditions with a full moon and moderating temperatures helped create optimal migration paths for the bass. As they moved through textbook prespawn transition areas, Japanese pro Kyoya Fujita managed to turn heads. Entering Championship Sunday trailing Pat Schlapper by six pounds, Fujita pulled off a remarkable comeback, culminating with a stunning final round catch of 28 pounds, 13 ounces, which included several six-pound bass.
Fujita’s incredible total of 100 pounds, 13 ounces not only earned him a spot in the coveted Century Club but marked his second title in a mere ten Elite Series events. "I focused on one offshore area in a large creek where I caught suspended bass in about ten feet of water as they moved toward the spawning areas," said Fujita. His effective lures included the 3-inch Jackall Revoltage RV Drift Fry rigged with a 3/16-ounce jig head, and the Deps Sakamata Shad, also mounted on a 3/16-ounce jig head.
"I focused on one offshore area in a large creek where I caught suspended bass in about ten feet of water as they moved toward the spawning areas,"
Race Results
The series then progressed to Lake Fork in Texas, where fishermen experienced unparalleled competition. "Nowhere else but Texas could an average four-day winning tournament weight be buried down in 30th place with a 73-pound finish," commented an industry analyst. Trey McKinney, becoming the youngest pro to lift a blue trophy at just 19, showcased his angling prowess throughout the event, achieving a total of 130 pounds, 15 ounces. “I was amazed by the experience,” shared McKinney.
"Nowhere else but Texas could an average four-day winning tournament weight be buried down in 30th place with a 73-pound finish,"
Championship Implications
The young angler adeptly followed bass migration patterns, typically starting from deeper waters at 20 to 30 feet and moving closer to the shoreline by Championship Sunday. His main weapon of choice was a Strike King 3X Z-Too Soft Jerkbait, cleverly rigged on a 1/8-ounce jig head.
Returning to Florida for a doubleheader, John Garrett took center stage at the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Harris Chain of Lakes. "I went wire-to-wire with a four-day total of 84 pounds, 5 ounces to secure my first win," Garrett declared confidently. His strategy involved targeting postspawn bass using deep-diving crankbaits and an array of jigs. One standout was the Strike King Pro Model 5XD crankbait, which he employed to consistently reel in largemouth bass.
"I went wire-to-wire with a four-day total of 84 pounds, 5 ounces to secure my first win,"
The elegance of the St. Johns River was next on the schedule with the MAXAM Tire Bassmaster Elite event. This region is renowned for its natural mineral springs that attract abundant wildlife and fish, creating an ideal spawning habitat. Canadian pro Cory Johnston made the most of this opportunity, achieving a flawless tournament and dominating with a four-day weight of 93 pounds, 6 ounces. “Flipping and pitching soft plastics to lily pads was essential for my strategy,” Johnston noted about his technique.
Qualifying
Utilizing a unique bait, the 6th Sense Bongo 3.7, and employing a precise rigging method with a 4/0 Gamakatsu hook and tungsten weight, Johnston effectively attracted the bedding bass. His success was bolstered by his reliance on electronics and Power-Pole Move trolling motor.
As the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series draws to a close, this season has reinforced the importance of understanding bass behavior and adapting techniques to current conditions. From innovative lure choices to masterful tournament strategies, the stars of the series have set a high bar for the future of competitive fishing.
