Tennessee surprise

Grass influx could help Chickamauga shed Guntersville’s shadow

HIXSON, Tenn. – In the bass-fishing world, Lake Chickamauga has the undue distinction of living in Lake Guntersville’s shadow. In a way, it’s like being the bookworm brother of a star athlete.

Guntersville’s stellar reputation as a phenomenal bass fishery is so strong that rabid bass anglers blow right past Lake Chickamauga on I-75 in a race to G-ville’s promised land of grass and bass. As a result, Chickamauga, located about 90 miles from the famed fishery, gets much less attention.

But that could change a bit this week after FLW Series pros put Chickamauga through the paces to see what the lesser known lake has to offer. Granted, fishing is not going to rev up past Guntersville’s gauge, but some might be surprised by Chickamauga’s productivity.

For starters, grass, mostly in the form of hydrilla, has come on like gangbusters in Chickamauga over the last year. Just a casual glance at the lake with a basser’s eye reveals acres and acres of inviting “mats” that grow out to 6 to 8 feet of water.

Secondly, with other famed TVA impoundments nearby, it’s been a while since a national-level tournament has really tested Chickamauga in the fall.

After sampling his home lake during practice, FLW Tour powerhouse Andy Morgan of Dayton, Tenn., noted he was shocked at how much the lake has changed in the last 12 months.

“I only practiced two days, but after seeing how different the lake is, especially with all the grass, I wish I had practiced another day,” Morgan said. “I have not really kept up with this old lake in the last few years; I knew the grass had come back some, but I had no idea it was so thick in so many places. Initially I thought grass would not be much of a factor in this event, but after two days out there, I’m going to have to reconsider that prediction: The grass bite could be strong here this week.”

What alarmed Morgan the most about the sudden influx of grass was the lack of bites he experienced off his sweetest structure spots.

“I eased around, checking some of my good offshore places, and every time I’d look up I could see lines of matted grass just a 100 yards away,” Morgan explained. “After a while I began to realize that the bass I was looking for have found a new place to dwell.”

Morgan is accompanied by a host of other local anglers in the event, but says this tournament is ripe for seeing some surprises.

“There are some guys in this event who have done their homework offshore – some sure-enough sticks that should do well,” he said. “But with all this grass, it would not surprise me to see a few of these out-of-towners resurrect that grass bite with an overlooked technique.”

As for top weights, Morgan believes Chickamauga will produce a couple of bags in the high teens today, perhaps even one breaking the 20-pound mark.

“Fifteen pounds per day should allow a man to fish Saturday, easily,” Morgan estimated.

FWC berths up for grabs

With Chickamauga being the final event in the FLW Series Eastern Division, 10 pros will be the first to secure berths in the 2011 Forrest Wood Cup this week. John Cox of Debary, Fla., currently leads the Eastern Division points race. Those in the bubble positions in the points include Andy Montgomery (8th), Anthony Gagliardi (9th), Scott Martin (10th), Shin Fukae (11th) and Randall Tharp (12th).

Logistics

Anglers will take off from Chester Frost Park located at 2318 Gold Point Circle N. in Hixson, Tenn., at 7 each morning. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s weigh-ins will also be held at Chester Frost Park beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at Chester Frost Park beginning at 4 p.m.

Fans will be treated to a Family Fun Zone at Chester Frost Park prior to Saturday’s weigh-in from noon to 4 p.m. Activities in the Family Fun Zone include a rock-climbing wall and assorted fishing-themed games. All activities are free and open to the public.

Wednesday’s conditions

Temperature at takeoff: 68 degrees

Expected high temperature: 92 degrees

Water temperature: 83 degrees

Wind: calm

Day’s outlook: sunny, warm