While ordinary folks are barbecuing and watching fireworks, the best bass anglers in the world will be diligently practicing for the sixth and final FLW Tour event of the season on Lake Champlain. The first day of the official practice period is July 4. While the pros will be working on Independence Day, FLW Fantasy Fishing players have until July 8 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time to finalize their picks.
There is a lot at stake in upstate New York for both the professional anglers and fantasy anglers. The real fishermen will be restlessly hoarding points in hopes of qualifying for the Forrest Wood Cup, the richest championship in bass fishing. This is the last qualifying tournament – meaning it is make-or-break time for many anglers. In addition, a handful of pros near the top of the standings will battle it out for the coveted Land O’Lakes Angler of the Year award. Currently leading with 905 points is Brent Ehrler. Behind him with 902 points is two-time AOY Clark Wendlandt and in third is Luke Clausen with 900. Just like last year, the conclusion of the AOY race promises to be eventful.
The race for the $1 million grand prize in Fantasy Fishing should also deliver plenty of drama. Lake Champlain is a triple points tournament, meaning just about anyone can come from behind to claim the seven-figure payday. To illustrate that point, consider that 1,500 points are awarded for each angler on your roster who finishes in the top 10. In addition, the exacta points are tripled. If you correctly pick the winner, an additional 6,000 points will be added to your total. Any exactas second through tenth will receive 2,250 points each.
With this much on the line it might be wise to invest in Player’s Advantage. For $10, players get unrestricted access to expert research tools and exclusive video. While there’s no doubt handicapping professional fishing is difficult (as a four-year pundit I know from experience), its clear Player’s Advantage helps. To date, over 80 percent of the top 43 in the cumulative standings are Player’s Advantage members. What is the significance of 43 you ask? Those are the individuals who receive the incredible year-end prizes – like boats, ATVs, personal watercrafts, a Chevy Malibu, $25,000 gift cards, etc.
Once your holiday festivities are complete, be sure to tune in to Rob Newell’s pretournament video coverage. Mullet and all, Newell will be on the water during practice getting the latest news from the pros. His first report will be from the south end of the lake near Ticonderoga, where many anglers plan to run in hopes of catching a few kicker largemouths.