Thrift thriving out deep
North Carolina pro demonstrating impressive versatility
BRANSON, Mo. – While nearly everyone else was struggling on day one of the FLW Tour opener, Bryan Thrift was whacking the Table Rock bass. By 9 a.m. he had a limit, and together with his partner, the two accounted for roughly 30 fish. Thrift finished the day with 14-13 (good for sixth), and his co-angler is leading with 13-9. The fact that Thrift is catching them isn’t surprising. But how he’s catching them is a bit of an eye-opener.
Thrift, a Shelby, N.C., native, is known as a shallow-water expert. More specifically, he’s one of the best casters and dock fishermen on tour. But the skinny water isn’t yet in play this week. So Thrift has moved off the bank and has found some success.
“As long as I’m getting bit, I’m comfortable,” he quipped. “But I will tell you that I’m catching them differently this year than last. Last year I was fishing standing timber, and that’s not the deal now.”
Thrift did well last year (finishing 25th), but lost a few quality fish at the boat that prevented him from making the cut. With his standing-timber pattern, Thrift’s areas wouldn’t replenish. This year he’s hoping that will change.
“I’m curious to see what happens today. The deeper stuff I’m fishing has a chance (to replenish) because it’s not as isolated.”
Thrift wasn’t the only shallow-water stick to succeed on day one. Leading the event with 18 pounds, 11 ounces is Greg Pugh – an expert flipper and sight-fisherman. Can Thrift and Pugh stay consistent, or will the leaderboard flip-flop? We’ll know the answer at weigh-in, which begins at 3 p.m.
Logistics
Anglers will take off from Table Rock State Park Marina located at 380 State Park Marina Road (Highway 165 South) in Branson, Mo., at 7 each morning. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s 
weigh-ins will also be held at the marina. Saturday’s final weigh-in will be held at the Branson Convention Center located at 200 W. Main St. in Branson beginning at 4 p.m.
Fans will be treated to a Family Fun Zone & Outdoor Expo at the Branson Convention Center on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, prior to the final weigh-in from, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a drawing for a Can-Am ATV, and rod-and-reel combos will be given to the first 300 kids under 14 in attendance on Saturday. The Family Fun Zone & Outdoor Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public.
In FLW Tour competition, pros and co-anglers are randomly paired each day, with pros supplying the boat, controlling boat movement and competing against other pros. Co-anglers fish from the back deck against other co-anglers. The full field competes in the three-day opening round. The co-angler competition concludes at Friday’s weigh-in and the top-five pros continue competition Saturday, with the winner determined by the heaviest accumulated weight from all four days.
On the Web
For those who can’t catch the weigh-in action in person, FLWOutdoors.com offers FLW Live, an online application that brings fans real-time weigh-in results, streaming video and audio.
In addition to FLW Live, FLWOutdoors.com is offering real-time updates from the water throughout each day of the Table Rock event. Simply click on the “On the Water Coverage” banner from any of the FLW Outdoors, Bass and FLW Tour home pages.
Thursday’s conditions
Sunrise: 6:39 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 29 degrees
Expected high temperature: 54 degrees
Water temperature: 40-45 degrees
Wind: WSW at 4 mph
Maximum humidity: 38 percent
Day’s outlook: sunny