Bassmaster Basic Day 1: Gustafson Propels to the Lead

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After taking the win in 2021, Jeff Gustafson jumps into the day one lead on the 2023 Bassmaster Basic. With circumstances much like 2021, Gustafson was in a position to exploit a deep water smallmouth chew to catch 18 kilos, 8 ounces.

Leaning on Humminbird MEGA Reside expertise to make exact casts to suspended smallmouth, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson takes the lead on the Bassmaster Basic on the Tennessee River. In 2021, Gussy took his first Bassmaster Elite Sequence victory with a method from the north known as moping. Moping refers to fishing a vertical presentation under the boat and using electronics to catch bass suspended within the water column. 

Gustafson Takes the Lead

2023 Bassmaster Classic
Gustafson reveals off two smallmouth bass on the weigh-in at Thompson-Boling Enviornment; (picture/Justin Brouillard)

His method requires fixed consideration to his Humminbird Apex unit, the place he can watch his bait fall and play a cat-and-mouse sport with smallmouths under. Gussy famous holding the bait 2 to three ft above the fish will set off their consideration to his bait. As he does by way of the ice again residence on Lake of the Woods, Gussy is basically ice fishing on open water and might catch higher than average-sized smallmouths.

Gustafson Bassmaster Classic Creek Spot
Gustafson fishes the identical creek channel the place he earned his Elite Sequence victory in 2021; (picture/Craig Lamb-B.A.S.S.)

Though the occasion is a month later and water circumstances are completely different than in 2021, Gussy was in a position to find a number of faculties of suspended smallmouth in the identical creek. Returning this morning, he was seen on Bassmaster Reside misjudging the dimensions of a smallmouth and shedding the fish beside the boat. Slightly than lose his cool, he was in a position to wrangle his restrict of Tennessee smallmouth bass briefly order utilizing his famed method.

Lester Will get the Job Finished on the Basic on Day 1

Brandon Lester: Bassmaster Classic 2023
Fayetteville, Tenn., angler Brandon Lester wrangles a largemouth bass on day one of many Bassmaster Basic; (picture/Kyle Jessi/B.A.S.S.)

With 17 kilos, 7 ounces, Tennessee native Brandon Lester sits in second place going into day two. Focusing on largemouth bass, Lester is chock filled with Tennessee River information general regardless of somewhat historical past of fishing in Knoxville. He has been picked as one of many favorites this week and appears to jive with springtime river fishing circumstances. 

Brandon Lester
Brandon Lester reveals off his kicker largemouth bass on day one on the Bassmaster Basic; (picture/Justin Brouillard)

Lester fished quite a lot of spots and struggled early within the day to get something going. Because the temperatures rise all through the day, the fish place round high-percentage areas and develop into simpler to focus on. He landed 9 keeper bass on the day, together with an improve early within the afternoon to anchor his bag.

2023 Bassmaster Basic: Day 1 Wrapup

Qualifying for the Bassmaster Basic is a feat in itself, however profitable is life-altering. The three-day occasion held within the spring of every 12 months is probably the most acknowledged in skilled bass fishing. One angler will maintain the Bassmaster Basic Champion title till the next season.

Projecting who will do properly at any given occasion is nothing greater than an excitement-building exercise that may be affected by a number of uncontrollable components. Climate alone could make or break an angler’s skill to carry out on the highest stage, and people who adapt to ever-changing water will succeed. 

Each Gustafson and Lester really feel proper at residence within the 2023 Bassmaster Basic. After in the future of fishing, they cracked the code on the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville. With 2 extra days of fishing to go, it’s anybody’s ballgame, as climate circumstances will proceed to throw curveballs on the opponents.



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