Going into the tournament I was confident that the fish would be on bed with the full moon hitting during the tournament. I had prepared to sight fish and I quickly realized that wasn't going to be the case on the first practice day. I have always done well on Okeechobee when I was able to sight fish but had never quite mastered the flipping bite. I had a great practice on the second and third day flipping and caught some pretty good fish. I was confident going into the tournament, the most confident I have been flipping on the Big "O". I really learned a lot those two days, more than I have ever have.
The tournament went pretty good and I ended up with a 39th place finish. I was blessed the first day with a pair of seven pounders. The second day didn't go as well, because I lost quite a few fish that day. I am not over joyed with the end finish but I am happy with the way I fished and how much I learned on this trip. I still have a lot to learn about the Big "O" and I can't wait to get back.
I was flipping heavy mats with a Sasateki craw from Jackall and a Berkley Chigger Craw. I varied between a 1.25 oz and a 1.5 oz Tiger Tungsten flipping weight. In the sparser areas I pitched a 1 oz punch jig from Dirty Jigs Tackle. I was using 60lb Berkley Big Game braid. I was also using Revo Premier Reels on the new Abu Garcia Villain rods. This was my first time using the Villain rods and I am really impressed with them. They are very sensitive and super strong.
A big congratulations goes out to my buddy Randall Tharp for winning the tournament. Randy has put in a lot of hours on Lake Okeechobee and he deserves this win.
I am looking forward to Lake Hartwell coming up in a couple of weeks. I finished 35th there last year and hope to improve on that this year. I am going this weekend to try to get a couple of days in before it goes off limits Monday.
I am super excited about this year and can't tell you enough how blessed I am with the sponsors that I have.
Please remember to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for more updates during practice and the tournaments.
Scott Canterbury
Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
