Pre-2016 Bassmaster Classic Predictions with Casey Ashley

Ashley offers his wisdom.

By Luigi De Rose

Casey Ashley will be trying his best to capture
Classic 2016. 

The 2016 Bassmaster Classic is a week away and everyone who loves bass fishing will be focused on Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees. This year’s event is a few weeks later than in the past. The push to have the tournament in March was to avoid extreme weather like the deep freeze that gripped last year’s event. For the anglers and on-the-water spectators, warmer weather will make for more enjoyable days. March is prime time for pre-spawn fishing and if the temps spikes, a mass migration to the shallows could be possible.

IBASSIN.com contacted Casey Ashley, the 2015 Classic champ, for his perspective on how this year’s Classic will unfold.

IBASSIN

Thanks for chat with us. What’s your early prediction on the Classic?

Casey

Hi, pleasure to talk fishing with you.  So much has happened this year with the flood and a mild winter, Grand Lake might not be fishing like it has in the past. I expect it will be much different than the last Classic we had here. The Classic that Cliff Pace won, the lake was cold and clear which made it perfect for a jerkbait and jig. 

IBASSIN

Which baits should be most prominent during this Classic?

Casey

That is hard to narrow down. A jerkbait and even a Road Runner should be good especially if the bass are around schools of bait. A jig will be very strong. Grand Lake is a very good jig lake. But, if we see a few warm days a shallow crankbait bite might be on.

IBASSIN

What problems are you worried about or needing to plan around?

Casey

The weather is always a big factor. It will be the only real problem we’ll have to deal with.  The observers are very respectful on that lake and I don’t worry about them.

IBASSIN

Other than yourself, do you have any predictions on a possible winner?

Casey

There are several guys who really know the lake well and fish well at that time of year. Jason Christie is very strong. Edwin Evers is another strong angler. My third choice would be James Elam. Elam is a great angler and on a bit of a hot streak.

IBASSIN

Last question, any guess at the winning weight?

Casey

It is too early to predict that. I’ll need to see how my practice goes. But, 20lbs a day should be very good.

IBASSIN

Thanks and good luck Casey.

Casey

Thanks