2013 FORREST WOOD CUP UNDER WAY

FORTY SIX OF THE NATION'S TOP PROS SET TO BATTLE IT OUT ON THE RED RIVER FOR PRESTIGIOUS FORREST WOOD CUP TITLE, $500,000 PAYDAY 

Gary Mortenson August, 15 2013

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. – As the top pros in the nation departed Red River South Marina shortly after 7 a.m., they could take solace in the fact that the extreme heat and humidity that dominated practice just days before had finally dissipated. However, with light winds, partly cloudy skies and relatively cooler temps serving as a backdrop for the first day of Forrest Wood Cup action, anglers were all too aware that the weather would be the least of their problems.

For starters, the full field of 46 pros and co-anglers will have to deal head on with the extremely fickle fishing conditions that almost certainly will unfold on the Red River throughout the four-day event. With bites at a premium and bigger bites in the 3 -, 4- and 5-pound range almost literally worth their weight in gold, Cup contenders won't have much room for error if their dream of hoisting the trophy on Sunday is to become a reality.

Day 1 Pre-lauch.
(Photos: FLW) 

"Getting one or two big bites on this river could help you go a very long way," said FLW Tour pro Stetson Blaylock. "There are plenty of fish here, but it's really tough to get those quality bites. It's a little bit of a crap shoot, but if you can get one big bite, it can give you a huge jump in the standings. And if you somehow manage to catch a 5-pounder, you can ride that pretty far."

 As a result, the current conventional wisdom is that an 11-pound average over four days could be enough to grab that elusive 2013 Forrest Wood Cup title.

"I fished a tournament back here in April and I had 39 pounds and came in second. And that's when the fishing was good," said Walmart pro Wesley Strader. "Now we're in the dog days of summer. So if you can somehow get 11 or 12 pounds a day, you've got a really good shot at winning this thing."

2012 Forrest Wood Cup: Jacob Wheeler Wins!

Indianapolis angler becomes youngest pro to claim Forrest Wood Cup

12.Aug.2012 by Brett Carlson

(FLW Press Release)

Wheeler becomes yougest to win Cup.
(Photos: FLW)

DULUTH, Ga. – At 21 years of age, Jacob Wheeler is barely old enough to sip his hard-earned victory champagne. But he executed a game plan and held his composure like a seasoned veteran at the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Lanier.

During prepactice, Wheeler used a jet boat to run up and explore the Chattahoochee River. He got the idea from fellow Rapala Pro Staffer Ott Defoe, who did it somewhat successfully back at the 2010 Cup. The first two days Wheeler confidently caught 13- and 14-pound limits. But there was one major problem. His tournament boat wouldn’t allow him to access much of that productive water. After exploring other vessel options, Wheeler decided to travel as far as his Ranger would let him. To his surprise the largemouths were still biting slightly downriver; the potential was there.