By Bryan Brasher
BASS PRESS RELEASE
 | |
| Hartman one of few to sack good limit. (Photo: BASS) |
So, when the New York resident pre-fished Toledo Bend Reservoir back in February and saw lots of bass already on the beds, he just assumed the spawn would be long done by the time he returned for this week's Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend presented by Econo Lodge.
He was wrong, but he wasn't too stubborn to admit it.
After starting the week in deeper water, Hartman adjusted and has put together a two-day total of 39 pounds, 1 ounce to lead the event. While much of the 110-angler field struggled during post-front conditions Friday, Hartman caught a five-bass limit that weighed 15-12.
"I had a terrible, terrible practice this week," Hartman said. "I'm not familiar with these southern waters, where the spawn just lasts for months, obviously.
"I pre-fished here for 2 1/2 weeks in February and saw two big waves of fish go in and out. I spent all of that time graphing deeper spots where I thought postspawn fish would be, and it just hasn't happened yet."
