CREDIT: FLWOUTDOORS.COM
Michael Bennett of Lincoln, Calif., caught one of the biggest limits of day two – 19 pounds – to compliment his 20-2 catch from day one. He now lurks in second with a two-day total of 39-2.
Bennett is an absolute master at dialing in on a daily pattern and running completely new water each day to fit that pattern. His two biggest FLW wins, including his 2008 Forrest Wood Cup victory, have come this way. And he is at it again.
“I fished completely new water today – places I’ve never fished before at all,” Bennett said. “Just like my other wins, I’m using some portion of my tournament days to scout new water for the following day – it’s almost like practicing during the tournament hours. It’s more about finding water that fits the pattern day to day and staying current rather than getting hung up on places I found in practice four days ago.
“I did start in the area I fished yesterday, caught one 3-pounder, but then realized it was dead and I moved on to newer pastures. That’s how I’m the most comfortable fishing – always looking for something new.”
Bennett mentioned that he, too, is employing a one-two punch in lure selection. One lure is a Tru-Tungsten jig, which has supplied a few key fish, but the other lure is a “reaction bait” that allows Bennett to cover a lot of water looking for the specifics of his pattern.