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At this instant, the bass boats of five of the BASSMASTER Elite’s paramount players-Bernie Schultz, Brandon Palaniuk, Davy Hite, Mike Iaconelli and Ott DeFoe-are being scrutinized, organized and the tackle totes within their compartments re-stocked with Rapala brand baits. They’re all preparing for the last stop of the Elite’s 2012 tour - Oneida Lake, out of Syracuse, New York, August 23 through 26.
To boot, the latter of the Rapala bass pro dream team is just 14 points away from taking the prestigious BASSMASTER Angler of the Year title when he hits the water. The pressure’s on for all five, especially DeFoe.
But not to worry, these guys are Rapala pros. Not their first time to the dance-the baits either.
Oneida, at 21 miles long by 5 miles wide, is the largest inland lake within the state’s boundaries. It is home to copious smallmouth bass and a healthy largemouth population. Like most post-glacial lakes, however, its water is ultra clear and the fish picky about what they consume. After all, fish in lucid water rely on their eyesight more than any other sense, not only to zone in on prey from afar but to analyze if what they’re about to attack is the real deal.
DeFoe, who’s stepping on the heels of the leader for Angler of the Year, is looking at Rapala top-water baits as a go-to, especially if the bass are hunting forage in the foliage of Oneida. “It’s guaranteed I’ll be casting Rapala’s Skitter Pop and X-Rap Walk for both species in the shallow, grassy flats,” discloses the Knoxville, Tennessee, resident. “Also, tickling the weed tops while casting shallow-diving square-billed crankbaits is overlooked by a lot of anglers, and the bass are easily fooled into striking them because it’s something they rarely see.” Crankin’ Rap 03 and 05’s are sure to be tied to DeFoe’s line during tournament time.
But DeFoe is looking to more than just the shallow swimmers in his attempt at Angler of the Year, perhaps even the tournament’s top honors. He’ll be searching the outer edges of weed beds and rocky shoals with DT Series baits, as well the new 3/4-ounce Terminator spinnerbaits. “Both of these lures can be fished over cover, which trips the fish’s trigger and produces strikes this time of year, even when they’re not hungry,” he adds.
2012 has been a remarkable testimonial for Rapala pro anglers and Rapala brand baits-from X-Rap Props and DTs to Storm WildEye Pro Paddle Tails-which continue to fill livewells and cash giant cardboard checks!
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