Lay Lake is likely to be predominantly postspawn as the Bassmaster Elite Series rolls into town and the bass will be starting to think about transitioning into their Summer patterns. Lay Lake is really only a lake by name, much of Lay sets up like a traditional river system with steady current. This Coosa River impoundment is known for a special kind of mean when it comes to Spotted Bass.
Traditionally spotted bass and largemouth both play pretty evenly in summer tournaments on Lay. Spotted bass are quite numerous with good size and largemouth might be tougher to find this time of year, but the potential for 4lb plus kicker fish is not out of the question. It is almost certain that the winner will weigh in some hefty spotted bass this week and this will likely be the only Bassmaster Elite Series event where Spotted Bass are a key player for the Top 10. So if you have been saving some Spotted bass specialists for your Drain the Lake team, this is your chance.
Expect most anglers to be able to find success in patterns they are comfortable with. Cover options will be quite bountiful. Anglers should be able to find success on the bank and offshore and moving baits should produce as well as dragging techniques.
BUCKET A: CANTERBURY
Scott Canterbury calls the Coosa River his home and late spring fishing is Scott’s wheelhouse just about anywhere the tournament trails take him, so for me this is a no brainer in Bucket A. Scott will be well equipped to bounce back and forth between patterns to adapt to any changing conditions the anglers face at Lay Lake.
River King
If there is current and grass you always need to consider Bryan Schmitt as a favorite. Regardless of direct experience on the Coosa River, Schmitt’s vast experience will help him dial into a bite quickly for this event.
BUCKET B: MOSLEY
Brock Mosley has a knack for showing out in the months of April and May. I envision Mosley doing work with chatterbaits, swim jigs and square bills and having a rock solid event which is not too far from his home in Mississippi.
River Rat
Nothing would be more fun than watching Bill Lowen mining bank grass and current areas with a swim jig on Bassmaster Live. Bill should feel right at home based on his Ohio River roots covering water with a swim jig and then mining his best areas with a jig or a tube.
BUCKET C: CHRISTIE
I have no idea how much water will be in the bank grass and water willows, but if there is than I can visualize Jason Christie doing work with a white swim jig and other moving baits. Much like in 2021 when had a top 10 on Neely Henry.
Hamner Time
Neely Henry was not particularly kind to Justin Hamner in 2021, but I expect a bounce back performance on the Coosa River this event for Hamner. Roll Tide!
BUCKET D: STRACNER
Home field advantage did not work out for Josh Stracner on Neely Henry, but now that Stracner is over the rookie jitters he should be more well suited to take advantage of his Coosa prowess. I am sure that Josh would call Logan Martin his home pond, but Lay is the next pool down stream.
Water Willows
I cannot say I have a lot of data for this recommendation, but if you feel like there is gonna be a decent water willow bite, this would be a good week to take a swing with Brad Hallman on your squad. Water in the willow grass would make Hallman feel right at home with a swim jig and a BFE in his hand.
BUCKET E: DAVIS JR.
There was a bit of a mixup with Clent Davis and Will Davis Jr. that resulted in Will Davis Jr. ending up in Bucket E. I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and pass over Davis Jr. on his home pond. Two of Will’s favorite baits are a swim jig and a shaky head, both have deep roots on the Coosa river and will be big players this week.
Mad at them
Matt Herren has had a rough start to his 2023 season, but a little home cooking might just be what the doctor ordered and get Matt back on track.
Mercury Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge
Now onto the sixth event of the Mercury Bassmaster Drain the Lake Challenge. This additional fantasy fishing game not only offers a fresh way to play the game, but a completely separate prize pool. Drain the Lake is an elimination or survivor style game where you can only use an angler once all season.
As we hit the meat of the schedule, you will start to feel the crunch as you have probably used up some of your favorite anglers.
Here is my Mercury Bassmaster Drain the Lake roster:
• Will Davis Jr.
• Gerald Swindle
• Josh Stracner
• Justin Hamner
• Clent Davis
• David Gaston
• Wes Logan
• Mark Menendez
