I have heard this said for the last couple years that the MLF style of fishing is just too easy because once you find them, you can just keep catching them. I found that to be somewhat true when there was the 1 lb rule, now that they have gone to 2 lbs it doesn't seem AS easy. That being said, how can a guy like Shaw Grigsby fish a place like Rayburn during what many would call a "prime" time and only manage to catch 1 scorable bass in 2 days of fishing? I am certainly not bagging on Shaw, in fact, I use him as an example because I think we would all agree he has had a great fishing career. I just don't understand how a guy like that simply can't accidentally catch a few. I would expect someone like me to totally blow it and get skunked for 2 days, but I honestly can't see how it happens to a guy like him. Could he not find them? Was set in his ways and wouldn't adapt? Fished the wrong areas? What say you, how does this happen?

 

BTW, other guys struggled as well, so it wasn't just him, I just used him as my example because he can for sure catch em.

But I thought it was “too easy?” The two pound minimum has changed things quite a bit. That’s larger than most states minimum size limit, some by several inches. According to numerous state fisheries agencies, most people, most of the time, never get their limit or even come close.

 

Yes, they are professionals, but somebody always has to finish last. How does Rick Clunn, winner of 2 previous Florida Bassmaster events in recent years basically blank two consecutive days on the same water this year? $@!/ happens - it’s fishing 

Heavy Hitters is next. Last round fish must be 3 lbs.

Seems like the answer is simply, "No, it's not too easy"

When I check the results of a pro tournament,  I always check the bottom of the standings to see who struggled.  It make me feel better about my own fishing. ?

To be honest with you, I think its not the format or style, it is the schedule and the weather events of the last month that has really messed some things up lately, and not just on the MLF side either. Eufaula had folks struggling too, and it was pretty cold in Alabama during those events as well. 

 

The freeze in Texas that hasn't been seen in years, I believe has slowed some things down. I am a huge fan of the MLF style. Catch, weigh, and release. I think the 1lb rule was dumb. 2lb is good in my opinion. 

 

As far as guys not doing well. From what I have noticed is a lot guys are throwing their confidence baits, and they are not all working. It is hard to adjust from stuff like that. It is also tough to adjust when the move up from the depths to the shallows can happen at any moment. 

Add Britt Myers to the one fish club.

 

Next question, because I have no idea. What do the guys do that didn't make the cut? Head home? Keep fishing, or are they allowed to fish the lake or is it of limits if they didn't make the cut?

Go home or head to the next tournament site. Sometimes if they are near a lake that is on the schedule, and if it's within the limit of time (usually cannot fish 30 days prior to the tournament to be held there) they will go practice at that lake. There is also sponsor commitments they may need to attend.