Mother Nature took it easy on us for this year’s Crucible, our August event on Beaver Lake. Instead of close to 100 degrees, we only hit 89 during tournament hours – making what was a grind for many on Beaver a bit more bearable. Although the weather wasn’t that hot, there were some anglers at the top who were on fire on this Saturday.
The Dead Sea is threatening to lose its nickname the way it has been putting out bags this last year or two. Going into the event history would have said 82 inches would give you a good chance to win. Not on this day, no.
Tournament Results
There were 40 anglers in the Crucible, with only 24 (60%) turning in a limit and 90% turning in at least one fish. With 211 fish caught, it produced a respectable but not spectacular 5.28 Fish Per Angler on the day. But boy, were there some bigguns caught for Beaver Lake standards.
Justin Brewer dropped the hammer for the second tourney in a row, this time catching two 20+ bass, an uncommon feat (more on that later) for a total of 89.25″ for the win. Jordan Rozenblum also caught a 20+ in his 88.75″ total on the day for second place. Kyle Long won Big Bass with a 21.75″ giant which helped him take third place with 84.25″ on the day.
In fact, there were FIVE 20s caught on Beaver in August. What a shocking development! Justin’s two 20’s in one event is an unusual feat; here are the only anglers who have done that since 2017:
- Rob Barnica (2017)
- Cole Sikes (2017, 2018)
- Rance Richardson (2018) Four in one day!
- Jon Wofford (2020)
- Jason Kincy (2021)
- Justin Brewer (2022)
When it comes to Big Bass winners, Kyle Long’s trophy for this event was his FIFTH Big Bass win for NSKA NWA. He has the most Big Bass trophies since 2017, and here are the only winners of multiple Big Bass awards during that time. Way to go Kyle!
- Kyle Long 5
- Cole Sikes 3
- Dwain Batey 3
- John Wofford 3
- Chris Needham 3
- Justin Brewer 2
- Justin Phillips 2
- Jason Kincy 2
- Ryan Paskiewicz 2
- Sam McClish 2
Heavy Hitters Champion
Speaking of giant bass, we have a Champion for 2022! Ryan Paskiewicz, as predicted early on, held off the competition to take the title for this season. Kyle made a run with his big catch at the Crucible, but Ryan’s early season work was too much to overcome. Congratulations Ryan! Here are your Top Ten Heavy Hitters for 2022:
Top 25 AOY After Regular Season
The Angler of the Year race is tight down the stretch and will be decided by the Classic, just the way it should be. Looks like it is between Dwain Batey and Kyle Long, and if they both stumble Justin Brewer could steal it with a big Classic finish. The rest of the top 10 is tight, so we’ll see who finishes 4 thru 10 in what order. My goal is to beat Ryan and Roy!
Our Rookie of the Year is Jordan Rozenblum, who finished strong with two top 10 events, including in the money in the season finale. Congratulations Jordan!
The rest of the Top 25 makes up the Classic field for 2022. The Classic is a great two-day event – congratulations to all who made it in. For those who fell short, you have one more chance in the Shootout to earn a spot. Sign up today to win a spot to fish the championship.
Angler Roundtable
The top finishers from the Beaver Lake Road Runner shared their stories and how they got it done on the not-so-Dead Sea. Let’s hear it from Justin, Jordan and Kyle.
Where did you go and why?
Justin – I went out to the War Eagle arm. Based off the last two years I was able to get 1st and 2nd out of this area for this same tournament with only 76 and 78 inches so I assumed it would be the same in this one as well. I just came across some better a quality fish this year.
Jordan – I chose to go up the river because I had found a larger number of quality fish in pre-fishing there.
Kyle – I went to Indian Creek. I really like fishing that area but it can be super tough also. I’ve noticed that historically for myself, especially in the hot summer, I don’t fish well in a large section of mid lake so I like way north or way south. This time I chose clear water.
What were your key baits to catch the keepers?
Justin – I caught all my fish on a Booyah Boss Pop just fishing any and all cover I could find.
Jordan – The only two baits I caught anything on were a buzz bait and a jackhammer. All of the quality fish I caught came in three feet or less of water.
Kyle – Two different plopper style baits and a shaky head with a 7” roboworm. That was it for me.
What’s the key to fishing success in the heat of the summer?
Justin – It all depends on your strengths. I’m not an offshore guy so I like shallow water. But in the summer I try to find areas with the most shallow cover and shade. Fish live shallow too and you just have to cover water and keep your bait around those areas as much as possible. And you can find more shade for yourself shallow to help keep yourself cool.
Jordan – The key to summer time fishing for me is to get on them early and drink lots of water.
Kyle – Tough question. A few things come to mind… Try and make as many casts in high percentage areas as you can. That might be hitting as many points as possible in a certain depth, that might be shade hunting all day, might be hitting all the transitions you can, etc. Also keeping an open mind helps. Don’t be afraid to scrap a plan. I did that yesterday when the fish were telling me they didn’t want what I was offering. Maybe most important though is keeping a good mental state of mind. It’s gonna be tough. Work harder than everyone else. Embrace the grind.
When you get hungry during the day, what’s your go-to tournament snack?
Justin – I’m a superstitious guy and I base what I have on my boat for snacks on previous tournaments. So for last months I had brought two ham and cheese sandwiches and a PB&J. So that’s what a packed for this one as well seems like there could be something to it!
Jordan – Rice crispy treats. They are quick and good carbs while fishing.
Kyle – Tough to go wrong with jerky. Maybe a trail mix or a Cliff Bar or a pack of cheese and crackers but jerky is the winner for me.