Bassmaster Elite Series: Loberg Leads at Lake Tenkiller Amidst Storms
Colaboradores
Andrew Loberg of Alabama continues to dominate the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma. Loberg, drawing on his experience fishing the California Delta, has amassed a total of 35 pounds, 13 ounces after two days of competition, showcasing his skill in shallow water fishing.
Loberg's Strategy and Success
Loberg's familiarity with fluctuating water levels, similar to tidal patterns, has proven advantageous. “Fishing the Delta, you have to run a tide... The water fluctuation on Tenkiller correlates to the tide a little bit. It makes sense to me,” Loberg explained. This adaptability has allowed him to identify promising fishing spots consistently.
His success isn't limited to this tournament. Loberg previously secured a second-place finish at Lake Eufaula during the 2024 St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable angler in Oklahoma waters. He seems to have a knack for finding big largemouth bass in relatively shallow areas.
Combs and Others in the Running
Trailing Loberg by a mere 12 ounces is Keith Combs of Huntington, Texas. Combs has a total of 35 pounds, 1 ounce after Day 2. The competition remains fierce, with other anglers vying for a spot in the top 10 who will advance to the final day.
Weather Challenges and Economic Impact
The tournament has faced challenges due to spring storms, including heavy rains and thunderstorms. Organizers are prioritizing safety, closely monitoring weather conditions. Despite these challenges, all anglers managed to catch a five-bass limit on both days.
Boosting the Local Economy
The Bassmaster Elite Series brings a significant economic boost to Cherokee County. Local businesses, such as the Chicken Creek Store, have reported increased sales and customer traffic during the event. “It’s something fresh and new going on... to have all this attention and all these people coming through new faces,” said Mary Taylor, owner of the store. The Oklahoma Ozarks Tourism Association and Cherokee Nation are actively promoting the area as a premier fishing destination, and the tournament is part of that initiative.
Looking Ahead
The tournament continues through Sunday, with the championship round held at Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah. The top anglers will battle it out for the title, showcasing their skills and contributing to the growing reputation of Lake Tenkiller as a premier bass fishing location.