Fantasy Fishing: Weather factor at Amistad

The key word there is "should." Mother Nature has a way of playing cruel tricks on those anglers hoping for a sight-fishing slugfest.

Bass hitting the spawn brings back memories of the first Elite tournament held on Amistad back in 2006, when Ish Monroe busted a 34-plus pound stringer sight fishing on Day Three to take the lead for good.

This year, weather will be the biggest factor that determines just how good the sight fishing in Del Rio will be. The forecast Thursday through Saturday calls for a chance of rain and cloudy skies, not conducive for sight fishing. If an angler makes the final cut and fishes Sunday, however, bright sunny skies could change the playing field altogether.

In light of that, the fantasy favorites for the 2009 Elite Series opener features anglers who excel under pre-spawn conditions and also can adjust and close the deal by beds fishing on the final day.

The overcast conditions during the opening round of competition sets up perfectly for throwing a swimbait, a popular choice for targeting the oversized bass anglers will have to catch to have a chance at victory.

For those of you keeping KVD on your team after the Classic (still over 50 percent of those playing BASS Fantasy Fishing), remember to renegotiate your values since he dropped .4 points.

For those who didn't pick him at the Classic, a mere 30 percent of entrants, you are now rewarded with a bargain deal on the best bass angler in the game.

For those playing the "Do I? Don't I?" game as to whether you should have him on your fantasy team, keep in mind that he has made two of three top-12 cuts on Lake Amistad.

Without further ado, here are some top choices in a variety of categories for the Elite Series opener on Lake Amistad:

Big Money Picks:

Edwin Evers — As the only angler to make the top-12 cut at each Elite Series event held on Amistad, he is a must for fantasy teams. He hasn't finished higher than eighth there, but don't be surprised to see him make a run at the title this year. Evers' versatility and experience will come into play with the changing spring weather conditions.

Todd Faircloth — His money tree may be at a different depth this year, but the swimbait/senko combination should be even more deadly this year. Right now, his momentum is headed in the wrong direction after a collapse in the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year race last year and missing the cut in the Classic this year. At Amistad, he will be looking to get back on a winning track.

Mike Iaconelli — What has Ike not done on Amistad? Win. That could change this week. He had a very Ike-like day to close out the Classic and if he can bring that passion to the border, he very well might improve on that second-place finish he had in 2007. His worst finish on Amistad is 17th, so if you can afford his heavy 21.6 points, you will have bagged yourself an easy top 20.

Ish Monroe — Ish has done almost as well as Evers at Amistad with a first-, sixth- and 14th-place finish to his credit. If those big mamas get up on the beds, he'll be "getting some of that." If he can shake off some recent troubles, there is no reason to doubt that Ish can do it again on the border lake.

Bargain Pick:

Fred Roumbanis — He's only 16.3 points and his worst finish on Amistad was 26th in the three-day 2008 event. He also finished second in 2006, throwing both swimbaits and frogs, possibly a winning combination this year.

Risky Picks:

Byron Velvick — Amazingly, this current Del Rio resident has never made the top-50 cut on Lake Amistad. He fell in love with the lake the first time the Elite Series visited there in 2006 and went so far as to make a move, but his new home waters have not been kind to him. He just might break through with a big finish this year. Then again, he might not. To follow along with him, check out his blog.

Kevin Short — He costs a reasonable 17.4 points and had a huge tournament last year on Amistad, finishing third and busting the big bag of the tournament on Day Two at 31 pounds, 6 ounces. Short's consistency is in question, however, he is riding a wave of big bass from Choke Canyon to Del Rio. To read about his big bass parade on Choke, click here to check out his blog "Chew on the cover."

Rookie Pick:

J Todd Tucker — While Matt Herren may be the strongest rookie in the field, he is not a true rookie, so take a look at Tucker if you are looking for a 12-pointer to solidify a roster of 20-point veterans. Tucker will be fishing his first year on the Elite Series (although he did fish a tour season in 2003) and does have some experience on Amistad. He finished 38th as a co-angler in 2008, which means he has a feel for the water and a few of his fellow competitors.

Think you know more than me? Fine, I would love to hear your thoughts. Humble me anytime on the Fantasy Fishing Message Board.