Fantasy Fishing: KVD versus Herren at Guntersville

This is starting to sound like a broken record, but the unpredictable spring weather seems to follow the Elite Series around. Heavy rains for the past week and a chance of rain for the week of the tournament have and can add current and water clarity to the mix of variables Elite pros need to contend with.

Then there is the race for the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year. You can count on a few of the pros having a great year to continue that trend at Guntersville. KVD, Skeet and Alton Jones round out the top three in that race and I wouldn't expect to see any of them falter in this next tournament.

KVD has been dominant on any and every Tennessee River system this time of year — he can out-crank and out-spinnerbait the rest of the field and has a legitimate shot at winning back-to-back tournaments.

Reese too is adept at fishing for post-spawn fish with a crankbait and has been fishing great since winning the Classic. He has yet to really shine on Guntersville, but with fish all over the lake, expect a veteran like Skeet to be savvy enough to figure out how to make a difference and catch the bigger ones.

Alton Jones disappointed many fantasy managers with a sub-par showing at Smith Mountain, where a sight-fishing showdown took place that should have been to his strength. Guntersville has been good to this veteran and he should excel this time of year, serving up a plate of redemption.

For those wanting a taste of local love at the G, look at Matt Herren and Timmy Horton. Herren, a so-called "rookie," leads that race and is in striking distance of the TTBAOY not to mention that Trussville, Ala., his hometown is just over an hour from the lake. Expect him to figure out how to catch fish shallow from the grass as well as anyone. Horton is your deep connection on Guntersville. He has five, top-12 finishes there in just six tournaments in this decade. While Herren is the shallow expert, Horton can pick apart those deeper post-spawn haunts with a crankbait as well as anyone.

With that, here is who you should expect to do well in a variety of categories:

Big Money Picks:

Dean Rojas — Frog fever is upon us and Rojas will unleash it with a fury in the next few events. He'll pull a top-12 with it at Guntersville, a top-20 at Kentucky Lake and then blow everyone away on the Mississippi River with ol' Kermie. I just called it so remember you heard it here first.

Timmy Horton — Seriously, pick Horton as your fifth angler, to anchor your team this week. Horton has a stellar record on Guntersville over the past few years, with only one finish outside the top-12 in six tries. That right there should be enough to make you select this shell-bed star. He's in the top 30 in the TTBAOY race and a few good finishes over the next two tournaments can have him fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

Alton Jones — Ok, Mr. Jones. We can chalk that Smith Mountain finish up to wanting to make a marvelous comeback in the TTBAOY race when you win at Guntersville. Jones is strong here and can catch fish both shallow and deep, which may turn into the winning plan as fish transition from shallow spawning grounds to their summer haunts.

Bargain Pick:

Morizo Shimizu — I'm going for that good feeling when I pick Morizo. This guy has done well at both Guntersville and Kentucky Lake, but he has also done average in his last few trips to these lakes. It's hard not to cheer for this guy to do well this year. Come on Morizo, let's see some more "big mamas" cross the stage. Plus, he can fit your team nicely, costing only 15.1 points currently.

Risky Picks:

Mark Menendez — I don't know why, but I'm liking Menendez right about now. He's got momentum coming from a good showing at Wheeler, where most of the fish were post-spawn and shallow, and he is having a good year on the Elite Series, currently in 14th in the TTBAOY race. Another top finish at Guntersville will have him in a good spot to make the playoffs going into his home waters of Kentucky Lake.

Rookie Pick:

Matt Herren — I feel almost guilty picking Herren as my rookie pick each time, but when you can get him for so little, he is a must-have at every event. That is especially true at Guntersville, where Herren has shined and should really finish strong with fish up in shallow grass. Herren is the man, but if you want someone that less people choose, look at Greg Vinson, another rookie that is having a good year. He's also from Alabama, although Wetumpka is slightly farther than Trussville if you are comparing distances.

KVD Watch:

Wow, I said last time that Smith Mountain didn't fit KVD's strength and then he goes and wins the tournament. Kind of reminds me of the Kissimmee Chain last year, eh? Anyway, how can you leave this guy off your team anymore? He could very well win every tournament for the rest of the year, starting right here with Guntersville. Expect him to pick up his signature Sexy Shad Strike King crankbait and never put it down. That said, it's now time to pick KVD up and never put HIM down.

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