Fantasy Fishing: Shallow and frogs dominate river

The Genuity River Rumble on the Mississippi River out of Fort Madison features a playing field that few are familiar with. There has been one previous BASS tournament held out of Fort Madison and that was an Open tournament in 2006 that was won by Darrin Schwenkbeck. Elite Series pros that fared well in that tournament include Jason Williamson (tied for second), Derek Remitz (sixth), J Todd Tucker (19th), Fred Roumbanis (20th) and Boyd Duckett (21st).

Those results should be taken for what they are, less a predicator of success in this tournament, but a measure of some experience on what for most competitors will be a new body of water. Knowing the general characteristics of the river and how it fishes should help those competitors, but they will need to be careful not to fish too much from memory as the river has changed in the last three years.

The flooding last year changed the river in ways the pros will need to adjust to in the short practice they have. Being familiar with river systems in general will be important experience and anglers with Arkansas River experience should be considered when building a fantasy roster. Kevin Short, Scott Rook, Greg Hackney and even Billy McCaghren are all river rats with plenty of knowledge of current, backwaters and the changing nature of river fishing. With the exception of Hackney, they are plenty affordable as well.

Unlike the last few tournaments that have been all about offshore fishing, the Mississippi River sets up to be a shallow anglers dream. Count frog aficionados like Dean Rojas and Fred Roumbanis among the ones to watch. Also watch flippers like Tommy Biffle and Denny Brauer. Biffle has won on the Mississippi before and could very well make it another victory this week in Iowa.

This week also continues the ongoing showdown between Kevin VanDam and Skeet Reese for the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. They are fishing incredibly well, not much of a secret around the fantasy world — VanDam is currently on 62 percent of rosters and Reese occupies the second-most rosters at 41 percent. Those are stout numbers and the top managers in the fantasy fishing standings all have both anglers on their teams.

However, if you need to make a big move in your league, you probably need to start taking risks and pick other anglers. I know, shocking, but making up points isn't easy with those two sucking up all your salary and that only gives you three other anglers to make a move. Drop them and make five stellar picks and you will find yourself getting well in a hurry. Then again, I've been trying that unsuccessfully all season, so good luck.

With those juicy nuggets to keep in mind, here is who you should expect to do well in a variety of categories:

Big Money Picks:

Greg Hackney — You know the story. Hackney is home on a river, growing up on the banks of the Arkansas and Red Rivers. That experience should translate well on the Mississippi this week, especially if the fishing gets tough. There are some big fish in the available pools and bet on Hack to be able to figure out how to get that 4-pound bite.

Dean Rojas — Rojas + frogs + Mississippi = big money. That's some math any fantasy owner can understand. Rojas will be a favorite this week and whether he tosses Kermie around pads or wood, the bass should be crushing a frog. The only question mark where Rojas stands is that he never usually does well when everyone else is throwing a frog, only him, so Elite Series angler, keep those frog rods in the box and our boy Dean will shine.

Mike Iaconelli — Count on Ike for junk fishing, rivers and tough conditions and this week's event in Fort Madison promises to be a combination of the three. Ike is fishing well, coming off a 14th at Kentucky Lake, and is very at ease fishing new water. Of the three most expensive anglers, I would have Ike on my team first and foremost.

Bargain Pick:

Bill Lowen — For 17.3 points, you can have one of the best river anglers on tour, and not just any rivers, but tough river conditions. Lowen grew up on the Ohio River, one of the stingier major rivers in the country, and if things get rough on the mighty Mississippi this week, Lowen should shine. This is a must-have for any fantasy owner.

Fred Roumbanis — After a good finish on Kentucky Lake, Roumbanis is set up to make the postseason if he can continue the momentum in Iowa. Shallow water sets up to his benefit — he grew up on the California Delta fishing skinny water. Right now he sits in 20th in the TTBAOY race, only 50 points away from the 12th and final postseason berth. Boom Boom will be bringing it this week, plus he has been a bargain all year at 17.4 points.

Risky Pick:

Jason Williamson — Yeah, that's right. I picked Williamson. Where did I pull that name from? Look back at the 2006 event and you will see Williamson finished in the runner-up spot. Granted, the river has changed a bit since then, but every ounce of experience will likely help this week, especially if conditions are tough. Besides, he is on the outside looking into the Classic with a mere 30 points to make up. Fort Madison is the place to do it.

KVD Watch:

I'm not sure what to say about KVD for this tournament. I want to say that this is the tournament in which KVD can struggle, but what is struggling to the number one angler in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings? He has made every 50-cut this year and his worst finish was 45th at a weather-shortened Wheeler. If you have him, you may want to hang on and play the odds that he is going to still make the cut. There are good odds he could win again this year, he has won two Elite Series events for the past two years in a row.

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