Story by Justin Brouillard | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
As expected, lower water levels and muddy conditions have made for a tougher go around on Wright Patman here in 2023. Despite those conditions, and added pressure of a three-day tournament, the NPFL anglers are catching quality fish and the big fish are still biting.
The most consistent is Barron Adams. His finesse pattern has landed him a 1-pounds, 6-ounce lead with only today remaining. It seems like most of the anglers in the top ten have had some misfortune this week but dealing with thick bushes, the finesse approach is both a blessing and struggle for Adams.
He is able to fish anywhere on the lake, in fresh water or behind other anglers. While the majority of the field is either chucking and winding reaction style baits, or flipping heavy set ups, Adams is picking apart isolated cover with a wacky rig, and so far, has been able to capitalize on at least one big bite each day.
Behind him, Sheldon Collings and day one leader Timmy Reams are well within striking distance. Reams is focusing on skipping a popping frog within what flooded brush remains, and Reams is mostly fishing reaction baits in and outside of the bushes.
Local Michael Yoder scratched his plans of hunkering down and made a huge comeback on day two. Yoder wanted a chance going into the final day and his run-and-gun style on day two paid off.
In fifth place, Todd Goade understands that fishing management is key for a smaller lake like Wright Patman. He has saved several areas and is fishing a way which most of the field isn’t, skipping a swim jig as far back into the bushes as possible, and he too has been successful fishing behind other anglers.
It really is anyone tournament to win on Showdown Saturday, with big fish biting, the angler who connects and lands all their bites could walk away with stop two NPFL Champion.
The top ten to begin day two:
Barron Adams 36-2
Sheldon Collings 34-12
Timmy Reams 34-2
Michael Yoder 33-12
Todd Goade 32-9
Ryan Satterfield 31-11
Brad Staley 30-7
Keith Carson 29-14
Jesse Wise 29-8
Louis Fernades 28-11
Weather Watch
Anglers will be dealing with clear, sunny skies on the final day. According to Michael Yoder, the cold conditions last night and high pressure will only make things more difficult for the final day. High temps will creep into the low 80s.
How to Watch
Tune in daily today and tomorrow to watch daily action from Wright Patman, with Live Coverage here and on the FREE PHYX TV App from 8 AM to 1 PM.
Follow along and watch the daily LIVE Leaderboard, LIVE Blog, and on-the-water photo galleries and blogs of the anglers on Wright Patman.
Under the Go Live Tab, choose LIVE Broadcast or check out the real-time leaderboard on the Weigh Live Tracker with estimated weights entered by the anglers on the water and join us for the LIVE Weigh-ins, here!
