The Bassmaster Elite Series is set to visit the Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, from April 10-13, 2025. This tidal fishery offers anglers a unique opportunity to employ traditional, power-fishing techniques.
Predicted Winner: #1 Pick
While it's challenging to predict the exact winner, anglers with experience in tidal fisheries and springtime patterns are likely to excel. For instance, Jacob Powroznik has demonstrated success on eastern seaboard tidal waters like the James River and the Potomac River. His familiarity with such environments positions him as a strong contender for a top finish in this tournament. Bassmaster
Effective Baits and Techniques:
Given the timing of the tournament in mid-April, several baits and techniques are expected to be particularly effective:
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Soft Plastic Stick Baits: These versatile baits, such as the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General, Yamamoto Senko, and YUM Dinger, are effective in wacky and unweighted Texas-rigged configurations. They are especially useful during the spawning season, enticing bass in shallow areas.
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Jigs: Flipping jigs with crawfish or creature bait trailers are effective around shallow cover like submerged trees and rocks. Adjusting the jig's fall rate by selecting appropriate weights can match the lethargic behavior of crawfish during colder periods.
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Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits): These are effective for covering water and triggering reactions from pre- and post-spawn bass. Varying the trailer can adjust the bait's buoyancy and profile to match local forage.
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Spinnerbaits: Ideal for targeting bass in warmer, more active conditions, spinnerbaits can be slow-rolled around isolated trees and other structures to provoke strikes.
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Shallow Crankbaits: Utilizing lipless baits, shallow runners, and squarebills can be effective for bass near the surface, especially when targeting grass, rocks, and stumps.
Weather Considerations:
The weather leading up to and during the tournament can significantly influence fishing conditions.
Thursday
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64°
56°
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Warmer with some sun, then turning cloudy
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Friday
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67°
50°
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Cloudy and breezy with showers and thunderstorms; storms can bring flooding downpours and localized damaging wind gusts
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Saturday
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61°
45°
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Variably cloudy with a brief shower or two
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The forecast indicates warming temperatures with some cloud cover, which could enhance bass activity and make them more receptive to various baits and techniques. However, the potential for showers and thunderstorms on April 11 may affect water clarity and fishing conditions.
Conclusion:
Anglers participating in the Bassmaster Elite Series at Pasquotank River and Albemarle Sound should focus on shallow, warmer areas where bass are preparing to spawn. A combination of soft plastics, jigs, bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, and shallow crankbaits, tailored to the prevailing weather and water conditions, will be key to success.
