Nine Skeeter anglers are preparing for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic on the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, February 20-22, and there is a consistent theme among these Classic qualifiers - nobody knows what to expect from the Red River.

“Fishing the Red River system is great, but you have to be prepared for quickly changing weather and water conditions,” says Rodney Reeves of Bossier City-based Reeves Marine, the nation’s first bass boat dealership, and a cornerstone of the Skeeter dealer network dating back to the 1940s.

The nine Skeeter anglers heading to the 2009 Bassmaster Classic include defending champion, Alton Jones; 1995 champion, Mark Davis; 2008 Angler of the Year runnerup, Todd Faircloth; 2008 Rookie of the Year, Bobby Lane; Elite Series anglers Kelly Jordon, Dean Rojas, Dustin Wilks, Bill Lowen, and Southern Open qualifier, Matt Herren.

Alton Jones on Expectations:

“The Red River certainly has potential to kick-out some outstanding catches, but that all depends on the weather, not just during the event, but from now until then. If we hit a major flood or substantial rise in the water level, we’ll quickly figure out why it is named the “Red” River. Add in a cold front, and you can throw all that potential right out the window.”

Mark Davis on Adapting to Conditions:

“Fishing rivers is difficult because of changing conditions. Much of the Red River is not fishable, so competitors will be bunched-up in small areas looking for the best bite. I’ll be ready to adapt to the conditions, remaining open to fishing different techniques, and simply rolling with the punches.”

Todd Faircloth on Scouting:

“I spent about four days on the river before it went off limits, just trying to refresh my memory of the fishery. I fished a little, and looked a lot. The fish should be shallow in their pre-spawn stage when we return in February. Power techniques should dominate - and pitching, flipping, spinnerbaits and crankbaits could all play a role in determining the outcome. If an angler can average 18 pounds per day, he (or she) should have a chance of winning the event.”

Bobby Lane on his Chances for Success:

“There is no room for error at the Classic, so you have to be mentally prepared. I think about the event daily, and feel that my style of fishing fits this venue well. I have never fished the Red River, but it is similar to Florida fishing, with shallow water, and plenty of Lilly pads, stumps and structure.”

Kelly Jordon on Classic Preparation:

“I don’t obsess about the Classic, otherwise I’ll be emotionally and mentally spent when the time arrives. I plan to fish several tournaments between now and the Classic, getting into tournament “shape” so I’m not entering the Classic cold. This stretch of the Red River is in my backyard, less than 100 miles from my home in Mineola, Texas. I’m familiar with the waters, and have a history there, but it still boils down to catching fish when it counts – during the competition.”

Dean Rojas on Momentum:

“In winning the final Elite Series event of the 2008 season, I’ve got a taste for winning now. It had been a long time since I won a tournament, and I hope to carry this momentum into the Classic. I’m not only looking forward to fishing the Classic, but have high expectations for the 2009 Elite Series. The monkey is off my back, and I’m ready to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Dustin Wilks on his Classic Plans:

“I’ll try to get away from the crowds and maximize weight each day. I’ve been to the Red River twice to practice, and I continue to make adjustments to every single piece of tackle and equipment I plan to use during the Classic. With colder water in February, the fish will be schooling and feeding aggressively.”

Bill Lowen on Experience:

“My first Classic was a blur, so I’m looking forward to taking it all in on my second time around. I now have a good understanding of the event, and what to expect. If the weather sets-up right it could play right into my style of fishing.”

Matt Herren on the Venue:

“Being from Alabama, I’m used to fishing river systems. During pre-fishing, the Red River was low and clear. During the Classic, I expect the water to be high and muddy. The Shreveport area has a lot to offer fans coming from out of town, and I anticipate the locals to come out and support their favorite anglers.” 

Skeeter Products, Inc. makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with owner’s tournaments, a top-notch dealer network, and its ‘Real Money’ tournament incentive program. For more information, see your local Skeeter dealer, or visit www.skeeterboats.com.