As you read this, the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series is about to begin. And in my opinion, it’s a great schedule. Nearly every venue is guaranteed to produce big winning weights — some may even eclipse the century mark.

As usual, we kick things off in Florida, then gradually work our way north as the season progresses. Considering the timing for several venues, it’s certain some phase of the spawn will play into those events. And that’s not a bad thing. It simply means a larger percentage of fish will be shallow, and that’s where I like them. It allows for a wider range of lures and tactics — everything from topwaters to bottom-probing soft-plastics.

So, with that in mind, here are my predictions on how things should play out at each tour stop.

Starting down south

Lake Okeechobee is one of my favorite Florida fisheries. But because we’re there in February, there’s really no way to predict how things might go. Severe cold fronts can destroy a good, consistent bite, especially with Florida-strain largemouth. They get really finicky when the temperatures plummet. However, if there’s a warming trend leading into the competition, it should be game on.

Unlike years past, the lake is in rough shape. Areas that were once lush with submerged vegetation are now barren. And because there’s nothing to filter the water, the lake is heavily stained in places that are usually quite clear. Considering Okeechobee’s bass are sight feeders, that’s going to create some problems. I predict the bulk of the field will be concentrated into a few key areas. Still, though, the winning weight is likely to be impressive.

Immediately following is Lake Seminole — a body of water that borders Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Formed by a confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers and Spring Creek, it’s one of the most productive reservoirs in the south. Several subspecies of black bass are caught there, including Florida and northern-strain largemouth, spotted, and shoal bass. Although spots won’t be a factor, shoal bass very well could be.

You can expect any number of patterns to work on Okeechobee and Seminole, including topwaters (if it’s warm), bladed jigs, jerkbaits, shallow-running crankbaits, and a multitude of soft plastics.

Carolina on my mind

Next, the tour moves to South Carolina — first to Lake Murray, then Santee-Cooper. Both are great destinations with tons of fish, and I look for numerous patterns to work. Among them will be techniques suited for spawn and post-spawn fish, schooling fish and various hardcover patterns, including those for cypress trees and docks.

On Murray, the bass should be schooling on shad or herring, so swimbaits, crankbaits, jerkbaits (soft and hard), and topwaters should play. I also expect there to be some fry-guarding males to serve as a backup pattern.

On Santee-Cooper, the spawn should be complete. Even so, shallow cover like docks, cypress trees, and matted vegetation will still be key targets. And a multitude of lures and techniques could work — including buzzbaits, bladed jigs, swim jigs, spinnerbaits, shallow-running crankbaits, and an array of soft plastics.

You can expect big weights from both Carolina events.

Slightly to the West

Next is Lay Lake in Alabama. I competed in a Bassmaster Classic there years ago and the lake fished small. I hope that we can spread out more this time so that it’s not a luck-of-the-draw deal.

Lay has plenty of shallow targets, including docks, laydowns, riprap, and shoreline grass. But after three days of practice, it’s certain all of it will have been hit by the entire field.

Everything from topwaters, hollow-bodied frogs, swim jigs, and crankbaits, to bottom probing lures, could factor into the winning catch.

Next is the Sabine River on the Texas Gulf Coast. While I like tidal rivers, this one seems to have my number. Other than one solid finish, the Sabine has been extremely stingy to me. I always find fish there, but either they disappear or someone beats me to them. Hopefully, that isn’t the case this time around.

The winning pattern could include anything from topwaters to shallow-running crankbaits, or pitching jigs and soft plastics. Among the many cover types to target are cypress trees, lily pads, docks, seawalls and emergent vegetation — all of which are easy to fish. It will come down to being in the right place with the right lure at the right tide. But don’t expect big weights in this one. The Texas side of the Sabine — which we’re relegated to — is a very stingy system.

The Northern Swing

All three northern destinations are among the best in the country, and they are among my favorites. Included are Lake St. Clair, Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River at Lake Ontario. You can expect all of them to be heavy weight events. In fact, it’s possible the century mark could be reached in one or more of them. They are that good!

The only thing that could thwart those chances are high winds. If it blows hard enough from the wrong direction, it will definitely make things challenging … or perhaps even unfishable. When it’s really rough, busted transoms and swamped boats can result. It’s happened on more than a few occasions.

These lakes are like sleeping tigers … beautiful, but extremely dangerous.

Finding bass shouldn’t be a problem. Any number of patterns could win provided you’re on the right size fish. Watch for topwaters, jerkbaits, crankbaits and finesse soft plastics to rule in these derbies.

Season Summary

Hopefully, if the season goes well, I’ll finish strong and qualify for another Bassmaster Classic. It’s no secret that I’m on the backside of my career, and my plan is to go out strong.

Thanks to all who follow and support me. It means a lot. And I promise to deliver a strong effort for you this coming season. So please keep watching.

Follow Bernie Schultz on Instagram, Facebook and through his website.