Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship - The Winning Pattern

The University of Central Florida walked away from Lake Lewisville in Texas as National Collegiate Champions,.  I had the chance to talk with Sonar and Casey as they made the drive back to the Sunshine State. The week was amazing for them and as Casey said it was "definitely a week of blood, sweat and tears" as all of those made an appearance at some point this week.  The hard work and team effort proved to be the difference in winning the title.

The first day was nearly perfect for the two as they caught nearly twenty bass flipping and pitching wood laydowns in the backs of pockets.  The team said they found all of the backwater areas after looking at their Navionics lake map chips during the practice period. They knew coming in to the event that the water was high and the flipping but would be on.  They stuck to this pattern the entire event and flipped a variety of plastics including the Ouzo Baits Chunky Monkey as well as the new HD Flippin' Jig by Secret Lures.  They ended Day 1 with over 17 pounds, including a 5.39lb fish.  They ended the first day in 2nd Place.

Day 2 proved to be much tougher as they struggled to both get bites and land fish.  Near the end of the day they decided to make the run a little early due to rough water. They ended up having fifteen minutes to spare. As they were nearing the ramp they spotted a pocket near the check-in area on the Navionics chip.  The team decided to go all the way to the back, since another boat was just leaving.  Casey flipped into the single tree that was in the back of the pocket and caught a four pound fish that was also their fifth fish of the day.  At that moment, UCF had a "Never Give Up!" moment and made it back to the ramp just in time.  They ended up with 10.85lbs for the day and a 27.92 pound total. The low weights from Day 2 were enough to give them the title by over two pounds.

Overall it was an amazing week for the team and they were able to win bragging rights, have their names engraved on the traveling trophy (that will stay at UCF for the year), as well as winning several contingency prizes and a berth into the Federation National Championship.

Congrats once again UCF!


*The Versus Network will show this event on July 31st at 2 PM