Chris Johnson's Pattern, Baits & Gear
Senko gear: 7'8" G. Loomis GLX Jig and Worm rod, Shimano Chronarch Cl4+ casting reel (7.3:1 ratio), 15-pound Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon line, 3/0 Gamakatsu round-bend hook, 5" Yamamoto Senko (green-pumpkin).
Swimbait gear: 6'8" medium-action Shimano Zodias rod, same reel, 8-pound PowerPro braided line (main line), Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-ounce jighead (open hook), Keitech Swing Impact Fat 3.8 (ayu).
Flipping gear: 7'5" heavy-action G. Loomis GLXrod, Shimano Metanium casting reel (8:1 ratio), 65-pound PowerPro braid, 9/16- or 3/4-pound Punisher Mini Jig (black or black/blue), Zoom Small Salty Chunk trailer (black).
Main factor: "My biggest decision was going to Ticonderoga (on day 4) after my weights had been going down every day in the north. It was a gamble because I could've caught 10 pounds or 20, but in the end it was the right call. If I'd had another hour, I think I could've had an 18-pound-plus bag."
Performance edge: "The Ranger/Evinrude combo for getting me down to Ticonderoga and back and the Power-Poles Ð without them I wouldn't have been able to hold on those weed beds and nose in and dissect them."
Lake Champlain Winning Patterns 2-5 BassFan 7/1/16 (John Johnson)
