Greg Hackney's Pattern, Baits & Gear
Greg Hackney spent the tournament relatively close to the launch ramp Ð he said he never got more than a 45-minute run away.
"My practice was pretty conservative," he said. "Last time we were there I had some (mechanical) problems and that burned me, so I figured I'd fish within a reasonable distance."
He sought out places with no current. He sight-fished successfully during the low-tide period on days 1 and 2, but the water never got low enough to make that a viable option on either of the final 2 days.
"Last time they were under mats and that kind of thing, but this time the deal was hard cover. I caught most of them on longs, stumps and cypress trees.
"I kept moving and when the tide would get right, I'd fish real methodically. I'd fish every target I came by like I knew there was a fish there, whether it had one or not."
Flipping gear: 7'11" Quantum Tour Hack Attack flipping stick, Quantum EXO PT 100 casting reel, 65-pound Gamma braided line, 1/8- or 1/4-ounce Strike King Tour Grade tungsten weight, 5/0 Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover flipping hook, Strike King Rage Bug (blue craw or black neon).
Main factor: "The biggest thing was patience - I never really got in a panic."
Performance edge: "I don't know if there's one thing I could point to. Everything had to work right this week."
