For most any lake we have more data than NASA. Then there is Lake Hartwell.
The South Carolina gem is one heck of a fishery, but it’s a tough tournament to crunch data. Why? Probably because there have only been two Major events there since the turn of the century. That makes it a little hard to figure out trends or patterns, especially since only three anglers fished both the 2008 Bassmaster Classic and 2011 FLW Tour event: Todd Auten, Ish Monroe and Mike Wurm.
Between the three, Auten has the best track record, by far, with a 621.058. That’s at least a place to start.
Then there is Troy Morrow. He is THE local on Hartwell. He finished 19th in the 2011 event, but with the tough practice conditions, his local knowledge will only make him more of a favorite.
Of course, that is an opinion. We want facts. How are we going to get them? By analyzing Hartwell’s sister lake on the Savannah River Chain, Clarks Hill. There have been seven Major events there since 2000, two of which being FLW Series events. The events were in the fall, so it’s not quite apples to apples, but again, it’s something.
Plus, pull up that data and it’s clear there are some pros to watch.
At the top of the list: Jonathan Newton. The National Guard pro has a 91-percent average in two events at Clarks Hill.
Right behind him are three other FLW pros: Larry Nixon (890.984), Greg Bohannan (885.841) and Vic Vatalaro (868.496).
Don’t sleep on Tom Mann Jr. either. One, he’s a local with a 777.778. Two, he’s a spotted bass savant. And three, he still has to qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup, which happens to again be on his home body of water, Lake Lanier.