MUSKOGEE, Okla. — A strategy of going on past history and “winging it” is giving local angler Mark Tyler an edge at the Bass Pro Shops Central Open finale on the Arkansas River.

The Vian, Okla., angler sacked up a 14-pound, 12-ounce limit Friday to take over the pro division lead with 30-5. Tyler said he has been so busy with his cattle ranch this year that he hasn’t been able to fish the river much, so he had to rely on his extensive experience on his home waters.

“Over the previous five years I have probably spent a hundred days a year on the river,” said the 41-year-old Tyler, who estimated he spent only about six hours practicing for this event.

The strategy is working well for Tyler, who weighed in a 15-9 limit the first day.

“I am just kind of fishing in the moment and reading the conditions and not tying myself down to a bank where I got bit in practice or anything,” he said. “I am just reacting and I think it is really helping me.”

A cold front and north wind has caused him to make changes both days.

“I am just flying by the seat of my pants from the first day,” he said. “I am just going where the conditions seem right and where the water clarity is right and where I can make a presentation the way I want.”

Even though he has bagged two solid limits each day, Tyler notes fishing has been “extremely tough” for him.

“I am grinding on every bite and don’t know if I am even going to get a limit until I get that fifth one in the box,” he said

Click Here to Read More