Working to Become the Best:
A Day on the River
By Bruce Callis Jr
Dawn, breaking through the darkness, filling the sky with the brilliant colors of morning and filling us with the hope of a day of happiness. That is what every angler sees as they back the boat down the ramp, ready to go in search of that one magical spot that may hold the winning bass during the tournament. Practice time can be so hectic, but it can often lead to clues that enables the angler to make those decisions that can make or break the day.
Kyle Cortiana, former FLW Pro and current MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Pro was finally getting some practice time on the Potomac River, a place he really has struggled at, invited me to come join him for a day of practice. I knew this meant a long day on the water and was prepared for a sunup to sundown day. It is not for the faint of heart for sure. It can take a toll on you if you aren’t prepared for it.
Hitting the Water
We met up at the boat ramp, loaded up my gear, and after a quick pit stop headed out to explore the creek we were in. We were on the outgoing tide and near low, so the back was the place to go to see what it offered. One thing is for sure, you need to prepare for what the tournament offers, not what we think is the best time to be out there. We hit up a nice stretch and Kyle had a quick miss on his bait. A second throw produced a solid 2 pound bass. A keeper for sure, but if you want to win, you will need bigger.
We continued down the stretch, Kyle throwing his secret lure while I threw something slow, a Missile Baits 6.5” Quiver. Once again something slams his bait but misses. A second throw and the same results. Frustrating, but nothing new for an angler. Kyle throws a different bait but nothing. Quickly picking up his go to choice, he continues fishing ahead leaving it to me to see if I can pick it up. I pitched my bait in and felt the thump and set the hook on another solid 2 pound bass, my first of the day.
Talking About Life
We are moving along, talking and fishing. It is amazing what you can learn about someone on the water. From how they started to how they got to where they are. The Broken Arrow, Oklahoma native got his itch fishing in local tournaments. He and his dad went in on their first bass boat and set the story of his career in motion. He did the normal things we do, went to college and got his degree and became a civil engineer. He was good too, but the fishing bug never left him.
He won Angler of the Year in 2016, his first season fishing the Toyota Series Southwestern Division. This qualified him for the Pro Circuit in 2017. He wasn’t prepared to do it, but put his trust in God and was able to secure his finical backing for 2017. He still had a full time job, which he was able to work around and still fish. For 5 years he did both, working and fishing, building a home on 5 acres, living the life and dream.
In 2021, he qualified to fish the Bass Pro Tour Event on the Harris Chain, that his wife Miranda was able to attend. They stayed in a small space above somebody’s garage and the idea of selling the home and living in a RV was born. That August he had a really bad time, falling seriously ill with COVID. He actually thought he was going to die. Once he recovered, it was a lot easier to make the decision of both of them quitting their jobs, selling the home, and buying a fifth-wheel to live in full time.
Moving the Search
We continued to fish, making adjustments, changing baits, searching for that top bite. While we mixed in some topwater frogging with some nice bass and explosions, we never found those big girls we wanted. Finally we worked our way to the mouth of the creek and found some good potential spots on the river. But still no giants.
Another ride in the river and into another creek. We hit it hard again, but nothing really stood out, so once again, we fire up the engine and head back out into the river to check some more areas. We hit some spots that should have been holding bass, but did not even get nibbled on. Another move, a few more bass and then another move. We ended the day with Kyle finding a nice older bass, long with a big head, but no belly. And then back to the ramp.
Learning All I Can
It was a long 14 hour day that crossed off another few areas of the river. But more importantly, we were able to find the bass. I also learned a lot about what it takes to practice. Not allowing them to take the bait is difficult. Everything inside of us says to slam the hook home. But we developed a pattern that may hold up on other areas as well. Only Kyle will know, since I only got the one day in.
I helped Kyle clean out the fishing line from his trolling before heading back home. He headed back to the campground for dinner with his wife, some more tackle prep and some more study. What an incredible day that ended too soon. Only time will tell how Kyle does, hopefully he finds the big girls.
Will this make me an expert on the Potomac, not at all. But it did help me understand tidal fisheries a little more. Given the crash course of knowledge will never make me an expert. But everything is stored away for the next adventure. I’m ready, bring it on!
(Kyle managed to have his best tournament on the Potomac River. He had a total of 39-01 pounds to finish up in 19th place. He just never found the big ones on the last day. He was happy to finally get a good Top 25 finish on the mighty Potomac River before he heads north and Lake Champlain for the next Tackle Warehouse Invitational June 15-17, 2024.)
