Andy Williamson, Lake Andes, recently fished the boater division of the St. Croix Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett Lake, Mississippi, held April 28-30. Although he finished a dismal 213th of 225 competitors, he hopes the experience will lead to better future results.

"One thing I should have done is recheck on my bass I located six days before competition began, because they were gone. I think they got removed from the area due to other recent tournaments and fishing pressure. I should have known to do that, after fishing these things for the past 48 years," Williamson said.

Eventually, with help from his second day partner, he went to more productive water where many of the top finishers fished.

"We were boat 203 the second day and upon reaching the dollar pad field, there were 37 boats within a quarter mile stretch. We just eased in and fished slowly, anchoring here and there, and caught fish working stick worms," Williamson said.

Several Elite Series pros entered the event including Robbie Latuso, Kenta Kimura, four-time Bassmaster Classic champion Rick Clunn, and Lee Livesay, who took home the $52,500 top prize and earned a spot in the 2023 Bassmaster Classic.

"I'll keep plugging away with these tournaments, and am looking forward to the next Central Open on the Red River, Louisiana. I hope to get in the money one of these times," concluded Williamson.