Tommy Biffle

DPR: We know you only spent one day on the Delta in the pre-practice period. What was your logic behind that decision?

Biffle: I just didn't have the time for more. So I made a quick trip to look at one area that I wanted to see, thinking the water might be up in February. It's not. The water really hasn't changed a whole lot between the before cut-off time and now. The guys that spent a lot of time here back then should do well. Me, I'll make the most of my next few practice days.

Dale Hightower

DPR:  You qualified through the Federation ranks, and this is your first Classic.  Are you intimidated by the field of Elite Series anglers?

Hightower: You know, not really.  It seems like the closer it has gotten to the Classic, the more confidence I have had.  I can't go out there and worry about these guys.  I know they are good, and they do this for a living, but I just have to go out there and fish.  I can't worry about what they are doing.  I just have to fish against the fish.

Jeff Kriet

DPR: You're known as an expert finesse angler, but the Delta isn't known as a finesse fishery. Do you put the little stuff away or does it still play a role in your game plan?

Kriet: Yeah I put it away, but you know, in a tournament like this, it doesn't bother me. These 50 guys are all good at everything even if they pretend not to be. I know I have to flip shallow, so in the back of my mind I'm never wondering if that's the right thing to do. There's no question on what to do here. Knowing this tournament will be won shallow, power fishing, makes it a lot easier.

Mike McClelland

DPR: You seem to always be in control of your emotions. Which would shatter your confidence more if leading going into day two: finding a local angler hammering your best spot or breaking off your one-of-a-kind lure on a big fish first thing that morning?

McClelland: As important as this event is to our careers, I'd have to say finding locals beating up my prime area would be my nightmare. While that can and does happen in some tournaments, I can't imagine a better venue than this to have your own isolated spots. That's certainly what I'm hoping for.

 

 

Scott Rook

DPR: Word's out, you're a river rat. How does this tidal fishery set up in your wheelhouse?

Rook: The Delta is really different than anything else we fish. I mean, there are canals and bayous going every direction imaginable. Here it's all about finding the spots with the fish to win. Once you get the right areas with bass located, then you adjust to what the tide is doing. The fish adjust to the tide, and I have to adjust to what they do.

Terry Scroggins

DPR: This is your 7th Classic in your relatively young career, have you found yourself approaching Classics differently than you do Elite Series events?

Scroggins: You know, I tend to go about them the same way.  Even though this is the first big event of the year, and you get psyched about it, you still have to approach it the same way.

 

Kevin VanDam

DPR:  You won the 2001 Classic here on the Delta. Aside from the fact that the tournament was in August instead of February, how much different do you think the fishery is now from then?

VanDam: The fishing is going to be a lot better this time of year. The fishing is real tough in the summer down here; it's a lot more challenging in the summer. Overall, I think the fishing will be a lot better here in February.