Bassmaster 2022 St Lawrence River Hot Spots

Okay, fishing fans, let's talk about the Bassmaster 2022 St. Lawrence River. Specifically, the "hot spots." You know, the ones everyone and their grandma were apparently hammering?

Spoiler alert: I have opinions. And they might be a little spicy.

The Usual Suspects: Islands and Shoals

First up, the islands. Oh, the islands! Supposedly, reeling in bass left and right just by looking at them. Seems legit.

Every pro angler talks about hitting "those sweet islands" around Clayton and Cape Vincent. I bet the bass were lined up just waiting for them. Like it's an amusement park ride, but for fish.

And then there were the shoals. Underwater mountains of bass! Honestly, they sound more like mythical creatures than fishing spots.

"I just looked for those rock piles," said probably every angler ever interviewed.

My Unpopular Opinion

Here's where things get interesting. I'm not entirely convinced those "hot spots" were *that* hot for everyone.

Think about it. Every single pro boat on top of the same few rocks and islands? That's like a Black Friday sale at Walmart. Except the product is bass, and everyone's fighting over it.

I'm betting there were plenty of frustrated anglers out there saying, "Seriously? This is the 'hot spot'? Looks like a cold spot to me!"

The Secret Hot Spots (Maybe)

So, where *were* the real secret honey holes? The places the pros weren't talking about?

Maybe it was that little patch of weeds nobody bothered with. Or that slightly deeper drop-off that everyone overlooked.

I’m talking about the spots where a guy could actually relax and fish. Instead of battling a hundred other boats for the same five fish.

Here's a thought: maybe the true "hot spot" was anywhere *away* from the crowd. Blind Bay? Somewhere around Alexandria Bay but far from the bridge? Just brainstorming here, people.

Seriously, has anyone thought about fishing the power lines? Or maybe the little coves that are overlooked? Just spitballing, don't judge!

The Real Lesson of St. Lawrence

Look, the St. Lawrence River is amazing. Tons of water, tons of fish. You don't need to be on the "hot spot" to catch 'em.

Sometimes, the best strategy is to zig when everyone else zags. Find your own little piece of the river. Your own secret honey hole.

And maybe, just maybe, you'll catch more bass than those guys fighting it out on the islands. Now, that's a hot take!

So next time you see "hot spots" listed, remember to take it with a grain of salt. There's more to fishing than following the crowd. Go out there and find your own fish!