Vinson Closing in on AOY Lead

Currently sitting in second in the 2015 Elite Series AOY race is Typhoon pro Greg Vinson. For those who follow the Bassmaster Elite Series trail Greg Vinson is an angler they recognize with the skills and potential to win any given tournament. Vinson isn’t a newcomer to the Angler of the Year Race either, with an 11th AOY standings finish in 2011 and a 16th in 2013 Vinson’s been knocking on the door before. In fact,  Vinson has made three of the last five Bassmaster Classics including the 2012 Red River Classic where he finished runner-up to Chris Lane.

On the heels of his 2014 season, which marked his worst since he turned pro in 2009, Vinson is off to a red hot start with a 20th place finish on the challenging Sabine River and an 8th place finish on Lake Guntersville. Vinson discussed the difference in his seasons, “Last year I beat myself up because I wasn’t competing at the level I thought I should.  It’s hard to put a finger on it (the difference), but I have noticed over the years, that I am a little bit streaky, especially the past few seasons. Before then I was more consistent. I worked really hard to make sure I got off to a good start this year and build some confidence in my decision making.”

At the Sabine Vinson credits his practice and finding fish in different areas for each day of the event. “I really had a good, smart practice and that worked its way into the tournament. Having fish in different areas allow me to manage my tournament days wisely,” said Vinson. 

On Guntersville, he credits improved technology for his success. “At Guntersville, the area where I fished the final two days was a grass flat. With my polarized Typhoon sunglasses I was able to see the edges of the grass line and fish it more effectively. Plus, I could see the holes in the grass where beds would be and I knew, even if I couldn’t see the fish, if I casted to enough of them eventually I’d find some fish.” 

Vinson currently sits in second in the AOY standings, only eight points behind leader John Crews. However, he’s not focused on the Angler of the Year. Vinson said, “It sounds cliche’, and it is, but just like in any sport it’s important to take it one event at a time, one day at a time, one cast a time.”  

Looking ahead to the upcoming West Coast swing has Vinson a little nervous. “I know these two events are going to be my biggest hurdle for the season. It was important for me to get off to a good start, but if I can get through these two events in good position it should make for a great season. I have had success on the California Delta, I tied for 12th there last time and lost the tie-breaker to fish the final day.  As for Lake Havasu, I have never been there, but I have done some research and it sounds like a great fishery with a lot of options for fishing styles. I have no idea what stage the fish will be in, but with clear water – I’d love to put the Typhoon polarized lenses to work and find some big west coast bass.” 

The Elite Series is has only just finished the first quarter of competition. While you can’t win the Angler of the Year in the first two events, you can certainly lose it. Vinson believes consistency and hard work will pay off. “I can’t control the Angler of the Year race, all I can do is work hard and fish consistently and hope to be in the hunt after the Lake St. Clair event and headed into the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship.”