VICIOUS FISHING PRO FLETCHER SHRYOCK PREVIEWS THE 2025 MLF REDCREST ON LAKE GUNTERSVILLE

According to Shryock, anglers are going to face one of the most demanding tests yet—and it’s not just about catching big fish. It's about strategy, numbers and adapting to the changing dynamics of Guntersville.

Guntersville has always been known for its diversity of fishing opportunities, with expansive grass flats, deep channels and abundant baitfish. But Shryock believes the lake is fishing better now than it ever has before and that presents a unique challenge for the competitors.

“Guntersville is in the best shape it’s ever been,” Shryock said. “The fishery is thriving right now and there’s so much going on out there. The key to success in this REDCREST won’t just be finding the biggest bass—it’ll be about finding a balance between quality and quantity.”

One of the most compelling aspects of the 2025 REDCREST is the tournament format. Unlike traditional five-fish limits, the format used in MLF events allows anglers to weigh in every fish they catch. This style places a heavy emphasis on catching consistent numbers of quality fish. Shryock anticipates that, for the pros, the format will add a level of intrigue that will shape the strategies of everyone involved.

“Typically, Guntersville is known for giant fish—especially in the spring when those big girls start moving up to spawn,” Shryock explained. “But with this format, it’s not just about the giants. We’re talking about a tournament where you have to put up numbers and that’s going to change the way people fish. It’s not just about catching a few 5-pounders, it’s about filling the boat with fish that will put up solid weight.”

In a traditional tournament setting, anglers often focus on chasing after the largest fish in the lake. Guntersville has produced some truly massive bass over the years and it's easy to see why the thought of targeting giants with glide baits or big jigs appeals to many. However, Shryock cautions against being too singular in approach. In this tournament, that could prove costly.

“You’re not going to see guys fishing glide baits all day just looking for those 7- to 10-pounders,” Shryock said. “That’s not the winning formula here. You can’t afford to wait for a giant to bite. You’ll need a strategy that helps you rack up numbers but also puts up some quality fish in the process.”

Shryock believes that the key will be a balance between size and volume. Anglers will have to catch enough fish to put up significant weight but they can’t afford to catch only small fish. Instead of focusing on just a few big bites, the pros will need to find consistent action and quality fish. It’s a mentality shift that could change how the pros approach Lake Guntersville.

“You’re going to have to catch fish that are 2 pounds, 3 pounds and even 4 pounds, but you’ll need to catch a lot of them,” Shryock said. “The days of catching barely scoreable fish are over. When you’re fishing for those adult-sized bass—2-pound fish or better—you’re going to see a different style of fishing and mindset.”

Guntersville has always been known for its grass, with vegetation that covers vast areas of the lake. But recently, the amount of grass on Guntersville has increased significantly, creating a new challenge for anglers. There’s eelgrass now out to depths of 15 feet and when it gets chopped up, it creates mats across the lake, further complicating the fishing conditions.

“The grass is a game changer,” Shryock said. “There’s so much grass in Guntersville now that it’s almost problematic. It’s a double-edged sword—it’s providing great cover for the fish but it also creates a lot of areas where the fish can get lost in the mats. If you’re not careful, you can get caught up in the wrong areas. But at the same time, the grass is protecting the fish and providing them with the perfect environment to thrive.”

The overwhelming presence of grass isn’t the only environmental factor anglers will have to account for. Guntersville’s fish will be in the midst of their springtime spawn during the tournament, making it even more challenging to pinpoint where the fish will be and how to catch them. Shryock anticipates that the tournament will require anglers to be flexible and reactive to the constantly shifting conditions.

“It’s going to be an awesome tournament, no doubt,” Shryock said. “You’ll have the dogwoods blooming and the fish will be spawning, which adds a lot of energy to the lake. But it also means you’re going to see fish in every stage of the spawn—some in the shallows, others out on deeper structure. It’ll be important to stay on top of that and adjust your approach.”

Lake Guntersville’s patterns will likely play out similarly to how they always have in the spring—bass will be found in a variety of depths, from shallow grass flats to deeper structure. However, Shryock believes that anglers will need to modify their tactics from traditional five-fish formats to focus on a heavier volume of quality fish.

“In a five-fish format, you can afford to hunt for big ones and catch a few giant bass but in the REDCREST format, it’s going to be about having a well-rounded approach,” Shryock said. “To win, you’re going to need to put together a solid 3- to 4-pound average. That’s a big deal in this format.”

The 2025 REDCREST on Lake Guntersville is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable tournaments in recent memory. With the lake fishing at its best, a dynamic format, and the challenge of catching both numbers and quality fish, the event promises to test the limits of the world’s best bass anglers.

For Shryock, it’s all about finding that balance and being ready to adapt to whatever the lake throws at you.

“Guntersville is a different beast now,” Shryock concluded. “But if you can read the lake and fish smart, it’s going to be an incredible tournament for everyone involved.”