ESPN Elite Series

The Bluegrass Brawl will be the eighth event on the 2008 Elite Series Tournament Trail and promises to give the anglers plenty of elbow room.

That's because Kentucky Lake and neighboring Lake Barkley cover more than 160,000 surface acres. Elites can fish for largemouths, smallmouths and spotted bass and all are in a post-spawn phase.

The last time BASS and the Elite Series came to Kentucky Lake was in 2006 when Morizo Shimizu squeaked by Kevin Wirth and Kevin VanDam for a victory. In that tournament, Shimizu used a deep-diving crankbait over offshore ledges to boat his lunkers. This stop figures to feature many of the pros employing the same techniques.

Here's a look at who our pundits like at Kentucky Lake.

Alan Clemons, ESPN Outdoors contributor

Kevin VanDam — A week after doing well in Alabama, he hits another lake with plenty of ledges and shad. If he wants to crank, he'll have ample opportunity for post-spawn largemouths. With a few tournaments remaining, KVD is hitting his stride.

Tim Horton — His plans on Wheeler didn't pan out although he had a pretty good crankbait bite. It will be Round 2 this week and another shot at crankers.

Mike McClelland — He hit a roadblock in Alabama but should bounce back. Every angler who has had a great season has had at least one hurdle — and I believe McClelland may have jumped his.

Jeremy Starks — Outta' nowhere comes the Friend of Coal and the Foe of Bass to shine on Wheeler. With similar circumstances, he may ride the wave of confidence another week.

Marty Stone — Gut feeling here on the Stoneman: He started strong on Wheeler amid the boat-bumping craziness and then struggled a bit. With more room on Kentucky Lake he should be able to avoid saying hello to anyone on the water unless necessary.

Trey Reid, ESPN Outdoors contributor

Kevin VanDam — His hot streak continues. But when hasn't it? Kevin Wirth — He barely missed here in 2006. This time, he may close the deal before the home state fans.

Bill Lowen — This week's gut pick.

Mike Wurm — It's time for him to show up.

Jeff Kriet — He had a good derby here two years ago.

M.A. Fisher, ESPN Outdoors contributor

Kevin VanDam — Ride the hot hand. KVD has it right now. Of course, you'd be hard-pressed to find a time when he doesn't.

Todd Faircloth — He's been on a run and is one of the best on tour. Another Elite Series win isn't out of the question this week.

Morizo Shimizu — Won here in 2006, saying the lake is a lot like the one in Japan on which he learned how to fish. His top 12 showing at Wheeler shows he's on his game.

Kevin Wirth — Local guy who came up just short in 2006 to Shimizu. He's struggled this year but should be able to use a top-50 finish at Wheeler to vault himself into contention for a bigger check this week.

Takahiro Omori — Kentucky Lake his been kind to Asian-born anglers in BASS history here. He liked his fish at Wheeler and can definitely contend here.

Steve Bowman, ESPN Outdoors Editor

Kevin Wirth — Wirth barely missed here a couple of years ago in his own back yard. He's got a little revenge to exact and is looking to win. Even if he doesn't, he's a great pick and will be in the top of the standings.

Morizo Shimizu — Same as above. He won here and has some good history here. I doubt he can repeat, but he likely will be a factor.

Kevin VanDam — In the fantasy world, he's money. Plus, KVD hates second place. He will be hot on that drive from Wheeler, Ala., to Gilbertsville, Ky.

Mike Wurm — Wurm actually won his first big-time event here back in the early '90s. He knows the lake well and the fishing will play to his strength.

Terry Scroggins — He's one of the most underrated pros out there and most pundits put him in a top five. He just sneaks around and gets on these little rolls — kind of like a guerrilla fighter — jumps out, knocks out a few top finishes, then slips back into the shadows. After last week, he's out in the open and could be starting yet another roll.

James Overstreet, ESPN Outdoors photographer

Kevin VanDam — On a roll that may not stop until he hoists the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophy.

Kevin Wirth — Still stinging from the second place finish the last time the Elite Series visited his home state.

Steve Kennedy — Has won here before.

Timmy Horton — Even though he faltered a bit on his home lake at Wheeler, he's still one of the best offshore structure fishermen on tour.

Skeet Reese — Skeet seems determined to make the 2008 version of the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year race another clash with KVD.

Steve Wright, ESPN Outdoors contributor

Kevin VanDam — Who wouldn't pick him?

Steve Kennedy — He's won here before and he's due for another win.

Todd Faircloth — He's had a great year. He had a good tournament at Wheeler. I think he'll continue that this week.

Mark Menendez — Another guy having a good year. He's coming off a top 12 at Wheeler and he has the local knowledge.

Morizo Shimizu — Top 12 at Wheeler and he won the last Elite Series event here.

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