Greg Hackney Wins Tournament Using Unconventional Blind-Casting Technique

LAKE NORMAN, North Carolina — Greg Hackney triumphed at the recent NPFL tournament on April 18, employing a unique strategy of blind-casting rather than targeting obvious bedding bass. This method allowed him to outperform his competitors by catching fish that were not easily visible.

Prior to the tournament, Hackney identified numerous spawning bass during practice but noticed many of them were absent during the competition. “A lot of those fish that I found in practice were gone,” he explained. Instead of focusing solely on the beds, he decided to fish broader areas where he had previously seen fish.

Hackney’s tactic of blind-casting is beneficial when conditions are less than ideal, such as in stained water or windy environments. “It’s not necessarily about seeing the fish, it’s about seeing the stuff they’re getting on,” Hackney said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the environment rather than just relying on sight.

With the NPFL’s new ban on forward-facing sonar, Hackney excelled using traditional fishing techniques. “A lot of guys are so used to using it all the time… it’s kind of a learning curve not using it,” noted NPFL co-host Luke Dunkin.

Throughout the tournament, Hackney caught a total of 47 pounds, 11 ounces, securing his win by leveraging two effective techniques — a Shakey Head rig and a wacky worm. His ability to adapt by switching tactics based on his observations around the docks contributed to his success.

Reflecting on his victory, Hackney said, “When you’re blind casting, a lot of times you can catch that fish before it sees you.” His strategic approach and fishing expertise led to his second top-10 finish in NPFL this season, highlighting a successful comeback for the seasoned angler.