I haven't yet developed my infallible system for picking ESPN Great Outdoor Games winners, but as the research continues I will share with you a few unscientific hot tips on selected contests.

Fly Fishing

I witnessed the competition on the Ausable River last year and I know exactly how Chuck Farneth pulled off his win. He fished the year before and kept his eyes open. In doing so, he had the power to determine just what size trout it would take to win, so when his good fish came early, he had the good sense to measure it and get in the truck.

So why am I picking Lori Ann Murphy? Well, she's a smart one, too, with a year of experience in this event under her belt, and she knows how to get something going with the big attractor flies.

Rifle

The third time around could be the ticket for rifle shooter Doug Koenig. Two times a GO Games bridesmaid is likely more than the meticulous marksman can stomach. Something tells me that he has been working on speed ever since he fell to speed-shooting specialist Jerry Miculek in last year's final.

What a matchup: the obsessive Koenig who leaves nothing to chance versus the blazing Miculek who sends as much ammo downrange as he can and never looks back. Forget who's the favorite; fans just want Part 2 of this showdown.

Retriever Trials

The book says look to the oldest man competing in the games, and in this case I say go by the book. Jerry Day and Super Sue are the dynamic duo. Super Sue's the only retriever in history to win the top titles in all three of the sport's competitive organizations, and Jerry provides the type of measured, smart handling that perfectly complements Sue's awesome ability.

Their experience in taking last year's win should provide the extra bit of cushion to keep them ahead of a strong field that includes Gene Anderson and Slim, plus impressive qualifiers Mark Miles and Woody and John Blackbird and Moon.

Big Air

The youngest male competitor in the GO Games gets the nod in Big Air. Not for nothing was John Kline's dog Haley named after the Comet. At a light 54 pounds with a couple of Rolls Royce engines for legs, Haley made the current World Record of 23 feet 4 inches look easy when she qualified for the Games.

But keep one eye on another pair: Robin Braaten and Ruger. Ruger is another lightbody (and the only German Shorthair Pointer to compete in the GO Games) whose specialty is altitude. No dog will get higher than this leaper, and if she can pick up a half-step in speed by competition time, the golden license tag will be hers.

That's the way the tout sheet is shaping up right now, but if these tips don't pan out, just remember what you paid for them.