The 2015 Bassmasters Classic will be fished on Lake Hartwell on February 20 – 22 with the weigh-in at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. There will be an Outdoor Show with lots of fishing gear and equipment on display and for sale at the Arena all three days.
I almost got to fish the Classic as a Federation representative way back in 1983 and this year I will attend with press credentials – nothing like fishing it but I will get to enjoy the excitement.
The 2014 Classic on Guntersville had some interesting information about how the pros approached it. Contenders have been planning on this tournament since it was announced and spent a lot of time practicing for it before the lake went off limits. Pros like Chris Lane, Aaron Martens, Alton Jones and others have high hopes and plans for the tournament. Many thought Skeet Reese had a good chance to win.
Last year’s competitors faced a variety of challenges, from ice storms on the trip to Guntersville to worries about spectator boat traffic. This year’s Classic will have its own challenges.
Cliff Pace, 2013 Classic winner, was injured in a hunting accident and was not be able to compete in 2014, but BASS deferred his automatic entry to next years Classic at Hartwell, where he finished second in the last Classic on that lake. He will be fishing at Hartwell this year.
Last year the Classic was won by Randy Howell fishing Livingston Lures. A lot of spectators were able to watch him the last day from the road since he was catching his fish on riprap. Who and what will win it this year?
Kevin VanDam had high hopes for winning last year. He didn’t win, and for the first time in many years he did not qualify for the 2015 Classic.
CastAway Rods BASS Elite Series Pro Staffers Todd Faircloth and Bill Lowen were confident heading into the 2014 Bassmaster Classic. And CastAway Rods Pro Russ Lane scores top 10 finishes at Toho, Okeechobee so he, too, was confident. Confidence is one of the most important qualities a pro can have.
A question many ask is how many bass will survive after being released. BASS has a good record on this.
BASS has a blog about the Classic that has more detailed information and will be updated often during the tournament.
Meet the 50 contenders in the 2015 Classic.