Competitors’ Challenges Abound At Feb. 21-23 Bassmaster Classic
from BASS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For Josh Bertrand, the first challenge of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro came to him on his way to Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, the fishery for the Feb. 21-23 world championship.

Halfway into his 1,700-mile road trip from his home in Gilbert, Ariz., an ice storm hit. On top of that, he was coming down with a cold.

Under the weather both ways, Bertrand, a 25-year-old who qualified for his first Classic after just one season in the Bassmaster Elite Series, took refuge in a hotel room in Sweetwater, Texas. The ice storm kept him prisoner for two days.

“It wasn’t worth the risk to keep driving,” he said. “The worst situation would have been not being able to get a room, then sleeping in the truck while being sick. That could have ruined the whole Classic for me.”

Fortunately, he had left home early. With this being his first Classic, his plan had been to arrive in Guntersville two days before the practice period began Feb. 14. He wanted to adjust to the time zone change and rest from his trip.

But the best-laid plans…so it went for Bertrand. He finally was able to get on the road again the morning of Feb. 12. A snow storm was east of him. He pushed through, arriving in Guntersville late on Feb. 13, safe and feeling like his cold was better.

That trial behind him, Bertrand knows other Classic challenges are in store. The cold water of shallow Lake Guntersville is one.

“You have to try not to unravel at 1 o’clock when you have only two fish in the boat. This time of year, the bite will likely improve at the end of the day as the water warms,” he said.

For Ott DeFoe — who lives in Knoxville, Tenn., the trip was much easier to Guntersville than Bertrand’s — the big concern is spectator boat traffic.

“It’s something we as competitors always deal with. But it will be more of an issue on Guntersville than other places we’ve been. I expect spectators to be out in droves,” said DeFoe, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro who will be competing in his third consecutive Classic.

“It’s an amazing thing, it’s a flattering thing, it’s part of our sport to have spectators follow us around. But I hope they can keep a reasonable distance, and absolutely, positively, do not fish,” he said. “I don’t just mean to not come in and fish a spot we just left, but to not fish at all. We’ll be gone after three days.”

For Tommy Biffle of Wagoner, Okla., getting the big bite, every day, is at the top of his challenge list. An average of 4-pounders in a five-fish limit — a respectable haul at many events — won’t cut it on Guntersville, he said.

“You bring in a 20-pound bag, you’ll be behind,” said the Elite Series pro who has competed on Guntersville so many times, he’s lost count. “There will be 30-pound bags. So you have to go for the bigger fish. Finding that bite consistently is what you have to do to win.”

The logistics presented by Birmingham weigh-ins and a fishery 70 miles away will be something all 55 competitors must deal with. They can elect to make the drive in the morning from Birmingham, or head back to the lake each evening after weigh-in.

Biffle, who competed in last year’s Classic, when the lake and weigh-ins were a similar distance apart, isn’t too concerned about logistics. It’s all part of the game, and he’s taking it in stride. He’ll be making his 19th Classic appearance within a career that has spanned decades.

“But two-lane roads and driving through towns will slow us down,” he said. “I expect the drive will take more time this year.”

Biffle said he has left his options open. He’s made plans so he can spend his nights in either Birmingham or Guntersville. The decision will hinge on weather conditions and where the weigh-in order leaves him timewise.

Bertrand, who already has had his share of Classic road adventures, has chosen to spend the nights in Birmingham.

“If I get out late after weigh-in, I don’t want to have to drive two hours back to the lake,” Bertrand said. “I think it will be better to be able to relax in the evening.”

Giving himself any advantage extends to keeping a positive mindset, said Bertrand.

“I welcome all these challenges,” he said. “I’m learning to love everything the sport throws at me. I’d love to be the first rookie to win the Classic.”

Winning would bring him $300,000 and the most coveted title in the sport.

Fans are invited to see how the game unfolds at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Feb. 21-23. Arena doors open at 3 p.m. Next door, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods will be open each day. Expo hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. All times are CT. There’s no admission charge for any Bassmaster event.

2014 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: GEICO

2014 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsors: Diet Mountain Dew, GoPro

2014 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2014 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: Dick’s Sporting Goods

2014 Bassmaster Classic Official Apparel Sponsor: Carhartt

About B.A.S.S.
For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

Why Skeet Reese Just Might Be The Man To Beat In The 2014 Bassmasters Classic
from BASS

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The yellow jersey is the giveaway: You know even before the magazine slides completely out of the mailbox that the man on the cover of B.A.S.S. Times’ February issue is Skeet Reese.

For those not so familiar with his signature canary-yellow tournament garb, there’s the large headline: “Classic 2014: Is Skeet the man to beat?”

Some people believe so. One reason is the Auburn, Calif., Bassmaster Elite Series pro’s competition record on Lake Guntersville, the fishery for the Feb. 21-23 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro.

Reese reigns as the most recent champ of a Bassmaster pro-level tournament on the big Tennessee River impoundment in northeastern Alabama. That win was in May 2010, when he busted the 100-pound mark — always a milestone in a four-day Elite Series event.

Now add in his runner-up finish in a 2009 Elite competition on Guntersville — again whacking 100-plus pounds.

While Reese acknowledges that such a history is a plus, he doesn’t see that it gives him a true advantage over most of the other 54 Classic qualifiers (other than being chosen to be on the cover of a major fishing publication).

“You have the best anglers in the world competing, so just about anybody can have the right tournament and win,” he said. “Winning there, it was my time for that week. But that doesn’t give me any better odds of winning the Classic. It’s a different time of year, different fishing conditions.”

But yes, the California pro who owns the 2007 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title is among the believers in a Reese repeat on Guntersville. The strongest source of his confidence is knowing that Guntersville fits his style of fishing.

“It allows you to fish fairly aggressively,” he said. “You know you’re on a body of water that’s got a great caliber of fish. You can go out there and fish for big bites. It’s not like you’re taking a chance. The lake’s full of 5- to 8-pound fish. It gives you more confidence when there’s the potential of catching big fish.”

Characteristically, Reese did not scout Lake Guntersville, while many qualifiers did before the off-limits period began at the end of December.

“I don’t ever pre-practice,” Reese said. “I’m familiar with running the body of water and have enough of an idea where I’m going, so I don’t have to worry about eating up hours trying to figure out navigation.”

What will count will be the four days Classic qualifiers will be given to practice on Guntersville just before competition begins, Reese said.

“That will be current, real-time conditions,” he said.

His strategy worked in the 2009 Classic on the Red River in Louisiana. He won even though he had had no more time on the river than the four days allotted to all Classic anglers just before the competition began.

Besides, he said, the freezing weather that settled on the South in January has changed Guntersville’s fishing.

“What the guys learned who went there in December or before probably won’t do them that much good. Areas of grass are dying off day by day,” he said.

“The fish probably won’t be as much (in the) prespawn like people thought they would be. As it looks now, it’s going to be a full winter bite. The lake would need a week of good, warm weather to get things moving again. And that could happen,” he said.

Another unknown is the flow of the Tennessee River on the three days of the Classic. Current speed and water color are two very important factors that affect the Guntersville bite, Reese said.

With heavy upriver rains, “They could be blowing mass amounts of water through the dams,” Reese said.

But given favorable fishing conditions, Reese said, a winning weight could hit the 80-pound mark, which would be a record for a three-day, five-fish-limit Classic.

“Twenty-five (pounds) a day is going to win it or at least keep you in it,” he said. “Yet there’s potential for 30-plus pound bags. I don’t know that we’ll see (the daily leader with) 30 pounds every day — but it’s possible.”

Reese reiterated that likely achievers of those kinds of big bags could be any of the 55 Classic competitors. Yet three names popped into his mind as major threats: Kevin VanDam (“If the fish are positioned right. He’s had great success there, too.”); Gerald Swindle (“I think he’s ready; he could have a good event.”); and Randall Tharp (“He knows the lake well, and he’s at the top of his game.”).

Fishing fans are invited to watch the Classic anglers take off from City Harbor in Guntersville at 7:15 a.m. CT. Daily weigh-ins will be in the arena of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex; doors will open at 3 p.m. CT. Next door, the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods will be open the same three days as the competition. There’s no admission charge for any Bassmaster event.

The Classic will be on ESPN2 March 1-2. The first of five episodes of The Bassmasters centered on the Classic will air March 1 at 10 a.m. ET. The Classic finale show rated a primetime slot on ESPN2: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 2.

2014 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: GEICO

2014 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsors: Diet Mountain Dew, GoPro

2014 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2014 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: Dick’s Sporting Goods

2014 Bassmaster Classic Official Apparel Sponsor: Carhartt

About B.A.S.S.
For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

Bassmaster Classic BASS Survival Rates

Bass caught in the February 21-23 Bassmasters Classic in north Alabama should survive their moment on stage just fine, says a fishery expert.

By Frank Sargeant, Editor
from The Fishing Wire

Gene Gilliand, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director and former assistant chief of Fisheries for the state of Oklahoma, says careful handling and cool weather should mean near 100 percent survival for the bass weighed in at the Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, Alabama Feb. 21-23. (Photo Credit B.A.S.S.)

A concerned reader inquired last week about the affect hauling Guntersville bass some 80 miles to Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center for weigh-in at the Bassmaster Classic will have on the survival of the fish. We took the question to Gene Gilliland, the new National Conservation Director for B.A.S.S. and former assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Here’s some of what he told us.

“When we had the classic at Grand Lake in Oklahoma last year, we had a very similar situation-the fish were caught some 90 miles from Tulsa and had a 90 minute ride to weigh in and then back. We lost not one fish during that event. I’d like to take all the credit for it, but the biggest factor was very cold weather-the water temperature was in the lower 40’s, and anytime you have that fish can survive a lot of handling without any mortality.”

Gilliland said that based on the weather in North Alabama this year so far, it’s very likely that water temperatures will still be in the 40’s here when the Classic arrives Feb. 21-23.

Bass will be caught at Lake Guntersville, then trailered about 90 minutes to weigh in at the Birmingham Convention Center for a live weigh-in, then returned to the lake for release by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

He said that the improved livewells in modern bass boats are also a factor in very low mortality rates during pro-level tournaments.

“B.A.S.S. has worked with bass boat companies for years providing oxygen level and temperature data at weigh-ins, and the companies have responded by greatly improving the wells so that the fish can survive; the wells of modern boats hold more water and have bigger fill and aeration pumps, and that really helps the fish stay healthy.”

Gilliland said each competitor is checked when he ramps out to make sure the live well is full, the aerator is working, and that his fish are healthy. (It’s highly important to the anglers that the fish survive for reasons other than conservation-a dead fish at weigh-in means a penalty, and that can cost them a six-figure paycheck in the Classic.)

Another factor is careful handling during the weigh-ins, Gilliland said.

Whether it’s top pro Edwin Evers or some other competitor on top after final weigh-in, the bass will survive to fight another day.

“We use a mesh big inside a vinyl bag. When the fish are set down into the folds of that mesh and the bag is filled with water, it’s like they’re hiding in a weedbed, it has a calming affect on them, and then they’re brought to the scales in under a minute typically. Immediately after the weigh-in they go down through a trapdoor into the large holding tank maintained by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which is basically a 500-gallon aquarium, and at the end of each day that will be trucked back to the lake.”

Gilliland said the fish are not handled during the release-a large pipe is used to funnel them back into the water. He said they’re typically released in several different locations to avoid “stacking” one spot that can then be harvested by local anglers.

Gilliland said that the impact of the Classic on Guntersville’s bass fishery would be very minimal, in any case.

“We’re only talking about 56 anglers here, while on any given weekend there may be several tournaments on Guntersville that have twice that many boats, each. And, because of the timing of the weigh-in, the Classic pros fish a short day; the bass are in the well no longer than they would be in an event on the lake, where weigh-in might not begin until late afternoon.”

In short, it appears that the impact of angler harvest during the Classic should not be a point of concern for area bass anglers-and those who watch the pro’s carefully just might learn a few honey holes and tactics that can make them more successful on their next trip to fish the lake.

Pace Reflects on Busy Year, Remains Upbeat After Injury
from The Fishing Wire

Like virtually every Bassmaster Classic® winner before him, Cliff Pace has had an extremely busy but thoroughly enjoyable year as the reigning Bassmaster Classic® world champion. The Yamaha Pro has traveled from one corner of the country to the other on a whirlwind schedule, and admits being amazed at the growth and popularity of professional tournament bass fishing.

Unfortunately, a serious hunting accident on January 24 will keep the champion from defending his title at Lake Guntersville, Ala. in February. While climbing down from his tree stand, Pace fell and broke his left leg in two places and also tore the ACL in his left knee. He will not only miss the Classic but also much, if not all of the 2014 Bassmaster® Elite Series campaign.

“The first thing B.A.S.S.® did was give me an automatic entry into the 2015 Classic at Lake Hartwell to defend my title,” acknowledged Pace, “and I am extremely grateful for that opportunity. It will be a long wait until that event, but I did finish second there during the 2008 Classic,® so I already feel confident about returning to the lake.”

Nevertheless, before his accident, the Yamaha Pro admits his year as Classic® champion has been one of the most wonderful experiences of his life. A competitor since the age of 13, Pace acknowledges that winning the Classic opened the door for him to meet bass fishing enthusiasts all over America whom he never would have had the chance to meet, and share their common love of fishing.

“I probably traveled at least three times as much as I do in a normal year, but no matter where I went, from California to Florida, the fan support I received was just amazing,” he says.

After his win on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake, the Yamaha Pro remained in Tulsa an extra day for special film work, then returned to his home in Petal, Miss., but only for a short time before his travel schedule began in earnest. Between the end of February and early June, he was home only three days. In fact, the Classic® victory party his family and friends wanted to give him had to be postponed for months before they could celebrate.

“The majority of my travel was for sponsor promotions, store openings, and seminars,” Pace continues, “and thank goodness my wife and several family friends helped get me to the right places at the right times. While someone was driving, I’d sleep, then do an appearance, then we’d drive to my next appointment.

“I’m sure I autographed every shape, form, and type of fishing lure available, including spinnerbait blades, crankbait bodies, and packages of line, as well as rods, reels, boats, sunglasses, and of course, thousands of caps and fishing jerseys.

“Just seeing and feeling the excitement of all the fans everywhere I traveled is just indescribable.”

Perhaps the most surprising object Pace autographed was a football, which had already been signed by pro football greats Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. He also signed cardboard cut-outs of himself at one store, inscribing them with the phrase, “Hope for a repeat!”

Through it all, the Yamaha Pro also managed to have a very successful 2013 Bassmaster® Elite season, finishing 12th overall in the standings and qualifying for the 2014 Classic® without having to use his automatic entry as defending champion. He enjoyed back-to-back 7th place finishes at Bull Shoals and West Point, and placed in the top-30 in four other events.

“As soon as the Classic® was over, I couldn’t wait to get to the Sabine River event in Texas for the start of the 2013 season,” he admits, “just because that’s what I love to do. The only fishing goal I have at the beginning of each season is simply to be competitive. Of course, now there’s also the chance to win another Bassmaster Classic®, even though it won’t be this season. This past year was so enjoyable I’d love to be able to do it again.”

The 2014 Bassmasters Classic will be fished on Lake Guntersville on February 21 – 23 with the weigh-in at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. There will be an Outdoor Show with lots of fishing gear and equipement on display and for sale at the Complex all three days.

I almost got to fish the Classic as a Federation representatived 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.

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.

Cliff Pace, 2013 Classic winner, was injured in a hunting accident and will not be able to compete this year, but BASS deferred his automatic entry to next years Classic at Hartwell, where he finished second in the last Classic on that lake.

BASS has a blog about the Classic that has more detailed information and will be updated often during the tournament.

The 2015 Classic has been scheduled to return to Lake Hartwell in Georgia.

Aaron Martens Heads Into Bassmaster Classic At Top Of His Game

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Four times a Bassmaster Classic bridesmaid means only that the odds are with Aaron Martens to finally be the bride.

That’s how Martens regards his legendary four near misses to be the world champion. It’s a positive spin on what could be heavy baggage heading into the Feb. 21-23 GEICO Bassmaster Classic on Lake Guntersville and in Birmingham, Ala., Martens’ home base.

“I feel very fortunate to have come that close four times. It makes me feel like I can win. You’re that close in a short period of time; the odds are with you; it’s going to happen,” said Martens, who is looking for his first Classic crown.

Martens has more than the odds going for him this time around. He has momentum after wrapping up his 2013 Bassmaster Elite Series season by adding another Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title to his first AOY title from 2005.

He has a solid track record in Classic competitions. He’s competed in 14 Classics since 1999, missing only in 2003 after an uncharacteristic off year. In nine of the 14, he scored a Top 12 finish. In only three of those 14 did he fail to advance to the third-day finals.

In his Bassmaster career, he’s won six times (and placed second a dozen times). One of those wins was in the Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake Guntersville in May 2009.

And now the world championship is coming to a lake he’s not only won on, but competed on eight times since 2002. Not to mention that the Classic is where he lives. His home in Leeds, Ala. — just east of Birmingham — is 78 miles from Lake Guntersville.

Martens has been doing his Classic homework. One priority has been keeping himself in top physical condition.

“I’ve been training so I can try to spank everybody. If I can get into phenomenally good shape, maybe it will help that much,” he said.

Martens is a runner — a marathoner. For him a 10-mile run is a warm-up. Unless he’s laid up in bed sick, he’s out running every day.

In the same dedicated way, he cares for his tackle, boat, clothing and any other gear and tools he relies on.

“I work on it all the time. I put in eight hours a day in the offseason, sometimes more,” he said. “I’m getting ready for the Classic and for the whole season. I start over every year and go through everything to make sure it’s perfect.”

Martens’ Classic homework also included about six days on Lake Guntersville over a two-week period. Other commitments kept his Classic pre-fishing time relatively short for someone who lives nearby. But he said six days was enough to bring him up-to-date on the big fishery and enough time to know there are many things about Guntersville he doesn’t know.

Overall, he liked what he saw.

“The lake’s healthy and the grass was tremendous, even in December,” he said. “With the grass as thick as it is, the bass are averaging pretty good size. For all the fishing pressure Guntersville gets, the fishing still holds up. That’s what’s so amazing about Guntersville.

“And I like Guntersville’s layout — long, with a lot of creeks on it, and good main-river stuff.”

He compared the lake now to how it was in 2009, when he won the Elite event.

“In ’09, you could catch 20 or 30 5-pounders a day. I don’t see that now,” he said. “But you can catch four or five of the big ones a day.”

He said his Guntersville goal is to bring in at least 25 pounds a day.

“I don’t know if I’ll do it, but if I can, my chances (of winning) are good,” he said.

If conditions are perfect, he said, he expects to see some 30-pound bags.

“I’m pretty sure the record will fall,” he said, referring to the Classic weight record for five fish over three days set at 69 pounds, 10 ounces in 2011 by Kevin VanDam on the Louisiana Delta.

Martens, of course, hopes to be the one who busts the record — to be the bride this time.

“Once fishing starts, it’s all business for me. I might give someone a smile, but I’m going to be serious the entire time. You have to keep your focus sharp on the task ahead of you.”

2014 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: GEICO

2014 Bassmaster Classic Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2014 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: Dick’s Sporting Goods

2014 Bassmaster Classic Official Apparel Sponsor: Carhartt

About B.A.S.S.
For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

Yamaha Pros Excited About Upcoming Bassmaster Classic®
from The Fishing Wire

Pace, Vinson, Jones and Crochet Discuss Pre-Tournament Scouting and Strategy

Cliff Pace

For most people, the Christmas and New Year’s holiday is a time of relaxation with family and friends, but that’s only part of the story for the 18 Yamaha Pros who will be fishing in the Bassmaster Classic® in February. For many of them, at least part of the Christmas season was spent bass fishing and scouting Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, site of the 2014 world championship. The lake went off-limits to all competitors Dec. 31.

“I went to the lake right after Christmas,” noted Yamaha’s Cliff Pace, winner of the 2013 Classic® on Grand Lake. “I’ve had both good and bad tournaments on Guntersville over the years, but this event has the potential to be one of the greatest Classics® we’ve had in many years. Guntersville ranks as one of America’s top bass lakes, and February can be one of the best times to fish there.”

Pace can be excused for not visiting Guntersville sooner, because he’s been celebrating the holidays since December 5 when his first child, daughter Jordan Baylee, was born. Other Yamaha Pros, like Greg Vinson, have been making periodic trips to the lake since October. Vinson finished second in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic® on the Red River and hopes Guntersville may set up well for his style of fishing.

Greg Vinson

“Guntersville is famous for its milfoil vegetation, which has helped create the great fishing,” he noted, “so I spent my scouting time there looking for places I think the milfoil will be growing in February, because that’s where the bass are going to be. I’d really like to find just one or two key areas, but so far, I haven’t found any places that might be dominant. It’s good from one end of the lake to the other.”

Fellow Yamaha Pro Alton Jones agrees. He won the 2008 Classic® and likewise spent his scouting time looking for potentially strong areas that bass may be using in February. Guntersville contains more than 69,000 acres, but Jones concentrated on only about 20,000 acres during his trip there in early December because he knew he couldn’t learn the entire lake.

“It’s exciting because it may take as much as 70 pounds of bass to win, and those fish can come from dozens of different places,” Jones said. “I believe shallow crankbaiting around the milfoil will play an important part in the tournament, and that’s one of my favorite ways to fish.”

Alton Jones

Like Pace, Jones waited until December to look at Guntersville, but for a different reason. He’s helping with a fisheries management program on the La Perla Ranch in south Texas where the owners are hoping to grow a new world record largemouth. Right after his scouting trip on Guntersville, he and the ranch owners shocked up a five year old bass weighing
14 pounds.

Yamaha Pro Cliff Crochet made two trips to Guntersville in early November between games with the junior high school football team he coaches during the off-season, and one day there he caught five bass weighing 18 pounds. Overall, however, he spent most of his time idling and looking.

“For the 2010 Classic® at Lay Lake near Birmingham, I pre-fished the lake hard prior to the cut-off, but it really didn’t do me much good,” Crochet remembered, “because the water and the fish changed between November and February. “This time, I looked more at how the milfoil was growing, and where I think it may be growing, and I was encouraged.

“Everybody knows the lake is full of bass and that some big catches will be made, and that’s fun to think about.”

“Guntersville is one of the lakes on the Tennessee River system, and it can change overnight,” concluded Pace. “When I go, I won’t fish very much at all, either. What I’m really hoping to do is narrow my fishing options and just establish a starting point when the official practice begins, but I’m like Alton in that I believe this Classic® will be won in water 10 feet or less, and around the vegetation.

“Of course, I want to win again, but no matter how it turns out, I know it’s going to be exciting.”

Other Yamaha Pros who have won previous Bassmaster Classics® and will be competing at Guntersville include Mark Davis (1995), Michael Iaconelli (2003), and Takahiro Omori (2004).

I Amost Got To Fish the Bassmasters Classic

Fishing the Bassmasters Classic is the dream of every bass tournament fisherman. It is the “Super Bowl” of bass fishing and only 51 of the top professional and amateur fishermen get to fish it.

The pros qualify through the Elite and Opens tournament trails. The amateur fishermen qualify through the state federations. In Georgia, each affilated BASS club can send its top six fishermen to a state Top Six Tournament. At that tournament in Georgia there are about fifty clubs participating so there are up to 300 competitors. The top 14 at that tournament go to the Southern Regional, with the teams from seven southern states competing.

At the regional, the top man on each state team goes to the nationals, where the seven regions compete. There, the top fisherman from each regional qualifies for the Bassmaster Classic. It is a tough way to make the Classic and only one Federation angler has ever won the Classic.

I joined the Spalding County Sportsman Club in 1974 and fished my first state top six in 1979. In 1983 I finished fourth in the Georgia Top Six at West Point and made the state team. The regional was at Kentucky Lake that year and I was excited but felt overwhelmed fishing with some great fishermen on our team.

Back then there were no nationals and the top fisherman on the top state team at each regional went to the Classic. Our team worked together, sharing patterns and places to fish, and won the tournament. I cam in second overall in the Regional, but was also second on the state team. Roger Farmer beat me by a little over two pounds in the three day tournament and qualified for the Classic.

I came THAT close to making the Classic that year, one 2.5 pound fish in three days.

Roger went to the Classic and I came home and signed up for all six of the tournaments on the old Red Man trail – what is now the BFL. But that experience is another story.

I am attending the Classic in Birmingham this year as a press observer. That will be fun and exciting, but not nearly as mush as competing in it!