GOT MINE IN ’92

Yeah, I know we just finished a Bassmasters Classic–one that sparked a single day of heightened interest on the Left Coast, which then faded into a sea of guys you’ve only sorta heard about.

In that sense, it kind of reminds me of 1992, when a guy we had hardly heard of, Robert Hamilton, Jr. became the World Champion we can barely remember.

Yes, he had his moment in the sun, catching 59 pounds, 6 ounces at Logan Martin Lake near Birmingham, AL. But what I actually remember was one of the perks I received as a Press Observer. (more…)

I’ve heard all the arguments. The Bassmasters Classic World Championship is supposed to be a challenge and putting it on during the winter, as opposed to fall or, heck, summer, means the weather could turn the event into an episode of “Survivor.” (more…)

NO BITES in an area is still good info.

I like to poke the guys about their pre-tournament exploits. It’s called “winning the prefish,” where they knock ’em dead in the days and weeks before the contest, or worse yet, go overboard posting their catches with images and videos on social media.

You would think I wouldn’t have to remind everyone: those fish don’t count. And in fact, those images offer clues to where or what others in the field might also fish. That for sure lessens the chance of  the prefish winner duplicating the same success when the real competition starts.

But there’s another side of the coin. That’s when your scouting doesn’t produce much (more…)